Death in a Hammock

From Booklist
Roby's charming debut mystery features private investigator and amateur painter Harry Brock, who lives on a southwest Florida island, or "hammock," as Native Americans call it. As the story opens, Brock is confronted by an angry woman who demands to know where his neighbor, Will Trachey, lives. Taking the woman, who turns out to be Will's ex-wife, Katherine, with him, Brock sets off for Trachey's cottage, where they find Trachey dead, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds. Conservationist Luis Mendoza is blamed for the shooting, and Brock agrees to investigate on his behalf. In addition to dealing drugs, Trachey knew too much about someone, and on a small island, it's hard to keep secrets. Roby has created an immensely likable hero in Brock, a retired park ranger looking for a little peace and quiet, and the novel exudes the atmosphere of the island, the flora and fauna as well as the insular nature of human relationships there. Here's hoping this is only the beginning of the Harry Brock series. Jenny McLarin
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