Groundwater, Beth

Groundwater's third series entry (after To Hell in a Handbasket) is an action-packed cozy that successfully weaves in her small business and disability awareness.

Groundwater's third entry (after the Left Coast Crime Rocky Award finalist Wicked Eddies) is marked by an outdoorsy intensity and authentic sports chatter sure to resonate with Nevada Barr readers. Her methodical, gentle buildup mirrors the river's course so that when the characters hit the rapids, life jackets are a must.

With a fresh locale and a spunky if at times too emotional heroine, this is a promising new series by the author of the gift-basket designer Claire Hanover mysteries (A Real Basket Case).