The Second Shadow

A Pueblo Indian architect finds an old murder, new intrigue, and a chance for love when she begins restoration of the landmark Mendoza hacienda

The authors' background as romance novelists--David is an uncredited coauthor on many of Aimee's books--and their extensive knowledge of Native American lore are both evident in this overlong mainstream thriller. Aside from a few disconcerting shifts in viewpoint, the story is seen through the eyes of Irene Pobikan, a Tewa Indian who banks her architectural career on the restoration of a Taos landmark--the hacienda of a Spanish family with a history of mistreating her tribe. Tight deadlines force architect and construction crew to live on the isolated Mendoza family grounds. The project seems to be jinxed: relations between the Spanish and Indian members of the construction crew are tense; accidents turn out to be sabotage; and Pobikan and the construction foreman have a hard time working together. Adding to the complication are the Mendoza siblings: Raul, to whom Pobikan is attracted; his alcoholic brother Gene; and beautiful but slightly retarded sister Elena, who guards a secret. The discovery of skeletal remains on the property begins to bring things to a head but the drawn-out struggle--including the ongoing attempts to catch a mysterious hallway lurker--eventually becomes ludicrous. In addition, calculated cliffhanger endings to every chapter shriek of formulization and rob the novel of spontaneity.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Irene Pobikan, a Tewa Indian architect, gets her first big chance when hired to renovate the Mendoza hacienda. She is chosen because of her vast experience with adobe buildings from the Pueblo. Soon, however, Irene becomes the target of several near-accidents and a mysterious prowler. She finds herself attracted to Raul, the head of the Mendoza family, but his brother Gene and others are determined to sabotage the project. Aimee Thurlo, whose earlier works include numerous Harlequin and other romances (e.g., Strangers Who Linger , 1991), has written several works with husband David. Here they combine mystery and romance, telling the story mostly from the point of view of Irene. The few instances when Raul's thoughts are used seem out of place. Ultimately, however, readers of mysteries set in the Southwest will enjoy the female Indian heroine and the suspense, which builds effectively to the finale.
- Marion F. Gallivan, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, Pa.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.