The Lethal Partner

Mo Bowdre #4

by Jake Page

The Lethal Partner is Jake Page's latest Mo Bowdre novel. Bowdre, a blind sculptor who lives in Santa Fe, is drawn into a murder mystery surrounding the recent discovery of seven previously unknown Georgia O'Keeffe paintings. Elijah Potts, successful author and owner of the Southwest Creations art gallery, claims that he and a couple of friends uncovered the canvases in an old adobe house. Potts is certain these canvases will be the crowning glory of his career, if not the key to the fortune that has continued to elude him. Before the paintings can be authenticated, Potts's world begins to unravel. Anita Montague, manager of Southwest Creations gallery, is murdered and the paintings disappear. Potts finds himself in jail, the prime suspect in Anita's murder. Enter, Mo Bowdre. Will his sixth sense help solve the dual mysteries of murder and theft?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Native American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Jake Page was a celebrated editor, science writer, and novelist who made complex topics accessible through wit and clarity. Though he never studied science formally, his role editing Natural History Books at Doubleday sparked a lifelong passion for explaining science to general readers. As science editor and columnist at Smithsonian magazine, he wrote with elegance and humor on a wide range of subjects, from aspirin to Zane Grey. Page authored dozens of books, including works on birds, earthquakes, and Native American history. His fascination with the American Southwest led to a mystery series featuring a blind sculptor-detective. Collaborating with his wife, photographer Susanne Anderson, he produced detailed cultural studies like Hopi and Navajo. His major nonfiction achievement, In the Hands of the Great Spirit, traces 20,000 years of American Indian history. Whether exploring anthropology or writing fiction, Page championed curiosity, clarity, and the belief that science was too important to remain only in expert hands.

Reviews

[Ronn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more because I am familiar with the setting and because I like Page's continuing characters than because of the story in this case. I found the plot to be somewhat contrived and generally weaker than The Stolen Gods. Regardless, there was more to like than dislike, and I will be seeking out more of Page's work.

[Alexa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty poor.

[Garwen Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting mystery.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome return to form! Well-plotted and set in the fascinating cross-cultural milieu of Santa Fe in the 1990s. Page even includes interesting thoughts about Georgia O'Keeffe.