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The Pearl Plot: Murder at the Old Homestead
Two murders, a century apart, a pearl in a pack rat's nest, and rumors of a lost silver cross create modern problems for Millie Whitehall.
Botanist Millie Whitehall and Archeologist Lydia Hamilton are making good progress surveying an old homestead until they discover the body of a missing university professor in the root cellar. Millie soon learns why the homestead was abandoned shortly after it was built; another horrific murder occurred inside the cabin in 1913. The discovery of a pearl and the rumors of a lost silver cross stir up memories best left forgotten. An old man's dying story leads Millie to uncover the link between the two murders. Vandalism at the site jeopardizes the property from being declared a National Historic Site. Millie is determined to complete the survey, even though the professor's murderer could still be around and her own life endangered.
Botanist Millie Whitehall and Archeologist Lydia Hamilton are making good progress surveying an old homestead until they discover the body of a missing university professor in the root cellar. Millie soon learns why the homestead was abandoned shortly after it was built; another horrific murder occurred inside the cabin in 1913. The discovery of a pearl and the rumors of a lost silver cross stir up memories best left forgotten. An old man's dying story leads Millie to uncover the link between the two murders. Vandalism at the site jeopardizes the property from being declared a National Historic Site. Millie is determined to complete the survey, even though the professor's murderer could still be around and her own life endangered.
- GenresEbooks
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
10 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Ramakka
6 books9 followers Vicky Ramakka writes about the Four Corners region, where she meets fascinating people who are willing to share their stories. Her short stories and magazine articles have won awards from the New Mexico Press Women and Southwest Writers. The Cactus Plot is winner of NM-AZ Book Awards for cozy mystery and a Colorado Independent Publishers Association's EVVY Award finalist
She and her husband reside in northwest New Mexico, near the Colorado border. A self-described naturalist, Vicky enjoys observing and photographing the flora and fauna that live in her ‘back yard’ which she considers any place within a mile walk.
Attending conferences and workshops plus networking with other writers are a big part of her writing successes. She is a member of San Juan Writers, Women Writing The West, New Mexico Press Women, and Southwest Writers.
"This book is for any native plant enthusiast, murder mystery fan, pet lover, or supporter of the great southwestern outdoors."—Shirley Nilson, Colorado Native Plant Society
"…a scientist-as-hero in the process of discovering her strength, ultimately using her botanical training and professional curiosity to crack the puzzles at the heart of The Cactus Plot."—Kathleen Hall, Cactus & Succulent Society of New Mexico
"The Cactus Plot is an entertaining mystery novel, with the underlying theme of endangered plant protection on public lands."—Forest Chapman, Oklahoma Native Plant Record
She and her husband reside in northwest New Mexico, near the Colorado border. A self-described naturalist, Vicky enjoys observing and photographing the flora and fauna that live in her ‘back yard’ which she considers any place within a mile walk.
Attending conferences and workshops plus networking with other writers are a big part of her writing successes. She is a member of San Juan Writers, Women Writing The West, New Mexico Press Women, and Southwest Writers.
"This book is for any native plant enthusiast, murder mystery fan, pet lover, or supporter of the great southwestern outdoors."—Shirley Nilson, Colorado Native Plant Society
"…a scientist-as-hero in the process of discovering her strength, ultimately using her botanical training and professional curiosity to crack the puzzles at the heart of The Cactus Plot."—Kathleen Hall, Cactus & Succulent Society of New Mexico
"The Cactus Plot is an entertaining mystery novel, with the underlying theme of endangered plant protection on public lands."—Forest Chapman, Oklahoma Native Plant Record
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 27, 2024
Botanist Millie Whitehall and her co- worker, archeologist, Lydia Hamilton are doing a survey on an old homestead site in the New Mexico area and find a dead body.
This is the second murder that has occurred on the site.
HIs murder was a few decades ago and the older one was in 1913.
However, they have a common theme, a possible lost antique silver cross that is very valuable.
Millie starts to connect the murders and what occurred.
However, now she and Lydia are in danger as well.
There is a new threat out in the desert and maybe working by herself is not the best thing to do.
Especially after the site has been vandalized and it appears are looking for the rumored silver cross.
Interesting look at the plants and culture of this Southwest area, rich with history and many cultures.
This is the second murder that has occurred on the site.
HIs murder was a few decades ago and the older one was in 1913.
However, they have a common theme, a possible lost antique silver cross that is very valuable.
Millie starts to connect the murders and what occurred.
However, now she and Lydia are in danger as well.
There is a new threat out in the desert and maybe working by herself is not the best thing to do.
Especially after the site has been vandalized and it appears are looking for the rumored silver cross.
Interesting look at the plants and culture of this Southwest area, rich with history and many cultures.
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April 5, 2024Secrets in the desert
I used to live in New Mexico and hiked all over the state. Her descriptions brought back such great memories, smells of sage and willow and remembrances of beautiful sunsets. Including a masterful mystery just made this book entertaining. I hole there is a sequel.
I used to live in New Mexico and hiked all over the state. Her descriptions brought back such great memories, smells of sage and willow and remembrances of beautiful sunsets. Including a masterful mystery just made this book entertaining. I hole there is a sequel.
September 17, 2023
Lots of local history from a local writer. I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews