Point Deception by Marcia Muller is the first book of the Cape Perdido mystery series, a contemporary mystery set on Highway 1 along the rugged, beautiful coastline of Northern California. Cape Perdido series books are set in fictitious Soledad County (between Mendocino & Humboldt counties), yet each is a standalone mystery.
Chrystal "Chryssie" is driving a borrowed Mercedes up the coast highway when it breaks down. She's unprepared for problems, under-dressed for the cool coastal breeze, desperate to get help and get away. She waits hours by the roadside as cars whiz by; even a sheriff's car passes.
Signal Port is "a town in trouble". 13 years ago, a horrific mass murder took place in nearby Cascada Canyon. Town residents are wary. They don't like outsiders. The case has not been solved. They don't talk about it at all; only refer to "Before" / "After".
Deputy Sheriff Rhoda Swift was first responder to the canyon, witnessed violent death up close. Mistakes were made by the team; as the rookie, she was blamed. It wrecked her life for years, now she keeps rigid control, works hard.
Guy Newberry writes books about "towns in trouble". He arrives from New York, begins asking about the murders (his enquiries are unwelcome). He too views life as "Before" / "After" a personal tragedy.
As the 13th anniversary of the canyon murders approaches, a "floater" is discovered (Chryssie), a town resident is killed on the highway, another disappears. Could these events be linked to the past? Rhoda decides she must reopen the unsolved case, find answers, right wrongs. With the town in denial, she can only rely on Guy to help investigate.
As events unfold, chapters alternate point of view between Chryssie, Rhoda and Guy. Why Chryssie was there; what she did before getting stranded. Rhoda's perspective reveals a great deal about the town's residents: relationships, strengths and weaknesses, crimes. Guy's perspective is an objective look by an experienced researcher, but without context.
An engrossing web of stories about past & present residents, their families, hopes and dreams. Many secrets come to light as Rhoda and Guy examine what led to the massacre and its subsequent cover-up. Together they uncover the truth; each overcome personal demons. But even Rhoda and Guy don't know it all - we the reader know more details, from Chryssie's memories. A real page-turner, that lingers in memory after its final page.