The Shadow of Venus

Claire Reynier #5

by Judith Van Gieson

From the acclaimed author of Land of Burning Heat -the murder of a young woman takes rare book expert Claire Reynier into Albuquerque's dark streets, where she must shed light on the shadows of the past.

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Judith Van Gieson is the author of a children’s book, a collection of poetry and short stories, and thirteen mysteries. Her short stories have appeared in several mystery anthologies. In the first mystery series eight books, featuring female Albuquerque attorney/sleuth Neil Hamel, were published by HarperCollins. Neil’s work often involved environmental issues including endangered species and wildfires. Books in this series were published in England, Japan and Germany. It was optioned by CBS. The Lies That Bind was a finalist for the Shamus Award for best detective novel. The series won the Spirit of Magnifico Literary Award.

There were five books in the second series with heroine Claire Reynier published in paperback by Signet, in hardcover by University of New Mexico Press and in a large print edition by Thorndike. Claire works as an archivist and librarian at the Center for Southwest Research at UNM. This series involved rare artifacts and New Mexico history. The Stolen Blue was a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award. The Shadow of Venus was a finalist for the Barry Award and won the Zia Award given by New Mexico Press Women for Best Work of Fiction by a New Mexico woman.

Series:
* Neil Hamel
* Claire Reynier

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When a young woman is found dead in the basement of the university library -- with an illustration from a valuable book beside her -- Clair recognizes the victim as someone she had met, but whose name she never knew. To learn more, Claire must descend into the haunting world of the homeless in Albuquerque, where the dead woman was known simply as Maia. It is a name with special meaning, the same as that of a mythical Greek woman who fled to the sky to escape her attacker. The illustration leads Claire to a secretive commune in Taos where Maia grew up -- and may have suffered terrible abuse. Bust someone doesn't want Claire to shed too much light on the shadows of hte past -- and will do anything to stop her ..."
~~back cover

Another interesting romp through Albuquerque and the surround area as Clair searches for clues to the identity of the dead woman. Clues are elusive but of course Claire perseveres to a satisfying conclusion.

[LeeAnne · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this, the last (thank God) of the Claire Reynier mysteries, Claire is told by a drug addicted, homeless woman that she (Claire) is "looking beautiful" and Claire finds some earth-shattering connection with the woman. Then the woman is found dead in a storeroom of the library so Claire, of course, must find out how she died. The book goes down hill from there and this happens on page two. This author has real problems with suspension of disbelief (why would any sane reader believe that a "world famous artist" would claim a dead homeless woman as the daughter whom he has not seen in 17 years base solely on the oral description by Claire?) and repetition. Ugh. Keep away from this series.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s pretty clear that Judith Van Gieson knows and loves the state of New Mexico. Claire Reynier, in her fifth appearance, travels through northern New Mexico and her own memories as she tries to learn the identity of a homeless woman found dead in the basement of the UNM library.

Published in paperback by Signet.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good twist and turns. Was kinda of slow to catch and hold my attention. I pushed through a few chapters and then the story line finally hooked me and made me want to read more. If you are someone who needs to be caught up in the story quickly then I would not recommend this book.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A so so mystery made more exciting by the fact that it was set in Taos and Albuquerque.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

To date my far most favorite book. But it seems what I read and finish I enjoy it!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

strong sense of place Claire Reynier rare boo librarian for Univ of NM --- art, street people artist Maia and their issues, geology and myth play a part in this strong story of then and now

[Kara Hansen]

Entertaining. Liked the concept and descriptive New Mexico landscapes.

[Pam Zuidema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a Van Gieson kick.