What do you think?
Georgia O’Keeffe Mystery #2
Mortal Radiance
Painter and amateur sleuth Georgia O'Keeffe investigates a tragic death when she returns to Taos in the second instalment of this twisty historical mystery set in the 1930s by multi award-winning author Kathryn Lasky."Step aside Miss Marple, Eugenia Potter, and Kinsey Millhone - Georgia O'Keeffe is the new sleuth in town!" Award-winning author Katherine Hall PageNew Mexico, 1935. Painter Georgia O'Keeffe is at her friend's Mabel Dodge Luhan's home Los Gallos, a house inhabited by a colourful range of artists, authors and society figures, to attend the memorial service of the renowned writer D.H. Lawrence.Georgia has been commissioned to design the stained-glass windows for the small memorial chapel in Lawrence's honor. But when she checks to see how the light comes through the glass, another much more horrible sight awaits beloved Navajo potter Flora Namingha is dead, her face smashed in with a stone . . .With Flora's fianc� locked up as the obvious suspect and the local police negligent in its investigation, it seems like none other than Georgia is capable of solving the murder and making sure justice is done.When Georgia's lover Sheriff Ryan McCaffrey comes to town unannounced, things get more complicated, and Georgia suddenly finds herself in a complex tangle of revenge, international espionage, Nazis and thugs that will require all her artistic sensibilities and amateur sleuthing skills to unravel!Kathryn Lasky brings Georgia O'Keeffe, considered one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century, to vivid life, along with her set of eccentric famous friends. Lovers of twisty historical mysteries with authentic characters, stunning settings and strong female amateur sleuths are in for a treat!
192 pages, Hardcover
Published July 2, 2024
About the author
Kathryn Lasky
257 books2,325 followersKathryn Lasky, also known as Kathryn Lasky Knight and E. L. Swann, is an award-winning American author of over one hundred books for children and adults. Best known for the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, her work has been translated into 19 languages and includes historical fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 24, 2026
The second installment of this series was a little darker than the first, more graphic, a little more sinister. I love Georgia's character and continue to be impressed by the author's ability to bring 1930's New Mexico to life. I will continue with book three. I am not quite ready to leave the Southwest. The audiobook narrator is excellent, highly recommended.
July 1, 2024
I truly enjoyed the first novel in this series, Light on Bone, despite initial reservations about Georgia O’Keeffe as a detective. Lasky ably uses O’Keeffe’s artistic skillset to solve the crimes presented to her, and I am always in favor of a sleuth using an actual skill they already possess. Set in and around Taos, New Mexico, Georgia in this instalment is staying at the home of Mabel Dodge Luhan, an art patroness who maintained quite a salon. Georgia is in Taos for the funeral of D.H. Lawrence, whose body was disinterred by his wife five years after his death, cremated, and brought to Taos for interment on the grounds of a ranch Mabel had gifted to the couple (in return, Mabel received the original manuscript of Sons and Lovers).
Lasky has fictionalized a possible O’Keeffe role in the chapel where Lawrence was to be interred: she created the stained-glass windows. (If only!) It’s perfectly believable, however, and it puts Georgia where she needs to be when the girlfriend of the glass artist creating the windows is found murdered in the chapel the day before the interment. Georgia is devastated, and when the young artist, Matteo, is quickly arrested, she’s so sure she’s innocent she gets to work trying to prove it.
Georgia was married to Alfred Stieglitz at the time of this novel (1935) but had fled to New Mexico when he began to have affairs. In this series, she’s having her own affair with a sheriff, who in this novel is hot on the trail of Bugsy Seigel and not as available to Georgia as she would have preferred. She’s instead working with a genius 15-year-old who does much of the forensic work at the sheriff’s department in town as the Sherriff and his deputy are often drunk, sleeping off the effects in jail cells. The 15-year-old, Jessie Yazzie, appears to be an expert on fingerprints, blood spatter, and crime scene investigation. It’s Jessie who accompanies Georgia to the crime scene to begin the investigation.
Georgia, though trying to prove Matteo’s innocence, nevertheless is a guest at Mabel’s home, and she is forced to attend cocktail hours with Mabel’s guests, who include, in this novel, Wallis Simpson, pre-abdication. The SIS (Special Intelligence Service) are sure there are some Nazi operators even in the American desert, and Wallis seems connected to them, so while she’s being arrogant and selfish at cocktail hour, she’s also being watched.
The cases of Matteo, Wallis and the Nazis, and Bugsy Siegel are all connected. It’s completely unclear how until toward the end of the novel, but it does come together beautifully. While Georgia and her lover seem to be operating on separate investigations, the things they do share with each other begin to add up. The true genius of this book, in my opinion, is using the way Georgia O’Keeffe’s brain works – the way she sees patterns and forms – and using that skill to help her solve the crime. Lasky also almost makes the reader feel that if we were to look at the moon or a flower in just the right way, we too, could view the world as O’Keeffe did. Luckily, we all have her paintings to help us out. This is a charming and unexpected series.
Lasky has fictionalized a possible O’Keeffe role in the chapel where Lawrence was to be interred: she created the stained-glass windows. (If only!) It’s perfectly believable, however, and it puts Georgia where she needs to be when the girlfriend of the glass artist creating the windows is found murdered in the chapel the day before the interment. Georgia is devastated, and when the young artist, Matteo, is quickly arrested, she’s so sure she’s innocent she gets to work trying to prove it.
Georgia was married to Alfred Stieglitz at the time of this novel (1935) but had fled to New Mexico when he began to have affairs. In this series, she’s having her own affair with a sheriff, who in this novel is hot on the trail of Bugsy Seigel and not as available to Georgia as she would have preferred. She’s instead working with a genius 15-year-old who does much of the forensic work at the sheriff’s department in town as the Sherriff and his deputy are often drunk, sleeping off the effects in jail cells. The 15-year-old, Jessie Yazzie, appears to be an expert on fingerprints, blood spatter, and crime scene investigation. It’s Jessie who accompanies Georgia to the crime scene to begin the investigation.
Georgia, though trying to prove Matteo’s innocence, nevertheless is a guest at Mabel’s home, and she is forced to attend cocktail hours with Mabel’s guests, who include, in this novel, Wallis Simpson, pre-abdication. The SIS (Special Intelligence Service) are sure there are some Nazi operators even in the American desert, and Wallis seems connected to them, so while she’s being arrogant and selfish at cocktail hour, she’s also being watched.
The cases of Matteo, Wallis and the Nazis, and Bugsy Siegel are all connected. It’s completely unclear how until toward the end of the novel, but it does come together beautifully. While Georgia and her lover seem to be operating on separate investigations, the things they do share with each other begin to add up. The true genius of this book, in my opinion, is using the way Georgia O’Keeffe’s brain works – the way she sees patterns and forms – and using that skill to help her solve the crime. Lasky also almost makes the reader feel that if we were to look at the moon or a flower in just the right way, we too, could view the world as O’Keeffe did. Luckily, we all have her paintings to help us out. This is a charming and unexpected series.
July 2, 2024
A sharp mystery, although with maybe a few too many historical personages…
I am a big fan of mysteries that use real historical figures as protagonists and/or supporting characters, and I also like mysteries set in the US Southwest, where my dad’s family mostly lives. So I was intrigued by the possibilities for Kathryn Lasky’s new series featuring Georgia O’Keefe as the detective. And just as an extra bonus, I also quite like many of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings…
Mortal Radiance, which is the second book in the series, met my expectations. It’s sharply written and full of famous characters from the 1930s. I won’t list them all, since some of the names might be minor spoilers. But there were a lot, and possibly even a few too many. I wouldn’t have previously thought that would be possible, but I felt somewhat constrained to have so many well-known characters rubbing elbows, since I kept trying to remember what I knew of everyone’s “real” history, and how they might all actually interact. Luckily, the Author’s Note at the end helped by filling in some of my blank spots. And it also vouched for the first-chapter incident involving cremated ashes and concrete (!!!), which I would have bet real money - although not very much real money - was made up.
On the other hand, the wide-ranging plot kept me reading, with some bits of the story line hyper-local, and others cosmopolitan and international. I very much liked the contrast between Georgia’s approach to solving mysteries, and that of the local sheriff (and Georgia’s lover), Ryan McCaffrey. And like all good mystery authors, Lasky manages to weave everything together by the end – complete with an unexpected twist or two.
All-in-all, Mortal Radiance is well worth a read if you like historical mysteries, but if you are sometimes iffy about historicals, you might try the sample first, and see if it’s to your taste. And finally, my thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the review copy!
I am a big fan of mysteries that use real historical figures as protagonists and/or supporting characters, and I also like mysteries set in the US Southwest, where my dad’s family mostly lives. So I was intrigued by the possibilities for Kathryn Lasky’s new series featuring Georgia O’Keefe as the detective. And just as an extra bonus, I also quite like many of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings…
Mortal Radiance, which is the second book in the series, met my expectations. It’s sharply written and full of famous characters from the 1930s. I won’t list them all, since some of the names might be minor spoilers. But there were a lot, and possibly even a few too many. I wouldn’t have previously thought that would be possible, but I felt somewhat constrained to have so many well-known characters rubbing elbows, since I kept trying to remember what I knew of everyone’s “real” history, and how they might all actually interact. Luckily, the Author’s Note at the end helped by filling in some of my blank spots. And it also vouched for the first-chapter incident involving cremated ashes and concrete (!!!), which I would have bet real money - although not very much real money - was made up.
On the other hand, the wide-ranging plot kept me reading, with some bits of the story line hyper-local, and others cosmopolitan and international. I very much liked the contrast between Georgia’s approach to solving mysteries, and that of the local sheriff (and Georgia’s lover), Ryan McCaffrey. And like all good mystery authors, Lasky manages to weave everything together by the end – complete with an unexpected twist or two.
All-in-all, Mortal Radiance is well worth a read if you like historical mysteries, but if you are sometimes iffy about historicals, you might try the sample first, and see if it’s to your taste. And finally, my thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the review copy!
September 24, 2024
Superb sophomore novel in this engaging series featuring a well-drawn Georgia O’Keeffe and other supporting CHs, as well as real historical figures. [See review of first: Light on Bone (2022)] The New Mexican landscape in 1935 influences everything from Story Line and Tone, benefiting from Lasky’s obvious research. Even though this is a re-imagined Georgia, the creation of her art, and her internal musings ring true. The author is also paying tribute to Native American cultural and artistic achievement like glass window making and weaving while also thematically pointing out the injustice Native Americans endure, the rise of the FBI’s fight on organized crime, and pre-WWII German spying. Even when the real CHs seem idealized or hyperbole, they still contribute to the Story Line, Tone and Georgia’s CH development. Tone ranges from sexy as she and her Sheriff continue their romantic affair to the dark as the windstorms and desert climate add to the heightened tension among the CHs, as sinister characters lurk and await their chance to take a life. Georgia’s musings on light and color as she views the landscape around her and how she begins to translate that into a painting is mesmerizing and full of beguiling language choices. The murder is creatively described, even with its visceral violence, and the procedural details well-detailed, especially because the two major lawmen are drunks, and the young Navajo savant who works for them a walking textbook. There is good dialogue, LOL moments, and also moments of grief and despair. Homosexuality, class and economic divides, and unwed motherhood are also explored. Satisfactory ending. RED FLAGS: Violence; Vulgar Language. I would read another. Definite for any Hillerman readers, but may also appeal to fans of Winspear, Susan MacNeal, and, perhaps, Amy Stewart. And anyone who enjoys a twisty mystery that also has art and the specifics of creating it woven through the narrative.
June 7, 2024
Historical Mystery set in New Mexico, 1935 about painter Georgia O'Keeffe as she turns sleuth after finding a Navajo potter murdered and soon finds herself tangled in a web of revenge, international espionage, Nazis and thugs.
1/5 stars: This is the second entry in Lasky's Georgia O'Keeffe Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery that takes place in New Mexico 1935 and features famed painter Georgia O'Keeffe who turns sleuth after she discovers a beloved Navajo potter murdered and soon finds herself tangled in a web of revenge, international espionage, Nazis and thugs. Lasky's writing and character work are nicely done. Unfortunately, I just didn't click with the writing style; leading me to DNF it at 12%. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Light on Bone.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
1/5 stars: This is the second entry in Lasky's Georgia O'Keeffe Mystery series which is a Historical Mystery that takes place in New Mexico 1935 and features famed painter Georgia O'Keeffe who turns sleuth after she discovers a beloved Navajo potter murdered and soon finds herself tangled in a web of revenge, international espionage, Nazis and thugs. Lasky's writing and character work are nicely done. Unfortunately, I just didn't click with the writing style; leading me to DNF it at 12%. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Light on Bone.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Severn House in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
September 17, 2024
Lasky is at the top of her game in this series! I am truly impressed with her lyrical prose that incorporates a wonderful sense of an artist's view of the world, a fascinating slice of history, a very puzzling mystery, and a peek into could be the unique mind of one of America's best artists. All this is leavened by an earthy sense of humor and an interesting relationship and mid-life affair. It's a lot to pull off but Lansky more than manages it.
In this second book, a promising young artist is brutally murdered and her artist love charged with her death. Georgia is convinced that the police have arrested the wrong person. Her lover, the Taos Sheriff, is too busy with a top-secret federal case to be of any help. An in the background, Wallis Simpson shows up at Mabel's ranch.
This was such an engaging and fascinating story and I tried to slow myself down to enjoy it more. Highly recommended!
In this second book, a promising young artist is brutally murdered and her artist love charged with her death. Georgia is convinced that the police have arrested the wrong person. Her lover, the Taos Sheriff, is too busy with a top-secret federal case to be of any help. An in the background, Wallis Simpson shows up at Mabel's ranch.
This was such an engaging and fascinating story and I tried to slow myself down to enjoy it more. Highly recommended!
March 28, 2025
Georgia O'Keeffe is involved with a whole new set of famous people in this story set in San Cristobal near Taos, New Mexico.
She is staying with Mabel Dodge Luhan at Los Gallos but prefers the solitude at the Pink House. Until she can get away she is forced to participate in dancing lessons and have other contact with the Nazi sympathizer Wallace Simpson who is visiting the area.
There is a celebration of life for D. H. Lawrence scheduled, but the squabbling of his wife Frieda Lawrence and her good friend Lady Sybil Hatch cause everyone to be on edge. Georgia has contributed to the stained glass windows in the chapel.
Soon it is discovered that one of the Navajo artisans involved in the Lawrence Chapel has been killed there and her boyfriend and fellow artist is subsequently arrested. Georgia knows that Mateo could not have done it and seeks information to prove it. While Taos it out of the jurisdiction of Sheriff Ryan, he does appear briefly on other business. Locally the police chief is locked up for being drunk so she must rely on a young Deputy Jesus "Jessie" Yazzie.
Another interesting visitor to the area is Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel who is on a secret mission.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I purchased a signed copy from Poison Pen Bookstore while on vacation and watched the interview with the author on YouTube that I missed.
I have book three purchased and ready to read.
She is staying with Mabel Dodge Luhan at Los Gallos but prefers the solitude at the Pink House. Until she can get away she is forced to participate in dancing lessons and have other contact with the Nazi sympathizer Wallace Simpson who is visiting the area.
There is a celebration of life for D. H. Lawrence scheduled, but the squabbling of his wife Frieda Lawrence and her good friend Lady Sybil Hatch cause everyone to be on edge. Georgia has contributed to the stained glass windows in the chapel.
Soon it is discovered that one of the Navajo artisans involved in the Lawrence Chapel has been killed there and her boyfriend and fellow artist is subsequently arrested. Georgia knows that Mateo could not have done it and seeks information to prove it. While Taos it out of the jurisdiction of Sheriff Ryan, he does appear briefly on other business. Locally the police chief is locked up for being drunk so she must rely on a young Deputy Jesus "Jessie" Yazzie.
Another interesting visitor to the area is Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel who is on a secret mission.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I purchased a signed copy from Poison Pen Bookstore while on vacation and watched the interview with the author on YouTube that I missed.
I have book three purchased and ready to read.
July 8, 2024
I found it fascinating and well researched. It made me learn more about Ms O'Keefe as person.
Well plotted, a bit slow at times, it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well plotted, a bit slow at times, it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 4, 2024
I love Georgia O’Keefe was an amateur sleuth extraordinaire!
January 10, 2025
Delighted to return to the desert with Georgia O'Keeffe. Love this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews