Windswept: A Digger Doyle Mystery

by Rosalie Rayburn

Twenty-five years is a long time to keep a secret. Telling the truth can be deadly.

In A Digger Doyle Mystery, reporter-turned-detective Elizabeth "Digger" Doyle confronts political power, buried crimes, and a cold case that refuses to stay buried.

Now working for a scrappy online newspaper in Albuquerque, Digger travels with other journalists to a remote wind farm in eastern New Mexico. They've been summoned by state representative Carmen Lawlor, a controversial figure whose efforts to block new oil and gas drilling have earned her dangerous enemies. The press conference never happens. Lawlor is found dead at the base of a wind turbine. Was it an accident-or murder?



A veteran radio reporter hints that Lawlor's death may be tied to a decades-old the disappearance of eighteen-year-old Julie Mondragon in the desolate Malpais volcanic wilderness. Before she can explain more, the reporter herself is dead. The message is clear-someone wants the past to stay hidden.



As Digger and fellow journalist Manny Begay investigate the long-ago tragedy, they uncover a chilling pattern of deaths linked to that fateful day. Meanwhile, the danger grows personal. Digger's wife, state representative Maria Ortiz, vows to continue Lawlor's environmental fight, drawing the attention of powerful political and corporate interests willing to silence opposition.



Set in New Mexico's stark, unforgiving landscape, Windswept is a gripping mystery blending investigative journalism, political intrigue, and a haunting cold case.



 

Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2024

About the author

Rosalie Rayburn is a journalist and author who has lived in many countries including the USA, UK, Ireland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Portugal. She earned a bachelors’s degree in Sociology from Trinity College Dublin and started her newspaper career freelancing for the Irish Times and Irish Independent. Travels took her to Norway where she was news editor for the English language Saga Weekly and contributed to the trade magazine Norwegian Oil Review. Returning to the US, she spent 18 years as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal; during which she covered business, local government, energy and telecommunications.
She had six short stories broadcast by Radio Telefis Eireann in Ireland, authored a business guidebook “Living and Working in Saudi Arabia” published by How To Books Ltd., UK, and translated the Norwegian memoir “Norsemen Follow the Trail” published by Dreyer Bok, Stavanger, Norway.
Now retired, Rayburn divides her time between the US and Portugal where she contributes to the lifestyle magazine “Portugal Living” and writes a blog about relocating to and living in Portugal.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series set in New Mexico where I now live. Digger is back to journalism and Maria is unknowingly placing herself in serious danger taking up the cause of renewable energy after the death of her legislative role model. But the threat has nothing to do with oil and gas or past enemies but with a sociopath who has killed four women. Lots going in their personal lives too. Waiting for book four. Somehow I think Digger will be in yet another new job for that one.

[Rosalie Rayburn]

Here's a 3D mockup of the book cover for "Windswept"
Are you curious?
Check it out
https://imgur.com/Z3aspQ4

[Simone Keijzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to be immersed again in the world of Digger somewhere in New Mexico, both in a domestic atmosphere and when she was investigating. The way things are described makes you feel like you're there. The story itself is shrouded in mystery and there is an exciting part towards the end, when everything slowly becomes clear.
Of course I also laughed out loud here and there, with the top description this time: "Carter's voice grated on him like the sound of a goose honking".There were many gems like this again.

[Jackson Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalist Digger Doyle thought she was in for a routine assignment when she accompanied her partner, Maria, to report on a wind energy site in New Mexico. But everything changes when Maria’s colleague and close friend, Rep. Carmen Lawlor, is found dead beneath one of the wind turbines. When Lawlor’s death is initially ruled a suicide, Digger’s journalistic instincts tell her something more nefarious may be afoot. As Digger begins to investigate the truth, she discovers that Maria’s long-time friend may not have been who she seemed. What follows is a fast-paced thriller filled with political corruption, relationship dilemmas, and the investigation of not one, but two possible murders.

Windswept is a well-crafted and layered mystery that weaves political corruption, environmentalism, and the buried secrets of a decades-old disappearance into a tightly wound plot. As Digger digs into Carmen’s past, she discovers a web of silence and betrayal tied to a long-forgotten cold case. The stakes escalate fast, not just for the investigation, but for Digger’s relationship with Maria whose grief and personal connection to the victim threaten to derail everything.

Rosalie Rayburn’s Windswept, a follow-up to The Power of Rain, once again manages the rare feat of making small-town journalism feel gripping and suspenseful. The mystery deepens chapter by chapter, propelled by sharp dialogue, morally gray characters, and a slow-burning sense of unease. Rayburn doesn’t rely on cheap thrills and instead she builds real tension through ethical dilemmas, political realism, and the emotional weight of uncovering truths people have spent years trying to bury.

The book stands out not only for its pacing, but for its representation. Digger and Maria’s relationship is handled with nuance and authenticity, and the cast of women at the center of the plot are refreshingly complex.

Filled with intrigue and suspense, Windswept will delight thriller fans and is a must read.

NOTE: I received a free review copy of this work from Reedsy Discovery. My views on the novel are my own and my honest assessment of the novel.

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Windswept, Rayburn crafts a layered murder mystery that delves into the darker sides of human relationships, memories, and the lingering impacts of past traumas. The plot elegantly combines contemporary political issues, such as environmental stewardship and energy dependency in New Mexico, with the eerie specter of a decades-old cold case—the disappearance of Julie Mondragon. The narrative effectively employs a nonlinear structure, revealing connections between past and present through the investigation led by Digger Doyle.

The setting plays a crucial role in enriching the plot. The rugged landscapes of New Mexico serve as a backdrop for both beauty and danger, echoing the unpredictable elements of the characters' lives. Digger embodies the struggle to reconcile personal loss with professional integrity, especially as she navigates her complex relationship with her wife and the specter of Carmen, whose death stirs up unresolved secrets among their shared acquaintances.

Conflict arises from more than just the external mystery of Carmen’s untimely demise; it digs into emotional conflicts faced by characters dealing with guilt, loss, and betrayal. As Digger dials deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a tangled history that forces her and the other characters to confront their memories of friendship and the costs of silence. With strong characterization and a richly described setting, Windswept provides a nuanced exploration of how trauma can shape and define the connections we create, making it a compelling addition to the mystery genre.

[Christian Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Windswept by Rosalie Rayburn delivers a mystery that transcends the typical whodunit by embedding themes of surveillance, memory, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. Set against the haunting landscape of New Mexico, the story begins with the jarring death of State Representative Carmen Lawlor, propelling investigative reporter Digger Doyle into a complex web of political intrigue and personal history. The novel skillfully establishes its setting as a character in its own right, with the unforgiving winds and vast landscapes symbolizing the characters' turmoil.

Characterization is a significant strength in the narrative. Digger, grappling with her fears and losses, is both relatable and compelling as she navigates the darker corridors of her past, reminding readers of how unresolved conflicts can haunt us. Other characters, such as Maria, Digger's supportive wife, and Nancy, who becomes a tragic figure, illustrate the theme of interconnectedness between personal histories and broader societal issues. Conflict arises externally—with political factions vying for control over energy resources—and internally, as characters confront their fears and hidden pasts. Rayburn takes the readers through a whirlwind journey that culminates in revelations about friendships shaped by tragedy, offering profound insights into the nature of loyalty and the burdens of secrets.

[Linnea Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating New Mexico Mystery Story

The third book of Rosalie Rayburn’s Digger Doyle Mystery Series is another captivating, well-crafted read. The main characters, Elizabeth (Digger) Doyle and her wife, Maria Ortiz, now a legislator in the New Mexico House of Representatives, are familiar from the first two books, as is Maria’s delightful grandmother, Abuela, whose cozy home in the foothills outside of the city the young couple now shares. The intricate plot pairs the unsolved mystery of a young woman who disappeared many years ago with the death of a legislator and mentor to Maria, who challenged the fossil fuel lobby and dies mysteriously at the foot of a windmill. Did she fall, jump, or was she pushed? Could the two cases be related? And if they are, what is the connection? Digger, who now works for an online newspaper with a bare-bones staff and a mercurial editor, true to her nickname, does not give up her quest for answers despite setbacks, threats, and skepticism. As with her other novels, Rayburn’s background as an investigative reporter and her familiarity with New Mexico add richness to the story. Her descriptions of the landscapes, New Mexican foods, and traditions will appeal to those familiar with or curious about the state.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reporter Digger Doyle was supposed to cover a political event, only for the politician to end up dead. Originally she thinks it's due to the woman's eco causes, but she finds out about a skeleton in the woman's past.

As this goes on Digger's wife is possibly also in danger...

I didn't like the villain reveal being basically 'he was there all along, you fools!' On the other hand I liked that there was no 'Sherlock Holmes' moment, and instead it was just Digger and her fellow reporters just relentlessly working the story.,

This is part of a series, but can be read alone.

[Mark Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Rayburn has done it again! Windswept pulls you in from the first page with Donna’s haunting memories and never lets go. I loved how this wasn’t just a whodunit it’s about secrets buried in New Mexico’s desert winds, the clash between oil and renewable energy, and the very real danger of speaking truth to power. Digger Doyle feels so alive, flawed yet determined, and her relationship with Maria adds depth and heart. By the time Carmen’s body is discovered, I was hooked and couldn’t stop flipping pages.

[Holly Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Rayburn’s new mystery, Windswept—the third in her Digger Doyle series—takes on the oil industry with gusto. We find Digger, appley named, unraveling in a string of mysteries. Rayburn, with her journalist background, lays out the details while capturing the good and bad of the New Mexico landscape. Oil and gas collides with wind and solar. Windswept is my first Rayburn mystery, but won’t be my last.

[Catherine Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes Windswept stand out is not just the mystery but the people. Digger is such a human character torn between her instincts as a reporter and her love for Maria. The domestic moments with Abuela and even their cat, Lady Antonia, balance the darker political intrigue beautifully. The scenes at Frankie’s bar felt real and vibrant, like I was sitting at a table listening in. Every character, even side ones like Manny and Nancy, is drawn with such texture that I cared about all of them.

[Ethan Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me nodding along at how accurately it portrays politics in New Mexico. The way Rayburn writes about the tension between renewable energy advocates and the oil-and-gas lobby is pitch perfect. Carmen Lawlor’s story feels ripped from the headlines, and the fallout of her death kept me guessing was it an accident, a cover-up, or something more sinister? This isn’t just a mystery it’s a commentary on how high the stakes really are when people stand up to entrenched power.

[Emmanuel Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing in Windswept is masterful. Just when you think you can breathe, Rayburn throws in another layer old secrets, unexpected deaths, and a cold case that suddenly ties into the present. The description of the wind turbines looming over the plains gave me chills. That discovery scene at the base of the turbine was cinematic I could practically hear the whoosh of the blades and feel the dread sinking in.

[Madison Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how naturally Rayburn writes queer characters. Digger and Maria’s marriage isn’t a token subplot it’s central to the story and portrayed with warmth, tension, and authenticity. The tenderness in their relationship, mixed with the very real strains of Maria’s political career and Digger’s reporting, felt so genuine. It was refreshing to see a lesbian couple front and center in a political mystery that doesn’t shy away from either their love or the dangers they face.

[Henrietta H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty, Timely, and Totally Absorbing
From the very first chapter, Windswept had me hooked. Political intrigue, environmental stakes, and a decades-old mystery collide in the best possible way. Digger Doyle is a standout protagonist, smart, relentless, and deeply human. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the sweet way the relationship between Maria and Digger was handled. I liked current events being the topic here. There were some interesting characters, some obviously the "good guys" and some questionable, and I did guess the reveal near the end, but it didn't affect the tense unfolding of the tale. I would definitely read more stories from this author.

[Olivia Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books make me feel a place the way Windswept did. The New Mexico landscape is practically a character in itself dust storms, mesas, the eerie hum of turbines, and the endless wind that never quite lets you relax. It gave the story a constant undercurrent of unease. I finished the book and still felt like grit was stuck in my teeth from all that desert wind. Brilliantly immersive writing.

[Elvira J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Rayburn continues to raise the bar with the Digger Doyle series. Windswept blends the urgency of investigative journalism with the suspense of a cold-case mystery. The New Mexico setting adds atmosphere and grit, and Digger’s personal stakes, her wife Maria’s safety, made this book impossible to put down.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Mexico setting is haunting and beautifully rendered. Between the wind farms and volcanic badlands, there’s an eerie tension that adds so much to the story. This is one of those thrillers that lingers long after the last page.

[Rich L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intimate, High-Stakes Mystery
Rayburn gives us more than a gripping whodunit, she gives us a story about how the past shapes the present, and how silence can be its own kind of danger. Digger’s investigation is equal parts personal and political, and the result is unforgettable.

[Steve M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling, Clever, and So Well-Written
The twists in Windswept hit hard, but it’s the emotional honesty and realism that make it shine. A rare thriller that respects both its characters and its readers. Highly recommended.

[James J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bold, Feminist Mystery With Bite
With a cast of strong, flawed women and a plot that explores power, loyalty, and buried trauma, this book is everything I want in a modern thriller. And Digger Doyle? One of the best new sleuths on the scene.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digger Doyle is My New Obsession
Move over, Kinsey Millhone, there’s a new journalist-sleuth in town. Digger is whip-smart and relatable, and her dynamic with Maria adds a layer of vulnerability to this tense, absorbing plot.

[Ervin L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Much More Than a Mystery
This novel pulls off something rare: a gripping thriller that’s also emotionally resonant and socially conscious. Rayburn doesn’t flinch from hard truths, and the result is a story that feels important and real. I was blown away.

[Ira T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Masterclass in Suspense and Atmosphere
Rayburn captures the windswept landscapes of New Mexico and weaves them into a gripping murder mystery. The result is a tense, captivating read I couldn’t put down.

[Joan D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense with Soul
An intelligent, captivating mystery that blends social commentary, strong female characters, and the harsh beauty of New Mexico. Rosalie Rayburn has a rare gift for making every page matter.

[Bridgett P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bold, Feminist Mystery With Bite
With a cast of strong, flawed women and a plot that explores power, loyalty, and buried trauma, this book is everything I want in a modern thriller. And Digger Doyle? One of the best new sleuths on the scene.

[Elizabeth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly Textured and Emotionally Resonant
More than a murder mystery, this book explores the complex relationships between friends, colleagues, and lovers. An engrossing, beautifully written read.

[Gregory N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense with Soul
An intelligent, captivating mystery that blends social commentary, strong female characters, and the harsh beauty of New Mexico. Rosalie Rayburn has a rare gift for making every page matter.

[Aiden Verran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic, gripping, and beautifully paced.