A Certain Malice

Mo Bowdre #5

by Jake Page

“Jake Page is one of the Southwest’s most distinguished writers.”— The Denver Post

A bizarre murder leaves two teenagers dead in a desert arroyo, their naked bodies side by side, face up under the New Mexican sun. Near them, etched in stone, is a symbol unlike any Native American marking. What does it signify? The puzzle is made to order for Mo Bowdre's quirky and capacious intelligence. But Bowdre, a wildlife sculptor and occasional sleuth, may be in over his head, as he becomes embroiled in a possible case of ritual killing—and a certain malice. . . .

Praise for A Certain Malice

“In a long tradition of oddball amateur detectives, the flamboyant Bowdre is a welcome addition. He’s certainly offbeat and larger than life.” — L.A. Life

“Page’s mysteries are standouts.” — The Houston Chronicle

“Move over, Tony Hillerman” — The Seattle Times/Post-Intelligencer

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Jake Page was a celebrated editor, science writer, and novelist who made complex topics accessible through wit and clarity. Though he never studied science formally, his role editing Natural History Books at Doubleday sparked a lifelong passion for explaining science to general readers. As science editor and columnist at Smithsonian magazine, he wrote with elegance and humor on a wide range of subjects, from aspirin to Zane Grey. Page authored dozens of books, including works on birds, earthquakes, and Native American history. His fascination with the American Southwest led to a mystery series featuring a blind sculptor-detective. Collaborating with his wife, photographer Susanne Anderson, he produced detailed cultural studies like Hopi and Navajo. His major nonfiction achievement, In the Hands of the Great Spirit, traces 20,000 years of American Indian history. Whether exploring anthropology or writing fiction, Page championed curiosity, clarity, and the belief that science was too important to remain only in expert hands.

Reviews

[Alton Motobu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two separate plot lines: (1) bodies of teen couple found in New Mexico desert with signs of satanic mutilation investigated by detective Tony Ramirez turns out to be children of a strict Sikh father who did honor killing; the mutilation was caused by wild animals; (2) blind sculptor Mo Bowdrie meets beautiful woman who claims to be his daughter from a one-night stand 21 years ago; but she turns out to be a psychotic killer and was not his love child. Too many loose ends.

[Edward Maroncha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very captivating book, although I didn't feel as though the author did justice to the murder victims. That mystery wasn't solved satisfactorily, in my opinion.

[Mic Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different type of mystery!

A Blind hero with a sense of humor! Set in the South west intreging story line with two mysteries to solve.