Desert Cut is listed as a mystery, the fifth in the Lena Jones mystery series, but it is every bit a story about the clash of cultural values and practices. When I received the book, I was surprised because it wasn’t the one I requested, and dismayed because the theme of the book is very disturbing. With a great deal of trepidation I started to read the book and found myself caught up in a story that completely held my attention.

While scouting out locations for a film documentary in Arizona, private investigator Lena Jones and her director boyfriend Warren Quinn discover the freshly dumped body of a young dark skinned girl, the discovery of which evokes past memories of Lena's abused childhood. When another child disappears, Lena continues to investigate the death in spite of clashes with the local sheriff, and uncovers a small town with a big secret that puts her own life in danger.

Very rarely do I give a book the highest rating possible but Betty Webb has written a superb mystery with the disturbing theme of abuse that is very sensitively handled. She demonstrates her ability to explore cultural norms and practices that we in North America call abuse, and weave them into a well-developed and crafted mystery that is fast paced and written with authority. There are graphic passages in the book that may be disturbing to some readers but I found that they enhanced the story and provided necessary information. Desert Cut is very thought provoking. I intend to read this author’s backlist and look forward to reading her future novels as well.

Lillian Porter
July 2008