The Pearl Plot by Vicky Ramakka
Dramatic sequel to the bestselling The Cactus Plot with a strong appeal to fans of Southwestern mysteries.
Botanist Millie Whitehall is making good progress surveying an old abandoned homestead until discovering the body of a missing university professor in the root cellar. Millie then learns why the homestead was abandoned shortly after it was built; another horrific murder occurred inside the cabin in 1913. Rumors of a lost silver cross, finding a pearl in a pack rat's nest, and an old man's dying story leads Millie to uncover the link between the professor's murder and the century-old murder. Although the professor's murderer could still be around, Millie is determined to complete her work because it could lead to the property being declared a National Historic Site. But a threatening message spray painted on the outhouse door and stolen hallucinogenic plants signal not everyone thinks this is a good idea.
Botanist Millie Whitehall is making good progress surveying an old abandoned homestead until discovering the body of a missing university professor in the root cellar. Millie then learns why the homestead was abandoned shortly after it was built; another horrific murder occurred inside the cabin in 1913. Rumors of a lost silver cross, finding a pearl in a pack rat's nest, and an old man's dying story leads Millie to uncover the link between the professor's murder and the century-old murder. Although the professor's murderer could still be around, Millie is determined to complete her work because it could lead to the property being declared a National Historic Site. But a threatening message spray painted on the outhouse door and stolen hallucinogenic plants signal not everyone thinks this is a good idea.