One of my favorite mystery series
is written by Mark de Castrique, beginning with Blackman’s Coffin. The fifth
and latest title, A Specter of Justice, explores innocence and
evil and was just released this week.
Featuring private
investigator Sam Blackman and his partner Nakayla Robertson, A Specter of
Justice begins with a dramatic courtroom scene and soon evolves into a
quest to solve two murders related to a ghost walk fundraiser. But there are more “ghosts” from the past as
suspicion centers on their friend and local defense attorney, Hewitt Donaldson.
Several pieces of incriminating evidence, plus plenty of twists and other
possible suspects keep appearing, contributing to the suspense of this
well-written series.
Sam and Nakayla live in
Asheville, North Carolina which only adds to the appeal by giving de Castrique
the opportunity to set scenes at famous historic locales like the Biltmore
Estate or the Grove Park Inn. Each book also features a literary (e.g., Thomas
Wolfe, Carl Sandburg), artistic or historic theme and so provides some
interesting detail while presenting a puzzling murder to solve.
