The Fourth Time is Murder: A Posadas County Mystery

By Steven F. Havill

Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is always busy, but now more so than ever. The sheriff is still not completely recovered from his stay in the hospital, and she is recovering from a hospital stay herself. After a long day at work, Estelle is happy to clear off her desk and drive home where her beloved family waits. She hears her cell phone ringing as she pulls into the driveway. A truck has gone off the road and the driver’s body found near the wreck. Back on the job, Estelle drives to the scene, where she finds more questions than answers. Was the truck’s going over the hill really an accident? And why was there a single footprint on the man’s body? An autopsy spurs further puzzles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Release date: Oct 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781615953370

Reviews for The Fourth Time is Murder

[smithfieldjones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The stark and substantial beauty of southeastern New Mexico adds to this the 6th entry in the Posadas County Series written by Steven F. Havill featuring Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. A truck has gone off the road at one of the dangerous switchbacks on the Regal Pass in the San Cristobal Mountains which form a natural border fence between old Mexico and Posadas County, New Mexico. The young victim, broken beyond any possible redemption, shows one strange "injury" -- someone has stepped on his hand -- but there was no one else in the truck, and there is no one else among the rocks, boulders, and trees strewn along the path of the truck and driver's decent down the side of the mountain. Was there a stranger who climbed down to check the body for signs of life and finding none just left the scene? Or was this murder? Author of the Sheriff Bill fastener mysteries, Steven F. Havill does not lose his touch with the adventures of the Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A cut above for this fine series. Estelle, recovered from her serious gun shot wound, and her team examine a car wreck and discover more than an accident. Good insights into our complex Mexican Border issues and a compelling investigative process drive the plot to a successful conclusion. Another look at Estell's prodigy son continues to flavor the story telling nicely