Title: Lilah and the Locket: The Outer Bank Chronicles, Book 1
Author: Nikki Leigh
Published in October 2006 by Write Words, Inc.(ebookonthe.net)
Genre: Historical
ISBN: 1-59431-372-5
Other Books by Nikki: Widow’s Walk: Misty Cove, Book 1
Lady Lightkeeper: Misty Cove, Book 2
A historical note: In the early 1930’s Dare County was about to go bankrupt. However, artist and entrepreneur, Frank Stick masterminds a plan to bring tourism without altering the majestic coastal landscape. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina was a minimal part in the preservation of eastern shorelines; starting at the Virginia stateline descending down towards Cape Lookout, North Carolina. This project also births the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which employs many workers that help Mr. Stick’s vision become a reality. Now, in 1954, the National Seashore Project continues.
Taking a relaxing, quiet week off from work, Kristie Connelly and her German shepherd, Lilah enjoy frolicking along the ocean’s edge; she’s jogging while Lilah playfully terrorizes sand crabs. As they come upon Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Ben Mallory, a Park Service employee, is poking around the dunes’ edge; possibly checking for erosion after Hurricane Carol’s visit last night. As Kristie chats with Ben, she respectfully ignores his distracted and grumpy replies to her questions; as if she were accusing him of something. Bidding him a good day, her attention is diverted by Lilah’s digging beside the dune. On closer inspection Kristie clearly sees a long bone, possibly human, clamped in her dog’s mouth. As she struggles to take the item away a tug-of-war ensues, lasting for a moment where Lilah finally drops the bone at Kristie’s feet. Dragging her dog away from the find, Kristie goes home to call the Sheriff. Could it be human femur or something less intriguing?
As Deputy Tucker arrives at the base of the lighthouse, Kristie offers her help to dig up what other remains they can find. She begins sketching the landscape surrounding the suspected dig site; continuing as more of the remains are uncovered. Between Kristie and Deputy Tucker’s excavating an entire human body is revealed. Deputy Tucker instructs Kristie to fill wash tubs with the sand surrounding the site, for examination in a more controlled setting, while he contacts Zeb, a volunteer, and other deputies, to assist. With the tubs and body loaded in the back of Zeb’s truck they returned to the Deputy’s office, taking the skeletal vestiges to Dr. Harmon. Having read up on archeology Kristie is intrigued by this find, mulling over probable scenarios. Was the body buried before, during or after the dunes were built? Do any of the men who worked the dunes still exist, moreover, live in the area? Who was this person they found?
The next morning Kristie and Lilah go to the office of Deputy Tucker. While examining Kristie’s skeletal drawings they discover the victim sustained a broken arm and head trauma, which possibly caused the victim’s death. At Dr. Harmon’s office, he confirms their findings that the head injury is the cause of death; done by a shovel with a “V” indentation. Not to be outdone, Dr. Harmon shows them his latest find; a locket that was wrapped around a rib bone. Cleaning the locket reveals a Connelly family heirloom belonging to Kristie’s grandmother. Kristie also remembers Aunt Marilyn, her father’s sister disappearing over fifteen years ago; having a reputation for running off without a word to only show up again. Last time Aunt Marilyn came home, she stayed around for one day before disappearing, again. A heavy foreboding envelopes Kristie – are these the remains of Aunt Marilyn? Only her father can answer that question better then anyone. More importantly who killed this woman and why? Does Ben Mallory know more than he is telling?
As Kristie aids Deputy Tucker’s investigation more evidence and links are uncovered; the shovel used by the CCC team matches the grooves left behind on the skull, and then skeletal remains of a 4-5 month old fetus is discovered while sifting through the wash tubs of sand. Still, through all this ugliness a love blooms. After questioning Ben Mallory about the investigation, Kristie leaves his office where she notices a fine-looking young man playing fetch with Lilah. Helping her load Lilah into the truck, Nathan Garcia invites the two of them to a sunset picnic dinner. Their first evening together is a success. He is an attractive man with kind green eyes, an easy smile and holds a strong affection for his grandmother. He also loves the ocean and Lilah; moreover, he loves Kristie.
Published by Write Word, Inc., Lilah and the Locket: The Outer Bank Chronicles, Book 1 is a pleasant romantic mystery although, I am quickly caught up in the imagery of the North Carolina coast line; Kristie notes the sea foam “collecting along the surf line”, and then watches “terns and gulls” flying overhead. The mystery is fast paced as the suspense moves smoothly forward. Deputy Tucker and Kristie’s deductive reasoning is plausible while following leads, which steers them toward dead ends or provides a critical piece in the criminal puzzle. Though late in the story, Kristie and Nathan’s romance burns bright; sweet and charming. The characters are all amiable, whereas Kristie is convincing as an amateur forensic scientist; supported by her extensive reading and research into archeology. Nathan is caring and who obviously values family; bringing his quilted blanket along on the job that his grandmother made for him, long ago. Even the dog, Lilah is enchanting, licking Kristie’s toes as they relax with Nathan on their first outing, together. A native Marylander, I can’t wait for the next book in this ongoing series.
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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