Having spent a lot of time in the Bahamas, I was thoroughly impressed with how well Marcia Talley captures the feel of the islands and her people. It is clear in reading Without a Grave that Talley has spent a lot of time researching her mystery set in the Abacos.
What starts off as an introduction to the islands quickly turns into a well laid-out mystery of strange goings-on at the islands luxury resort, The Tamarind Tree. With Hurricane Helen threatening to make landfall at any moment, Hanna Ives, cancer survivor, dives into the murky waters of environmental negligence, family squabbles, and possible murder.
Hannah is a spunky, likable character that I enjoyed getting to know and will look forward to reading more about.
Talley's knowledge of both the water and the islands makes this mystery an enjoyable guidebook to the Bahamas, as well--just avoid the dead bodies that seem to always surface in paradise.
Victoria Allman
author of: SEAsoned: A Chef's Journey with Her Captain