The Aquinnah tribe has been heavily lobbying local officials to build a casino on tribal land (some of which is adjacent to Jube’s land).  Not only is the group up against local environmentalists, they are also at odds with the group lobbying for a floating casino off the island.  Jube’s house goes up in flames and someone tries to steal the hard drive from his computer, all of which makes Victoria very suspicious, though she can’t quite get all the pieces to add up.  

To this end, she enlists the aid of local Native American Dojan, always an interesting character.  A motorcycle rally led by a college professor with ties to Jube rounds out the cast of characters and suspects in this small community.

As always, Victoria, who never ages, is an intrepid and faithful investigator.  She takes her role as a deputy and keeper of the island very seriously. Victoria is a wonderful character who, while keeping an eye on all that goes on, does not make others upset by her meddling.  She is as interested as anyone in keeping the island as is, but finds it hard to imagine that someone would kill to do it.  Land and greed are always two very good motives for murder, and when they are combined, are definitely deadly.  

There are several good suspects and motives, and readers may find themselves at the solution a bit ahead of Victoria.  Victoria freely admits to her age, but refuses to act it, even though Elizabeth wishes she would slow down a bit for everyone’s sake.  Dojan is a wonderful foible to Victoria, as he moves about the island silently, saying nothing, but seeing all.  A lovely visit to one of the East Coast’s most popular summer destinations will have readers hearing seagulls and the roar of the waves as they solve Jube’s murder along with Victoria.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry