Iggy's girlfriend Cindy stands him up, unusual because she was looking forward to the party and left her job at an antique shop early to get ready for the event. At the event, Christy meets attractive, wealthy businessman Evelyn Bottoms, who also happens to be Cindy's boss, though generally absentee.

While Christy divides her time between spending more time with Evelyn and tending to her guests, Iggy and Mac begin trying to find Cindy. As they begin investigating the world of museums and religious artifacts, their main focus is on Evelyn, though Mac isn't sure if he's going on a gut feeling, or on jealousy. As bodies begin to pile up, Mac realizes he may be in over his head and fears death will strike close to home before this is all over.

Carreta de la Muerte is a study in southwestern culture and atmosphere. Christy is very close to her family and friends and is a loyal, dependable young woman. She lacks a quality of feistiness that many readers look for. She is very wishy-washy as far as her blossoming relationship with Mac and finds herself giving into attraction to Evelyn, despite warnings from Iggy and Mac, and even her own gut.

The mystery, which centers around the theft and sale of priceless religious artifacts is very confusing and hard to follow. Iggy and Mac both seem to have a little too much free time on their hands, yet the police chief doesn't admonish them too strongly about poking around in an investigation.

Readers who prefer their mysteries with a southwestern flavor will appreciate the detailed descriptions, but those looking for an engrossing story may be disappointed.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry