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Spider Latham Mystery #5
Death on the Red Rocks: A Spider Latham Red Rock Mystery
"Liz Adair . . . captures the mystery and splendor of the red rock country and modern spirit of the west. In a style similar to that of Tony Hillerman ... she mixes a solid mystery with a modern western." Meridian Magazine
Spider Latham finds himself at loose ends. No longer a deputy, he's not sure where he fits in. Then an eminent scientist falls to his death from the cliffs above town. The circumstances are suspicious--and all those with a motive for murder are houseguests of the Latham's.
It's Deputy Sheriff Toby Flint's case, but as everyone knows, Deputy Flint couldn't detect his way out of a paper bag. Helping him, Spider finds himself up to his neck in conjectures and clues until someone knocks him out and dumps him into Peek-a-boo Canyon dudring a rainstorm. Then he's up to his neck in water.
Feverishly working with Toby, Spider's intent on unsnarling the mystery before someone--one of his houseguests?--makes another try on his life.
Spider Latham finds himself at loose ends. No longer a deputy, he's not sure where he fits in. Then an eminent scientist falls to his death from the cliffs above town. The circumstances are suspicious--and all those with a motive for murder are houseguests of the Latham's.
It's Deputy Sheriff Toby Flint's case, but as everyone knows, Deputy Flint couldn't detect his way out of a paper bag. Helping him, Spider finds himself up to his neck in conjectures and clues until someone knocks him out and dumps him into Peek-a-boo Canyon dudring a rainstorm. Then he's up to his neck in water.
Feverishly working with Toby, Spider's intent on unsnarling the mystery before someone--one of his houseguests?--makes another try on his life.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
300 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 20, 2019
I relly like this series, the dialogue is most entertaining and the characters are great. Sadly I have not been able to read them in order since I have trouble finding all of them as ebooks. If you like small town mysteries and humor then this is for you. Liz Adair is also very good at describing the setting and surroundings of our hero Spider.
March 10, 2018
Relatable characters, great storyline!
I'm a voracious reader, so I'm always on the lookout for the next great writer - and I'm delighted to have found Liz Adair! Her character development is top notch, she clearly knows & loves her setting (yay Kanab!) and I just plain didn't want this story to end. I've recommended this book to my parents and friends & I recommend it to anyone who likes a well-developed story, well told by someone who enjoys language.
I'm a voracious reader, so I'm always on the lookout for the next great writer - and I'm delighted to have found Liz Adair! Her character development is top notch, she clearly knows & loves her setting (yay Kanab!) and I just plain didn't want this story to end. I've recommended this book to my parents and friends & I recommend it to anyone who likes a well-developed story, well told by someone who enjoys language.
March 1, 2018
Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable!
I was unable to solve this mystery, which is very rare. Well done Mrs. Adair! I love both Spider and Laurie. The character development was excellent with all of the characters. I felt as if I really knew them better and better as I read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was unable to solve this mystery, which is very rare. Well done Mrs. Adair! I love both Spider and Laurie. The character development was excellent with all of the characters. I felt as if I really knew them better and better as I read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 21, 2020
Four stars for a pretty good mystery. I wished for a stronger “sense of place” of the Kanab area. Instead I got a meandering story with a lot of misfits who seemed out of place. I felt like the character development took a step back compared to book four.
It’s good enough that I’d keep reading if there were more in this series, but I think this is the end.
It’s good enough that I’d keep reading if there were more in this series, but I think this is the end.
May 2, 2021
Death on the red rocks.
This was a fun story to read. I love the Spider Latham mysteries. He and his wife, Laurie, are so true to life. I lived north of St. George for 21 years and I love reading about the beautiful red rock country of southern Utah. The best part is NO vulgar language and the author leaves the reader at the door for the sex.
This was a fun story to read. I love the Spider Latham mysteries. He and his wife, Laurie, are so true to life. I lived north of St. George for 21 years and I love reading about the beautiful red rock country of southern Utah. The best part is NO vulgar language and the author leaves the reader at the door for the sex.
October 27, 2023
Another of author Liz Adair's Spider Latham novels. A man falls off a cliff. Did his estranged wife push him? Or did one of the others involved in his life have anything to do with it? It kept me guessing until the end. Spider and his wife are excellent examples of caring for others. They are also quite forgiving. I enjoyed this book set in the beautiful Kanab, Utah landscape.
June 4, 2017
I really enjoy Adair's Spider Latham books set in the beauty of Utah. The characters are well drawn, smart, kind, sensible people who solve problems and mysteries while managing to help people along the way. The mysteries are well crafted with sufficient twists and turns to remain engaging.
August 19, 2017
Murder, a cyclist and who are the good guys?
Spider is not official this time, but he know his stuff and tries to aid a deputy sherif who needs a hand. Lots of interesting info here and a good mystery.
Spider is not official this time, but he know his stuff and tries to aid a deputy sherif who needs a hand. Lots of interesting info here and a good mystery.
March 7, 2018
An interesting mystery book with a surprising ending . I loved how the writer
I loved how everything came together at the end. Very nicely written tied it all up in the end. I would highly recommend this book.
I loved how everything came together at the end. Very nicely written tied it all up in the end. I would highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2018
A story about people in Utah and from Rwanda
Liz wrote a good story with a good storyline. I enjoyed Spider and Laurie as well as the rest of the cast. This book kept my interest to The end. Well written!
Liz wrote a good story with a good storyline. I enjoyed Spider and Laurie as well as the rest of the cast. This book kept my interest to The end. Well written!
October 17, 2018
Reading this book is like getting lost in a twisting, turning southwest desert canyon.
Loved this book!! You never can figure out which way to go - just like a sidewinder rattlesnake! I suggest you read the books in order.
Loved this book!! You never can figure out which way to go - just like a sidewinder rattlesnake! I suggest you read the books in order.
August 19, 2019
Decent mystery - I'd mostly figured it out before the reveal, but it did have me second-guessing myself. It sometimes felt like things happened too quickly or conveniently, but otherwise, it flowed well.
March 5, 2021
A story that will
This is a very entertaining story filled with kindness, compassion and hospitality as Spider Latham and his wife Laura share their home with strangers. I was smiling when I finished reading this book.
This is a very entertaining story filled with kindness, compassion and hospitality as Spider Latham and his wife Laura share their home with strangers. I was smiling when I finished reading this book.
December 23, 2021
Great Novel
Liz Adair writes clean fiction that grabs your attention and draws you into the story from the first page to the last page. She demonstrates you do not need lewd talk and in your face sex scenes to write a novel.
Liz Adair writes clean fiction that grabs your attention and draws you into the story from the first page to the last page. She demonstrates you do not need lewd talk and in your face sex scenes to write a novel.
August 2, 2019
More swearing than I normally read but good mystery
June 13, 2020
I have enjoyed the Spider Latham series, but this one felt a little uneven to me. Still a good story, but some of the characters' behavior was inconsistent and not credible.
December 18, 2020
An exciting read
Lots of research went into this tale. There are plots and sub- plots, stories within stories and a fabulous cast of characters.
Lots of research went into this tale. There are plots and sub- plots, stories within stories and a fabulous cast of characters.
March 15, 2017
Liz Adair writes another good mystery!
I thought I had this all figured out-wrong.... This story twists and turns like any great mystery. I loved it!
I thought I had this all figured out-wrong.... This story twists and turns like any great mystery. I loved it!
October 23, 2017
This was a nice cozy mystery set in Kane County, Utah. Once again we meet Spider Latham and his lovely wife Laurie. This book had a group of last minute house guests that becomes the cast of cozy mystery characters.
November 4, 2016
Spider Latham, Liz Adair's reluctant detective, does it again. When the local deputy seems unable to unravel the mystery surrounding a death, Spider gets pulled into the investigation. The problem is, the most likely suspects are staying at the Latham's. Just when you think you've got it figured out, the plot takes a turn, and everything changes. Looking back, it all makes sense. You have to admire storytelling like that. As always, Adair's characters spring to life. Even the most minor characters are well rounded and believable. Read this book and visit the Lathams in Kanab. You'll be glad you did.
January 9, 2017
I bought a paper copy of one of the other Spider Latham mysteries a few years ago but never read it—and now I think I have to go find it because this was good. As far as mysteries go, this one moved a little slower than ones I usually read, but I liked the character development that allowed. There were lots of potential bad guys. I didn't see the reveal coming—I got the person right but not the motive. A good dose of humor and fun too. Thumbs up.
November 16, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyable Spider Latham mystery! I could not put it down. It is well-plotted, with well fleshed-out characters and fascinating setting and story. I hate spoilers so will not leave any details, just a strong recommendation to this latest edition of a great mystery series!
December 11, 2016
I love these stories
The Spider stories just keep you reading until the last page. I also love how devoted he is to his wife
The Spider stories just keep you reading until the last page. I also love how devoted he is to his wife
Read
May 12, 2017Great story with great characters.
Great mystery with great characters. A well written story set in Utah. Multiple levels of plots with many twists and turns.
Great mystery with great characters. A well written story set in Utah. Multiple levels of plots with many twists and turns.
Read
February 23, 2018Spider Wins Again
This book is a pleasure to read. The characters are very real and all are likeable. The plot is very interesting and has many surprises. The style is easy to read and draws the reader in. It is realistic and entertaining
This book is a pleasure to read. The characters are very real and all are likeable. The plot is very interesting and has many surprises. The style is easy to read and draws the reader in. It is realistic and entertaining
March 23, 2018
Great book. Really enjoyed the mystery and the characters. They felt real to me and I was on the edge of my seat to find out what actually happened.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews