Light on Bone

Light on Bone by Kathryn Lasky is an exciting new adult amateur sleuth mystery set in 1930s New Mexico. The sleuth is Georgia O'Keeffe, who, in 1933, suffered a nervous breakdown when her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, had a somewhat public affair. She was hospitalised for psychiatric treatment and then travelled to the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico to paint. At this time, O'Keeffe was approaching the peak of her fame and success, having just sold a painting for a record price.

The narrative begins with her discovery of a slain priest's body in the desert. The plot unfolds with several other murders, Georgia's burgeoning romance with the local sheriff, and an international espionage plot involving Charles Lindbergh, who is staying at the ranch with his wife Anne. The story includes intricate twists and turns leading to a thoroughly unforeseen denouement.

The strength of this story lies in Lasky's elegant writing, which captures the emotional depth of O’Keeffe's turmoil and stunningly reveals her perception of the landscape that inspires her to paint. More than a traditional who-dunnit mystery, this is a narrative of healing and resurrection of spirit.