Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Feb 2008
288 pages
Genre: Mysteries
Publication Information
In Desert Cut, the still vivid memory of Geronimo's war mixes with the modern immigration war, the hard life on the Arizona/Mexico border contrasts with Hollywood's slick production meetings, and the cruelty of an ancient practice is tempered by a growing underground railroad fighting to save its young victims.
While scouting locations for a film documentary on the Arizona's Apache Wars, private investigator Lena Jones and Oscar-winning director Warren Quinn, discover the mutilated body of a young girl. The gruesome manner of the child's death evokes memories of Lena’s own rough childhood.
Clashing with the local law, Lena's investigation uncovers a small town with a big secret. Los Perdidos is not the Eden it first appears. Founded by the descendants of pioneers who fought Geronimo, the townspeople have now armed themselves against the hordes of illegal immigrants streaming across the Arizona/Mexico border. A significant population of documented foreign-born residents also lives and works in Los Perdedos at a modern plant. Lena senses a sinister force at work in the town—but where? Then two more girls disappear from Los Perdidos, and as the death toll mounts, Lena is tempted to implement some frontier justice of her own.
"Starred Review. This is a first-rate plot that mixes the history of Geronimo’s war
with contemporary immigration issues and contrasts the harsh conditions of border life with Hollywood glitz." - Booklist.
"Webb's dark tale of a clash of cultures is emotionally draining and intellectually challenging." - Kirkus Reviews.
"Though some may want to skim the more graphic passages, the intrepid will be rewarded with a propulsive, thought-provoking read." - Publishers Weekly.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Before beginning to write mysteries full time, Betty Webb worked as journalist, and interviewed everyone from US presidents and Nobel Prize winners to polygamy runaways and the homeless. Her mysteries are based on stories she covered as a reporter. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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