Murder Among the Owls (Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mysteries)

Murder Among the Owls (Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mysteries) by Bill Crider. mass_market edition. ISBN: 9780373266258.

It was the cat who "told" Sheriff Dan Rhodes that something was wrong. It ran into the house when he opened the door. His wife, Ivy, recognized the cat as belonging to their neighbor and told Dan to go check on the widow--Helen Harris never let the cat out of the house. When Dan finds Helens body on her kitchen floor, there is nothing to indicate that her death wasnt an accident. But Ivys words ring in his head. Why was the cat out? Helen had been active in a number of womens groups, one of which was the OWLS, the Older Womens Literary Society. She and some other women would also venture out with digging tools to look for ancient booty in the lands around the town. They didnt usually find much, but every now and then someone would dig up a coin or a piece of jewelry with potential. Could this have been the reason for Helens death? The investigation becomes more complicated as Rhodes learns that she actually had a number of suitors. Also, a news-hungry reporter who smells a juicy story gives Rhodes more trouble. This is the fourteenth book in which Bill Crider has wowed readers with the extraordinary adventures of his Sheriff Dan Rhodes. Add a cast of vibrant characters, including wise-cracking deputies and the slightly wacky local citizens in Rhodess bailiwick, and every book in this series is a wonderful treat.