Blind Descent

Anna Pigeon Mystery: 6

ISBN: 0-7887-2038-4 Order from: Recorded Books

Reviewed by David on March 17, 2002

Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Blind Descent. Ranger Anna Pigeon has been in many tight spots, but not literally. Anna has a phobia of small enclosed spaces, and caving—crawling through tight underground passages—brings out panic. However, when a friend, Frieda Diertz, is seriously injured deep underground, and is asking for Anna, she forces herself to enter the extensive Lechuguilla Cavern in New Mexico. Surrounded by experienced cavers, the team intended to carry out Frieda, Anna deals with her fears. However, when semi-conscious Frieda reveals that her injury was attempted murder, Anna's difficulties are multiplied. In such an inaccessible place, only one of the cavers could have caused this injury. Anna's lack of underground experience, the lack of a motive and the scepticism of the park authority all hamper Anna's attempts to find the truth.

But just as Anna makes progress on her phobia, the stakes are raised, and if the cave doesn't kill the ranger, then a murderer might.

Full Review: One of the most tense of the series, much of the novel takes place underground, in the environment full of danger and harsh demands. Anna's fear will resonate with most reader's apprehension of the deep underground, and the crime investigation, while quite well executed, takes second place to the environment. In the other books of this series, there are many moments of contentment as Anna enjoyes the solitude and the beauty of nature. In this book, while beauty and wonder abound, contentment is visibly missing.

On the whole, an entertaining and enjoyable mystery, if occasionally fatiguing due to almost unrelenting tension.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;

ISBN: 0-7887-2038-4 Order from: Recorded Books