The Belen Hitch — Pari Noskin Taichert

Public relations consultant Sasha Solomon travels to Belen, New Mexico, to help the small town increase tourism using a former Harvey House as the main attraction. Two factions think they've got the key to Belen's economic success. The train enthusiasts hope to transform the building into a bed and breakfast complete with a restored Fred Harvey restaurant. The equally vocal artists want to create a world-class gallery with the "blasphemous" art of Phillipa Petty--an internationally known painter and local denizen--at its center.

When Solomon finds Petty's murdered body in the artist's studio, the consultant's life becomes much more difficult than mere press releases and returns-on-investment.

"With its sly humor, offbeat characters, and endearing sleuth, The Belen Hitch takes us on a vivid journey through New Mexico's culture, food, art, and landscape in search of a killer. As PR expert Sasha Solomon investigates the murder of a controversial artist--think sacrilegious Georgia O'Keeffe--she must also deal with the aftermath of her mother's stroke, a new beau, a cranky detective, forty-year-old secrets, and ghosts that won't stay dead. Taichert infuses her new mystery with such humanity and warmth that you'll come away glowing."--Denise Hamilton, author of Edgar, Willa, and Creasey Memorial Dagger nominated Eve Diamond novels

"Taichert's lively, erratic protagonist, Sasha Solomon, pursues murders and public relation accounts with equal ardor, and her intelligent appreciation of her fellow humans adds to the fun of the chase."--Charlaine Harris, acclaimed author of Sookie Stackhouse, Lily Bard, and Aurora Teagarden mystery series

"Get ready! Sasha Solomon is back and as sassy and as hilarious as only she can be. So unique and captivating, I'm heading for New Mexico to buy her a case of whipped cream."--Elaine Flinn, author of Tagged For Murder and other mysteries