Welcome back to rural Dobbs, North Carolina, located in the scenic countryside of Colleton County. A place where once productive farms graced the land, and now housing developments and strip malls are popping up in their place. It is also an area where small farmers don't realize their land is being stolen from them by those they feel they can trust.

Candace Bradshaw, head of the Dobbs County commissioners and manager of a very profitable managerial service, is found dead in her bedroom in what appears to be a suicide. She even left a note admitting to misappropriation of monies that benefited her and her friends. However, the coroner rules Candace's death a homicide. It is common knowledge that the county commissioners have been taking kickbacks and bribes from developers, but now it is out in the open and a lot of people are under the microscope.

County Judge Deborah Knott-Bryant gets involved in a little undercover investigation of her own regarding Candace's death. The deceased seemed to have a file with a little dirt on everyone in Dobbs, and the judge is worried about the facts of her appointment to the bench coming to light. Everyone is looking for a flash drive Candace always had with her, and by everyone that especially includes the killer. Deborah knows she should share everything she finds with her husband, Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Bryant, and she will -- eventually. Another concern for Deborah is her father, Kezzie Knott. She is convinced he is up to something "shady", but Kezzie tells her in no uncertain words to butt out of his business.

What a terrific book! Margaret Maron writes such an easy reading, reader-pleasing, down home story, with a well- developed cast of characters, and a wonderful narrative spoken in a soft, pleasing Southern voice. Ms. Maron's fans know that the path from Point "A" -- the murder -- to Point "B" -- the killer -- is never straight or easy, but is always a lot of fun. This reviewer hangs her head in shame for having to admit this is my first Margaret Maron tale, but I rush to add it certainly won't be my last. DEATH'S HALF ACRE is deliciously enjoyable and is highly recommended to the reader that enjoys a flawlessly executed cozy mystery.