I've read a few books in the popular Ransom Canyon series and was delighted to start another one. A newcomer reading the stories by Jodie Thomas will be pleased that the first character we meet is another newcomer, Blade Hamilton, who rides to INDIGO LAKE on his Harley to inspect a dilapidated Texas homestead he has inherited. Unknown to him, two families on opposite shores of the beautiful lake have not spoken in generations, and the Hamiltons are one of those families.

Blade has made his own way and is now an agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, working out of Denver. The local Texans are pretty self-reliant too. Including Dakota and Maria Davis. Dakota, the local realtor, can't keep a boyfriend long, maybe because of her temper, and Maria her sister is visually impaired, making and selling jams. When they realise there exists yet another Hamilton to carry on the bad blood between their families, it just seems like nothing ever changes. But change is all around them, including ranch land being sold from under the wranglers, and families leaving the town of Crossroads. If the last Hamilton sells up too, who could blame him?

Other problems include mysterious barn fires, murder and ghost stories. The town sheriff Dan Brigman, whom we met in book five, Wild Horse Springs, has his hands full; while his daughter Lauren Brigman the local journalist has more stories than she can safely print without alienating half the population of Crossroads. I found the suspense element very well managed while previous series characters were introduced one at a time instead of in a crowd. The natural surroundings and somewhat haunted ranch atmosphere, claustrophobic small town conversation and tight friendships, show a vivid impression of life. We also get a taste of standard local fare, with wild plum jam and seven- layer orange cake among the cook's offerings.

I'm very much in admiration of the tautly wound story blending suspense, forensic investigation and romance. Jodi Thomas has honed her skill at writing character, and with INDIGO LAKE we see her location is just as much a character as her varied cast. This adult contemporary Western is a must-read.