Windswept is the third,
captivating entry in A Digger Doyle Mystery by Rosalie Rayburn, intelligently
blending mystery, political intrigue, and personal conflict within the backdrop
of New Mexico's landscapes. The story unfolds as investigative reporter Digger
Doyle deals with the suspicious death of State Representative Carmen Lawlor,
who is discovered at the base of a wind turbine—a site symbolic of the
environmental battles in the region. Lawlor's tragic past, intertwined with the
unresolved case of a missing girl, Julie Mondragon, becomes a haunting motif as
Digger investigates the layers of deception surrounding both women. Digger must
face her wife’s political ambitions, fears of recurring loss, and a community
rife with hidden agendas and rivalries as she digs deeper into the mystery.
Rosalie Rayburn is a master storyteller with a gift for
character. Digger Doyle is depicted as a tenacious journalist haunted by the
specter of her parents’ tragic death in a car accident. This loss fuels her
instinctual drive for truth and justice, making her flawed and relentless.
Maria Ortiz, Digger’s wife and a rising political star, represents an
intersection of personal and public life, often leading to tension between
them. Their relationship provides an emotional depth to the narrative as
Digger's fears for Maria's safety coexist with her admiration for her wife's
commitment to public service.
The contrasting settings—from the bustling streets of
Albuquerque to the serene yet ominous landscape of the wind farm—evoke a sense
of isolation that mirrors Digger's internal struggles. The conflict arises
between the powerful forces of corporate interests in fossil fuels, represented
by characters like Danny Murphy, and the environmental advocates who align with
Maria and Carmen’s vision for a sustainable New Mexico. Windswept captivates
readers with its thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, grief, and the quest
for truth amidst political and environmental tumult. Rayburn’s prose elevates
the genre, knitting together the threads of mystery and emotion into a
compelling narrative that leaves readers questioning the extent to which
individuals will go to protect their interests, and at what cost. It is one of
the best crime mysteries I have read since the beginning of the year.