THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509050182
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J2 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Book Review
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
RAINBOW'S END
MARTHA GRIMES
Alfred A. Knopf. 384 pp. $23.
Three women. Three deaths. One collapses in a London art gallery after looking at a painting. A second succumbs while inspecting the intricate tapestries displayed at an Exeter cathedral, and still another is found at the bottom of a pit in a Roman ruin, presumably after a routine tourist visit. Are they related?
At first, Scotland Yard's Richard Jury is skeptical. Later, as the deaths and their peculiar circumstances take him from England to New Mexico, he realizes ``you pull at one thread, you bring two others with it.''
Mystery writer Martha Grimes' latest offering, Rainbow's End, contains none of her invasive and trendy political or social commentary. Grimes' prose is evenly paced, steadily moving toward the solution with subtle, yet relentless tension. The novel alternates easily among three distinct locales.
For the most part comically dry and dexterous, Grimes occasionally crosses the line into slapstick or farce. But overall, Rainbow's End is smashingly good entertainment. Complex and entirely human, Richard Jury is a man we care about - primarily because we know Grimes cares for him, too.
- SANDRA M. LOUDEN
MAN AND DOG
BRAD STEIGER
Donald I. Fine. 200 pp. $19.95.
Again, Brad Steiger, co-author with his wife, Sherry Hansen Steiger, of Strange Powers of Pets and More Strange Powers of Pets, has written of the bonding between humans and dogs, in particular, of the spiritual connection between the species.
Man and Dog begins with a series of marvelous tales of bravery by our canine friends and proceeds into the spiritual realm to talk of ``doggy souls.'' And why not? Why shouldn't a heroic, dearly loved dog possess a soul? Steigert's theory of canine spirituality - any dog in close communication with his human owner has the potential - has both paranormal and metaphysical elements to it.
In one loyalty story, a 6-year-old border collie mix saves her suddenly stroke-paralyzed master, who lives alone, by repeatedly bringing him water from her bowl in her mouth and releasing ``a snoutful into his mouth'' until help arrives. He called ``water'' while in a semiconscious state.
Some dogs, Steiger says, can predict the onset of epileptic seizures; sense impending hypoglycemia in diabetics; and ``offer cheer to cancer wards.'' He cites reports that conclude that ``elderly heart patients live longer if they have a dog'' and that ``bereavement is easier to endure with a dog.''
Steiger, a dog lover since childhood, treats dogs as equals and feels spiritually united with them. Whether you join in his psychical beliefs or merely enjoy reading delightful human-dog stories, Man and Dog is a warm, caring book.
- FERN E. MACALLISTER
ZIA'S SUMMER
RUDOLFO ANAYA
Warner Books. 386 pp. $21.95.
Rudolfo Anaya has a reputation as a master storyteller of Chicano New Mexico culture. Zia Summer, set in Albuquerque, is his first mystery.
Gloria, the cousin of budding private eye Sonny Baca, is murdered, her blood drained away and a mysterious Zia sun symbol carved around her navel. Sonny sets out to find the killer and promptly has his life threatened, as he probes the ritual nature of her death. He discovers a tie-in to a spate of animal mutilations, uncovers a mysterious aging hippie named Raven and finally meets up with a nature group intent on creating a holocaust with uranium waste.
While the murder provides the action in Zia Summer, the novel is marked by marvelous characterizations and interesting ruminations and insights into Chicano culture and history. Anaya really brings the people to life: Baca's lady love, Rita; sultry siren Tamara Dubronsky, wise old neighbor Don Elisio. (Sonny and Elisio recall John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee and his philosophical friend, Meyer.)
Anaya delivers vibrant descriptions of the Southwest and captivates with lessons about its history. Zia Summer is a winner.
- BILL ROACH by CNB