Lethal Legend
Kathy Lynn Emerson
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
Kathy Lynn Emerson is a prolific author of a variety of series and
other books. Lethal Legend is the fourth one in her Diana Spaulding
series. This one takes place in 1888 off the coast of Maine. Diana is
drawn to Keep Island of when her fiancé, Dr. Ben Northcote, goes
there suddenly without explanation. He goes at the request of his
childhood friend, Graham Somener, to care for the help that has fallen
ill. He stays to determine who might be behind the illness, an illness
that is actually deliberate poisoning. Archeologist Serena Dunbar is
ensconced on the island to dig into some possible old settlements and a
shipwreck. Her three assistants are the poisoned men, leading to the
suspicion that it was a ploy to stop her work. When one of her
assistants dies while diving it that seems to be most definitely
directed at her dig. But the cast of suspects is small as it traffic to
the island is strictly curtailed. The owner guards his privacy closely,
not welcoming visitors at any time. A past issue when he worked as an
architect led him to recluse himself from the outside world. It is up
to Diana and Ben to solve the mystery of who wishes those on the island
harm and to stop him before he strikes again.
Lethal Legend is, sadly, the last one in the Diana Spaulding series. It
was a wonderful look at the past through the eyes of strong female
character. Diana's take on events are definitely unique because her job
as a reporter was an unusual one for a woman of the times. She is a
wonderful character and it is a shame that we will not be seeing her
again. It is also the setting that shines in the series. Emerson
is an expert on researching the past, knowing its history and being
able to write stories that draw the reader into the worlds she
recreates. Luckily she has many other series for her fans to enjoy.