When it comes to writing intriguing mysteries, G. G.Vandagriff and Agatha Christie have a lot in common. Both authors have the gift of piquing the reader’s curiosity and creating elaborate and entertaining plots that give nothing away before the end. But to my mind, GG scores extra points because of the fascinating genealogical connections she weaves through her Alex and Briggie series.

I’ve now devoured all four books in this series ("Cankered Roots," "Of Deadly Descent," "Tangled Roots," and "Poisoned Pedigree"), so reading "The Hidden Branch" was like catching up with old friends.

I was soon lost in the latest adventure, which takes place in an area I love – Huntington Beach and Balboa Island, California. I could picture each well-written scene as it unfolded. Alex, the main character, kept me guessing almost as much about her fiancé as she did about the mysterious death of a client. I don't want to give too much away, so will simply say "The Hidden Branch" is ...