The Belen Hitch
by Pari Noskin Taichert
Published by University of New Mexico Press
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Reviewed by Jackie Baumgarten
From the first words, "AIIIIIIEEEE, HA,HA,HA!" I was captivated!
The author's love of New Mexico and its culture are clearly communicated thru her unique descriptors, regional references and zippy storyline.
Although the reoccurrence of paranormal activity was over presented without being fully developed, it doesn't distract from this pleasurable read.
In The Belin Hitch Sasha Solomon, a PR rep who specializes in helping small towns attract tourism, is hired by the mayor of Belen, New Mexico. Her job is to help this small community determine the best way to preserve and use a historic building in order to attract tourism.
Tension runs high as two distinct groups with very different goals for this community centerpiece attempt to manipulate the decision. While Sasha tries to sort out the complicated motives, she has to deal with the murder of her mother's dear friend--a controversial local artist with a colorful past--while juggling her personal life which is, to put it mildly, a disaster!
I grew up in a small town and understand that, like the author's home state of New Mexico, small towns are the life blood of sparsely populated states. I appreciated her fresh approach combining fiction with the intention of creating interest in the small towns of New Mexico.
Would you believe there really is a Belen, New Mexico?
Armchair Interviews says: Nice mixture of small town life and tension between competing groups.