Sandra Parshall has crafted a finely tuned and fast-paced mystery that I found difficult to put down. There's a lot going on in Poisoned Ground-- from Rachel trying to get used to being part of a couple, to showing how veterinarians can be called in to care for the pets of deceased owners, to how the promise of jobs can transform normally sane people into something a little less than human, to-- last but not least-- how sheer stubbornness can lead to justice. All these factors as well as a fine cast of characters make this a very satisfying read.

As more information slowly comes to light, the investigation starts changing directions, and I really enjoyed trying to figure things out. However, in many ways I felt that the best part of the book showed how the promise of paychecks can rip an entire county in two. Parshall does an excellent job of showing all sides of the conflict while fully engaging the reader's emotions.

Rachel Goddard has grown and matured since the first book in this series (the Agatha Award-winning The Heat of the Moon), and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what's in store for her next.

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