Product Description

Someone is adulterating saffron, the world's most expensive spice, and then stealing boats in San Pedro, California, to get it to buyers. When the boats start being blown up, a local fisherman investigates against the background of San Pedro's vibrant ethnic enclaves, the muscular water front, and scenes from the exotic vagabond spice's history. Murder, money and lust-what more does a good mystery need? Joan Del Monte is at the top of her form as a storyteller, with perfect pitch for the flaws and vulnerabilities of her characters. She captures the reader from the first page to the head-snapping ending.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2350725 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 236 pages

Customer Reviews

Hands Down, This Is A Good Read
Seems like Joan del Monte just gets better with each book she writes. This is more tightly plotted than "plonk Goes the Weasel," and not as light-hearted - but it sets you to wondering just how much of "Death Had A Yellow Thumb" is true. Saffron is indeed the world's most expensive spice, and there surely is a black market for it ... to what ends would smugglers go, if they could make big bucks without causing alarm to drug-sniffing dogs? (Hint: the murderer isn't who you, the reader, thinks it's going to be.) And some of the research that slips into the book: think of what could happen if Escoffier met Mickey Spillane. Are those bloodstains or cooking stains on your favorite cookbook?