One of our local treasures in my hometown is author Laurie King. Her best-known books are part of a series, but the latest is a standalone – and it’s great fun! 

The story in Back To The Garden is set in the Central Coast region of California, and skips back and forth from the present day to the 1970s – and involves a cold case, possibly a serial killer, and a fascinating protagonist: San Francisco PD Detective Raquel Laing, who has a unique combination of skills. Despite a physical impediment that requires her to use a cane, and a social impediment that makes it a challenge for her to get along with her colleagues, as she is pretty much clueless when it comes to reading social cues.  But her high !Q and persistence combine to make her something of a wizard when it comes to solving crimes.

Somewhat reminiscent  of Hearst Castle, a local landmark that belongs to one of those “California Royalty” families is now managed by a Trust and, as part of a renovation, a human skull is uncovered when a statue is removed, and Raquel is exploring whether this might be another in a string of victims of a 70s-era serial killer known as The Highwayman. 

The investigation keeps coming back to Rob Gardener, who was a troubled Vietnam vet in the 70s, and is now a grizzled recluse, still living in a corner of the estate. Raquel’s challenge is to figure out whether this skull is part of the long list of victims that the Highwayman (now captured and near death) admits to killing. 

Ms. King expertly captures the declining end of the free and easy 60s as well as the entrance into the serial killer heyday of the 70s. I hope that this is the first in a series featuring Inspector Raquel Laing. It’s a good solid mystery (which I didn’t guess, but I pretty much NEVER do, and I’m OK with that), with excellent characters and a wonderful capturing of the incredible Central Coast. With thanks to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley, it’s a solid five stars *****