Molly Martin breaks new ground in crime fiction with her novel, Palo Verde: The Wanted Poster. Set in the days of pioneering Texas, someone in Crawford County hasshot the innocent son of a rancher in cold blood and accusations have been centered on another rancher named Boone. But Marshal "Pappy" Watson, well acquainted with the man's less than Sunday-school-teacher character, knows this kind of crime is not Boone's style. The man who cries the loudest for Boone to be brought to justice isn't without his own flaws -with his greedy eyes forever poring over the legal properties of his neighbors, properties littered with cattle ponds seeping of black scum. Pappy has his theories, but frontier custom and common sense restrain accusation based on gut feelings.

With the fresh science of crimonology on his side, however, Pappy commences an investigation that ultimately stirs the wrath of the rich and politically empowered. Ms. Martin draws the reader quickly into this story by exploring the psyches and personal motives of those involved in the murder and Marshal Watson's unflagging faith in the new-fangled science. He's a staunch and crusty lawman of the practical, self-educated variety, a plague to elitist Yankees; and I was as much eager to see his theories and intelligence vindicated as I was to see justice dealt. The cynical Martinez is the most interesting of the villains, for despite his amoral investments his self-questioning looms heavily in his conscience throughout the story.

The narrative of Palo Verde is fittingly dry, often the characters self- analytical. If you're looking for romance, you'll be disappointed, but I did enjoy the refreshingly chivalrous way the men behaved toward the female characters there were. The descriptions of life in the turn-of-the century homesteading town is very convincing here, the landscape detail in particular is unequaled for its accuracy. I enjoyed the gruff talk of the cowboys, ranchers and other characters, and Ms. Martin obviously did her homework when researching all the small things, such as clothing and common culinary habits of the people of this time and region.

Martin's study into criminal motives and law enforcement methods reminds me of a old-west episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent. You know what's in the bad guy's mind, your emotions are tested along with the investigator as he meets obstacles and rides his hunches, and yet you have little idea how the opposing forces are going to meet in the final resolution. A psychologically spirited and well researched tale, Palo Verde is a treat for criminal fiction enthusiasts.