Bill Gastner may be old and fat and suffer from insomnia, but he knows how to fit the pieces together. Along with Estelle Reyes-Guzman with her compassion and ability to draw people out, they are a formidable combination. ( )

This is my first in the series about undersheriff Bill Gastner, of which this is #4. The story was just ok, although it is a good mystery. I didn't much care about the victim or her family; she seemed to be a spoiled brat who never grew up. I also didn't care who the killer was or why. I find Gastner's behavior in the face of danger (whether human or natural) implausibly reckless; he would not have lived to reach his present age. I might read another in the series but not soon. ( )

Fast paced good entry in this fine series ( )

Deputy and his ride along reporter are found shot and left on the side of the road. Under Sheriff Bill Gastner and his detective Estella Reyes-Guzman investigate.
Typical good story, not particular the best or worst in series. No new information about the characters really. A good series to contiue. ( )

These Posadas County mysteries are little gems. All about family and friends and support and compassion, when something bad happens to one of them, everyone is galvanized to do something to help. The elements in this series that keep me coming back for more are the picture perfect setting of a small town in the Southwest with its entwined heritage of the Hispanic, Native American and Anglo residents; truly intriguing plots that usually keep me stumped; and a cast of characters with whom you feel right at home. Insomniac Bill Gastner is a tough old bird, filled with compassion and self-deprecating wit, he's capable of lulling suspects into a false sense of security before swooping in with the handcuffs. Or perhaps he'll send in someone else with the cuffs because this older man is all too aware of his physical and emotional limitations.

Before She Dies has yet another of those "stump me" plots that I've grown to love (and expect), and watching this cast of characters grow together warms my heart and makes me smile. Are you one of those people who loves the Western element in Craig Johnson's Sheriff Walt Longmire mysteries? Something tells me you'd enjoy a trip down New Mexico way. Walt and Bill are two lawmen who'd get along together just fine. ( )