Risky Undertaking by Mark de Castrique

  This story takes place in North Carolina and features an undertaker/sherriff's deputy, Barry Clayton, who becomes involved in solving a killing of a Cherokee activist. The story centers around the mystery, but also tells of some of the political issues existing between whites and native Americans, reservations and state governments, gaming and preservation, etc. Though involving a murder, the story is presented in a sort of light-hearted, very readable way. The characters seem true to life, especially in their conversations with each other. I was kept wondering how the mystery was going to be resolved. That was good, since I'm always disappointed when I solve the mystery before the book does. This was an enjoyable book to read, and I will look for other 'Buryin' Barry' mysteries, especially for light summer reading.