Public relations consultant Sasha Solomon travels to Belen, New Mexico, to help the small town increase tourism using a former Harvey House as the main attraction. Two factions think they’ve got the key to Belen's economic success. The train enthusiasts hope to transform the building into a bed and breakfast complete with a restored Fred Harvey restaurant. The equally vocal artists want to create a world-class gallery with the “blasphemous” art of Phillipa Petty--an internationally known painter and local denizen--at its center.

When Solomon finds Petty's murdered body in the artist's studio, the consultant's life becomes much more difficult than mere press releases and returns-on-investment.

"With its sly humor, offbeat characters, and endearing sleuth, The Belen Hitch takes us on a vivid journey through New Mexico's culture, food, art, and landscape in search of a killer. As PR expert Sasha Solomon investigates the murder of a controversial artist--think sacrilegious Georgia O'Keeffe--she must also deal with the aftermath of her mother's stroke, a new beau, a cranky detective, forty-year-old secrets, and ghosts that won't stay dead. Taichert infuses her new mystery with such humanity and warmth that you'll come away glowing."--Denise Hamilton, author of Edgar, Willa, and Creasey Memorial Dagger nominated Eve Diamond novels

"Taichert's lively, erratic protagonist, Sasha Solomon, pursues murders and public relation accounts with equal ardor, and her intelligent appreciation of her fellow humans adds to the fun of the chase."--Charlaine Harris, acclaimed author of Sookie Stackhouse, Lily Bard, and Aurora Teagarden mystery series

"Get ready! Sasha Solomon is back and as sassy and as hilarious as only she can be. So unique and captivating, I'm heading for New Mexico to buy her a case of whipped cream."--Elaine Flinn, author of Tagged For Murder and other mysteries...

Victim or perpetrator? That's what New Mexico's favorite public relations maven, Sasha Solomon, can't figure out about her favorite niece. The daughter of Sasha's overbearing sister, Gabi is a grad student at Socorro's New Mexico Tech, where she's studying explosives technology. In town to help boost area tourism, Sasha looks forward to spending time with the young woman. But the PR pro never imagined it would be in the hospital, where Gabi lands after someone rigs her mailbox with a nasty surprise.

Jewish with an Iranian surname, Gabi could be the victim of a hate crime. But as details emerge about her work and personal relationships, she begins to appear less as a victim than as a threat. Meanwhile, Sasha learns that the family of her client, town patriarch Papi Sanchez, is riddled with secrets and scandal.

At once a topically flavored whodunit and a realistic portrayal of the way families join together--or don't--in a crisis, The Socorro Blast is a blend of mystery and domestic drama, with the flawed but always engaging Sasha Solomon on center stage.

"Lucky readers who enjoyed Pari Noskin Taichert's first two Sasha Solomon novels don't need to be told she's a first class writer. But they're going to find The Socorro Blast is even better. It's full of wit and sociological insights."--Tony Hillerman

"PR sleuth Sasha Solomon takes us on yet another rollercoaster read. Fans of Noskin Taichert will love the unexpected twists right up to the shocking conclusion. The Socorro Blast is her best work yet, as Sasha whips her way through one of New Mexico's most diverse landscapes."--Barbara Richardson, First Lady of New Mexico

"The Socorro Blast is indeed a blast, and literally opens with one. The narrator, Sasha, is one feisty lady and has a mouth on her to rival the best of the Irish spirit. The mystery is compelling and New Mexico is conveyed with a love and poetic eye that is truly evocative. The dynamic or dysfunction of families is captured brilliantly."--Ken Bruen, multiple award-winning mystery novelist...