The Fern Valley Conspiracy. The Richard West Series, #3

Forestry is dangerous work. Accidents happen. But how many accidents are too many? The teachers at Fern Valley Area School are hiding something. The school Principal has disappeared, apparently taking a rest cure in a Meditation Centre. The management of the Meditation Centre has no knowledge of him. Policewoman Barbara van Buren's brother has gone walk-about. He has taken his surfing gear and has left the job unfinished.
Kingi Waitai, a Maori leader, is beaten up for talking to Richard. Then Richard disappears. Police search under a fall of timber waiting to be loaded as Richard's wife Alex looks on in agony, praying for Richard to be saved. Sally B's Review. I thoroughly enjoyed The Fern Valley Conspiracy. It had everything I needed: an intriguing plot, a wealth of realistic well-developed characters set against the picturesque background of rural, South Island, New Zealand with superb descriptions of nature.
I loved the interplay between Maori and Paheka and appreciated Fisk's in-depth and inside understanding not only of the Maori culture but also of the tensions between to two communities: one of the central themes of the story. In this I was reminded of American author Tony HIllerman's Navajo Tribal Police mysteries. Fisk's knowledge of indigenous plants and birds and his first-hand experience of survival in the bush brought the story alive and increased its realism and my ability to visualise where the characters were.
The plot is well sustained and includes a number of climaxes as the story unfolds. It keeps the reader wanting more. Yes, Richard West may be a little bit too good to be true, but he is engaging and Fisk's extensive experience as a teacher makes West's perceptions, actions and decisions wholly credible. I would certainly enjoy reading more of his adventures.