Molten Mud Murder

What They're Saying

“Molten Mud Murder is an absolutely delightful murder mystery set in New Zealand, starring Alexa Glock, an expert on the forensics of teeth. And teeth are the only way to identify a hideously burned body found in a boiling ‘mud pot.’ The novel is a page turner par excellence, with vivid characters and a enthralling plot, all wrapped up in a most charming evocation of New Zealand’s landscapes, people, and local politics. I highly recommend this debut novel!”

Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of the Pendergast series

“Move over Kay Scarpetta and Temperance Brennan. There’s a new forensics expert in town, even though ‘town’ is 8500 miles away. Alexa Glock is a forensic odontologist and qualified crime-scene investigator who debuts in Sara E. Johnson’s engrossing first novel, set in New Zealand. Fleeing a relationship gone bad in North Carolina, and fresh from a visiting professorship in Auckland, Alexa impulsively offers her services to a police department at the tip of North Island where an unidentified body has been pulled from a pool of molten mud. Johnson gives us a compelling picture of modern New Zealand overlaid by Maori culture with its strict taboos and amazing artifacts. Alexa hopes to stay in New Zealand and if this leads to a full series, my fingers are crossed that she gets her wish.”

Margaret Maron, New York Times bestselling author

“Johnson provides a fascinating view of New Zealand and insights into the Maori culture…armchair travelers will have fun.”

Publishers Weekly

“It’s no accident that Alexa Glock ends up investigating a mud pot murder in New Zealand. In fact she kind of insists on helping with the case, applying for a job that was never advertised, offering her services in forensics, and ultimately teaming up with Detective Inspector Bruce Horne. Together they solve crimes, explore New Zealand’s Maui culture, and beautiful landscape, and sizzle. DI Horne is lucky to have such a spirited, smart, and unafraid woman on his team. You can’t ask for more (and neither can he).”

Nancy Peacock, author of The Life and Times of Persimmon Wilson

A deftly crafted and exceptionally original mystery by a master of the genre, “Molten Mud Murder by Sara E. Johnson is her debut as a novelist and an exceptionally entertaining read with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader’s riveted attention from first page to last. While certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that “Molten Mud Murder” is also available in a digital book format.

Midwest Book Review

Read additional reviews from Sara’s publisher, Poisoned Pen Press.