2025, New Mexico Book Awards, FINALIST, Cozy Mystery

Guided by escalating visions, and aided by her delightful feline companion Miss Una and life partner private detective Ke'oni Hewitt, Natalie explores the callous murder of a Buddhist minister at her altar during the ingenious theft of an ancient statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha. Still haunted by the case that remained unsolved at the end of his career with the Honolulu Police Department, Ke'oni recognizes the sacred icon in one of Natalie's auction brochures. Soon the couple enters the world of international auctions and estate sales, much to the liking of the fleet-footed Miss Una. As the investigative team dives into the complexities of these events, they are again joined by HPD homicide Detective Lieutenant John Dias. Could the family that owns the international auction house have perpetrated the felony of theft of priceless art and the heinous murder? If Natalie and her companions cannot solve the case, what will become of the statue...and what about the temple's congregation that is left without resolution of the shocking murder of their gentle minister?