Borrowed rites /

An absorbing and fast-paced mystery, with well-integrated information about archaeology, that takes place among the academics of the archaeology department and the research facility at the University of California, Berkeley. In graphic detail, Stephens provides a chilling murderer who mummifies the murder victim. The typical subplots of the academic mystery are well developed to enhance the series of murders that follow the grisly discovery of the mummy with blonde hair. The author includes the oppressed wife who turns her research over to her nasty, less qualified husband, the slightly lecherous male adviser, the dotty retired professor, the peyote- influenced professor who has visions, and the assertive doctoral candidate who must avoid offending these and other eccentrics and also maintain her integrity. As the elements of the mystery are unfolded for the reader, a nicely connected, realistic romance develops between the doctoral candidate and the sensitive Berkeley police detective as they join forces to solve the crimes. The sexually explicit and the violent scenes fit in; there is no gratuitous titillation of the reader, and there are some well-done humorous touches. Fine fare for mystery readers of any library; and because of the archaeological and university background, academics who normally are not mystery fans might also enjoy the book.-E.G. Sandvick, North Hennepin Community College