By all appearances Oak Grove, California, should be a laid-back university town. For Sheriff's Detective Alan Bluestein and his significant other, anthropology professor Laura Mancini, the reality is far different. For starters, the professors at Oak Grove State where Laura works are on strike with no resolution on the horizon. Alan's investigation of drunk-driving accidents by underage students leads to the discovery of Oak Grove's homegrown crime family. Laura then finds herself caught in a tug of war between two Native American tribes over an ancient skeleton. As if they didn't have enough going on, Alan and Laura's loyalties to family, faith, and each other are tested during the mob investigation, their trip to Chicago to meet Laura's Italian Catholic family, a life-threatening accident, and a visit by both of their mothers-at the same time!
Family Values is Book 5 of The Oak Grove Chronicles. Like the previous books, Family Values is a creative blend of serious and silly involving our collaborating couple. Will all the difficulties be resolved? Will the many problems affect Laura and Alan's relationship? Don't miss this fast-paced and engrossing story.
Annette and Michael Brian Schiffer are happily married, even after writing novels together. The previous books in The Oak Grove Chronicles are A Buzz About Campus, Holy Smoke!, A Tough Nut to Crack, and Vintage Crimes. Michael also wrote the political mystery, Scoop of the Century. Annette is a retired college advisor who worked mainly with first-generation college-bound students in Tucson, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Michael, who makes pottery, is a retired professor of anthropology (University of Arizona). The couple lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and when not writing (and rewriting) enjoys travel, family, and friends. More books in the series are in the works!
