Dagobert and Jane Brown are the closest English equivalent to Nick and Nora Charles--the movie version rather than the novel version. They are urbane, willful and charming. This second book in the series finds them in New Mexico. Dagobert decides to drop in on Miranda, a woman he served with in the war and, after an initial hestitation, they are welcomed with true Western hospitality. Jane who doesn't much like the idea of Miranda. Fortunately she never has to deal with her, because Miranda is murdered the next morning. The police are mystified, the natives are colorful and Dagobert, taking all sorts of liberties, solves the case by guesses. Parts of this are completely unrealistic, but the characters are so much fun you don't care. ( )