I used to explain the fact that this was a weaker mystery than most of the Thatcher series by telling myself it was an early one, but in fact it is almost half through the series and many before it or near it in the sequence are much better. The setting on the Appalachian Trail is interesting, but there seems to be almost no detecting --the mystery aspect is very unsatisfactory. ( )

While on a hiking vacation, John Putnam Thatcher stumbles upon a murder at resort community and solves it with his usual aplomb. Pleasant and competent. ( )

Very representative of the 1970 milieu. Moderate mystery, and not as engaging as most of the Thatcher novels. Entertaining references to such outdated technology as film reels and high standards of qualification for mortgages. Slams artsy but inept architects.
p. 90: Ode to the Trail Crews (Appalachian) ( )