When her aunt is killed in a fire in her isolated ranch home the sheriff rules it accidental.  Jill cannot accept this knowing her aunt's way of living. Then a painting by western artist Thomas Dunstan which her aunt had sent to a gallery to be appraised turns up missing. An attempt is made against Jill in order to obtain the remaining canvases by Dunstan which her aunt had. Jill calls in Joe Faroe's favor.

He sends in Zach Balfour,a consultant for St Kilda who is expert in gathering and analyzing information from unusual and sometimes dangerous sources.  While protecting Jill, Zach ventures into the world of art collectors.   There is fierce competition for the Dunstan paintings.  The two discover evidence that perhaps the paintings were really the work of Dunstan's mistress Justin Breck, Jill's grandmother, and had been passed off as his.  This results in art historians having to sort out the status of the paintings.

Blue Smoke and Murder is a fast moving story from the tumultuous rapids of the Colorado River and Jill's thrilling and breathtaking rescue of Lane Faroe to the art bazaars in the Las Vegas casino.  The action is nonstop.   Romance between two likeable and strong individuals such as Jill and Zach is refreshing and stimulating. The insights into the Western art world are revealing and at times unbelievable in their scope.   The plot is well constructed and well written with an excellent cast of characters.

Highly recommended for easy enjoyable reading.