Whisper the Dead

April 17, 2017
Cameron’s dour fourth Alex Duggins mystery (after 2016’s Melody of Murder) finds the owner of the Black Dog pub, in the Cotswold village of Folly-on-Weir, ambivalent about getting unduly interested in local crime. She wants to remain out of the fray, but her intense curiosity often gets the better of her, as in the case of the body of a woman discovered in a nearby wood by young Kyle Gammage, the brother of a boy who works for Alex. A number of questions remain to be answered. What is Sid Gammage, the boys’ father, hauling in the back of his truck? Who are the two people found dead in the environs of Folly-on-Weir? Will the Gammage brothers be taken into foster care, and will Det. Chief Insp. Dan O’Reilly be able to spend Christmas with his son? We are also treated to Alex’s ambiguous relationships with both local vet Tony Harrison and O’Reilly. Cozy fans who are fond of dogs and cats, and who believe that a nice cup of tea can solve almost any emotional trauma, will be rewarded. Agent: Liza Dawson, Liza Dawson Associates.

April 1, 2018

Alex Duggins's (Lies That Bind) curiosity about a new housing development in the Cotswold village of Folly-on-Weir takes her there just in time to rescue the owner before a work trailer goes up in flames, leaving one person dead. That simple act drags her into a dangerous firestorm of lies, deception, and murder. It isn't enough that Alex becomes involved in another murder investigation. Even the customers at Alex's pub, the Black Dog, notice that her mother, Lily, has become grim and appears to be hiding from someone. Could her strange behavior be connected to the phone calls she is receiving? While the police hunt for a vicious killer, Alex realizes her reckless behavior and her mother's secrets have endangered them and their friends. VERDICT This traditional English mystery revolves around the secrets and deceptions that can crack the bonds of a small community. However, it may take time for series newcomers to sort out the characters and their histories. Readers are advised to start with the first book, Folly.--Lesa Holstine, Evansville Vanderburgh P.L., IN

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