Lillian Stewart Carl The Murder Hole

The Murder Hole

Lillian Stewart Carl

Five Star, Aug 2006, $25.95

ISBN: 159414480X

Her partner at great Scot magazine Miranda Capaldi sends American Jean Fairborn to the Loch Ness area to cover the latest effort to prove whether the monster exists or not. The head of the Water Horse expedition is controversial American scientist Roger Dempsey, who insists his modern technology will answer the question and someone the legends reporter knows from back in the states.

Many locals oppose the intrusion. Some our of fear that Dr. Dempsey will prove no monster exists and hurt tourism, but environmental activist Iris Mackintosh has other concerns. Northern Constabulary Detective inspector Alasdair Cameron becomes involved when someone sends threatening letters warning Dempsey to stay away. He and Jean have a recent history (see THE SECRET PORTRAIT) so both have mixed feelings about their latest encounter. However, when a homicide tied to the ancient Pitclachic Stone disrupts the expedition, Alasdair makes sure Jean remains safe even as she dives into cold murky danger trying to solve several mysteries including a murder.

The sequel to the delightful THE SECRET PORTRAIT is a fun contemporary police procedural investigative tale with the emphasis on the reporter's inquiries. The story line cleverly combines Nellie, an ancient historical stone with a twentieth century history, a bit of romance and murderous mayhem into a fine tale starring a likable heroine. Readers will appreciate THE MURDER HOLE as Nellie is under investigation until a homicide interrupts the scientific study.

Harriet Klausner