The Blue Hackle: A Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron Mystery

At the start of Stewart's spirited fifth mystery featuring American travel journalist Jean Fairbairn and her Scottish fiancé, retired detective inspector Alasdair Cameron (after 2009's The Charm Stone), the pair are happily anticipating their New Year's wedding on the Isle of Skye at Dunasheen Castle, owned by their friend Fergus "Fergie" MacDonald. They almost cancel their nuptials after the stabbing murder of Greg MacLeod, an Australian staying at the castle's inn with his wife. Jean later finds the murder weapon, an antique dirk stolen from Fergie's display of family weaponry. Was it wielded by Colin Urquhart, a hermit in love with Diana, Fergie's daughter; Scott Krum, a visiting American antique dealer; or some disgruntled local? Seonaid MacDonald, Fergie's ghostly ancestress (aka "the Green Lady"), interacts with Jean and Krum's young daughter, Dakota, to diverting effect. (Nov.)