cover image Other Countries

Other Countries

Jo Bannister. Severn, $28.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-7278-8702-3

In Bannister’s thoughtful fourth mystery featuring former government security analyst Gabriel Ash and Constable Hazel Best (after 2015’s Desperate Measures), Middle East native Rachid Iqbal, armed with a weaponized spray can, turns up in the English town of Wittering during the opening of the new Museum of the Crusades. Best is there to protect historian Oliver Ford, a TV personality who’s speaking at the event. When Iqbal approaches Ford, Best recognizes the danger and pushes Ford out of harm’s way. Ford later charms Best, and soon she’s in his thrall. Her faithful friend, Gerald Ash, and Saturday, the 17-year-old boy who boards at Best’s home, find Ford’s odd behavior suspect. Are their suspicions founded? Meanwhile, is Iqbal a terrorist, or was his attack more personal? This book can be enjoyed on its own, but those new to the series may wish to check out earlier entries to learn more about the principals, such as how the platonic friendship between Best and Ash evolved and what created the empathy and kindness that allowed Best to take in Saturday. [em]Agent: Jane Gregory, Gregory & Company (U.K.). (June) [/em]