The Errand Boy

When Canadian businessman Harold Tuttle buys property in Tipton, Vt., clear-cuts 50 acres and erects a huge egg farm, the residual problems—pollution, flies, odors, truck traffic—have area residents up in arms, including town constable Hector Bellevance, in Bredes's suspenseful third novel to feature the stubborn, principled New Englander (after 2006's The Fifth Season ). A serious accident caused by Tuttle's arrogant son, Sebastian, puts Bellevance's pregnant wife in a coma. After Sebastian is found beaten to death just days later, in an ironic twist Tuttle hires Bellevance to solve the crime. Bellevance steps on the toes of federal agents and attracts the attention of assorted bad guys, including Hells Angels from Canada and a known killer. But when his 11-year-old daughter is kidnapped, nothing will dissuade Bellevance to back off until he's rescued her. Bellevance provides a fine example of the “man's gotta do what a man's gotta do” philosophy. (Sept.)