Pride and Predator

While walking along a remote path in central Scotland on his way to an appointment, Parson Jonathan MacLean suddenly collapses and dies. His wife is stunned because MacLean was healthy and there was apparently no reason for his death. Meanwhile, when American archivist and amateur sleuth Ben Reese arrives to appraise the contents of a nearby estate, he's asked to investigate the parson's death. Evidence suggests MacLean was killed by a bee sting, but when an attempt is made on Reese's life and MacLean's wife turns up dead, Reese realizes that murder is afoot. Suspects begin to surface--from MacLean's brother to a local resident recently released from a mental institution. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful yet mysterious Scottish countryside and filled with suspicious locals who for reasons of their own take sides for or against Reese, this is quite a compelling story. Wright (Publish and Perish, which also features Reese) not only provides clever leads to challenge the reader, but she has also created a strong and interesting protagonist in Reese, himself a widower, who is able to use his personal experience to solve the crime. (Dec.)