Ayrshire Murders

The relationship between England and Scotland was long marked by blood, and Dillon highlights a particularly violent time—the late 13th century—in her uneven if generally satisfying debut. The English, under Edward I, have their boots firmly planted on the necks of the Scots when Kyle Shaw returns from several years’ service in France to become deputy sheriff of Ayrshire, in the Scottish Lowlands. He hopes to reconcile with his estranged father, but is horrified to learn that James Shaw is dead. Moreover, James is believed to have collaborated with the English, represented locally by castellan Sir Percy. On a personal level, Kyle wants to find his father’s grave and learn what happened, while professionally he must walk a fine line to discover who’s been robbing the local farmers. The background and history are well-drawn and presented with just enough detail to convince; it’s a pity the same can’t be said for the characters. (Aug.)