cover image A Trick of the Light

A Trick of the Light

Ali Carter. Point Blank, $15.95 trade paper (400p) ISBN 978-1-78607-768-4

Carter’s leisurely third visit to the British upper classes (after 2019’s The Colours of Murder) finds dog portraitist Susie Mahl hired by Fergus, 10th Earl of Muchton, and his wife to be the resident tutor for a five-day painting course at Auchen Laggan Tosh, the couple’s 12,000-acre estate in the Scottish Highlands. Between lessons, which deal with such topics as color theory and the painting of trees, Susie happens upon clues that point to possible art fraud. She calls the police to share her suspicions, but otherwise focuses on her personal life. Many of the paying student guests have secret agendas, and some lesser crimes come to light, one involving the theft of a diamond necklace. Those wanting a brief vacation in the country will happily join the guests as they engage in such activities as strolling down to the river to catch a glimpse of water voles. Those who prefer a murder and a proactive amateur sleuth will have to look elsewhere. [em]Agent: Rebeka Finch, Darley Anderson. (Apr.) [/em]