Lies that Bind: An Alex Duggins Mystery

Cameron’s dour fourth Alex Duggins mystery (after 2016’s Melody of Murder) finds the owner of the Black Dog pub, in the Cotswold village of Folly-on-Weir, ambivalent about getting unduly interested in local crime. She wants to remain out of the fray, but her intense curiosity often gets the better of her, as in the case of the body of a woman discovered in a nearby wood by young Kyle Gammage, the brother of a boy who works for Alex. A number of questions remain to be answered. What is Sid Gammage, the boys’ father, hauling in the back of his truck? Who are the two people found dead in the environs of Folly-on-Weir? Will the Gammage brothers be taken into foster care, and will Det. Chief Insp. Dan O’Reilly be able to spend Christmas with his son? We are also treated to Alex’s ambiguous relationships with both local vet Tony Harrison and O’Reilly. Cozy fans who are fond of dogs and cats, and who believe that a nice cup of tea can solve almost any emotional trauma, will be rewarded. Agent: Liza Dawson, Liza Dawson Associates. (June)