Arrived some time last week from Better World Books, while I was away. Used.

A full cast of characters, including the inimitable Vera Stanhope, fills this novel. Set in the village of Elvet in East Yorkshire, the story begins ten years ago, when 15-year-old Abigail Mantel is found murdered. As the teen had been opposed to her father's lover, Jeanie Long, living in the same house, Long was soon charged with the murder and convicted. Now, ten years later, there is evidence that Jeanie is innocent.

Stanhope is sent in to determine what went on in the initial investigation. She takes her assignment as an invitation to find out what really happened, who did kill Abigail, when another murder is discovered. Are they related?

Stanhope does not investigate in the conventional way. She likes to get under the skin of the locals, to observe at a distance as well as close-up, and tends to chatter her way through just about anything. She is not a conventional fictional detective either, as she is large, ungainly, far from a fashion mogul, yet she knows she is good and delights in proving herself again and again. Which doesn't mean she doesn't have any moments of doubt or reflection. She is fully human. A real breath of fresh air for me, I can tell you.

Adding to waternixie's wrap-it-up bookbox.

Added to waternixie's wrap-it-up bookbox and sent on its way to the next in line.

From the wrap-it-up book box. This one looks like something I'd like.