Thursday, November 8, 2018

Murder at the Mill

Artist Iris Grey needs some time away from her failing marriage and a chance to get her painting mindset back in place. In Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw, Iris rents Mill Cottage on the Hampshire property of well-known crime author Dominic Wetherby. (Murder at the Mill will be released on December 4 by Minotaur Books.) 

The cottage, although on the property, is slightly isolated and Iris finds that perfect for her painting and thinking process. Unfortunately the larger than life Wetherby family has other ideas and she finds herself enmeshed in the intrigue surrounding Dom's family. Araidne is the saintly, perfect mother, ever tranquil and calm no matter what the circumstances. Marcus, the eldest, is tightly connected to his mother even though he has a wife and family. Billy, the middle son, has anger issues and recently was released for jail. Lorcan, the youngest, is a teen, but his Down's Syndrome keeps him childlike.

Despite her better judgment, she attends a holiday party on Christmas Eve at the house. The media has dubbed it "The Party of the Year" and have come out in full force to see who was invited and who was not. Saying she will only stay for a brief while. Iris meets the charming old friend of the family - Graham Feeney.

On Christmas Day the youngest child, Lorcan, finds a body in the pond. Was it an accident, a suicide or murder? Iris is drawn into the case and tries to unravel the complicated life of the Wetherby family.

When her estranged husband is accused of the murder, Iris knows Ian is not a killer and although they have their differences, she works to free him.

An excellent, suspenseful mystery.

Preorder purchase link

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