Forgotten voices A Rina Martin Novel

Inspector Mac MacGregor of Frantham, England, investigates the murder of a young, well-liked widow, Ellen Tailor, killed with a shotgun blast to her face. Suspects include her in-laws, a former lover, a current admirer, and a neighbor. Ellen's mother-in-law, Daphne, has always despised her and now wants custody of her two young children, although Ellen has left their guardianship to her sister. Are some missing letters and a WWII diary important to the case? Will someone kill to protect old family secrets? Rina Martin, star of the television show Lydia Marchant Investigates, takes an interest in the murders and ultimately offers her friend Mac some crucial information in forging a solution. Told from multiple points of view, the novel offers an engaging mix of police-procedural and amateur-sleuth subgenres, with quirky, likable characters and a frame story involving clandestine military missions from the WWII era.--O'Brien, Sue Copyright 2015 Booklist

In Adams's absorbing seventh mystery featuring no-longer-retired actress Rina Martin (after 2012's Cause of Death), Rina comes home to quiet Frantham, England, after filming a new TV series, only to hear a "nasty piece of news" on the radio. Someone blasted widowed Ellen Tailor in the face with a shotgun at her remote farmhouse, where her two school-age children found her body in the kitchen. Det. Insp. Sebastian "Mac" MacGregor, Rina's policeman friend, has few clues to go on. Given the isolation of the farmhouse, it's unsurprising that no one saw or heard anything. Nothing was stolen, and none of the people Mac and his team interview has an obvious motive for killing the outwardly blameless Ellen. Rina, who does her own sleuthing, focuses on some accidental deaths that could be related to the murder. A cast of engaging characters and a number of unexpected plot twists make this one of the stronger entries in the series. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

He left the ridge and followed the winding rabbit path down, climbed the low fence that separated the yard from the field and crossed towards the house.Looking up, she saw him then. She smiled, her eyes lighting with genuine pleasure and welcome, filling him with so much happiness that he could hardly bear it.Then, slowly, reluctantly, he raised the shotgun. He could see her clearly, even glimpse the strands of grey in her soft blond hair.He fired both barrelsGlass shattered. The woman fell. Excerpted from Forgotten Voices by Jane A. Adams All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.