Part of Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James, book 18
First published 2019
Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James arrive in the Cotswolds for what should be a peaceful weekend at Beck House, the estate owned by Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot's wealthy family. The highlight of their visit is a charity luncheon prepared by chef Viv Holland, who has returned to her native Gloucestershire after years in London to build her reputation using local ingredients. The event draws food critics and the area's elite, promising to launch Viv's career. Then a car accident strikes, followed by a string of mysterious deaths. Each new clue points back to Viv's pub and possibly to Beck House itself. Duncan and Gemma find themselves investigating whether the killer emerges from past grievances or current tensions among the staff at both locations. The case becomes personal when secrets surface involving Viv, her business partner Bea Abbot, and Viv's eleven year old daughter Grace. With Melody's family estate under scrutiny and professional reputations on the line, the Scotland Yard team faces one of their most challenging investigations.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, contemporary
Vibes: atmospheric, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Cotswolds, Beck House, Gloucestershire, London
384 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow