BLOOD RELATION

A new puzzle for William Dougal low-keyed part-time P.I., part-time book editor who now works for once shady long time friend James Hanbury (an old school tie, etc.), the respectable division head of a huge security business called Custodemus, founded by daughter Victoria to secretly investigate the disappearance of her lover Oz Finwood, a publisher, who was nowhere to be found when she arrived at the cottage they'd borrowed for a week's vacation, although his car and clothes were in place. It's William who discovers Oz's body on the property, victim of an accident, according to police, but Victoria's not satisfied. Unanswered questions multiply as William meets Oz's ex-wife, child and mother- in-law. A con man brother-in-law supposedly living in Turkey lurks in the background, along with a mysterious best-selling author. William doggedly pursues his leads and tries to attain some contentment with his independent girl friend Celia and their baby daughter Eleanor. The story that unfolds is complex but believable; the characters convincingly quirky; the ending ambiguous — overall, neat, liberate and entertaining.