L. R. Wright (1) (1939–2001)

Small cast, well realized setting, tightly constructed plot. Blurb on the back compared it to Rendell and Nordic noir, and rightfully so. Really hit my sweet spot, nice and short too!

Two eccentric old women, two notebooks from years ago, attempted blackmail, murder make for a fascinating case for RCMP Sergeant Alberg. Well written and characterized. I want to seek out the author's other books.

Another deftly plotted mystery in the Alberg series. These characters are the most awkward people you are likely to come across and I find it fascinating how they navigate their lives without ever telling each other the important things. Cassandra is rude AND awkward. She gets furiously mad from things like the look on Karl's face (too neutral, too cop-like, etc.). They don't connect and their relationship doesn't make sense.

What I liked: The setting - from the broad brushstrokes of the locale, to the gardens and on to the detailed interiors, and sometimes right down to a piece of furniture or a decorative ornament . The characters - who do not stay put in their typecasting.