In Ebisch's thoughtful third Marcie Ducasse puzzler (after 2008's Grave Justice
), the intrepid assistant editor of Roaming New England Magazine
looks into a smalltown coverup of a sadistic multiple murder. Seldon Hayes of Doric, Vt., sends Marcie a tip for her “Weird Happenings” column about the ghosts of three unpopular young men who were found hanged in his barn in 1944. Sel wants big money to share the scoop on the killer's identity. Marcie's paltry offer leads Sel to another buyer, but Sel's soon strung up in the same “devil's spot” where the apparitions appear. Marcie pools resources with Kevin Murray, a cute stringer for a Montpelier, Vt.,
newspaper, to crack both cases. Doric's police chief, Pat Roylston, resents their interference in his investigation. Sel's legal executor, Steve McDermott, helps Marcie and Kevin locate evidence as the cozy action builds to shocking revelations and a haunting twist. (Oct.)
