Hometown Heroes

The prosperous, inbred community of Raven's Wing, Conn., is the setting for McShea's engaging and spirited first novel. Mildred Bennett, 58, returns to her childhood home in Raven's Wing to recover her bearings after her pompous husband leaves her for a younger woman. But the body of a middle-aged woman is soon found nearby, and vile-tempered retired police chief Forrest Haggarty, 73, is convinced that the death is the latest in a string of serial murders dating back to the 1940s. While local authorities deride Forrest, he, Mildred and two other longtime Raven's Wing residents discover evidence that points to one of five pillars of the community as the killer. The four not-quite-past-their-prime sleuths attack the mystery head on, and with a distinct lack of subtlety, swoop down on their suspects. Stirring up unpleasant memories and unearthing sordid secrets, the stalkers soon find themselves stalked. The well-crafted finale of this wry and suspenseful blend of murder and passion hints at the pleasant prospect of future detective work by its four mature protagonists. (Oct.)