Killing Me Softly

The British police of Lavenstock are intent on ridding the town of its drug trade when the murder of a local man shifts their focus in this 10th in Eccles's deservedly popular series (after A Death of Distinction). Philanderer Tim Wishart was leading a precarious life--carrying on an affair with his wife's business partner and sinking borrowed money in unwise speculations--so few people are surprised when he's found dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot. But under the direction of series hero Det. Superintendent Gil Mayo, DI Abigail Moon and her cohorts quickly uncover a mess of relationships that undermine the suicide theory. Then the coroner confirms that the man was murdered. Delving into Wishart's life, the police discover his love affairs and the ramifications of his huge debts. It turns out that the week before, Tim had quarreled with a menacing visitor. As the cops search for the unwelcome guest, a group of young indigents become increasingly concerned about one of their ersatz family, a girl they believe has been abducted. With her trademark assurance, Eccles takes her time delving into her characters' preoccupations before introducing the murder, and her elegant prose credibly links her three disparate plots of drugs, murder and kidnapping to create a vivid picture of small-town interactions. (Jan.)