Blood Ties: A Naomi Blake Novel

At the start of Adams's satisfying sixth Naomi Blake mystery (after 2007's Legacy of Lies), Naomi, who was a police officer before an accident blinded her, and her police officer husband, Alec, set out for a holiday in Somerset, where they've reserved a room at a B&B near Glastonbury. Naomi hopes to discuss their plans for the future after past problems, but they're distracted by the death of Eddy Thame, an amateur historian with a keen interest in the Monmouth rebellion of 1685, whom they meet at the local pub. Eddy, who was in his late '60s or early '70s, fell down the stairs of his house, but was it an accident or foul play? Susan, the pub's landlady, and a host of other well-defined characters lend support as Naomi and Alec investigate. Naomi mounts an ingenious defense in the climactic showdown with the killer. (Feb.)