Hexton-on-Weir is a small town in the Yorkshire area with a population that tends to be retirees. Helen Kitteredge is married to the local vet, Marcus, and is the narrator.

Though there are many men in town, it seems it is the women who are the driving force. It is the women's voices heard most often giving their opinions. And some are extremely opinionated! The Hexton style is the man is the head of house but the wives’ “influence” runs the house — and the town for that matter. The Kitteredge marriage isn’t like that. Each are their own person with respect for the other.

The Reverend Primp, middle-of-the-road, traditional, boring and very predictable minister has passed away and the position of vicar is to be filled by Father Battersby. Shouldn’t be a big thing, but it is to many of the “influencers” of the town. Battersby uses the title Father, wears a cassock and isn’t married or looking to be. No woman to “influence” him, which means the town ladies will have no way to control him!

Helen and Marcus have no problem with it and hope all will settle out. Instead, during the annual church fête, Marcus’ body is discovered floating down the nearby stream. Helen’s focus turns to finding Marcus’ killer and the reason for it. It makes no sense as he is well liked for his pet-side manner and his involvement in the church.

While investigating, quite a few secrets are revealed to Helen; secrets that may explain the behaviour of many of the residents. Some may have to do with what happened and they all are interesting. In a small town, with people with small minds, there is quite a collection of personalities and relationships. Some are humourous, some are poignant and maybe amusing. Life in a small town can be more interesting than expected.

Helen wasn’t a busy-body but a woman looking for answers. Many thought her a bit out-spoken, and the fact that she and Marcus had moved there only twelve years ago made her a bit of an outsider.

I enjoyed the read as it took me to another place, time and people. ( )

Slackly paced, tiresomely bitchy village cosy, with clueing based on knowledge so parochially English as to scarcely qualify as fair-play for Americans. The motive is unusual. ( )

surprising victim, okay mystery ( )

I usually enjoy Robert Barnard, but this story included one of my weaknesses as a reader. When a character Is drawn so well that they become one of your favorite people I don't enjoy the book if they are the murder victim. It makes it all so real when the motive is negligent and it feels like a drive by shooting of an innocent you cared about. So then the humor and the excellent writing is lost to me.

Marcus the vet was a nice, good man who did't deserve his fate at the fete. ( )

A crime novel which is not as cosy as it appears. See my revew http://www.dnsmedia.co.uk/reviews/view/1140 ( )