Review
Antonia Fraser has created one of the most enduring of female sleuths in Jemima Shore. With both economy and imagination, Fraser ensures that Jemima is one of the most believable protagonists in an over-crowded field, and this is one of her most assured outings. Taking a much-needed break from the stress of being a television reporter, Jemima heads for a remote Scottish island to find peace and isolation. But Charles Beauregard, who was to collect her, dies suddenly. And, needless to say, Jemima resolves to stay in the Highlands, only to find herself in the middle of a savage and bloody family feud between the Beauregard relatives and Beauregard Castle's new owner, Clementine, who claims to be a descendent of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Apart from the spot-on characterisation, the plotting here is as nimble and inventive as ever, while the Scottish atmosphere is conjured with maximum colour. (Kirkus UK)
