As Brenna continues her gentle, methodical investigation, others in her department, supervisor Graham and the obnoxious Mark Salt, urge her to be more aggressive with her interviews, but Brenna knows her ways will win out.  A discarded wedding dress doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the murder, however Brenna keeps it in the back of her mind.  A fire in the bookshop does raise a few eyebrows, especially when a local business man is found in the ruins.  The local constabulary works quickly to learn the villagers’ secrets, tie loose ends and make pieces fit before more murders occur.

Sainted Murder is a satisfying village cozy mixed with police procedural with the right balance of local color, good characterization and a detailed mystery with many clues and several possible solutions.  Brenna is sure of herself and does not give into the pressures her male colleagues put on her to hurry the investigation along.  She doesn’t dally, but wants to understand the bigger picture and how each little clue fits in.  The town is populated by charming, sometimes eccentric characters and the weeks prior to Christmas add to the cozy charm.  The traditions surrounding the Saint Nicholas Day festivities, including make sure those in need have bread, add another layer of warmth and interest.  

Filled with quiet investigations and careful plotting, there is not as much action in Sainted Murder as some readers might like, but those looking for a quiet meandering will be well pleased.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry