Aisla Grant’s body was washed up on the rocks at the Mull of Galloway, in October 1985, she was just 24 years-old and pregnant, and no one was ever charged with her death. Aisla Grant’s body was washed up on the rocks at the Mull of Galloway, in October 1985, she was just 24 years-old and pregnant, and no one was ever charged with her death.
Now twenty years on DI Marjorie Fleming is asked by Donald Bailey, her superintendent to re-open the case. For Marjory this is not a welcome cold case as it was originally investigated by Sergeant Angus Laird, Marjorie’s late father, and Donald Bailey. After looking through the dusty files, Marjorie and her team, begin to re-interview the family and suspects. As the investigation proceeds Marjorie becomes more and more uncomfortable as to her mind the previous investigation was not handled to a professional degree. The two prime suspects were Aisla’s brutish father Robert Grant, and the actor Marcus Lazansky who, it was rumoured could be the father of Aisla’s child. However, at the time of Aisla’s death Marcus was reported to be in America, but that doesn’t stop Aisla’s mother blaming him.
Unlike the previous investigation Marcus Lazansky is currently in residence in the family home, shooting a soap opera, and with him making an appearance after a long absence from the screen is actor Sylvia Lascelles, his ex-father’s mistress, now old and frail but still able to turn on the charm. Also staying in the crumbling cold mansion is actor Jaki Johnston, Marcus’s current girl friend.
The story is more than a mystery it explores the lives of several families, Marjorie’s – not only her parents lives but her relationship with her husband and children and the delicate balance she maintains to be a wife, mother and keep on top of a demanding job. Marcus Lazansky, whose life is still under the influence of his Polish father Laddie Lazansky even through he has been dead for some years. And the family of Aisla Grant.
All the characters are well drawn, and the tension is maintained throughout. As the story progresses more skeletons come out of the woodwork, and a murder, but does it relate back to the death of Aisla Grant. In the midst of the investigations Marjorie is personally put to the test. With many surprises along the way, this is an excellent mystery, and very highly recommended by this reader.
-----
Lizzie Hayes