The New House by Keith Muir
Gopher Books, 2001
No ISBN
Mystery

Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.com
Buy a Copy at Gopher Books

George Edward Murray was indisputably dead. He was the guy that had moved into the New House. Washed up on the beach in a wet suit, it appeared that he was another drowning victim...until Sergeant Willie Mackay discovered the bullet hole in his head that was covered by the black rubber hood of the wet suit.

The only person that seemed to have a motive was Sandy, a local fisherman. His wife Jenny worked for George, and it appeared that she had been having a love affair with him. But then when Mackay discovered a stash of drugs inside a rotting fish in the trunk of George's auto, it began to look as if there might be other players in the game.

Muir has achieved wonderful characterization. Jenny and Sandy have marital problems refereed by Sandy's father, Alec. The various police officers and constables each have their own agenda...then there is "Red Jock," and old family friend...or is he?

Muir was born in Chicago and educated in Dunfermline and Edinburgh. He has adopted his current home, the wild countryside of Caithness, Scotland, for the site of this suspenseful tale. He has really captured the feel of his adopted homeland; the mannerisms and colloquial terms of the local denizens.

An unexpected twist in the tale and surprise ending along with just the right touch of humor made this a very exciting and enjoyable read.

© MyShelf.Com. All Rights Reserved