In the Presence of Ravens - Gillian Byrne Mysteries, #1

An abandoned train station. Two strangers. A cold case, or is it?
Gillian Byrne intends a short visit to her hometown of St. Edmunds to settle a family inheritance. Her peaceful life as a script doctor out west is what she is more than eager to return to. But something leads her to go inside the old, familiar train station on her way into town. Nothing there has changed much over time, until she sees the bodies of two people sitting close together on a bench. Whatever has happened to them, she knows it has nothing to do with natural causes.

Informing the police about what she has discovered renews old friendships with Sheriff Tom Watkins and his staff, for she was once part of their team. Still, she is more than happy to leave the crime in his hands, and just before heading back to Arizona, she signs the will that provides her with a minor fortune from her grandfather. Only, to receive it, Gillian must handle a puzzle her grandfather has insisted she solve, or she'll forfeit everything.

The mystery of the train station deepens. When the medical examiner finds telling forensic evidence, it suggests the unknown victims have connections to the town. A fire at the local mill convinces Gillian that more than one person is intent on keeping the truth about the murders hidden.

She begins to carry out her own investigation, with the help of old friends, including an artist and sculptor named Raven, her best friend Brynne, and the welcome company of a charismatic Parson Russell terrier named Finn.

Gradually, Gillian realizes someone wants to make very sure her sleuthing.is stopped, by whatever means possible.

Recommended for readers who enjoy Louise Penny's atmospheric mysteries and Deborah Crombie's character-driven investigations.