Book Review: A Small Weeping

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

A Small Weeping     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Alex Gray
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Allison & Busby Limited, 2004, 298 pps.

The Grange was once a beautiful residence and the home of Phyllis Logan. Phyllis is a victim of MS. When the disease began to progress she turned her home into a private clinic and set up a trust in order that she could be cared for and other people could be treated. The disease has run its course through Phyllis’ body and she is left with a good mind and a keen sense of hearing but no means of real communication.

Two nurses working at The Grange have been murdered and left with their hands pointed towards their feet and a flower pressed between their palms.

Two prostitutes have also been murdered and left in the same manner with the flower between the palms.

DCI Lorimer, the investigating officer, and Solly Brightman, a psychologist called in to assist with profiling are baffled by these murders. How can the murder of two prostitutes at a train station and two nurses working for a private clinic is connected?

The two follow many false leads but when DCI Lorimer finally decides he will try to communicate with Phyllis the tables begin to turn and he finally comes to a better understanding of the case.

This book takes place in Glasgow, Scotland. The police methods are a little different than they are here in the United States, which makes for interesting reading. The scenery described makes you want to visit the area.

When DCI Lorie finally solves the case he brings peace to Phyllis who is left with a little more time to let her mind wander over the estate without the fear of screams outside her bedroom door.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM