James Fleming is an attorney with a Dublin law firm, and his presence is required at the farm of Violet Moore when her brother turns up dead at the doorstep. This is not just any death; a hearse drops off a coffin in front of the door, and when the Moore sisters open it, there's their brother Jack laying inside with a knife in his chest. Fleming has come to the small town of Kilmartin, a farming community, to help with funeral arrangements, but it seems that now he and his firm are needed for Violet Moore's defense. She is charged with the murder of her brother, and while trying to unearth the truth of what happened, Fleming comes upon some secrets that several people would have preferred to stay buried.

Lots of suspects, a very good plot and some good characterization make this a very readable first in series. I've seen this categorized as a "cozy" but I beg to differ. There are no cute little cats, no recipes, nor any gimmicky grabbers to get your attention.

I think anyone who enjoys a good, tame whodunit will like this one. I dont' think it is destined to become a mystery classic, but it's still quite good. ( )