Angels of Clay by Madeleine Eskedahl

The beautiful coastal town of Matakana is rocked by the murder of a young Lotto winner, the body positioned in the shape of an X. The deceased man is found in the clay pit of a pottery retreat, popular with locals and tourists.

Sergeant Bill Granger and Constable Niko Sopoanga investigate an increasingly complex case at a time when their tiny station is already under pressure from smash-and-grab raids and brazen shoplifting. To make matters worse, news comes that the Matakana Station may be closing. Then a second body is discovered, positioned the same way as the first.

Meanwhile, echoes of US soldiers stationed in the Warkworth area provide another mystery when Bill’s wife, Annika, finds herself immersed in a family history project. She discovers a secret that has been hidden for generations.

Angel of Clay is the third in the Matakana series, but it can be read as a standalone. With a beautiful small-town setting, a close-knit cast of characters, and a mix of chilling crime and lighter, tranquil family moments, this is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Matheson Bay Press