Murder in the Caravan

 Murder in the Caravan (2021) by Irina Shapiro

The Travelers (known variously throughout as both Romani and the more derogatory gypsies) have been coming with their caravans to the Birch Hill area for decades. Though many in the village may have felt a bit prejudiced against them--as humans have a tendency to do when they encounter people different from them and whose ways they don't understand--they had to admit that the Travelers had never caused any trouble. Till now. 

When Luca, the Romani's Don Juan, comes home one morning after a night spent in somebody else's bed he finds the body of Imogen Chadwick, wife of one of the wealthiest  men in the county, lying on the floor of his caravan. The Travelers know that the locals are going to assume one of them did it, but they immediately report the death and trust Inspector Daniel Haze to see that justice is done. Haze and Jason Redmond will need to work quickly to prevent the townspeople from taking out their fears and anger on the Romani. But they have their work cut out for them, especially when Moll Brody, niece of the local pub owner, goes missing. Is there a serial killer at work? Did Moll see something on the night of Imogen's murder? And if the murder was more personal, then what is the motive? The investigation reveals ties to the Romani camp, but are those ties a motive for murder? They also discover that there are those who have harbored secret resentments against Imogen--are those strong enough to result in murder? 

Another good entry in this historical mystery series. The plot is a strong and interesting one, though I could have wished for a few more suspects. When there aren't many to choose from, it isn't too difficult to narrow it down. What I really enjoy about this series though is the interactions between the recurring characters. The relationships between Redmond & Haze; Redmond and his ward Micah; Redmond and Katherine (his betrothed); and Redmond and his servants are all finely drawn and we continue to learn more about them and see the relationships grow. I look forward to following them through more of the series. ★★★★

First line (Prologue): Glowing rays of the morning sun sliced through the thick canopy of leaves, dappling the dewy grass with matches of sunlight.

First line (1st Chapter): Jason Redmond scraped the razor across his lean cheeks and watched in the mirror as his valet, Henley, went about laying out his clothes.

Last line: There would be ups and downs, elation and grief, but today was all about love.
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Deaths = 6 (one garrotted; four natural; one shot)

[Finished 8/14/25]