With Ms McIntosh you can expect a labyrinthine plot, plenty of wry Scots humor, some engaging characters and an almost tangible mediaeval Glasgow. The larger canvas of history takes a back seat this time, and the story focuses on smaller matters involving the almshouses and their unpopular murdered Deacon. This is the fourth book in the series, and it shows no signs of flagging yet with an inventive plotline and surely endless material for a whole shelf more books. Part of this is due to the author’s good sense in choosing an unused venue and period for her setting, and then researching it so reading the books is the next best thing to actually being there. Sadly, there is still no sign of a glossary and for all us non-Glaswegians some of the dialect is incomprehensible, making the reader guess and not always understand some crucial parts of the tale. It is not a difficult mystery to guess for all its intricacies, but very enjoyable for all that. This is a book to be read slowly and savored and, like the rest of the series comes highly recommended.