This story is told partly from Hamish's perspective and partly from Alison's, but all of it firmly in the third person, so we do not get a whole view.  This idea works rather well, giving some insight into these pivotal characters, but not too much.  As well as an entertaining whodunit taking center stage, as it ought, we also get up to speed with Hamish’s posting to nearby Strathbane and what he does there.  Then there is a surprising denouement, which I certainly did not see coming and which will make for some interesting situations in later books.  This is one thing I particularly admire about Ms Beaton’s brief and original tales—her ability to throw new things into the mix while wisely keeping the best of the old.  I can see why this series has been reprinted, and also why it is still running.  May it long continue to do so.