Cradle to Grave by Aline Templeton

Published by Hodder,
31 March 2011.
ISBN: 978-0-340-97699-9 (PB)

DI Marjorie Fleming known to her colleagues as 'Big Marge' is pleased to be back at work following her months of suspension. But although re-instated by the tribunal, she still has bridges to build particularly with her sergeant, Tam MacNee, whose malcontent is finding an outlet with the new DC Kim Kershaw who has her own problems.

Since being accused of murdering a baby in her care Lisa Stewart has been vilified where ever she goes; despite moving and changing her name it seems they' always find her. She lives in fear of being recognised, so when see meets a young man who seems to care for her, and who accepts her innocence she allows herself to hope. But the relaxing holiday at Rosscarron Cottages turns into a nightmare when a landslide forces her to take refuge at a nearby farm with Maidie Buchan, but she is not welcomed by Maidie's husband, surly Alick Buchan. 

Living nearby is wealthy Gillis Crozier who is not sure of the wisdom of returning to his roots, as long suppressed memories surface. He has inadvisably agreed to a pop festival in the grounds of his house, but with the inclement weather it seems to be a doomed venture.

When a body is found, Big Marge is on the case, but her investigation is complicated by the appalling weather conditions and an unwelcome intrusion from her past.

This is a story rich in story-lines and characters - the perpetrator, the hunted and the hunters. The relationships between the police, and the suspects makes for a fascinating compelling mystery, for gradually as the story unfolds, unrelated people prove to be part of a sad and emotional story.
Cradle to Grave is one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time, with well drawn characters, this entry in this acclaimed series is highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Hayes

Aline Templeton grew up in the fishing village of Anstruther, on the east coast of Scotland not far from St Andrews.  The memories of beautiful scenery and a close community inspired her to set the Marjory Fleming series in a place very like that – rural Galloway, in the south-west of Scotland. After attending Cambridge University to read English she taught for a few years.  She now writes full-time and lives in Edinburgh in a house with a balcony built by an astronomer to observe the stars, with a splendid view of the castle and the beautiful city skyline. Her most recent series features DCI Kelso Strang, officer in charge of Police Scotland’s Serious Rural Crime Squad. Devil’s Garden is the third book in the series.  

http://www.alinetempleton.co.uk