The Secret Portrait (A Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron Mystery #1)

Fleeing an academic scandal and a broken marriage, Jean Fairbairn has come to Scotland to work for an Edinburgh-based history and travel magazine. Writing about the Scottish national pastime of playing illusion off reality is just the quiet, scholarly pursuit she needs to soothe her burned-out emotions. But when Jean heads for the Highlands to investigate the 18th century mystery of Bonnie Prince Charlie's lost treasure, she finds herself involved in a contemporary murder case--and not as an innocent bystander, either. Alasdair Cameron, the police detective in charge, has his own perspective on reality and illusion. The American dot-com millionaire living out his tartan fantasies in a restored mansion is the loosest of loose cannons. His trophy wife isn't necessarily standing by her man. Their housekeeper knows what's going to happen before it does. And their youth piper is a kilted daydream, even though his parents are nightmares. At Glendessary House, old wounds and old glories aren't distant memories evoked over a glass of single-malt, to the skirl of the pipes. Here, they are up close, personal, and deadly. It's a good thing Jean has back-up in Edinburgh. Because if butting heads--not to mention hearts--with Cameron isn't enough to do her in, then a killer is waiting and watching, with a motive for murder not hidden nearly deeply enough in the past. ** Review "The Secret Portrait is a terrific tale that mixes Scottish lore and legend with murder, madness and the paranormal. There is a certain allure about Scotland that has made it a perfect setting for many forms of literature. The author's characters are richly drawn and authentic. Jean has reason to wallow in self-pity, but has made the best of a bad situation. Her natural curiosity from academic research makes her the perfect amateur sleuth. Inspector Cameron has let his past, along with his profession, turn him into a rather pragmatic "wet blanket". He sees no romance in the past so-called heroes of Scotland, who have been celebrated by Hollywood. The secondary characters are well developed and the pacing perfect for an entertaining read. The dialog is sharp and witty. I always admire and envy a clever turn of phrase and Ms. Carl is a master. Lillian Stewart Carl has written eleven other novels and many short stories. Her unique style and voice is sure to continue to attract new fans." --Murder and Mayhem Book Club, March 2005 (Murder and Mayhem 20050301) "In pursuit of information about Bonnie Prince Charlie's legendary lost gold, reporter Jean Fairburn discovers a new corpse instead. Before all is said and done, she tangles with a nouveau-riche Stuart aficionado and Inspector Cameron. An entertaining blend of policing and sleuthing. A former librarian, Carl also writes fantasy." --Library Journal, April 2005 (Library Journal 20050401) "Mystery, history and sexual tension blend with taste of the wild beauty of the Highlands: an enjoyable tale." --Kirkus Reviews, February 2005 (Kirkus Review 20050201) The Flowers o' the Forest are a' wede awa'." Fleeing an academic scandal and a broken marriage, Jean Fairbairn has come to Scotland to work for an Edinburgh-based history and travel magazine. Writing about the Scottish national pastime of playing illusion off reality is just the quiet, scholarly pursuit she needs to soothe her burned-out emotions. But when Jean heads for the Highlands to investigate the 18th century mystery of Bonnie Prince Charlie's lost treasure, she finds herself involved in a contemporary murder case--and not as an innocent bystander, either. Alasdair Cameron, the police detective in charge, has his own perspective on reality and illusion. The American dot-com millionaire living out his tartan fantasies in a restored mansion is the loosest of loose cannons. His trophy wife isn't necessarily standing by her man. Their housekeeper knows what's going to happen before it does. And their youth piper is a kilted daydream, even though his parents are nightmares. At Glendessary House, old wounds and old glories aren't distant memories evoked over a glass of single-malt, to the skirl of the pipes. Here, they are up close, personal, and deadly. It's a good thing Jean has back-up in Edinburgh, including Michael and Rebecca Campbell-Reid from Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust, returning in cameo roles. Because if butting heads--not to mention hearts--with Cameron isn't enough to do her in, then a killer is waiting and watching, with a motive for murder not hidden nearly deeply enough in the past. Fleeing an academic scandal and a broken marriage, Jean Fairbairn has come to Scotland to work for an Edinburgh-based history and travel magazine. But when Jean heads for the Highlands to investigate the 18th century mystery of Bonnie Prince Charlie's lost treasure, she finds herself involved in a contemporary murder case - and not as an innocent bystander, either. Alasdair Cameron, the police detective in charge, has his own perspective on reality and illusion. The American dot-com millionaire living out his tartan fantasies in a restored mansion is the loosest of loose cannons. His trophy wife isn't necessarily standing by her man. Their housekeeper knows what's going to happen before it does. And their youth piper is a kilted daydream, even though his parents are nightmares. If butting heads - not to mention hearts - with Cameron isn't enough to do Jean in, then a killer is waiting and watching, with a motive for murder not hidden nearly deeply enough in the past