The Body in the Transept — Jeanne M. Dams

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS-- EXCEPT FOR THE DEAD BODY

Dorothy Martin is an inquisitive American widow who has relocated to Sherebury, a small college town outside of London, after the death of her beloved husband. Although it's difficult to get into the Christmas spirit, donning one of her trademark hats, she does her best--until she trips over the hodv of a cranky cleric who enemies in town than the bible's got begats.

Dorothy doesn't like to intrude on a community's grief, but she has read more than her share of mysteries, is an intelligent woman, and does have a lot of time on her hands. Although her questions are discreet, nothing seems to stop a second murder. And despite friendly warnings to stay off the case from the rather attractive Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt, Dorothy can't let it go. Unfortunately, the murderer moves dangerously close to home, and Dorothy must do some fast stepping to keep ahead of a villain with a secret he will kill to keep.