Last Lullaby — Alice Walsh

A debut mystery of small-town intrigue from the award-winning author. “Gripping . . . a satisfying and nicely-paced page turner.” -- The Telegram
 
Set in the fictional town of Paddy's Arm, Newfoundland, Alice Walsh's debut mystery novel is at once harrowing and homey, equal parts police procedural and diner gossip. When Claire and Bram's only child dies suddenly, it at first appears to be a case of crib death. But when the real cause of death indicates homicide and Claire is arrested as the number-one suspect, her friend, lawyer Lauren LaVallee, promises she'll do everything she can to prove Claire's innocence.
 
As Lauren combs Paddy's Arm for suspects, amid department politics and small-town talk, leads abound. Why are professors Frances and Annabelle being so secretive about their adopted daughter? What's behind a troubled student's sudden disappearance? And who is the mysterious platinum blonde observed at the scene of the crime? Meanwhile, Lauren's own secret -- a case that almost cost her her career back in Montreal -- and the sudden return of an ex-lover who wants back in her life, threaten to overwhelm the investigation altogether.
 
“Alice Walsh manages to throw in a variety of plot-points that are rather unique to the genre and which don't normally tend to appear in mystery/thrillers; adding another layer to the story, making it stand out from its peers and adding a touch more gossipy intrigue and excitement.” -- Reminders of the Changing Time