Simeon’s Bride (DCI McKenna Book 1)

By Alison Taylor

Wales, the 1990’s. 

Three baffled cops, two dead bodies, one living ghost…

A woman is found hanging from a tree in the forest of Salem. Evidence suggests she has been there for quite a while, maybe a matter of years. With her hands tied behind her back, it’s quickly declared a murder scene. 

Michael McKenna is leading the investigation, but he must first establish the victim’s identity.With the locals preferring to hurl abuse at the police rather than co-operate, is their distrust part of a larger cover-up? With no reports of missing persons from the area, the investigation leads them to a holiday cottage, currently undergoing renovation. Tip-offs received from a couple of local ‘gossips’ are soon proven to be useful in uncovering the truth.

But are they merely sharing rumours with the police? Or do they know the circumstances of this tragic death? And who is the mysterious stranger that is overlooking the village? Can McKenna keep his focus on the facts long enough to establish the truth from the lies, whilst also juggling his own personal problems?

The unspoken question on everyone’s lips remains – will the killer be caught before they strike again?

Complete with quirky characters, village folklore, rumours and secrets, Simeon’s Bride is a novel that will stay with you even after the last page has been read.

Alison Taylor has lived in North Wales for many years. She held senior childcare posts with the former Gwynedd County Council. She has been instrumental in exposing institutional child abuse, and in 1996 won the Campaign for Freedom of Information Award in this area. Her interests include classical and baroque music, art and writing. Her other books include Unsafe Convictions and The House of Women.