There is something about a Scottish detective.  Something about the often cold and rainy city of Glasgow that lends itself to determined and forthright policing. In Caro Ramsay’s second novel, Singing to the Dead, the Partickhill squad is facing severe staff shortages at Christmas because of the holidays and a particularly vicious form of the flu. With so few people available, the disappearance of two small boys could not come at a worse time for DI Colin Anderson and DS Costello.  Still reeling from the death of their former boss and mentor, they have not yet adjusted to the newest head of the department. The stress of a squad that doesn’t trust itself adds to problems at home to make the team function at less than its best and puts the lives of two young boys at risk.

The squad is stretched thin canvassing, searching, and struggling with the disappearance of two boys when a routine house fire turns into a murder inquiry.  The elderly victim comes complete with a greedy family with a possible motive, but when other, unconnected, victims begin appearing, it becomes clear that this murderer is the most dangerous type of all, a seemingly random poisoner, and one that will not stop until caught. Although the disappearance of the boys feels more central, this mystery is also compelling and well thought out, and where it crosses with other crimes, even more deadly.

Caro Ramsay does an excellent job evoking Glasgow and the police force without seeming derivative. The characters are strong and original.  DI Costello, especially, is a refreshing character: a strong-willed woman who seems complete in and of herself.  She is comfortable accepting help from friends and offers her strength and assistance in return. There is no assumption that she must find a partner of any sort, and she is a gifted and trustworthy investigator.  Her character is especially evident when dealing with DS Lewis, the newest addition to the team.  Lewis’ use of her femininity is in stark contrast to Costello, and Costello’s reliance on her abilities as a detective, instead of short skirts and high heels, highlights Costello’s strength as both a detective and a woman–and make Lewis seem even less useful than she might be otherwise.

As the investigation into the disappearance of the boys continues and more victims fall to the mysterious poisoner, it becomes clear that a famous singer, recently returned to Scotland with his pregnant girlfriend, has spent some time skirting the law in several countries. Costello finds a fragile bond with the girlfriend and must use every skill she possesses to make sure that justice is done before the singer leaves the country again. It becomes clear that the Partickhill team is stretched to the breaking point, and their fragility puts the lives of one of their own at risk.

Ramsay juggles all of these mysteries, and the private lives and sorrows of her characters, with admirable aplomb. The story moves quickly and the characters are individual and interesting–even the new boss and her hand-picked assistant are given backgrounds and a context that deepens them to more than just antagonists.  This is the sort of book that is perfect for a plane journey, a slow weekend, or a sunny vacation.  It’s no surprise that Absolution, Ramsay’s first novel, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger award – hopefully these two books are the start of a long and mysterious series.

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