Death in Donegal
This book is brilliant. In some ways, it's the usual murder mystery, with the obligatory strained relations between the protagonist and the establishment to which he belongs, as well as a newly refound lover, a painful past, and other plot devices we've seen before. But the characters are believable, and I found that I cared what happened to them. Best of all, though, the main character in many ways is northern Donegal. As I read, I followed the story on the map, and it was almost like an actual visit. The author clearly knows the area well and thinks highly of its people. A thoroughly enjoyable read -- and I'm waiting impatiently for the promised sequel.