Beneath the Abbey Wall by A. D. Scott

There is a black bundle on the steps by the abbey; a hand extends from it.  No one can guess the ramifications of this woman's murder; it makes for a very interesting tale.

Atria Books and Edelweiss allowed me to download this ebook for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

Mrs. Smart was invaluable in the newspaper office and no one there could believe she was dead.  One of the staff was so devastated, he left and took up residence at the local pub.

This is a mix of past and present troubles with secrets that have been undisclosed for years.  The story is set in Scotland and the author describes the area well.  She was born there, so she shares her impressions of the land.  You have the murdered woman, tinkers (gypsies), two men, and an Indian servant as beneficiaries in her will.  No one is without sin in some form or another.  And they are all intertwined with Mrs. Smart's life and death.

It's a good read.  The kicker is the ending.  After all the investigative work, the answer chosen is not the right one.  You'll have to read it to find out the ironic answer.  You'll especially enjoy it if you like in-depth mysteries. 

Happy reading.