Patricia Hall has been developing a lovely series about her two protagonists Michael Thackerey and Laura Ackroyd and this is the 3rd or 4th book in the series. If you're following the Thackery-Ackroyd relationship, you will want to read this book since it provides insight into Thackery's struggles with his past. I know a man like Thackery, dealing with the death of his child, and I have to believe that Hall must also. In addition, Thackery is what some call a "fallen-away Catholic" and being in that category myself, I understand some of his angst.
Hall also has a political message--though her main characters are relatively neutral given their professions of news reporter and cop--and since I am of the liberal persuasion and agree with her message, I enjoy her books. Social conservatives won't like her books. A few of us Anglophiles are also of a socialist leaning however, and for us she is pure gold. What sort of people can deny the poor health care!!!
In the DEAD OF WINTER/IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER a number of folks need health care. There's plenty of murder and mayhem including angry parents who stage protest rallies to block eco-bashing trucks from destroying the peace and quiet and safety of a small village. There's not a lot of humour in this book but I love the names of the greedy corporate types--Cheetam and Moore.
This is a great book. Find it and read it.