A bitter feast : a novel
(Book)

"Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds, one of Britain's most enchanting regions, famous for its rolling hills, sheep-strewn green meadows, golden cottages, and picturesque villages. Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the family estate of Melody Talbot, Gemma's detective sergeant. The Talbots are wealthy and prominent, and poweful--Melody's father is the publisher of one of London's largest newspapers. A centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity harvest luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After fifteen years in London's cutthroat food scene, Viv has returned to the Glouscestershire valleys of her childhood and quickly makes a name for herself with her innovative meals based on traditional cuisine using fresh local ingredients. But a tragic car accident and a series of mysterious deaths rock the estate and pull Duncan and Gemma into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the killer has a connection to Viv's pub--or, perhaps, to Beck House itself. Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it closer, woven into the tangled relationships and bitter resentments between the staff at Beck House and Viv's new pub? Or is it more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv and those closest to her?" --book jacket