The Dead of Winter

I had some difficulty locating this book and ended up buying a copy of IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER from Alibris. The DEAD OF WINTER is the U.S. title of the book sold in the Britain as IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER and the two books are 99% alike. My understanding is that the U.S. editors change words, phrases, etc. they think Americans won't understand, which is silly because one of the reasons many Americans read British mysteries is because they LIKE the Brits and want to learn more about them. For example, would you understand "the labors of Causabon"? Hint--has to do with MIDDLEMARCH. 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.