Declan’s Cross by Carla Neggers

Part mystery, part romance, part Irish travelogue, Declan’s Cross is a satisfying mix. A decade old art heist keeps Emma Sharpe involved, while a new murder keeps Colin Donovan busy. Joining Sharpe and Donovan are Julianne, the other Donovan brothers, an Irish priest, a sheep farmer and assorted denizens of the village of Declan’s Cross. After a slow start, necessary to introduce the several characters and puzzles, the story is engaging and full of twists and turns. The romance travels by fits and starts but is ultimately satisfying. The plot is solid with enough mystery left to encourage a wait for the next book in this series.