Last Boat to Camden Town, by Paul Charles (Bloodlines, The Do-Not Press, £7 in UK)

Second outing for Detective Inspector Christy Kennedy of the London CID. A body is discovered at the bottom of the Regent's Canal, near Camden Town in North London. Softspoken Christy, with a Morselike aversion to viewing dead bodies, investigates, aided and abetted by local journalist ann rea (whose name is always spelt in lower case). Did the victim, Dr Berry, jump, or was he pushed? And how does his death tie in with the mysterious demise of teacher Susanne Collins? Kennedy and rea form a sympathetic partnership, the London background is knowing and well-sketched in, the story-line leisurely but inventive. Author Charles was born in Magherafelt and is one of Europe's leading music promoters and agents. He can write a bit, too.