The Glass Pass

This wasn't the adventure any of them had in mind when they set out on their various quests to Glasgow, from their quaint pocket of Scotland. But here they are, hiding out in a long-lost spy station, courtesy of Sergeant Tom Armstrong and his young colleague Calum, until a man-on-the-run, who is threatening the lives of the local politician and his top secret VIP, is apprehended.

The scuppered travelers include Inez Blair, heading to her reluctant TV debut with her grown-up niece and seventy-one strawberry tarts. Usually so serene, she's nervous but excited, and doesn't want to let her niece down in this important step in her media career. There's the future Laird of Glenberry and his friend, who are helping a young wife flee her dangerous husband, but the Laird-to-be has more at stake than he is willing to confess. Finally, there's a harried mum in a neon hat, escaping for a fun night away with her bestie.

Working together to help police on the ground, connections are discovered and alliances formed. Meanwhile, Inez and Tom, with no reason to think they've met before, grapple with an elusive feeling of nostalgia when they find themselves alone together, as they increasingly do. You will fall in love with the quirky ensemble cast, and delight in discovering their heartwarming back-stories and the identity of the fun VIP.

Fans of Anxious People will enjoy the cloistered setting, the warmth of the characters, and the twists and surprises, big and small, the whole way through. The style will appeal to readers who appreciate authors like Iain Banks and Val McDermid, who don't shy away from the Scots language and Scotland's parochial traits, flattering or otherwise. If you're looking for a mood-booster with a touch of poignancy and oodles of empathy, this is the book for you.