Best of the series so far. The coroner Dr. Cate Spencer is back, a known entity I could dive right in with. After a brief recap of her investigation into her brother Jason's death in the Congo, she assists at the murder scene outside a Quebec neighbour's home and lends a hand with the investigation. Setting plays a stronger role on this outing, sharing a strong taste of Quebec's eastern townships and a deeper look into Cate's past as she revisits her old stomping grounds. Cate is more self-aware this time, learning to recognize and manage her worst habits without losing her edge. She's also no longer a beginner at murder investigation, identifying and following the clues to unravelling not only a murder but also the mystery of some fabled lost gold. References to Jess Novak and Detective Lemieux from the first book begin to tie the series more closely together. Extra points for bringing Rose back, a side character who isn't dismissed and forgotten after making herself important to the hero. Also have to say (whether or not we see her again), I like Madge a lot. ( )