Pagan Spring by G.M. Malliet

In this third mystery set in the village of Nether Monkslip, vicar Max Tudor is asked to assist the authorities with the investigation into the murder of Thaddeus Bottle, an actor/playwright who had recently moved back to the area.  Bottle, pompous and unfriendly, had made several enemies since his arrival.  His wife, Melinda, also has not been secretive that their marriage was an unhappy one.  Will Max's likable nature (and his MI5 background) help him find the killer? An enjoyable, leisurely-paced cozy. Perfect for readers who enjoy the Penny Brannigan series by Elizabeth J. Duncan and Caroline Graham's Chief Inspector Barnaby mysteries.