I knew Harold when he was writing his Northwest novels, and helped to edit some of the manuscript copies, and I came across his other novels. This one is a murder mystery told from a right-wing viewpoint, but the politics takes second place to compelling and demanding characters and plot. There is also a supernatural element which influences both Matt Redmond, the hero, and heather Lindstrom, a new arrival to Chapel Hill.
Covington evokes the world of autumn in North Carolina, as well as loss and the need for justice. All the characters play a vital part in this, and Harold demonstrates a compassion and depth for human needs and failings that would surprise most readers.
There's also an autobiographical element here, with a nutty, mendacious father and insane brother.
Rozanov is a Russian who comes late in the book, but plays an important part, and gives Harold a chance to show off his Russian and understanding of both national character, and deliver some pithy comments on communism, good and evil, and innocent people getting caught in other's mechanations.
Harold used Matt and Heather in other books, and this was a compelling and enjoyable read, with lots of underlining. Pacing is very good, and a spiritual center to this book is comforting.
He also wrote an insightful and amusing essay on the perils of getting published, and why he went to self-publishing.