Ragged Alice    by Gareth L. Powell Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2019 (2019) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In Gareth L. Powell's Ragged Alice, DCI Holly Craig is not happy to be back in the small Welsh coastal town of Pontyrhudd. She was orphaned there as a child and a near drowning left her with the very uncomfortable ability to see people's souls. Though this has made her a very successful police officer, it has also driven her to drink. The story opens on her return fifteen years after she left, with a hit-and-run murder. Holly investigates with the help of her young associate DS Scott Fowler, and later with the aid of journalist Amy Lao. The boyfriend the victim quarreled with is the obvious suspect, but then he's found murdered, and the gruesome M.O. matches that of the killing of Holly's mother long before. More deaths follow and the pressure to close the investigation increases. Holly is attacked. She finds a connection to an old army base, and to her own past. She does close the case but keeps some secrets close. There's a strong psychic element to this mystery. I enjoyed it and hope we'll read more of Holly Craig's exploits. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews