Hardcover

When a gaudy, half-million-dollar mausoleum invades the 300-year-old village cemetery in Newbury, Connecticut, realtor Ben Abbott is not happy.

Newcomer Brian Grose's tall, wide, mirror-polished eruption of eternal ego sticks out in the peaceful burying ground like a McMansion in an apple orchard. Ben's fellow drinkers at the bar have nicknamed the monstrosity, "McTomb." But no one expected to find Brian's body locked in his mausoleum, 50 years ahead of schedule.

Then Homeland Security Immigration Criminal Enforcement agents (ICE) descend on Newbury hunting for Charlie Cubrero, an illegal immigrant farm hand-and supposed gang leader-who bought a gun after he was stiffed for 50 bucks by Brian Grose.

Ben Abbott doesn't buy it. Half the town was in the graveyard celebrating Newbury's tercentennial when Brian was shot and most of them were mad at him. Besides, Ben admires the hard-working Charlie. And he fears that the news that the illegal worked for the Village Cemetery Association will destroy the venerable society already torn asunder by suing and countersuing anti-mausoleum traditionalists and pro-mausoleum insurgents.

“What a civilized pleasure awaits readers inside the handsomely designed doors of Justin Scott's McMansion. In today's world of too many mysteries too closely-spaced, over-sized and under-crafted, Scott's new Ben Abbott novel is designed like a fine house with the rare traditional delights of appealing characters, authentic setting, witty social comedy, and a really good suspenseful plot. So pull up a comfortable chair by the classic fire and enjoy your stay in McMansion.”
Michael Malone, Author of Uncivil Seasons

“Scott's satisfying fourth installment of his Ben Abbott series... will resonate with those in the countless communities that are beset by real estate monstrosities.”
Publishers Weekly

Hardcover

"This is a sophisticated, intelligent novel, among the best of American crime-writing." Sunday Telegraph

"Smooth, sardonic, impeccably argued, immaculately written." Literary Review

"A wonderful read." Sunday Times

Trade Paperback
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Trade Paperback
Click for New York Times review