Through a Camel’s Eye, by Dorothy Johnson

A case of an abducted camel becomes a murder mystery in the sleepy Victorian seaside town of Queenscliffe. Rookie cop Anthea, reluctantly deployed to the country, gradually comes to terms with her new circumstances and her new boss. Mild-mannered local cop Chris has to learn to trust and accept help from his new offsider. More than a crime drama or police procedural, the novel is an ode to quirky country towns and their characters, painting both lovingly without ignoring their flaws. The language is lyrical, evoking a strong sense of place. Some convenient coincidences allow the crime to be solved, but not at the expense of the overall story arc, which is satisfyingly resolved.