Death on the Hill is James R. Snedden's mystery debut.

Jeremy Dawkins is an investigative reporter, vacationing in southern California at a friend's home. His friend, Bill, has recently purchased a local, weekly newspaper. Soon after Jeremy's arrival in southern Cal, there is a bizarre murder that the local police won't be able to solve with standard police procedures. Bill solicits Jeremy to use his investigative reporting skills to help with the crime and his newspaper.

Jeremy is able to "scoop" all other newspapers and the police with the victim's true identity. Also, while searching her office, he sees a photo of the victim with two Chinese men. He remembers one of the men from being involved in the Democratic National Committee fundraising scandal. He discovers the other man is a leader of the Triad (Asian mafia).

Through a contact in Washington, D.C., Jeremy obtains three local Asian sources. They assist him in gaining information from influential leaders in the community, along with the arrival of two detectives from Hong Kong.

Using all of their resources, they are able to provide the police with the murderer and Bill with several newsbreaking articles for his newspaper. Jeremy also finds a little time for sunshine and socialization during the vacation.

James Snedden has written an intriguing story, with interesting characters and a fascinating plot. The story moved very quickly, with a lot of energy. At times it felt a little unrealistic to me, but it held my attention and I wanted to find out what happened. Very unusual ending!