The Alpine Recluse By Mary Daheim

The Alpine Recluse is the 18th book in the Emma Lord series by Mary Daheim. I haven't read any of the other books but am looking forward to doing so.
Emma Lord is the editor of the small town newspaper 'The Alpine Advocate'. The action starts when Emma is awaken on a hot August night by the sounds of sirens. She gets up to find that a neighbor's house is in flames. When the fire is finally out, the owner's body is found in the debris and Sheriff Milo Dodge believes that he was dead before the fire started.
As Emma and her House and Homes editor Vida Runkel pursue the story they find themselves looking into the private lives of some of Alpine's most respectable citizens. Emma also finds herself looking for and wondering about Old Nick, a hermit who has been seen about town with unusual frequency lately.
As rumors and gossip fly from one end of the town to the other, Emma and Vida try to sort out the truth. However the truth is something that they would never contemplate.
This is an excellent mystery with a real twist for an ending. If your looking for an enjoyable read this is it.