Renée's small fictional rural town of Porohiwi is once again the scene of a murder. But why would anyone kill grumpy old mask collector Matthew Derrell in his home?
Blood Matters is award-winning playwright and novellist Renée's second crime novel.
In it, Puti has taken over both guardianship of her 10-year-old niece Bella Rose and ownership of the local bookshop, "Mainly Crime", after the death of her sister.
Ōtaki-based Renée says she doesn't dwell on the forensics in her books. She's far more interested in the impact of a murder on the small community she's created.
Lynn Freeman asks her what she enjoys about writing crime stories.
Blood Matters by Renée is published by The Cuba Press.