Death at a Scottish Halloween

The Scottish Isle Mysteries Book 5

Author:    Lucy Connelly

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798892426459

Crooked Lane Books

272 Pages

$27.90; $14.99 Amazon

August 11. 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Dr. Emilia McRoy stumbles upon a dead body in a haunted house, she resolves to find the killer before another body can fall.

It's the week of Halloween -- or as they say in Scotland, All Hallows' Eve -- and the town of Sea Isle is full of spooky celebrations.  Dr. Emilia McRoy loves being part of her new community and is eager to help out in any way she can.  But the festivities are interrupted when she and her assistant, Abigail, find a dead body in a haunted house.  A real one.  They're too late to save the victim, but they'll do whatever it takes to find the killer.

There's just one problem: There are too many suspects.

Constable Ewan would prefer the good doctor and her friends stay out of the investigations, but that isn't how Dr. Em rolls.  As she and her gang investigate, they realize the killer is searching for something -- and has no problem murdering anyone who gets in the way of finding it.

Dr. Em must stay one step ahead if she's to survive this Halloween season alive -- either that or she might just end up the next victim.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Dr. Emilia McRoy moved to the small Scottish town of Sea Isle for a change from her life in a large American hospital, where she was head of ER.  But things weren't as she expected.  Not only is she the only doctor around, she's also become the coroner, which means her work is more involved than she expected.  She's also become involved in the local traditions, and has made some close friends in the process.

While working in a room in the "haunted house" along with her assistant Abigail, the last thing she expects is to go to the next room and find a dead body.  And the very last thing she expects is that her own knife is plunged into the victim's chest.  Now she's involved in another murder, and this one is a puzzle.

Which becomes a greater puzzle when the man's wife shows up -- a woman whom the victim's sister exclaims isn't -- and the wife, seeing the body, declares that she thought it was her husband, who has the same name and has been missing.  Then things take a turn for the worse, and Dr. Em realizes that there are just too many suspects -- who could be wearing costumes and masks, considering it's near All Hallows' Eve and the town is celebrating with different events.

After a series of incidents, Constable Ewan wants to give Em round the clock security, but she refuses.  Which might be a big mistake.  Then other incidents occur, and Em wonders who was the real victim: the first man murdered or someone else?  And are these cases connected?  More importantly, could this get her killed?

This is the fifth book in the series and I love it as much as the others.  Ms. Connelly is a talented writer, and she brings you to Sea Isle, Scotland with a touch of her pen.  The descriptions of the area around it makes me see it in my mind, and that's the important thing.  Because once you have the setting, it's easy to imagine the people.  The characters are in turn charming and secretive, open and closed.  It's anyone's guess who the killer might be, although Em's friends have their own opinions on who that person is.  The question is, are they correct?

While Em uses her skills as a doctor, she also uses her mental skills to figure out the truth.  But not without help from her friends, which frustrates Ewan, even though he knows he can't stop her.  He just hopes she also uses her common sense enough to stay away from a killer.

While we also have our characters living their own lives -- Tommy and his gardens, Abigail learning her relationship status with Henry, and even Em herself figuring out what she really wants.

When the end comes and everything is finally revealed, it's not what anyone expected to know.  (While I knew the murderer long before Em, but only because I read a lot of these) I still thoroughly enjoyed the ending, the catching of the murderer, and everything that we are looking forward to in the next book.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Scottish-Halloween-Isle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0G1X9KS32/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8930014584

More on Lucy Connelly's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lucy-connelly/

Murder at a Scottish Halloween

A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 8

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496757821

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$18.95; $9.99 Amazon

June 30, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As Halloween descends upon the Scottish seaside town of Nairn, reluctant sleuth and knitting enthusiast Paislee Shaw finds herself investigating how an ancient ghost inspired a modern murder...

While Paislee will be celebrating All Hallow's Eve by handing out candy to the trick or treaters at her Cashmere Crush sweater shop, her teenage son Brody seems to have given up the ghost.  Uninterested in donning a superhero or monster costume, he's just going to attend a party with his friends at the ice rink.

But Brody got swept up in the spirit of the season after all.  Dared by the older kids, he went to the supposedly haunted Rait Ruins to capture video of a vengeful ghost.  The local legend of the Rait Wraith has been passed down for generations -- and still gives Paislee the creeps.  While no specter actually roams the grounds, the lifeless body of university student Ailis Barclay is discovered there.

Ailis was at the ruins dressed as the ghost to prank Brody, only something went wrong.  With her son traumatized and deemed a suspect, it's up to Paislee to string together whether Ailis was a victim of the real Wraith of Rait Ruins -- or of someone dangerous among the living...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw lives in the small Scottish town of Nairn along with her thirteen-year-old son Brody and her grandfather Angus.  They've built a good life, and are happy.  She's also navigating her first time in love with DI Mack Zeffer, which only somewhat confuses things.

Halloween is approaching, and while Paislee and Angus would rather stay home and hand out candy, Brody wants to join his friends at the ice rink for the evening.  But when Paislee arrives to pick him up, he's obviously traumatized, and she has a hard time getting him to talk.

When he tells her that the Wraith of Rait Ruins came for him -- calling him by name -- she thinks it was a prank.  But when they return to the ruins to find Brody's dropped phone, Paislee finds the body of a young university student, Ailis Barclay.  Paislee knows things aren't going to be the same, and with Brody as a possible suspect, she knows she's going to investigate, even though Mack tells her not to.

With Guy Fawkes Day fast approaching, there is another problem.  The Ladies of Nairn are asking for Paislee's help in finding out who is menacing them -- and one of them wants her to provide bespoke knitted items for her son's upcoming wedding.

With so much to attend to, and her best friend Lydia returning from Germany to be with her on Paislee's birthday, she wonders if she'll have enough time in the day to do what is tasked.

But when things begin to heat up, and the fireworks start, there's more than meets the eye, and Paislee may have just put a target on her own head...

This is the eighth book in the series, and I have read them all.  Ms. Hall is an extremely talented writer, and each book, as it progresses, brings us right to the village of Nairn and its people.  I love 'emotional traveling' (when you can't physically travel, and author takes you there mentally and emotionally), and Ms, Hall is excellent at this.

There is a lot going on here, from the night of Halloween, right up until Paislee's birthday.  And so much in between, with the problems in town and hidden secrets; lies and half-truths/  Fortunately, Paislee has learned enough to see through it all; and with the help of Angus she's able to help Mack.  Yes, DI Zeffer actually asks for her help, which is a twist that no one saw coming.

But when the ending finally comes, and we discover the identity of the killer, no one will feel sorry, and neither should they.  Evil exists, even if you don't always see it.  I am loath to add anything else because I do not want to ruin the story for anyone, but I urge you to read this one.  But there is a lovely silver lining that makes me want to read the next in the series right now.  Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Halloween-Shire-Mystery-ebook/dp/

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8395997134

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Murder at the Scottish Games

 A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 7

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496754677

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$17.95; $9.99 Amazon

November 25, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Highland Games have taken over the quaint seaside village of Nairn, Scotland -- and the life of sweater shop owner, knitting enthusiast, and busy single mom Paislee Shaw...especially when a killer enters the competition!

Paislee Shaw is no stranger to managing tricky tangles, but mid-August spins her world into more chaos than she ever could have imagined.  Between her teenage son's moody antics, friends making life-changing decisions, and the looming Nairn Highland Games, evenings with fellow crafts of the Knit and Sip crew are her one escape.  But when she joins the organizing committee, Paislee is instantly plunged into a whirlwind of clashing personalities and scandalous mishaps...

The festivities unravel faster than a dropped stitch when heavy throwing competitor Artie Whittle is accused of cheating -- and his ill-tempered father is found murdered the next day.  With Artie unconscious and pegged as the prime suspect, Paislee and DI Zeffer team up to untangle the truth.  Navigating a cast of unusual suspects -- from jealous judges to grudge-holding locals -- Paislee must weave together clues hidden amidst caber tosses, kilts, and a killer who only plays to win...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw lives with her son Brody and grandfather in their small town of Nairn, Scotland.  She owns a yarn shop which fortunately is doing well.  Volunteering to help with the annual Nairn Highland games should be easy enough -- that is, until she finds that there is plenty of friction between others involved.  Her employee is dating one of the entrants - Artie Whittle -- but her parents think he's not good enough, though she stays close.  When Artie is accused of cheating in the caber throw, he denies it, and his father Joseph is angered enough to confront the man who accused him.  In fact, Paislee learns later that Artie's father is not only full of anger, he's also a philanderer, and just downright mean.

Which doesn't mean that he should be murdered, but that's exactly what happens -- and Artie is the prime suspect.  Paislee wants to believe him innocent; if not for herself, then for her employee, but who would want to kill him?  As it turns out, many people, including his long-suffering wife.  But would she go that far?  

When DI Zeffer turns up, it turns up feelings in Paislee that she never expected to feel.  It also turns up questions she never wanted to answer, and even questions her son never knew existed.  Now, with the murder first and foremost, Paislee must put her personal feelings aside -- even though she doesn't really want to -- and concentrate on the here and now,  And that means Brody comes first, even at her own cost.

\

But can Paislee find a killer, keep Mack Zeffer at bay, and keep Brody close?  These are questions that need answers, and Paislee is at once confused and determined...if she can find a killer before they strike again...

This is the seventh book in the series and I have loved them all.  The author brings us to Scotland with ease, and describes the surrounding areas, which makes me want to visit.  She also engulfs us in the lives of Paislee, her family, and her close friends; and we find that things are changing; whether it is wanted or not.

As to the murder, there are people to sift through, and they all seem to have secrets of their own that somehow connect them to the dead man.  While Zeffer is looking through his clues and conducting investigations, Paislee is sifting through her own.  

When the ending comes and we finally figure out the identity of the killer, Paislee discovers it also, and it leads to a climax that is worth the wait.  At the end, the epilogue is worth reading the book alone, and I am glad that I was given the chance to do so.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review. 

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Games-Shire-Mystery/dp/1496754670/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7701335972

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Death on a Scottish Train

 A Scottish Isle Mystery #4

Author:    Lucy Connelly

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9798892421911

Crooked Lane Books

320 Pages

$29.99; $14.99 Amazon

October 14, 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Summer is coming to a close on beautiful Sea Isle in Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is celebrating one year since her big move.  With a weeklong festival to end the season, the town gathers for a magical ride on the newly refurbished Storyteller's Train, but the launch's success is dampened by an unexpected death.

What appears to be a case of deadly allergies is soon revealed as murder.  As Emilia, her assistant Abigail, and the local constable Ewan McGregor unravel the mystery, the killer sets their murderous intentions on them.

If they want to survive, they will need the help of all of their friends -- before they become the latest victims.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

ER physician Dr. Emilia McRoy emigrated to Scotland to become Sea Isle's doctor/coroner.  She's encountered many a patient, and even some dead bodies that turned out to be homicide.  But this one is strange.  While attending the newest tourist attraction in their village, the refurbished and renewed Storyteller's Train, she discovers a dead man in a small room.  When trying to figure out how he died, she comes across the fact that he died from allergies.  Or so she thinks.  It's not long before she and her assistant Abigail find out the man was murdered.

Digging into his past, she and constable Ewan McGregor learn that he had many enemies.  He was an accountant, and they find that he has been cheating his clients.  Lots of bad blood there.  But who was the killer?  His partner?  His so-called friends?  Or someone they haven't discovered yet?  With the help of her friends, Emilia sees that this isn't going to be easy...and someone doesn't want her to find out anything else...

This is the fourth book in the series, and I do like the way things are progressing.  We get to see a bit more about her Scottish friends, and even Em's life is proceeding in a way she never expected, and she's at a loss somewhat.  But it's a lovely procession forward, and I enjoyed it.

The mystery is very intriguing, and not so easy to figure out who the murderer is, which I really like.  Although there are many times I know right away who the killer is, I find it refreshing when it takes me longer -- just like the protagonist -- to figure it all out.  This is one of those books, and really worth reading.

The plot is great in itself, but there are even subplots that are also a good part of the book.  They don't take away from the mystery, but add to it, along with other clues.  The clues aren't that easy to find, but they are there just the same.

Without giving anything else away, I will say that this book is delightful, full of secrets and suspense, and definitely worth the time.  I enjoyed it immensely and cannot recommend it enough.

I was given an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Scottish-Train-Isle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DT27NBQH/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7459789800

More on Lucy Connelly's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lucy-connelly/

Murder at a Scottish Christmas

A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 6

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744395

Kensington Cozies

320 Pages

$17.95; $9.99 Amazon

September 24, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All Paislee wants for Christmas is for her new home to be finished, but it looks like she'll have to wait for New Year's Day.  Whether the paint on the walls has dried or not, she'll host a feast for her twelve-year-old son Brody, Grandpa, their black Scottish terrier Wallace, and friends -- including police station receptionist Amelia Henry and her brother McCormac, whose black locks can fulfill the Scottish first-footer tradition that a tall, dark-haired man should be the first person to enter your home on New Year's to bring good luck.

But McCormac's luck is about to run out.  During Hogmanay -- when the Scots welcome the New Year with dancing, bonfires, and midnight fireworks -- he collapses as the sky brightens in a blaze of color.  A shooter has used the noise of the fireworks to hide a gun's blast.  Amelia is inconsolable, and Paislee vows to do whatever she can to help DI Zeffer solve the murder -- even if it puts her in the killer's sights next.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw owns Cashmere Crush, a yarn shop in Scotland.  She lives with her young son Brody, her Grandpa, and their Scottish terrier Wallace.  Since a pipe burst in her home leaving her with an unusable house, she's been staying in her best friend Lydia's condo.  But it's the holidays, and she wants to be back in her own home for Christmas.  But it can't be done until the repairs are finished -- so she'll just have to make do.  

So she decides to have Christmas dinner at a local hotel, and invites her friend, police receptionist, Amelia Henry, to join her.  Amelia shows up with her brother McCormac, who's come from Ireland to see her.  It's obvious he's more than a little drunk, it's no hardship when he leaves early.

Fortunately, Lydia was able to offer incentive to the workers and Paislee is thrilled with her new kitchen.  So much so, she'll be able to offer the traditional buffet feast to friends and family.  But Hogmanay night -- New Year's Eve -- McCormac collapses, and everyone thinks he's just drunk.  Except he's not.  And now Amelia wants Paislee to find out who did this to McCormac, because she's been placed on leave from the station due to McCormac being her brother.  Can Paislee find the killer?  Or will it be something else that leads her to the truth?...

This is the sixth book in the series and I've enjoyed them all.  The first one was a tad confusing, with the Scottish dialect, but I've picked up on what the words mean in English, so it's a breeze to get through (Scotland, here I come!).  There are two plots in this tale -- one, the death of McCormac, and two, the pups that he gave to his sister and family as Christmas presents.  I will say no more on the subject, as giving too much away (what I've said in the beginning is done early on), and I will not spoil the book for others.

Paislee tries to keep out of the investigation, but Amelia is desperate on two counts, and unfortunately, Paislee is drawn in once again to a murder investigation.  There is also the problem of Hamish, who wants to keep seeing Paislee, and DI Zeffer, who is causing problems for her in more ways than one.

The clues are there along the way, but not easy to find; I appreciate this as I love nothing more than working my brain to put the puzzle together to find answers.  The murderer is indeed a surprise; again, another thing I truly enjoyed.  The ending comes together beautifully, and I will say that I hope things go in the direction that I think they are leading to.  A terrific cozy for Christmas, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review,

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Christmas-Shire-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CR712ZJT/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6865259755

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Death at a Scottish Christmas (A Scottish Isle Mystery Book 3)

Author:    Lucy Connelly

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781639109302

Crooked Lane Books

274 pages

$29.99; $17.99 Amazon

October 15, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sea Isle, Scotland, is magical during the holiday season, and Dr. Emilia McRoy can't wait to enjoy everything her village has to offer.  Butt when the lead singer of a famous band is murdered in the village, just as they were about to launch a world tour, her holiday instantly comes to a halt.

As the band's future hangs in the balance, Emilia discovers that the victim was working on new music that has since disappeared.  Were these new lyrics worth killing for?  And if so, who is the culprit?  It seems more than one person wanted his music star dead.  Shockingly, beloved Constable Ewan Campbell becomes the prime suspect in the investigation, putting a damper on the town's festivities.

With an ever growing list of suspects, Emilia will need all the help she can get to figure out who is framing poor Ewan.  Between a secret Santa that wants her dead, stalkers, and killer holiday celebrations, Emilia must see the devil in the details and discover the truth before it's too late.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Dr. Emilia McRoy emigrated to Scotland after tragic events in Seattle.  She's not only their doctor, she's also their coroner.  But she's taken a month off to enjoy the holiday festivities and all of Sea Isle's decorations.  One of those events is watching a local band that made it big, and they've returned to their roots for a concert before a final tour.

After the band is stranded, the lead singer, Bram Stoker (not that Bram Stoker, obviously!) takes a liking to the doctor and asks her for a dance that night.  The town constable, and chief landowner, Ewan Campbell, dislikes Bram but doesn't tell Em why.  Still, she enjoys her evening and is surprised when she's called to the beach about a dead person.  Finding Bram's body, she doesn't think it was a natural one, and is conducting tests to see if she's right.

But when it's discovered that it truly was murder, Ewan, who has a past with the man, becomes the main suspect and a London officer is sent down to conduct the investigation.  After a rocky start, the two women begin to get along, although the officer has her own issues with the investigation as well.  

When there's a vicious attack on someone Em cares for, things become even messier, and she knows she has to find out who had the best motive to kill the man.  But it won't be easy, and between Christmas festivities and doing her job, someone is out to kill again...

This is the third book in the series and I quite enjoyed it as much as the last one.  It's Christmas time in Sea Isle, and the town has gone all out in decorations and festivities.  While Em is charmed by this, she's not charmed by the bitter cold and all the snow.  Still, she's promised to be a part of it, so a part of it she will be.  She also didn't sign up to find another dead body, nor that it's someone well-known and well-loved by others.

But was he, really?  In doing her job, she questions the other band members what they know about his past, and she finds that they like fighting with each other more than anything...at least that's what they do.  It makes her suspicious of each and every one of them, but could one of his band mates truly kill?  Or was it a stalker?  Or a crazed fan?

She's also dealing with people who are stuck in Sea Isle due to the snow, trying to decorate her own home, reporters trying to get an inside story, and someone else who is injured while trying to help.  Em just might be in over her head this time...

I don't want to say any more about the book in order not to ruin it for others, but I will say the story is riveting and had me reading it in one sitting.  There's a lot going on here, along with too many secrets and lies, and also quite a few suspects.  It's a fun read for the Christmas holiday (or even before); when the killer is revealed it comes as a complete surprise, which is the best part.  Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Scottish-Christmas-Isle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CSFGDQGH/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6332904246

More on Lucy Connelly's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lucy-connelly/

Murder At A Scottish Castle (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 5)

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496744371

Kensington Cozies

304 Pages

$16.95; $9.99 Amazon

January 23, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

With the summer days getting shorter in the seaside village of Nairn, the annual bagpiping competition at Ramsey Castle promises to be quite the end-of-season blowout.  Paislee has snagged a special invitation from the dowager countess, who wants to showcase her cashmere goods in the castle gift shop, and she's brought her son Brody, Grandpa, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace.

There's a fierce rivalry between Robert Grant, the Earl of Lyon, and last year's winner Jory Baxter, with Grant loudly vowing to show up the blowhard Baxter and claim clan bragging rights.  But the reigning champion has barely put the reed to his lips when he turns red and collapses, soon to take his dying breath.  DI Zeffer suspects foul play.

With a possible murderer in their midst, the rest of Nairn won't breathe easy until Paislee applies her sleuthing skills to make sure justice is served and the killer pays the piper...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw owns Cashmere Crush, a yarn shop specializing in high-end products.  She also sells her own designs online and has garnered a following so well that the Dowager Countess of Lyon, Sorcha, has asked her to bring some items to sell in her castle's gift shop.  Paislee is surprised but happy, especially when it coincides with the annual bagpiping completion which is to be held at Ramsey Castle.  Along with her is her son Brody, her grandpa, and their Scottish terrier, Wallace.  All seems to be going well until one of the pipers -- last year's winner -- blows a couple of notes and collapses.  When he dies at the hospital, it's at first deemed an accident, but then DI Zeffer steps in and isn't so sure.

Neither is the Dowager Countess.  She asks for Paislee's help in proving her son Robert's innocence.  While Paislee isn't thrilled, she's rather stuck as she doesn't want to risk not selling her items, nor the displeasure of both the countess and her friend Lady Leery.  So Paislee agrees, but she doesn't expect what happens next...

There's an unavoidable disaster that puts part of her life on hold, and she starts falling into depression; but her best friend Lydia steps in and won't allow it.  Unfortunately, Lydia can temporarily fix one, but not the other, which means there's a killer still out there somewhere...

This is the fifth book in the series and I have read them all.  I also have loved them all.  I'm even reading Scottish idioms without a problem, and just breezing through these books.  The plot is done very well, and Ms. Hall is very good at what she does -- which is to bring the reader into her books and these in particular, almost as if we were visiting Scotland ourselves (not a bad idea!)

I have become quite fond of all of the characters and their quirks, and Paislee has begun to grow a little bit more, which is a good thing.  I hope to see her let go a little and let life happen, but time will tell.  The 'guest' characters -- those of Castle Ramsey -- are written as they should be, although like Paislee, I do believe that the earl is a bit arrogant, but then again, he was probably raised that way.  And I do like Zeffer quite a bit as well.  He's intelligent and knowing, but reserved; just as a DI should be.  

The murderer was unexpected and came out of left field, but that's what a good mystery should do, right?  In the end, the reason for the murder was as twisted as can be in a murderer's mind, but ah, well, it all turned out right after all, and I await the next mystery eagerly.  I cannot wait to see what is next in store for Paislee and her clan.  Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Castle-Mystery-Shire-ebook/dp/B0C3WTZYGT/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5837869486

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Death at a Scottish Wedding (A Scottish Isle Mystery Book 2)

Author:    Lucy Connelly

Genre:     Mystery

Hardcover; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781639105410

Crooked Lane Books

272 Pages

$29.99; $17.99 Amazon

January 9, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Finally feeling like Sea Isle , Scotland is becoming her new home, American doctor Emilia McRoy is delighted when she is invited to a wedding at Morrigan's Castle.  Her friends have warned her that it's a three-day party and it's bound to get wild, not to mention the impending snowstorm.  Constable Ewan Campbell, owner of the castle, ensures their safety with the blizzard.  What he doesn't ensure, is that all of his guests would survive the night alive.  When Emilia explores the impressive castle, she finds a dead man in one of the turrets.

The snowstorm hits and the local police can't reach the castle until it lets up.  With no one able to leave, the family insists they carry on with the wedding, which makes Emilia's job as the coroner a bit easier -- the suspects are in one place -- and complicated because the killer has Emilia in his sights.  The fact no one claims to know the victim isn't helping.  Why would someone no one knows be murdered at a castle in the middle of nowhere?

It's up to Emilia to uncover the mystery who the victim is, so the killer doesn't get away Scot free.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Dr. Emilia McRoy is an American transplant to Scotland.  She's accepted the position of Sea Isle's doctor and coroner.  However, when she's invited to a wedding at an historical castle, she doesn't expect to have to do either job.  It's a good thing her assistant Abigail keeps her traveling medical kit ready, because Dr. McRoy was wrong on both counts.

When she sees what she suspects is a murder, no one believes her.  At least until she finds a dead body in one of the turrets.  Now Constable Ewan Campbell knows there's a killer in their midst.  When a major snowstorm hits, everyone is trapped -- with the killer, no less.

After finally identifying the body, no one can figure why the dead man was there.  He wasn't an invited guest, but he did know several of those in attendance.  When the bride begins having "accidents" Emilia vows to keep an eye on her to find out who is trying to kill her.  But how can she do that without telling the guests someone was murdered?

Then the attacks escalate, and Emilia is now in the crosshairs.  She'll need to move fast if she wants to save the wedding, and more so, if she wants to save her own life...

This is the second book in the series and I am sad to say that I have not read the first.  But I plan to remedy that soon.  Ms. Connelly is a talented storyteller, and she writes with aplomb, bringing you into the Gothic atmosphere of an historical castle.  It makes one feel as if they are in Scotland, enjoying the festivities with the guests, although I'm not too sure about having to avoid a killer!

Once you begin reading, it is difficult to put this book down.  The tale weaves through the castle like a tapestry on the wall, bringing the threads together one by one and twisting them into a convoluted story of greed and revenge.  Of course, since those are two of the most ancient reasons for murder, they blend together well.

When we come to discovering the murderer and the reason why, it is almost too late for Emilia, but I loved how she managed to free herself (as we know she must since she is our protagonist) and give us a satisfactory ending to the murder.

In the epilogue, we have all that it should be and gives us a reason to read the next book, which I look forward to.  Highly recommended.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but it in no way influenced my review.

ttps://www.amazon.com/Death-Scottish-Wedding-Isle-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C1YC143B/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5750751121

More on Lucy Connelly's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/lucy-connelly/

Death in Paris (Mairi Maguire Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

Author:    Kate Darroch

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #    B09PMP4J6Y

Ad Astra Press, Inc.

181 Pages

$.99 Amazon

March 30, 2022

⭐⭐⭐

8:10 am on 15th August 1970.  They've been in Paris only 12 hours.  Lianna is locked up in jail, charged with murder. Màiri is being hunted by murderous criminals.  She never dreamt that travelling outside Scotland would be so dangerous.  Will Màiri ever again see her comfy home in Merrylea, her loving sisters Morag and Katriona, her schoolboy nephew Niall?

Major Ellis Peverel seldom leaves Màiri's side.  Respected by the Paris police, shrouded in secrets, who is this man?  Is he a true friend to Màiri or does he have an agenda of his own?

Who really killed the corrupt taxman for whose death Lianna has been framed.  Màiri has only 6 days to find the murderer.  Can she free Lianna in time?  Or must she choose between her friend's freedom and her own...if she's still alive.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Màiri Maguire is a schoolteacher who is on holiday at home, having the term ended.  She is hoping that her boyfriend of twelve years, Brian, who is returning from his work, will finally ask her to marry him.  But instead, he drops a bombshell on her that makes her want to get away quickly.  Fortunately, she has the perfect excuse: she's been asked to teach in Istanbul, and jumps at the chance, especially since she can choose her own assistant -- her best friend Lianna, who wants to leave for her own personal reasons.

But when they arrive on the first leg of their journey, they're in Paris, and just looking to have fun.  But fun isn't what they get when Lianna is arrested for murder, all because she had an altercation with the deceased, on the train to their destination.  Determined to prove Lianna innocent and get her out of jail, she's determined to find the killer.  

But there just might be too many suspects -- all of the people on the train that were in the same place as the now deceased man.  Fortunately, but also suspiciously, aiding her, is Major Ellis Peverel, who is everywhere Màiri is.  Is he one of the bad guys, or is he truly helping her?...

This is the first book in a new series, and I really wanted to like it.  Unfortunately, it felt like homework. You know, where you have a workbook and you have to figure out the answers?  There are even workbook pages with all the names and information, and you have to deduct and insert new information.  Admittedly, Màiri does this, but why are they there?  The plot should not be so convoluted that you have to have this in a book.  (Who was on the train, what time they arrived at the hotel, etc.).  This just seems like overkill.

Plus, there are just too many people.  Granted, it is easy early on to figure out who the 'bad guys' are, but so much intrigue that it just became tiresome.  This, I could even have gotten past; mainly because the writing was good, so I have to give that to the author.  However, what killed the book for me was the fact that I absolutely detest cliffhangers.  I feel like the author is holding her reader captive (Aha!  Now you need to read the next book!).  Yes, I understand it's a series.  But that doesn't make it right in my book.  So I don't know whether I will read the next or not.  Time will tell.

I was given a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Paris-Maguire-Mysteries-Murder-ebook/dp/B09PMP4J6Y/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4649091393

More on Kate Darroch's Books:    https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Darroch/e/B09TR1NZML/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Murder at a Scottish Social (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 3)

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Trade Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496726032

Kensington Publishing

304 Pages

$15.95; $9.99 Amazon

January 25, 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When a tainted Scottish shortbread cookie kills the Queen Bee of a competitive mom clique, Paislee Shaw, owner of Cashmere Crush sweater shop and knitting sleuth, must unravel the clues in the third installment of Traci Hall's Scottish Shire Mystery Series.

Opening her shop Cashmere Crush and making a home for herself, her son Brody, Gramps, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace in the beautiful Scottish village of Nairn is a dream come true.  So Paislee is happy to give back by donating a luxurious cashmere sweater for an auction to raise money for the Nairn Food Bank.  She's less happy to make the acquaintance of a clique of competitive moms at the charity event, who treat a baking contest like it's life or death.  It turns out to be the latter for Queen Bee Kristin Buchanan when a peanut-laced shortbread cookie triggers her fatal nut allergy.

Who would poison Kristin?  How about half the town?  But when Paislee's pal Blaise is suspected, the sweater-selling sleuth leaps into action to unravel the mystery.  Along with gruff but handsome DI Mack Zeffer, she has to sort through a batch of suspects without becoming this cookie-cutter killer's next target...

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw lives in the small town of Nairn in Scotland, along with her son Brody and grandfather Angus.  She owns Cashmere Crush, a yarn shop that supplies her with enough of a living to take care of the three of them.  When she's asked by her new friend Blaise to help with the Nairn Food Bank, Paislee agrees, happy to help those less fortunate, by donating a rich cashmere sweater for auction, along with selling her own goods, with a portion of the sales going to the food bank.  She's joined by her best friend Lydia, who has convinced her boss to donate a state-of-the-art item.  

Blaise is worried about her entry into the cookie contest, because she's moving her child from Highland Academy, due to the woman who runs the social camp.  When Paislee meets Kristin Buchanan, she feels her pointed barbs acutely, but manages to hold herself in check.  After seeing what Kristin says to her "friends" Christina and Mari, and deliberate barbs to Blaise, she understands why Blaise wants to move her family elsewhere.

Kristin has won the contest ever since it began three years ago and has no doubts she will win again.  But when she notices her cookies are plated differently, she pulls one of them from the wrapping and tastes it, immediately falling to the ground.  When her husband Gerard is in distress, Paislee does what she can -- trying to give the woman CPR while the ambulance is called.  But the police also arrive, and it's soon discovered that Kristin was murdered.

Paislee is determined to find out who killed Kristin, and why.  There's no dearth of suspects, since Kristin's tongued-lashing was felt by everyone around her.  Paislee also discovers that any one of them would have had a motive to do the woman in.  Now she must depend upon her own instincts and the help of Lydia and Blaise to find out who killed Kirsten -- and if that person is going to kill again...

This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them.  I do think that this one is the best, and it is certainly my favorite.  I cannot say any more about the book, because it will give away the plot.  I have said no more than what is in the blurb, but hopefully it will encourage others to read the book.

I do like the fact that Paislee has strong family feeling, and she is willing to work hard for everything she has.  She also is becoming much fonder of Angus than in the previous books, and this is shown by her words and actions both.  There are, of course, things I would like Paislee to change in her life, but I hope that eventually this will come about.

There are a couple of subplots that are also very interesting, and they added to the mystery instead of detracting from it.  As to the mystery itself, it was completely enthralling, and the murderer was a surprise of itself.  I did enjoy that immensely.  Saying all that I have, I hope others will pick up this book.  It is a very good mystery and worth the read.  Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Social-Shire-Mystery/dp/1496726030/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4235706456

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

The Father's Tale (A Disappearance Mystery Thriller Book 6)

Author:    Laura Greene

Genre:      Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B08YZBDB3Z

Independently Published

37 Pages

$.99 Amazon

July 15, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My father is dead, and Will Deacon did it.

Melody is desperate to uncover what Will is hiding in the basement.  A ploy to unveil his sinister plans, leaves Melody finding herself in danger in the final part of this tantalizing series.

What's worse than the imminent danger is what she finds out.  The secrets of the Deacon mansion come to an unexpected close.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In this final installment of the Disappearance series, Melody is left on the island with three men who are taking care of her.  But she needs to find her way back to the Deacon mansion to find out the truth of what happened to her father.  She knows he is more than likely dead, but she wants to know why.  She also believes Will Deacon is the culprit, and blames herself for falling for him.

Will Melody find the answers she is looking for?  Will she find out what happened to her father?  And more importantly, will she find out what is going on with the Deacon brothers and what they are trying to hide?  Or will this be the final journey for Melody herself?

As a conclusion to the six-part story, we have a short but gripping ending.  Melody is determined to get the answers she's been searching for, and we go with her, wondering what lies ahead and if all her questions will be answered.  Since this is a short installment, I will not give any more information than I already have so as not to spoil it for others who have not read it, but I will recommend this entire series to those who have not.  You will enjoy it.

https://www.amazon.com/Fathers-Tale-Disappearance-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B08YZBDB3Z/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4112139092

More on Laura Greene's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/g/laura-greene/

Who Do You Trust Now? (A Disappearance Mystery Thriller Book 5)

Author:    Laura Greene

Genre:     Suspense/Thriller

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B08YY5ZSS7

Amazon Publishing

55 Pages

$.99 Amazon

May 27, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Deserted and destitute of both friend and foe Melody camps out on the lonely island.  She decides to search the island for any sign of life in part five of this adventure-filled mystery thriller.

What she finds hidden in the dark woods is more than what she bargained for.  A ploy is underway and she must uncover who her real friends are.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In part five of this episodic thriller, Melody has been drugged and left on an island to fend for herself.  What she doesn't expect is to find clues that might lead her to what she's been searching for all along: her father.  When she least expects it, something occurs that makes her realize none of anything she's done has been an accident, and she might be the next victim...

I have enjoyed this series all along and reading it has kept me on the edge of my seat.  This installment is no different.  Melody is now on an island, wondering what is going to happen next, and how she's going to get herself back to the mainland.  Watching Melody follow the trail of her missing father is intriguing, and around every corner there very might be a friend or a foe.  But how to tell which is which?  And what is Melody going to do next?  Unfortunately, I have to wait for the next in the series, but I hope that it comes soon, since I'm pretty well invested in the story!  Recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Disappearance-Mystery-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B08YY5ZSS7/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4019187193

More on Laura Greene's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/g/laura-greene/

Murder in a Scottish Garden (A Scottish Shire Mystery Book 2)

Author:    Traci Hall

Genre:     Mystery

Trade Paperback; Digital Book

ISBN #:    9781496726018

Kensington Publishing

304 Pages

$14.49; $9.99 Amazon

May 25, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer...

Paislee's custom sweater and yarn business, Cashmere Crush, is the sole support for not only the single mum and her ten-year-old son Brody, but also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terirer.  So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she'll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him.

Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody's class will be visiting on a field trip.  So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone.  Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot.  It's not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery's nephew, Charles Thomson.  Gruff DI Mack Zeffer is on the case, but Paislee also has a stake in flushing out the shooter.  With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying tl lead her down the garden path....

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Paislee Shaw owns a yarn shop named Cashmere Crush, which she inherited from her late grandmother.  It's the sole source of income for her and her ten-year-old son, Brody.  Recently, her grandfather has come to live with her, and he helps with both the shop and Brody, which allows her to go on a field trip with Brody's class and keep the shop open.

Paislee's landlord has given everyone on the block eviction notices, and she doesn't want to move.  Therefore, when she goes to the Leery Estate to see the gardens, she intends to talk with Shawn Marcus, Lady Leery's son.  But shortly after arriving, she sees a man fall from the bushes, apparently dead.  At first she thinks it's Shawn, but later discovers it's his cousin Charles Thomson.  Little does Paislee know that this one act can embroil her in several uncomfortable situations, not the least among them of the possibility of losing both her shop and her home.

When another opportunity arrives to see Shawn, she jumps at it and in doing so draws herself even farther into the murder investigation, to the consternation of DI Zeffer, who wants her to steer clear completely.  But Paislee has a stake in the game, and she's not going to let a little thing like a murderer on the loose stop her...

This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it quite as much as the first.  I love the small village of Nairn and the closeness of its residents.  It's hard in this day and age to find somewhere where people care and look out for each other.  It gives a warm feeling inside.  Paislee does not go looking for trouble, nor is she what I would consider nosy.  She's caring.  She sees people with problems and tries to help them if she can.  When she is thrust into the investigation, she naturally wants to get to the truth, and people talk to her while they won't talk to DI Zeffer.  

She has a loving relationship with her son, and a growing one with her grandfather, who's only been in her life a short while.  You can feel the relationship growing, and you can tell that they care about one another, not only in banter but in actions.

To the things I don't really care for:  I understand Paislee's reluctance to get involved with anyone, but in my mind I see her old and alone (since Brody will grow up, leave her, and more than likely marry) just sitting in a chair and knitting with gnarled hands.  Now, I crochet and I do many other crafts, but I give my hands a rest so as not to develop arthritis in my fingers.  All she does is laundry and knitting.  How satisfying a life is that?  I would like to see her at least try to wade into the waters of dating someone, or even just having coffee or lunch with them once in a while.

Anyway, the mystery is intriguing, with her trying to pin down Shawn, but he is also one of the murder suspects, along with everyone else in the house, including the servants.  There are plenty of red herrings, and plenty of problems for Paislee, though she doesn't allow any of them to stop her.  When the ending comes and we discover the murderer, it all comes together in a turn of events that's both satisfying and leaves us wanting more.  I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to the next in the series.  Recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Scottish-Garden-Shire-Mystery/dp/1496726014/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3960025583

More on Traci Hall's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/traci-hall/

Going to Find Father (A Disappearance Mystery Thriller Book 4)

Author:    Laura Greene

Genre:     Mystery

Digital Book

ASIN #:    B08YY5F8V9

Independently Published

62 Pages

$.99 Amazon

April 22, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As if things cannot get much worse, Melody learns her enemies are gaining ground on her.  Her latest discovery in part four of this suspenseful series, leaves Melody arrested with desire for adventure.

When she is warned by an unlikely source, Melody fails to heed the counsel that could have stopped her life reaching a dangerous point of no return.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

In part four of this episodic mystery/thriller, we find Melody becoming more involved with the Deacons than she wants to be.  She tries to enlist the help of the local constabulary, but the officer doesn't take her seriously, and she wonders if she'll ever find her father.  When one of the Deacons sends concern her way, she wonders what she will do next.  Especially when she discovers something she wishes she hadn't...

But in a turn of events, there is someone who enters her life and may have the answers she needs -- or may not.  Melody might be getting closer to finding the answers, or she might be getting closer to losing her own life...

I have read this series from the beginning, and I have to say that this episode is the most riveting one yet.  It has plenty of suspense, and leaves you hankering for the answers almost as much as Melody.  While I would definitely like to read the next in the series right away, unfortunately I will have to wait until the next.  Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Going-Father-Disappearance-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B08YY5F8V9/ref

Goodreads:    https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3958247780

More on Laura Greene's Books:    https://www.fantasticfiction.com/g/laura-greene/

What Everyone Knew (A Disappearance Mystery Thriller Book 2)

Author:  Laura Greene

Genre:   Mystery/Serials

Digital Book

ASIN #:  B08VH85D61

Independent Publishing

63 Pages

$.99 Amazon

February 25, 2021

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Melody is determined to find her father and goes against her better judgment and the warnings of the townsfolk to locate him.  In Book Two of this enthralling series, she takes the clue her father left in Deacon Mansion and cautiously begins working for the Deacons.

As she grows close to Rebecca and Will, one fateful event threatens her entire gambit to discover the truth of what happened to her father.

✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽

Melody is on a Scottish island determined to find out where her father is -- and if he is still alive.  She has gotten a job at Deacon Mansion as a tutor to a young Scottish girl who has lost both her parents.  In posing as a woman who is writing a book instead of the archaeologist that she really is, this is her cover.

Melody has found one clue from her father that he was here, on the island, and she is determined to find out where he is now.

She inadvertently learns from her student Rebecca that her former tutor was a Mr. Sanders, and with the information she gleans Melody is sure that he is her father.  But no one she questions seems to know where he is and how he left the island, since he disappeared one night and there is now no trace of him at atll.

When Melody starts to put together the pieces, she discovers that people she thought were friends might not be so, and someone might know what happened to her father, aka Mr. Sanders.  But when she starts hunting for clues, Melody just might be too close to the truth and discovers that the danger is all too real...

This is the second of three installments in the Disappearance Mystery, and it continues from the first.  I will tell you that you need to read the first in order to understand why Melody is in Scotland and why she is looking for her father. 

This is quite suspenseful and keeps you reading it in one sitting, hopeful that you might find the answers yourself.  It also gives you a hint of what is to come in the third.  I know for myself that I want to know how it all comes about and am waiting impatiently for the next in the series.  The plot is very good and is written well, and I am waiting impatiently for the next in the series.  Recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/What-Everyone-Disappearance-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B08VH85D61/ref

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3857659069

More on Laura Greene's Books:  https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Greene/e/B08BFJBQZH/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1