Tag: Lucy Connelly

Death at a Scottish Christmas by Lucy Connelly

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a Series, Scottish/HighlanderLeave a comment

Death at a Scottish Christmas (A Scottish Isle Mystery, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Scottish Isle Mystery #3
Publication Date: 10/15/24
Period: Contemporary – Sea Isle, Scotland
Number of Pages: 256

Dr. Emilia (Em) McRoy is looking forward to her first Christmas at Sea Isle. Em, in need of a change of pace from her job as head of ER at a major US hospital, relocated to become the village doctor and coroner for Sea Isle, Scotland. Em absolutely loves Sea Isle’s slower pace and friendly people and has made many friends since arriving in August. Now, Christmas is almost here and the village is awash in festivities gathered from cultures everywhere. The biggest event for this Christmas will be a concert in the local pub – by a renowned rock group, Bram and the Stokers. They’ve been touring in Europe and are set to tour the USA next. Normally, such a famous group wouldn’t look twice at tiny Sea Isle, but a couple of the members grew up on the Isle and they want a quiet break before heading to the US. Sadly, the break will not be the respite they had hoped for.

After a wildly successful concert, the lead singer, Bram Stoker, was found dead on the beach the following morning – and it wasn’t natural causes. Who would want to murder the charismatic, handsome singer and lyricist? Could it be a member of the band? A groupie? A stalker? A rejected lover? Or, is it someone with a long-ago past with the singer – such as Constable Ewan Campbell? With so many suspects, how can Em help to narrow them down?

All of the supporting characters we’ve come to know and love over the previous two books have roles in this tale as well. Their assistance in gathering evidence, and helping Em and Ewan work through the clues is invaluable. With so many suspects and clues, it is hard to weed out the red herrings from the actual culprit, but Em and the crew manage to do it – but not before there is a second death. You won’t know the murderer until the end, but you’ll be convinced you know with each red herring.

This was an entertaining murder mystery with a well-thought-out plot, an interesting victim, and even more interesting suspects. The author wove the investigation into all of the Christmas celebrations in a way that made you want to spend your Christmas with the residents of Sea Isle even if there was a murder being investigated. It was an enjoyable read, and I am glad to have had another visit with all of the Sea Isle residents.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a Series3 Comments

Death at a Scottish Wedding (A Scottish Isle Mystery)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Scottish Isle Mystery #2
Publication Date: 1/9/24
Period: Contemporary – Sea Isle, Scotland
Number of Pages: 272

Emilia (Em) McRoy, a burned-out American emergency room doctor, has been in the beautiful Scottish village of Sea Isle for three months and she’s loving it. She’s made wonderful friends and cannot imagine ever living anywhere else. While she should have read her contract more closely – after her arrival, she discovered many things she had missed – such as the fact that she was also the coroner – she is still thrilled to be there.

Emilia and her new Sea Isle friends have been invited to attend the wedding of their friend Angie at beautiful Morrigan Castle. Angie is a fun, quirky, young woman who marches to her own drummer, but has a heart of gold – and everyone who knows her loves her. Everyone, that is, except her soon-to-be father-in-law. He is a snob and cannot stand the idea of his son lowering himself to marry someone like Angie.

Before all of the guests arrive, the castle is snowed in, and the snow will continue for several days. There is plenty of food, drink, and good spirits, so the snow isn’t a problem – until – Emilia discovers a body in a tower of the castle. Who is the victim? He isn’t a guest, so how did he get to this high-security, very private event? Is his death natural, accidental, or murder?

Ewan Campbell is the laird, mayor, constable, owner of Morrigan Castle, and probably the richest man in Scotland (we learned that in the first book). In the previous investigation, he constantly second-guessed and argued with Emilia about facts in that case. He’s learned his lesson and has come to trust her instincts and judgment – therefore, when she says it was not a natural death, he believes her.

This was a fun and exciting story that kept me on the edge of my chair wondering who would be the next victim – and who the villain(s) might be. We had avalanches, betrayals, attempted murders, poison, people who weren’t all they seemed, and a wedding couple who were truly devoted to each other. My only ‘complaint’ about the book is Emilia’s constantly telling us how wonderful her friends are and how much she loves them. Yes, it is wonderful to have great new friends – but goodness – you don’t need to tell me in every fifth line of the book. It will be interesting to see if a personal relationship develops between Emilia and Ewan because romance is something I need in any book I read. I enjoyed the book and am already looking forward to the next one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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