Death at a Scottish Halloween by Lucy Connelly

DEATH AT A SCOTTISH HALLOWEEN by Lucy Connelly is part of a Scottish Isle series about a new doctor, Emilia McRoy, who has moved to Scotland where she puts her former emergency room skills to work helping patients and solving police cases. This was the first that I had read, and I felt that the characters needed more introduction. Their relationships became clearer as the story went on, of course. But one, Abigail, who is the assistant in the medical practice is definitely too good to be true … always ready with the scans, tests, and support, willing to work all hours, and not asserting herself in personal or professional settings. The mystery involved two deaths (one in a haunted house; another of someone “scared to death”) which was interesting and provided some twists with a hint of romance. Connelly also includes facts about witches and Scottish history (e.g., scientist Mary Sommerville). Overall, DEATH AT A SCOTTISH HALLOWEEN is a quick, light, cozy read, with a fun, festive theme and I hope that the quality of editing improves with future additions to the series.

The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen

THE CASTLE IN THE GLEN is the latest stand-alone historical mystery by Rhys Bowen, bestselling author of more than sixty novels. This is the story of a famous mystery writer, Iris Blackburn, who was recently diagnosed with dementia and needs to find a co-writer to help finish her latest work, the prequel to her best-selling Inspector Melrose series. She offers the opportunity to Emma Callander, a young writer living in London, but from Australia. Emma is hesitant at first but quickly becomes enthralled by the author’s book within a book about the drowning death of the daughter of a laird and her male companion. The draft chapters describe fictional Melrose’s first solo case and he, too, is concerned about solving the puzzle, especially since the main suspect, a rival suitor, has disappeared. To help writing and revising, Emma is given a trip to Glascow and the Isle of Skye and there she begins to learn some troubling facts and is threatened while also starting a romance. The pace picks up and readers will likely predict some of the ending Bowen has crafted, but she includes numerous twists and surprises, so they are unlikely to foretell them all. The unique geography and environment on Skye is vividly described in this entertaining combination of suspense and historical fiction.

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

THE ENDING WRITES ITSELF by Evelyn Clarke is a locked room mystery of sorts, taking place on a private island where a half dozen authors have been invited for a long weekend. One of them could earn a million or two along with a contract for future books if able to complete the last manuscript of best-selling author Arthur Fletch. Each brings a unique perspective and mid-level talent to the task: Cate Newhouse (young and unpublished); Priscilla Fox (romance writer); Jaxon Knight (science fiction/fantasy); Kenzo Gray (horror); Millie Mitchell (young adult) and the married team, Sienna and Malcom, who write mystery thrillers as Penn Stonely. At first, these writers grudgingly try to get to know each other and bond over a difficult task, but then the deaths start, danger threatens, and the pace quickens. Exploring the frustrations and joys of the writing life (“The magic, and the mystery, the alchemy of it all, the way you can build something out of nothing, a shared idea that goes from living in your head to living in everyone else's”),  THE ENDING WRITES ITSELF received starred reviews from Library Journal (“a smart satire of the publishing industry”) and Publishers Weekly. It was a LibraryReads selection for April 2026. Readers would likely also enjoy titles such as The Eighth Detective, The Mystery Writer or The Magpie Murders. By the way, Evelyn Clarke is a “ghost-writer” of sorts, being the pen name for a collaboration between two well-known authors (Cat Clarke and V. E. Schwab). Have fun sleuthing!

Often, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, but this title has the difficult and complicated task of introducing several writers and their genres. The narration quality from Fiona Hardingham was fine, but I found the audiobook to be confusing and much harder to follow than reading the text.

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan

THE SECRET CHRISTMAS LIBRARY by Jenny Colgan has such a beautiful, festive cover that I was immediately drawn to it. Other readers in my book group have recommended titles by her, too, and this was a wonderful cozy holiday read with a great setting – castle in Scotland filled with hundreds, no, thousands, of books. The castle is home to Jamie McKinnon, a kind, young (and attractive) laird who is trying to save the estate. His plan is to find a special book which his puzzle-loving grandfather apparently hid before his death. As a result, Jaime invites experienced “book hunters” Mirren Sutherland and Theo Palliser (attracted to each other in a past adventure) to join him in the quest. Jaime’s sister, Esme, turns up as well, joining the group and housekeeper Bonnie as they each contribute to solving a rather involved riddle. I loved the description of the snow-bound, chilly castle and couldn’t wait to get under the covers and read each night. THE SECRET CHRISTMAS LIBRARY, which the author calls a “fairy tale of sorts,” is that as well as a fun mystery with a touch of romance. Enjoy!

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves

THE KILLING STONES by Ann Cleeves is described as a stand-alone Detective Jimmy Perez novel and although I have read and enjoyed multiple titles (mostly about Vera Stanhope) by Cleeves, I think this was the first Jimmy Perez novel for me. He has settled into life on Orkney, accompanied by pregnant partner Willow, their young son, and step-daughter. Archie Stout, a childhood friend of Perez, is killed and Jimmy and Willow get involved in the investigation and comforting the family during the lead-up to Christmas. Cleeves offers a twisty set of clues with numerous motives for both villagers and tourists; even Perez muses, “so many stories could be told around these killings, and he was no longer confident that he knew which was true.” There’s a great deal of focus on the ancient history of the islands (like the Ring of Brodgar) and on several modern-day researchers, especially as more people are killed. Misdirection abounds and although I found the end to be a bit abrupt, it was certainly unexpected. Cleeves has provided an excellent mystery in an almost Gothic setting. For interested readers, The Black Raven is first in the Shetland/Perez series. 

Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie

WORK IN PROGRESS by Kat Mackenzie is a very light, romance novel which features glimpses of a tour around the United Kingdom, complete with a reading list (see below) associated with each of the stops. That alone would be great fun, but readers observe the bickering turned attraction between a recently jilted young American woman named Alice Cooper (who loves lists) and the tour bus driver and organizer, Scotsman Robbie Brodie. Their adventures in castle ruins and local pubs are often funny and somewhat absurd, but that just adds to the escapist appeal of this debut travelogue rom-com. WORK IN PROGRESS received a starred review from Booklist (“Readers will enjoy the abundant gentle humor, intergenerational friendships, and armchair travel—as well as the slow burn of a tasteful romance.”) Suggested for fans of Katherine Center and Beth O’Leary.

Reading List: Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson; The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown; The Waverly Novels by Sir Walter Scott; Dracula by Bram Stoker; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte; A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare; The Liar by Stephen Fry; The Adventures of the Second Stain by Arthur Conan Doyle; Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome; Persuasion by Jane Austen; Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books by Paul Collins; Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas; Selected Poems by Robert Burns; Whisky Galore by Compton Mackenzie; To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf; Outlander by Diana Gabaldon; 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith; With numerous references to Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding; And a couple of bonus titles: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray and Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen. 

The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong

THE SECRET OF THE THREE FATES by Jess Armstrong (The Curse of Penryth Hall) is yet another mystery featuring orphaned Ruby Vaughn and her elderly employer, Mr. Owen. Here, they have traveled to Manhurst Castle, Scotland and Ruby is tricked into attending a séance held by the title characters. It’s a disturbing evening and ends tragically for one of these women. Ruby (assisted by Ruan Kivell, the Pellar, or healer, introduced in the first book) sets out to prove her employer’s innocence and find the real killer. There is plenty of danger and intrigue, some hints of romance, and more than one death all within an atmospheric gothic setting. THE SECRET OF THE THREE FATES received a starred review from Library Journal (“[readers] will appreciate this haunting, intriguing novel”).  I also listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Emma Love. Honestly, I found it somewhat difficult to follow although that might just be related to the Scottish accents and my limited ability (or patience) to decipher them. Mysterious and entertaining overall.

The Trap by Ava Glass

THE TRAP by Ava Glass, while perhaps not quite as harrowing as earlier thrillers in this series (Alias Emma and The Traitor), is still highly entertaining. Emma Makepeace poses as Anna Case, an executive in the energy sector, in order to get close to a Russian oligarch, Nick Orlov, who lives in London and has recent ties to the Russian intelligence community. The majority of the action takes place in Edinburgh, site of a G7 Summit where political leaders plan to issue sanctions against the Russian government. A plethora of national security resources, including MI5 and MI6, plus the “Agency” for which Emma works, are involved with planning and protection against a possible assassination. One of the more appealing aspects of the latest novel from Ava Glass is the introduction of “Mack,” a Scottish cop who partners with Emma and just might be involved in future exciting assignments. THE TRAP received a starred review from Publishers Weekly (“In the crowded field of contemporary spy thrillers, this series continues to lead the pack”). 

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI AND MARGOT by Marianne Cronin is the story set in a Glasgow hospital of two terminal patients - one aged 17 years and the other 83 – who become fast friends and retell the stories of their lives through pictures.  This debut novel is an interesting juxtaposition of two rather quirky characters and it's generally positive and humorous, although not especially memorable. It will make for an entertaining movie. Booklist described Cronin’s well-written novel as “A strong and intriguing read-alike for John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.” I respectfully disagree because Lenni felt very immature at times (more like an 11 year-old than a 17 year-old). Margot, while full of vigor and the more nuanced perspective that comes with age, shares tales of numerous broken relationships and rather random life choices. It is wonderful that these lonely characters have found friendship and support in each other, if only for a short time. THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LENNI AND MARGOT was a Library Reads selection for June.  

The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths

THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths is everything a diverting murder mystery should be: clever play on words, likeable characters, humorous incidents, and plenty of twists and turns in a puzzling story. Award-winning author Griffiths has crafted a stand-alone mystery - although I would be happy to see a reprise of the amateur detectives Benedict (a former monk), Natalka (a caregiver), and Edwin (retired from the BBC) in the future. Together with Detective Sargeant Harbinder Kaur, they investigate the sudden death of an old age pensioner, Peggy Smith, who also advertised as a “murder consultant.” Often acknowledged by mystery writers for her help, Peggy dies shortly after spotting some suspicious men outside her own apartment complex. Motivated by friendship for Peggy and learning to trust each other, Benedict, Natalka, and Edwin travel to a literary festival in Aberdeen, Scotland where yet another death occurs and romance blossoms. Booklist gave THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS a starred review. Enjoy!

More mysteries ... cozy and cozier ...

Regular readers know that mystery stories are some of my favorite reads, a guilty pleasure, and a perfect escape over the holiday break.  Here’s a quick summary of a few titles …

My favorite in this group is MURDER IN RAT ALLEY by Mark de Castrique.  It is the Sam Blackman Mystery #7 and I have already commented on several others in this series. Once again, Sam and his partner, Nakayla Robertson, find themselves investigating a murder in the Asheville, North Carolina area.  This one occurred about seventy years ago and was successfully hidden for most of that time. Once the skeleton is discovered, though, danger increases, including for Sam and Nakayla. The story centers on government actions at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), a former NASA installation. Sam speaks to former employees and pursues some erroneous theories, finally reflecting that “My grandmother always told me I had two ears and one mouth for a reason. I should listen twice as much as I speak.” I love the many twists and local flavor (numerous charming details like an Irish pub with Harp, Guinness, and Smithwick’s on tap) in this mystery series and look forward to more.  

THE BODY ON THE TRAIN by Frances Brody is another cozy mystery in the Kate Shackleton series, set in 1920’s England. Shackleton, a private investigator, is chosen to help Scotland Yard identify a body found in a rhubarb shipment from Yorkshire. Seems implausible, but labor problems and other strife add a serious concern and another death to the story.  Posing as an inquiring photographer, Shackleton visits a former school friend who is married to the local mine manager.  There, she investigates several happenings, allowing the story to deal with class conflict and potential national security concerns. For a puzzling mystery with compelling historical insight, choose this or another title in Brody’s entertaining series.

  

A LEGACY OF MURDER by Connie Berry is the second in the Kate Hamilton mystery series and is set in the present day at Finchley Hall, an Elizabethan House with extensive grounds and a history of murder associated with its treasure, called The Hoard. Hidden in the mid-1500s and missing until much later, these jewels and antique pieces are soon to be put on display. In fact, that is where Kate comes in because she is visiting her daughter who is an intern at Finchley Hall, and one of the other interns dies suddenly.  The circumstances mirror events from almost a quarter century ago when another display of The Hoard was planned. Kate steps in to complete the catalogue of materials as well as to assist in the investigation – not quite the way she expected to be spending time with Detective Inspector Thomas Mallory, a romantic interest from an earlier European trip. Another cozy mystery with likeable characters, historic references and some antiquing lore, too. There’s also some drama and angst associated with Kate’s daughter and her friends which will add to appeal for younger readers.

THE MAN THAT GOT AWAY is by Lynne Truss, perhaps best known for her non-fiction work Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. This new title is her second mystery featuring Constable Twitten and I was looking forward to it after having heard some enthusiastic comments from readers about the first, A Shot in the Dark. In fact, the Wall Street Journal called that initial effort “the funniest crime novel of 2018.” Perhaps I was not patient enough, but this mystery set in late 1950s Brighton, England did not have characters or humor that appealed to me. You may feel differently; Booklist suggests it for fans of Christopher Fowler’s Bryant and May mysteries.

THE BOOK OF CANDLELIGHT by Ellery Adams is another mystery story in a series that features four strong women (a bookshop owner and bibliotherapist, a baker, a salon owner, and a local spa employee) who formed the Secret, Book, and Scone Society and who rely on each other for support in the face of financial and personal problems.  They live in Miracle Springs, North Carolina and are active community members, stepping up to offer solace to Marie, whose husband Danny (a Cherokee potter) has drowned in questionable circumstances. I eagerly anticipated this newest installment, but found that THE BOOK OF CANDLELIGHT seemed to “drag” a bit in the middle, before offering perspective on the impact of prejudices, both past and present.  Like others in this series, there are plenty of references to reading and book titles and appeal for cozy fans so do look for Adams’ work, particularly if you prefer a less violent mystery set in a small town.