Review - Hooked on Ewe

I reviewed the debut novel in this new series, Off Kilter (click here) and the author graciously provided a guest post (click here).  It is time for the second installment in this series set in rural Scotland.  FYI, there is a quote from my review of the debut book in the first pages! Yay,

Author: Hannah Reed

Copyright: July 2015 (Berkley) 295 pgs

Series: 2nd in Scottish Highlands Mystery series

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Scottish Cozy Mystery

Main Character: Eden Elliott, recently divorced and contracted to author romance novel

Setting: Modern day, Glenkillen Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Early September and Eden is three months into her planned six month working sabbatical.  She has finished writing her first romance and working on plotting her second and she has volunteered to help with a sheep dog trial to benefit the local hospice center.  She finds she is more interested in avoiding the difficult event coordinator, Isla Lindsey.  Then Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson wants to talk with her about temporarily being a Special Constable, it’s in name only, since "not much happens in Glenkillen."

Her friend Vicki is enjoy the sheep dog trials since many of her yarn club skein-of-the-month members are picking up the first club kit and everybody but spiteful sister Kirstine thinks they are fabulous kits.  Until, that is, Isla is found dead with the yarn wrapped around her neck. Forget wizardry of forensic labs in rural Scotland, the inspector and Eden start tracking down all the yarn kits to determine whose kit was used as a murder weapon.  This proves to be mired by gossip and misdirection, but Eden doggedly follows the clues.

Eden gets a feel for the frustrations of Jamieson's job, but getting to carry pepper spray (banned in Scotland) makes her happy.  Vicki MacBride is the kind-hearted friend that gives this a warm touch.  Leith Cameron, the epitome of a romance novel highlander, isn't in a rush to kindle any heat.  Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson has moments of breaking out of his serious demeanor and might even like Eden...hmmmm.  Special Constable Sean Stevens is even more bumbling that before.

Glenkillen is an idyllic setting for the sour note of murder. 
The plot stays with a basic mystery whodunit scenario and supplies plenty of suspects and red herrings.  The pace remained steady.  The dramatic killer reveal gave some tense and edge-of-the-seat moments - kudos.  The wrap it gives a new enticement for Eden to extend her allotted time in Scotland.  I won't say anymore.

This second book stays close to its cozy roots and delivers a
delightful adventure with just enough whodunit versus danger.  The sprinkling of potential romance adds a touch of innocent spice.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

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