Review - Death at a Scottish Christmas

I have read all of the books thus far of this new series based in Scotland, always fun.  

1)  An American in Scottland (click here) 

2)  Death at a Scottish Wedding (click here) 

 This book releases Oct 15, so here is an advance review so you can put this on your holiday reading in several months!

Author: Lucy Connelly

Copyright: Oct 2024 (Crooked Lane Books) 256 pgs

Series: 3rd in Scottish Isle Mysteries

Sensuality: Adult topics, mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, amateur sleuth

Main Character: Dr. Emilia McRoy, American ER Doctor, now all purpose country physician and coroner

Setting: Contemporary, Sea Isle, Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

 Book Blurb:  "Sea Isle, Scotland, is magical during the holiday season, and Dr. Emilia McRoy can’t wait to enjoy everything her village has to offer. But 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 this 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."

MY Thoughts:

Dr. Emilia McRoy is one of my favorites. She's a mix of smart and practical with a vulnerability that makes her stand out among cozy mystery main characters.  

Best friends Mara, Angie, and Abigail are present providing friendship and support as always.  Jasper is an addition to the friends and I already am fond of him.  Ewan, the wealthy laird of the town and constable is more present than ever in this outing.   There is a hint of this slow burn perhaps heating up a tiny bit, which is delicious.  I love how this is a gradual building of interest.  All of the suspects are fleshed out well and seem complicated.

Any mystery with a band involved can be complicated with fans and industry shenanigans but this one has an interesting twist that gives this an added touch of reality.  I read this book quickly for me, I could barely put it down to do "real-world" things.  The author always makes the setting come alive and in this case we get the many varied customs surrounding the winter holiday which were fascinating.

The killer reveal was well done and satisfying, even sad.  I loved the wrapup with the holiday celebration and Ewan showing a touch of sentiment.

Overall, this is a wonderful story with heart, solid mystery with plenty of facets to keep you guessing, and a cast of characters that feel real.  I want to live in Sea Isle, it becomes so alive.  I already want the next book. 

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Thank you for reading this blog and please recommend to friends and family who will enjoy it.