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A Scottish Isle Mystery #3
Death at a Scottish Christmas
Merriment, mistletoe, and murder await in the third installment of the Scottish Isle mystery series, perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Joanne Fluke.
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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 2, 2024
First and foremost, I just want to say that this is the earliest I have ever read a Christmas story. Reading a Christmas story about a blizzard that covers a car in minutes in July when the temps are reaching the 100-degree mark is just so incredibly weird. Anyway, the gangs all back for this third installment: Dr Em and her BF’s Mara and Abigail as well as Constable Ewan and his merry band of men down at the police station.
The books summary just basically introduces the primary storyline of the death of the lead singer and songwriter, Bram, for a famous Scottish band on the cusp of going international. What the book summary doesn’t say is that Bram was harboring some pretty serious secrets from the band as well as the fans and general public. Furthermore, the reason Ewan became a suspect is because there was some bad history between Ewan and Bram; Bram slept with Ewan’s girlfriend back in college. Bram is from Sea Isle too. Also, since Ewan is a suspect, an outside Inspector, Bethany, is brought in and it certainly doesn’t help Ewan’s situation that there are also some bad feelings between Ewan and Bethany.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of Bram’s death, especially once some of Bram’s secrets come to light. Dr Em (as well as myself) zero in on one particular person. Additionally, while I’m not going to call this a storyline, however, it’s revealed that Dr Em has a stalker, and it leads to some creepy scenes for Dr Em. As I mentioned before, there are the requisite snowstorms and blizzards and freezing temps to add to the complications of the investigation. Deep in the second half, as the dead bodies begin to stack up in Dr Em’s makeshift morgue freezer. The storylines begin to merge and it’s a twisty turn of events to the end that comes pretty quickly after that in a very scary scene for Dr Em.
The continuing character development of the MC’s was well done. The pacing for this short story was steady and the storyline was interesting and engrossing. Once again, found myself staying up way past my bedtime on a work night chanting “one more chapter” because I simply didn’t want to put the story down. The writing was entertaining and the ending was well done, especially the final scene that I’m sure was a lead-in to the next installment. Good endings are a big thing for me. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating.
I want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks #DeathataScottishChristmas
The books summary just basically introduces the primary storyline of the death of the lead singer and songwriter, Bram, for a famous Scottish band on the cusp of going international. What the book summary doesn’t say is that Bram was harboring some pretty serious secrets from the band as well as the fans and general public. Furthermore, the reason Ewan became a suspect is because there was some bad history between Ewan and Bram; Bram slept with Ewan’s girlfriend back in college. Bram is from Sea Isle too. Also, since Ewan is a suspect, an outside Inspector, Bethany, is brought in and it certainly doesn’t help Ewan’s situation that there are also some bad feelings between Ewan and Bethany.
Most of the story revolves around the investigation of Bram’s death, especially once some of Bram’s secrets come to light. Dr Em (as well as myself) zero in on one particular person. Additionally, while I’m not going to call this a storyline, however, it’s revealed that Dr Em has a stalker, and it leads to some creepy scenes for Dr Em. As I mentioned before, there are the requisite snowstorms and blizzards and freezing temps to add to the complications of the investigation. Deep in the second half, as the dead bodies begin to stack up in Dr Em’s makeshift morgue freezer. The storylines begin to merge and it’s a twisty turn of events to the end that comes pretty quickly after that in a very scary scene for Dr Em.
The continuing character development of the MC’s was well done. The pacing for this short story was steady and the storyline was interesting and engrossing. Once again, found myself staying up way past my bedtime on a work night chanting “one more chapter” because I simply didn’t want to put the story down. The writing was entertaining and the ending was well done, especially the final scene that I’m sure was a lead-in to the next installment. Good endings are a big thing for me. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.1 that I will be rounding down to a 4star rating.
I want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks #DeathataScottishChristmas
March 14, 2024
Deat at a Scottish Christmas is the 3rd in the Scottish Isle Mystery series. I have read all of these books. It takes place in Sea Isle, Scotland. Emilia McRoy (Em) is the main character. She is the doctor and coroner hired by Ewan Campbell. He is the laird of Sea Isle as well as mayor and constable. Em had been an ER doctor in Seattle but she had found her husband had been unfaithful and was murdered. She need a change of scenery. Mara, her best friend and manager of the Pig & Whistle pub owned by her grandparents. Her other friends are Aggie who owns several clothing shops and Jasper who owns the bakery in the town.
Mara calls Em and asks her if she can help her pick up the band she has hired as their bus broke down. They found them and brought them back to town. Destinee and Mara had been childhood friends and the band, Bram and the Stokers, who had a huge following in Scotland, were playing at the pub because of their friendship. Bram is the lead singer and Destinee also a singer. Davy Albright was their manager.
At the pub Bram asks Em to dance. He tells her that he and Ewan had a history and he had been friends with Ewan's brother but no longer. He was found in bed with Ewan's fiance. He was use to having woman fall at his feet and asked her to see him after the gig. She declined. The next day she went to the pub and saw Bram sitting on the beach. She went to check to see if he was okay and found him dead. Ewan came to the beach to check also. Em called her assistant to bring her kit and some coffee. When Abigal got there they worked to secure the scene. Being the coroner , Em takes the body back to the office. They find a puncture wound. Someone had pumped air into his brain but not with a needle but a corkscrew. He also had drugs in his system. They went to speak to the band and were told that Bram did not do drugs and didn't tolerate the band members doing it. They were not allowed to drink while performing. They told them that he always had a notebook with him to write down his songs.
Because of Ewan's past with Bram theuppers were sending a detective inspector, Bethanly Thomson to oversee everything. The murder of their manager, Davy adds another dimension to the story. This is where the story takes off and is too much to put on paper so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy with all the twists and turns to the exciting end.
The book ends with a Christmas celebration with all Em's friends, Ewan gives her a beautiful necklace and hints that he is happy that she is there. It was a fun bookk to read and look forward to the next book and see where their relationship develops.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Mara calls Em and asks her if she can help her pick up the band she has hired as their bus broke down. They found them and brought them back to town. Destinee and Mara had been childhood friends and the band, Bram and the Stokers, who had a huge following in Scotland, were playing at the pub because of their friendship. Bram is the lead singer and Destinee also a singer. Davy Albright was their manager.
At the pub Bram asks Em to dance. He tells her that he and Ewan had a history and he had been friends with Ewan's brother but no longer. He was found in bed with Ewan's fiance. He was use to having woman fall at his feet and asked her to see him after the gig. She declined. The next day she went to the pub and saw Bram sitting on the beach. She went to check to see if he was okay and found him dead. Ewan came to the beach to check also. Em called her assistant to bring her kit and some coffee. When Abigal got there they worked to secure the scene. Being the coroner , Em takes the body back to the office. They find a puncture wound. Someone had pumped air into his brain but not with a needle but a corkscrew. He also had drugs in his system. They went to speak to the band and were told that Bram did not do drugs and didn't tolerate the band members doing it. They were not allowed to drink while performing. They told them that he always had a notebook with him to write down his songs.
Because of Ewan's past with Bram theuppers were sending a detective inspector, Bethanly Thomson to oversee everything. The murder of their manager, Davy adds another dimension to the story. This is where the story takes off and is too much to put on paper so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy with all the twists and turns to the exciting end.
The book ends with a Christmas celebration with all Em's friends, Ewan gives her a beautiful necklace and hints that he is happy that she is there. It was a fun bookk to read and look forward to the next book and see where their relationship develops.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
July 1, 2024
Dr. Emilia McRoy has relocated to a small Scottish village from the USA. She loves being the village physician, but when a well-known band member is found dead after a local performance, she and others in the village want to find out why. There seems to be something odd about the way the other band members reacted to the death. Could one of them be responsible? And why are there drugs in his system when he had been clean for many years? Then there is another death—could they be related? The town is Scotland is charming, the residents are so friendly, even to a newcomer like Em, and they celebrate every December holiday imaginable in this book—I really enjoyed this Scottish holiday mystery. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 13, 2024
Death at a Scottish Christmas is the third installment of the Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly. It is the holiday season and our favorite American ex-pat, Dr. Emilia (Em) McRoy is looking forward to her first Christmas in Sea Island, Scotland. Dr. Em became the local doctor and coroner after moving to the community for a fresh start. She works closely with the local Constable and Laird Ewan Campbell. As she adjusted to her new community, Dr. Em made new friends, and the group quickly became her surrogate family.
The holiday season is serious business in Sea Island and Dr. Em has a month off to enjoy the celebrations. The highlight of the festival is the opening night concert of a popular Scottish band whose lead singer is a local boy. But the festivities could be at risk with Dr. Em’s discovery of the lead singer’s murdered body and Constable Ewan Campbell as one of the prime suspects. Em is determined to find the trued killer to clear Ewan’s name.
This mystery is a perfect rainy day read. The plot has plenty of twists and turns that kept me engaged. The characters are well developed, and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the series. The more relaxed relationship between Dr. Em and Ewan was a highlight and it hints to future possibilities. Although this book can be read as a standalone, reading the other books in the series will help you understand some of the characters' backgrounds better.
I would absolutely recommend Death at a Scottish Christmas and can’t wait for the next book in this series. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Lucy Connelly and NetGalley for the Advance Readers Copy.
The holiday season is serious business in Sea Island and Dr. Em has a month off to enjoy the celebrations. The highlight of the festival is the opening night concert of a popular Scottish band whose lead singer is a local boy. But the festivities could be at risk with Dr. Em’s discovery of the lead singer’s murdered body and Constable Ewan Campbell as one of the prime suspects. Em is determined to find the trued killer to clear Ewan’s name.
This mystery is a perfect rainy day read. The plot has plenty of twists and turns that kept me engaged. The characters are well developed, and I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the series. The more relaxed relationship between Dr. Em and Ewan was a highlight and it hints to future possibilities. Although this book can be read as a standalone, reading the other books in the series will help you understand some of the characters' backgrounds better.
I would absolutely recommend Death at a Scottish Christmas and can’t wait for the next book in this series. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Lucy Connelly and NetGalley for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 9, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this beautifully written book.
Dr Emillia McRoy kicks off her Christmas with investigating the death of Bram, the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers.
It was a good read and the writing was drew me in. It kept me wanting to go back for more.
The community as well as the side characters was sweet. Her portrayal of Alzheimer's and autism was well done.
Looking forward to the next book!
Dr Emillia McRoy kicks off her Christmas with investigating the death of Bram, the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers.
It was a good read and the writing was drew me in. It kept me wanting to go back for more.
The community as well as the side characters was sweet. Her portrayal of Alzheimer's and autism was well done.
Looking forward to the next book!
September 7, 2024
“ Death at a Scottish Christmas ” by Lucy Connelly the 3rd instalment in the " A Scottish Isle Mystery" series. I love this series.
I really enjoyed visiting Sea Isle, Scotland again especially at Christmas, and seeing how Em has found her footing in the community on the island. Another thing I enjoy is the relationship between Em, Mara, Abigail, Angie and of course Ewen. I’m still hoping something romantic develops between Ewen and Em maybe in book four…
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Em did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I really enjoyed visiting Sea Isle, Scotland again especially at Christmas, and seeing how Em has found her footing in the community on the island. Another thing I enjoy is the relationship between Em, Mara, Abigail, Angie and of course Ewen. I’m still hoping something romantic develops between Ewen and Em maybe in book four…
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Em did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 2, 2024
3.75 stars
A strong entry in the series featuring American E.R. Dr. Emilia McRoy, who relocated to a small isolated town in Scotland to be the town physician. She was fleeing burnout, emergency room stress, a failed marriage and more.
She is a strong personality with take-charge tendencies and she clashed immediately with the local laird, Ewan Campbell. They have come to know and respect each other through the series, but they are both hard-headed and stubborn and still go toe-to-toe frequently.
Dr. McRoy supposedly has a whole month off during Christmas and is looking forward to getting involved in some local holiday events and activities. A fairly famous band with some local roots is coming to town to do a soft unveiling for their upcoming mega tour. But a band member is found dead after their concert. Was it suicide due to increasing health problems? Or was it murder?
Ewan has equipped their tiny town with state of the art medical equipment including MRIs, labs, and all kinds of diagnostic gear. so McRoy and her super competent trainee are able to sift through a lot of information. The surviving band members are less than forthcoming and matters are complicated when an investigator from Edinburgh arrives to take charge.
There is a nice ensemble cast of local friends and business owners and it's interesting to see McRoy and Campbell soften toward each other. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A strong entry in the series featuring American E.R. Dr. Emilia McRoy, who relocated to a small isolated town in Scotland to be the town physician. She was fleeing burnout, emergency room stress, a failed marriage and more.
She is a strong personality with take-charge tendencies and she clashed immediately with the local laird, Ewan Campbell. They have come to know and respect each other through the series, but they are both hard-headed and stubborn and still go toe-to-toe frequently.
Dr. McRoy supposedly has a whole month off during Christmas and is looking forward to getting involved in some local holiday events and activities. A fairly famous band with some local roots is coming to town to do a soft unveiling for their upcoming mega tour. But a band member is found dead after their concert. Was it suicide due to increasing health problems? Or was it murder?
Ewan has equipped their tiny town with state of the art medical equipment including MRIs, labs, and all kinds of diagnostic gear. so McRoy and her super competent trainee are able to sift through a lot of information. The surviving band members are less than forthcoming and matters are complicated when an investigator from Edinburgh arrives to take charge.
There is a nice ensemble cast of local friends and business owners and it's interesting to see McRoy and Campbell soften toward each other. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title.
This was a fun mystery.
It kept me guessing, which is always the goal with a good mystery plot. I kept going back and forth with suspects. I was sad to realize who it was, which is good character writing!
I am looking forward to more of Doc Em and Ewan and their group of friends!
This was a fun mystery.
It kept me guessing, which is always the goal with a good mystery plot. I kept going back and forth with suspects. I was sad to realize who it was, which is good character writing!
I am looking forward to more of Doc Em and Ewan and their group of friends!
March 10, 2024
I found Death at a Scottish Christmas fine for a rainy (or snowy) afternoon's read. Otherwise, nothing to write home about.
September 6, 2024
It is December in Sea Isle, Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is getting her first taste of the holidays in her new home. However, the death of a musical icon who performed with his group at the pub leads Emilia into another murder investigation.
Bram was a charismatic character who just happened to have an affair with Constable Ewan Campbell's fiancée many years ago. Ewan isn't happy to have him back in his hometown, but he didn't murder him despite the opinion of an imported cop.
As Emilia tries to look into the cause of death and Bram's medical records, she also has to deal with one of the other members of the band who is hysterical and who drugs herself into a coma. Then there is the band's manager who is looking for a way to capitalize on Bram's death to make money until he dies suspiciously himself.
Then Ewan is attacked and requires emergency surgery to prevent a brain bleed which is up to Emilia since a blizzard has rolled in preventing moving him to another hospital.
I enjoyed this mystery. It is the third in a series and I have been enjoying how Emilia is fitting in at her new community and making some close friends.
Bram was a charismatic character who just happened to have an affair with Constable Ewan Campbell's fiancée many years ago. Ewan isn't happy to have him back in his hometown, but he didn't murder him despite the opinion of an imported cop.
As Emilia tries to look into the cause of death and Bram's medical records, she also has to deal with one of the other members of the band who is hysterical and who drugs herself into a coma. Then there is the band's manager who is looking for a way to capitalize on Bram's death to make money until he dies suspiciously himself.
Then Ewan is attacked and requires emergency surgery to prevent a brain bleed which is up to Emilia since a blizzard has rolled in preventing moving him to another hospital.
I enjoyed this mystery. It is the third in a series and I have been enjoying how Emilia is fitting in at her new community and making some close friends.
March 3, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read "Death At A Scottish Christmas" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the third book in the Scottish Isle Mystery series and it just built on the previous two books which were excellent. Dr. Emilia McRoy is an American doctor who has moved to Sea Isle, Scotland where she also serves as the coroner. The month of December is the traditional vacation period for the local doctor but as always things are never restful for Emilia. She was recruited by Ewan McGregor who is the laird, the mayor, the local constable and a pillar of the community.
They have a visit from the band Bram and the Stockers. Ewan seems to have history with the lead singer Bram. When he's found dead on the beach the next day, Ewan becomes a suspect - though not in Emilia's eyes. DI Bethany Thomson is sent in to investigate because Ewan's investigation has been called into question. The members of the band are all suspects: Destinee, Liam, Boscoe - who all know each other from university. Render - also known as Hamish - had been friends with Bram since they were little kids. There is also Davy Albright the bands manager.
The cause of death brings more questions than answers. Also there is a lot going on with Bram's health that the band either doesn't know about or they are covering it up. He was displaying very erratic behaviour, and forgetting the lyrics to songs he'd been singing for years. Em feels that there is someone watching her and following her around town. Someone breaks into her home/office and later Ewan is attacked outside her home. Em feels that she's missing something but has trouble putting her finger on it. There are so many mis-directions for her and when she finally figures it out - the killer and the reasons are not what the reader might have been expecting.
Emilia was worried that she would be bored taking a whole month off from her practice but she was a lot of things but bored - never! She also received some news about her family tree that she's trying to put together. She learned that her great-great-grandfather was named McRae but changed his name to McRoy when he moved to South Carolina in the 1800s. Though she doesn't have any actual family, the friends that she has made since moving to Sea Isle a few months back have become the best family she could ever have hoped for. Very much looking forward to reading the further adventures of Emilia and her friends.
This is the third book in the Scottish Isle Mystery series and it just built on the previous two books which were excellent. Dr. Emilia McRoy is an American doctor who has moved to Sea Isle, Scotland where she also serves as the coroner. The month of December is the traditional vacation period for the local doctor but as always things are never restful for Emilia. She was recruited by Ewan McGregor who is the laird, the mayor, the local constable and a pillar of the community.
They have a visit from the band Bram and the Stockers. Ewan seems to have history with the lead singer Bram. When he's found dead on the beach the next day, Ewan becomes a suspect - though not in Emilia's eyes. DI Bethany Thomson is sent in to investigate because Ewan's investigation has been called into question. The members of the band are all suspects: Destinee, Liam, Boscoe - who all know each other from university. Render - also known as Hamish - had been friends with Bram since they were little kids. There is also Davy Albright the bands manager.
The cause of death brings more questions than answers. Also there is a lot going on with Bram's health that the band either doesn't know about or they are covering it up. He was displaying very erratic behaviour, and forgetting the lyrics to songs he'd been singing for years. Em feels that there is someone watching her and following her around town. Someone breaks into her home/office and later Ewan is attacked outside her home. Em feels that she's missing something but has trouble putting her finger on it. There are so many mis-directions for her and when she finally figures it out - the killer and the reasons are not what the reader might have been expecting.
Emilia was worried that she would be bored taking a whole month off from her practice but she was a lot of things but bored - never! She also received some news about her family tree that she's trying to put together. She learned that her great-great-grandfather was named McRae but changed his name to McRoy when he moved to South Carolina in the 1800s. Though she doesn't have any actual family, the friends that she has made since moving to Sea Isle a few months back have become the best family she could ever have hoped for. Very much looking forward to reading the further adventures of Emilia and her friends.
March 10, 2024
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.
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.
September 25, 2024
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.
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.
March 29, 2024
Death at a Scottish Christmas
(Scottish Isle Mystery 3)
Lucy Connelly
It’s Dr. Emilia McRoy’s first Christmas in Sea Isle...
Doc is worried that she won’t have enough to do during her month long Christmas break, so she has her friend Mara sign her up to help out with the holiday committees. This proves to be right as by the seventh she has completed her Christmas shopping and wrapping, caught up on her reading, and finally cleaned everything!
Just as she’s contemplating what to do next, Mara calls and asks her to help ferry the night’s performers into town. You see Mara has invited Bram and the Stokers band to play in her grandparents' pub. This is to help the town of Sea Isle businesses financially through the winter season. They are the most famous band in Scotland and arguably the entire UK! But with a broken tour bus, unless Emilia helps there won’t be a concert tonight...
Emilia pulls through, helping Mara get the band with their equipment back to Sea Isle. The lead singer Bram flirts with her on the way back, even asking her for a dance that night. After she finds out some disturbing news from him she goes home early.
On her way to breakfast at the pub, Doc spots Bram on the beach. At first, thinking that he’s just enjoying the sunrise only to discover the terrible truth… Bram is dead!
Now instead of a jubilent day, it turns into an investigation and memorial that this sleepy little Scottish town wasn’t expecting. After the manager calls in the metro police, a new detective is sent to replace Ewan as lead.
What secrets are the band and its manager hiding?!
I truly thought that this book was going one way only to find something entirely different happening. This meant I didn’t understand who the killer was until close to the end and the reasoning… Nope, I never suspected that! Damn, this series just keeps getting better!
On a bit of a side note. I felt the author did a good job of delivering the facts of Alzheimers. About how it can affect not just the patient but those closest as well without being too bogged down by the emotional tolls suffered from this horrible disease.
I loved everything about this mystery! I was turning pages deep into the night when I should have been sleeping I just couldn’t put it down!
5*****
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Connelly, and the publisher for the ARC.
#DeathataScottishChristmas #ScottishIsleMystery #Lucy Connelly #Scotland #Mystery #CSI #Medical
(Scottish Isle Mystery 3)
Lucy Connelly
It’s Dr. Emilia McRoy’s first Christmas in Sea Isle...
Doc is worried that she won’t have enough to do during her month long Christmas break, so she has her friend Mara sign her up to help out with the holiday committees. This proves to be right as by the seventh she has completed her Christmas shopping and wrapping, caught up on her reading, and finally cleaned everything!
Just as she’s contemplating what to do next, Mara calls and asks her to help ferry the night’s performers into town. You see Mara has invited Bram and the Stokers band to play in her grandparents' pub. This is to help the town of Sea Isle businesses financially through the winter season. They are the most famous band in Scotland and arguably the entire UK! But with a broken tour bus, unless Emilia helps there won’t be a concert tonight...
Emilia pulls through, helping Mara get the band with their equipment back to Sea Isle. The lead singer Bram flirts with her on the way back, even asking her for a dance that night. After she finds out some disturbing news from him she goes home early.
On her way to breakfast at the pub, Doc spots Bram on the beach. At first, thinking that he’s just enjoying the sunrise only to discover the terrible truth… Bram is dead!
Now instead of a jubilent day, it turns into an investigation and memorial that this sleepy little Scottish town wasn’t expecting. After the manager calls in the metro police, a new detective is sent to replace Ewan as lead.
What secrets are the band and its manager hiding?!
I truly thought that this book was going one way only to find something entirely different happening. This meant I didn’t understand who the killer was until close to the end and the reasoning… Nope, I never suspected that! Damn, this series just keeps getting better!
On a bit of a side note. I felt the author did a good job of delivering the facts of Alzheimers. About how it can affect not just the patient but those closest as well without being too bogged down by the emotional tolls suffered from this horrible disease.
I loved everything about this mystery! I was turning pages deep into the night when I should have been sleeping I just couldn’t put it down!
5*****
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Connelly, and the publisher for the ARC.
#DeathataScottishChristmas #ScottishIsleMystery #Lucy Connelly #Scotland #Mystery #CSI #Medical
March 3, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this early. My review is my thoughts only.
American ex-pat, Dr. Emilia (Em) McRoy moved to Sea Isle, Scotland to escape her past in Seattle and to discover more about her Scottish ancestors. She is now ready for her first Christmas in Sea Isle or so she thinks. The night of the Christmas season kick-off party, the town welcomes home the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers, the most popular band in Scotland. Next morning Em finds him on the beach, dead. The investigation finds Constable and Laird Ewan Campbell in the spotlight as a prime suspect. Now Dr, Em and her crew of friends and adopted family must work with a new investigator as the dig to identify who wanted Bram Stoker dead. Was it a band mate, a fan, a stalker? Will they be able to identify the killer before the band and all their fans head back home? The twists and turns we take as they work to solve the crime kept me wondering and turning the pages.
Dr. Em is one of my favorite main characters. She is very relatable in her professional capacity, self-confident and most capable, but in her personal life she is even more relatable, as someone a bit less self-confident and sure of herself. The supporting characters each have much to offer, both as individuals and as friends. the stalwart and caring Ewan, jackie of all trades, Abigail, loyal Mara and Angie, always will to help. Sea Isle is a character in and of itself. I am so not a fan of winter, yet would willingly go visit given half a chance! Each character, including Sea Isle is well-thought out and fully-developed. Ms. Connelly has a clear story arc as each book leads you to the next, yet they could easily be read as a stand-alone.
One of my favorite aspects of cozy mysteries is the sense of community, where each character has a role to play and are people who care about one another. In this series, the author has created a community that knows it is a community. They come together to support and care for each other, regardless of the circumstances. Now, I need to go read this book again because the wait for the next one will be way too long!
American ex-pat, Dr. Emilia (Em) McRoy moved to Sea Isle, Scotland to escape her past in Seattle and to discover more about her Scottish ancestors. She is now ready for her first Christmas in Sea Isle or so she thinks. The night of the Christmas season kick-off party, the town welcomes home the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers, the most popular band in Scotland. Next morning Em finds him on the beach, dead. The investigation finds Constable and Laird Ewan Campbell in the spotlight as a prime suspect. Now Dr, Em and her crew of friends and adopted family must work with a new investigator as the dig to identify who wanted Bram Stoker dead. Was it a band mate, a fan, a stalker? Will they be able to identify the killer before the band and all their fans head back home? The twists and turns we take as they work to solve the crime kept me wondering and turning the pages.
Dr. Em is one of my favorite main characters. She is very relatable in her professional capacity, self-confident and most capable, but in her personal life she is even more relatable, as someone a bit less self-confident and sure of herself. The supporting characters each have much to offer, both as individuals and as friends. the stalwart and caring Ewan, jackie of all trades, Abigail, loyal Mara and Angie, always will to help. Sea Isle is a character in and of itself. I am so not a fan of winter, yet would willingly go visit given half a chance! Each character, including Sea Isle is well-thought out and fully-developed. Ms. Connelly has a clear story arc as each book leads you to the next, yet they could easily be read as a stand-alone.
One of my favorite aspects of cozy mysteries is the sense of community, where each character has a role to play and are people who care about one another. In this series, the author has created a community that knows it is a community. They come together to support and care for each other, regardless of the circumstances. Now, I need to go read this book again because the wait for the next one will be way too long!
August 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an eARC for this book!
Death at a Scottish Christmas is a murder mystery set in a small(?) Scottish village, and only the doctor cum coroner can put the pieces together to solve the whodunit. When a Scottish band comes home to Sea Isle to perform one last concert before heading off on a tour of the States, everyone seems to be excited. But when the lead singer of the band turns up dead the following morning, the whole town is on edge. Is there a killer amongst them?
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating, since I love all things Scottish, and have traveled there extensively. So there were a few things that threw me out of the story in regards to how Connelly writes the Scottish countryside. Especially with the mention of a cathedral in said "small" Scottish village. I can handle a bit of suspension of disbelief, but that was a stretch too far for me, as usually cathedrals are built in larger city centres (think Edinburgh, which has three (for Catholicism, Episopalianism, and Church of Scotland (though that's now referred to as a high kirk).
And it didn't make matters better that we had a thin mystery, with the inclusion of a brash DI who is intent on blaming the local constable of murder based on a never explained history that she has with him. I get having red herrings in mysteries, it's par for the course, but to just let that thread dangle without further explanation of what the beef was got annoying. I also think that I figured out who the killer was too early in the story, thought that it couldn't be that obvious, and then turned out to be correct. *sigh*
Also, another petty point - there are FAR more Scottish musical groups/singers than just the Proclaimers. There's Lewis Capaldi, The Eves, Barbara Dickson, and Texas, to name the few that come right to mind. If you're going to write about Scottish culture, maybe do some of that research that you claim to love and find out more about Scottish music?
Death at a Scottish Christmas is a murder mystery set in a small(?) Scottish village, and only the doctor cum coroner can put the pieces together to solve the whodunit. When a Scottish band comes home to Sea Isle to perform one last concert before heading off on a tour of the States, everyone seems to be excited. But when the lead singer of the band turns up dead the following morning, the whole town is on edge. Is there a killer amongst them?
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating, since I love all things Scottish, and have traveled there extensively. So there were a few things that threw me out of the story in regards to how Connelly writes the Scottish countryside. Especially with the mention of a cathedral in said "small" Scottish village. I can handle a bit of suspension of disbelief, but that was a stretch too far for me, as usually cathedrals are built in larger city centres (think Edinburgh, which has three (for Catholicism, Episopalianism, and Church of Scotland (though that's now referred to as a high kirk).
And it didn't make matters better that we had a thin mystery, with the inclusion of a brash DI who is intent on blaming the local constable of murder based on a never explained history that she has with him. I get having red herrings in mysteries, it's par for the course, but to just let that thread dangle without further explanation of what the beef was got annoying. I also think that I figured out who the killer was too early in the story, thought that it couldn't be that obvious, and then turned out to be correct. *sigh*
Also, another petty point - there are FAR more Scottish musical groups/singers than just the Proclaimers. There's Lewis Capaldi, The Eves, Barbara Dickson, and Texas, to name the few that come right to mind. If you're going to write about Scottish culture, maybe do some of that research that you claim to love and find out more about Scottish music?
September 20, 2024
Cozy-ish Mystery about an American doctor and coroner working in Scotland as she investigates a famous band's lead singer's murder and the theft of his new music.
5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Connelly's Scottish Isle Mystery series, which is Cozy-ish Mystery that takes place at Christmas in Scotland and follows an American former ER doctor turned village doctor and coroner as she looks into the murder of a famous band's lead singer and who stole his new music. When the village's beloved Constable becomes the prime suspect, she'll race to figure out who is framing him. Between a secret Santa that wants her dead, stalkers and killer holiday celebrations, she'll have to discover the truth before it’s too late. With plenty of twists and turns, Connelly has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Connelly's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch back up with Em, the found family she's built in Sea Isle and it's various village folk. I especially like how thoughtfully Connelly's written Em's assistant Abigail's brother Tommy, who's neurodivergent. And I have to say I really enjoy the slow build-up of Em and Ewan's “can't get along with each other but really like each other” relationship. Some might find the medical and crime scene a bit intense, so be sure to check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to check out book one, An American in Scotland.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Connelly's Scottish Isle Mystery series, which is Cozy-ish Mystery that takes place at Christmas in Scotland and follows an American former ER doctor turned village doctor and coroner as she looks into the murder of a famous band's lead singer and who stole his new music. When the village's beloved Constable becomes the prime suspect, she'll race to figure out who is framing him. Between a secret Santa that wants her dead, stalkers and killer holiday celebrations, she'll have to discover the truth before it’s too late. With plenty of twists and turns, Connelly has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Connelly's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch back up with Em, the found family she's built in Sea Isle and it's various village folk. I especially like how thoughtfully Connelly's written Em's assistant Abigail's brother Tommy, who's neurodivergent. And I have to say I really enjoy the slow build-up of Em and Ewan's “can't get along with each other but really like each other” relationship. Some might find the medical and crime scene a bit intense, so be sure to check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to check out book one, An American in Scotland.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
April 13, 2024
Welcome back to Sea Isle where the Holiday season is thriving as the Ilse celebrates the traditions unique to its rich cultural history. I am so happy to return to the village with Dr. Em, her cohorts, and that amazing 400 year old church that is both home and clinic. Coroner Em is honing her investigating skills, and when Ewan finds himself being pushed to the sidelines by the higherups, he seems to appreciate that fact more than he once did. For Em's part, she is nothing if not loyal and professional, demonstrating those skills as she liaises between the visiting inspector and Ewan. Given that the victim's potentially deteriorating mental condition may be relevant, Dr. Em's role may be more legitimate than usual. Either way, the mystery is solid, and while the number of suspects is finite, the evidence is not Unfortunately, that results in one of two issues that led to a 4 star rather than a 5 star rating. Specifically, the limited number of suspects leads to numerous rounds of interviews with the same people and the same questions that becomes a bit tedious and seems to be more about word count than moving the story along. The second issue is another instance of needless repetition. While I am the first to fall for and enjoy the family-like relationships that exist between Em and the citizens of the Isle, I do not need to be told how Em feels about them ad nauseum. It becomes more mushy than endearing at some point. That said, there is so much to love about this book, and fans of the series will be delighted to spend the holiday season in Sea Isle. I cannot wait to return for another visit.
July 10, 2024
In the third Scottish Isle Mystery, Death at a Scottish Christmas, author Lucy Connelly has renewed the promise of the series debut by setting it back in Sea Isle, a lovely Scottish town with quirky, relatable characters.
Dr. Emilia, formerly an ER doctor in the United States, is enjoying her new life as the town physician and coroner, living in an old, renovated church and lucky to have the latest in medical equipment and the support of the local constable (and her landlord). Bram and the Stokers, a popular rock band, comes to Sea Isle--hometown of two of the members-- for a last concert before they embark on their next big tour, and their concert for the locals is a smashing success. But it isn't long before the charismatic lead singer is found dead, and the other band members are reeling. Was it a murder, or a suicide? Can they tour without him? And where is his notebook with the songs he has been writing for their new recording and tour? Dr. Em gets involved in her role as coroner, but also fears that one of the band's other members is responsible for Bram's death when she learns how he was killed and what was going on in his life that may have led to his death.
It's an intriguing story, but I was more interested in spending time with Em, her trusty assistant and her neurodivergent brother, the aforementioned (hot) constable, and her supportive friends, and in the surrounding holiday events. I hope future series entries will allow Em to stay in town and build on the regular characters, their developing relationships, and the small-town ambience.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
Dr. Emilia, formerly an ER doctor in the United States, is enjoying her new life as the town physician and coroner, living in an old, renovated church and lucky to have the latest in medical equipment and the support of the local constable (and her landlord). Bram and the Stokers, a popular rock band, comes to Sea Isle--hometown of two of the members-- for a last concert before they embark on their next big tour, and their concert for the locals is a smashing success. But it isn't long before the charismatic lead singer is found dead, and the other band members are reeling. Was it a murder, or a suicide? Can they tour without him? And where is his notebook with the songs he has been writing for their new recording and tour? Dr. Em gets involved in her role as coroner, but also fears that one of the band's other members is responsible for Bram's death when she learns how he was killed and what was going on in his life that may have led to his death.
It's an intriguing story, but I was more interested in spending time with Em, her trusty assistant and her neurodivergent brother, the aforementioned (hot) constable, and her supportive friends, and in the surrounding holiday events. I hope future series entries will allow Em to stay in town and build on the regular characters, their developing relationships, and the small-town ambience.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.
March 12, 2024
Sea Isle, Scotland - Present Day
Dr. Emilia McRoy is an American physician who recently left Seattle to take over the small medical facility in Sea Isle, Scotland. Hired by the town constable, Ewan Campbell, Emilia has fit in comfortably with the town's people, making friends, and participating in Sea Isle's goings on. With Christmas coming up, she is especially excited about celebrating a holiday she'd long ago given up. With the arrival of a popular Scottish band who wanted to promote their future tour in America, Emilia is taken by the music, and the group members, some of whom are locals. But when the lead singer is found murdered, Emilia and Ewan are swept up into a drama no one
expected.
After the news gets out about the murder of the famous singer, an outside police detective is sent to investigate, and the first person she suspects is Ewan who had a long ago encounter with the victim. Emilia is shocked, and vows to prove Ewan's innocence. With the bickering of the other band members and their manager, she wonders if they will give her clues.
As the town coroner, as well as physician, Emilia performs the autopsy on the singer, and discovers some disturbing details. Questioning the band members doesn't always produce clear results, and now it seems Emilia may have someone stalking her. Can she prove Ewan's innocence, and stay safe?
DEATH AT A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS is an interesting first person account of a true mystery. Who would want to kill the group leader? And why? Emilia's intuition must work fast.
Dr. Emilia McRoy is an American physician who recently left Seattle to take over the small medical facility in Sea Isle, Scotland. Hired by the town constable, Ewan Campbell, Emilia has fit in comfortably with the town's people, making friends, and participating in Sea Isle's goings on. With Christmas coming up, she is especially excited about celebrating a holiday she'd long ago given up. With the arrival of a popular Scottish band who wanted to promote their future tour in America, Emilia is taken by the music, and the group members, some of whom are locals. But when the lead singer is found murdered, Emilia and Ewan are swept up into a drama no one
expected.
After the news gets out about the murder of the famous singer, an outside police detective is sent to investigate, and the first person she suspects is Ewan who had a long ago encounter with the victim. Emilia is shocked, and vows to prove Ewan's innocence. With the bickering of the other band members and their manager, she wonders if they will give her clues.
As the town coroner, as well as physician, Emilia performs the autopsy on the singer, and discovers some disturbing details. Questioning the band members doesn't always produce clear results, and now it seems Emilia may have someone stalking her. Can she prove Ewan's innocence, and stay safe?
DEATH AT A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS is an interesting first person account of a true mystery. Who would want to kill the group leader? And why? Emilia's intuition must work fast.
April 13, 2024
This is the 3rd installment in the Scottish Isle Mystery Series. I honestly just love this series. Dr. Emilla McRoy left behind a hectic ER doctor life to settle into a more laidback and less hectic pace in Sea Isle Scotland. Em has quickly made a good group of friends who have become her surrogate family and it really shows. Em has agreed to help Mara as she has the hottest band in all of Scotland come to the Pub. The lead singer Bram (the band is Bram and the Stokers) is charismatic and asks Em to dance but Ewan (Laird, Mayor, Constable and her both) is not thrilled since the two have a history. When Bram is found by Em the next morning dead on the beach is soon is determined it was murder. With Ewan’s history with the deceased someone else is brought in to “assist” on the investigation and Em is helping Ewan as she knows he is not capable of murder but also wanting justice for the handsome singer. The band and their manager have to stay in town and all sorts of issues arise and soon Em is being followed, Ewan is attacked, and soon there is another death. Em has to get to the bottom of this before something else happens. I really enjoy this series and the next book will be an automatic buy for me. I love the relationships Em has formed and she has quickly come to think of them all as family. The mystery is solid with plenty of suspects and twists and turns. Would like to see some more movement in the Em/Ewan direction as I think they would make a great couple. Highly recommend this book and the entire series.
August 14, 2024
This is the first book in this series I have read & I appreciated that some background information was filled in without bogging down the book with it. It felt like just the right amount for me. I liked this book overall, but it did feel a bit twee to me at times. My two biggest frustrations with the book are the confusing timeline (repeated uses of "that night" in conversation when the event being discussed seemingly just happened the night before aka last night) & the lack of follow-up on some of the supposed clues we are given. For instance, there is a character who mentions feeling foggy and weird since arriving in town, the doctor thinks, hmm, better run some blood tests, and then WE NEVER HEAR ABOUT IT AGAIN! I also felt like we lacked sufficient understanding of how & why the crime was committed at the end. I personally want to understand the how & why, even in a cozy mystery. I wasn't quite satisfied with who the murderer ended up being.
So what did I enjoy? I enjoyed the setting & the town events that took place. It felt Christmas-y without being over the top. I mostly liked what I think are the main & recurring characters, though I agree with another review I saw that the closeness of the friendships seems a bit over the top for the amount of time they have known each other. While this series probably won't be my first choice for a cozy to read, I could see myself reading another.
Thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
So what did I enjoy? I enjoyed the setting & the town events that took place. It felt Christmas-y without being over the top. I mostly liked what I think are the main & recurring characters, though I agree with another review I saw that the closeness of the friendships seems a bit over the top for the amount of time they have known each other. While this series probably won't be my first choice for a cozy to read, I could see myself reading another.
Thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 16, 2024
‘The people here took their holidays seriously.’
Okay, so this is the third book in this series, and I have not yet read the first two. I will, though, because I am keen to learn more about the people of Sea Isle, Scotland.
In this book, which can be read as a standalone mystery, Dr Emilia (Em) McRoy is getting ready for Christmas. She is even taking a holiday! Em’s friend, Mara, manages the Pig& Whistle pub and calls Em for help. A band has been hired to play at the Pig & Whistle, but their bus has broken down: can Em help her to pick them up? Certainly, she can.
The festive mood is destroyed, though, when Bram (the lead singer of the band) is murdered, and Em’s holiday ends abruptly. Who killed Bram, and why? The group was about to embark on a world tour, and Em discovers that the music Bram was working on has disappeared.
Investigations reveal that several people were not happy with Bram, and motives for murder are easy to find. But when Constable Ewan Campbell becomes a suspect and Em acquires a stalker, things become complicated. And then another member of the band is murdered.
A marvellous cast of characters as well as a few twists while the story unfolds: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. There’s a suitable ending, and (I hope) more novels to come. In the meantime, I’ll track down a copy of the first two.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Okay, so this is the third book in this series, and I have not yet read the first two. I will, though, because I am keen to learn more about the people of Sea Isle, Scotland.
In this book, which can be read as a standalone mystery, Dr Emilia (Em) McRoy is getting ready for Christmas. She is even taking a holiday! Em’s friend, Mara, manages the Pig& Whistle pub and calls Em for help. A band has been hired to play at the Pig & Whistle, but their bus has broken down: can Em help her to pick them up? Certainly, she can.
The festive mood is destroyed, though, when Bram (the lead singer of the band) is murdered, and Em’s holiday ends abruptly. Who killed Bram, and why? The group was about to embark on a world tour, and Em discovers that the music Bram was working on has disappeared.
Investigations reveal that several people were not happy with Bram, and motives for murder are easy to find. But when Constable Ewan Campbell becomes a suspect and Em acquires a stalker, things become complicated. And then another member of the band is murdered.
A marvellous cast of characters as well as a few twists while the story unfolds: I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. There’s a suitable ending, and (I hope) more novels to come. In the meantime, I’ll track down a copy of the first two.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. In Sea Isle, they work to include everyone and many types of celebrations which is awesome. I love the play on the name of the band and lead singer.
I am always a fan of characters that build their own families. Back in book 1 and repeated in this book, part of why Emilia agreed to the job was she wanted to research her family history. She has no known living family members. Sea Isle has become her new family. This book has a lot of relationships that evolve, Abigail/Henry, Em/Ewan, Angie/her husband, Em/Mara/Jasper, Em/Ewan, and Bram/The Band. The growing romance of Abigail and Henry is sweet without being over the top sweet. I love how Tommy is included. I do like how the author handles autism and Alzheimer’s
I didn’t care for some of the band members, but that was intentional. The method of killing was something new on me. I’m curious if it is really possible.
I struggled with the mystery though. It seemed to drag bit and like it would not be solved. Near the end it seemed the author also thought it was dragging because it picked up speed and solve almost too quickly that I almost missed the reason, which I am not sure I agree was a good solution.
Once the audiobook is available, I will pick this book up again, the narrator of Books 1 and 2 was great, hopefully they will narrate Book 3 as well.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
I am always a fan of characters that build their own families. Back in book 1 and repeated in this book, part of why Emilia agreed to the job was she wanted to research her family history. She has no known living family members. Sea Isle has become her new family. This book has a lot of relationships that evolve, Abigail/Henry, Em/Ewan, Angie/her husband, Em/Mara/Jasper, Em/Ewan, and Bram/The Band. The growing romance of Abigail and Henry is sweet without being over the top sweet. I love how Tommy is included. I do like how the author handles autism and Alzheimer’s
I didn’t care for some of the band members, but that was intentional. The method of killing was something new on me. I’m curious if it is really possible.
I struggled with the mystery though. It seemed to drag bit and like it would not be solved. Near the end it seemed the author also thought it was dragging because it picked up speed and solve almost too quickly that I almost missed the reason, which I am not sure I agree was a good solution.
Once the audiobook is available, I will pick this book up again, the narrator of Books 1 and 2 was great, hopefully they will narrate Book 3 as well.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
May 4, 2024
Dr. Emilia McRoy is enjoying the Christmas season on Sea Isle, Scotland, and all of the traditions the town celebrates, which are new to her. The only blot on this happy time is when the lead singer (Bram) of a famous band is killed after performing at her friend Mara’s bar. Unfortunately, because of constable Ewan Campbell’s ancient history with Bram, someone else comes to town to lead the investigation – someone Ewan has a history with.
Really, the suspect pool is small because who in town would want to kill him? Pointing at a stalker is a red herring that is easily dismissed. Really, the only person who would have a motive would be someone close to him, which leaves the band members and the manager. They are all good suspects and have their reasons to want Bram dead. Bram has a secret he is keeping, which will affect them all. I had a tough time picking out the killer and was sad to find out who it was.
I really love this community and the characters. I have not read the first book yet and have it on hold at my library. I cannot wait to find out how it all began and find out how Em ended up at Sea Isle. I like the potential for a relationship between Em and Ewan, even though it is stereotypical, but I don’t care. They work well together and I think there is potential for romance. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and hope there are more to come.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Really, the suspect pool is small because who in town would want to kill him? Pointing at a stalker is a red herring that is easily dismissed. Really, the only person who would have a motive would be someone close to him, which leaves the band members and the manager. They are all good suspects and have their reasons to want Bram dead. Bram has a secret he is keeping, which will affect them all. I had a tough time picking out the killer and was sad to find out who it was.
I really love this community and the characters. I have not read the first book yet and have it on hold at my library. I cannot wait to find out how it all began and find out how Em ended up at Sea Isle. I like the potential for a relationship between Em and Ewan, even though it is stereotypical, but I don’t care. They work well together and I think there is potential for romance. I cannot wait for the next book in the series and hope there are more to come.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
My favorite genre to read is Cozy Mysteries, and A Scottish Isle Mystery series has quickly become a beloved favorite.
Dr. Emilia McRoy is a recent transplant to Sea Isle, Scotland. She is the only doctor in the small village, and has quickly become immersed in her duties and surroundings. It’s Christmas time, and a famous band is returning home to perform a special concert. Emilia and her friends enjoy the concert, but are horrified the next day when the lead singer is found dead. Christmas plans are set aside when Emilia begins investigating the tragic death, and tries to find the murderer before he or she strikes again. In a shocking twist, the village’s constable, and her crush, Ewan is a suspect in the murder. Determined more than ever, Emilia has to prove Ewan’s innocence. But someone is stalking her, and this may just be the death of her.
The author, Lucy Connelly, crafts excellent Cozies - puzzling twists, red herrings, intricate plots, wonderful characters, and a fabulous small town setting set in Scotland, a place I’m dying to visit. I’m a longtime fan of this author’s alter ego, and I’m so happy she is now writing Cozy Mysteries. Not everyone can successfully pull off writing mysteries, but Ms. Connelly is brilliant at crafting a good mystery story. I’m very much looking forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Dr. Emilia McRoy is a recent transplant to Sea Isle, Scotland. She is the only doctor in the small village, and has quickly become immersed in her duties and surroundings. It’s Christmas time, and a famous band is returning home to perform a special concert. Emilia and her friends enjoy the concert, but are horrified the next day when the lead singer is found dead. Christmas plans are set aside when Emilia begins investigating the tragic death, and tries to find the murderer before he or she strikes again. In a shocking twist, the village’s constable, and her crush, Ewan is a suspect in the murder. Determined more than ever, Emilia has to prove Ewan’s innocence. But someone is stalking her, and this may just be the death of her.
The author, Lucy Connelly, crafts excellent Cozies - puzzling twists, red herrings, intricate plots, wonderful characters, and a fabulous small town setting set in Scotland, a place I’m dying to visit. I’m a longtime fan of this author’s alter ego, and I’m so happy she is now writing Cozy Mysteries. Not everyone can successfully pull off writing mysteries, but Ms. Connelly is brilliant at crafting a good mystery story. I’m very much looking forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
July 25, 2024
I really love the atmosphere in this series. I can just imagine living in a 400 year old church in a small Scottish town by the sea. Now add the Christmas holidays, and you have an amazing picture! After almost six months in Scotland, Em has definitely started to settle in. She has made friends, met her patients, and has a caring support system. With time off, she is planning on learning all she can about what the holidays in Scotland are all about, and Mara has set her up to help with everything. The first night of celebration is highlighted by a big name Scottish band that has local ties and agrees to appear at the pub. Em meets the members early when their tour bus breaks down, and she and her SUV are pressed into service to help get everyone into town and their B & B safety. Like everyone else, she enjoys the performance and has a good time, even dancing with the lead singer. When she finds his body sitting frozen on the beach the next morning, she and the Constable will have their hands full, trying to figure out what is going on. This is quite a winding tale with lots of back history, a creative murder method, and suspects that keep our investigators going around in circles. Add in the holidays flowing around the investigation, and this is a book that's hard to put down. Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #DeathataScottishChristmas #LucyConnelly #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 9, 2024
This is my first time reading a Lucy Connelly mystery. It works well as a stand-alone. American Dr. Em McRoy is settling in and becoming part of the Scottish community on Sea Isle. Her best friend Mara invites another friend and her band to perform during the holiday season. Bram and the Stokers are featured early in the diverse celebrations that Ewan Campbell presides over. The local Laird, mayor and constable who hired Em is quite busy with everything. Surprisingly the doctor is told she has a month vacation and that she will be able to take part in the community celebrations.
The murder of the band's lead singer changes that.
I received an advanced reader's copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley and this is my unsolicited opinion about it. An interesting mystery, I liked the chance to learn a bit about some of the things that could take place for celebrations in Scotland at Christmas. Of course, the main content is the mystery surrounding the odd death of the singer who Em as coroner finds to be a popular entertainer. My favorite characters were Em and her assistant Abigail along with the younger woman's brother. To add to the suspense Ewan is a suspect in the investigation that swings back and forth with other possible suspects.
I liked the story. There's no serious violence or graphic descriptions of crime in my opinion. There is UK slang. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
The murder of the band's lead singer changes that.
I received an advanced reader's copy from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley and this is my unsolicited opinion about it. An interesting mystery, I liked the chance to learn a bit about some of the things that could take place for celebrations in Scotland at Christmas. Of course, the main content is the mystery surrounding the odd death of the singer who Em as coroner finds to be a popular entertainer. My favorite characters were Em and her assistant Abigail along with the younger woman's brother. To add to the suspense Ewan is a suspect in the investigation that swings back and forth with other possible suspects.
I liked the story. There's no serious violence or graphic descriptions of crime in my opinion. There is UK slang. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
September 13, 2024
Death at a Scottish Christmas is #3 in Lucy Connelly's Scottish Isle series. I enjoyed this every bit as much as the previous two.
It has of course the Scottish setting with the small town coming up to Christmas. Emilia's friends have her involved in all the preparations. She is meant to be on holiday, but there always seem to be times where she is needed. Abigail and Tommy her brother are around a good bit and that's an added pleasure (for me the reader). There seems to be a bit of romance going on for Abigail but Em's not sure she is aware of it.
Of course a murder happens and it is an interesting one. Emilia is involved as well as being the doctor she is the local coroner. The gruesome things she has to do, but she seems quite at home with it. And she has Abigail to help. It was all very mystifying and when an outside detective turns up there seems to have been something going on between Ewan and herself way back. And at the moment she arrives she is pointing the finger at Ewan. Well Emilia is having none of that.
I felt riveted the whole time and in fact had to really get reading this right through to the end. Eventually as it became clearer who the murderer is (thanks to Em's putting it all together) I was sad it was the way it was.
An excellent addition to the series and I am really looking forward to another in this series. There is still lots more that can happen. Hmm I think Ewan seems to think so
It has of course the Scottish setting with the small town coming up to Christmas. Emilia's friends have her involved in all the preparations. She is meant to be on holiday, but there always seem to be times where she is needed. Abigail and Tommy her brother are around a good bit and that's an added pleasure (for me the reader). There seems to be a bit of romance going on for Abigail but Em's not sure she is aware of it.
Of course a murder happens and it is an interesting one. Emilia is involved as well as being the doctor she is the local coroner. The gruesome things she has to do, but she seems quite at home with it. And she has Abigail to help. It was all very mystifying and when an outside detective turns up there seems to have been something going on between Ewan and herself way back. And at the moment she arrives she is pointing the finger at Ewan. Well Emilia is having none of that.
I felt riveted the whole time and in fact had to really get reading this right through to the end. Eventually as it became clearer who the murderer is (thanks to Em's putting it all together) I was sad it was the way it was.
An excellent addition to the series and I am really looking forward to another in this series. There is still lots more that can happen. Hmm I think Ewan seems to think so
June 12, 2024
This book was my second chance with this series. I had read the first book and although I finished it I found many editing issues, didn't enjoy the main characters, and the medical side was laughable. I skipped the second in the series but though I would give this one a chance.
I found my issues with the first book to be perhaps even worse, and did not finish after reading 20%. Even the mystery wasn't enough to keep me reading. I found the writing to be not great, and although I assume it was edited, I think a lot more could have been done. Stuff keeps being repeated sometimes in the span of page. I also found the medical stuff to be just as bad as the first book. In the first book the MC kept reminding us that she had acquired all her detecting skills from BBC mystery series, and my guess is that the author got all her medical knowledge from Grey's Anatomy. As a medical professional this was especially frustrating and something that a small amount of actual research would have helped. The main characters weren't any more likable to me in this book and I don't intend to give this series another chance.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I found my issues with the first book to be perhaps even worse, and did not finish after reading 20%. Even the mystery wasn't enough to keep me reading. I found the writing to be not great, and although I assume it was edited, I think a lot more could have been done. Stuff keeps being repeated sometimes in the span of page. I also found the medical stuff to be just as bad as the first book. In the first book the MC kept reminding us that she had acquired all her detecting skills from BBC mystery series, and my guess is that the author got all her medical knowledge from Grey's Anatomy. As a medical professional this was especially frustrating and something that a small amount of actual research would have helped. The main characters weren't any more likable to me in this book and I don't intend to give this series another chance.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
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