Death at a Scottish Halloween - Mystery Review

Goodreads: Death at a Scottish Halloween (A Scottish Isle Mystery #5) by Lucy Connelly

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: It’s the week of Halloween—or as they say in Scotland, All Hallows' Eve—and the town of Sea Isle is full of spooky celebrations. Dr. Emilia McRoy loves being part of her new community and is eager to help out in any way she can. But the festivities are interrupted when she and her assistant, Abigail, find a dead body in a haunted house. A real one. They’re too late to save the victim, but they’ll do whatever it takes to find his killer.

There’s just one There are too many suspects.

Constable Ewan would prefer the good doctor and her friends stay out of the investigations, but that isn’t how Dr. Em rolls. As she and her gang investigate, they realize the killer is searching for something—and has no problem murdering anyone who gets in the way of finding it.

Dr. Em must stay one step ahead if she’s to survive this Halloween season alive—either that or she might just end up the next victim.

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed the previous books in this series so of course I had to pick this one up!

My Impression: This series has been a favorite since the very first book and this new mystery was no exception.  I love the setting of rural Scotland and the wonderful community of Sea Isle.  The mystery is a puzzling one with two deaths that may or may not be connected.  Emilia and Ewan are on the case with the help of their friends who frequently refer to themselves as the Scooby Doo gang which is a fact that I seriously love.

The mystery in this one may not be my favorite though it is intriguing.  There are lots twists and turns and I was really surprised at reveal.  My favorite thing about this series is life in Sea Isle itself.  It's not quite a slice of life cozy but there are a lot of other things going on between Em's patients and all the holiday celebrations.  I really enjoyed the variety of the celebrations and the explanations about them.

This is a solid mystery series in an interesting community.  It balances the line between cozy and procedural mystery.  It's not cutesy but not graphic, it's not quirky but not overly dark.  This is a good solid mystery series with likable characters and a fun community.  While this mystery is a standalone the series is best read in order as there is character development as the story goes along.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I've enjoyed every book in this series and really liked the first book in another series by this author.  I'm definitely planning on reading more from this author.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you are a mystery fan this series is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Month in Reading - July 2026

Monthly Reading Total: 17 - I had a long audio book which slowed me down a bit but other than that it was a pretty good month!

Type:

Print - 8

Ebook - 7 

Audio - 2

Genre:

Mystery - 7 

Fiction - 6

Nonfiction - 1

Romance - 3 

Favorite Books of the Month:

The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer - I really enjoyed this one and was sad when I got to the last page.  I wanted more!  

Rereads:  Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas and Northern Lights by Nora Roberts

Monthly Armchair Reading:

Domestic Travel:  The only new state I visited was Alaska but I visited California twice, Texas, Oregon, and Virginia three times.

International Travel:  I went to England three times, France, and Australia

What was your favorite book in July?  Where did your reading take you?

Friday Fives - August TBR

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. Since this is the first Friday in August, I'm planning my August TBR.  Here are 5 books I plan on reading in August. 

1.  Death at a Scottish Halloween by Lucy Connelly - This is a new release I'm really excited about.  I've really loved this series and can't wait to read the next book.

2.  Hope Springs on Main Street by Olivia Miles - This is the last book on my Reading Priority list for this year.  I read the first two books and Jane was my favorite character.  I was so excited when I got my hands on Jane's book and it has been YEARS and I haven't read it.  Now is the time.

3.  The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton - This is the next book on my Classics list and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

4.  A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliot - Kendra Elliot is on my Authors to Read list this year so when the first book in the Mercy Kilpatrick series was heavily on sale at Audible I took it as a sign.

5. The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom - This book seems like it was written for me.  Main character starting over, gorgeous setting, and a mystery hidden in the house.  I'm really looking forward to it.

What are you hoping to read in August?

Life's a Beach Book Tag

Since it is well into the 90s with 90% humidity here today, I figured I'd do the Life's a Beach Book Tag I found on Lefty Reads.  Now Lefty posted this way back in 2018 and her blog is no longer active but this looked so fun I couldn't resist.  Plus, if it's going to be this hot and muggy I SHOULD be on the beach.  

1.  Sand - A Book That Stuck With You Long After You Finished Reading

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - This is high up on my favorite book list and it's one I think of often.  

2.  Sun - A Book That Burned You

A Cruise to Die For by Heather Graham - This may be the worst written book I've ever read and if it hadn't been a review book I would have DNF'd it.  My expectations for this kind of book aren't super high as they're usually more fun than quality but this was neither.  

3.  The Waves - A Book That Calms You Down After a Long Day

Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Je Hye - I loved the calming slower vibe of this book and it's one that I look forward to revisiting when I need a calm read.

4.  The Bathing Suit - A Book With a Pretty Summery Cover

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews - This looks like the kind of beach we go to every year and I love the tote bag.  This just screams vicarious trip to the beach.

5.  The Birds - A Book That is Everywhere

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke - Honestly, I probably won't read this one.  The premise doesn't appeal to me and the reviews I've seen have confirmed it but it feels like I can't turn around right now without seeing it.

6.  The Company - A Book With Wonderful Characters

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - I loved this book and all the characters in it - even the grumpier ones.

7.  The Ice-Cold Drinks - A Book You Gulped Down

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen - I could not put this book down!  I wouldn't really call it a thriller though it is super creepy but it is definitely fast paced.

8.  The Fun Memories - A Book You Can't Wait to Return To

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan - I'm so glad I bought the audio version of this one as it is definitely a book I'll want to revisit.

Probable Caws - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Probable Caws (Meg Langslow #39) by Donna Andrews

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Meg has finally found time to get some blacksmithing done when a call from her dad interrupts her—can she come out to Ragnar’s right away to help with the horses? Their friend Ragnar Ragnarsen, who is gradually turning the enormous house on his nearby estate into an authentic moated castle, has agreed to shelter nearly fifty horses for Hoof and Hearth, an equine rescue organization that has lost access to the farm where the horses have been living. The owner of the farm recently died without leaving a will, and while his older son Abel would be happy to let the horses stay, younger brother George wants to sell to a developer . . . and is suspected of sending a thug to harm the horses as part of his efforts to evict Hoof and Hearth.

That night, while Meg and her family are camping at one of Ragnar’s barns, to keep an eye on the horses, they discover that the thug has been murdered. Unfortunately George is alibied . . . but his horse-loving brother Abel is not. Neither are the hot-tempered founder of Hoof and Hearth or the passionately protective ex-jockey who serves as its stablemaster. Meg juggles helping keep the horses safe and doing what she can to help the chief solve the thug’s murder . . . all the while hoping that the killer won’t turn out to be one of the dedicated horse rescuers she has come to like and respect.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book: I really enjoy this series so of course I had to pick up this newest book.

My Impression: I really enjoy this series.  It's chaotic and a little convoluted and just tons of fun.  I especially enjoyed all the animals in this one.  I did miss the herd of dogs that live at Meg's house but this book more than made up for it with horses and crows and one particularly memorable scene involving the swans.  Meg's description of the swans and their attitude leaves little doubt that Andrews has some personal experience with the birds.  

This series has a large cast of characters but this book seemed to only include a subset of them.  Meg's mother and grandmother are absent pretty much completely and her father and grandfather only have very small roles.  That made the addition of the horse people and Ragnar's two staff members feel a little less overwhelming.  The mystery was interesting with a solid reveal but the star of this mystery (as is frequently the case with this series) is the animals.  I loved the crows and the different horses and any scenes involving swans never fails to make me laugh.  

This is a fun mystery in a fun series.  The mystery is a standalone and this book can be read on its own though it may take a few chapters to get the cast figured out.  I have found the series gets stronger as it goes along.  While I enjoy the early books in the series the later books are my favorite.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I already have the next book in the series and am looking forward to continuing to catch up with the middle books.

Would I Recommend this Book? Yes!  The length of the series can be a bit intimidating, but you don't have to read all of them and they are a lot of fun.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Covers That Made Me Want to Read the Book

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is a Cover Freebie so I'm focusing on 10 Covers That Made Me Want to Read the Book (and what I thought if I've actually read them)

1.  The Moonsingers by Robyn J. Pritzker - Rating: 3.5 Stars

2.  Murder in Miniature by Katie Tietjen - Rating: 4.5 Stars

3.  The Reimaging of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - Rating: 5 Stars

4.  The Collector's Apprentice by B.A. Paris - Rating: 2 Stars

5.  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - Rating: 5 Stars

6.  A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney - Rating: 4 Stars

7.  Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire - Rating: 4 Stars

8.  The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard - Rating: 3 Stars

9.  A Secret in the Garden by Jeneane O'Riley - Haven't Read Yet - I knew nothing about this one when I stumbled across it in the bookstore, but the cover is gorgeous (the picture doesn't do it justice) AND it had sprayed edges which apparently, I can't resist.  

10. The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick - Haven't Read Yet - I've read and really enjoyed another book by this author and while I wanted to read more from her this one wasn't high on the list.  However, again the cover is 10 times more gorgeous in person AND there are sprayed edges.

Other than a few misses shopping by the cover has gone pretty well for me and I can't wait to read the two I haven't read yet.

The Women in White - Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source: Publisher

Description: Extrasensory perception.
The Gift.
A Sixth Sense.
Or something else….

In 1964, four remarkable young women at a prestigious university became the subjects of parapsychology experiments by a visionary scientist. On the cusp of a historic breakthrough, the women mysteriously vanished and the program was erased from history. Decades later, Riley Bell, newly divorced and desperate for a fresh start, accepts a caretaker job for an elderly widow named Betty. Riley steps into a home that is frozen in another era - no microwave, television, or cell phones, and Betty has never heard of the internet. Why has Betty lived in such profound isolation for so many years, and why does she need Riley now? As the story unfolds across two timelines - Betty’s 1960s era of 5 o’clock martinis and high-stakes experiments, and Riley’s quest to uncover the truth about the missing women - old secrets rise to the surface. And the only way to survive is to confront the mystery that has lingered for sixty years.

Genre: Fiction - Suspense

Why I Picked This Book: This sounded interesting and I've had good luck with this author in the past.

My Impression:  I could not put this book down.  Like I would have to convince myself that it was way past my bedtime and when I hit the next chapter, I HAD to put the book down so I could get some sleep.  I almost always read just a few more chapters after that conversation.  I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a thriller.  There's a bit of cat and mouse and the atmosphere of the entire book is unsettling but for the bulk of the book the main characters aren't really in any kind of danger.  The story is told in two timelines.  One is set in 1964 and focuses on Betty and her friends as they fall more in more in control of a madman.  The second is present day as Riley tries to figure out just what happened to Betty all those years ago.

The pacing is fast and the story kept me hooked from page one.  I liked Riley and Betty and enjoyed watching them get to know each other.  As more and more of the past is revealed I couldn't wait to figure out just what happened.  

This was a fast paced read that I enjoyed from beginning to end.  It's unsettling and while what happens in the 1964 timeline is horrifying it's not one that will have you double checking the locks.  I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of this author.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I'm really looking forward to reading more from her backlist and will be looking for new books.

Would I Recommend this Book? If you like stories filled with suspense this is a good read.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *