A Very Bookish Murder by Dee MacDonald (Ally McKinley Mystery #3), Reviewed

 

Dee MacDonald’s A Very Bookish Murder, the third installment in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, is a delightful cozy mystery that immerses readers in the charming Highland village of Locharran. As a first-time reader of MacDonald’s work, I was thoroughly enchanted by this fast-paced, engaging tale that blends a gripping whodunit with vivid characters and a picturesque Scottish setting.

 The story centers on Ally McKinley, a guesthouse owner and amateur sleuth who finds herself embroiled in yet another murder investigation. When renowned novelist Jodi Jones hosts a writers’ retreat in Locharran, Ally welcomes some of the attendees to her cozy Auld Malthouse B&B. The retreat takes a dark turn when Jodi is found strangled in the hotel’s ladies’ bathroom during the inaugural session. As Ally digs into the case—assisted by her faithful puppy Flora, her partner Ross, and a new detective, DI Amir Kandahar—the mystery deepens with accusations of plagiarism, infidelity, and hidden grudges among the retreat’s attendees. The stakes escalate when another writer, claiming to know the killer’s identity, is found dead, making it clear the murderer is still at large and determined to keep their secrets buried.

 MacDonald crafts a compelling mystery with a well-paced plot that keeps you guessing. The cast of characters—from the eclectic writers’ group to the quirky locals—brings Locharran to life, making it feel like a character in its own right. Ally is a relatable and likable protagonist, balancing her amateur sleuthing with warmth and wit, while DI Kandahar’s fresh perspective and surprising respect for Ally’s insights add a new dynamic to the series. The subplot involving the dramatic delivery of twin heirs to the Countess of Locharran adds a heartwarming layer to the story, showcasing MacDonald’s knack for weaving personal moments into the suspense.

 The book’s cozy atmosphere, with its quaint Scottish setting and minimal gore, makes it a perfect read for fans of bloodless mysteries. While it stands alone well, the rich character development and hints of past adventures left me eager to dive into the first two books in the series. The climactic “ah-ha” moment is both satisfying and thrilling, tying up loose ends while keeping the stakes high.

 Overall, A Very Bookish Murder is a captivating, character-driven mystery that delivers on both plot and charm. Dee MacDonald has crafted a series that’s sure to delight cozy mystery enthusiasts. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a clever puzzle set in a cozy Highland village!

 You can order your copy here.

 Rating: 4.5/5 stars

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 I received a complimentary ​digital copy of this book​ from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mince Pies and Murder by J.R. Leigh, Reviewed

 

This is the first time I’ve ever read anything written by this author before, but I cannot resist a Christmas cozy, so I had to read this one. Plus in addition to Christmas, a cozy mystery, and the fact that it takes place in England — Cornwall, no less — is my personal trifecta, so I am certainly delighted that I did.

 J.R. Leigh’s Mince Pies and Murder is a delightful cozy mystery that captures the charm of a Cornish Christmas. It is the fourth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone quite well. Set in the picturesque village of Seal Bay, the story follows Morwenna Mutton, a sharp-witted sexagenarian sleuth, as she unravels the suspicious death of local author Pawly Yelland. Found dead with a champagne flute and mince pie in hand, Pawly’s demise, though initially deemed an accident sparks Morwenna’s curiosity, leading her to uncover secrets amidst festive cheer. This book is a wonderful blend of holiday warmth, small-town gossip, and a twisty plot filled with red herrings, making this a perfect winter read for mystery lovers. The vivid Cornish setting, with snow-dusted rooftops and twinkling lights, adds a magical backdrop that enhances the story’s cozy appeal.

I fell in love with Morwenna immediately! She is feisty, relatable, and intrepid. The other characters in the book only serve to enhance her; I loved her quirky family and trusty cat. There are quite a few characters in this book and that can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but thankfully an extensive character list is included at the beginning (something all authors should do no matter how many characters are in their story, and I will die on that hill), and I greatly appreciated that.

The mystery with its touch of romance, and eerie events like threatening Christmas cards and a sinister Santa figure keep you guessing until the final page. Having read this book, I am most definitely going to read the other three in the series. I can totally see this being turned into a television program the likes of The Thursday Murder Club, fingers crossed that it will be.

You can get your copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Many thanks to J.R. Leigh, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Killing Stones, a D.I. Jimmy Perez Novel by Ann Cleeves, Reviewed

 

Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez is back! Ann Cleeves’ The Killing Stones, the ninth novel in the Detective Jimmy Perez series, is a masterful blend of suspense, rich character development, and vivid cultural immersion. Set in the Orkney Islands, where Jimmy now resides with his pregnant partner and boss, DI Willow Reeves, and their young son, this installment thrusts Perez into a deeply personal investigation when his lifelong friend, Archie Stout, is found murdered at an ancient Neolithic site. The red herrings are plentiful, and will keep you guessing until the shocking conclusion. There are certainly no dull moments, and the escalating body count—each murder tied to significant archaeological sites—adds layers of intrigue, compounded by whispers of plagiarism and hidden agendas.

Cleeves is masterful at being able to transport readers to Orkney’s stark landscape; she has such a tremendous gift for atmosphere. The Neolithic sites—Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, and Maeshowe—are characters in their own right. I loved the cultural details, from island traditions to the weather.

Jimmy Perez is now like an old friend that I’m always happy to see. I love his combination of sensitivity and intenseness. It was also good to see that he’s moved past the depression that haunted him earlier.

I was, however, a bit puzzled by the reluctance of Glasgow authorities to prioritize the case given the mounting deaths, but this in no way detracted from my enjoyment. Fans of the Jimmy Perez series are going to love this latest installment. Those new to the series, I’m sure, will find this a real page-turner that surprises until the very end.

 You can preorder your copy here.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.