The new novel in the acclaimed Highland Bookshop mystery series finds a true-crime author murdered in the charming seacoast town of Inversgail—can the women of Yon Bonnie Books discover the killer’s identity before he or she strikes again? True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book. B The new novel in the acclaimed Highland Bookshop mystery series finds a true-crime author murdered in the charming seacoast town of Inversgail—can the women of Yon Bonnie Books discover the killer’s identity before he or she strikes again? True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book. But if that’s true, why does she seem more interested in William Clark, a shadowy lawyer with no connection to the murder? Her nosy questions arouse the suspicions of Constable Hobbs, the members of a local writers’ group, and Janet Marsh and her crew of amateur sleuths at Yon Bonnie Books. Heather’s unconventional research methods prove deadly when Janet discovers her lifeless body. Except the “body” turns out to be a dummy dressed-up to look like Heather. Meanwhile, Heather is sitting at a safe distance observing Janet’s reactions. Then Heather is found dead—again—sprawled at the base of an ancient standing stone; and this time it’s for real. Clutched in her hand is a valuable miniature book last seen at Yon Bonnie Books, and now the police want to know how Heather, the miniature book, and Janet are all connected. But Janet and her group of sleuths have two questions of their own: Who else is interested in knowing that connection—and is that person a cold-blooded killer?
Heather and Homicide: The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series: Book 4
The new novel in the acclaimed Highland Bookshop mystery series finds a true-crime author murdered in the charming seacoast town of Inversgail—can the women of Yon Bonnie Books discover the killer’s identity before he or she strikes again? True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book. B The new novel in the acclaimed Highland Bookshop mystery series finds a true-crime author murdered in the charming seacoast town of Inversgail—can the women of Yon Bonnie Books discover the killer’s identity before he or she strikes again? True crime writer Heather Kilbride arrives in the seacoast town of Inversgail, Scotland, to research a recent murder for her new book. But if that’s true, why does she seem more interested in William Clark, a shadowy lawyer with no connection to the murder? Her nosy questions arouse the suspicions of Constable Hobbs, the members of a local writers’ group, and Janet Marsh and her crew of amateur sleuths at Yon Bonnie Books. Heather’s unconventional research methods prove deadly when Janet discovers her lifeless body. Except the “body” turns out to be a dummy dressed-up to look like Heather. Meanwhile, Heather is sitting at a safe distance observing Janet’s reactions. Then Heather is found dead—again—sprawled at the base of an ancient standing stone; and this time it’s for real. Clutched in her hand is a valuable miniature book last seen at Yon Bonnie Books, and now the police want to know how Heather, the miniature book, and Janet are all connected. But Janet and her group of sleuths have two questions of their own: Who else is interested in knowing that connection—and is that person a cold-blooded killer?
Compare
Cheryl –
Better than the prior, but still kind of an odd reveal. Too many main characters holding back clues from each other for silly reasons. But as always, a fun read, good for picking up Scottish words, and nice scenery. Best if read one after the other.
Michelle –
Just so cozy it was catatonic
Joe Jones –
Sometimes you need a comfort read and this series has always hit the spot for me. Cozy mysteries are like visiting old friends and places with the occasional murder or two thrown in. Here, we pick up shortly after the last book and if you enjoyed that one or any of the other previous ones you will enjoy this as well.
Kav –
I like to armchair travel through my cozy mysteries so this Highland setting is sublime! And it's enhanced by Lucy Paterson's entertaining narration. Made me feel like I was sitting in a cozy chair in the corner of the bookshop soaking up the atmosphere and watching all the village shenanigans. This is a story as steeped in the characters as it is in the mystery so readers who like their murder front and centre from the get-go might be a tad disappointed. I found the meandering approach to murde I like to armchair travel through my cozy mysteries so this Highland setting is sublime! And it's enhanced by Lucy Paterson's entertaining narration. Made me feel like I was sitting in a cozy chair in the corner of the bookshop soaking up the atmosphere and watching all the village shenanigans. This is a story as steeped in the characters as it is in the mystery so readers who like their murder front and centre from the get-go might be a tad disappointed. I found the meandering approach to murder charming though, and was blissfully happy all the read through. The amateur sleuths in this series are four American transplants who have opened a bookshop / tearoom in Scotland. They vary in ages and temperaments and life experience which makes them a powerhouse detective team -- a talented combo of librarian, social worker, lawyer and journalist. Because of this group dynamic it might be best to read this series in order so you get all the back stories and life circumstances straight.
Alan –
I love this series. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the Scottish stereotypes are done with genuine fondness for the characters and the setting, and all in all it's just a perfect cozy winter read. Book 4, and the ladies of Yon Bonnie Books are back - together with the usual array of returning eccentric characters and pets. Not much time has passed since the last murders in Inversgail, and a true-crime writer turns up in the village to investigate the Murray Murder Case, digging up memories I love this series. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the Scottish stereotypes are done with genuine fondness for the characters and the setting, and all in all it's just a perfect cozy winter read. Book 4, and the ladies of Yon Bonnie Books are back - together with the usual array of returning eccentric characters and pets. Not much time has passed since the last murders in Inversgail, and a true-crime writer turns up in the village to investigate the Murray Murder Case, digging up memories and still-fresh wounds. When she soon turns up dead at the local standing stones, and mystery men start to appear, can Janet, Tallie, Christine and Summer solve the case....? Perfect escapism and a lot of fun, I always look forward to these Molly MacRae books. Just enjoy it!
Donna –
Challenges: Cloak & Dagger Christmas (Clue) 2020 - Library/References books(2, bookshop, rare books, Chinese thread books); Lizziefaye's Comfy Corner/Serious About Series - Stay current with series (6); Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority One/Level One. Liking this series more and more, especially the secondary characters Rab and Ranger, and Basant. The quirky banter and Scottish expressions can keep you off balance just enough to make you pay close attention to what is going on an Challenges: Cloak & Dagger Christmas (Clue) 2020 - Library/References books(2, bookshop, rare books, Chinese thread books); Lizziefaye's Comfy Corner/Serious About Series - Stay current with series (6); Reading Goal Posts/Stacking the Series - Priority One/Level One. Liking this series more and more, especially the secondary characters Rab and Ranger, and Basant. The quirky banter and Scottish expressions can keep you off balance just enough to make you pay close attention to what is going on and hearing the truth behind what is being said. The cover art for the series is cozily sinister and atmospheric, and the setting makes one sigh to be there. A series of friendships and caring about how everyone is getting along.
Jane Irish Nelson –
Just barely four stars; I don't think this one is quite as good as the previous ones in the series. But it was still enjoyable. The title is a clever play on words, since the book deals with a woman named Heather. She claims to be a true crime writer, but former librarian Janet cannot find any trace of anything she has written, nor any web presence. But Heather has arrived in town ostensibly to write about a recent murder that Janet and her colleagues helped solve, however her research methods s Just barely four stars; I don't think this one is quite as good as the previous ones in the series. But it was still enjoyable. The title is a clever play on words, since the book deals with a woman named Heather. She claims to be a true crime writer, but former librarian Janet cannot find any trace of anything she has written, nor any web presence. But Heather has arrived in town ostensibly to write about a recent murder that Janet and her colleagues helped solve, however her research methods seem rather bizarre. And then there is the elusive William Clark — why does no one seem to know him? Once again the SCONES start putting together questions and clues that come in handy when a body is found. Recommended.
P.J. Coldren –
I thoroughly enjoyed this 4th entry in the Highland Bookshop Mystery series. First off, I learned some new words, which is a rare thing at my advanced age; I like that in a book. This is clearly a mystery in the classic tradition of British female authors, vintage Agatha if ever there was one - except no negative stereotypes of the "non-British" cast members. It's not the fastest paced book Ive ever read and that's OK. Sometimes a nice leisurely stroll through a story, a sit back in the easy cha I thoroughly enjoyed this 4th entry in the Highland Bookshop Mystery series. First off, I learned some new words, which is a rare thing at my advanced age; I like that in a book. This is clearly a mystery in the classic tradition of British female authors, vintage Agatha if ever there was one - except no negative stereotypes of the "non-British" cast members. It's not the fastest paced book Ive ever read and that's OK. Sometimes a nice leisurely stroll through a story, a sit back in the easy chair read - it's all good. My one low-grade gripe? The recipe for Basant's chocolate cake is not given, at least not with any specificity. I'd make that anytime. I won this book - no request for, or assumption of, any kind of review, just s you know. I call 'em as I see 'em.
Jenny Smith –
Book 4 was far, far better than the last book in the series. I'd almost given up on the characters and their muddled way of detecting after Book 3. Book 4 showed promise. The characters were more likeable, though they still aren't very well defined. I don't feel like you ever really get to know any of them as actual real people. The mystery was much better, too, though it was still a bit overly complicated. You never get good clues that allow you to figure out the murderer before the conclusion Book 4 was far, far better than the last book in the series. I'd almost given up on the characters and their muddled way of detecting after Book 3. Book 4 showed promise. The characters were more likeable, though they still aren't very well defined. I don't feel like you ever really get to know any of them as actual real people. The mystery was much better, too, though it was still a bit overly complicated. You never get good clues that allow you to figure out the murderer before the conclusion smacks you in the face. I'll give Book 5 a shot when it comes out. Book 4 gave me hope that the author is finally trending in the right direction.
KayDee –
This is a good cozy mystery series to read while drinking a cup of tea and eating scones. In this book, Janet finds the "corpse" of a true crime writer. The "corpse" however was observing the scene from the hillside and the "corpse" turned out to be a stuffed rag doll. Janet, not being amused, is even less amused when she comes upon the dead rag doll again, only to find that, this time, it's the real deal. Lots of local Scottish color add to the appeal of this novel and series. This is a good cozy mystery series to read while drinking a cup of tea and eating scones. In this book, Janet finds the "corpse" of a true crime writer. The "corpse" however was observing the scene from the hillside and the "corpse" turned out to be a stuffed rag doll. Janet, not being amused, is even less amused when she comes upon the dead rag doll again, only to find that, this time, it's the real deal. Lots of local Scottish color add to the appeal of this novel and series.
Kate –
I like this cozy mystery series a lot. I love the small town feel and the side characters - Rab and Ranger are my favorite. The mystery was a little confusing, and sometimes I had no idea what the people in the book were talking about, but I liked the characters enough that I didn't even really care, and I thought the ending was fairly believable, if a little rushed. A fun, fairly light read. I like this cozy mystery series a lot. I love the small town feel and the side characters - Rab and Ranger are my favorite. The mystery was a little confusing, and sometimes I had no idea what the people in the book were talking about, but I liked the characters enough that I didn't even really care, and I thought the ending was fairly believable, if a little rushed. A fun, fairly light read.
Claudia –
Great series. Love the characters. Kept me guessing.
Brenda Rezk –
I enjoy my visits to Scotland with Janet and the others.
Carol Fuller –
A little too cutsie for me.
Darcy Palmer –
A fun cozy. Love the setting of a bookstore in Scotland.
Sue –
A million mile reach....
Kyle Fisher –
This should be 3 1/2 stars. It was a good mystery but a bit too much throwing around ideas among the 4 protagonists.
Wendy –
Another great book! I love this series and all the characters.
Jeannie and Louis Rigod –
Jaclyn –
Pamela –
Dani –
Cheryl –
Heather Marano –
Barbara Hart –
Julia –
Jamie Lewis –
Carol –
Carolyn Schmidt –
Rachel Hughart –