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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Not recommended.
I was interested in the mystery: singer of a popular band dies at the beach after performing in his home town. It turns out he was suffering a debilitating disease. Actually, I was mostly interested in how he managed to dance and flirt with the doctor the night before he died. Because when the doctor gets hold of his medical records, she assess the disease has progressed so far that he had only a month left to live. My grandfather suffered from this disease, years before his death he lost the ability for coherent sentences. Doubt he flirted with the nurses of his care home a month before he passed away.
This book hit a lot of my dislikes. Cops that demand answers from witnesses (without telling them why they want to know), claim they follow the facts (and then present an assumption as fact) and overshare with the amateur sleuth. An amateur sleuth, the local doctor, that tells the cops what to investigate.
And then there is my most hated trope:
I felt antipathy towards doctor Em. She came to the village five months earlier and everyone seems to think she is the greatest. (She’s so mesmerising that everyone just glosses over the fact that there never used to be murders in the town until she came along.) She thinks she knows the towns people better than anyone and knows better than an experienced investigator how she should handle interviewing witnesses.
The author seems to have researched Scottish customs poorly. The police inspector declines a pint because she’s on duty, but orders a cider in stead, which is also an alcoholic drink. And when the inspector makes an arrest she informs the arrestee she has “the right …” British police officers - Scottish too - do not inform people of a right to remain silent. They tell them “You do not have to say anything.”
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
I was interested in the mystery: singer of a popular band dies at the beach after performing in his home town. It turns out he was suffering a debilitating disease. Actually, I was mostly interested in how he managed to dance and flirt with the doctor the night before he died. Because when the doctor gets hold of his medical records, she assess the disease has progressed so far that he had only a month left to live. My grandfather suffered from this disease, years before his death he lost the ability for coherent sentences. Doubt he flirted with the nurses of his care home a month before he passed away.
Spoiler
This mystery is barely addressed and not solved. Very unsatisfactory.This book hit a lot of my dislikes. Cops that demand answers from witnesses (without telling them why they want to know), claim they follow the facts (and then present an assumption as fact) and overshare with the amateur sleuth. An amateur sleuth, the local doctor, that tells the cops what to investigate.
And then there is my most hated trope:
Spoiler
when the sleuth finds out who the killer is, the killer pulls a gun.I felt antipathy towards doctor Em. She came to the village five months earlier and everyone seems to think she is the greatest. (She’s so mesmerising that everyone just glosses over the fact that there never used to be murders in the town until she came along.) She thinks she knows the towns people better than anyone and knows better than an experienced investigator how she should handle interviewing witnesses.
The author seems to have researched Scottish customs poorly. The police inspector declines a pint because she’s on duty, but orders a cider in stead, which is also an alcoholic drink. And when the inspector makes an arrest she informs the arrestee she has “the right …” British police officers - Scottish too - do not inform people of a right to remain silent. They tell them “You do not have to say anything.”
I read an ARC through NetGalley.
What a clever story! This is one of the best series I’ve ever read. I can totally see this series as movies or a show - interesting location, great characters and unique plots with twists that are unexpected.
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, [b:An American in Scotland|62892778|An American in Scotland (A Scottish Isle Mystery, #1)|Lucy Connelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665040103l/62892778._SY75_.jpg|98698460].
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, [b:An American in Scotland|62892778|An American in Scotland (A Scottish Isle Mystery, #1)|Lucy Connelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665040103l/62892778._SY75_.jpg|98698460].
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
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!
The third book was not the charm. This series is set in a great location, yet the main character is not likable. The medical part is quite unbelievable. A one doctor clinic in a small remote Scottish village has an MRI, CAT scanner, X-ray, surgical suite, other high-end equipment, a full lab, and several "recovery rooms" for patients. In the surgery and for other medical treatments the doctor is assisted by locals from the village. I could go on.
2.5 stars.
Kept me entertained enough. Probably should have read the first books in the series so I could be more connected with the characters.
Kept me entertained enough. Probably should have read the first books in the series so I could be more connected with the characters.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
“ 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.
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.