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An Ally McKinley Mystery #1
Murder in the Scottish Highlands
Majestic mountain views, whisky by the fire and… a murder to solve? Join Ally McKinley at her cosy little guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands as she tackles her first puzzling case!
For recently retired Ally McKinley, the tiny village of Locharran is the perfect place to open the guesthouse of her dreams in a lovingly restored old Scottish malthouse. Before long she is making friends with the locals, including Hamish Sinclair, the earl who owns the nearby castle. But things take an unexpected turn when her first paying guest, American tourist Wilbur Carrington, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back…
With the police baffled, Ally’s instincts get the better of her, and she can’t resist launching her own investigation. In no time at all she and her Labrador puppy Flora are on the case, making enquiries over tea and excellent shortbread. She finds that Wilbur, a keen amateur genealogist, was convinced that he was the rightful Earl of Locharran… Even worse, he had plans that would put many people out of their jobs and even their homes.
But which of the locals resorted to murder? The hotel owner furiously trying to save his business? Locharran Castle’s fiercely loyal housekeeper who’d do anything for the earl? Or the earl himself, whose entire way of life was threatened by what Wilbur knew?
Looking for clues, Ally finds a faded photograph in a hidden drawer in Wilbur’s room. Could this be the key to solving the mystery? But when one of her suspects dies in a suspicious accident, Ally realises that things are getting a wee bit too close for comfort… Can she uncover the truth or will a killer get off scot-free?
An utterly unputdownable new Scottish cosy mystery series from bestselling author Dee MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.
For recently retired Ally McKinley, the tiny village of Locharran is the perfect place to open the guesthouse of her dreams in a lovingly restored old Scottish malthouse. Before long she is making friends with the locals, including Hamish Sinclair, the earl who owns the nearby castle. But things take an unexpected turn when her first paying guest, American tourist Wilbur Carrington, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back…
With the police baffled, Ally’s instincts get the better of her, and she can’t resist launching her own investigation. In no time at all she and her Labrador puppy Flora are on the case, making enquiries over tea and excellent shortbread. She finds that Wilbur, a keen amateur genealogist, was convinced that he was the rightful Earl of Locharran… Even worse, he had plans that would put many people out of their jobs and even their homes.
But which of the locals resorted to murder? The hotel owner furiously trying to save his business? Locharran Castle’s fiercely loyal housekeeper who’d do anything for the earl? Or the earl himself, whose entire way of life was threatened by what Wilbur knew?
Looking for clues, Ally finds a faded photograph in a hidden drawer in Wilbur’s room. Could this be the key to solving the mystery? But when one of her suspects dies in a suspicious accident, Ally realises that things are getting a wee bit too close for comfort… Can she uncover the truth or will a killer get off scot-free?
An utterly unputdownable new Scottish cosy mystery series from bestselling author Dee MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 2, 2024
About the author
Dee MacDonald
14 books172 followersThe Runaway Wife is Dee’s first (published) novel but in fact she wrote her very first book – at around seven years of age! This was a love story which she duly illustrated before sewing all the pages together up one side. Writing was what she ‘was good at’ in school and she won several essay competitions, but then life got in the way and she didn’t pick up a pen again until after retirement.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
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May 29, 2024ARC received! Thank you, Bookouture!!!
I love getting in on new Cozy Mystery series at the very beginning. This one sounds like so much fun!!!
I love getting in on new Cozy Mystery series at the very beginning. This one sounds like so much fun!!!
June 9, 2024
Received this book from NetGalley.
Cute, cozy mystery. Ally is in her 60s, opens up a B&B, discovers an American guest has been killed and sets out to help find the murderer. A lot of characters who could be suspects, felt like the reveal was good and made sense, cute interactions throughout.
There really wasn’t much growth in any character, and a little conflict point near the end (someone finding out that Ally was listing out suspects) didn’t feel needed or even resolved well, didn��t find myself dying to know what happened, but overall enjoyed this read.
Cute, cozy mystery. Ally is in her 60s, opens up a B&B, discovers an American guest has been killed and sets out to help find the murderer. A lot of characters who could be suspects, felt like the reveal was good and made sense, cute interactions throughout.
There really wasn’t much growth in any character, and a little conflict point near the end (someone finding out that Ally was listing out suspects) didn’t feel needed or even resolved well, didn��t find myself dying to know what happened, but overall enjoyed this read.
June 3, 2024
This is a fun, light cozy mystery that kept me entertained.
Ally is living her dream in the tiny village of Locharran, where she lovingly restored an old Scottish malthouse into a unique bed and breakfast.
An untimely death sends her plans into a downward spiral, and now Ally must investigate to save her dream.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Ally is living her dream in the tiny village of Locharran, where she lovingly restored an old Scottish malthouse into a unique bed and breakfast.
An untimely death sends her plans into a downward spiral, and now Ally must investigate to save her dream.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
June 19, 2024
Ally is a sixty-something woman who used to be a researcher for television programs, is now looking for a new adventure by turning an old malthouse into a bed and breakfast. Her first customer, an American man claiming to be the true heir to the earldom of Locharron, turns up dead and Ally finds herself in the middle of it. Can she trust the police to find who murdered her guest? Or will she have to put on a detective hat and find out for herself?
Today was a rainy day, and I finished this cozy book in one sitting! I loved all the side characters in the book and Ally. It made me think how quaint it would be to own a B&B set in the Scottish countryside (minus the murder and possible ghost, ha!). I’m interested to read more books about Ally and Locharron and would love to find out more about the mysterious B&B.
It was pretty easy to figure out who was behind the murder(s) but it was still a fun read! 3.5 stars, rounding it up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Today was a rainy day, and I finished this cozy book in one sitting! I loved all the side characters in the book and Ally. It made me think how quaint it would be to own a B&B set in the Scottish countryside (minus the murder and possible ghost, ha!). I’m interested to read more books about Ally and Locharron and would love to find out more about the mysterious B&B.
It was pretty easy to figure out who was behind the murder(s) but it was still a fun read! 3.5 stars, rounding it up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2024
Ally McKinley is living the dream. Waking every morning to an uninterrupted view of the Scottish Highlands, she now lives in a converted malthouse and, as she was the one who planned it all, everything is just as she wanted. Now proudly serving her first guest in her own little B&B, Ally has made new friends, discovered beautiful walks, and thoroughly confused her children, all of which, unfortunately, pale into insignificance when a body is discovered behind her home!
With plenty of suspects, including the local laird and her own cleaner, Morag, Ally is dismayed when the local police seem to have no idea how to solve a murder. As Ally was a researcher in her previous life she is absolutely sure she can solve everything herself, especially as she's also sure her new friends can't possibly be involved! The stakes are high however, and it soon becomes clear that there is a desperate killer on the loose, but can she discover their identity before alienating everyone in the small village of Locharran which she now calls home?
Book one in a new series, when you loved a writer's previous work, is always a trip into the unknown, but I needn't have worried. Ally McKinley is a brilliant new main protagonist who I liked from the get go, while the landscape is also a main player in this story and it's clear the author is very familiar with its beauties and dangers. The more minor characters, who are definitely going to keep Ally on her toes over what I hope will become a regular series of adventures, are both humorous and full of potential.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It didn't read like the first in a series, the characterization is great, and I'm happily looking forward to more.
With plenty of suspects, including the local laird and her own cleaner, Morag, Ally is dismayed when the local police seem to have no idea how to solve a murder. As Ally was a researcher in her previous life she is absolutely sure she can solve everything herself, especially as she's also sure her new friends can't possibly be involved! The stakes are high however, and it soon becomes clear that there is a desperate killer on the loose, but can she discover their identity before alienating everyone in the small village of Locharran which she now calls home?
Book one in a new series, when you loved a writer's previous work, is always a trip into the unknown, but I needn't have worried. Ally McKinley is a brilliant new main protagonist who I liked from the get go, while the landscape is also a main player in this story and it's clear the author is very familiar with its beauties and dangers. The more minor characters, who are definitely going to keep Ally on her toes over what I hope will become a regular series of adventures, are both humorous and full of potential.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this. It didn't read like the first in a series, the characterization is great, and I'm happily looking forward to more.
June 7, 2024
It was a cosy read, but nothing extraordinary.
The book dives in the story (murder) right away, on the first chapter. The setting of the story is cute - a bed & breakfast in an old malthouse, near a remote village in the Scottish Highlands (with a bonus : a ghost story - that unfortunatly isn’t used in the story at all).
The writing was sometimes a bit too oldschool for me (page 51 : « was there a Mrs Rigby to ensure he had breakfast before he ventured out to do his sleuthing each day » … is Detective Rigby a little baby that needs a woman to feed him ???) and a bit cliché (The American = entitled and rude man that wants to turn the village into a theme park).
The middle of the book is quite slow as nothing new is happening regarding the murder investigation.
Also, and that’s the animal rights activist in me speaking but … when Ally wanted to get a dog, why not go to a shelter instead of a kennel ? Why did she specifically want a pure bread Labrador puppy ? I mean, if she wanted protection, why a puppy then ?That’s not a great image, when books have the power to change the narrative on things like that.
Finally, the murderer’s identity was pretty easy to guess.
Despite everything, I overall enjoyed reading it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book dives in the story (murder) right away, on the first chapter. The setting of the story is cute - a bed & breakfast in an old malthouse, near a remote village in the Scottish Highlands (with a bonus : a ghost story - that unfortunatly isn’t used in the story at all).
The writing was sometimes a bit too oldschool for me (page 51 : « was there a Mrs Rigby to ensure he had breakfast before he ventured out to do his sleuthing each day » … is Detective Rigby a little baby that needs a woman to feed him ???) and a bit cliché (The American = entitled and rude man that wants to turn the village into a theme park).
The middle of the book is quite slow as nothing new is happening regarding the murder investigation.
Also, and that’s the animal rights activist in me speaking but … when Ally wanted to get a dog, why not go to a shelter instead of a kennel ? Why did she specifically want a pure bread Labrador puppy ? I mean, if she wanted protection, why a puppy then ?That’s not a great image, when books have the power to change the narrative on things like that.
Finally, the murderer’s identity was pretty easy to guess.
Despite everything, I overall enjoyed reading it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder in the Scottish Highlands" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the first book in the new Ally McKinley series from Dee MacDonald. Having read all the books in her Kate Palmer series, I had high hopes for this new series and she did not disappoint! This book grabbed my attention from the first sentence and did not let go until the very last sentence. Ally is 68 and has retired from Edinburgh to Locharran in the Western Highlands of Scotland and bought the old malthouse and turned it into The Auld Malthouse Bed and Breakfast. Her family had their doubts, thinking she was too old to go into business but Ally is a strong, fun character who is instantly likeable.
Her first guest - Wilbur Carrington - an American staying in Room 1 - is found with a Skean Dhu in his back out in the courtyard of the B & B. Mr. Carrington had been going around the village claiming to be the rightful heir to the earldom instead of Lord Hamish Sinclair. Soon his brother Tyler Carrington arrives to find out who killed his brother and to take his body back to the States. Soon after Mamie Van Nuyen arrives claiming to be Wilbur's fiancé.
Not long after another murder happens. Someone had figured out what really happened to Wilbur and before they could go to the police they were also killed.
Ally not really believing that DI Rigby is competent to solve this case, sets out to solve it herself and puts herself in some danger along the way. She also has attracted the attention of the Earl and the local retired vet Ross Patterson. She becomes the fodder for the town gossip in the form of Queenie at the Locharran Post Office and Stores which she runs with her sister Bessie who rarely says a word. There is also the interesting character of "Wailing Willie" a ghost who has been haunting the malthouse since the 1800's and Ally's new puppy Flora can sense his presence in one of the guestrooms and refuses to enter the room.
There is something for everyone in this new series. Personally I am eagerly awaiting the next book to see what will happen at the malthouse next and what adventure will find Ally.
This is the first book in the new Ally McKinley series from Dee MacDonald. Having read all the books in her Kate Palmer series, I had high hopes for this new series and she did not disappoint! This book grabbed my attention from the first sentence and did not let go until the very last sentence. Ally is 68 and has retired from Edinburgh to Locharran in the Western Highlands of Scotland and bought the old malthouse and turned it into The Auld Malthouse Bed and Breakfast. Her family had their doubts, thinking she was too old to go into business but Ally is a strong, fun character who is instantly likeable.
Her first guest - Wilbur Carrington - an American staying in Room 1 - is found with a Skean Dhu in his back out in the courtyard of the B & B. Mr. Carrington had been going around the village claiming to be the rightful heir to the earldom instead of Lord Hamish Sinclair. Soon his brother Tyler Carrington arrives to find out who killed his brother and to take his body back to the States. Soon after Mamie Van Nuyen arrives claiming to be Wilbur's fiancé.
Not long after another murder happens. Someone had figured out what really happened to Wilbur and before they could go to the police they were also killed.
Ally not really believing that DI Rigby is competent to solve this case, sets out to solve it herself and puts herself in some danger along the way. She also has attracted the attention of the Earl and the local retired vet Ross Patterson. She becomes the fodder for the town gossip in the form of Queenie at the Locharran Post Office and Stores which she runs with her sister Bessie who rarely says a word. There is also the interesting character of "Wailing Willie" a ghost who has been haunting the malthouse since the 1800's and Ally's new puppy Flora can sense his presence in one of the guestrooms and refuses to enter the room.
There is something for everyone in this new series. Personally I am eagerly awaiting the next book to see what will happen at the malthouse next and what adventure will find Ally.
July 14, 2024
Murder in the Scottish highlands is the start of another series by Dee MacDonald.
After the Kate Palmer series has come to an end I was curious if the next series is going to be as delightful, so when an Arc of the first book in a new series became available on Netgalley I was quick to request a copy.
Ally, the new series' protagonist, is a 60 something former research assistant who has relocated from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where she has restored an old malthouse into a Bed & Breakfast. Right from the start Ally's B&B is haunted by problems, quite literally by the resident ghost who goes by the name of Wailing Willie, but also her because her very first lodger is killed on her doorstep. Definitely not a good start. Because she has not much confidence in the detecting qualities of inspector Rigby Ally decides to do her own research. (Note to Ally: if you don't see a police officer making progress it doesn't mean there is no progress, it just means the police is not telling the public what they are doing)
In the course of the book we meet a lot of eccentric villagers ans Ally acquires a couple of admirers. Se also acquires a labrador puppy, that goes by the name of Flora.
Murder in the Scottish highland is certainly a nice, cosy read but there is too little development in the characters to my liking. Well I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt and will read the next book in this series, got to know how Flora is growing up and how often she needs to go to the vet ;-)
After the Kate Palmer series has come to an end I was curious if the next series is going to be as delightful, so when an Arc of the first book in a new series became available on Netgalley I was quick to request a copy.
Ally, the new series' protagonist, is a 60 something former research assistant who has relocated from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands where she has restored an old malthouse into a Bed & Breakfast. Right from the start Ally's B&B is haunted by problems, quite literally by the resident ghost who goes by the name of Wailing Willie, but also her because her very first lodger is killed on her doorstep. Definitely not a good start. Because she has not much confidence in the detecting qualities of inspector Rigby Ally decides to do her own research. (Note to Ally: if you don't see a police officer making progress it doesn't mean there is no progress, it just means the police is not telling the public what they are doing)
In the course of the book we meet a lot of eccentric villagers ans Ally acquires a couple of admirers. Se also acquires a labrador puppy, that goes by the name of Flora.
Murder in the Scottish highland is certainly a nice, cosy read but there is too little development in the characters to my liking. Well I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt and will read the next book in this series, got to know how Flora is growing up and how often she needs to go to the vet ;-)
June 13, 2024
Rating: 2.2/5
Whenever possible, I like to pick up a new book series at the outset rather than joining the party further down the track. So, when I saw that "Murder in the Scottish Highlands" was not only the start of a new cosy mystery series, but also set in a part of the world that I have a great affinity with, I couldn't resist picking it up.
Ally McKinley is a widow and recently retired. She decides to relocate to the Scottish Highlands and run a B&B from an old converted malthouse that she has purchased. However, Ally's expectations of a quiet, idyllic lifestyle are very soon up in the air, when an American resident of her guest house is found murdered.
This book seems to be pitched at the "Richard Osman market", with a retired amateur sleuth as the central character and a front cover style that is not unlike those on Mr Osman's cosy crime novels. Personally, I would suggest that the mystery element of the story has more in common with the "Agatha Raisin" series than it does "The Thursday Murder Club". Aside from that, there is also just as much emphasis - or perhaps even greater emphasis - on Ally's potential romantic interests as there is on solving the crime. Consequently, this book feels like more a case of cosy women's fiction than cosy murder mystery. Overall, it is a pleasant enough read, but quite run-of-the-mill for the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Whenever possible, I like to pick up a new book series at the outset rather than joining the party further down the track. So, when I saw that "Murder in the Scottish Highlands" was not only the start of a new cosy mystery series, but also set in a part of the world that I have a great affinity with, I couldn't resist picking it up.
Ally McKinley is a widow and recently retired. She decides to relocate to the Scottish Highlands and run a B&B from an old converted malthouse that she has purchased. However, Ally's expectations of a quiet, idyllic lifestyle are very soon up in the air, when an American resident of her guest house is found murdered.
This book seems to be pitched at the "Richard Osman market", with a retired amateur sleuth as the central character and a front cover style that is not unlike those on Mr Osman's cosy crime novels. Personally, I would suggest that the mystery element of the story has more in common with the "Agatha Raisin" series than it does "The Thursday Murder Club". Aside from that, there is also just as much emphasis - or perhaps even greater emphasis - on Ally's potential romantic interests as there is on solving the crime. Consequently, this book feels like more a case of cosy women's fiction than cosy murder mystery. Overall, it is a pleasant enough read, but quite run-of-the-mill for the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 2, 2024
British Cozy Mystery about a recently retired Scottish TV researcher who's plans for her B&B are threatened after an American guest's found dead on her property.
4/5 stars: This is the first entry in MacDonald's Ally McKinley Mystery series which is a B&B Cozy Mystery set in Scotland and features a widowed recently retired Scottish TV researcher who lovingly restores an old Scottish malthouse as a guesthouse B&B. She puts on her sleuthing cap after an American guest, who was looking into proving his claim to the local earldom, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back. With plenty of twists and turns, MacDonald has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, MacDonald's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Ally's a joy and I really enjoyed getting to know her and the folks in and around the quaint village of Locharran. I also look forward to seeing where her relationship with Ross, the semi-retired veterinarian. Oh and one mustn't forget to mention Ally's adorable Labrador puppy, Flora. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read more!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the first entry in MacDonald's Ally McKinley Mystery series which is a B&B Cozy Mystery set in Scotland and features a widowed recently retired Scottish TV researcher who lovingly restores an old Scottish malthouse as a guesthouse B&B. She puts on her sleuthing cap after an American guest, who was looking into proving his claim to the local earldom, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back. With plenty of twists and turns, MacDonald has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, MacDonald's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Ally's a joy and I really enjoyed getting to know her and the folks in and around the quaint village of Locharran. I also look forward to seeing where her relationship with Ross, the semi-retired veterinarian. Oh and one mustn't forget to mention Ally's adorable Labrador puppy, Flora. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read more!
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
June 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Dee MacDonald, and Bookouture for providing me with an e-ARC before publication.
3.25 ⭐️ rounded to 3⭐️ for GoodReads and NetGalley.
First of all, cozy mysteries with retiree sleuths have become a favorite genre for me. Murder in the Scottish Highlands was a great fit for this. The whole cast of characters is funny and truly on point for what I believe a small-town cast would act like. ☺️
Ally, the main character, is such a cute little old lady. I loved her back story as a TV researcher. I don't think I have ever encountered this as a character background. ❤️
I found Hamish, the earl, hilarious! Though I have to be 100% honest, he did give me the creeps a little at the beginning 👀, but I think that is what makes his overall character so much more likable in the end.
The plot was interesting. A regular "Who dunnit?" story, though a bit slow at times. Part of the story felt a bit stilted, and some of the dialogue just didn't work for me: particularly when the American characters were talking. They were using way too many British English expressions to sound authentic in their "Americaness".
I did enjoy the romance aspect of the story. I love to see characters of older age get a second chance at love 🥰
Overall a nice cozy read that I'm sure will give warm fuzzy feelings to anyone who loves a good retiree sleuth solving crimes 😉
3.25 ⭐️ rounded to 3⭐️ for GoodReads and NetGalley.
First of all, cozy mysteries with retiree sleuths have become a favorite genre for me. Murder in the Scottish Highlands was a great fit for this. The whole cast of characters is funny and truly on point for what I believe a small-town cast would act like. ☺️
Ally, the main character, is such a cute little old lady. I loved her back story as a TV researcher. I don't think I have ever encountered this as a character background. ❤️
I found Hamish, the earl, hilarious! Though I have to be 100% honest, he did give me the creeps a little at the beginning 👀, but I think that is what makes his overall character so much more likable in the end.
The plot was interesting. A regular "Who dunnit?" story, though a bit slow at times. Part of the story felt a bit stilted, and some of the dialogue just didn't work for me: particularly when the American characters were talking. They were using way too many British English expressions to sound authentic in their "Americaness".
I did enjoy the romance aspect of the story. I love to see characters of older age get a second chance at love 🥰
Overall a nice cozy read that I'm sure will give warm fuzzy feelings to anyone who loves a good retiree sleuth solving crimes 😉
July 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Murder in the Scottish Highlands by, Dee MacDonald. I always love a cozy mystery and when I saw that this one was set in the Scottish highlands I knew I wanted to read it.
Ally is a widow who has just retired and has moved her life from Edinburgh to renovate a malt house in the highlands into into a bed and breakfast. When one of her guests is murdered Ally is determined to solve the murder as well as the mystery that goes with it.
This book and it had all the aspects of a cozy mystery that draw me in: an older and unlikely detective, a mystery behind the murder, a cast on funny and interesting side characters. The book did jump right into the murder and I had wished for a little more background into the characters and setting before we are introduced to the murder. I also wanted to see more of Ally’s relationships with the other people in her village, she didn’t seem particularly close to anyone but I think that was to show how new she was to the area and hopefully those relationships will be expanded in future books in the series.
This was a fun cozy mystery for anyone looking for something set in the Scottish Highlands.
Ally is a widow who has just retired and has moved her life from Edinburgh to renovate a malt house in the highlands into into a bed and breakfast. When one of her guests is murdered Ally is determined to solve the murder as well as the mystery that goes with it.
This book and it had all the aspects of a cozy mystery that draw me in: an older and unlikely detective, a mystery behind the murder, a cast on funny and interesting side characters. The book did jump right into the murder and I had wished for a little more background into the characters and setting before we are introduced to the murder. I also wanted to see more of Ally’s relationships with the other people in her village, she didn’t seem particularly close to anyone but I think that was to show how new she was to the area and hopefully those relationships will be expanded in future books in the series.
This was a fun cozy mystery for anyone looking for something set in the Scottish Highlands.
June 21, 2024
I've read all of Dee MacDonald's Kate Palmer series and really enjoyed them, so when this new series began I was keen to read it too. This time we are in the Scottish Highlands with Ally McKinley, who has moved there to open a guest house from Edinburgh after the death of her husband. She has converted an old malt house and now is looking forward to hosting her guests, unfortunately, one of her first guests turns up dead on her doorstep and she finds herself trying to get to the bottom of what happened.
I really enjoyed the new characters introduced in this book and the setting for the story. The murder itself took a little figuring out, but I think I got there just a bit before Ally. I also liked the way that her new puppy and then potential love interest were all added into the mix.
This is a good read and a strong start to a new series. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Ally soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the new characters introduced in this book and the setting for the story. The murder itself took a little figuring out, but I think I got there just a bit before Ally. I also liked the way that her new puppy and then potential love interest were all added into the mix.
This is a good read and a strong start to a new series. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Ally soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
July 10, 2024
3 stars! When I saw the title of this book, I immediately requested in on NetGalley! It sounded right up my alley - I love Scotland and cozy murder mysteries. Then I read the description because I love Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and was hoping for something similar.
Overall, I think this does deliver as a cozy murder mystery. Ally McKinley retires to the Scottish Highlands and opens up a bed & breakfast. One of her guests from America, Wilbur, has a supposed claim to the Earldom of Locharran. Wilbur suddenly is murdered outside of Ally's B&B! So Ally, starts to investigate! Did the current Earl kill him? Did any of the townsfolk who rely on the Earldom kill him?
I thought the premise was good, but I found other elements of the story (the main character and the dialogue) silly and a little ridiculous at times. If you're looking for a quick, light, cozy murder mystery - this works! If you're looking for something with more substance or a hard to solve murder, this may miss the mark.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for the eARC!
Overall, I think this does deliver as a cozy murder mystery. Ally McKinley retires to the Scottish Highlands and opens up a bed & breakfast. One of her guests from America, Wilbur, has a supposed claim to the Earldom of Locharran. Wilbur suddenly is murdered outside of Ally's B&B! So Ally, starts to investigate! Did the current Earl kill him? Did any of the townsfolk who rely on the Earldom kill him?
I thought the premise was good, but I found other elements of the story (the main character and the dialogue) silly and a little ridiculous at times. If you're looking for a quick, light, cozy murder mystery - this works! If you're looking for something with more substance or a hard to solve murder, this may miss the mark.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for the eARC!
June 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book!
The perfect cozy mystery for a rainy day! The atmosphere and setting of Scotland created the perfect reading environment. “Murder in the Scottish Highlands” follows Ally McKinley, a woman who has recently opened a guest house in the quaint Scottish village of Locharran. Ally quickly establishes herself in this small community and welcomes guests to her inn. Yet, when an American Tourist is found dead in his room, Ally launches her own investigation into this mysterious death.
This book gave the same vibes as “Murder, She Wrote”! This book is a great cozy and easy read when you are looking for a mystery to sweep you away! The immersive writing in this book will make you want to visit the Scottish Highlands! I would definitely recommend this book for any mystery lover!
The perfect cozy mystery for a rainy day! The atmosphere and setting of Scotland created the perfect reading environment. “Murder in the Scottish Highlands” follows Ally McKinley, a woman who has recently opened a guest house in the quaint Scottish village of Locharran. Ally quickly establishes herself in this small community and welcomes guests to her inn. Yet, when an American Tourist is found dead in his room, Ally launches her own investigation into this mysterious death.
This book gave the same vibes as “Murder, She Wrote”! This book is a great cozy and easy read when you are looking for a mystery to sweep you away! The immersive writing in this book will make you want to visit the Scottish Highlands! I would definitely recommend this book for any mystery lover!
June 28, 2024
The first of Ally McKinley mysteries, this book is about a 68-year-old woman who moved to Scotland to run a bed-and-breakfast business all on her own. Unfortunately for her, one of her guests was found stabbed in the back (literally) and sprawled lifeless in the back of her B&B. As a former researcher for TV, Ally couldn’t help but to want to find out the truth. Especially after meeting the not-so-reliable police.
I thought the book gave everything that I expected to get from cozy mysteries. There was some romance, some idyllic setting, some gossip, some interesting characters and relationships. What I found refreshing was the overall age of the characters – they were all pretty old by typical standards, but they were colourful and full of life. Their love life is more happening than me, that’s for sure! I also loved how the murder happened from the first chapter. I’m not a very patient reader and if I pick a murder mystery, I just prefer that the murder occurs early on.
While I did guess correctly (okay, only partly), I did enjoy the pretty dramatic ending. The story also deals with inheritance and possibly long-lost relative(s), a popular trope with cozy mysteries.
If you like cozy mysteries, one with beautiful highlands in the background, and the vibe of Miss Marple’s St. Mary Mead, this may be the book for you.
I thought the book gave everything that I expected to get from cozy mysteries. There was some romance, some idyllic setting, some gossip, some interesting characters and relationships. What I found refreshing was the overall age of the characters – they were all pretty old by typical standards, but they were colourful and full of life. Their love life is more happening than me, that’s for sure! I also loved how the murder happened from the first chapter. I’m not a very patient reader and if I pick a murder mystery, I just prefer that the murder occurs early on.
While I did guess correctly (okay, only partly), I did enjoy the pretty dramatic ending. The story also deals with inheritance and possibly long-lost relative(s), a popular trope with cozy mysteries.
If you like cozy mysteries, one with beautiful highlands in the background, and the vibe of Miss Marple’s St. Mary Mead, this may be the book for you.
July 21, 2024
Ally McKinley’s new life in retirement operating a B&B in the Highlands of Scotland quickly becomes less than idyllic when one of her guests is found murdered. The police don’t seem to be following leads as quickly and thoroughly as she thinks they should and starts her own investigation with the help of her 2 new guests, who are connected to the murder victim. The murder may have been triggered by ancestry research that calls into question who the real Earl of Locharran Castle is, which frightens and angers most of the village residents. Ally shows everyone that she knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to speak the truth when gossip follows her as she gets to know several attractive widowers. Definitely some twists and turns in the mystery and a 2nd murder to complicate things.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
June 7, 2024
"Majestic mountain views, whisky by the fire and… a murder to solve? Join Ally McKinley at her cosy little guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands as she tackles her first puzzling case!"
This is the perfect book to read on rainy or snowy day while curled up under a blanket. It was a great cozy mystery that I read in one sitting. I loved the the setting was a bed and breakfast in Scotland. She did an amazing job of setting up the world presented in this book. I loved the characters that where introduced including all the side characters. The mystery aspect was interesting and fun. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC for an honest review.
This is the perfect book to read on rainy or snowy day while curled up under a blanket. It was a great cozy mystery that I read in one sitting. I loved the the setting was a bed and breakfast in Scotland. She did an amazing job of setting up the world presented in this book. I loved the characters that where introduced including all the side characters. The mystery aspect was interesting and fun. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC for an honest review.
June 18, 2024
The mystery wastes no time getting started. We are barely introduced to the protagonist, Ally McKinley, before the body is found.
I really liked the main character, as well as many of the villagers, being an older age. It gave a unique perspective in many areas of the story. I also appreciated that Ally, using the back of a frame, with post its, to walk herself through the various suspects and theories. Because it also helped the reader to keep the clues straight. I did find this to be a bit repetitive which left me feeling bored in quite a few spots. And I did not care for the abrupt change in some of the characters personalities to make the plot work. Unfortunately, just not a book for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really liked the main character, as well as many of the villagers, being an older age. It gave a unique perspective in many areas of the story. I also appreciated that Ally, using the back of a frame, with post its, to walk herself through the various suspects and theories. Because it also helped the reader to keep the clues straight. I did find this to be a bit repetitive which left me feeling bored in quite a few spots. And I did not care for the abrupt change in some of the characters personalities to make the plot work. Unfortunately, just not a book for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 4, 2024
Ally seems to be living the dream in a small village in Scotland running an inn in the country. What a retirement. I would love like 80% of that. I am an introvert and need my privacy. I would hate having strangers in my home. It seems though Ally needs the adventure and is free to have it now that her husband is gone and her family is grown. I love that for her.
I was a little confused about her choice of this tiny village in the highlands since she seemed to be searching for adventure. But things started to make more sense as adventure and mystery find her. As evidenced by her self appointment to investigator. Taking it upon herself to nose into her guests family history and who done it lists.
I was a little confused about her choice of this tiny village in the highlands since she seemed to be searching for adventure. But things started to make more sense as adventure and mystery find her. As evidenced by her self appointment to investigator. Taking it upon herself to nose into her guests family history and who done it lists.
June 26, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookoture for the ARC e book. This was the first book I've read from Dee MacDonald and overall it was pretty good. I traveled to Scotland last year and absolutely loved it there so when I saw the title of the book and what it was about I just knew I had to read it! I really liked most of the characters in this book and overall it was an interesting read. Ally moved from Edinburgh to the Highlands to open a guesthouse. It isn't long after, that there is a murder and she's bound and determined to figure out who killed her guest. It was a light, easy read that I highly recommend.
June 28, 2024
This was a generally enjoyable cozy mystery set in the Scottish highlands. I enjoyed the main character and many of the inhabitants of her little town. I found the mystery to be interesting enough to keep me engaged and lots of little hints were dropped here and there that I had a pretty good idea of some of the pieces by the end. That being said this was pretty typical of this type of cozy mystery and there wasn't anything that really set it apart from others of its type. I am undecided if I would read a follow-up.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2024
A wonderful new cozy mystery series.by Dee MacDonald. Widower Ally McKinley has recently retired and almost on a whim buys and restores an old malt house to open as. B and B. It's nice to read a book that features middle age characters finding fulfillment in their retirement years. The
plot is fairly simple, I figured out the killer early on, but the main characters are like able and the setting in coastal Scotland is icing on the cake. As a fan of the author's Kate Palmer mystery series set in Cornwall I hope this is the start of a new series.
plot is fairly simple, I figured out the killer early on, but the main characters are like able and the setting in coastal Scotland is icing on the cake. As a fan of the author's Kate Palmer mystery series set in Cornwall I hope this is the start of a new series.
June 9, 2024
It was a cozy, easy-to-read mystery that I couldn't put down. I gave it 5 stars because I genuinely loved reading it. Although it was a bit predictable, it was such an enjoyable and straightforward read. I fell in love with the main character, Ally, and was eager to follow her story. The characters were well-developed, and the setting felt so vivid, like I was right there with them. It really kept my attention, and I would definitely recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
July 24, 2024
First time reading a cozy murder mystery ! I really enjoyed this read. I loved that the setting takes place in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, makes you feel like you are really over there as well. This is definitely a quick fun read you could finish in one sitting. I liked Ally's character and her interactions with all the people in the small town and potential suspects. I suggest giving this one a read if you enjoy a cute cozy mystery.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookoture for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookoture for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2024
I’m fairly new to mysteries and was so delighted to get the opportunity to read and advanced copy of the first book in the newest series from Dee Macdonald!
I absolutely loved the main character, Ally McKinley! I loved how no-nonsense she was and how she always stayed true to her character. Her curiosity and amateur sleuthing was something that any fan of true crime might be able to relate to!
I thought that the plot was very interesting and I appreciated that we get right into it with the initial murder happening very early on. And even though I did guess the murderer correctly, I enjoyed the journey and the possibilities along the way.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to curl up with, I would recommend giving “Murder in the Scottish Highlands” a read when it comes out on September 2nd!
Finally thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and the author, Dee MacDonald for providing this ARC!
I absolutely loved the main character, Ally McKinley! I loved how no-nonsense she was and how she always stayed true to her character. Her curiosity and amateur sleuthing was something that any fan of true crime might be able to relate to!
I thought that the plot was very interesting and I appreciated that we get right into it with the initial murder happening very early on. And even though I did guess the murderer correctly, I enjoyed the journey and the possibilities along the way.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery to curl up with, I would recommend giving “Murder in the Scottish Highlands” a read when it comes out on September 2nd!
Finally thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley, and the author, Dee MacDonald for providing this ARC!
June 20, 2024
A new author to me though I see she has written many other crime novels. I chose this because it is set in the Highlands and I am Scottish. The story is a bit Midsomer Murders and a bit Agatha Christie - not a bad pedigree. Village life is depicted well - every one knows everyone’s business. Surprising then that they didn’t discover whodunnit! Parts of the story were predictable and I did work out the major plot line but it was an enjoyable read.
June 28, 2024
Review in exchange for the arc from NetGalley.
This was an enjoyable, cozy murder mystery. If you enjoy sitting down on a rainy afternoon and turning on a Hallmark Mysteries movie, this book is for you.
Overall, the book followed your standard murder mystery story format, which is to say it didn't have a wholly unpredictable ending, but it was satisfying.
The charm of Scotland can be found throughout the pages, and Ally is enjoyable to follow as she uncovers the truth.
This was an enjoyable, cozy murder mystery. If you enjoy sitting down on a rainy afternoon and turning on a Hallmark Mysteries movie, this book is for you.
Overall, the book followed your standard murder mystery story format, which is to say it didn't have a wholly unpredictable ending, but it was satisfying.
The charm of Scotland can be found throughout the pages, and Ally is enjoyable to follow as she uncovers the truth.
July 2, 2024
1.5 ⭐️
I was really excited to read this one, but the writing style and plot just did nothing for me. The dialogue seemed so far-fetched and unrealistic and caused me to set this book down frequently.
If you’re looking for a basic murder mystery, this may be for you. The crime is simplistic and, at least in my case, easy to solve before the main character.
I wanted to like it, but this one just was not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the book.
I was really excited to read this one, but the writing style and plot just did nothing for me. The dialogue seemed so far-fetched and unrealistic and caused me to set this book down frequently.
If you’re looking for a basic murder mystery, this may be for you. The crime is simplistic and, at least in my case, easy to solve before the main character.
I wanted to like it, but this one just was not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the book.
June 16, 2024
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I haven't ready any of Dee MacDonald's books before so was intrigued by the setting and the fact that it was the start of a new series of Ally McKinley mysteries.
A light, easy read and one which I really enjoyed.
I haven't ready any of Dee MacDonald's books before so was intrigued by the setting and the fact that it was the start of a new series of Ally McKinley mysteries.
A light, easy read and one which I really enjoyed.
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