Crime/Mystery, Marsali Taylor, Novels, Reading Between the Lines, Shetland

An Imposter in Shetland by Marsali Taylor #ANIMPOSTERINSHETLAND

1 Comment

Today, at Celtic Connexions, I’m sharing an extract from Marsali Taylor’s latest novel, An Imposter in Shetland, and my review!

imposter

BLURB

When an internet lifestyle influencer arrives on Shetland to document her ‘perfect’ holiday, the locals are somewhat sceptical.

Joining a boat trip to the remote islands of St Kilda with sailing sleuth Cass Lynch and her partner DI Gavin Macrae, the young woman seems more concerned with her phone than the scenery.

But when it’s time to leave, there’s no sign of her. Despite mounting a desperate search, she’s seemingly vanished without trace – from a small island in the middle of the sea.

As a puzzling investigation gathers pace, there are more questions than answers – and uncovering the truth will reveal dark and long-hidden secrets…

imposter

FUN STUFF

Use three words only to describe your book to make us want to read it? 

Mysterious – fast-moving – fun.

How did you get started writing? 

I’ve always written, from when I was a child, and I was a compulsive reader too. I love stories, right from when Mum read the Narnia books to us at bedtime, and when I’m writing it feels like there’s something inside me uncoiling, struggling to get out. In terms of published writing, I’d written two historical romances and a detective trilogy, all still unpublished, before I invented Cass and found a publisher. I also wrote articles for our local magazine, Shetland Life, which was great training for word-count and deadlines. I’d advise anyone who wants to write to try submitting stuff to a magazine you enjoy. Check the word-count and what else is needed, and try imitating that. That’s how I ended up being a columnist for Practical Boat Owner. I get lovely letters from fellow-sailors all round the world, beginnign with phrases like, ‘You mentioned your leaking windows in your column – have you tried …?’.

EXTRACT

Vaila and Dawn dress Cass up to go clubbing:

‘Clothes first, Cass,’ Dawn said. She was grinning too. ‘And don’t look so worried. You’re going to look fashionably gorgeous.’

‘Gorgeous I can live with. It’s the fashionably that’s worrying me.’

‘We reckoned you and Vaila were not far off the same size,’ Dawn said, ignoring that, ‘so we got Mam to take us over to the Eid charity shop, and found you gear to go clubbing in.’

They led me through to their shared bedroom, where an array of clothes was laid out on the bed.

‘How about this?’ Dawn asked. She held up a white top with only one shoulder, and an incredibly short leather skirt.

‘Do I get leggings under the skirt?’

‘Absolutely not. The more leg on show, the better. It’s a good thing you’ve been in the sun these last few months, the white leg look is definitely not cool.’

‘She’s dark,’ Vaila said. ‘Shit.’ She gave me a minatory look. ‘When did you last shave your legs?’

‘Never,’ I said.

‘See, I told you.’ She dug under the tops for a pair of black pvc trousers. ‘Try these. And these.’ She picked up a pair of white shoes with impossibly high spike heels.

‘Bag,’ Dawn said. ‘To match the shoes.’ She shoved a white clutch bag the size of a  slice of toast into my hand. ‘You tuck it under your arm.’

I squeezed into the clothes, then the lasses led me off like a lamb to the slaughter back into the living room, shoes in one hand – I wasn’t going to try walking in them till I had to. ‘If I can walk in them at all,’ I muttered.

‘Good idea,’ Gavin said. ‘Change her height.’

I was just about to see if the trousers would let me sit down when Peerie Charlie charged in, pink from his bath and looking unbelievably cute in dinosaur pyjamas. ‘Hello, Dass, hello, Gavin!’ He gave my clothes a doubtful look and decided to ignore them. ‘Mam, can I watch them making Dassup? It’s Saturday. I don’t go to bed for ages.’

‘No,’ I said.

‘You can watch a film,’ Inga said, coming in behind him. ‘Gavin, are you waiting to put Cass to Lerwick once the lasses have finished torturing her? Coffee? Have a seat on the couch.’ Gavin and Peerie Charlie settled comfortably facing the telly. The blaring opening of one of the Ice Age movies filled the room, and Dawn and Vaila protested in chorus. Inga turned it down, warned Peerie Charlie to leave it there, and put a plate of yo-yos in front of me. Peerie Charlie dived for two each for Gavin and him. I grabbed one before they all went, sat down and prepared to suffer.

It took the whole of the film to get me done. The 25-minute make-up influencer was a whizz-kid by comparison. They started with my nails, buffing and filing them before bringing out a box of plastic ones to lay on the table. There was a bit of discussion on which ones were which hand, then they put a dab of glue on each nail and held it on.

‘These will come off again?’ I asked. ‘And are you going to leave them this long?’

‘Yes and no,’ Vaila said. ‘Yes, they’ll come off, and no, we’re going to cut them. Hold still.’

‘Bless!’ Dawn said.

Even cut, they were still a good inch above my fingertips. I held out both hands to be painted on simultaneously – they were going for scarlet talons – and swallowed the complaints rising in my throat.

My skin came next. ‘Folk understand how important skincare is these days,’ Dawn said, wiping my soap-clean, thoroughly moisturised skin with stuff on cotton wool balls. Then there was toner and moisturiser. After that they put something called primer on, then stopped to discuss the snail-trail scar across my cheek, little-finger-width and bullet straight.

‘People’ll ken her from it,’ Vaila said. ‘We’ve got to make it disappear.’

‘Say less,’ Dawn replied, and they tried various creams, with a good deal of discussion of which would work best under foundation, and the occasional calling Inga out from the kitchen to agree or disagree. After that came what they called contouring, followed by cream blush, bronzer and highlighters, using a variety of pots and brushes.

‘Brows next,’ Dawn said. She selected what looked like a miniature flue-brush and began brushing my eyebrows upwards.

‘Not the gelled ones,’ I said firmly.

‘Soap brows,’ Vaila said. ‘Got to. Everyone has them.’

‘You don’t,’ I pointed out.

‘I’m younger. Can you see the spoolie, Dawn?’

‘I’m on it.’ Dawn produced a wider version of a mascara brush. ‘Lucky natural brows are in.’

‘There’s nothing natural,’ I retorted, ‘about having two spiky caterpillars crawling across your brow.’

‘Womp womp!’ Dawn said, incomprehensibly. Peerie Charlie took his attention temporarily from a mammoth and sabre-toothed tiger trading insults to look over, say ‘Womp womp!’ in reply and make a hand gesture I didn’t get the significance of. ‘Is Dass being difficult?’ he asked.

‘No,’ I said.

‘Not very,’ Vaila added, ‘but she might be soon. We’ll need to pluck a few stray hairs. Hold still.’

REVIEW

I’ve read earlier books in Marsali’s Shetland series, starring Cass and Gavin. This one certainly did not disappoint.

An influencer disappears on the isolated island of St. Kilda. But is that what really happened?

There were plenty of twists and turns, good guys and bad, and a couple of murders sprinkled in to add to the flavour.

Excellent read. I’m looking forward to her next Shetland novel.

HOW TO BUY

ABOUT MARSALI TAYLOR

imposter

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women’s suffrage in Shetland. She’s also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.

YOU CAN FOLLOW MARSALI AT THESE LINKS:

Website – https://www.marsalitaylor.co.uk

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marsali-Taylor/e/B0034PACI8/

Author Facebook Page –https://www.facebook.com/MarsaliTaylorAuthor/

Mystery, Novels, Robert Cole, thriller

Mistral by Robert Cole

2 Comments

Today, I’m welcoming another new-to-me author to Celtic Connexions. I’m reviewing Mistral by Robert Cole.

mistral

Blurb

Adam’s wife, Maryanne, vanished without trace whilst on holiday in southern France, more than two years ago. Unexpectedly, he receives an enigmatic message. It prompts him to return to the scene of her disappearance. His efforts to piece together what happened force him to reexamine their relationship, coupled with his feelings of guilt.

Retracing events that led to that fateful day, he soon learns that his return has not gone unnoticed, and his efforts to find Maryanne are far from welcome. Adam is joined in his search by Abigail, Maryanne’s daughter from a previous marriage. It is February. The mistral is battering the streets and dark corners of the ancient towns across this area of France.

As more of Maryanne’s past is revealed, the search, enmeshed in a world of intrigue and deceit, with its past rooted in antiquity, becomes increasingly dangerous. They discover that some will do anything to stop them from uncovering the final, terrifying truth.

mistral

My Review

This book started as a slow burn for me, but I was soon wrapped up in the story.  Adam has gone to France to find his wife, who disappeared a few years ago. Her daughter, Abigail, arrives to help with the search. Add in a few good friends, some mysterious characters from Maryanne and Abigail’s past, and things become twisted.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely look for more books by this author.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230398001-mistral

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/mistral-zbt

About Robert Cole

mistral

Robert Cole trained as a clinical psychologist but spent most of his career within the corporate business world, both in the UK and overseas. He has held senior positions in Human Resources within a number of large global companies.

Mistral is his second novel and is a powerful and sweeping drama set amongst the vineyards and picturesque towns and villages of the Languedoc and Provence areas of the South of France.

His well-received first novel, A Breeze Across the Aegean published in 2020, draws on his affinity with Greece and its diverse islands.

He is currently working on a sequel. In addition to the UK he has lived in Singapore, Cyprus, the Netherlands and South Africa. Currently he divides his time between Surrey and Uzes in France.

General

Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett ~ review

3 Comments

 

 

My Review

This is the first book by Rachel Amphlett I’ve read. It’s the first in her Melody Harper series.

I’m not normally a huge fan of books written in the first person, because it’s hard to get the other characters’ POV. However, this didn’t cause any issues for me.

Melody is a private detective who specializes in investigating the prospective spouse(s) hired by the parents. In this one, she ends up in the Lake District at a camp, undercover as a trail guide. Trouble is, she hasn’t got a clue.

I found I was almost halfway through the book before I realized how much of it I read.

I’ve visited the Lake District once. And as we drove by Lake Windermere, the military flew one of the fighter jets low over the water. Scared me to death.

Back to the book. This is a series I’ll definitely follow since I enjoyed this one so much.

Kudos to Rachel.

anthology, Historical Fiction, short stories, The Reading Agency

The Ring Anthology #AGENTLENUDGE #THEREADINGAGENCY

3 Comments

I’m pleased to present this anthology of short stories on Celtic Connexions today.
anthology

FOREWARD

At The Reading Agency, we believe in the proven power of reading to deliver social and personal change. Yet we know that too many adults and children struggle to develop reading habits. With national data showing a decline in reading engagement, too many people are missing out on the transformative benefits of reading to improve our happiness, our health, and to thrive. This is where our work begins.

For over 20 years, we have partnered with public libraries to run initiatives like the Summer Reading Challenge for children and Reading Ahead for adults. These programmes encourage reading for pleasure, helping to build confidence, develop literacy skills, and foster lifelong reading habits. Research shows that those who participate read more frequently, gain confidence, and feel more positive about books. By expanding access to reading beyond the classroom or workplace, we help people unlock new opportunities and experiences through books.

Our partnership with public libraries is at the heart of our mission. Through our collaboration with them, we increase access to books and literacy support, ensuring that reading is a source of enjoyment, not frustration. As democratic access points to reading and knowledge, our work with libraries not only helps bridge educational gaps for children but also supports adults in developing their literacy skills, boosting employability, and enhancing mental well-being.

This anthology resonates with our mission. Just as the gold ring in these stories is passed down and shared through generations, so too should the joy of reading. The support of all the authors who have contributed to this helps us to reach and connect with even more people across our communities.

From all of us at The Reading Agency – to all of you reading these stories – thank you for being part of this important effort. Together, we can make reading a lifelong habit for all with libraries at the heart.

Blurb

Forged over 2000 years ago, when Rome was still a republic, a simple gold ring was inscribed with the name and symbol of Fortuna, capricious goddess of fate. From the seven hills of Ancient Rome, to the streets of modern day New York, the ring passes from hand to hand, through the centuries, shaping destinies and unveiling secrets.

A Roman patrician gambles his future on its luck. A crusading knight takes it from the finger of a slain foe. A child is gifted it by a soldier in the Thirty Years War and trusts it to keep her father safe. A jeweller takes it to America in the Gilded Age seeking a new life. Each tale is a moment in time, a new wearer, and a twist of fate—sometimes fortune smiles, but all too often the ring brings ill luck.

In these stories, history seems driven by the will of chance. Those who possess the ring seek to shape their own destinies, but it is always Fortuna herself who has the final say.

With contributions from Alistair Forrest, Fiona Forsyth, Jacquie Rogers, Alistair Tosh, Graham Brack, Eleanor Swift-Hook, Mark Turnbull, Maggie Richell-Davies, Robert Bordas and Val Penny this is a spellbinding anthology of interconnected short stories, where luck is never what it seems.

My Review

This anthology of historical fiction leads from the BC era to the present day.

The stories are all linked by a ring with the name FORTUNA engraved inside. Most of the authors are new to me.

Because they’re all individual short stories, you can dip in and out. Read one, two, or the whole book in one sitting.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it. Best of all, the proceeds from sales of this book go to The Reading Agency.

Buy Link

Website/Social Media Links

https://readingagency.org.uk

Alistair Forrest – @alistairforrestauthor – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Forrest/author/B002KQDTVE

Fiona Forsyth – @fionaforsythauthor – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Fiona-Forsyth/author/B001KI2DEC

Jacquie Rogers – @jacquierogers – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jacquie-Rogers/author/B095M72LDL

Alistair Tosh – @alistair_tosh – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Tosh/author/B0C5XW2V98

Graham Brack – @GrahamBrack –  https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Graham-Brack/author/B075KQ6M8N

Eleanor Swift-Hook – @emswifthook – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eleanor-Swift-Hook/author/B0BKTP1CMG

Mark Turnbull – @1642Author – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mark-Turnbull/author/B07YM39YLP

Maggie Richell-Davies – @maggiedaviswr1- https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Maggie-Richell-Davies/author/B0884G1MP6

Robert Bordas – @bordasauthor – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Robert-Bordas/author/B0B5VRRKF8

Val Penny – @valeriepenny – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Val-Penny/author/B07C4725TK

Books, Conflict, Crime/Thriller, espionage thriller, Novels, Reading Between the Lines, Richard Robinson

The Mainstay by Richard Robinson #THEMAINSTAY

Leave a comment

I’m welcoming Richard Robinson back to Celtic Connexions with his third novel in his Topaz series – The Mainstay.

mainstay

Mainstay

Blurb

Witness to Murder. A City on Edge. A Mastermind Hiding in Plain Sight.

When university student Sam Jacobs witnesses the murder of a Unionist MP in Ballycastle, he becomes more than a bystander — he becomes a target. Drawn into a web of politics, crime, and sectarian violence, Sam’s world unravels as powerful forces close in to silence him.

Chief Inspector Orla Massey calls on the covert Topaz team to investigate, but corruption in the RUC, political interference, and the ghosts of her own past push her to the brink. Meanwhile, MI5’s Jones, Jenny Richmond, and Declan McNally face a growing threat from an elusive mastermind known only as The Big Man. Power, politics, and betrayal collide as they race to unmask him before he strikes again.

From the terror of a Belfast safe house to a hanging aboard a luxury yacht, from a brutal execution to the underworld of global crime syndicates, The Mainstay is a gripping, heart-breaking and razor-sharp whodunnit where no one can be trusted.
And as the body count rises, one question remains:

Who is The Big Man? And how do you catch a man who doesn’t exist?

Buy Links

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mainstay-Topaz-Files-Book-3-ebook/dp/B0DXPV47YC

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/thetopazfiles

Extract

As they turned to face him, guns aloft, Jones unleashed one of the grenades from the haversack in the Rascal. It landed a few metres in front of the pair and rolled into the water. As the grenade detonated, the pressure from the explosion created a blast so high that the two gunmen were immediately blown off their feet and deep into the bushes next to the trees. They were accompanied by a few of the ducks and a torrent of dirty green water and sludge from the top of the navigation. It was total carnage.

What happened next almost took place in slow-motion. Jones hadn’t appreciated that such an underwater explosion would transmit pressure with greater intensity over a longer distance. So, as he rounded the path leading to the open lock gate and sped the MZ as fast as possible over the gap in the gates, he grit his teeth.

This was shit or bust, he knew that. He’d either fail and fall headfirst into the navigation or triumphantly make the leap and land on the other side. Greeting Wendy and Sam like some heroic modern-day Evel Knievel.

Instead, a last minute third option arrived, he was hit by the undercurrent of the grenade explosion and was blown off his bike headfirst into the large hedge at the front of the building. He’d made the leap over the navigation, but only thanks to a little help from a watery detonation.

About the Author

Mainstay

Richard lives in East Anglia with his wife and two daughters. He is a trained journalist and spent his early years freelancing or in agency positions across the UK, including a stint in Northern Ireland in the mid-1990s. He then transferred to the third sector, working in charities focusing on issues as diverse as international development (in India and Bangladesh), air ambulance operations, music and the creative industries, mental health and homelessness. He also acted as Chief Executive of the Olympic Park charity during London 2012.

He is currently the CEO of Hourglass, the UK’s only charity focused on ending the abuse and neglect of older people, a job he applied for after a family experience of neglect.

Richard wrote his first novel in the early 2000s but this has yet to see the light of day. Instead, he started with a new idea in 2020 and Topaz was born. He has written two more in the Topaz Files series, Wild Flowers and The Mainstay, which are expected to be published in 2024.

He is also happily in the dugout for Boxford Rovers F.C. on a Saturday, a committed cratedigger (vinyl collector) and can occasionally be seen in the stands at Loftus Road and Windsor Park.

WEBSITE: https://www.thetopazfiles.com/

Twitter/X: @TheTopazFiles

Instagram: at @r_we_r

Email: Richard at thewash_house@live.co.uk

Crime/Thriller, Domestic noir, Joffe Books, Kate Braithwaite, Novels, Psychological Thriller

The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite

1 Comment

I participated in the cover reveal for The People Next Door by Kate Braithwaite. Now I’m back with my review.

Kate Braithwaite

Blurb

Twenty years ago, Jen’s sister disappeared. Now, she’s looking for answers.

Jen Silver has moved to a new neighborhood in affluent, suburban Pennsylvania with her partner, Dan, and her daughter. It’s a picture-perfect neighborhood where the residents hang out on each other’s patios drinking margaritas on warm summer nights. They eagerly welcome Jen and her family.

But Jen isn’t who they think she is.

Dan doesn’t know the truth either.

Jen has spent her life trying to find out what happened to her sister. She’s chosen this community for a reason — because Dan has his own connection to the neighborhood and a past he thought was long-buried.

As Jen pieces together the events of twenty years ago, someone is determined to keep the facts from coming to light. But secrets always come out and sometimes, the worst truths lie close to home . . .

Kate Braithwaite

My Review

A lot is going on in The People Next Door. Lies, deceptions, and deep-buried secrets.

Jen Silver moves into an affluent neighbourhood in Pennsylvania with her daughter and current partner, Dan. The neighbours all seem to be friendly and gather at one another’s houses for weekend drinks and snacks.

But Jen had a motive for moving here, one that her partner doesn’t know about.

The author tells the book from multiple points of view, with each person’s chapter written in the first person. I like that in a book.

I didn’t see the ending coming, although I suspected something would be revealed.

Overall, it was well-written and I’ll be looking for more books by this author.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228125367-the-people-next-door

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/peoplenextdoor-zbt

About Kate

Kate Braithwaite

Kate Braithwaite is the author of four historical novels based on true but overlooked events. “Charlatan” tells the story of Madame de Montespan and the Affair of the Poisons in 17th Century Paris. “The Plot” features Titus Oates’ Popish Plot, a scandal that earns him a place as one of Britain’s top 10 villains. “The Puzzle of Nellie Bly” explores the exploits of a ground-breaking female journalist going undercover in a 19th Century New York lunatic asylum. “The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph” reveals a shocking rupture between two very different sisters in late 18th century Virginia.

Originally from Scotland, Kate studied English at Leeds University and has subsequently lived in Canada and the US. She is the author of Sis-Stories, a Substack publication all about sisters in history and fiction, and an editor for the Historical Novel Society. Kate and her family live in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Kate’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBraithwaiteAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebraithwaiteauthor/

Website: https://kate-braithwaite.com/

Kate Braithwaite

Crime/Thriller, Inkubator Books, Novels, Psychological Thriller, Theo Baxter

I Remember You by Theo Baxter

2 Comments

Today, I’m welcoming back author Theo Baxter whose latest book, I Remember You, I’ve just finished reading. Scroll on down and find out  what I thought.

Blurb

The perfect life…Or the perfect lie?

Two years ago, Aria West woke up in hospital with a severe head injury and no recollection of her previous life.

Now, she’s a successful sculptor, living in a remote cabin in upstate New York with her husband, Austin. Despite everything that’s happened, she’s living a good life. A peaceful life.

Except for the recurring nightmares – terrifying fragments of the trauma that led to her memory loss. Fragments that do not match Austin’s account of that fateful day.

As his behavior grows increasingly erratic, Aria becomes convinced her husband is hiding something sinister. To feel safe in the future, she knows she has to uncover the truth about the past—

But getting her memory back won’t be easy. Especially when someone will do anything to stop that from happening…

I Remember

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228160496-i-remember-you

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/irememberyou-zbt

My Review

Having read other books by this author, I jumped at the chance to read this one. Wow! There are so many twists. Aria suffers from retrograde amnesia, so any memories before the accident are wiped from her mind. Still, a disturbing nightmare keeps her awake at night.

Is her devoted husband all he claims to be? She finds solace in her studio where she works with clay and other mediums.

When she decides to seek help away from home … well, that’s where even more twists come into the mix.

I’ll watch for more books by Theo Baxter.

About the Author

I Remember

Theo Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It’s all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.

He grew up in New York, where there was crime all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.

His stories will have you reading through the night—they are very addictive!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theobaxterauthor/

I Remember

#review, Crime/Mystery, Crime/Thriller, Daniel Sellers, Joffe Books, Novels

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers ~ review

4 Comments

I’m back again with Daniel Sellers’ book Murder at Ardaig Castle. This time it’s my review of the book.

Ardaig Castle

Blurb

MEET DETECTIVE LOLA HARRIS. A TOUGH COP WITH ATTITUDE, BUT A GOOD HEART.

A secluded retreat. A storm closing in. A killer among them.

Detective Lola Harris is persuaded to take a much-needed break in the remote Scottish Highlands. She’s expecting peace and quiet. But Ardaig Castle, an exclusive wellness retreat for the rich and famous, has its own dark secrets.

Lola soon discovers that someone is sending poison pen letters to the staff. They’re growing more malicious each week. The latest reads: Why have you employed a killer among your staff?

As a storm rages outside, paranoia spreads within. The castle’s wealthy guests are rattled, old wounds are reopened and then — a body is discovered sprawled on the stone-flagged floor of the castle hallway, limbs twisted at an impossible angle.

Trapped by the weather, Lola must untangle a web of lies, grudges and hidden pasts before the killer strikes again.

Because at Ardaig Castle, not everyone is who they claim to be — and someone will kill to keep their secrets buried.

My Review

I loved this book! First of all, it’s set in Scotland. Second, I’ve been to the area where the weekend at the castle is located.

Now, on to the book. It started on a bit of a slow burn for me, but when it took off, I couldn’t stop turning the virtual pages! Lured to the castle by her sister under false pretenses, Lola finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Cut off from the outside world due to a severe storm, it’s up to her to solve the case.

I enjoyed it so much that I will get the first four Lola Harris Mysteries.

Book Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227642183-murder-in-the-trossachs-a-brand-new-gripping-and-unputdownable-scottish
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/ardaigcastle-zbt

Ardaig Castle

Daniel Sellers is the author of the Kindle-bestselling Lola Harris Mysteries and is an obsessive fan of Agatha Christie. His crime thrillers are pacy and dark, with as much interest in whydunnit as who. He grew up in Yorkshire, and has lived and worked in Liverpool, Glasgow, Ireland and Finland. Sellers now lives in Argyll in Scotland.

Daniel’s Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielsellersauthor
Twitter: https://x.com/DJSellersAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielsellersauthor/

Ardaig Castle

General

Murder in the Lakes by Rachel Amphlett ~ cover reveal

2 Comments

Let’s check out the cover and blurb for Rachel Amphlett’s latest novel, Murder in the Lakes.

Blurb

A wedding, a missing fiancée, and a murder – Melody Harper is about to discover just how dangerous “I do” can be…

Fledgling private detective Melody Harper is down on her luck and nursing a black eye when she’s approached by a new client who believes her daughter is in danger.

There’s a wedding next weekend, and the client’s daughter is the bride. Except Melody’s client hasn’t told her the whole truth – the groom’s last fiancée seems to have disappeared, and nobody has any answers.

Now tasked with going undercover to protect the bride-to-be, Melody finds herself out of her comfort zone and on an outdoor adventure weekend in the Lake District with the hen party.

After narrowly escaping death in a climbing accident, Melody’s detective skills are tested to the limit when one of the bridesmaids is murdered – and time is running out.

This is her biggest investigation to date, but will Melody even survive long enough to unmask the killer and protect the bride?

Murder in the Lakes is a page-turning murder mystery from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett and perfect for readers who love amateur sleuths and deadly crimes.

Lakes

Book links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228706809-murder-in-the-lakes

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/murderlakes-zbt

Excerpt

Murder in the Lakes

(Melody Harper detective mysteries)

by Rachel Amphlett

Chapter One

It’s never a good start to the day when the daughter of one of your clients leans across your desk and slaps you in the face.

She had a mean left hook on her too, helped somewhat by the platinum engagement ring that she’d only thought to remove after she’d hit me, before throwing it onto the carpet on her way out.

It helped – a little – that my client managed to hold back her smug look of satisfaction until after her daughter had stormed out of the office, slamming the door in her wake.

‘I knew he was trouble, Melody,’ she said. ‘I told you.’

I stumbled around my desk, bent down to pick up the ring and handed it to Heather McAdams. ‘Perhaps hang on to this,’ I suggested. ‘I’m presuming he’ll want it back. Or you can sell it.’

I moved to the mini refrigerator under the window, cracked open the door and pulled out an ice pack.

I guess it shows how often this happens to me that I have one prepared.

I held the door to stop it swinging open. I didn’t need my client to see the case of beer that Charlie had left in there on his last visit.

I held the ice pack to my cheek as I made my way back to my chair and somehow managed to sit down and look my client in the eye without losing my composure. My eyes stung, and I was going to have a bruise, that much was for sure.

Mrs McAdams only realised now how hard her daughter had slugged me, and that maybe I wasn’t happy about it.

‘Are you all right?’ she said.

I glared at her. I had a sneaking suspicion her question was brought on by a sudden thought that her daughter might get sued for assault, rather than any concern for my welfare, and whether she should make a speedy phone call to the family solicitor.

‘I’m fine,’ I replied. ‘I’ll print out my invoice for you. I accept payment by card only.’

She looked taken aback for a moment, seemed to debate whether to ask if she could pay on account, and then thought better of it.

I ignored her and turned my attention to the computer screen instead. The system allowed me to automatically check off each service provided. I spitefully added an extra thirty pounds miscellaneous line item for the ice pack, hit the “print” button and then slid the still-warm invoice across the desk to Mrs McAdams.

‘Oh, my,’ she said, as she ran her manicured fingernail down the page. ‘This is rather more than I expected.’

‘A copy of my expenses is on the second page,’ I said, jutting out my chin. ‘I’m sure you’ll find everything is in order. You’ll appreciate that I do provide a rather exclusive service.’

She looked flustered. ‘I wasn’t implying—’

I raised an eyebrow.

She lowered her gaze in response and flicked over the page instead.

I drummed my fingers on the desk while she read through the numbers. Such a sign of impatience always annoyed the hell out of me when people did that anywhere within a mile radius of me, so I was banking on it getting on her nerves and that she’d hurry up and pay, then leave me in peace.

Sure enough, she flicked the page over with an exasperated sigh, then handed over her credit card.

It was from one of the larger banks, the word “platinum” embossed across the front of it with a sparkly finish that glinted in the sunlight streaming through the window.

A car horn honked somewhere beyond the double-glazed panes, followed in quick succession by a higher pitched beep and a stream of colourful swearing.

I swiped Heather McAdams’s credit card across the handheld reader and handed it back to her, then used a large rubber stamp to punch the word “Paid” across the top of the invoice.

And yes, I pretended I was stamping her daughter’s face with it before I released the spring mechanism.

‘Thank you,’ I said, and stood to show her the way out, dumping the ice pack on the desk. ‘If you know of anyone else that would be in need of my services, please give them this.’

I handed over a business card.

Heather McAdams took it between her forefinger and thumb as if it was infected with weaponised smallpox and wrinkled her nose. ‘I’d best go and find out where Charlotte is,’ she sniffed.

To buy the book

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/

For an exclusive extract

https://www.rachelamphlett.com/books/single-title-thrillers/murder-in-the-lakes/extract/

A note from Rachel – if readers buy direct from my website shop they’ll receive their eBook 2 days earlier than the retail publication date. That means they’ll get it on 7 June – the retail / real publication date will be 9 June.

About the Author

Lakes

Rachel’s Bio

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.

You can follow Rachel at these links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelamphlett.author

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelamphlett/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelamphlett.bsky.social

Website: https://www.rachelamphlett.com/

Books, Canada, characters, clean and wholesome romance, contemporary romance, It Happened in Lunenburg, Novels, Seaumus, sweet romance

Meet the cast of It Happened in Lunenburg, It Happened Book 6

2 Comments

Let me introduce you to the cast of characters who are the stars of It Happened in Lunenburg, Book 6 of the It Happened series.

the castFirst up is Amy Scott, twin sister of Michael (from It Happened at Niagara Falls).

the castEmma Williams, Amy’s friend and co-worker. Both Amy and Emma are nurses at the new hospital in Sudbury, Ontario.

the castDavid Carter, Amy’s other half. He’s a finance officer for the City of Greater Sudbury. He’s also not very nice to Amy, but I won’t tell you more because it will ruin the book for you when it comes out.

Kyle Ferris, a Lunenburg local who works in Quality Control at High Liner Foods, and on weekends and holidays leads guided tours through the town. He’s also a descendant of Privateer John Ordronaux.

the castHere he is dressed for his tour.

And finally, Isabelle “Izzy” Morrison, an author who is suffering from a severe case of writer’s block and is writing to deadline not very effectively. She initiates a house swap between herself and Amy, which is how Amy and Seaumus (spelled this was intentionally) end up on the east coast of Canada in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

So, there you have it. The cast of It Happened in Lunenburg. There will be other minor characters along the way, namely George and Maggie MacLeod who live across the road from Izzy.

And you can read my post with the four possible covers for the book here.

My Scottish roots and writing by Melanie Robertson-King