Fateful Words by Paige Shelton

 Fateful Words

Book Summary

In Fateful Words, the eighth Scottish Bookshop Mystery from beloved author Paige Shelton, bookseller Delaney Nichols stakes her reputation—and her life—when a literary tour turns deadly...

When Edwin, Delaney’s boss at the Cracked Spine bookstore, leaves town on secret business, Delaney is called upon to guide his yearly literary tour around Edinburgh. But on the first night of the tour, at the inn where the tour group is staying, the inn manager falls—or is pushed—off the roof of the inn, and killed. Then, one of the tour members disappears, leaving a trail of puzzles in her wake.

In a race against the clock, Delaney sets out on the expedition of her life, following clues around Edinburgh to get to the bottom of this mystery. Exploring sights from Greyfriars Bobby to the Royal Mile to the Sir Walter Scott Monument, she'll have to put the pieces together quickly, or the bookstore's survival could be on the line...as well as her own.

My Thoughts

Fateful Words by Paige Shelton takes us back to Edinburgh, Scotland where Delaney Nichols finds herself with an unexpected assignment.  I thought Fateful Words was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The main cast is comprised of friendly characters that you enjoy getting to know.  We get to learn more about Delaney in each book.    I appreciated the descriptions of The Cracked Spine and Edinburgh.  The author really brings the city and its rich history alive.  The mystery was multifaceted which I loved.  There is plenty going on to keep things lively especially in the second half.  Delaney asks questions and searches for clues.  She slowly starts putting the pieces together.  The whodunit ramps up for an eventful reveal.  I like that Delaney keeps Inspector Winters updated.  You have to wonder how Inspector Winters feels about Delaney’s texts and phone calls (it has to get annoying). This was a fun mystery to solve.   We get to catch up with Rosie, Tom, Edwin, Hamlet, and Hector (such a sweetie).   

Fateful Words is the eighth A Scottish Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series.  I have read the series in order which has allowed me to get to know Delaney and her friends.   I enjoyed the literary references as well as the folklore, historical tidbits, and the historical sites referenced.  I felt like I was touring Edinburgh with Delaney and the tour group.  Delaney’s intuition or her bookish voices were a little silent this time around.  They can be a touch obscure.  Delaney has to figure out what they mean and how they fit into the puzzle.  Fateful Words is my favorite A Scottish Bookshop Mystery thanks to its complex mystery with its intriguing twists.  Travel to Edinburgh in Fateful Words with a beautiful boon, a missing superior, tour troubles, a book excursion, an odd death, and an enigmatic mystery. 

Fateful Words is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries here.  Check out Paige Shelton's other novels.   Thank you for stopping by today.  I have been busy putting all my St. Patrick's decorations away.  I keep tweaking my Easter decorations.  I have a cute Eater arch with a bunny train coming out of it.  I have other bunnies with Easter eggs throughout the yard.  For my side yard, I went with chicks.  I will share pictures with you on Easter.  Do you have Easter plans?  I am going to give Easter baskets to my neighbors (bunny baskets).  My mother and I are still trying to decide what to have for our Easter dinner.  We ruled the traditional ham. Any ideas for this very picky eater? Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on An American in Scotland by Lucy Connelly.  It is the debut of A Scottish Isle Mysteries.  I hope that you have contented day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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