OverKilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett: A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery

Welcome!  Violet Tendencies by Kate Dyer-Seeley comes out on November 27 along with Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith and The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams (it is a good book).  I hope you will find some new books to add to your ever growing TBR pile.

Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the twelfth tale in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series.  Amaryllis “Liss” MacCrimmon Ruskin lives in Moosetookalook, Maine with her husband, Dan.  Liss is enjoying a quiet dinner with Dan at Spruce Lodge when she notices her father-in-law, Joe Ruskin talking with an oddly dressed man and two women in old fashioned lavender dresses.  They are New Age Pilgrims and object to Joe’s new promotion to bring in tourists during his slow period.  The promotion appeals to childless couples who would like to get away for Thanksgiving.  The New Age Pilgrims leader, Hadley Spencer states the special is affront to family values and organizes a protest in the town square.  All the Ruskin family businesses are targeted by the group and threatening messages left on their doors.  Thanks to Hadley’s social media campaign, hundreds arrive for the demonstration preventing the scheduled bus of tourists from enjoying their day in Moosetookalook.  Late in the day, Hadley is discovered by the merry-go-round with a knife sticking out of his back.  With several of Liss’s family members on the suspect list, Liss dons her sleuthing cap and sets out to bag a killer.  Violet, Liss’s mother, insists on helping her with the investigation.  Liss is going to need the patience of Job to resolve this whodunit.

While Overkilt can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order.  Liss has grown since we first met her in Kilt Dead.  Liss is married to Dan Ruskin and manages the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium.   Liss is not her usual self in Overkilt which can be attributed to her mother, Violet returning to town.  Liss and her mother do not get along which can be attributed to Violet’s high-handed manor.  An example would be that Liss does not like big parties nor does she want a birthday party.  Violet, despite being told by Dan not to have one, organizes a surprise birthday party (she creates problems for Thanksgiving too).  It seems to be Violet’s way or Violet’s way which is frustrating and unwanted in a cozy mystery.  I thought Overkilt was easy to read thanks to the author relaxed writing style and steady pacing.  I like the small town of Moosetookalook with its quaint shops and friendly townspeople (for the most part).  There are also some adorable cats and dogs added into the mix.  The mystery is straightforward.  You can tell right away which person will die because of his behavior and attitude.  There are multiple suspects and misdirection.  The police tell Liss to quit meddling in the case (of course) multiple times.  Liss has no intention of letting anyone in her family go down for a crime they did not commit. The situation with Hadley and the demonstration was realistic.  It is easily a situation that could happen in our society (and probably has somewhere).  I was surprised to see foul language in Overkilt.  I like to read cozy mysteries because the do not have course language, extreme violence or intimate scenes.  I am giving Overkilt 3.5 out of 5 stars. While Overkilt is not my favorite book in this series, I did enjoy my visit to Moosetookalook.

By the way, my favorite book in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series is A Wee Christmas Homicide.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you have a lovely, relaxing day.  I will feature Plain Discovery by Susan Lantz Simpson next time.  It is the second book in the Plainly Maryland series.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

X Marks the Scot: A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery

Happy Monday!  Ginger Snapped by Gail Oust will be published on December 12.  It is the fifth book in A Spice Shop Mystery series.  

X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series.  Liss MacCrimmon is attending the auction of the Chadwick mansion and purchases a painting of a Scottish bagpiper.  While trying to load the painting into the car, it falls (cracks) and reveals a treasure map tucked into the back of the painting.  Liss’ curiosity is peaked and Aunt Margaret suggests a trip to Chadwick, Nova Scotia to obtain details on the Chadwick family (it is on the way to the Antigonish Highland Games—they can obtain new items for the shop).  They arrive for their meeting with Orson Bailey at the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society to find the place locked up.  When they gain entrance, Liss finds Orson dead under the kitchen table.  Who knew of their trip to Chadwick?  What had Orson uncovered?  While at the highland games, their motel room is broken into and ransacked.  Liss returns home determined to find out where the map leads and what is hidden where X marks the spot.  It seems that trouble has followed Liss home.  Someone has broken into the shop and her home.  What will Liss uncover in her latest investigation in Moosetookalook, Maine?  

X Marks the Scot is not a standalone.  Some readers may find it confusing with the various characters and relationships.  It becomes clearer the further you read into the book.  I have read all the books in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, and X Marks the Scot is my least favorite.  I knew the killer’s identity long before the murder took place.  The mystery had some interesting aspects (a treasure map, hidden tunnels), but it could have done with a little tweaking.  I wish the mystery had been stronger (it was light).  I want to be gobsmacked!  Moosetookalook is a charming Maine town with unique characters and plenty of charm.  It will be interesting to see what happens now that Liss’ parents have returned to town and Liss is dreading it (she gets along better with her mother when there are a couple of states between them).  I found the pace of the novel to be too slow (made the book seem long).  I will read the next book in A LissMacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series in the hopes that the series will get back on track.  I have a feeling, though, that the series has run its course. X Marks the Scot will be available on Tuesday, November 28.

Thank you for reading my review.  I will be featuring Etched in Tears by Cheryl Hollon on Tuesday.  It is the fourth book in A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series.  I hope that you have a magnificent day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader