The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton

The Poison Pen

Book Summary

The Poison Pen, the ninth installment in the Scottish Bookshop series by Paige Shelton, set in a specialty bookstore in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

Edinburgh is mourning recent the death of Queen Elizabeth II when Bookseller Delaney Nichols's boss comes to her with a most unusual assignment. An old friend of his, living in an estate in the village of Roslin, has found what could be a priceless relic on her property, and Delaney is tasked with investigating. Could Jolie possibly have an item of breathtaking Scottish historical significance in her possession? But when Delaney arrives at Jolie's estate, she is greeted by a legal team with a vested interest in the property. Jolie manages to remove the interlopers, but as they're examining the priceless item, they hear a scream, and meet a much less welcome discovery: a body.

As Delaney digs deeper, she discovers Jolie's own fascinating history. Jolie's mother had long claimed that her daughter was the rightful heir to the throne, not Elizabeth II, because of an affair she claimed to have with King Edward VIII. The only evidence, however, is in the form of a purported journal that one of Edward’s secretaries kept. The puzzles become more confusing when a connection is uncovered between this far-fetched story and the murdered man. Delaney will have to read between the lines to put together the pieces...or become history herself.

My Thoughts

The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton is the ninth A Scottish Bookshop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone as the author provides the background information needed for new readers (or those who have missed a book or two).  We get to meet an old friend of Edwin’s who is amusing and eccentric.    Jolie adds humor to the story.  It was interesting learning about Crusader swords.  I like how the author incorporates streets and buildings from Edinburgh.  Jolie’s mother claimed that her daughter was the legitimate heir to the throne.  History of the monarchy was included.  You can tell the author did her research for this installment.  I liked that Elias was more involved in this story.  Delaney finds the mystery interesting.  She searches for clues and asks questions.  Delaney digs into the past and finds some intriguing information.  Delaney will need to assemble the pieces if she is to identify the killer.  I liked the who dunit, but I did not find it a challenge to solve.  There was a detail that stuck out and it came up more than once.  I enjoyed the reveal.  I did, though, find the pacing in The Poison Pen to be too leisurely (needed more action).  The Poison Pen is a Scottish cozy with a Crusader sword, a humorous hoarder, book talk, ancestry anecdotes, and a new Treasure Trove director.  

The Poison Pen is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other eight A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries here.  You can find all of Paige Shelton's novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Blizzard at Blue Ridge Inn by Pat Nichols.  It is the first book in the Blue Ridge Series. I hope that you will join me.  I am going to spend the afternoon working on one of the hall closets.  It is a mess (it is to the point where the door is getting hard to close).  I have a feeling there are many items that I no longer need stuffed inside that closet.  I am determined to get the house organized (despite my mother claiming we need each item I wish to discard).  Wish me luck!  I hope you have a cheery day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Burning Page by Paige Shelton

 The Burning Pages

Book Summary

One winter's night, bookseller Delaney Nichols and her coworker Hamlet are invited to a Burns Night dinner, a traditional Scottish celebration of the poet Robert Burns. She's perplexed by the invitation, but intrigued. The dinner takes place at Burns House itself, a tiny cottage not far from the Cracked Spine bookshop but well hidden. There, it becomes clear that Delaney and Hamlet were summoned in an attempt to make amends between Edwin, Delaney's boss, and one of the other invitees, who suspected Edwin for burning down his own bookshop twenty years ago after a professional disagreement.

But after the dinner, there’s another fire. The Burns House itself is burned to the ground, and this time there’s a body among the ruins. When Hamlet is accused of the crime, Delaney rushes to prove his innocence, only to discover that he might actually have a plausible motive...

My Thoughts

Delaney Nichols is invited to attend a Burns Night dinner at a local Robert Burns Society to celebrate the poet’s birthday.  Delaney is not sure why she was invited, but she is intrigued.  She invited co-worker, Hamlet to attend with her.  Edwin, Delaney’s boss, learns of the invite and warns Delaney that one of the members could be trying to get to him through her.  During the dinner, it soon becomes apparent that Edwin’s suspicions were correct.  One of the members had accused Edwin of burning down his bookshop twenty years ago.  After giving the members a piece of her mind, Delaney and Hamlet depart.  Later that evening, the building where the dinner was held is ablaze.  When the fire is put out, they find a body inside.  It turns out to be one of the Robert Burns Society members.  Hamlet finds himself at the top of the suspect list.  Delaney with help from her bookish voices sets out to find the evildoer.  Along the way, she might also find answers to help her solve another mystery she stumbled upon the warehouse while going through the files.  Delaney will need to keep her wits about her because it is obvious the wrongdoer likes playing with fire.  

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton is the seventh A Scottish Bookshop Mystery.  I believe it is best if you start at the beginning of the series rather than at the end.  I thought The Burning Pages was well-written with developed characters.  We have gotten to know Delaney Nichols and her Scottish family.  Delaney’s brother, Wyatt shows up for an unexpected visit to Delaney’s delight.  I love the authors' descriptions of Edinburgh.  She really brings the city alive with her word imagery.  I love that she includes statutes, museums, shops, and monuments.  We also get historical details which adds color and realism.  The whodunit was a fun one to follow and solve.  Delaney dons her sleuthing cap once again to help a friend.  She gets assistance from her friends, family, and her bookish voices.  There is action, intrigue, and drama.  I enjoyed the reveal.  It was interesting learning more about Roberts Burns, his works, and the societies created in his name. The Burning Pages is a tale that will keep you on your toes.  The Burning Pages is a captivating cozy with an intriguing invitation, a burning building, a murdered society member, a compatriot who is a suspect, an unforeseen find, Tam O’Shanter chapeaus, a valuable voice, and pages of poetry. 

The Burning Pages is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other six novels in A Scottish Bookshop Mysteries here.  Check out Paige Shelton's other novels which you can find here on Amazon.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for The Yarn that Binds by Rebecca McKinnon tomorrow.  It is the first book in the Clear Creek Mysteries.  I hope that you have an idyllic day.  Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton

Deadly Editions 

Book Summary 

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton has Delany Nichols going on a treasure hunt with a grand literary prize.  The woman sponsoring the event has an unusual reputation from things she did in the 1970s.  It seems someone has decided to resurrect her old persona and commit robberies.  Then the hunts sponsor disappears.  Delany with help from some friends sets out to solve the treasure hunt and find the patroness.

My Thoughts 

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton is the 6^th novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  We return to Edinburgh, Scotland on a snowy day as Paige begins her day at The Cracked Spine.  Delaney is surprised when she receives a missive from wealthy Shelagh O’Connor inviting her to a pub that afternoon.  Delaney along with three others are invited to participate in a treasure hunt.  They must decipher the clues to find a valuable copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  The winner will receive Shelagh’s entire book collection and each participant also receives a cash bonus.  Delaney cannot pass up this opportunity.  Things take a dark turn when robberies begin happening by someone who dresses as Shelagh did in the 1970s and then Shelagh is kidnapped.  It is a pleasure to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Aggie, Elias, and Hamlet.  The characters are well-developed and friendly.  We meet some new people that are involved in the treasure hunt.  Shelagh is a unique character with a beautiful home and a gorgeous library (I wanted to win it).  The treasure hunt was interesting.  They visit various local pubs searching for unique clues.  The author provided vivid descriptions that brought them alive for me as well as Edinburgh.  It was great learning about Edinburgh and Robert Louis Stevenson.  There are interesting facts about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  The mystery was thought out.  I like how everything tied together in this intricate whodunit.  Delaney’s bookish voices added another level to the story.  While I found the mystery complex, the solution was not.  I kept hoping there would be a twist to surprise me.  I also found the pacing to be a little slow at times.  I liked the cozy moments with Tom and Delaney as well as her time spent with co-workers and their friends (and temporary houseguests) Aggie and Elias.  I just loved Delaney’s attic library.  It sounds like a cozy and special place.  Deadly Editions is an intriguing cozy mystery with a tricky treasure hunt, clever clues, a large library, a valuable volume, and popular pubs.  

Deadly Editions is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other novels in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series here.  Paige Shelton has Dark Night publishing December 7.  It is the 3rd book  Alaska Wild series.  You can find Paige Shelton's other books here.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I will return tomorrow to feature A Patchwork Past by Leslie Gould.  It is the 2nd tale in Plain Patterns series.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton

Welcome!  I hope you are doing well and managing to keep yourself occupied while at home.  It seems many people are doing puzzles because a number of the puzzles on my Amazon wish list have suddenly sold out.  If you are looking for some escape reading, check out Peril at the Pellicano Hotel by Adriana Licio which releases on April 18  in e-book and available now in paperback.  It is the fourth novel in An Italian Village Mystery series. All three books are available through Kindle Unlimited.

A bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols heading back to work after her honeymoon with her new husband, Tom.  As she heads towards The Cracked Spine, Delaney runs into a woman carrying a large number of books.  After helping retrieve the volumes, Delaney introduces herself to Mary who looks remarkably like her.  Delaney is to learn from Mary Stewart that they both look like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary states that she was the Queen of Scots in a past life.  Mary then invites Delaney, Tom and Rosie to dinner that evening.  Rosie has surprising news to share with Delaney once they are alone.  It seems The Cracked Spine has not passed an inspection and the Edinburgh city council will be voting in a week to shut down their beloved bookstore.  The next morning, they hear a BOOM and learn that Henry Stewart, Mary’s husband and a member of the city council, died in a car explosion.  Delaney is astonished when she discovers that Henry was the one pushing for the vote to close The Cracked Spine.  Something does not add up and Delaney intends to get answers so she can save the bookshop.  The Stolen Letter is the fifth novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  It can be read alone for those new to this series.  I was eager to read The Stolen Letter when I saw it involved Mary, Queen of Scots.  She is one of my favorite historical figures along with Queen Elizabeth I.  Delaney Nichols enjoyed her honeymoon with her new hubby, Tom Shannon, but she is eager to return to The Cracked Spine.  Delaney loves her job and the people who work there.  When Delaney hears that her beloved bookstore is in jeopardy, she takes action.  Delaney is fierce when it comes to The Cracked Spine.  I felt Edwin should play a bigger role (it is his shop) and I was happy to see that Edwin stepped up when it counted.  Rosie, a shop employee, is a delight.  I liked how she was involved in the investigation.  I enjoyed the author’s word imagery which brings the book to life.  I could envision Edinburgh with its charming shops, cobbled streets and cozy pubs.  The mystery is complex with its suspicious suspects, misdirection and various clues.  I just love a twisty whodunit.  I bet you will be surprised when the solution is revealed.  I found The Stolen Letter to be well-written with genuine, friendly characters.  I could tell the author did her research on Mary, Queen of Scots.  There were some details that were new to me.  It was also interesting to learn about Burgess Tickets and the Freedom Casket they came in.  The ending was wonderful.  It was unique and surprising.  The Stolen Letter is a great addition to A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  The Stolen Letter is an entertaining cozy mystery with a perplexing puzzle, an insidious inspection, a remarkable reincarnation, a crafty councilor, lost links, and a determined Delaney.

Mary, Queen of Scots

The Stolen Letter is available from Amazon* along with the other five novels in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The first novel is The Cracked Spine.  Thank you for reading my review.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls.    I have provided a little book humor below in the form of a cartoon (we all need an extra dose of humor in our lives right now). I hope that you have a fulfilling day.  Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Mary, Queen of Scots

*This post contains affiliate links.

Lost Books and Old Bones: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery

Good Day!  Dying Truth by Angela Marsons is out today.  The eighth installment in the DI Kim Stone series.  If you enjoy suspense/thriller type of stories, then you want to check out the DI Kim Stone series.  Paige Shelton is the author of A Dangerous Type Mystery series (love it), A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, Country Cooking School Mystery series, and A Farmer's Market Mystery series (cute series).

Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton is the third tale in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  Delaney Nichols has relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland where she works at The Cracked Spine, a rare book and manuscript shop.  Delaney has two new friends in medical students Rena and Sophie.  They met when the ladies brought in some antique medical books to sell (which her boss, Edwin MacAlister loves).  She went out to a club with them where they encounter Mallory and Dr. Byron Eban (an odd man).  Dr. Eban has a particular fascination in Burke and Hare (two men who killed to obtain corpses for Dr. Knox to use for medical research).  Dr. Eban believes Edwin owns the scalpels by the famous Dr. Knox (hidden in his not so secret room).  Delaney cannot resist checking for the blades before heading home.  The next morning, Delaney gets a call that someone broke into The Cracked Spine and Mallory was found dead in the alley beside the shop with a skull from the medical school next to her.  Delaney, with the aid of the books, delves into the case to catch the culprit. 

Lost Books and Old Bones can be read alone.  The details a reader’s needs are included in this tale.  Delaney does talk about past cases in the story as well.  I love the setting of this series.  The author provides us with beautiful descriptions of Edinburgh as well as historical tidbits.  Another delightful part of the book is the books referenced (who doesn’t love visiting a bookstore and browsing for hours). The paranormal element (the books in The Cracked Spine give her cryptic clues) is barely present.  I wish the author would incorporate it more into the story.  Burke and Hare are an integral part of the story (mystery).  Ms. Shelton wove their history into the story.  Their tale is creepy and fascinating. Delaney devoted her time to solving the mystery.  She goes around asking questions and people just answer them (I know it is fiction but is this realistic).  You would think someone would tell her to bugger off.  Delaney spends little time at the job that pays her bills, but she does have time for her boyfriend, Tom (and to be jealous of old girlfriend who appeared at the crime scene and happens to be a reporter).  The author does not fully flesh out the secondary characters (Rena & Sophie for example).  I found the pace to be slow especially in the beginning which was also disjointed.  It lacked an ease and flow.  There was too much repetition of certain details (how Delaney is not good friends with Sophie and Rena). The mystery had some interesting components (Dr. Eban is particularly unnerving) and there is misdirection to throw readers off the real killer.  However, it really did not work as I had no trouble identifying the culprit (the who and why).  The story could have used more action (needed something to liven it up).    I am rating Lost Books and Old Bones 3 out of 5 stars.  Lost Books and Old Bones just failed to capture and hold my attention.   The next book in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series is The Loch Ness Papers and will be released in April 2019.

I appreciate you visiting today.  Next time I will be sharing my review of The Battered Body by Ellery Adams.  May you have a day filled with merriment.  Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Of Books and Bagpipes: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery

Happy Hump Day!  We are halfway through the first week of April. Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton will be out on April 11.  It is the first book in A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.  If you enjoy good characters, beautiful (and unique) setting, and an interesting mystery, then you should pre-order this new cozy mystery.  I will be reviewing it soon.

Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton is the second book in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  Delaney Nichols works at The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Her boss, Edwin MacAlister has sent her on a special errand to Castle Doune to pick up a rare copy of Oor Wullie (an old Scottish comic).  Delaney only knows that her contact will be in costume.  She is driven by friend and landlord, Elias (also a cabdriver) who wishes to keep Delaney safe while on this errand.  Delaney is looking around and notices a body backward on a staircase.  It turns out to be the man Delaney was to meet.  While awaiting the police, Delaney does find the book which she quickly hides out of sight.  Upon returning to The Cracked Spine, she shares what happened with Edwin (and then the rest of the staff).  The deceased is Billy Armstrong, son of an old friend of Edwin’s, Gordon Armstrong.  Gordon had died two years previously in a boat fire.  The group is shocked when Gordon shows up later that day in the bookshop.  Gordon wants to know what happened to his son.  They find out that Gordon had sent the book to Edwin via Billy, and it contained the details on what had happened two years prior.  Delaney starts seeking the truth and to uncover who killed Billy Armstrong.  She is aided by her friends at The Cracked Spine and her “bookish voices”.  Delaney will need support if she is to uncover the lies and expose a killer.

I had not had the opportunity to read The Cracked Spine since its publication.  I discovered that it is better to read the first book (The Cracked Spine) before starting Of Books and Bagpipes.  Some background details are provided on the main character, but not all the needed information is included.  Of Books and Bagpipes is an arduous novel to read.  I found the Scottish dialogue difficult to decipher.  If it was just in small sections, it would be manageable (but it was not).   The pace of the book is slow and untangling the interchanges significantly slows down the reading.  There are several obscure and famous Scottish authors mentioned throughout the novel.  I believe most readers will like the inclusion of this information.  I give Of Books and Bagpipes 2.5 out of 5 stars.  The saving grace of this story is the mystery.  It is complicated and challenging to solve.  A reader needs to pay close attention to the details to unscramble the clues and crack the case.  Also, included in the novel is information on various historical sights.  While the information is interesting, it does bog down the story.  I was not a fan of Delaney’s boss, Edwin.  I find that he keeps too many secrets.  I believe the author was trying to make him mysterious, but it does not quite work.  I wish the author had stuck with a warehouse full of unusual and unique items (instead of all the secrets and lies). I did not see how Delaney’s “bookish voices” enhanced the book.  I would have preferred ghosts.  Ghosts associated with old historical sites (like Castle Doune) or maybe spirits that live in The Cracked Spine (I prefer this scenario).  While Of Books and Bagpipes was not to my liking, I am a fan of Paige Shelton’s other series (especially A Dangerous Type Mystery series).  

I hope you have found my review helpful.  I am off to rake and pick up leaves before the rain comes in on Thursday.  I am finally starting to see the ground (progress at last).  I will return tomorrow to review Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri.  May you have a delightful Wednesday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader