Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Lucy Connelly’s Death at a Scottish Wedding is a delightful addition to the Scottish Isle Mystery series, blending the intrigue of a locked-room mystery with the charm of Scottish traditions and landscapes. Set against the backdrop of Morrigan's Castle, this second installment follows Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American doctor and local coroner in the small Scottish village of Sea Isle. When a murder disrupts a wedding celebration during a snowstorm, Emilia finds herself once again embroiled in a mystery where secrets abound, and no one is above suspicion.
Plot: ★★★★☆
The premise of a murder at a wedding, compounded by a snowstorm that traps everyone in the castle, makes for a classic cozy mystery setup. Connelly excels at creating tension within the confined setting, with a select group of guests who all have their own secrets. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, and the mystery is intriguing, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. While some of the clues were a bit easy to figure out, the slow burn of the investigation and the tense atmosphere more than make up for it. The climax is satisfying, if not overly shocking, which fits well within the cozy mystery genre.
Characters: ★★★★☆
Dr. Emilia McRoy is an intelligent and likable protagonist, and it’s easy to root for her as she uncovers hidden motives and navigates the dynamics among the wedding guests. Her relationship with Constable Ewan Campbell adds an interesting layer to the story, though I would have liked to see more development in their personal connection. The supporting characters are well-drawn, with each one adding a unique element to the mystery, from the bride and groom to the quirky family members and friends. The small-town Scottish setting allows for a rich cast of characters, each contributing to the overall atmosphere of the book.
Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Connelly’s writing is engaging and atmospheric, painting vivid pictures of the Scottish Isle and the snowbound castle. The descriptions of the setting help immerse the reader in the isolated, hauntingly beautiful location. The dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing is well-maintained, even though the book takes its time building suspense. The slow unraveling of the mystery is just right for the genre, though at times I wished the pacing would pick up a little quicker in certain scenes.
Romance: ★★★☆☆
The romance aspect is subtle in Death at a Scottish Wedding, though there are hints of a developing relationship between Emilia and Ewan. However, the romance takes a backseat to the mystery, which I found to be a good choice for this installment. While the budding connection is there, it doesn’t overpower the main plot, and I think readers who enjoy a cozy mystery without a heavy romance subplot will appreciate this balance.
Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in Death at a Scottish Wedding is well-crafted, with plenty of tense moments as Emilia delves deeper into the murder investigation. While it’s not an edge-of-your-seat thriller, there’s a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps the reader engaged. The isolated setting and the snowstorm add a layer of suspense that heightens the stakes, and the eventual reveal of the murderer is satisfying, even if it’s not entirely unexpected.
Overall: ★★★★☆
Death at a Scottish Wedding is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of locked-room mysteries and those who enjoy a dash of Scottish charm. The setting is atmospheric, the mystery is intriguing, and the characters are well-developed. While the romance and the plot may not be groundbreaking, the book offers a solid and engaging mystery that will keep readers entertained from start to finish. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of elegance and a hint of romance, this is a book you won’t want to miss.
Overall Rating: 4/5
An enjoyable and atmospheric mystery that combines the beauty of Scotland with the intrigue of a locked-room whodunit. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, Death at a Scottish Wedding is a book you’ll want to add to your reading list.
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