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Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #1
Kilt Dead
A Scottish dancer returns to small town Maine, where a killer keeps her on her toes in this “blithe and bonny” cozy mystery series debut (Nancy Martin, author of the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries). Liss MacCrimmon was a professional Scottish dancer until a knee injury ended her career. Now she’s back in her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, helping her aunt run a local Scottish emporium. Nestled in the hills of Northwest New England, Moosetookalook is just as charming as she remembers. But Liss’s nostalgic idyll is cut short when she stumbles on the body of her aunt's nosy neighbor, Amanda Norris, under a bolt of Flower of Scotland fabric. Suddenly, Liss is a prime murder suspect, and it’ll take some fancy foot work to clear her name. As she uncovers the shadowy secrets hiding in her postcard perfect town, Liss knows she’ll have to act fast—before the killer comes back for an encore."Strong local color and a surprise ending will make this a hit with the cozy crowd."—Publishers Weekly
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2007
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books342 followersKaitlyn Dunnett is a pseudonym used by Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Mistress Jaffrey Mysteries, the Face Down Mysteries featuring Susanna Appleton, 16th century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth, the Diana Spaulding 1888 Quartet, and the award-winning How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries, plus an assortment of other books.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
July 23, 2018
Okay. Yes. I'm reading and reviewing my own book. I my defense, it was written a dozen years ago and I've pretty much forgotten the details, which is exactly WHY I'm reading it. I'm currently working on the thirteenth Liss MacCrimmon mystery and although I kept some notes on characters and setting as I wrote the previous twelve, I've realized for a while now that I haven't been thorough enough. I'd be writing a scene and have to stop and try to remember, for example, in which previous book I'd had Liss go into the back section of the town office to talk to one of the selectmen. Was there an office? A meeting room? A records room? Did she walk down a hall to get there or were all the rooms connected? I'd have to hunt around until I located what I'd already described so I didn't contradict myself. I was doing so much of that sort of fact checking that I finally decided it was time for some organized research. In other words, I needed to read the first twelve books, in order, and take copious notes, especially concerning any casual mention of family members (what DID happen to Dan's mother?) and any descriptive details of such things as the interiors of buildings and the road between Moosetookalook and nearby Fallstown. I'm also reminded of, but hopefully not finding more, bloopers. (Yes, I know scones should not be described as flaky, but that error can't be changed at this late date. Try to ignore it.) So, Book One has been read. I have four handwritten pages of notes. On to Book Two.
October 30, 2014
A new story: sometimes we just like it. I laid Kaitlyn Dunnett’s works aside awhile. ‘Cozy mystery’ fare can be trite and it can also be so boldly-plotted and exquisitely-written, that it defies membership in the genre. This series, neither by a Scot nor in Scotland, looked like it might be too cute for my taste but I stood corrected; delightedly so.
We’re in a position to feel for Liss MacCrimmon because she’s introduced so beautifully onstage. This author transported us into smells and creaks of a stage, the soaring command of music, and heart-racing anticipation of a dancer. I appreciate wholly anyone who is able to make a career of their passion. It is rare and we know how befuddled Liss must feel about choosing another living. She agrees to tend her Aunt’s Scottish paraphernalia store while she contemplates this. If not for a few wonky dynamics, like the stereotypically sour policeman, or being cast as a suspect; “Kilt Dead” would receive five stars. A death on your family’s property, additionally someone you know, are reason enough to investigate the matter.
The major event occurred in 56 pages, excellent for an introduction that needs to lay its realm out. Too rare in this genre, I enjoyed that people reacted with reasonable alarm and upset. Liss coaxes a friend into investigating with her in a manner that builds up justifiably. Fictional decision-making and behaviour are normal for a change. Special touches are a dormant hotel that promises story possibilities and the elderly teacher’s splendid collection of literature. Our world wasn’t invaded by electronic readers in 2007, when this was published; therefore the treasure trove of a room brimming with physical books was possible. With perfect timing, I had fun understanding the ‘Pitt’ reference, because I have just sampled Anne Perry.
We’re in a position to feel for Liss MacCrimmon because she’s introduced so beautifully onstage. This author transported us into smells and creaks of a stage, the soaring command of music, and heart-racing anticipation of a dancer. I appreciate wholly anyone who is able to make a career of their passion. It is rare and we know how befuddled Liss must feel about choosing another living. She agrees to tend her Aunt’s Scottish paraphernalia store while she contemplates this. If not for a few wonky dynamics, like the stereotypically sour policeman, or being cast as a suspect; “Kilt Dead” would receive five stars. A death on your family’s property, additionally someone you know, are reason enough to investigate the matter.
The major event occurred in 56 pages, excellent for an introduction that needs to lay its realm out. Too rare in this genre, I enjoyed that people reacted with reasonable alarm and upset. Liss coaxes a friend into investigating with her in a manner that builds up justifiably. Fictional decision-making and behaviour are normal for a change. Special touches are a dormant hotel that promises story possibilities and the elderly teacher’s splendid collection of literature. Our world wasn’t invaded by electronic readers in 2007, when this was published; therefore the treasure trove of a room brimming with physical books was possible. With perfect timing, I had fun understanding the ‘Pitt’ reference, because I have just sampled Anne Perry.
November 7, 2018
A Scottish dancer injures her knee and has to go home to small town Maine to try to find a new way of life. There's a murder at her family's store, and she is one of the primary suspects. She starts poking around, and finds the usual small town secrets.
Not bad.
Not bad.
September 28, 2014
This should have had all the necessary trappings of a great cozy – a quirky premise and a small town with a kooky name (Moosetookalook, ME). Unfortunately it was just rather boring. Liss MacCrimmon has had to leave her career as a Scottish dancer because of injury and while she figures out what to do with her future she returns to her home town to run her Aunt’s Scottish emporium shop which sells Scottish gewgaws and kilts and such. When the town busybody ends up dead in the back room of the shop, Liss must investigate in order to clear her name. Unfortunately, everything about the book just felt blah to me. The characters were cardboard cut-outs - the only potentially interesting one being the one who is killed. The Scottish stuff was just window dressing and might as well have not been there. The town, despite its kooky name, just seemed a little depressing with everyone in town living above their shops and just trying to make ends meet. The investigating just seemed to be Liss and her romantic interest (there is never ANY doubt that they like each other or will get together) going door to door and getting very few answers. Basically it was short on charm and the mystery was just so-so.
July 14, 2022
Solidly cozy
March 28, 2018
I thought this was a great book but I was pulled out of it every time the author name dropped. I will try the second book
May 15, 2008
Being of Scottish ancestry and having a particular affinity for all things Scottish (yes, even some haggis....had it served on pizza once), I snatched up this book. I enjoyed the story lines, the twists and turns of the possible villain, though I would have liked to see more of the conflict's aftermath. It's a bit disappointing when you don’t get to “participate” in the arrest, incarceration, and reaction from those law enforcement officials who had little interest in the pursuit of justice. I so wanted to see that snotty detective’s nose rubbed in it.
My only hope is that there will be news of these in the next book of the series, which I look forward to readiing.
My only hope is that there will be news of these in the next book of the series, which I look forward to readiing.
August 5, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Kaitlyn so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I throughly enjoyed this one especially since the background of Scotland and Kilts was described very well.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Liss, Margaret and Dan were definitely my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in Maine while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall an excellent Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Kaitlyn so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I throughly enjoyed this one especially since the background of Scotland and Kilts was described very well.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Liss, Margaret and Dan were definitely my favorites.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in Maine while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall an excellent Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
August 19, 2021
Oh, the stereotypes! The clichés! I read this book because a friend recommended it to me, telling me that she could tell that the author "uses an outline" for each book. Formulaic? Yes. Entertaining and a quick read? Yes!
I will read more in this series, only because I want to understand what my friend sees in it. And maybe to find out if Liss and Dan finally consummate their relationship.
I will read more in this series, only because I want to understand what my friend sees in it. And maybe to find out if Liss and Dan finally consummate their relationship.
August 10, 2016
Wonderful first in the series
I have to admit I came across this series in a round about manner. I love reading anything regarding Halloween, so while browsing themed cozy mysteries I came across Vampires, Bones and Treacle Scones, I was hooked on the series ever since. I make it a point to purchase at least 2 of these books each month, I get so excited when I buy them.
I am now starting the series in order and this first in the series was really good.
Liss returns to Moosetookalook after suffering a knee injury. Knowing she may never dance again, Liss begins to think about other career options while minding her Aunt Margaret's store, The Scottish Emporium.
When a long time neighbor is found dead in the store, Liss is shocked to find herself the main suspect. Liss has to prove her innocence and to do that she enlists the help of Sherri, a local corrections officer.
Things heat up when Liss receives shocking news regarding the neighbors death.
This has become one of my favorite series.
The author weaves together a colorful story that makes any of her books hard to resist.
I have to admit I came across this series in a round about manner. I love reading anything regarding Halloween, so while browsing themed cozy mysteries I came across Vampires, Bones and Treacle Scones, I was hooked on the series ever since. I make it a point to purchase at least 2 of these books each month, I get so excited when I buy them.
I am now starting the series in order and this first in the series was really good.
Liss returns to Moosetookalook after suffering a knee injury. Knowing she may never dance again, Liss begins to think about other career options while minding her Aunt Margaret's store, The Scottish Emporium.
When a long time neighbor is found dead in the store, Liss is shocked to find herself the main suspect. Liss has to prove her innocence and to do that she enlists the help of Sherri, a local corrections officer.
Things heat up when Liss receives shocking news regarding the neighbors death.
This has become one of my favorite series.
The author weaves together a colorful story that makes any of her books hard to resist.
January 13, 2012
This book was pretty much everything I look for in a cozy mystery: a likable main character... some colorful supporting characters (some you're meant to like, some you're meant to hate)... a touch of romance (sweet - not "steamy")... a murder near the beginning (because it's just not a mystery without a dead body)... and a cat (because I think every good mystery needs a cat). And it's centered around a town named Moosetookalook - how can you not like that? It wasn't edge-of-your-seat suspenseful, but that's not what I look for in a cozy mystery. It felt like a good start to a series - I can see these books getting better, as the characters develop. I will definitely read more of them.
February 27, 2017
This was a fairly average cozy mystery. Liss has to return to her small home town after an injury ends her Scottish dancing career. She agrees to help her aunt run the Scottish Emporium that's been in her family forever while the aunt goes to Scotland as a guide. The town busybody is murdered in the shop'a stockroom, and Liss becomes the main suspect. We learn about the town and its inhabitants as she sets about clearing her name. The story was solid, but it was quick and because of that characters stayed pretty one-dimensional and the mystery wrapped up fairly neatly but sooner than I expected. All in all, a good start and I'd read another to see how the stories go from here.
February 5, 2016
A bit slow for me, but not a bad cozy mystery. I enjoyed learning about all things Scottish as I was reading. :)
The main character was a bit annoying to me, and the relationship/romance between her and Dan was laughable. I did guess the killer early on (actually even before the murder took place; the character was introduced and I said "THAT ONE DID IT!")
I'm not sure yet if I will continue to read any more of this series. I like the Scottish aspect of it, but there are lots of cozy mysteries to read out there and this one was pretty typical.
The main character was a bit annoying to me, and the relationship/romance between her and Dan was laughable. I did guess the killer early on (actually even before the murder took place; the character was introduced and I said "THAT ONE DID IT!")
I'm not sure yet if I will continue to read any more of this series. I like the Scottish aspect of it, but there are lots of cozy mysteries to read out there and this one was pretty typical.
March 2, 2016
So, I decided to try another one of these books (and since I know the outcome of some things - it might have colored my opinion).
They're light, amusing, focus on things I like (Scottish festivals and such) and were pretty believable. I don't usually like it when the characters keep things from the police, but Liss isn't keeping everything from the police, just from one single minded jerk of an officer.
I didn't figure out the murderer, so that was a plus, too.
Will definitely read more of this series.
They're light, amusing, focus on things I like (Scottish festivals and such) and were pretty believable. I don't usually like it when the characters keep things from the police, but Liss isn't keeping everything from the police, just from one single minded jerk of an officer.
I didn't figure out the murderer, so that was a plus, too.
Will definitely read more of this series.
July 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. I had read some reviews where folks said this series wasn't too good, but I found this book delightful, and full of insight into the world of all things Scottish, but especially Scottish dance and Highland games, both of which I have a limited experience with. I will read more of this series and will enjooy watching as the characters develop over time.
September 5, 2015
Not a bad read for a lazy vacation day. Predictable but satisfying. I guessed who the killer was before the crime even took place, but he was one of the book's jerks, so I was glad to read on and see him caught. Characters seemed realistic and interesting, and I knew who to root for. Might pick up the next in the series for another couch potato day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2009
The jacket blurb looked intriguing, but the plot and characters weren't that great. The best part of the book turned out to be the name of the town - Moosetookalook - which made me laugh every time I read it. Not bad for a library read, but I'm glad I didn't spend any cash on it.
August 29, 2016
3.5? Your basic cozy mystery starring a retired Highland dancer cum amateur detective running a Scottish specialty shop in a tiny town in Maine. Another one I'd had on my Kindle for over a year and not touched.
July 8, 2012
First in the series- very good start to this fun series. Liss MacCrimmon is beautiful, fit & young all of which I am not but I had fun walking in her shoes & can't wait to read the next one!
October 18, 2014
Getting My Cozy List together and Loving This Series Have Read 2 not in Order,Great Winter Series for me...Maine Scots...Murder...
Read
June 5, 2014The Scottish aspects weren't enough to make up for the exasperating cop. I also spotted the killer in the first 50 pages which is never good.
December 3, 2014
Good read! I will continue on with the series to see how it develops.
February 21, 2015
Even better than I remembered.
March 24, 2012
good story, adding this author to my list
November 3, 2021
Kilt Dead, by Kaitlyn Dunnett, is the first book in the "Liss MacCrimmon" cozy mystery series. The main character is Liss MacCrimmon, who's recently been forced to give up her career as a professional Scottish dancer. Story is in third-person pov, and it was told from the perspective of several characters, although Liss was the most prevalent.
While recuperating from career-ending knee surgery, Liss agrees to return to her small hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, to take over her Aunt Margaret's shop, the Scottish Emporium, while Margaret is out of town. The day after Margaret departs, Liss finds herself manning the shop's booth at the Highland Games festival. When she returns to the shop that evening, she stumbles upon the body of Margaret's nosy neighbor, Mrs Norris. As if that weren't distressing enough, the hotshot detective called in to work the case immediately zeroes in on Liss as the primary suspect in the woman's murder. Not content to sit idly by, Liss begins asking some questions on her own. She's helped by former friends/classmates Dan and Sherri. When Liss' investigation hits too close to home, her own life ends up in danger. Will she be able to solve the mystery before she becomes another victim?
*yawns*
I am very "meh" about this story. The characters did not resonate with me, although that may be because so much of what I read these days is in first-person pov. The premise was okay, but I felt the execution of it fell flat. Aside from that, the following things did not set well with me:
1. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the scene, the lead detective is grilling Liss. Mrs Norris died when she fell and hit her head, but the detective, without a medical examination, is already declaring that she could not possibly have fallen and hit her head that hard; ergo, she was pushed. Excuse me? People fall, strike their heads, and die every day. It happens. Not only that, but wouldn't the body still be limp and warm if Liss had just killed her? Maybe we need to pin down time of death before we start throwing around accusations.
2. Detective Jackass came across as too lazy to bother looking into the situation further, arrogantly convinced that he was correct in his initial assumptions.
3. Um, did Liss and Dan sleep together? The author was very vague with their "pleasant interlude", leaving me to wonder if it was just a hot and heavy make-out session, or did they actually bump fuzzies?
4. Once again, I found the sheer number of povs to be distracting and detracting.
5. I'm sorry, but as a Harry Potter fan, I could not read about "Mrs Norris" without picturing Filch's mangy old cat. Guh.
On a bright note, Liss did NOT swoon over Detective Jackass. In fact, she thought he was a jackass. Good for you, Liss! Also, good for me, figuring out that Mrs Norris was writing fanfic in her spare time. Hah!
The story had its good points, but the rest of it was far too aggravating for enjoyment. I do not plan on reading any more books in this series. Giving it an average score, and I think that's being generous.
While recuperating from career-ending knee surgery, Liss agrees to return to her small hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, to take over her Aunt Margaret's shop, the Scottish Emporium, while Margaret is out of town. The day after Margaret departs, Liss finds herself manning the shop's booth at the Highland Games festival. When she returns to the shop that evening, she stumbles upon the body of Margaret's nosy neighbor, Mrs Norris. As if that weren't distressing enough, the hotshot detective called in to work the case immediately zeroes in on Liss as the primary suspect in the woman's murder. Not content to sit idly by, Liss begins asking some questions on her own. She's helped by former friends/classmates Dan and Sherri. When Liss' investigation hits too close to home, her own life ends up in danger. Will she be able to solve the mystery before she becomes another victim?
*yawns*
I am very "meh" about this story. The characters did not resonate with me, although that may be because so much of what I read these days is in first-person pov. The premise was okay, but I felt the execution of it fell flat. Aside from that, the following things did not set well with me:
1. Within 20 minutes of arriving at the scene, the lead detective is grilling Liss. Mrs Norris died when she fell and hit her head, but the detective, without a medical examination, is already declaring that she could not possibly have fallen and hit her head that hard; ergo, she was pushed. Excuse me? People fall, strike their heads, and die every day. It happens. Not only that, but wouldn't the body still be limp and warm if Liss had just killed her? Maybe we need to pin down time of death before we start throwing around accusations.
2. Detective Jackass came across as too lazy to bother looking into the situation further, arrogantly convinced that he was correct in his initial assumptions.
3. Um, did Liss and Dan sleep together? The author was very vague with their "pleasant interlude", leaving me to wonder if it was just a hot and heavy make-out session, or did they actually bump fuzzies?
4. Once again, I found the sheer number of povs to be distracting and detracting.
5. I'm sorry, but as a Harry Potter fan, I could not read about "Mrs Norris" without picturing Filch's mangy old cat. Guh.
On a bright note, Liss did NOT swoon over Detective Jackass. In fact, she thought he was a jackass. Good for you, Liss! Also, good for me, figuring out that Mrs Norris was writing fanfic in her spare time. Hah!
The story had its good points, but the rest of it was far too aggravating for enjoyment. I do not plan on reading any more books in this series. Giving it an average score, and I think that's being generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2022
Professional Highland Dancer, Liss MacCrimmon suffers a career ending knee injury and is forced to rethink her future. She agrees to temporarily take over running the Scottish Emporium that is owned by her Aunt Margaret while she is away running a tour in Scotland. Returning to her small hometown of Moosetookalook in Maine, she sees that the place looks much the same. Barely home a day before her Aunt leaves and Liss is looking after the booth at the annual Highland Games. Not all customers are friendly though - especially a local realtor and his girlfriend. After closing the booth for the day, Liss returns to the shop and discovers a neighbour dead in the stock room. The detective for the area, is convinced that Liss killed the victim and it is up to Liss to prove her innocence.
My thoughts:
Unless you are interested in Scottish dancing, trinkets and bagpipes, some of this book will be a bit boring/annoying but I took the Scottish references as just information rather than interesting. It added depth to the story, but the basic plot could have been applied to almost any culture with similar outcome.
Liss is struggling to find herself and her new future after the injury which anyone would given the circumstances. She also is back in her small hometown which she hadn't planned on. That means also reacquainting herself with people she went to school with and other townspeople. Not always easy or comfortable! Some people have changed and new people in the area make for some interesting conversations. There are also some long held secrets to explore.
As for the murder? Well, to my mind, there were 3 or 4 likely suspects right from the start. Of course, the detective on the case is a complete idiot and isn't interested in anything other than putting her behind bars - if only to improve his own career. The reveal and takedown wasn't a big surprise to me but reading how Liss came to the realization was interesting.
The basic murder story is resolved but there are other questions and sub plots that will most likely continue into additional books in the series. (13 book series at this point) A quick read that was enjoyable and I will be reading more in this series sometime down the road.
My thoughts:
Unless you are interested in Scottish dancing, trinkets and bagpipes, some of this book will be a bit boring/annoying but I took the Scottish references as just information rather than interesting. It added depth to the story, but the basic plot could have been applied to almost any culture with similar outcome.
Liss is struggling to find herself and her new future after the injury which anyone would given the circumstances. She also is back in her small hometown which she hadn't planned on. That means also reacquainting herself with people she went to school with and other townspeople. Not always easy or comfortable! Some people have changed and new people in the area make for some interesting conversations. There are also some long held secrets to explore.
As for the murder? Well, to my mind, there were 3 or 4 likely suspects right from the start. Of course, the detective on the case is a complete idiot and isn't interested in anything other than putting her behind bars - if only to improve his own career. The reveal and takedown wasn't a big surprise to me but reading how Liss came to the realization was interesting.
The basic murder story is resolved but there are other questions and sub plots that will most likely continue into additional books in the series. (13 book series at this point) A quick read that was enjoyable and I will be reading more in this series sometime down the road.
June 30, 2023
A new mystery series!!!! Just love to find a new one.... This was a good one. Not too many contrived events. Looking forward to the second one!!
As a professional Scottish dancer, Liss MacCrimmon has performed strathsprays and reels, jigs and Highland flings until a knee injury cuts her career short. Returning to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, she decides to help her aunt run her Scottish emporium. But when murder rears its ugly head in the idyllic, quiet village, Liss will have to add sleuthing to her repertoire...
Liss hasn’t been in Moosetookalook in over ten years, but the quaint little town, nestled in the hilly terrain of western Maine, looks exactly as she remembers it. Only home a day before her aunt takes off on a tour of Scotland, Liss mans the emporium’s booth at the annual Western Maine Highland Games. There she gets reacquainted with some old friends and new local characters, including an obnoxious real estate agent and his spoiled girlfriend who insists on ordering a custom-made kilt sewn from a plaid called the Flower of Scotland.
Liss knows a sale is a sale and returns to the emporium that night exhausted yet happy. But her bliss soon turns to dread when she finds the dead body of her aunt’s nosy neighbor, Amanda Norris, under a bolt of the Flower of Scotland fabric in the stock room. And if things weren’t bad enough, the state police hone in on Liss as the prime suspect.
With the help of Dan Ruskin, a neighbor and former high school classmate, Liss begins her own investigation that uncovers secrets about the residents of Moosetookalook–secrets she wished had stayed buried. Now Liss will have to do some fancy footwork to prove she’s innocent while avoiding becoming the killer’s next victim...
As a professional Scottish dancer, Liss MacCrimmon has performed strathsprays and reels, jigs and Highland flings until a knee injury cuts her career short. Returning to her hometown of Moosetookalook, Maine, she decides to help her aunt run her Scottish emporium. But when murder rears its ugly head in the idyllic, quiet village, Liss will have to add sleuthing to her repertoire...
Liss hasn’t been in Moosetookalook in over ten years, but the quaint little town, nestled in the hilly terrain of western Maine, looks exactly as she remembers it. Only home a day before her aunt takes off on a tour of Scotland, Liss mans the emporium’s booth at the annual Western Maine Highland Games. There she gets reacquainted with some old friends and new local characters, including an obnoxious real estate agent and his spoiled girlfriend who insists on ordering a custom-made kilt sewn from a plaid called the Flower of Scotland.
Liss knows a sale is a sale and returns to the emporium that night exhausted yet happy. But her bliss soon turns to dread when she finds the dead body of her aunt’s nosy neighbor, Amanda Norris, under a bolt of the Flower of Scotland fabric in the stock room. And if things weren’t bad enough, the state police hone in on Liss as the prime suspect.
With the help of Dan Ruskin, a neighbor and former high school classmate, Liss begins her own investigation that uncovers secrets about the residents of Moosetookalook–secrets she wished had stayed buried. Now Liss will have to do some fancy footwork to prove she’s innocent while avoiding becoming the killer’s next victim...
January 15, 2019
The first thing that attracted me about this series was the Scottish slant in the titles. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more 'Scotland' involved, but I got over it as the story itself was intriguing enough.
I have not read a lot of mystery books (it's a genre I'm wanting to get into), and I definitely had never heard of 'cozy mystery' until I read the reviews, but the plot felt well crafted, and I had all the tools to find out who had done it without the narrative being too obvious about it. Other leads didn't feel like dead ends as they all fed into the final explanation, which I appreciated, something lacking in police procedural dramas I like to watch.
The characters felt interesting, but were a little standard for my tastes. Liss's tough girl act is pretty typical these days for female heroines and it felt like there could be more depth there. The romance was also a little bland, but I appreciated that it wasn't all angst and drawn out forever. I liked that I got to read from other people's perspectives, but in the ebook I was reading, there were no breaks in the text to distinguish that we went to another time/place/character which was frustrating. Only having looked at the ebook, I can't say if the same problem haunts the print version.
Overall, solidly enjoyable book and I'm already into the next one. Not amazing, but a fun afternoon read. If you like stories with hint of Scottishness in them and mysteries in general, you will likely like this book.
I have not read a lot of mystery books (it's a genre I'm wanting to get into), and I definitely had never heard of 'cozy mystery' until I read the reviews, but the plot felt well crafted, and I had all the tools to find out who had done it without the narrative being too obvious about it. Other leads didn't feel like dead ends as they all fed into the final explanation, which I appreciated, something lacking in police procedural dramas I like to watch.
The characters felt interesting, but were a little standard for my tastes. Liss's tough girl act is pretty typical these days for female heroines and it felt like there could be more depth there. The romance was also a little bland, but I appreciated that it wasn't all angst and drawn out forever. I liked that I got to read from other people's perspectives, but in the ebook I was reading, there were no breaks in the text to distinguish that we went to another time/place/character which was frustrating. Only having looked at the ebook, I can't say if the same problem haunts the print version.
Overall, solidly enjoyable book and I'm already into the next one. Not amazing, but a fun afternoon read. If you like stories with hint of Scottishness in them and mysteries in general, you will likely like this book.
January 9, 2022
Amaryllis McCrimmond - known as Liss - is an American Scottish Country dancer who has been touring in a show called Strathspey to try and emulate the success of the Irish Riverdance company. Unfortunately Liss suffers a catastrophic injury which will end her dancing career and she returns to Moosetookalook, Maine where her aunt runs the area Scottish Emporium to take over whilst her aunt goes back to Scotland to give a series of speaking engagements.
Liss settles in and takes her aunt’s stock to a Highland Games show, then returns home afterwards to find the woman next door has died in the Emporium stockroom floor. Of course Mrs Norris has been murdered and Liss ends up as the prime suspect as the investigating officer lacks personality, wit and imagination.
I checked out this book because the title made me laugh. The genre is “cozy crime” and won’t frighten the horses. There’s a lot about Scottish culture because it’s been written for an American audience and some of that made me snigger but apart from that it’s a popular introduction to a fairly long running series set in an imaginary Maine town. There are loads of red herrings and although the reveal wasn’t entirely unexpected it wasn’t a given who was/were to blame.
Liss settles in and takes her aunt’s stock to a Highland Games show, then returns home afterwards to find the woman next door has died in the Emporium stockroom floor. Of course Mrs Norris has been murdered and Liss ends up as the prime suspect as the investigating officer lacks personality, wit and imagination.
I checked out this book because the title made me laugh. The genre is “cozy crime” and won’t frighten the horses. There’s a lot about Scottish culture because it’s been written for an American audience and some of that made me snigger but apart from that it’s a popular introduction to a fairly long running series set in an imaginary Maine town. There are loads of red herrings and although the reveal wasn’t entirely unexpected it wasn’t a given who was/were to blame.
October 9, 2023
I enjoyed my time returning to Moosetookalook. I read book #4 before book #1, but it was a very long time ago so I will likely read #4 again. I liked getting introduced to the characters as several of them use their POV to move the story along. This is a nifty premise for all that it is still small town goings on, with small business in a charming town, small-minded and sweet, nosey and kind well-meaning characters as can be found in most cozy/amateur sleuth mysteries. The small business is a Scottish merchandise souvenir shop being run by the main character after her aunt asks for her help. Main character, Liss, is sidelined from her professional Scottish dance career by a knee injury. She's feeling a tad sorry for herself which was understandable and she dwelled on it, but not so much to get irritating. At least to me.
I have 'rules' for my enjoyment of a cozy/amateur sleuth mystery. I like when they have a good setting, premise, characters and that it must make sense for the main character to get involved in the investigation. It needs to be more than being nosey. Liss is considered the prime suspect and the police aren't looking anywhere else so she has to prove she didn't kill anyone.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
I have 'rules' for my enjoyment of a cozy/amateur sleuth mystery. I like when they have a good setting, premise, characters and that it must make sense for the main character to get involved in the investigation. It needs to be more than being nosey. Liss is considered the prime suspect and the police aren't looking anywhere else so she has to prove she didn't kill anyone.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
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