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Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #5
Scotched
Hundreds of the most creative minds in murder are assembling in the tiny town of Moosetookalook, Maine—and before the final page is turned, one of them will be writing in the past tense…
Liss MacCrimmon, purveyor of all things plaid at the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, couldn’t be more pleased that her hometown is hosting the First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. The mystery book conference promises to attract plenty of popular authors, as well as new business for Moosetookalook’s unique local shops. And with her new fiancé Dan’s family-owned hotel filling with attendees, the outlook seems very bonnie indeed.
But soon, Liss and Dan discover just how far some authors take their research. When a muckraking reviewer with a grudge takes a swan dive off a scenic lookout, no one wants to believe it was homicide. After all, it’s one thing to dream up imaginary crimes—but to commit a real one takes motive, means, and extreme maliciousness.
The more Liss learns, the more she realizes just how many people are glad the deceased has written her final story. And with an entire conference brimming with potential suspects—from a famous actress-turned-bestselling author to her power-broker agent, and an overextended events coordinator with plenty to hide—it will take a killer instinct to figure out which writer belongs in the true crime section…before the murderer pens The End for another innocent victim…
Liss MacCrimmon, purveyor of all things plaid at the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, couldn’t be more pleased that her hometown is hosting the First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. The mystery book conference promises to attract plenty of popular authors, as well as new business for Moosetookalook’s unique local shops. And with her new fiancé Dan’s family-owned hotel filling with attendees, the outlook seems very bonnie indeed.
But soon, Liss and Dan discover just how far some authors take their research. When a muckraking reviewer with a grudge takes a swan dive off a scenic lookout, no one wants to believe it was homicide. After all, it’s one thing to dream up imaginary crimes—but to commit a real one takes motive, means, and extreme maliciousness.
The more Liss learns, the more she realizes just how many people are glad the deceased has written her final story. And with an entire conference brimming with potential suspects—from a famous actress-turned-bestselling author to her power-broker agent, and an overextended events coordinator with plenty to hide—it will take a killer instinct to figure out which writer belongs in the true crime section…before the murderer pens The End for another innocent victim…
263 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2011
140 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books356 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 100 reviews
November 10, 2017
Sigh.
I want to like these books [and I believe I have really liked at least one] and I do, to a certain extent, but sometimes, as with this one, the writing seems forced and the mystery is tepid [though the first one was good because, well, if you read it, you will know why], Liss was really annoying, and I don't know. Its just a weird meh book.
I WAS surprised at who the killer was and that made the book a little better, but it wasn't enough to bring the rating up to 4 stars.
I have the next one to read and I have decided I will give these one more try, but if it is like this one, I will be finally, be officially done with them. Maybe. ;-)
I want to like these books [and I believe I have really liked at least one] and I do, to a certain extent, but sometimes, as with this one, the writing seems forced and the mystery is tepid [though the first one was good because, well, if you read it, you will know why], Liss was really annoying, and I don't know. Its just a weird meh book.
I WAS surprised at who the killer was and that made the book a little better, but it wasn't enough to bring the rating up to 4 stars.
I have the next one to read and I have decided I will give these one more try, but if it is like this one, I will be finally, be officially done with them. Maybe. ;-)
June 4, 2013
I want to make it clear that this is not a review of the book per se but rather my reaction as a reader to the book. I had expected to really enjoy this particular cosy because of the cover. Yes, I did judge a book by its cover and with two cats and a pile of mystery books on the cover along with a quick blurb stating that our amateur sleuth runs a Scottish emporium I thought I’d be in for a treat. Let me explain a little: part of the appeal of cosies for me is that I generally learn a little something about an occupation or a craft, so, for example, I know quite a bit about the care and feeding of zoo animals, vintage clothes and antiques. (Thanks to one vintage antique series I now covet a hoosier cabinet big time.). I was mildly disappointed to find that our sleuth’s profession would have little or no connection to the mystery, but kept reading. I thought that perhaps the mystery would be intriguing enough to keep me going. Sadly it did not. It took me months of putting the book down and then picking it up again to finish it.
Liss MacCrimmon, is very much of the “I’ll continue to stick my nose into everything, even though I’ve been told not to” type of sleuth. Perhaps it is because I started with the fifth book in the series that I felt no connection to or interest in Liss. She just didn’t intrigue me as a person and her repeated assertions that she was really scared and would back off investigating grew a little old for me. None of the supporting characters were of much interest either. I did finish the book but the story didn’t do much for me nor did I really buy the reason for the murders.
I did appreciate the fact that the author poked fun at a small town having all these murders over the years. One character states something along the lines of Moosetookalook turning into a Cabot cove.
The reasons the book did not work for me may not mean that another reader may not enjoy this book. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Liss MacCrimmon, is very much of the “I’ll continue to stick my nose into everything, even though I’ve been told not to” type of sleuth. Perhaps it is because I started with the fifth book in the series that I felt no connection to or interest in Liss. She just didn’t intrigue me as a person and her repeated assertions that she was really scared and would back off investigating grew a little old for me. None of the supporting characters were of much interest either. I did finish the book but the story didn’t do much for me nor did I really buy the reason for the murders.
I did appreciate the fact that the author poked fun at a small town having all these murders over the years. One character states something along the lines of Moosetookalook turning into a Cabot cove.
The reasons the book did not work for me may not mean that another reader may not enjoy this book. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
February 5, 2019
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. The main character can be annoying to others around her, but that is part of what makes it so realistic. There are a large number of interesting supporting characters in this novel as well. This is the fifth book in the series, but the first one that I have read. While there are references back to events from previous books, I had no trouble coming in part-way through the series. I will be reading more from this author when I am in the mood for a cozy mystery.
February 28, 2024
2.5 stars- Meh-This wasn't horrible, just bland, no spice, no edge-of-your-seat moments. It read more like a Nancy Drew mystery, which isn't bad if you are a young girl, but at my age you need to show me some "mystery" adventure, some Poirot sleuthing, some "dang, didn't see that coming" parts.
Again, this series is not for me, but I am sure there are many that will love it.
Again, this series is not for me, but I am sure there are many that will love it.
February 4, 2024
I love this series. Sometimes when all you want is a good old fashioned murder mystery without any drama, this is definitely my go to series. I really enjoyed this one and did not see the whodunit coming. The banter between the characters is funny. Plus, I love the covers. They're always so cute and innocent looking at first glance with a hint of darkness.
December 31, 2019
A fun read!
March 21, 2020
Best one yet and the only one that I didn’t figure out 1/4 of the way in. Actually, it was the final scene where the killer was revealed and quite well. Maybe anyone reading this series should start here, tho you would miss a lot of the backstory to the main characters.
August 1, 2018
Still doing my read-a-thon of earlier books in the series and taking notes before I go back to work on the thirteenth Liss MacCrimmon mystery. Still enjoying the journey. It's been long enough since I wrote these that it's almost as if I'm reading someone else's book. I have no urge to revise. Good thing, since it's way too late to change anything.
July 18, 2023
Good book. Plots is a little too outrageous. How many murders can this town support???
Hundreds of the most creative minds in murder are assembling in the tiny town of Moosetookalook, Maine—and before the final page is turned, one of them will be writing in the past tense…
Liss MacCrimmon, purveyor of all things plaid at the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, couldn’t be more pleased that her hometown is hosting the First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. The mystery book conference promises to attract plenty of popular authors, as well as new business for Moosetookalook’s unique local shops. And with her new fiancé Dan’s family-owned hotel filling with attendees, the outlook seems very bonnie indeed.
But soon, Liss and Dan discover just how far some authors take their research. When a muckraking reviewer with a grudge takes a swan dive off a scenic lookout, no one wants to believe it was homicide. After all, it’s one thing to dream up imaginary crimes—but to commit a real one takes motive, means, and extreme maliciousness.
The more Liss learns, the more she realizes just how many people are glad the deceased has written her final story. And with an entire conference brimming with potential suspects—from a famous actress-turned-bestselling author to her power-broker agent, and an overextended events coordinator with plenty to hide—it will take a killer instinct to figure out which writer belongs in the true crime section…before the murderer pens The End for another innocent victim…
Hundreds of the most creative minds in murder are assembling in the tiny town of Moosetookalook, Maine—and before the final page is turned, one of them will be writing in the past tense…
Liss MacCrimmon, purveyor of all things plaid at the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, couldn’t be more pleased that her hometown is hosting the First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. The mystery book conference promises to attract plenty of popular authors, as well as new business for Moosetookalook’s unique local shops. And with her new fiancé Dan’s family-owned hotel filling with attendees, the outlook seems very bonnie indeed.
But soon, Liss and Dan discover just how far some authors take their research. When a muckraking reviewer with a grudge takes a swan dive off a scenic lookout, no one wants to believe it was homicide. After all, it’s one thing to dream up imaginary crimes—but to commit a real one takes motive, means, and extreme maliciousness.
The more Liss learns, the more she realizes just how many people are glad the deceased has written her final story. And with an entire conference brimming with potential suspects—from a famous actress-turned-bestselling author to her power-broker agent, and an overextended events coordinator with plenty to hide—it will take a killer instinct to figure out which writer belongs in the true crime section…before the murderer pens The End for another innocent victim…
August 31, 2019
I read the first book in this series five years ago with the comment in my review that I would like to read more about Liss MacCrimmon, the protagonist. Surprisingly, this book is the only other one I've read (#5 in the series). But I feel the same way. I enjoyed this mystery set in the small town of Moosetookalook, Maine (really an unfortunate name for a town in my opinion). Liss is engaged to be married, is proprietress of the Scottish Emporium, and assisting in the "Main-ly Cozy Con," a weekend conference for mystery authors and fans. When one of the attendees is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, it is assumed it was a tragic accident. But the victim had antagonized many of the other conference goers, and Liss is sure it was a suspicious death. Liss has a long history of getting involved in homicide investigations (meddling by any other name!) and this is no exception. Many suspects (and a second death) later, Liss figures it out before the end of the weekend conference. I loved the mystery writers theme and would be thrilled to attend such a conference (without the deaths, of course). Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to read more in this series sooner than 5 years from now!
September 3, 2020
1.5 stars...mystery was OK. Setting in Moosetookalook, Maine, was nice. The cozy convention was a neat backdrop, too. I just couldn't get behind the protagonist. She kept interfering in police business, despite being told numerous times not to (and yet the people telling her not to know she's going to defy them and do it anyway, so were they really trying?). Maybe if I read this series from the beginning, Liss will grow on me, but somehow I doubt it.
Moosetookalook, Maine, is hosting the first annual Maine-ly Coze Festival, and the guess speaker is an actress who tries her hand at writing cozies and ends up penning bestsellers...(**spoiler alert: or does she?). When a body is found at the bottom of a cliff, police and Liss are at odds over the hows and whys. When a second one shows up in the same spot, they still can't agree. Can Liss dig up enough slues to convince them she's right without endangering herself?
Liss and Dan are getting closer to their wedding, and somehow her mom has convinced Dan to wear a kilt.
Moosetookalook, Maine, is hosting the first annual Maine-ly Coze Festival, and the guess speaker is an actress who tries her hand at writing cozies and ends up penning bestsellers...(**spoiler alert: or does she?). When a body is found at the bottom of a cliff, police and Liss are at odds over the hows and whys. When a second one shows up in the same spot, they still can't agree. Can Liss dig up enough slues to convince them she's right without endangering herself?
Liss and Dan are getting closer to their wedding, and somehow her mom has convinced Dan to wear a kilt.
March 2, 2021
Scotched (Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #5) by Kaitlyn Dunnett
Set in a small town Moosetookalook, Maine Liss MacCrimmon is excited the town is hosting the annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. A group of Authors gathering together to discuss their work and sell books. This will benefit her (Liss) business as well, until someone ends up dead. Liss is determined to crack the case and solve the crime, before anyone else is in danger.
A fast paced cozy murder mystery with interesting characters and engaging plot. Liss and her fiance Dan are very likable, not only is she trying to solve a crime she is also planning her wedding. The suspect list grows, as secrets are revealed. A classic who-done-it feel, I found Scotched a fun read and recommend to those who enjoy a good murder/mystery.
Set in a small town Moosetookalook, Maine Liss MacCrimmon is excited the town is hosting the annual Maine-ly Cozy Con. A group of Authors gathering together to discuss their work and sell books. This will benefit her (Liss) business as well, until someone ends up dead. Liss is determined to crack the case and solve the crime, before anyone else is in danger.
A fast paced cozy murder mystery with interesting characters and engaging plot. Liss and her fiance Dan are very likable, not only is she trying to solve a crime she is also planning her wedding. The suspect list grows, as secrets are revealed. A classic who-done-it feel, I found Scotched a fun read and recommend to those who enjoy a good murder/mystery.
April 26, 2018
I've read some of the other books in this series and really enjoyed them but this particular one was a thumbs down for me. Too many characters to keep track of but what really ruined the book for me was the MC. She was so annoying in this book - pushing herself into police business despite being told numerous times to keep her nose out of it or wind up in jail. And when the officer in charge actually lets her question the murderer? Too unrealistic. Also when she and her aunt use a passkey to get into guests hotel rooms and snoop.....too unrealistic also.
November 24, 2020
I've really enjoyed the series - up to this book, but the deaths in this one were too periphery and it didn't make a whole lot of sense for Liss to get involved as a result. Combine that with the "end" "fight" scene and it was pretty over the top. Suspension of disbelief was pretty impossible for this one. I'll give the series one more book (since I already bought it), but if it's like this one, that'll probably be the end of the series for me and I'll take 5 & 6 off my shelves and stick 'em in a little free library or something.
September 4, 2021
Entertaining listening 🔰😀
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery novel in the Liss MacCrimmon Series book five with interesting will developed characters. The story line is set in the western mountains of Maine where two murders take place. Liss MacCrimmon and her fiance investigate the murders during the mystery book signing taking place in town and find the truth. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening 🔰 2021 🏠🐈😉
Another will written romantic thriller adventure mystery novel in the Liss MacCrimmon Series book five with interesting will developed characters. The story line is set in the western mountains of Maine where two murders take place. Liss MacCrimmon and her fiance investigate the murders during the mystery book signing taking place in town and find the truth. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening 🔰 2021 🏠🐈😉
May 23, 2019
While this series has many good points, overall it is a simple read.
At Library take off shelf.
Read first three or four chapters.
Skip to middle and read another 2 chapters.
Go to ends and read last two chapters.
Will learn you had most of the bad guys picked correctly and why they did what they did. You have not been threatened and almost killed again. And you are surprised that Tess is still not in jail or crippled or dead.
At Library take off shelf.
Read first three or four chapters.
Skip to middle and read another 2 chapters.
Go to ends and read last two chapters.
Will learn you had most of the bad guys picked correctly and why they did what they did. You have not been threatened and almost killed again. And you are surprised that Tess is still not in jail or crippled or dead.
May 6, 2023
I didn't love this one. I just really thought that Liss was very annoying as a character and it was hard to buy into such a small amount of people selling their wares for the whole weekend. How often do you need to go by the Scottish paraphernalia?? Oh, and the small business group meeting to figure out how to counteract the potential bad publicity about being the murder capital of Maine?? Don't even get me started. Maybe I was just not in the mood, but I was happy to finish this one.
August 13, 2017
Should be 3.5 stars. I continue to still enjoy the murder mysteries in this series and the overall coziness of it. I have two complaints that linger, the fact that Liss is a bit annoying and the lack of chemistry between her and Dan.
I will continue to read the series but tend to skim a bit at times...
I will continue to read the series but tend to skim a bit at times...
May 27, 2020
Liss is happy that her town is hosting a mystery book conference with lots of authors and business for the town. Her new fiancé hotel is filled with their family so every looks good until a reviewer is found dead. Liss finds how many people are glad the reviewer is dead and has a hard time picking out who the murderer could be. Planning her wedding adds to the story.
Read
August 26, 2020Intriguing mystery with surprises and a great ending
I really enjoyed this book because it had many red herring, but only one that pointed to the real killer, and even that was just a small mention. The characters were believe able and interesting. If you like cozy mysteries this is one to add to your shelf.
I really enjoyed this book because it had many red herring, but only one that pointed to the real killer, and even that was just a small mention. The characters were believe able and interesting. If you like cozy mysteries this is one to add to your shelf.
December 3, 2023
Unearthing Secrets
When a vicious blogger dies, Liss MacCrimmon feels it wasn't an accident. Her look into the incident leads to many angry feelings, a look into a forty year old scandal, and a painful reunion with her former boyfriend, Gordon. There are a host of suspects in this cozy mystery - and each one has a tangible motive.
When a vicious blogger dies, Liss MacCrimmon feels it wasn't an accident. Her look into the incident leads to many angry feelings, a look into a forty year old scandal, and a painful reunion with her former boyfriend, Gordon. There are a host of suspects in this cozy mystery - and each one has a tangible motive.
May 8, 2019
Name of a town with 14 letters
Moosetookalook, Maine! Sam y that 3 times. The First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con for mystery writers. Liss has a habit of involving herself in mysteries. Such as murder. Good book
Moosetookalook, Maine! Sam y that 3 times. The First Annual Maine-ly Cozy Con for mystery writers. Liss has a habit of involving herself in mysteries. Such as murder. Good book
August 14, 2019
I’ve quite enjoyed the previous four books in this series but this one was, meh. Liss seems confused and unfocused, just running from place to place. I really didn’t care who threw the murderees over the cliff so I wasn’t really all that I tested in finding out. A pleasant read but umpfless.
November 23, 2022
Don't you love it when the person who dies really did deserve it? I find it satisfying--until the twist in the plot! This is a very well done cozy mystery, and if you haven't started this series, you really must if you like Agatha Christie or (especially) M. C. Beaton.
December 7, 2018
Pretty good. Many layers of story.
March 6, 2019
Good mystery
I didn't figure out who the killer was. I didn't spot any clues that would have led me to the solution.
I didn't figure out who the killer was. I didn't spot any clues that would have led me to the solution.
May 1, 2019
Great Mystery!! I didn't want to put the book down!!
August 21, 2019
Not bad
It wasn't too bad it's my first read with this author. May try another. Sometimes you need to get to know the author.
It wasn't too bad it's my first read with this author. May try another. Sometimes you need to get to know the author.
September 6, 2019
Another good book from author. Would recommend. Life in small town America.
October 22, 2019
Yup, now I remember why I quit this series. Liss is the problem. She's obnoxious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews