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Maggie Devereaux #1
Scottish Rite
PARANORMAL MURDER MYSTERY, SET IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. American graduate student Maggie Devereaux fulfills a life-long dream when she travels to Scotland to study abroad. Her dream turns to a nightmare, however, when a serial killer begins murdering women at the school. When Maggie discovers a lost book of Highland magic, she grows convinced the killer is following an ancient rite for summoning a demon. Maggie will have to open her mind to the possibility that the magic in the spellbook is real... because the magic may be the only thing that can save her from becoming the killer’s next victim.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
209 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books156 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 7, 2012
I love love loved this book! I could not put it down from the beginning! I especially loved that it was a clean book, no sex and very little bad language! There is some blood and gore, but it is just a great good against evil story and of course good prevailed! This story takes place in Aberdeen, Scotland and I really felt like I was there! I can't wait to get started on the second book, Blood Rite! Maggie Devereaux is a very strong and smart girl, qualities I love in a heroine! If you like mystery, folk lore, and witch craft you will love this story!!
January 9, 2012
Hmm, well, yes, I'm torn over this book.
The overall plot isn't bad, I enjoyed the fast-paced climax and I really liked the character of Maggie Deveraux, she's believable and fiesty and has just the right amount of getting-into-trouble instincts to make her a perfect accidental sleuth.
However, there were a few things that got in the way of the plot for me, hence the not quite perfect rating.
1/ There was, from time to time, a tendency to overwrite and over explain some things - as I once read somewhere, you have to sometimes leave your reader the ability to make their own mind up about the motives of your characters. This messes with the pace a lot and the book took an awfully long time to get going.
2/ Sometimes the author slipped into omnipotent info dump, usually when describing a location, e.g. when talking about the University of Aberdeen, there was a long section on the fact that it had three campuses and where they were located around the city - a brief description from Maggie's POV would have been much better than the general information list. These info dumps were unnecessary and need editing out of the manuscript, since Stephen does a perfectly good job of describing what he needs at other times.
Both of these instincts I understand well and for me as an author, they stem from trying to make sure, really make sure your reader understands what you want them to, but sometimes we just have to trust the reader and I have an editor who is very ruthless with my text.
3/ This book is set in Aberdeen, with Aberdeen police NOT American police. There are a whole bunch of terms that are totally wrong and also facts that are questionable. E.g. we don't have patrolmen, we have Uniforms (if you're in the police), or Constables if you're not. This was but one of the things that kept making me cringe in all the police scenes and kept throwing me out of the story. There were a few things non-police related as well, mainly to do with University procedures and terms, but many, many less. I wouldn't have minded so much if the police scenes had been a/ relevant and b/ convincing, but neither was the case. The whole book with a few tweaks could have been written from Maggie's POV without the lone police bits, IMHO, and it wouldn't have mattered. I did not care about the police characters, or their investigation and neither does the plot.
So, in summary, I hope I haven't been too scathing, as I said, I enjoyed the plot and I may read the next one, but this book needs a damn good edit for pace and POV and a good Brit Pick by a Scottish Beta.
The overall plot isn't bad, I enjoyed the fast-paced climax and I really liked the character of Maggie Deveraux, she's believable and fiesty and has just the right amount of getting-into-trouble instincts to make her a perfect accidental sleuth.
However, there were a few things that got in the way of the plot for me, hence the not quite perfect rating.
1/ There was, from time to time, a tendency to overwrite and over explain some things - as I once read somewhere, you have to sometimes leave your reader the ability to make their own mind up about the motives of your characters. This messes with the pace a lot and the book took an awfully long time to get going.
2/ Sometimes the author slipped into omnipotent info dump, usually when describing a location, e.g. when talking about the University of Aberdeen, there was a long section on the fact that it had three campuses and where they were located around the city - a brief description from Maggie's POV would have been much better than the general information list. These info dumps were unnecessary and need editing out of the manuscript, since Stephen does a perfectly good job of describing what he needs at other times.
Both of these instincts I understand well and for me as an author, they stem from trying to make sure, really make sure your reader understands what you want them to, but sometimes we just have to trust the reader and I have an editor who is very ruthless with my text.
3/ This book is set in Aberdeen, with Aberdeen police NOT American police. There are a whole bunch of terms that are totally wrong and also facts that are questionable. E.g. we don't have patrolmen, we have Uniforms (if you're in the police), or Constables if you're not. This was but one of the things that kept making me cringe in all the police scenes and kept throwing me out of the story. There were a few things non-police related as well, mainly to do with University procedures and terms, but many, many less. I wouldn't have minded so much if the police scenes had been a/ relevant and b/ convincing, but neither was the case. The whole book with a few tweaks could have been written from Maggie's POV without the lone police bits, IMHO, and it wouldn't have mattered. I did not care about the police characters, or their investigation and neither does the plot.
So, in summary, I hope I haven't been too scathing, as I said, I enjoyed the plot and I may read the next one, but this book needs a damn good edit for pace and POV and a good Brit Pick by a Scottish Beta.
July 20, 2012
Very enjoyable! As soon as I finished this book (about 5 minutes ago), I went and got the next book downloaded to my Kindle! There is something about mysteries in a foreign country that makes stories like this so much richer. I suppose it is the fact that they have a traceable history going back thousands, not hundreds of years. I look forward to starting the next book!
May 4, 2013
Mystery, Paranormal, Romance
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read in a long time and some of the novelty of the story is that the author used many Gaelic words with the interpretation immediately following, which gave the story a truly feel of Scotland. Margaret (Maggie) Devereaux, a young American woman working on her Ph.D. in Celtic languages enrolled in the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to finalize her requirements. Her recently deceased grandmother, Kate NicInnes Ingram, encouraged her to do this and gave her five Gaelic books. She taught Maggie to read and speak it and she gave her a pendant identifying the clan she came from. Kate also bequeathed her estate to Maggie, which allowed her to study full time. Upon moving to Aberdeen, she lived with her cousins Alex and Lucy MacTarry. She met a nice, intelligent, handsome Scot, lain, who worked for the MacTarrys in their store.
At the university, she met another American girl, Kelly Anderson and two nice young women of Scotland, Ellen Walker and Fionna FitzSimmons. In the course of her studies, she went to the large public library of Aberdeen, which housed many Gaelic books in old Gaelic, middle Gaelic and more modern Gaelic. In the basement of this library where the light was so dim, she could scarcely read the titles, she found a truly old book with leather covers so encrusted with dirt and slime, she could scarcely handle it. It took her three days to translate the title because it was old Gaelic and to her amazement, she discovered it was a book of dark spells. Three young women were murdered and the way their bodies were left, it appeared to be ritual murders. And this was the crux of the story. Who was performing the murders? Were they ritual? And for what purpose? Maggie used her talents and education to bring the murderer to light.
The story was complex, characters colorful and fascinating, and the story became a page turner for me. The inclusion in the novel of many places in Scotland with their descriptions and the addition of the Gaelic verbage, made this novel more entertaining and intriguing than many mysteries with or without the paranormal. I recommend it.
This is one of the best paranormal mysteries that I have read in a long time and some of the novelty of the story is that the author used many Gaelic words with the interpretation immediately following, which gave the story a truly feel of Scotland. Margaret (Maggie) Devereaux, a young American woman working on her Ph.D. in Celtic languages enrolled in the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to finalize her requirements. Her recently deceased grandmother, Kate NicInnes Ingram, encouraged her to do this and gave her five Gaelic books. She taught Maggie to read and speak it and she gave her a pendant identifying the clan she came from. Kate also bequeathed her estate to Maggie, which allowed her to study full time. Upon moving to Aberdeen, she lived with her cousins Alex and Lucy MacTarry. She met a nice, intelligent, handsome Scot, lain, who worked for the MacTarrys in their store.
At the university, she met another American girl, Kelly Anderson and two nice young women of Scotland, Ellen Walker and Fionna FitzSimmons. In the course of her studies, she went to the large public library of Aberdeen, which housed many Gaelic books in old Gaelic, middle Gaelic and more modern Gaelic. In the basement of this library where the light was so dim, she could scarcely read the titles, she found a truly old book with leather covers so encrusted with dirt and slime, she could scarcely handle it. It took her three days to translate the title because it was old Gaelic and to her amazement, she discovered it was a book of dark spells. Three young women were murdered and the way their bodies were left, it appeared to be ritual murders. And this was the crux of the story. Who was performing the murders? Were they ritual? And for what purpose? Maggie used her talents and education to bring the murderer to light.
The story was complex, characters colorful and fascinating, and the story became a page turner for me. The inclusion in the novel of many places in Scotland with their descriptions and the addition of the Gaelic verbage, made this novel more entertaining and intriguing than many mysteries with or without the paranormal. I recommend it.
June 18, 2012
I really enjoyed the genealogy found in this book. The addition of magic and truth also added to the fun. Maggie has so great problem solving traits.
August 1, 2012
My mom really liked this book and thought it was spooky. I enjoyed it. Felt a little like Deborah Harkness or the Shadowfever series to me. The author goes on farrrr too long about some descriptions. Like 5 pages to describe how to walk from one end of campus to another. Rather annoying. I found myself scanning through almost half the book because of this. But it's self published and I consider it fairly par for the course with the lack of editor.
That said, the story was entertaining enough. It's a first book in a series so the characters are presented well but not enough in depth (yet). The "mystery" was pretty decent. I didn't really figure it out until close to the end.
For 99 cents though you really can't go wrong buying this. It was long so I felt like I got a lot of bang for the buck.
That said, the story was entertaining enough. It's a first book in a series so the characters are presented well but not enough in depth (yet). The "mystery" was pretty decent. I didn't really figure it out until close to the end.
For 99 cents though you really can't go wrong buying this. It was long so I felt like I got a lot of bang for the buck.
August 7, 2013
First book in a series based in Scotland; revolves around ancient Gaelic, ancient rites, modern Aberdeen, and a serial killer...worked for me! Maggie Devereaux goes to work on a doctorate program in Aberdeen, Scotland in Ancient Gaelic at the bequest of her Scottish grandmother and stumbles into a mysterious world of centuries old languages and beliefs. As Maggie learns more due to a very old spell book she becomes more embroiled in the mystery surrounding the serial killer who is plaguing the college community in Aberdeen. Is one of Maggie's new acquaintances (the occult book seller, the college professor, the cute guy who works for her Uncle, the boyfriend of a victim) mixed up in these events? Looking forward to the next book BLOOD RITE...
June 11, 2017
The plot sounded terrific at first, american student abroad studying language? A dream come true. But as I began the book, I couldn't help but notice the juvenile, cheesy nature of the writing, and couldn't stop editing mentally as I read. The ending was thoroughly unsatisfying, and I was not left feeling as though a crime had been solved. Not a good pick for writers and high-level mystery fans.
October 12, 2020
Story line looked promising but just a few pages in I began to think this was an American writer and it turned out I was correct. Eg Whiskey??? That’s Irish. Whisky is Scottish. Aberdeenians??? It’s Aberdonians! The list goes on. There were far too many Similar mistakes all through the book. This felt like it was written by someone who was trying to make us think they truly know Scotland - Sorry, no! It also felt like it was either written for or by a thirteen year old. It’s a shame because I really believe there was the basis of a good storyline there but it just couldn’t make it through. A very annoying read.
November 11, 2019
Mixed feelings about this book. Too many Americanisms to ring true being set in Scotland! Can't American readers cope with the English language over here in the UK?
I found the last scenes almost laughable, especially as the build-up had been truly scary in parts.
But great character in Maggie; interesting setting in Aberdeen and other areas; good plotting and topics, mixing Gaelic and old magic.
Overall, 3 out of 5. Could do better!
I found the last scenes almost laughable, especially as the build-up had been truly scary in parts.
But great character in Maggie; interesting setting in Aberdeen and other areas; good plotting and topics, mixing Gaelic and old magic.
Overall, 3 out of 5. Could do better!
October 20, 2023
Scottish Rite
I really enjoyed the detail and definition used in this book. It was a very unique and interesting story of murder and magic in the Scottish Highlands. 5 Stars for the dedication to making it seem real.
I really enjoyed the detail and definition used in this book. It was a very unique and interesting story of murder and magic in the Scottish Highlands. 5 Stars for the dedication to making it seem real.
July 1, 2024
Mysterious Scotland
What great story teller. Stephen Penner spins one of the best mysteries blending modern day with ancient history of the area today known as Scotland. He has a talent for making the strange appear believable without obvious plot manipulation. I loved it.
What great story teller. Stephen Penner spins one of the best mysteries blending modern day with ancient history of the area today known as Scotland. He has a talent for making the strange appear believable without obvious plot manipulation. I loved it.
December 9, 2016
Wow
This is the best kind of book in that it keeps building and building to a lovely crescendo. Can't wait to read the next.
This is the best kind of book in that it keeps building and building to a lovely crescendo. Can't wait to read the next.
February 22, 2018
A different type of mystery with lots gaelic tidbits and interesting facts which had me googling every now and then!
November 12, 2018
3 1/2 stars
December 20, 2018
Looking Forward
This was very entertaining! I am looking forward to reading “Blood Rite”. The characters took a little time to be developed and it was worth it!
This was very entertaining! I am looking forward to reading “Blood Rite”. The characters took a little time to be developed and it was worth it!
November 2, 2013
I am obsessed with all things Scotland. There, I said it. I picked up this book obviously because of the location, but found it interesting and engaging. I really enjoyed the descriptions of places like Aberdeen, and some of the nearby trips the characters take. Having never been to Scotland, I can't compare, but I thought the level of detail was great. Loved the part about the stone circles. Was it the best book ever in the history of the world? No. Could the writing have been tighter? Of course. Would I have enjoyed more character development? Absolutely. In the end though, I finished this book fairly fast, and I am not a fast reader, so that at least indicates I enjoyed it and will likely pick up the next in the series.
August 25, 2012
This was a good but but was a bit draggy in places. The book was about Maggie Devereaux, an American who travels to Scotland to pursue her studies of the old Gaelic language. She finds that the college has been plagued by a series of ritual murders and then the next murder victim is one of her new friends. She "stumbles" upon an old book of spells and then becomes embroiled in trying to solve the murders and also see if she can work some of the old incantations. The book is interesting but also very predictable.
July 10, 2013
Maggie is meeker than most female MCs I read, but there was something entirely enjoyable and refreshing about her. At times she was a little slow to pick up on things/hints, and it was frustrating that she didn't seek out information from someone she knew for sure would have it. However, that's just how more laidback characters are. The end confrontation seemed rushed - so many other aspects of the book were drawn out, I would have liked to have a bit longer climax.
June 11, 2013
This book was not at all what I was expecting halfway in. The story was interesting to a point, but the ending left much to be desired. There was not nearly enough character build up, especially of Maggies family, for me. I enjoyed the general story, and there were definately some page turning moments, but overall this one was a neither loved nor hated it read for me.
May 16, 2014
A very quick read, and fun also. I really liked the detailed descriptions of Aberdeen and the surrounding countryside.
(I had to laugh at one reviewer's comments about how nice it was that this was a 'clean' book with no sex. Right, you'll get no sex but you will get detailed descriptions of a bunch of murders & dismemberment of young women. To each her own...)
(I had to laugh at one reviewer's comments about how nice it was that this was a 'clean' book with no sex. Right, you'll get no sex but you will get detailed descriptions of a bunch of murders & dismemberment of young women. To each her own...)
April 16, 2013
This was a quick read, I enjoyed it so much, I got the 2nd (out of a planned trilogy to form the basis of a series) one (blood rite). It's sort of a supernatural lite thriller. The supernatural aspect is introduced slowly.
May 23, 2013
I didn't like this book, but still read it until the end. It's too much linked to magic, spells, gaelic history, etc... The story didn't feel real to me, and I didn't find myself attached to the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2015
I could not put this book down. It sucked me in from the very first page. I don't want to give any spoilers so I will just say that it is a well written paranormal murder mystery that should be read on a dark stormy night.
Want to read
February 17, 2013Kindle freebie, 2/17/13
September 2, 2013
A mystery full of magic and will keep you guessing until the end. Very well written full of lore.
May 9, 2013
Kindle freebie...stupid....don't know why I bothered to finish
May 14, 2013
Lets see here. Play with Dark Magic and end with zero consequences, HEA. Ridiculous.
I didn't really like the characters all that much either.
I didn't really like the characters all that much either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2013
Interesting story line and characters with a good mystery.
September 21, 2014
Very, very slow. So difficult to get through. Will never buy another Maggie Devereaux novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews