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Last Ditch Mystery #6
Hop Scot
It's all aboard for a Campbell Clan Christmas! Lexy swaps cinnamon lattes for boiled sprouts when the Last Ditch crew travel from California to an idyllic Scottish village for the holidays, but something very unmerry is lurking below the surface . . .
Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.
But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there's a change of plan and they're whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy - Trinity for Trouble - must solve another murder.
Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at the Last Ditch crew won't forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry!
Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.
But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there's a change of plan and they're whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy - Trinity for Trouble - must solve another murder.
Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at the Last Ditch crew won't forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry!
240 pages, Hardcover
First published December 5, 2023
15 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Catriona McPherson
52 books526 followersCatriona McPherson (she/her) was born in Scotland and immigrated to the US in 2010. She writes: preposterous 1930s private-detective stories about a toff; realistic 1940s amateur-sleuth stories about an oik; and contemporary psychothriller standalones. These are all set in Scotland with a lot of Scottish weather. She also writes modern comedies about a Scot-out-of-water in a “fictional” college town in Northern California.
She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger
Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.
She has won multiple Anthonys, Agathas, Leftys and Macavitys for her work and been shortlisted for an Edgar, three Mary Higgins Clark awards and a UK dagger
Catriona is a proud lifetime member and former national president of Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 8, 2023
Lexy Campbell and the Last Ditch motel gang travel to Scotland to visit Lexy's parents and spend Christmas together. But instead of a nostalgic homecoming, Lexy is shocked to learn Judith & Keith Campbell have recently bought a huge stone mansion with plans to open a B&B.
Mistletoe Hall in Yule at first looks idyllic but berry thieves and the discovery of a 60-year skeleton in the bricked-up basement forces Lexy, Todd, and Kathi to investigate.
This is a delightful hilarious entry in the Last Ditch mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.
Mistletoe Hall in Yule at first looks idyllic but berry thieves and the discovery of a 60-year skeleton in the bricked-up basement forces Lexy, Todd, and Kathi to investigate.
This is a delightful hilarious entry in the Last Ditch mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2023
Another excellent book from one of my favorite writers.
August 28, 2024
Enjoyment: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Great fun as always!
Quality: 4/5
Great fun as always!
January 11, 2024
This is huge, Christmassy fun. I’ve grown very fond of Lexy and her found family. But I would strongly advise that you don’t plunge straight into this one, if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading at least a couple of the other books in the series – preferably the first one. McPherson jumps into this offering without stopping to introduce the core cast of characters other than in a cursory manner. Which is fine, given this is a murder mystery after all, and the pace needs to be kept up. But there are nine characters in the found family – and that doesn’t include Lexy’s parents. So if you aren’t already acquainted with them, then you’re likely to flounder with the welter of names and passing character traits, designed to jog the memory of Last Ditch fans.
I didn’t have much difficulty, because the moment I opened up the book, my memory of the characters came flooding back. After all, they’re old friends. I just hoped that by the end of this adventure, I would still be as fond of them. And I was. The story had me laughing aloud, to the extent that I was struggling not to wake Himself. I’m aware that humour is highly personal, but I find McPherson’s mix of language misunderstanding – particularly now the gang have pitched up in Scotland – and her version of OTT slapstick enormously enjoyable. It’s not usually my kind of thing, but the delivery is so laconic and clever that it just draws me in.
Of course, I didn’t just pick this one up for the laughs. I like a well-plotted murder mystery and I enjoyed the sheer tongue-in-cheek genre trope of a skeleton in the cellar of a rambling country house. I thought McPherson played with reader expectations in a really enjoyable way and provided some nice twists. The Christmas aspect of the whole tale is very well done – giving us the required snow and fairy lights, which worked well with Lexy’s usual cynicism. There is a huge plot twist regarding the family’s future that comes at the end of this, which leaves me hoping the next book in this charming series isn’t too far in the future. All in all, this entertaining and very funny Christmas whodunit comes very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of Hop Scot from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
I didn’t have much difficulty, because the moment I opened up the book, my memory of the characters came flooding back. After all, they’re old friends. I just hoped that by the end of this adventure, I would still be as fond of them. And I was. The story had me laughing aloud, to the extent that I was struggling not to wake Himself. I’m aware that humour is highly personal, but I find McPherson’s mix of language misunderstanding – particularly now the gang have pitched up in Scotland – and her version of OTT slapstick enormously enjoyable. It’s not usually my kind of thing, but the delivery is so laconic and clever that it just draws me in.
Of course, I didn’t just pick this one up for the laughs. I like a well-plotted murder mystery and I enjoyed the sheer tongue-in-cheek genre trope of a skeleton in the cellar of a rambling country house. I thought McPherson played with reader expectations in a really enjoyable way and provided some nice twists. The Christmas aspect of the whole tale is very well done – giving us the required snow and fairy lights, which worked well with Lexy’s usual cynicism. There is a huge plot twist regarding the family’s future that comes at the end of this, which leaves me hoping the next book in this charming series isn’t too far in the future. All in all, this entertaining and very funny Christmas whodunit comes very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of Hop Scot from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
February 1, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Hop Scot is the sixth cozy(ish) Last Ditch mystery by Catriona McPherson. Released 5th Dec 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is such an exuberantly fun "closed" setting for a murder mystery. It's holiday themed, with the group of misfit friends jetting off to Scotland to visit Lexy's parents and experience the dubious joys of Scotland in the wintertime. They couldn't possibly be more disparate; plucked from different cultures, socioeconomic strata, backgrounds, orientations, and family makeups, they're knitted together by circumstances and their apparently genuine fondness for one another. And now they're on the loose in Scotland.
Faced with a skeleton in a previously bricked up room in Lexy's parents' new manor home, a la Cask of Amontillado , they are determined to sleuth out the guilty party and set about investigating in their own inimitable way. The "whodunit" and "how" is an impressively funny comedy of errors which reads like a cross between I Love Lucy, Scooby-Doo, and Queer Eye, with a little comedic Lost in Translation for good measure.
Despite being the 6th book in the series, it worked quite well as a standalone and readers won't have much trouble keeping the principal characters straight. All the disparate subplots wind together quickly into a satisfying (and exciting) denouement and resolution. The author has quite a talent with comedic timing and characterization and her comparisons of American and Scottish culture are spot on and very funny.
Five stars. Definitely a good one for fans of comedic light murder cozies, and this series continues to move from strength to strength.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Hop Scot is the sixth cozy(ish) Last Ditch mystery by Catriona McPherson. Released 5th Dec 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is such an exuberantly fun "closed" setting for a murder mystery. It's holiday themed, with the group of misfit friends jetting off to Scotland to visit Lexy's parents and experience the dubious joys of Scotland in the wintertime. They couldn't possibly be more disparate; plucked from different cultures, socioeconomic strata, backgrounds, orientations, and family makeups, they're knitted together by circumstances and their apparently genuine fondness for one another. And now they're on the loose in Scotland.
Faced with a skeleton in a previously bricked up room in Lexy's parents' new manor home, a la Cask of Amontillado , they are determined to sleuth out the guilty party and set about investigating in their own inimitable way. The "whodunit" and "how" is an impressively funny comedy of errors which reads like a cross between I Love Lucy, Scooby-Doo, and Queer Eye, with a little comedic Lost in Translation for good measure.
Despite being the 6th book in the series, it worked quite well as a standalone and readers won't have much trouble keeping the principal characters straight. All the disparate subplots wind together quickly into a satisfying (and exciting) denouement and resolution. The author has quite a talent with comedic timing and characterization and her comparisons of American and Scottish culture are spot on and very funny.
Five stars. Definitely a good one for fans of comedic light murder cozies, and this series continues to move from strength to strength.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 27, 2023
In fact, a little too great for Lexy’s taste. She is annoyed that her friends like Scotland and her parents as much as they do. Nevertheless, her mother and father are determined to roll out a grand Christmas for everyone, and it looks like they will until a falling branch in the night ultimately leads to the discovery of a hidden room with a skeleton. She and two of her friends are hired by the neighbors to find out how that skeleton got where it did.
This was an exceptionally funny story with great Christmas atmosphere and an interesting mystery.
The book relies very heavily on dialogue which, on occasion, it made it tricky to know what was going on in a scene. At the same time, the author is very skillful at writing humorous dialogue.
The characters were diverse which I very much appreciated, but because it was the sixth book in the series and because of the intensive use of dialogue, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I began to figure out who anyone was. I’m still not sure of specifics - like who had the germ phobia and who had the insect issue. Because I recognized the new characters from Scotland more easily, I think the problem was that the dialogue driven approach didn’t give much space to make introductions to pre-established characters.
Of the characters, the lawyer, Mr. K, was my absolute favorite. He had so much personality! I would love to see him in further books in the series or with a series of his own.
However, it was harder to develop much feeling for the characters from the previous books because they all, including Lexy, seemed pretty self-absorbed. Perhaps going back and trying earlier books would help with that.
The mystery had a limited suspect pool because the crime had taken place years prior to the story, and as a result there were fewer clues to follow, but it was a well-crafted and an enjoyable mystery with some entertaining twists.
As a Christmas mystery it excelled. There was a really fabulous Christmas atmosphere. The food, weather, decor, carols and shopping experiences created a perfect Christmas package.
I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an exceptionally funny story with great Christmas atmosphere and an interesting mystery.
The book relies very heavily on dialogue which, on occasion, it made it tricky to know what was going on in a scene. At the same time, the author is very skillful at writing humorous dialogue.
The characters were diverse which I very much appreciated, but because it was the sixth book in the series and because of the intensive use of dialogue, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I began to figure out who anyone was. I’m still not sure of specifics - like who had the germ phobia and who had the insect issue. Because I recognized the new characters from Scotland more easily, I think the problem was that the dialogue driven approach didn’t give much space to make introductions to pre-established characters.
Of the characters, the lawyer, Mr. K, was my absolute favorite. He had so much personality! I would love to see him in further books in the series or with a series of his own.
However, it was harder to develop much feeling for the characters from the previous books because they all, including Lexy, seemed pretty self-absorbed. Perhaps going back and trying earlier books would help with that.
The mystery had a limited suspect pool because the crime had taken place years prior to the story, and as a result there were fewer clues to follow, but it was a well-crafted and an enjoyable mystery with some entertaining twists.
As a Christmas mystery it excelled. There was a really fabulous Christmas atmosphere. The food, weather, decor, carols and shopping experiences created a perfect Christmas package.
I received a free eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2023
This hilarious breath of fresh air from Catriona McPherson has rocketed on to my all time favorite Christmas mystery list. This series centers on Scot Lexy Campbell, who has settled in the strange land of California, and lives in a motel surrounded by an array of interesting characters who often help her solve crimes. Her “real” job is working as a life coach, but honestly, sleuthing takes front and center stage for her.
In this outing McPherson has flipped the script, and sent Lexy and her buddies home (Lexy’s home, anyway) to Scotland for Christmas. While it was a trip planned for just her and her fiancée, their buddy Roger the doc says he needs to get out of town and buys them all swanky airplane tickets – how can they refuse?
On the way over, Lexy warns her friends that Scotland is rainy, cold, grey and full of hostility at every corner. They ignore her. When Lexy’s parents – who seem especially twinkly to Lexy – appear to pick them up at the airport, they are not taken to Lexy’s childhood home of Dundee, but to the tiny town of Yule (adorable as it sounds) where they have apparently bought a castle that functions as a B & B. Lexy and her friends are the first guinea pig guests.
As her friends rhapsodize over the adorable town and the beautiful home, it’s not until Lexy meets the snarky barmaid at the local pub that she actually feels she’s back in Scotland. When a skeleton is found in the cellar in a concealed room, all heck breaks loose, involving a baby owl, a broken tree branch, stolen holly boughs, and the various parts of the family who have just sold the place to Lexy’s parents.
This book was both charming and funny. The mystery is clever but it’s only part of the fun of the story, which is just the right length, just the right number of characters, and just the right amount of sweetness and spice. In short, just right. I enjoyed this read about as much as any book I’ve read in quite awhile, and that includes a re-read of a few Agatha Christie titles. Happy Hogmanay!
In this outing McPherson has flipped the script, and sent Lexy and her buddies home (Lexy’s home, anyway) to Scotland for Christmas. While it was a trip planned for just her and her fiancée, their buddy Roger the doc says he needs to get out of town and buys them all swanky airplane tickets – how can they refuse?
On the way over, Lexy warns her friends that Scotland is rainy, cold, grey and full of hostility at every corner. They ignore her. When Lexy’s parents – who seem especially twinkly to Lexy – appear to pick them up at the airport, they are not taken to Lexy’s childhood home of Dundee, but to the tiny town of Yule (adorable as it sounds) where they have apparently bought a castle that functions as a B & B. Lexy and her friends are the first guinea pig guests.
As her friends rhapsodize over the adorable town and the beautiful home, it’s not until Lexy meets the snarky barmaid at the local pub that she actually feels she’s back in Scotland. When a skeleton is found in the cellar in a concealed room, all heck breaks loose, involving a baby owl, a broken tree branch, stolen holly boughs, and the various parts of the family who have just sold the place to Lexy’s parents.
This book was both charming and funny. The mystery is clever but it’s only part of the fun of the story, which is just the right length, just the right number of characters, and just the right amount of sweetness and spice. In short, just right. I enjoyed this read about as much as any book I’ve read in quite awhile, and that includes a re-read of a few Agatha Christie titles. Happy Hogmanay!
December 3, 2023
I love a golf old fashioned whodunnit. I love a small town setting. I also love it when it's set in my own wee country but most of them tend to be written by Americans or Canadians. That means things are always just a wee bit...off no matter how well researched. So this was a breath of fresh air - a mystery written about an ex-pat Scot, coming to Scotland for the holidays, written by an actual ex-pat Scot!
I really enjoyed getting to know the indomitable Lexy and her clan of quirly family members - biological and found. Learning more about her life pre-California and the stressed relationship with her parents over her change in careers and the breakdown of her marriage.
This family excels at keeping secrets, for good or ill, and they all have this notion of what their past relationship was like - if you blend all the versions together you'll probably get something approximating the truth.
The American branch of Lexy's family seem to think she's overegged the gruesome Scottish weather and the sheer bloody-mindedness of the locals. But they are all spectacularly surprised to find that Lexy is not quite as wrong as they thought. They all latch onto facets of the locals that they love and before you know it Lexy is not only trying to find a murderer but is also trying to tamp down all the new found Caledonophilia they have!
I've missed the previous books in the series but have now added them to my ever-growing TBR. This story is a great mix of murder, locked room mystery, nostalgia and the subtle insults that only Scots can level at themselves and our country. I had a giggle over all the "Greggs" and weather jokes and subtle taking the mickey out of Americans and their love affairs with castles, Outlander and all things Tartan.
Just the right length and mix of characters to enjoy but not get bogged down in trying to keep everyone straight. I did feel the local police were the butt of too many jokes but as I do work for Police Scotland I can take offence and a joke at the same time!
I really enjoyed getting to know the indomitable Lexy and her clan of quirly family members - biological and found. Learning more about her life pre-California and the stressed relationship with her parents over her change in careers and the breakdown of her marriage.
This family excels at keeping secrets, for good or ill, and they all have this notion of what their past relationship was like - if you blend all the versions together you'll probably get something approximating the truth.
The American branch of Lexy's family seem to think she's overegged the gruesome Scottish weather and the sheer bloody-mindedness of the locals. But they are all spectacularly surprised to find that Lexy is not quite as wrong as they thought. They all latch onto facets of the locals that they love and before you know it Lexy is not only trying to find a murderer but is also trying to tamp down all the new found Caledonophilia they have!
I've missed the previous books in the series but have now added them to my ever-growing TBR. This story is a great mix of murder, locked room mystery, nostalgia and the subtle insults that only Scots can level at themselves and our country. I had a giggle over all the "Greggs" and weather jokes and subtle taking the mickey out of Americans and their love affairs with castles, Outlander and all things Tartan.
Just the right length and mix of characters to enjoy but not get bogged down in trying to keep everyone straight. I did feel the local police were the butt of too many jokes but as I do work for Police Scotland I can take offence and a joke at the same time!
December 5, 2023
Oh my days - the Last Ditch crew are coming to Scotland! For Christmas. It was only supposed to be Lexy to introduce her fiance to her parents. But, one by one, all of them decide that they all need a holiday. Luckily, and they don't find this out until they get there, Lexy's parents have just bought a Mistletoe Hall in the village of Yule (I know!). Which they intend to open as a B&B. Lexy and her friends being test-guests!
Things tick over for a while as they settle in but then there's a crash and a baby owl is disturbed. (Yes I know, it's the season for many things, Christmas, but not usual baby owls but still...) and then there's a theft. And just when they are all just about coping with that little lot, there's a discrepancy with the length of a corridor. A wall is removed and... there's a body...
And so begins more of the same fun and frolics that you will have grown to expect from this series. Being a series, you have read the previous books, haven't you. I think you should as there are a lot of strange characters in this series and they all have their own idiosyncrasies which you might not appreciate if you go in cold.
The mystery was all things I expected from the crew but with the added sprinkle of the change of scenery (away from the motel) and the addition of some veritable Christmas cheer. It held my attention all the way through as it meandered towards the end, with a lot of observational humour peppered throughout. Especially concerning Scottish weather, pubs and Big shops!
All in all, a worth addition to an already well loved series... I am very excited to see what the crew get up to next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Things tick over for a while as they settle in but then there's a crash and a baby owl is disturbed. (Yes I know, it's the season for many things, Christmas, but not usual baby owls but still...) and then there's a theft. And just when they are all just about coping with that little lot, there's a discrepancy with the length of a corridor. A wall is removed and... there's a body...
And so begins more of the same fun and frolics that you will have grown to expect from this series. Being a series, you have read the previous books, haven't you. I think you should as there are a lot of strange characters in this series and they all have their own idiosyncrasies which you might not appreciate if you go in cold.
The mystery was all things I expected from the crew but with the added sprinkle of the change of scenery (away from the motel) and the addition of some veritable Christmas cheer. It held my attention all the way through as it meandered towards the end, with a lot of observational humour peppered throughout. Especially concerning Scottish weather, pubs and Big shops!
All in all, a worth addition to an already well loved series... I am very excited to see what the crew get up to next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 14, 2023
"Hop Scot" by Catriona McPherson is a delightful and entertaining Christmas mystery that whisks readers away to the idyllic Scottish village of Yule for the holidays. Lexy Campbell and the Last Ditch crew, known for their adventures, find themselves in a charming but enigmatic village, where Christmas takes an unexpected turn.
The story is a perfect blend of cozy Christmas vibes and an intriguing mystery. As the characters navigate a new setting and unexpected twists, the narrative keeps readers engaged and guessing. The disappearance of a man sixty years ago and a mysterious discovery in the bricked-up basement set the stage for another captivating murder investigation.
Catriona McPherson's writing is filled with humor and warmth, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. From snowy landscapes to quirky village traditions, the book captures the essence of a Scottish Christmas, creating a vivid and enchanting backdrop for the mystery to unfold.
The Last Ditch crew, including Lexy, Todd, and Kathi, are a lovable trio who never fail to bring humor and camaraderie to the story. Their interactions and the banter between them add depth to the narrative, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
Overall, "Hop Scot" is a delightful and heartwarming Christmas mystery that combines holiday cheer with an engaging whodunit. Catriona McPherson's storytelling prowess shines through in this cozy and festive tale, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply looking for a feel-good Christmas story, this book is sure to delight.
The story is a perfect blend of cozy Christmas vibes and an intriguing mystery. As the characters navigate a new setting and unexpected twists, the narrative keeps readers engaged and guessing. The disappearance of a man sixty years ago and a mysterious discovery in the bricked-up basement set the stage for another captivating murder investigation.
Catriona McPherson's writing is filled with humor and warmth, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. From snowy landscapes to quirky village traditions, the book captures the essence of a Scottish Christmas, creating a vivid and enchanting backdrop for the mystery to unfold.
The Last Ditch crew, including Lexy, Todd, and Kathi, are a lovable trio who never fail to bring humor and camaraderie to the story. Their interactions and the banter between them add depth to the narrative, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
Overall, "Hop Scot" is a delightful and heartwarming Christmas mystery that combines holiday cheer with an engaging whodunit. Catriona McPherson's storytelling prowess shines through in this cozy and festive tale, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply looking for a feel-good Christmas story, this book is sure to delight.
October 9, 2023
In this 6th title in the Last Ditch Mysteries, the whole gang goes to Scotland for Christmas. Lexy, a therapist and part time PI, is the only Scot, and is completely surprised by what her parents have been up to since she last visited home. The discovery of a body on the premises adds extra work, tension and humor to the holidays.
By the end of the read, I was having a great time. Who doesn’t love an old Scottish manor house at the holidays in a hamlet named Yule? There is a lot of humor, and the main characters seemed likable without being over the top. Plus, I really liked the old solicitor that they befriended. The mystery is twisty, with red herrings, but solvable with the clues.
This is the first title I have read by Catriona McPherson, and it took me quite a while to really get into her writing style. She tends to have the characters have a whole conversation before revealing the subject of the conversation. It’s a little hard to follow along. Added to not knowing the characters and their history (my fault for not starting at the beginning of the series), and some of the Scottish slang, I had to work harder to enjoy this title.
I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, but I think this is a fun title for the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the e-ARC. The opinions in the review are my own.
By the end of the read, I was having a great time. Who doesn’t love an old Scottish manor house at the holidays in a hamlet named Yule? There is a lot of humor, and the main characters seemed likable without being over the top. Plus, I really liked the old solicitor that they befriended. The mystery is twisty, with red herrings, but solvable with the clues.
This is the first title I have read by Catriona McPherson, and it took me quite a while to really get into her writing style. She tends to have the characters have a whole conversation before revealing the subject of the conversation. It’s a little hard to follow along. Added to not knowing the characters and their history (my fault for not starting at the beginning of the series), and some of the Scottish slang, I had to work harder to enjoy this title.
I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, but I think this is a fun title for the holidays.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the e-ARC. The opinions in the review are my own.
November 30, 2023
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Severn House. I'm voluntarily leaving a review without receiving compensation. I've rounded up from 3.5 stars.
Genre: Mystery, Farce, Cozy Mystery
Gore Level: Low
Language: Pretty high with f-bombs and such
Representation: Multiple side characters fit within the LGBTQ community, Racially diverse secondary characters
There are A LOT of best friends in this friend group! As in, the guide at the front was pretty essential. Two in the group went missing in action for most of the book, but there is a steep learning curve if you haven't read other books in the series.
There are more characters carried over from previous books than suspects. Since I was navigating the farce of the owl and owl egg, the Scottish turns of phrase, Christmas, quirky characters, and Tesco—it made it harder to figure out whodunnit. I thought this part of the novel came together brilliantly.
I enjoyed the book and some of the silly moments along with the ways the author pokes fun of both Americans and Scots. Get gets a check mark in the funny box. The mystery aspect was also creative. I always love a good plot twist.
If you've read the previous ones in the series, you're not going to want to miss this one. If you're new to this author, you might want to start at the beginning.
Happy reading!
Genre: Mystery, Farce, Cozy Mystery
Gore Level: Low
Language: Pretty high with f-bombs and such
Representation: Multiple side characters fit within the LGBTQ community, Racially diverse secondary characters
There are A LOT of best friends in this friend group! As in, the guide at the front was pretty essential. Two in the group went missing in action for most of the book, but there is a steep learning curve if you haven't read other books in the series.
There are more characters carried over from previous books than suspects. Since I was navigating the farce of the owl and owl egg, the Scottish turns of phrase, Christmas, quirky characters, and Tesco—it made it harder to figure out whodunnit. I thought this part of the novel came together brilliantly.
I enjoyed the book and some of the silly moments along with the ways the author pokes fun of both Americans and Scots. Get gets a check mark in the funny box. The mystery aspect was also creative. I always love a good plot twist.
If you've read the previous ones in the series, you're not going to want to miss this one. If you're new to this author, you might want to start at the beginning.
Happy reading!
September 20, 2023
240 Pages
4 stars
This is my first book in the “Scot” series. So, I was a little confused keeping all Lexy’s friends’ names straight.
I enjoyed this little novel very much. There were funny scenes as the Californians (save for Scotland-born Lexy), tried to get used to the more casual Scots. Their language and mannerisms compared to the uptight Americans provided many chuckles.
The descriptions of Lexy’s parents’ new house were wonderful. I could visualize it and wanted to be there so bad! Lexy’s reactions to her parents’ new way of life were hilarious. She hadn’t seen her parents in nearly four years and was flabbergasted to find them so changed.
Catriona McPherson is a wonderful writer and I have enjoyed her other books very much. She has a talent for character creation. They are all individuals and I am sure when I read the rest of the “Scot” series, I will almost believe that they have become friends. I also liked the descriptions of Scotland. It has always been a place that I wanted to visit. Sigh…This book is a great little Christmas story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful little book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
This is my first book in the “Scot” series. So, I was a little confused keeping all Lexy’s friends’ names straight.
I enjoyed this little novel very much. There were funny scenes as the Californians (save for Scotland-born Lexy), tried to get used to the more casual Scots. Their language and mannerisms compared to the uptight Americans provided many chuckles.
The descriptions of Lexy’s parents’ new house were wonderful. I could visualize it and wanted to be there so bad! Lexy’s reactions to her parents’ new way of life were hilarious. She hadn’t seen her parents in nearly four years and was flabbergasted to find them so changed.
Catriona McPherson is a wonderful writer and I have enjoyed her other books very much. She has a talent for character creation. They are all individuals and I am sure when I read the rest of the “Scot” series, I will almost believe that they have become friends. I also liked the descriptions of Scotland. It has always been a place that I wanted to visit. Sigh…This book is a great little Christmas story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful little book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
December 30, 2023
Why not kick off the new year with a new mystery series sure to make you laugh out loud? I know I will.
After reading Hop Scot by Catriona McPherson, where Lexy Campbell’s friends and cohorts join her on a hop across the country and the pond, from California home to Scotland for the holidays, I have to go back and start the Last Ditch Mystery series from the beginning, for more of this crew, a bit of chaos and laughter.
McPherson’s writing is spectacular in beautiful, impeccable detail. From the first sentence: “The sacks of sand and cement were heavier than the corpse and felt even more dead, settled over a shoulder as they were, their bulk held still with both hands.”
Her keen insight and quick wit are also spot-on to make for a fun read with a twisty mystery that keeps you guessing. Throw in a school of fish out of water at Christmas in a Scottish castle and hilarity is bound to ensue.
I highly recommend Catriona McPherson’s Hop Scot. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve already purchased the first book in the series: Scot Free. I received this advance reader copy from Severn Books, courtesy of NetGalley.
After reading Hop Scot by Catriona McPherson, where Lexy Campbell’s friends and cohorts join her on a hop across the country and the pond, from California home to Scotland for the holidays, I have to go back and start the Last Ditch Mystery series from the beginning, for more of this crew, a bit of chaos and laughter.
McPherson’s writing is spectacular in beautiful, impeccable detail. From the first sentence: “The sacks of sand and cement were heavier than the corpse and felt even more dead, settled over a shoulder as they were, their bulk held still with both hands.”
Her keen insight and quick wit are also spot-on to make for a fun read with a twisty mystery that keeps you guessing. Throw in a school of fish out of water at Christmas in a Scottish castle and hilarity is bound to ensue.
I highly recommend Catriona McPherson’s Hop Scot. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve already purchased the first book in the series: Scot Free. I received this advance reader copy from Severn Books, courtesy of NetGalley.
December 18, 2023
This is a fun read which tosses you right into the middle of a Last Ditch crew's crazy Christmas in Scotland. The proceedings involve zany characters, fun characters, and of course, a murder, the latter of which is investigated with breakneck speed.
The book follows Lexy and company as she spends her Christmas in her home country of Scotland, and stumbles onto a murder literally lurking within the walls. The result is a madcap mystery with plenty of wild moments to entertain any fan of sleuths.
This being my first Last Ditch book, however, I was a bit overwhelmed at parts. The book lists out the cast of characters in the beginning but it took me quite a while to learn the characters' names and personality - and by the time I did the book was over. It was largely my mistake for starting with the sixth book in the series, but the constant barrage of characters and personality did make it a bit of tough act to follow. That said, this is one mystery series I wouldn't mind starting from the beginning.
The book follows Lexy and company as she spends her Christmas in her home country of Scotland, and stumbles onto a murder literally lurking within the walls. The result is a madcap mystery with plenty of wild moments to entertain any fan of sleuths.
This being my first Last Ditch book, however, I was a bit overwhelmed at parts. The book lists out the cast of characters in the beginning but it took me quite a while to learn the characters' names and personality - and by the time I did the book was over. It was largely my mistake for starting with the sixth book in the series, but the constant barrage of characters and personality did make it a bit of tough act to follow. That said, this is one mystery series I wouldn't mind starting from the beginning.
January 16, 2024
I read a library book - and am so thankful my system carries these titles!
I've loved this series since Book 1 - Scot Free. I do recommend you read at least a few books in the series before reading Hop Scot. Heck, I recommend you read them all. That will get you into the author's style, the setting, and the quirky characters. I think you'll love them all!
Hop Scot is not set in the usual location of Cuento, CA but in Scotland. What starts as a trip for Lexy to let her fiancé meet her parents ends with the whole Last Ditch gang going to Scotland. Lexy's immediately off kilter, and the surprises keep on coming - the changes in her parents & their lives, and the small village where they're all to spend Christmas. Oh, and the discovery of the skeleton in the basement and the ensuing quest to solve mysteries.
I love the humor in these books, love the characters with all their quirks, loved the parents, and the toddler kept me in stitches. Mr. K was a star, too! I can only hope there are more books to come in this series. A whole heck of a lot more!
I've loved this series since Book 1 - Scot Free. I do recommend you read at least a few books in the series before reading Hop Scot. Heck, I recommend you read them all. That will get you into the author's style, the setting, and the quirky characters. I think you'll love them all!
Hop Scot is not set in the usual location of Cuento, CA but in Scotland. What starts as a trip for Lexy to let her fiancé meet her parents ends with the whole Last Ditch gang going to Scotland. Lexy's immediately off kilter, and the surprises keep on coming - the changes in her parents & their lives, and the small village where they're all to spend Christmas. Oh, and the discovery of the skeleton in the basement and the ensuing quest to solve mysteries.
I love the humor in these books, love the characters with all their quirks, loved the parents, and the toddler kept me in stitches. Mr. K was a star, too! I can only hope there are more books to come in this series. A whole heck of a lot more!
January 27, 2024
This author is versatile and writes in several different styles (this is the twenty third book of hers which I have read) and this book is the sixth (and possibly last) book of a humorous series and the fourth one in this series which I have read.
Although the previous books were set in a motel in California in this book the cast of characters are spending Christmas in Scotland. As usual the story is told from the first person perspective of Lexy Campbell who is from Dundee but most of the story takes place in a village in Midlothian with some scenes in Edinburgh. This book is not as laugh out loud funny as some of the earlier ones but is more in the witty style of the author's Dandy Gilver series.
Having come into money Lexy's parents have bought a small hotel and Lexy and her friends from California are the first guests. Things get interesting when Lexy discovers a skeleton in a bricked up part of the cellar! A very readable book which I read in one sitting. I will try and get hold of the first two books.
Although the previous books were set in a motel in California in this book the cast of characters are spending Christmas in Scotland. As usual the story is told from the first person perspective of Lexy Campbell who is from Dundee but most of the story takes place in a village in Midlothian with some scenes in Edinburgh. This book is not as laugh out loud funny as some of the earlier ones but is more in the witty style of the author's Dandy Gilver series.
Having come into money Lexy's parents have bought a small hotel and Lexy and her friends from California are the first guests. Things get interesting when Lexy discovers a skeleton in a bricked up part of the cellar! A very readable book which I read in one sitting. I will try and get hold of the first two books.
November 18, 2023
Lexy Campbell and her friends from the Last-Ditch Hotel in California travel to Scotland to spend the Christmas holidays with Lexy's parents. Lexy and friends arrive in Scotland to find that the Campbells have sold Lexy's childhood home and are now owners of a B&B. A body is found walled up in the basement and it appears that there is a 60-year-old mystery to solve.
This is the 6th book in this series but the first one that I have read. here were a lot of characters and it took me a while to figure out relationships. I would suggest you need to read this series in order and from the beginning to be able to understand the characters and their relationships to one another. There were a lot of characters and sometimes hard to keep up with them during the story.
It was an enjoyable overall. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
This is the 6th book in this series but the first one that I have read. here were a lot of characters and it took me a while to figure out relationships. I would suggest you need to read this series in order and from the beginning to be able to understand the characters and their relationships to one another. There were a lot of characters and sometimes hard to keep up with them during the story.
It was an enjoyable overall. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
February 15, 2024
How did the crew at the Last Ditch Motel, Cuento, CA, find themselves in Scotland? Well, it starts when Lexy Campbell surrenders and agrees to bring her new fiance, ornithologist Taylor, to meet her parents in Dundee. When the whole crowd comes along, they're started to find that all the things Lexy told them about her home in Dundee may be true, but that Mr. and Mr. Campbell are entertaining them at the hotel they've jut bought in the Midlothian village of Yule, and it's a white Christmas at Mistletoe Hall. Scotland is so enchanting that half of each of the four couples wants to move there, but fortunately there's no time to quarrel when Lexy finds a skeleton (the former gardener, is the best guess) bricked up in a hidden room. His former wife--now married to the man who owned the hall until they sold it to the Campbells--recognized his watch chain instantly. Delightful fun by the irreplaceable McPherson.
December 29, 2023
Hurrah, Lexy Campbell takes her new family of fabulous misfits and characters to Scotland for Christmas. Cue marvelous culture clashes and unexpected discoveries of potential new alliances. Could these wonderful Californians actually be stretching out tendrils of roots? Could the Last Ditch Motel be considering a longer hop across the pond? Meanwhile, Lexy's parents have swapped bungalow for stately manor and plan a new future as hoteliers. They plan to give the group the best Christmas ever as launch only... There is a wall where no wall should be and behind it, one of the former workers on the estate who proves to have connections to the ancestral family. Time for the investigating trio to get stuck in - despite and inconvenient owl egg! This book is even more perfect than the last in this hilarious and warm hearted series!
September 13, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
With the sorry state of the world today, it was a joy to read Hop Scot, what a hoot, I loved it!
Lexy and her motley group of friends in California are treated to a trip in a private jet, (courtesy of their doctor friend), to Lexy's original home of Scotland. They're staying in her parents' newly bought mansion, which is a hotel in the making.
There are so many hilarious events in this book, especially the differences between California and Scotland: the swearing, the non-bleached teeth, the unhealthy food, the drinking, smoking etc. The lack of wokeness is refreshing and I can't wait to find out 'will they go or will they stay'!
Highly recommended.
With the sorry state of the world today, it was a joy to read Hop Scot, what a hoot, I loved it!
Lexy and her motley group of friends in California are treated to a trip in a private jet, (courtesy of their doctor friend), to Lexy's original home of Scotland. They're staying in her parents' newly bought mansion, which is a hotel in the making.
There are so many hilarious events in this book, especially the differences between California and Scotland: the swearing, the non-bleached teeth, the unhealthy food, the drinking, smoking etc. The lack of wokeness is refreshing and I can't wait to find out 'will they go or will they stay'!
Highly recommended.
November 14, 2023
The latest in a series that plays off differences between Scotland and the US- and it should be fine as a standalone. Lexy's going home for Christmas- but things have changed. Her parents are just the same except that they have a large new home they're planning to turn into a bed and breakfast. She's brought her pals Todd and Kathy with her so when a body, a long dead body, is found, of course they will investigate. This time out it's Todd and Kathy who struggle a bit with the differences in attitude and language but that doesn't hamper them from finding the village. This series rides on humor (sometimes it gets to be a bit over the top) and warmth between the characters- the mysteries are pretty standard cozy stuff. Thanks the Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
December 27, 2024
Such a fun read! The characters were such a quirky and entertaining bunch. I loved the setting in Scotland and the way the location and locals were described and really engrained in the storyline.
A charming and delightful holiday read, this really captured the spirit of the season. The mystery is enjoyable and engaging. I loved all the intricacies of Scottish law and trying to figure out whodunnit. I thought Lexy was hilarious and enjoyed the comparison between Californians and Scots.
I wish I read this series in order since I’m curious how the character’s relationships formed, but I’m now looking forward to reading the earlier books.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #SevernHouse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review (and sorry I didn’t post it earlier)
A charming and delightful holiday read, this really captured the spirit of the season. The mystery is enjoyable and engaging. I loved all the intricacies of Scottish law and trying to figure out whodunnit. I thought Lexy was hilarious and enjoyed the comparison between Californians and Scots.
I wish I read this series in order since I’m curious how the character’s relationships formed, but I’m now looking forward to reading the earlier books.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #SevernHouse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review (and sorry I didn’t post it earlier)
October 4, 2023
The Gang from California is heading to Scotland for Christmas. But what is it about Lexy and her friends that keeps them dead center of murders and mysteries? Because even in Scotland these three find themselves having to solve yet another murder..even if it is from six decades ago. Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry (murder mystery) Christmas!
This is the first book I have read by this author and the first in this series, but it surely won’t be the last! I loved the whole Christmas time and Scotland setting to be perfect and the three are a hoot that make me want to come back for more time and time again! I’ll be catching up on this one before the next book is released!
This is the first book I have read by this author and the first in this series, but it surely won’t be the last! I loved the whole Christmas time and Scotland setting to be perfect and the three are a hoot that make me want to come back for more time and time again! I’ll be catching up on this one before the next book is released!
November 21, 2023
While I enjoyed this book, I have to deduct 1 star. It seemed to me that the author didn't pay enough attention to details as she usually does. The whole thing about owl not going back to the nest if humans had gotten their scents on the egg or nest is simply not at all likely. If the main character's fiance or husband is an ornithologist, Ms. McPherson needs to learn a bit more about birds.
The 3 investigators also missed some pretty obvious clues.
Having said all that, I want to be clear that I am definitely still a fan of the series and look forward to the next book.
The 3 investigators also missed some pretty obvious clues.
Having said all that, I want to be clear that I am definitely still a fan of the series and look forward to the next book.
December 10, 2023
I kind of inadvertently read this. As a big fan of Catriona McPherson's other books I immediately wanted to read it. Then, once I got it, I realised that it was part of the 'Last Ditch' series, only one of which (#4) I have read and, well, just didn't like it. So, tbh, I just skipped through this, missing out whole chunks just to get to the end. It seemed OK. The gang head to Scotland for Christmas, get involved in an old murder case, and that's about all I got from it. Lots of dialogue, the usual Scottish clichés. But note to self - don't request any more of this series!
December 15, 2024
Laughing out loud at 3 a.m. and just about every time I opened the book. Who bricked up a dead body in the basement? The villain(s) did not make it easy for Lexy and her extended family and cohorts (including the Trinity for Trouble group) to discover the truth, with major coincidences, misdirection, and multiple red herrings strewn along the way.
Mr. K was a wonderful addition to the cast. The two kids were also delightful, especially HIRO.
Mr. K was a wonderful addition to the cast. The two kids were also delightful, especially HIRO.
October 12, 2023
Quirky mystery set in Scotland. Lexy and her friends travel to Scotland to visit her parents and find a skeleton. A light read filled with insider jokes among this group of friends and lots of Scottish slang - a series best read in order to understand all of the relationships. Thank you to Netgalley for providing the ARC and to publisher Severn House.
October 31, 2023
This is an okay mystery. It is the sixth book in a series and the first one that I have read. That may be why I wasn't thrilled. There were a lot of characters all of whom were on a holiday trip to a Scottish village called Yule. I had trouble keeping track of everyone and their relationships which, for me, distracted from the plot.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.
November 27, 2023
Quick read over the long holiday weekend. Nice change up as the whole gang travels from California to Scotland. The distractions there seem to keep the Trinity gang from being too much over the top. Will be interesting to see if this is the last book or if they will continue on in Scotland or go back to California.
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