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A Jane Wunderly Mystery #5
Secrets of a Scottish Isle
The latest installment in the new Jane Wunderly Mystery series featuring an American widow turned private investigator in 1920s Europe.
Isle of Iona, 1927 : Cast away on a remote locale, Jane’s latest assignment depends on concealing her identity and blending in at an occult gathering. Not even her fiancé, Redvers, can be too close as she uncovers the truth about Robert Nightingale, enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn—a group made up of supernatural ceremonies, influential people, and an undefinable darkness. When a woman tries to escape to the mainland only to be found murdered in the moors, the shocking scene reveals it’s easier to join the Golden Dawn than it is to leave.
Jane, set on solving the crime and catching the next ferry with Redvers, realizes she may be among the few still grasping reality. One high-ranking member searches for the killer by attempting to access otherworldly planes of existence, while others become immersed in a strange solstice ritual. Then there’s Nightingale and the rivals who discarded him to start a new temple. As a second death brings fresh clues into focus, Jane needs to navigate a frightening dilemma—playing along won’t help her crack the mystery, but revealing too much could be a fatal mistake . . .
Isle of Iona, 1927 : Cast away on a remote locale, Jane’s latest assignment depends on concealing her identity and blending in at an occult gathering. Not even her fiancé, Redvers, can be too close as she uncovers the truth about Robert Nightingale, enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn—a group made up of supernatural ceremonies, influential people, and an undefinable darkness. When a woman tries to escape to the mainland only to be found murdered in the moors, the shocking scene reveals it’s easier to join the Golden Dawn than it is to leave.
Jane, set on solving the crime and catching the next ferry with Redvers, realizes she may be among the few still grasping reality. One high-ranking member searches for the killer by attempting to access otherworldly planes of existence, while others become immersed in a strange solstice ritual. Then there’s Nightingale and the rivals who discarded him to start a new temple. As a second death brings fresh clues into focus, Jane needs to navigate a frightening dilemma—playing along won’t help her crack the mystery, but revealing too much could be a fatal mistake . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 17, 2024
3.5 (not rounding up)
I’ve been a Jane and Redvers fan since the beginning and was ecstatic to get a sneak peek at the next novel. What? Is that a wedding photo on the cover? Even better!
The setting is Scottish isle, which, though can be majestic, can also frequently be cold, gloomy, and, well, somber. I think the issue with this book, which they state themselves, is that they aren’t really working together. Unfortunately, we are deprived of the constant Jane and Redvers banter because the assignment, which is a little weak and hard to even remember, would apparently be ruined by Redvers as he is recognizable to the subject of the investigation. Jane goes undercover to join this group on a tiny remote island of Scotland with her fiancé Redvers hiding under a cloak and meeting up with her occasionally on a distant beach for a “debrief”. Their beach hideaway, like the rest of the island, is a cold one, which even they have a hard time making it warm. It is nice though for Jane to be in the know this time, but they are, together, bigger than the sum of each part.
Apparently, this story is very loosely based on a group that was in existence and at least one member visited the island under strange circumstances. The author states that she used information from their writings but had to really scale it back. Well, it should’ve been scaled back even more. The last 25% of the book was interesting and things made more sense and moved, but I really wish I didn’t have to keep pushing myself to find out what happens. I have plenty of other books to read and I hate it when a book really slows me down because I want to finish it but it’s a chore. Even more devastating when it’s a series I wait for.
There are some great moments and I learned a lot about some random historic occult things, but, it was no Mena, or Istanbul, or even Boston. I’m glad I had the little novella last fall to give me a bit of a jolt and I’m glad to have some of the romance. That is always fun, but I’m otherwise a little disappointed. Frown.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.
I’ve been a Jane and Redvers fan since the beginning and was ecstatic to get a sneak peek at the next novel. What? Is that a wedding photo on the cover? Even better!
The setting is Scottish isle, which, though can be majestic, can also frequently be cold, gloomy, and, well, somber. I think the issue with this book, which they state themselves, is that they aren’t really working together. Unfortunately, we are deprived of the constant Jane and Redvers banter because the assignment, which is a little weak and hard to even remember, would apparently be ruined by Redvers as he is recognizable to the subject of the investigation. Jane goes undercover to join this group on a tiny remote island of Scotland with her fiancé Redvers hiding under a cloak and meeting up with her occasionally on a distant beach for a “debrief”. Their beach hideaway, like the rest of the island, is a cold one, which even they have a hard time making it warm. It is nice though for Jane to be in the know this time, but they are, together, bigger than the sum of each part.
Apparently, this story is very loosely based on a group that was in existence and at least one member visited the island under strange circumstances. The author states that she used information from their writings but had to really scale it back. Well, it should’ve been scaled back even more. The last 25% of the book was interesting and things made more sense and moved, but I really wish I didn’t have to keep pushing myself to find out what happens. I have plenty of other books to read and I hate it when a book really slows me down because I want to finish it but it’s a chore. Even more devastating when it’s a series I wait for.
There are some great moments and I learned a lot about some random historic occult things, but, it was no Mena, or Istanbul, or even Boston. I’m glad I had the little novella last fall to give me a bit of a jolt and I’m glad to have some of the romance. That is always fun, but I’m otherwise a little disappointed. Frown.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.
December 23, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded down because of all the repetitions. The book needed a good edit. (Alas, those seem to be hard to come by these days).
Not one of the best in this series, though I liked the whole 'dueling spiritualist cults' idea.
Jane and her fiance Redvers are on Iona to investigate Robert Nightingale, leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn. Jane drew the tough job of infiltrating the group, as Redvers is known by several members. She pretends to be a new follower and is welcomed. She's even given a manual (required reading!) on their beliefs, rituals, etc. Poor Jane! She finds the manual making excellent bedtime reading--it puts her right to sleep. So she always scrambling to make as few mistakes as possible.
The mysterious death of one of the young women, Netta, sends the investigation down another path.
Netta had a room in the same house as Jane; they had become friendly, if not exactly friends. Netta was one scared gal, anxious to get off the island, eager to sever ties with the Golden Dawn group. Jane is determined to find out who/what killed her.
There are a few nice twists before all is wrapped up.
Thought I was lukewarm about this book, I really like Jane and Redvers and want to find out what the author has in store for them, so I'll be on hand for the next book.
Not one of the best in this series, though I liked the whole 'dueling spiritualist cults' idea.
Jane and her fiance Redvers are on Iona to investigate Robert Nightingale, leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn. Jane drew the tough job of infiltrating the group, as Redvers is known by several members. She pretends to be a new follower and is welcomed. She's even given a manual (required reading!) on their beliefs, rituals, etc. Poor Jane! She finds the manual making excellent bedtime reading--it puts her right to sleep. So she always scrambling to make as few mistakes as possible.
The mysterious death of one of the young women, Netta, sends the investigation down another path.
Netta had a room in the same house as Jane; they had become friendly, if not exactly friends. Netta was one scared gal, anxious to get off the island, eager to sever ties with the Golden Dawn group. Jane is determined to find out who/what killed her.
There are a few nice twists before all is wrapped up.
Thought I was lukewarm about this book, I really like Jane and Redvers and want to find out what the author has in store for them, so I'll be on hand for the next book.
February 4, 2025
Jane and Redvers find themselves on assignment on the Isle of Iona in Scotland. Jane is to infiltrate an occultist society, the Order of the Golden Dawn, to get the intel on the leader, Robert Nightingale, to see if he would be useful to whoever it is Redvers works for. Redvers is known to Nightingale so he can not be the one to pretend to join the Order. He is, however, staying on the other side of the island to gather Jane's information and report back to his superiors. (And get in some canoodling). Jane soon discovers that the Order of the Golden Dawn isn't the only occultist society nearby and some of the members take their mysticism a little too seriously. One of the members, Netta Fortunario, is staying at the same cottage as Jane and Jane tries to get to know the other woman but Netta seems troubled. She's restless and determined to leave the island but the ferry doesn't run on Sundays so she must wait. When she disappears and no one can find her, Jane soon discovers why. She stumbles across Netta's body lying on top of an unusual star-shaped symbol (pentagram), scratched and naked as the day she was born. Another member of the order, Dion, claims she saw a disturbance in the astral plane and she and Netta had been attacked by cats; an attack perpetuated by Mina, the leader of a rival occultist society. Netta's father arrives on the scene demanding to stay in her room and gather her belongings. He claims to have discovered his daughter's will, leaving all her money to him. Then Robert Nightingale produces a second will leaving Netta's fortune to the Order of the Golden Dawn. Jane is very confused and suspicious that this man is not even Netta's father. While out walking one cold, windy day, Jane discovers a second body on the cliffs. Surely this second murder can't be related to the first? How could it when the primary suspects weren't able to be in the right place at the right time? Jane is left with more questions than answers but she won't stop until justice is done.
Oh this story is ridiculous! It's complicated and all over the place. Jane and Redvers are not investigating together and when they come together she walks in the wind and cold, meets Redvers at their spot, relays information, then they make out (off page) and separate again. I'm not into the occult or whatever this is and it seemed a little obvious to me what Nightingale was all about. There were some clever plot twists. While I didn't put all the pieces together, I wasn't surprised by the reveal. The Scottish setting was atmospheric but stereotypical. Scotland - springtime- cold, windy- cliffs - sheep dotting the landscape - old stone buildings. I'm not sure there's anything specifically Isle of Ilona about the setting. It seems to be the same Irish/Scottish remote British setting I've read before.
Jane has finally come into her own. She's confident and independent. Jane knows what she wants for her future too and makes some VERY modern decisions. I applaud her and I'm so grateful she did make the decisions she did. I agree with both their reasons and yet feel a little sad because they're the last of their lines. Maybe his father will remarry and produce another son. This time, it's Jane going off and sleuthing without her love and he's feeling left out. There's not much for Redvers to do. As the stakes get higher, he worries a lot about her and hovers in the background. I hate that she has to be saved by men. I think Jane could have found a way to save herself somehow.
These Order of the Golden Dawn people are weird. I have heard of this organization but I didn't know the characters were real people or this story was based around a very real unsolved mystery. Robert Nightingale is a mansplainer, an egomaniac and a fool. I wouldn't trust him with government secrets or whatever it is they want him to do. He likes to brag yet right away, Jane's cover is privately blown revealing Robert is not quite as important and well-connected as he claims to be. Figures. Here, William Butler Yeats is a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn. He seems more curious than serious about it. He's kind and befriends Jane. I think he enjoys helping her sleuth at one point. It seems to put a spring in his step. If I were Jane, I would trust W.B. with my secret but no one else. The two women are out to lunch. They seem to be proto-hippies. Dion is bemused by Nightingale the blowhard and the pomp and circumstance of the order at first and seems like a snarky type Jane could be friends with - if she's not a murderer. Yet, for the rest of the book, Dion goes on about the astral plane and whatever that means. Jane is perplexed, Redvers scoffs and I just roll my eyes. I did like Netta. An Anglo-Italian woman, she seemed mentally distressed and truly scared. Whether she was having a psychotic breakdown or she truly believed something bad was going to happen because of the astral plane or whatever, I feel sad that everyone dismissed her. There wasn't anything anyone could do anyway and she didn't want Jane's friendship.
Unlike Jane, I do think the man claiming to be Netta's father is actually her father and I do believe he's only after her money. Old school Italian men of that era didn't value daughters and he would see that money has his. What does she need it for? It should stay in the family and not go to this strange Order. His personality is SO stereotypical. He's loud, temperamental and sneaky. I don't think he had anything to do with his daughter's death though. Mr. Fortunario is at first friendly with and then argues with Michael McCrary, Jane's host. Michael is a cheapskate and like Netta's dad, has a temper. He's also dead set against anything having to do with the supernatural or occult or whatever you call it. I find him very suspicious and don't trust him. His wife, Fiona, is lovely. She seems a little wary of her husband at times and has to hide her tarot cards in the pantry where he never goes. THAT doesn't sound like a healthy marriage to me. Fiona is motherly and kind to Jane though and tries to protect Jane from danger the best she can.
Mina Mathers heads a rival occultist society. She was once a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn and her husband was the leader. When he died, Mina was supposed to be the new leader but Robert Nightingale stole the leadership role from her. Mina is furious and believes the Order has moved away from their true purpose, how her husband wanted it to be. Mina is skilled at projecting visions into people's minds and Jane is susceptible. That makes me uneasy. Mina is engaged in a blood feud with Nightingale and anyone in the Order, apparently. She supposedly sent cats to attack Dion and Netta on the astral plane. Um okaayyy.... Yet Mina is friendly towards Jane and good to her assistant, a meek young Irish woman named Colleen. Mina spreads rumors that Nightingale was a womanizer and inappropriate with young women. Did something happen with Colleen that actually triggered Mina's feud? Or did he reject her for being too told and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? I think, somehow, Colleen is the key here. I think perhaps Nightingale and Netta had had an affair and she broke it off and was trying to leave the Order. I think maybe Colleen got jealous and may have caused Netta's death.
The romance plot concludes nicely - spoiler on the cover - and thus concludes Jane's adventures. Or does it? As far as I'm concerned, I'll probably finish here. The writing style doesn't wow me and I don't care enough about Jane to want to continue to read more about her.
Oh this story is ridiculous! It's complicated and all over the place. Jane and Redvers are not investigating together and when they come together she walks in the wind and cold, meets Redvers at their spot, relays information, then they make out (off page) and separate again. I'm not into the occult or whatever this is and it seemed a little obvious to me what Nightingale was all about. There were some clever plot twists. While I didn't put all the pieces together, I wasn't surprised by the reveal. The Scottish setting was atmospheric but stereotypical. Scotland - springtime- cold, windy- cliffs - sheep dotting the landscape - old stone buildings. I'm not sure there's anything specifically Isle of Ilona about the setting. It seems to be the same Irish/Scottish remote British setting I've read before.
Jane has finally come into her own. She's confident and independent. Jane knows what she wants for her future too and makes some VERY modern decisions. I applaud her and I'm so grateful she did make the decisions she did. I agree with both their reasons and yet feel a little sad because they're the last of their lines. Maybe his father will remarry and produce another son. This time, it's Jane going off and sleuthing without her love and he's feeling left out. There's not much for Redvers to do. As the stakes get higher, he worries a lot about her and hovers in the background. I hate that she has to be saved by men. I think Jane could have found a way to save herself somehow.
These Order of the Golden Dawn people are weird. I have heard of this organization but I didn't know the characters were real people or this story was based around a very real unsolved mystery. Robert Nightingale is a mansplainer, an egomaniac and a fool. I wouldn't trust him with government secrets or whatever it is they want him to do. He likes to brag yet right away, Jane's cover is privately blown revealing Robert is not quite as important and well-connected as he claims to be. Figures. Here, William Butler Yeats is a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn. He seems more curious than serious about it. He's kind and befriends Jane. I think he enjoys helping her sleuth at one point. It seems to put a spring in his step. If I were Jane, I would trust W.B. with my secret but no one else. The two women are out to lunch. They seem to be proto-hippies. Dion is bemused by Nightingale the blowhard and the pomp and circumstance of the order at first and seems like a snarky type Jane could be friends with - if she's not a murderer. Yet, for the rest of the book, Dion goes on about the astral plane and whatever that means. Jane is perplexed, Redvers scoffs and I just roll my eyes. I did like Netta. An Anglo-Italian woman, she seemed mentally distressed and truly scared. Whether she was having a psychotic breakdown or she truly believed something bad was going to happen because of the astral plane or whatever, I feel sad that everyone dismissed her. There wasn't anything anyone could do anyway and she didn't want Jane's friendship.
Unlike Jane, I do think the man claiming to be Netta's father is actually her father and I do believe he's only after her money. Old school Italian men of that era didn't value daughters and he would see that money has his. What does she need it for? It should stay in the family and not go to this strange Order. His personality is SO stereotypical. He's loud, temperamental and sneaky. I don't think he had anything to do with his daughter's death though. Mr. Fortunario is at first friendly with and then argues with Michael McCrary, Jane's host. Michael is a cheapskate and like Netta's dad, has a temper. He's also dead set against anything having to do with the supernatural or occult or whatever you call it. I find him very suspicious and don't trust him. His wife, Fiona, is lovely. She seems a little wary of her husband at times and has to hide her tarot cards in the pantry where he never goes. THAT doesn't sound like a healthy marriage to me. Fiona is motherly and kind to Jane though and tries to protect Jane from danger the best she can.
Mina Mathers heads a rival occultist society. She was once a member of the Order of the Golden Dawn and her husband was the leader. When he died, Mina was supposed to be the new leader but Robert Nightingale stole the leadership role from her. Mina is furious and believes the Order has moved away from their true purpose, how her husband wanted it to be. Mina is skilled at projecting visions into people's minds and Jane is susceptible. That makes me uneasy. Mina is engaged in a blood feud with Nightingale and anyone in the Order, apparently. She supposedly sent cats to attack Dion and Netta on the astral plane. Um okaayyy.... Yet Mina is friendly towards Jane and good to her assistant, a meek young Irish woman named Colleen. Mina spreads rumors that Nightingale was a womanizer and inappropriate with young women. Did something happen with Colleen that actually triggered Mina's feud? Or did he reject her for being too told and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? I think, somehow, Colleen is the key here. I think perhaps Nightingale and Netta had had an affair and she broke it off and was trying to leave the Order. I think maybe Colleen got jealous and may have caused Netta's death.
The romance plot concludes nicely - spoiler on the cover - and thus concludes Jane's adventures. Or does it? As far as I'm concerned, I'll probably finish here. The writing style doesn't wow me and I don't care enough about Jane to want to continue to read more about her.
March 31, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Jane Wunderly has been sent to the Isle of Iona to investigate the enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn, Robert Nightingale. His group which includes influential people gathers for supernatural ceremonies on the isle where the veil is said to be thin. Jane has to conceal her identity and become just a woman from the States interested in the occult and Nightingale's group. Her fiancé, Redvers, is also there but their relationship must remain a secret.
When she finds a woman who was contemplating leaving the group murdered in the moors, Jane understands leaving the group alive can be quite difficult. She would like to get justice for the woman but the people around her are in their own worlds, or on different planes of existence. Another death gives Jane some clues she needs be very careful or she could be the next victim.
___
Secrets of a Scottish Isle has a different feel than other books in this series. The tables seemed to have turned. Jane is a fearless woman taking on the bulk of this investigation and all it entails while Redvers works behind the scenes. She also put on the miles traveling the island searching for clues and meeting up with Redvers to report what she had learned. Redvers does pop up in surprising places but I really missed their banter when they work side by side, order drinks, and talk about people, places, and the case they are on. And while Jane enjoyed her break from Aunt Millie, I missed her and Lord Hughes.
Ms. Neubauer does introduce an eclectic array of new characters in this story. Jane and Redvers come into contact with several residents of the island and those who have come for the solstice rituals. Each is unique and memorable but some are pretty shady. Interestingly, with only two hotels on the island, the residents open their houses to visitors. Jane's naturally inquisitive nature had her landlady opening up easily. I did enjoy the way their relationship grew and the good that came from it. I also liked that a real-life character, poet W.B Yeats was part of the story and for more than a cameo, it was a pivotable role.
Jane's assignment was to investigate Robert Nightingale and discover as much as possible about him. Two murders were not planned for but Jane jumped in with both feet and I enjoyed tagging along with her from my recliner, wishing the virtual hiking I did around the island actually burned calories. The author does a wonderful job describing the island. I had a vivid image of every place Jane traveled and shivered at times right along with her. As for the mystery, I was a bit baffled the entire way. There were some delightful twists and turns that built up to a crazy reveal and showdown.
Ms. Neubauer adds an Author's Note at the end of the book sharing her inspiration for this story and that there are some facts within her wonderful fictional tale. I had never heard of the Isle of Iona or Order of the Golden Dawn prior to reading this book but learning that the people and happenings are loosely based in real life made me appreciate the book even more. I am sure researching this story was fascinating, especially for someone interested in the occult.
Secrets of a Scottish Isle is a very intriguing mystery set in an interesting setting with a variety of quirky characters. I learned some things and was totally entertained along the way. Oh, and I loved the final chapter.
Jane Wunderly has been sent to the Isle of Iona to investigate the enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn, Robert Nightingale. His group which includes influential people gathers for supernatural ceremonies on the isle where the veil is said to be thin. Jane has to conceal her identity and become just a woman from the States interested in the occult and Nightingale's group. Her fiancé, Redvers, is also there but their relationship must remain a secret.
When she finds a woman who was contemplating leaving the group murdered in the moors, Jane understands leaving the group alive can be quite difficult. She would like to get justice for the woman but the people around her are in their own worlds, or on different planes of existence. Another death gives Jane some clues she needs be very careful or she could be the next victim.
___
Secrets of a Scottish Isle has a different feel than other books in this series. The tables seemed to have turned. Jane is a fearless woman taking on the bulk of this investigation and all it entails while Redvers works behind the scenes. She also put on the miles traveling the island searching for clues and meeting up with Redvers to report what she had learned. Redvers does pop up in surprising places but I really missed their banter when they work side by side, order drinks, and talk about people, places, and the case they are on. And while Jane enjoyed her break from Aunt Millie, I missed her and Lord Hughes.
Ms. Neubauer does introduce an eclectic array of new characters in this story. Jane and Redvers come into contact with several residents of the island and those who have come for the solstice rituals. Each is unique and memorable but some are pretty shady. Interestingly, with only two hotels on the island, the residents open their houses to visitors. Jane's naturally inquisitive nature had her landlady opening up easily. I did enjoy the way their relationship grew and the good that came from it. I also liked that a real-life character, poet W.B Yeats was part of the story and for more than a cameo, it was a pivotable role.
Jane's assignment was to investigate Robert Nightingale and discover as much as possible about him. Two murders were not planned for but Jane jumped in with both feet and I enjoyed tagging along with her from my recliner, wishing the virtual hiking I did around the island actually burned calories. The author does a wonderful job describing the island. I had a vivid image of every place Jane traveled and shivered at times right along with her. As for the mystery, I was a bit baffled the entire way. There were some delightful twists and turns that built up to a crazy reveal and showdown.
Ms. Neubauer adds an Author's Note at the end of the book sharing her inspiration for this story and that there are some facts within her wonderful fictional tale. I had never heard of the Isle of Iona or Order of the Golden Dawn prior to reading this book but learning that the people and happenings are loosely based in real life made me appreciate the book even more. I am sure researching this story was fascinating, especially for someone interested in the occult.
Secrets of a Scottish Isle is a very intriguing mystery set in an interesting setting with a variety of quirky characters. I learned some things and was totally entertained along the way. Oh, and I loved the final chapter.
September 25, 2024
A lovely addition to a series that I absolutely adore! I cannot wait for the next one!
March 24, 2024
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Things I like about the Jane Wunderly series and this book:
It is not necessary to read the previous books in the series, but since I’ve enjoyed them all, I highly recommend it! Jane has grown from someone with no sleuthing skills to one who is helping her fiancé, Redvers, with an investigation
Redvers, works for an unnamed organization, lending even more mystery to the stories. Not a government agent, he’s got mad James Bond-like spy skills.
The relationship between Jane and Redvers. Jane is Redvers equal in his eyes, even in 1927. End of story
Each book has a distinct setting. While I was initially brought to this series by an adventure in Egypt, she then went to Istanbul and now on an island in Scotland. Jane is a well-traveled woman.
Including W.B. Yeats as a character in the story. Adding a real-life person to a work of fiction is a tricky business. However, as someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, I enjoy when an author successfully weaves fact and fiction together. I don’t know anything about
A believable motive for mystery. Sometimes you come away from a mystery and can’t help but wonder why a person would kill another. That’s not the case here.
The descriptions of the setting, a remote island off the coast of Scotland, made me able to picture the Isle of Iona.
The characters are well-drawn. You can really tell a lot of thought was put into the characters.
It wasn’t clear to me until very late in the book who the murderer was. As someone who avidly reads mysteries, that’s not always the case. Kudos to the author as I was stumped for the longest time!
Things about this particular book that I thought could be better:
The author says in her notes that she did a lot of research into the real-life mystery that happened on this Scottish Isle in the 1920s and had so much information, she scaled it back a lot. I think even more could have been done, as at times it felt like an info dump on the occult. I don’t mind reading about subjects that don’t personally interest me, it did make parts of the book kind of a slog.
If you didn’t read the blurb and hadn’t already been introduced to the series, you’d have no idea what time period this book was set in except sometime in the past. It isn’t until well into the book when some historical context is added. A simple date at the beginning of the chapter would have helped.
Overall, a very good historical mystery in a series I continue to enjoy.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eBook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Things I like about the Jane Wunderly series and this book:
It is not necessary to read the previous books in the series, but since I’ve enjoyed them all, I highly recommend it! Jane has grown from someone with no sleuthing skills to one who is helping her fiancé, Redvers, with an investigation
Redvers, works for an unnamed organization, lending even more mystery to the stories. Not a government agent, he’s got mad James Bond-like spy skills.
The relationship between Jane and Redvers. Jane is Redvers equal in his eyes, even in 1927. End of story
Each book has a distinct setting. While I was initially brought to this series by an adventure in Egypt, she then went to Istanbul and now on an island in Scotland. Jane is a well-traveled woman.
Including W.B. Yeats as a character in the story. Adding a real-life person to a work of fiction is a tricky business. However, as someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, I enjoy when an author successfully weaves fact and fiction together. I don’t know anything about
A believable motive for mystery. Sometimes you come away from a mystery and can’t help but wonder why a person would kill another. That’s not the case here.
The descriptions of the setting, a remote island off the coast of Scotland, made me able to picture the Isle of Iona.
The characters are well-drawn. You can really tell a lot of thought was put into the characters.
It wasn’t clear to me until very late in the book who the murderer was. As someone who avidly reads mysteries, that’s not always the case. Kudos to the author as I was stumped for the longest time!
Things about this particular book that I thought could be better:
The author says in her notes that she did a lot of research into the real-life mystery that happened on this Scottish Isle in the 1920s and had so much information, she scaled it back a lot. I think even more could have been done, as at times it felt like an info dump on the occult. I don’t mind reading about subjects that don’t personally interest me, it did make parts of the book kind of a slog.
If you didn’t read the blurb and hadn’t already been introduced to the series, you’d have no idea what time period this book was set in except sometime in the past. It isn’t until well into the book when some historical context is added. A simple date at the beginning of the chapter would have helped.
Overall, a very good historical mystery in a series I continue to enjoy.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the complimentary eBook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2024
This was a really interesting historical mystery read that fuses fiction with real history and delves into the world of the occult with some murder on the side.
I really loved how the author took a real event and wove a really good story around that and included real people within the narrative [W.B. Yeats!!!] that just added to all the intrigue.
Jane is one of my favorite characters and I love her independence and spirit, and I really love how Redvers both acknowledges all of that and TREATS her as such. She is his equal and he loves her even more because of that. I enjoy watching them work through both their own personal issues as well as the work that they are there to do [and they do work so well together, even when they don't necessarily agree] and its such a joy to see.
I never saw the killer coming and was really really surprised initially and then, as it all unfolded, kind of smacked myself for not seeing all that was really right in front of me [for me, this is the best kind of mystery] and it was the best kind of reveal. The end was really good too and very much needed and perfect for Jane and Redvers.
This is a really great series and I recommend it highly to those who love a really good historical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved how the author took a real event and wove a really good story around that and included real people within the narrative [W.B. Yeats!!!] that just added to all the intrigue.
Jane is one of my favorite characters and I love her independence and spirit, and I really love how Redvers both acknowledges all of that and TREATS her as such. She is his equal and he loves her even more because of that. I enjoy watching them work through both their own personal issues as well as the work that they are there to do [and they do work so well together, even when they don't necessarily agree] and its such a joy to see.
I never saw the killer coming and was really really surprised initially and then, as it all unfolded, kind of smacked myself for not seeing all that was really right in front of me [for me, this is the best kind of mystery] and it was the best kind of reveal. The end was really good too and very much needed and perfect for Jane and Redvers.
This is a really great series and I recommend it highly to those who love a really good historical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ruth Neubauer, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2025
A secret society, mediums and spiritualists rampant and a murder thrown in for good measure. Hardly the quiet time Jane had envisioned. All taking place on the magical isle of Iona during the March solstice.
April 10, 2024
Another installment in the cozy historical mystery series about Jane Wunderly. Set in 1920s on a Scottish isle. Did not care for this one as much as the previous ones. Involved secret society, the supernatural, and bizarre initiations for new members.
April 8, 2024
Being set on a semi isolated isle, its a country manor house type of mystery.
Not a great setting.
Jane is pretty much on her own, story suffers from lack of redvers and other re occuring characters.
Jane can't carry the story on her own, just not that strong of a character.
All of the walking around and descriptions of the isle get old.
None of the other characters are all that interesting exccept for the Mcrearys
Dion borying
Everything is obvious.
This could be skipped.
Not a great setting.
Jane is pretty much on her own, story suffers from lack of redvers and other re occuring characters.
Jane can't carry the story on her own, just not that strong of a character.
All of the walking around and descriptions of the isle get old.
None of the other characters are all that interesting exccept for the Mcrearys
Dion borying
Everything is obvious.
This could be skipped.
April 13, 2025
I don’t love the combination of the occult in Scotland + historical figures + this particular cozy mystery series. I liked the actual mystery, but there’s too much occult stuff and none of it is written in a way that’s very engaging. Jane and Redvers also spend too much time apart.
I enjoyed the first three books in this series, but the last two haven’t been as well done, imo. Hoping the next one is better.
Audio Notes: As always, I liked Sarah Zimmerman’s audio performance, though.
I enjoyed the first three books in this series, but the last two haven’t been as well done, imo. Hoping the next one is better.
Audio Notes: As always, I liked Sarah Zimmerman’s audio performance, though.
April 5, 2024
I've really liked this series; it's middle of the road 3-4 stars, but fun. This book however was a big disappointment. It lacked the atmosphere and opulence of previous settings. It seemed very repetitive and dull plot wise. Sadly underwhelmed. The first and 3rd book are much better imo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
3.5 rounding up to 4.
I really enjoyed the earlier books in the series and was excited to get an ARC of this one.
I'll start with the pros:
1. This one kept me guessing. There weren't many suspects but it was not obvious, at least to be initially, who dunnit. Toward the end I caught on, but it took me a while.
2. It can be a bit dangerous to include actual people in a work of fiction, but I think the author did a good job of blending the real with the fiction.
3. The motive made sense. In real life I don't think any motive justifies murder but in the world of fiction it bothers me when I come to end and think "he/she murdered someone over THAT?" In this book the motive makes sense.
Cons:
It took me a while to get into it. I think there are a couple of reasons. 1. The occult factors heavily into it and I have never really had an interest, but I do like reading things a little out of my interests. 2. The premise was a little hard to swallow. Jane and Redvers are sent to a small Scottish isle to see if a leader of an occult group would be a useful source of information to the government. As Redvers is known, Jane had to join the Golden Dawn. I have a couple of issues with that. Would the government take the leader into serious consideration as an information, going so far as sending an operative? And why would they send someone who is not in their employ? Even if Redvers was unusable I would think another operative would be used.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the earlier books in the series and was excited to get an ARC of this one.
I'll start with the pros:
1. This one kept me guessing. There weren't many suspects but it was not obvious, at least to be initially, who dunnit. Toward the end I caught on, but it took me a while.
2. It can be a bit dangerous to include actual people in a work of fiction, but I think the author did a good job of blending the real with the fiction.
3. The motive made sense. In real life I don't think any motive justifies murder but in the world of fiction it bothers me when I come to end and think "he/she murdered someone over THAT?" In this book the motive makes sense.
Cons:
It took me a while to get into it. I think there are a couple of reasons. 1. The occult factors heavily into it and I have never really had an interest, but I do like reading things a little out of my interests. 2. The premise was a little hard to swallow. Jane and Redvers are sent to a small Scottish isle to see if a leader of an occult group would be a useful source of information to the government. As Redvers is known, Jane had to join the Golden Dawn. I have a couple of issues with that. Would the government take the leader into serious consideration as an information, going so far as sending an operative? And why would they send someone who is not in their employ? Even if Redvers was unusable I would think another operative would be used.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2025
Jane Wunderly and her fiance Redvers have traveled to a remote island in Scotland to investigate Robert Nightingale, leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn, an esoteric spiritual group. Nightingale has claimed to have international contacts that he could exploit to the benefit of the British government; Redvers and Jane are there to determine whether he is legit or a loon.
Because Redvers is known to Nightingale, Jane goes undercover as an initiate into the group. But soon after, she discovers the body of a group member out on the moors…..
This is a very charming series that has become one of my favorites, but this particular volume had several weaknesses. First, because of the undercover nature of the assignment, Jane and Redvers spend very little time together, and their partner relationship is one of the highlights of the series.
Secondly, Jane blunders into the solution of the mystery, thus violating my Mystery Pet Peeve Number One.
And while she is making a credible effort to save herself from mortal peril, she isn’t really safe until Redvers shows up.
Thirdly, the story revolves around arcane beliefs that Jane and Redvers make it clear they disbelieve. But there are multiple strings left hanging thst are left no explanation than supernatural reasons. One of these I can accept, since I am interested in such subjects myself. But there were three, including one that was used at least three times. This was too much for me.
Despite these flaws, I did enjoy the book overall. I love independent, intelligent Jane and Redvers is a great partner for her. And the cold Scottish setting was enjoyable in such a sweltering week. But this was definitely not the best of the Jane Wunderly books I have read.
Because Redvers is known to Nightingale, Jane goes undercover as an initiate into the group. But soon after, she discovers the body of a group member out on the moors…..
This is a very charming series that has become one of my favorites, but this particular volume had several weaknesses. First, because of the undercover nature of the assignment, Jane and Redvers spend very little time together, and their partner relationship is one of the highlights of the series.
Secondly, Jane blunders into the solution of the mystery, thus violating my Mystery Pet Peeve Number One.
And while she is making a credible effort to save herself from mortal peril, she isn’t really safe until Redvers shows up.
Thirdly, the story revolves around arcane beliefs that Jane and Redvers make it clear they disbelieve. But there are multiple strings left hanging thst are left no explanation than supernatural reasons. One of these I can accept, since I am interested in such subjects myself. But there were three, including one that was used at least three times. This was too much for me.
Despite these flaws, I did enjoy the book overall. I love independent, intelligent Jane and Redvers is a great partner for her. And the cold Scottish setting was enjoyable in such a sweltering week. But this was definitely not the best of the Jane Wunderly books I have read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Erica Ruth Neubauer for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Secrets of a Scottish Isle coming out March 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Isle of Iona, 1927: Cast away on a remote locale, Jane’s latest assignment depends on concealing her identity and blending in at an occult gathering. Not even her fiancé, Redvers, can be too close as she uncovers the truth about Robert Nightingale, enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn—a group made up of supernatural ceremonies, influential people, and an undefinable darkness. When a woman tries to escape to the mainland only to be found murdered in the moors, the shocking scene reveals it’s easier to join the Golden Dawn than it is to leave.
Jane, set on solving the crime and catching the next ferry with Redvers, realizes she may be among the few still grasping reality. One high-ranking member searches for the killer by attempting to access otherworldly planes of existence, while others become immersed in a strange solstice ritual. Then there’s Nightingale and the rivals who discarded him to start a new temple. As a second death brings fresh clues into focus, Jane needs to navigate a frightening dilemma—playing along won’t help her crack the mystery, but revealing too much could be a fatal mistake . . .
I actually have all the books in this series, but this is the first one I’ve read. I was intrigued by the Scottish setting. I loved that there was a lot of action right away. Jane infiltrates a secret society and learned their rituals. I thought the plot was really interesting. I definitely need to go back and read the other books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy spy mysteries!
Isle of Iona, 1927: Cast away on a remote locale, Jane’s latest assignment depends on concealing her identity and blending in at an occult gathering. Not even her fiancé, Redvers, can be too close as she uncovers the truth about Robert Nightingale, enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn—a group made up of supernatural ceremonies, influential people, and an undefinable darkness. When a woman tries to escape to the mainland only to be found murdered in the moors, the shocking scene reveals it’s easier to join the Golden Dawn than it is to leave.
Jane, set on solving the crime and catching the next ferry with Redvers, realizes she may be among the few still grasping reality. One high-ranking member searches for the killer by attempting to access otherworldly planes of existence, while others become immersed in a strange solstice ritual. Then there’s Nightingale and the rivals who discarded him to start a new temple. As a second death brings fresh clues into focus, Jane needs to navigate a frightening dilemma—playing along won’t help her crack the mystery, but revealing too much could be a fatal mistake . . .
I actually have all the books in this series, but this is the first one I’ve read. I was intrigued by the Scottish setting. I loved that there was a lot of action right away. Jane infiltrates a secret society and learned their rituals. I thought the plot was really interesting. I definitely need to go back and read the other books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy spy mysteries!
June 21, 2025
Jane and Redvers are on assignment on the Isle of Iona (a remote Scottish Island). However, they're having to stay apart while Jane pretends to join a secret society to investigate its leader. Along the way, one of the members dies under unusual circumstances, so the investigation expands.
I quite enjoyed this book, and found the mystery intriguing. I know others haven't liked this as much as previous entries. However, while this was a bit slow for me at first, I was soon hooked on the mystery and look forward to the next in the series.
I quite enjoyed this book, and found the mystery intriguing. I know others haven't liked this as much as previous entries. However, while this was a bit slow for me at first, I was soon hooked on the mystery and look forward to the next in the series.
March 28, 2024
This story was intriguing to me because it was based on real people and events. Jane and Redvers are investigating a leader in an occult called Order of the Golden Dawn so it has a paranormal element to the story. I loved the twists and turns of the plot as the reader gets to know the suspects better. The reveal was a bit surprising and I liked the happy ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 20, 2024
This jumps right into the action of the series, with Jane and Redvers investigating the leader of an occult group on a remote Scottish island It's the solstice, so the veil is thin and the recently splintered Golden Dawn group seems to have some cracks. After Jane finds a young member of the group dead under some unusual circumstances, their detecting takes a new direction. The addition of poet Yeats, a follower of the occult, and real Golden Dawn info was interesting.
November 29, 2023
I looking forward to the official release of this book. This is volume 5 of the Jane Wunderly books and it's my favorite so far. Jane and Redvers are investigating an occult figure in Scotland and once again get more than they bargained for. The one thing I worried about did not happen, thank goodness, and the rest of it was enjoyable and fun.
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC.
May 14, 2024
This book truly starts with DRAMA and of course I loved that. I am obsessed with the fact that Jane is now fully working with Redvers in his spying activities and there is no "oh this is too dangerous, you're just a women, why don't you stay out of this". Redvers has complete trust in her and more importantly she has complete trust in herself and her wits. There was a lot going on and I enjoyed all the reveals and following Jane as she navigates her infiltration into this group.
Note: I LOVE the audiobooks for this series!
Note: I LOVE the audiobooks for this series!
July 8, 2024
While this series is not my number one series, it is one I generally enjoy reading very much. So, this book was a major disappointment for me. The subject matter did not pique my interest and the storyline seemed to drag on endlessly. If not for my interest in the involving relationship of the pro tags I would not have finished the book.
July 17, 2025
This was entertaining but not my favorite installment in this series.
March 27, 2024
I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts expressed are my own. Secrets of a Scottish Isle is the most recent title to feature Jane Wunderly. She is undercover to help her fiancé Redvers vet a potential source. Jane traveled to a remote Scottish island ahead of the solstice where the Order of the Golden Dawn has assembled under the guise of being interested in joining order. A member of the order is found murdered with some strange injuries. There isn't a shortage of suspects and a second murder following close on the heels of the first adds even more confusion as to how may have done.. Jane and Redvers work together, with Jane doing much of the work this story, tp bring the killer to justice.
This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but after a few chapters, I was thoroughly engrossed. The mystery has some interesting twists and turns and I found it to be very satisfying. There as some nice development in the relationship between Jane and Redvers, but I do wish we had more interaction between the two in this story. I'm looking forward to future titles in this series.
This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but after a few chapters, I was thoroughly engrossed. The mystery has some interesting twists and turns and I found it to be very satisfying. There as some nice development in the relationship between Jane and Redvers, but I do wish we had more interaction between the two in this story. I'm looking forward to future titles in this series.
June 19, 2024
I was bored by this book.
April 19, 2024
Not a bad book. I enjoy the writing style and characters. Aspects of the mystery were good. I did get quite frustrated with the protagonist, though. She's infiltrating a Golden Dawn sect to spy on the leader for her fiance's mysterious government agency. He can't do his job on his own because the leader knows him (I guess there was no one else to send who didn't have a connection to the mark?). They researched the Golden Dawn ahead of time but, I guess, must not have had much time at all. I get that it is the 1927s, but I would assume if you are going to infiltrate a spiritual/magical group you would make sure to have at least passing familiarity with metaphysical things. Instead, Jane is asking, "What's the astral plane?" and things like that. And then there's the fact that part of the mystery's solution has to do with a pulp type of explanation that I think was unnecessary.
April 17, 2024
I really liked the ending. Otherwise, there was not enough Redvers and not enough Scotland. She usually does a much better job of making the setting almost another character. This time it felt like all the book was was Jane walking back and forth across a "small island" with no other description other than that she was cold! The plot was also a little thin.
August 26, 2024
While still entertaining, this was my least favorite entry in the series so far, unfortunately. The story involves Jane going undercover into an occult group, so one reason I didn't like it as much is that Jane and Redvers are separated for large parts of the book. While this adds to their relationship dynamics in that we see Redvers trusting Jane's independence, and both of them realizing things about their relationship as a result of their separation, it did made the book feel slower moving, without their frequent conversations and speculations to move the plot along.
However, more frustrating was that the mystery here was just plain weird for this particular series. Though I found it interesting that the author notes in the afterword that such an occult group did truly exist, and many of the events of the book were based on actual historical situations, the occult elements just felt bizarre and out of place in a series that has, prior to now, largely delt in realism. While it's true that the the last book focused on finding an artifact some believed to have magical powers, the characters and narrator made it clear that none of that was to be taken seriously. Here, we have a few characters that genuinely claim/believe to be able to communicate on the astral place, use hypnotism to such a degree that even unwilling people are hypnotized, etc. While I do read fantasy and can enjoy magical references, the tone of this series so far doesn't seem in keeping with the tone of this specific book. I do think the author is having fun with exploring different locations and tones (exotic hotel, country estate, Trans-Atlantic Cruise, Indiana Jones style quest for an artifact, and now occult mystery), but this particular one just didn't do much for me. I'm hoping her next venue will be more to my liking.
Overall, it was ok, but I was expecting more from this series. If this had been the first book in the series, I don't think I would have continued with it. I will still read the next one, though, because I have liked the 4 (5 if you count the novella set immediately before this) prior volumes.
However, more frustrating was that the mystery here was just plain weird for this particular series. Though I found it interesting that the author notes in the afterword that such an occult group did truly exist, and many of the events of the book were based on actual historical situations, the occult elements just felt bizarre and out of place in a series that has, prior to now, largely delt in realism. While it's true that the the last book focused on finding an artifact some believed to have magical powers, the characters and narrator made it clear that none of that was to be taken seriously. Here, we have a few characters that genuinely claim/believe to be able to communicate on the astral place, use hypnotism to such a degree that even unwilling people are hypnotized, etc. While I do read fantasy and can enjoy magical references, the tone of this series so far doesn't seem in keeping with the tone of this specific book. I do think the author is having fun with exploring different locations and tones (exotic hotel, country estate, Trans-Atlantic Cruise, Indiana Jones style quest for an artifact, and now occult mystery), but this particular one just didn't do much for me. I'm hoping her next venue will be more to my liking.
Overall, it was ok, but I was expecting more from this series. If this had been the first book in the series, I don't think I would have continued with it. I will still read the next one, though, because I have liked the 4 (5 if you count the novella set immediately before this) prior volumes.
November 29, 2024
The setting on the island of Iona helps to save the story. The main character, Jane, doesn’t seem very ingenious but she is persistent. But the premise of her being on the island is very weak, especially considering that the entire population of the island is really just that of a very small village.
It bothered me that her fiancé only had one name, Redvers, and I am still not sure if that is his first name or his surname. It seems quite odd to leave that out of the story, but it feels contrived.
It bothered me that her fiancé only had one name, Redvers, and I am still not sure if that is his first name or his surname. It seems quite odd to leave that out of the story, but it feels contrived.
June 25, 2024
I enjoy these but it drives me crazy how often she says “the man”, “the woman”, “the girl”, etc. it would be so nice to have some regular pronouns!
August 11, 2024
Okay story but the constant use of “the man” and “the woman” drove me to distraction. Throw in some pronouns so I don’t have to count how many times “the man” is on a page.
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