What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Grace McKenna #3
Murder at Whiteadder House
When 28-year-old Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
A totally gripping Scottish cozy mystery. Fans of Clare Chase, Faith Martin and Frances Evesham will love this series.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
A totally gripping Scottish cozy mystery. Fans of Clare Chase, Faith Martin and Frances Evesham will love this series.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2024
42 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Baldwin
16 books79 followersScottish crime writer and former criminal lawyer.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 25, 2024
This is the third book in the Grace McKenna Mystery series but the first one I have read.
Grace operates the Portobello Detective Agency along with her friends, Hannah and Jean. They are tasked with finding a missing woman and as they search they discover she is one of many. It appears that there are secrets to discover at Whiteadder House where these young people have been taken for therapy. Grace and her team put their lives on the line when they go into the House undercover.
An interesting story which can be read as a standalone but I think would have been even better if I had read the previous two books as well. I enjoyed all of the happenings but was not really invested in the characters. The blame falls on me for that - always start your series at #1.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Grace operates the Portobello Detective Agency along with her friends, Hannah and Jean. They are tasked with finding a missing woman and as they search they discover she is one of many. It appears that there are secrets to discover at Whiteadder House where these young people have been taken for therapy. Grace and her team put their lives on the line when they go into the House undercover.
An interesting story which can be read as a standalone but I think would have been even better if I had read the previous two books as well. I enjoyed all of the happenings but was not really invested in the characters. The blame falls on me for that - always start your series at #1.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 24, 2024
Eliza Anderson's twin sister was missing and the police weren't interested, so she arrived at the door of the Portobello Detective Agency, run by Grace McKenna, ex cop. Learning about Beth's life to date was hard to listen to, but Grace took the case and her two offsiders, Hannah and Jean, along with Harvey, Grace's devoted Labrador were all determined to find the missing woman. Eliza's information led them to a clinic for addicted young people; they would stay for a year, free of charge, and leave, healthy and no longer addicted. Grace was alarmed. Those places were expensive; what was happening out in the Scottish wilderness at Whiteadder House?
Grace's ex husband, Brodie, who was a police officer, told Grace he couldn't and wouldn't get involved, even when the body of a young woman was found washed up on the shore. With no help from the officials, Grace and her team knew they had to infiltrate Whiteadder House themselves. Danger vibrated, but Grace was determined. There were people in peril, some who were beyond help she knew - but she had to do it, come what may. Hannah and Grace went in undercover - but would they make it out again?
Murder at Whiteadder House is the 3rd in the Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series by Jackie Baldwin and it was intense! Fast paced, my heart was pounding as I flew through the pages - I couldn't work out whether this would end well or not! Fabulous characters - the three women of the detective agency, and Harvey make the stories! I'm really looking forward to #4 and am convinced this one is the best yet in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Grace's ex husband, Brodie, who was a police officer, told Grace he couldn't and wouldn't get involved, even when the body of a young woman was found washed up on the shore. With no help from the officials, Grace and her team knew they had to infiltrate Whiteadder House themselves. Danger vibrated, but Grace was determined. There were people in peril, some who were beyond help she knew - but she had to do it, come what may. Hannah and Grace went in undercover - but would they make it out again?
Murder at Whiteadder House is the 3rd in the Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series by Jackie Baldwin and it was intense! Fast paced, my heart was pounding as I flew through the pages - I couldn't work out whether this would end well or not! Fabulous characters - the three women of the detective agency, and Harvey make the stories! I'm really looking forward to #4 and am convinced this one is the best yet in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
Eliza comes to Grace to ask for assistance. Grace does a little digging and the investigation takes her to a remote area. This book kept me guessing.
April 17, 2024
I have to say this is one of my favourite series, the characters are wholesome and not horrible, well, of course there’s one exception, Julie, she’s a bitch, and Brodie is spineless. Coupled with the fact that Julie’s father is Brodies boss.
This time their work involves trying to find missing girls who through the hand of fate have been living rough and possibly recovering from alcohol and other substance abuse. One of them is Eliza’s twin Beth who just disappeared from the face of the earth. When Grace asks Brodie to help it looks like our police are being silenced by Big Pharma (wouldn’t be surprised) !! What follows is a brilliant, fast paced story of avarice and deceit. No-one is who they seem to be.
I read this in a day, and absolutely loved it. My thanks to Jackie, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
This time their work involves trying to find missing girls who through the hand of fate have been living rough and possibly recovering from alcohol and other substance abuse. One of them is Eliza’s twin Beth who just disappeared from the face of the earth. When Grace asks Brodie to help it looks like our police are being silenced by Big Pharma (wouldn’t be surprised) !! What follows is a brilliant, fast paced story of avarice and deceit. No-one is who they seem to be.
I read this in a day, and absolutely loved it. My thanks to Jackie, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 29, 2024
This is the third book in the Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery series and I think this was actually my favourite so far. I found the story to be thrilling right from the beginning and, at times, I really was quite anxious about what was going to happen to the main characters - especially Hannah. Hannah caused me a bit of anxiety in this book. I still love the whole dynamic of the detective team - Grace, Hannah and Jean. They work so well with each other and they all bring something new and important to the group. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
What a whirlwind of a book! My first read from Jackie Baldwin and it definitely didn't disappoint.
What I liked:
-The protagonists weren't sexy, young and had a 100% happy ever after. They were various ages, comfortable in themselves and had complex stories that will obviously be continued in the next book.
-The pace. It was unputdownable because every chapter left on a hook that you had to see out.
-3 female protagonists/heroes
-The amount of Harvey time! (Poor Harvey)
-The evil sanitorium vibe!
What I didn't like:
-For a series that I chose because it was set in Scotland, the only thing Scottish was the proximity to Edinburgh and the word 'wee' was used 3 times. I wanted a lot more Scottish language, customs and culture.
-The beginning was a tad confusing as we waited to find out what relationships the characters were to each other. With such a complicated set, it needed spelling out better.
-What happened to Marek in the end?
My thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked:
-The protagonists weren't sexy, young and had a 100% happy ever after. They were various ages, comfortable in themselves and had complex stories that will obviously be continued in the next book.
-The pace. It was unputdownable because every chapter left on a hook that you had to see out.
-3 female protagonists/heroes
-The amount of Harvey time! (Poor Harvey)
-The evil sanitorium vibe!
What I didn't like:
-For a series that I chose because it was set in Scotland, the only thing Scottish was the proximity to Edinburgh and the word 'wee' was used 3 times. I wanted a lot more Scottish language, customs and culture.
-The beginning was a tad confusing as we waited to find out what relationships the characters were to each other. With such a complicated set, it needed spelling out better.
-What happened to Marek in the end?
My thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2024
An Exciting and Gripping Novel
I really enjoyed the previous book, so I was really looking forward to reading this book Murder at Whiteadder Lane by Jackie Baldwin. This is an action-packed thriller that grabbed my attention from the start. Grace McKenna was a high-flying detective in the Edinburgh police force, until her son Connor's suicide. Grace runs a detective agency and is assisted by her friend Jean and Connor's girlfriend Hannah and her dog called Harvey.
The case begins when a lady called Eliza comes in saying her twin sister is missing. Eliza had been to the police, but they think that her sister has disappeared because she is an alcoholic and fell of the wagon and was also taking drugs.
Eliza sister had been a patient at a private clinic, called Whiteadder House which is in the beautiful highlands of Scotland This starts ringing alarm bells for the three investigators as it seems too good to be true, a private clinic offering miracle cures and luxury comfort for one year at no cost plus taking homeless people of the streets and then giving them somewhere to live and helping them to get a job after their release.
Grace and Hanna are determined to find the underlying cause of their missing person as they get drawn into more than just a missing person as They are informed a body washed up on the shores is linked back to the clinic. Grace must trust her instincts to find a way in to save her client’s twin sister. Grace is spurned into action so both Grace and Hannah go undercover and decide to infiltrate the clinic to prevent more deaths and to find Elizas twin sister whom they believe is being kept against her will inside. With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked they are going to have to be very careful and get out alive with their client.
I really enjoyed this book, it is an excellent fast pacing book, has intriguing characters, with an action-packed plot line and an exciting and gripping novel which will hold you until the end of the story. Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin is a professionally written book with plenty of twists and turns. A thrilling adventure that I highly recommend. Do not miss this book. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the previous book, so I was really looking forward to reading this book Murder at Whiteadder Lane by Jackie Baldwin. This is an action-packed thriller that grabbed my attention from the start. Grace McKenna was a high-flying detective in the Edinburgh police force, until her son Connor's suicide. Grace runs a detective agency and is assisted by her friend Jean and Connor's girlfriend Hannah and her dog called Harvey.
The case begins when a lady called Eliza comes in saying her twin sister is missing. Eliza had been to the police, but they think that her sister has disappeared because she is an alcoholic and fell of the wagon and was also taking drugs.
Eliza sister had been a patient at a private clinic, called Whiteadder House which is in the beautiful highlands of Scotland This starts ringing alarm bells for the three investigators as it seems too good to be true, a private clinic offering miracle cures and luxury comfort for one year at no cost plus taking homeless people of the streets and then giving them somewhere to live and helping them to get a job after their release.
Grace and Hanna are determined to find the underlying cause of their missing person as they get drawn into more than just a missing person as They are informed a body washed up on the shores is linked back to the clinic. Grace must trust her instincts to find a way in to save her client’s twin sister. Grace is spurned into action so both Grace and Hannah go undercover and decide to infiltrate the clinic to prevent more deaths and to find Elizas twin sister whom they believe is being kept against her will inside. With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked they are going to have to be very careful and get out alive with their client.
I really enjoyed this book, it is an excellent fast pacing book, has intriguing characters, with an action-packed plot line and an exciting and gripping novel which will hold you until the end of the story. Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin is a professionally written book with plenty of twists and turns. A thrilling adventure that I highly recommend. Do not miss this book. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2024
Grace McKenna book 3.
Book 3 in this cosy mystery series isn't so cosy! The plot was dark and all too believable. I was up far too late finishing this. Great book.
When young, pretty Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost.
Book 3 in this cosy mystery series isn't so cosy! The plot was dark and all too believable. I was up far too late finishing this. Great book.
When young, pretty Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost.
May 23, 2024
Jackie Baldwin’s “Murder at Whiteadder House,” the third installment in the Grace McKenna Mystery series, marks a thrilling and sophisticated addition to the series that fans have come to love. Baldwin continues to deliver a compelling narrative, rich with atmospheric tension and finely-tuned character development, making this novel a standout in the genre.
The story plunges Grace McKenna and her Portobello Detective Agency into their most perilous case yet. Baldwin’s adeptness at creating a sense of urgency and danger is evident as Grace and her team navigate the ostensibly idyllic yet sinister Whiteadder House clinic. The remote Scottish setting adds a layer of isolation and suspense, enhancing the overall mood of the narrative.
Baldwin maintains a consistency in her storytelling, seamlessly blending intricate plotting with character-driven drama. Grace McKenna, as ever, is a tenacious and relatable protagonist, whose personal stakes are higher in this novel. Her complex relationship with her ex-husband Brodie, who may be compromised, adds an emotional depth that resonates throughout the story. This emotional core is a hallmark of Baldwin’s previous works and continues to engage readers, allowing them to connect with Grace on a deeper level.
Character development is robust, with Grace’s protégée Hannah emerging as a significant figure in the investigation. Hannah’s evolution and growing confidence provide a refreshing dynamic to the team. The ensemble cast, from the enigmatic clinic founders to the desperate Eliza Anderson, is well-drawn, contributing to the intricate web of intrigue and deception.
Fans of cozy mysteries will find much to appreciate in Baldwin’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft a story that balances suspense with the comfort of familiar characters and settings. The immersive investigation process, combined with the luxurious yet eerie backdrop of Whiteadder House, keeps readers engaged and guessing. Baldwin’s prose is both evocative and precise, making the Scottish wilderness come alive and enhancing the overall sense of place.
“Murder at Whiteadder House” is a testament to Jackie Baldwin’s skill in crafting a mystery that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. It is a worthy addition to the Grace McKenna Mystery series, offering a perfect blend of suspense, character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the series or a newcomer, this book promises a gripping and satisfying read that is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Grace McKenna’s journey.
The story plunges Grace McKenna and her Portobello Detective Agency into their most perilous case yet. Baldwin’s adeptness at creating a sense of urgency and danger is evident as Grace and her team navigate the ostensibly idyllic yet sinister Whiteadder House clinic. The remote Scottish setting adds a layer of isolation and suspense, enhancing the overall mood of the narrative.
Baldwin maintains a consistency in her storytelling, seamlessly blending intricate plotting with character-driven drama. Grace McKenna, as ever, is a tenacious and relatable protagonist, whose personal stakes are higher in this novel. Her complex relationship with her ex-husband Brodie, who may be compromised, adds an emotional depth that resonates throughout the story. This emotional core is a hallmark of Baldwin’s previous works and continues to engage readers, allowing them to connect with Grace on a deeper level.
Character development is robust, with Grace’s protégée Hannah emerging as a significant figure in the investigation. Hannah’s evolution and growing confidence provide a refreshing dynamic to the team. The ensemble cast, from the enigmatic clinic founders to the desperate Eliza Anderson, is well-drawn, contributing to the intricate web of intrigue and deception.
Fans of cozy mysteries will find much to appreciate in Baldwin’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to craft a story that balances suspense with the comfort of familiar characters and settings. The immersive investigation process, combined with the luxurious yet eerie backdrop of Whiteadder House, keeps readers engaged and guessing. Baldwin’s prose is both evocative and precise, making the Scottish wilderness come alive and enhancing the overall sense of place.
“Murder at Whiteadder House” is a testament to Jackie Baldwin’s skill in crafting a mystery that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. It is a worthy addition to the Grace McKenna Mystery series, offering a perfect blend of suspense, character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the series or a newcomer, this book promises a gripping and satisfying read that is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Grace McKenna’s journey.
June 4, 2024
Warning: This review contains mild spoilers for earlier books in the series.
I am a cozy lover, and this is such a great addition to the genre. This is the third installment of Jackie Baldwin's Portobello Detective Agency series, and I was hooked from the first book. While some elements of the series are darker than most cozies - such as the main character Grace's loss of her son prior to book 1, and her own grief associated with that loss - at its heart it is a cozy. It features some amazing, whip-smart, kick-a$$ female characters at the center who take on mysteries with near-reckless abandon. Grace and her two employees Hannah and Jean solve dangerous cases to help their clients and save the day, often finding themselves in tricky spots.
The relationships and character growth we see throughout the books is phenomenal. Grace makes some decisions regarding her personal life at the end of this book (I don't want to spoil it) that I personally want to see her stick with, but I also know we're all only human. I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how things turn out.
One of the things I love about cozies is that they're just as much about the characters as they are about the murder. In most of them, he mystery is well developed, and it's fantastic to follow, but in some ways it's almost beside the point. The human element, including a strong social commentary, is frequently more pressing. Series like these don't last for 18 books (or TV seasons) because we are morbid, but because the hope of the human element attracts us. And this one will keep me coming back as long as the author chooses to write it!
Who's It For?
If you love a cozy mystery, you’ll love this series and this book. It features a whip-smart ex-lady cop as the lead, with a cast of strong female characters to back her up. Messy romance, strong cases, and harrowing cases keep the group on their toes. Whether you’re a devoted reader of the genre, or you’ve cut your teeth on shows like Father Brown and Granchester, this is a great series for you. But don’t expect just cozy vibes. Murder is not the only serious subject Baldwin tackles within her pages.
Content Warning: Pregnancy, Infidelity, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Violence, Betrayal, Torture, Child Harm, Patient Harm, Medical Trauma, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Medical Malpractice, Human Testing/Experimentation
I am a cozy lover, and this is such a great addition to the genre. This is the third installment of Jackie Baldwin's Portobello Detective Agency series, and I was hooked from the first book. While some elements of the series are darker than most cozies - such as the main character Grace's loss of her son prior to book 1, and her own grief associated with that loss - at its heart it is a cozy. It features some amazing, whip-smart, kick-a$$ female characters at the center who take on mysteries with near-reckless abandon. Grace and her two employees Hannah and Jean solve dangerous cases to help their clients and save the day, often finding themselves in tricky spots.
The relationships and character growth we see throughout the books is phenomenal. Grace makes some decisions regarding her personal life at the end of this book (I don't want to spoil it) that I personally want to see her stick with, but I also know we're all only human. I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how things turn out.
One of the things I love about cozies is that they're just as much about the characters as they are about the murder. In most of them, he mystery is well developed, and it's fantastic to follow, but in some ways it's almost beside the point. The human element, including a strong social commentary, is frequently more pressing. Series like these don't last for 18 books (or TV seasons) because we are morbid, but because the hope of the human element attracts us. And this one will keep me coming back as long as the author chooses to write it!
Who's It For?
If you love a cozy mystery, you’ll love this series and this book. It features a whip-smart ex-lady cop as the lead, with a cast of strong female characters to back her up. Messy romance, strong cases, and harrowing cases keep the group on their toes. Whether you’re a devoted reader of the genre, or you’ve cut your teeth on shows like Father Brown and Granchester, this is a great series for you. But don’t expect just cozy vibes. Murder is not the only serious subject Baldwin tackles within her pages.
Content Warning: Pregnancy, Infidelity, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Violence, Betrayal, Torture, Child Harm, Patient Harm, Medical Trauma, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Medical Malpractice, Human Testing/Experimentation
July 22, 2024
I have read all of Jackie Baldwin’s novels, including her Detective Inspector Frank Farrell series and enjoyed them all. Murder at Whiteadder House is the third novel in Jackie’s Portobello Detective Agency series and was I felt the best so far. It was so good that it had me reading it well into the night, as I couldn’t put it down.
When Eliza Anderson walks into the Portobello Detective Agency, which former, decorated police office, Grace McKenna runs with the aid of Hannah and Jean, who make up her small team, she has no idea of the danger they are about to all be placed in. Eliza’s twin sister Beth has gone missing, and the police don’t appear to be interested in trying to find her.
Accepting the case, Grace’s investigation starts a trail which leads to Whiteadder House a luxurious Addiction Clinic, which has offered free treatment to the homeless of Edinburgh. Eliza’s sister was treated there for her additions and seemed to have been cured and the healthiest that Eliza had seen her for a very long time. When Eliza had seen Beth the last time before she disappeared however, she appeared to have had a relapse and was very ill.
As Grace’s investigation deepens, she finds that Beth was not the first ex-patient of Whiteadder House to go missing and when the bodies of young people are washed up on Portobello’s beach, some of whom appear to have had autopsies performed on them, alarm bells start to ring. As Grace and her team investigate even further they find that a web of corruption is protecting the clinic and that senior members of the police, including Grace’s former Superintendent may be involved.
Grace tries to get help from her ex-husband, Brodie, who is still in the force, but the Superintendent is also Brodie’s boss and the father of Julie, Brodie’s new partner and seems to have some hold on him. Grace therefore decides that if she is going to get to the bottom of the mystery, then she and her team will have to go it alone.
More than a cosy murder mystery, this novel is an engrossing thriller in its own right and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well worth the five stars I have given it, I am looking forward to the next book in the Portobello Detective Agency series.
When Eliza Anderson walks into the Portobello Detective Agency, which former, decorated police office, Grace McKenna runs with the aid of Hannah and Jean, who make up her small team, she has no idea of the danger they are about to all be placed in. Eliza’s twin sister Beth has gone missing, and the police don’t appear to be interested in trying to find her.
Accepting the case, Grace’s investigation starts a trail which leads to Whiteadder House a luxurious Addiction Clinic, which has offered free treatment to the homeless of Edinburgh. Eliza’s sister was treated there for her additions and seemed to have been cured and the healthiest that Eliza had seen her for a very long time. When Eliza had seen Beth the last time before she disappeared however, she appeared to have had a relapse and was very ill.
As Grace’s investigation deepens, she finds that Beth was not the first ex-patient of Whiteadder House to go missing and when the bodies of young people are washed up on Portobello’s beach, some of whom appear to have had autopsies performed on them, alarm bells start to ring. As Grace and her team investigate even further they find that a web of corruption is protecting the clinic and that senior members of the police, including Grace’s former Superintendent may be involved.
Grace tries to get help from her ex-husband, Brodie, who is still in the force, but the Superintendent is also Brodie’s boss and the father of Julie, Brodie’s new partner and seems to have some hold on him. Grace therefore decides that if she is going to get to the bottom of the mystery, then she and her team will have to go it alone.
More than a cosy murder mystery, this novel is an engrossing thriller in its own right and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well worth the five stars I have given it, I am looking forward to the next book in the Portobello Detective Agency series.
June 11, 2024
Here is my review of Murder At Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin
I got into this book straight away right from the start and enjoyed it immensely. It’s such an easy read with a lovely easy writing style. The author has really put a lot of thought into this story and the plotting is excellent and so is the descriptive writing. It’s mainly set in Edinburgh where Grace’s office is set by the seaside so she can go early morning swimming every day. I like Grace, she is one of the main characters and has a real can-do attitude. She runs the private detective agency and is the one who mainly interviews the clients before checking with her colleagues and taking on the case. She makes sure to involve her colleagues in a lot of the discussions on the case as it develops. I enjoy reading this series of books which is cozy crime as it seems very true to life.
Blurb :
When young, pretty Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
I got into this book straight away right from the start and enjoyed it immensely. It’s such an easy read with a lovely easy writing style. The author has really put a lot of thought into this story and the plotting is excellent and so is the descriptive writing. It’s mainly set in Edinburgh where Grace’s office is set by the seaside so she can go early morning swimming every day. I like Grace, she is one of the main characters and has a real can-do attitude. She runs the private detective agency and is the one who mainly interviews the clients before checking with her colleagues and taking on the case. She makes sure to involve her colleagues in a lot of the discussions on the case as it develops. I enjoy reading this series of books which is cozy crime as it seems very true to life.
Blurb :
When young, pretty Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
May 27, 2024
A creepy clinic and a missing young woman. Grace and her team at the Portobello Detective Agency must get to the truth and save a life.
My thoughts
I have to say that this book was more of a thriller book than cosy crime. It reminded me of an afternoon American movie, in the way it was a time filler but not very memorable. On the plus side, there were glimmers of a good storyline. For example, the discussion of homelessness and human experimentation were handled well and came across with some understanding. The plot in parts intrigued me and tried to create an edge of your seat, suspenseful atmosphere.
I have to honest though, I found it all a bit over theatrical and parts of it became a bit unbelievable. Obviously, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say I didn’t know what the police were thinking letting the whole thing go on for so long!
The characters were a bit flat for me. I think this was down to the fact that the text was rather dialogue heavy. This may not be something that bothers all of you, but I think that this was the reason I couldn’t get a fully formed picture of the characters. None of them came off the page for me and I struggled to see their personalities in any depth. I haven’t read any of the other books, so the characters may have been already established in an earlier book. I still feel it was hard to connect with them in this book.
At the end of the book, not everything was neatly tied up in the way I wanted it to be. Perhaps, this was leading the way into another book. Overall, whilst I liked the cover and the premise of the novel, the characters could have had more detailed development and the plot could have been less overly dramatic and a bit more meatier. I leave you to make up your own mind.
My thoughts
I have to say that this book was more of a thriller book than cosy crime. It reminded me of an afternoon American movie, in the way it was a time filler but not very memorable. On the plus side, there were glimmers of a good storyline. For example, the discussion of homelessness and human experimentation were handled well and came across with some understanding. The plot in parts intrigued me and tried to create an edge of your seat, suspenseful atmosphere.
I have to honest though, I found it all a bit over theatrical and parts of it became a bit unbelievable. Obviously, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but let’s just say I didn’t know what the police were thinking letting the whole thing go on for so long!
The characters were a bit flat for me. I think this was down to the fact that the text was rather dialogue heavy. This may not be something that bothers all of you, but I think that this was the reason I couldn’t get a fully formed picture of the characters. None of them came off the page for me and I struggled to see their personalities in any depth. I haven’t read any of the other books, so the characters may have been already established in an earlier book. I still feel it was hard to connect with them in this book.
At the end of the book, not everything was neatly tied up in the way I wanted it to be. Perhaps, this was leading the way into another book. Overall, whilst I liked the cover and the premise of the novel, the characters could have had more detailed development and the plot could have been less overly dramatic and a bit more meatier. I leave you to make up your own mind.
November 17, 2024
Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin
Blurb
When 28-year-old Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
My Opinion
I have read this book as a standalone and I didn’t feel like it spoilt my enjoyment. With a fast pace it was fun to follow Grace on the investigation into Whiteadder House. Jackie Baldwin managed to keep me guessing until the very end with this book. This was my first book by Jackie Baldwin and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
When 28-year-old Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
My Opinion
I have read this book as a standalone and I didn’t feel like it spoilt my enjoyment. With a fast pace it was fun to follow Grace on the investigation into Whiteadder House. Jackie Baldwin managed to keep me guessing until the very end with this book. This was my first book by Jackie Baldwin and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Rating 4/5
June 1, 2024
‘Murder at Whiteadder House’ is a thrilling read, jam-packed with action and full of brilliantly shaped characters! This is the third book in the Grace McKenna series and it is really going from strength to strength. You can read this very easily as a standalone but I thoroughly recommend this series to anyone. It might be billed as a cosy crime but I think its content is slightly darker - yes there is a cute dog but the themes and topics explored are realistic and scary! Don't get me wrong I do like a cute dog 🐶
When Eliza Anderson walks into Grace McKenna's private investigation agency she knows instantly that she wants to help this girl. Her sister, Beth her identical twin, has gone missing and the only clue that they have is a posh private rehab that she had attended. Grace and her protege Hannah soon infiltrate the clinic, Grace in the kitchen and Hannah as a patient. They soon realise that the clinic has been buying off those in the higher ranks of the police and maybe the government. Without any help from Grace’s ex-husband aka the police, they are soon embroiled in a high-stakes game that they might not win…
I have very quickly taken these characters to my heart and it has been a real joy reading these books. Grace whilst strong on the outside is vulnerable and Hannah is proving to be as good an investigator as her mentor. Then there is Jean who I want to be my mum! I flew through this in one day as it was completely engrossing and I needed to find out the ending! This was a close scrape that's all I'm saying. Roll on book four!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
When Eliza Anderson walks into Grace McKenna's private investigation agency she knows instantly that she wants to help this girl. Her sister, Beth her identical twin, has gone missing and the only clue that they have is a posh private rehab that she had attended. Grace and her protege Hannah soon infiltrate the clinic, Grace in the kitchen and Hannah as a patient. They soon realise that the clinic has been buying off those in the higher ranks of the police and maybe the government. Without any help from Grace’s ex-husband aka the police, they are soon embroiled in a high-stakes game that they might not win…
I have very quickly taken these characters to my heart and it has been a real joy reading these books. Grace whilst strong on the outside is vulnerable and Hannah is proving to be as good an investigator as her mentor. Then there is Jean who I want to be my mum! I flew through this in one day as it was completely engrossing and I needed to find out the ending! This was a close scrape that's all I'm saying. Roll on book four!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
June 5, 2024
Thank you @lovebookstours for the copy of Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin. Her books are perfect for sitting outside with a nice cup of tea and getting lost in the mystery. They are cozy, but still dark and adventurous. The characters are rich. I love Grace and her crew. This book was filled with twists and dark secrets and Grace breaks away the facade of Whiteadder house to look for Eliza’s twin. I love remote houses and clinics that have dark secrets. I’ve read her other books in the series and this one is my favorite.
Blurb
When young, pretty Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and her protégée Hannah are fighting to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts and sacrifice everything to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Then a young woman’s body is found on a nearby beach – could it be linked to the clinic? Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost...
A totally gripping Scottish cozy mystery. Fans of Clare Chase, Faith Martin and Frances Evesham will love this series.
April 4, 2024
Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin, published by Storm Publishing is book three in A Grace McKenna Mystery.
A cozy mystery novel that will have you from start till the last page. I instant-connected with storyline and characters and who needs sleep anyway - I read the book cover to cover in one sitting.
Blurb: When Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and Hannah are about to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost.
A cozy mystery novel that will have you from start till the last page. I instant-connected with storyline and characters and who needs sleep anyway - I read the book cover to cover in one sitting.
Blurb: When Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date.
The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks in its gleaming façade start to show.
Before long, Grace and Hannah are about to infiltrate Whiteadder’s inner sanctum, going undercover while racing to uncover its dark secrets. Little do they know that Whiteadder’s founders have been buying influence at the highest levels to keep prying eyes away, and this time Grace is not going to get any help from the police. Has her handsome ex-husband Brodie been compromised too?
With the facility locked down tight and a web of corruption allowing Whiteadder to operate unchecked, Grace must trust her instincts to find a way in to save her client’s sister – and, even more difficult, a way out. Grace knows she must find out before more lives are lost.
April 29, 2024
This is the third Grace McKenna mystery but can be read as a standalone. Grace runs a small detective agency in Edinburgh, at the beginning of the story a client, Eliza Anderson walks through the door asking for help to track down her twin sister Beth. Beth had been an alcoholic and drug addict but apparently had been restored to health by a luxurious rehab clinic at Whiteadder. The clinic seems too good to be true, the last meeting Eliza had with her sister, she seemed to have relapsed to her old ways and sounded paranoid “She kept on about how they were sending the snake to get her.”
Digging deeper into Whiteadder House, Grace and Hannah, her colleague, go undercover into the clinic in an attempt to find out what is going on behind the façade. What they find is unsettling, the clinic is run by an American pharmaceutical company, which has no qualms about their research methods, they also have local clout with the police; this will prove to be a very dangerous investigation.
The thriller has elements of a Robin Cook medical thriller mixed with a private detective investigation like a Sara Paretsky novel. The writing is engaging and the plot takes a number of dramatic twists and turns. We are invested in the characters as they delve deeper into the mystery. The story races along to a thrilling climax.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC (Advanced Reader Copy), I voluntarily leave this review.
Digging deeper into Whiteadder House, Grace and Hannah, her colleague, go undercover into the clinic in an attempt to find out what is going on behind the façade. What they find is unsettling, the clinic is run by an American pharmaceutical company, which has no qualms about their research methods, they also have local clout with the police; this will prove to be a very dangerous investigation.
The thriller has elements of a Robin Cook medical thriller mixed with a private detective investigation like a Sara Paretsky novel. The writing is engaging and the plot takes a number of dramatic twists and turns. We are invested in the characters as they delve deeper into the mystery. The story races along to a thrilling climax.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC (Advanced Reader Copy), I voluntarily leave this review.
May 29, 2024
Eliza’s twin sister is missing and to find her, she takes help of Grace Mckenna. Grace begins her investigation and try to get to the bottom of the mystery of her disappearance. Her investigation leads her to the Whiteadder House clinic located in Scotland which claims to cure alcoholic and drug addicted people. It’s not only dangerous but truth and secrets are hidden behind facades. And they are hiding sinister truth and secrets are even more dangerous than one could imagine. Grace digs deeper and the investigation brings everyone’s lives at stake. So many horrible things happens with discovery of sinister truth. When a body is found with all organs removed, Grace can’t help but link it with the clinic. Yet the person wasn’t identified, Grace stress increases and fear grips her, what if the woman whose body is being found is Beth, Eliza’s sister?
This is a fast paced gripping mystery. Some characters I liked and some of them I didn’t like at all. I liked the characters of Harvey, Hannah, Eliza & Grace. Grace’s backstory was poignant. I didn’t like Brodie. The story has suspense, mystery, clever twists, lies, secrets, intrigues and deception. The characters are flawed. I liked the setting of Edinburgh, Scotland. I liked the investigation process. The ending was so unpredictable.
Thanks to Publisher, Author and Netgalley
This is a fast paced gripping mystery. Some characters I liked and some of them I didn’t like at all. I liked the characters of Harvey, Hannah, Eliza & Grace. Grace’s backstory was poignant. I didn’t like Brodie. The story has suspense, mystery, clever twists, lies, secrets, intrigues and deception. The characters are flawed. I liked the setting of Edinburgh, Scotland. I liked the investigation process. The ending was so unpredictable.
Thanks to Publisher, Author and Netgalley
June 3, 2024
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Regular readers will know that I don’t normally like to start reading partway through a series but a) the blurb just grabbed me and b) this stands alone just fine – not having read books 1 & 2 of the series didn’t affect my enjoyment of this third book at all!
I immediately engaged with the main character trio of Grace, Jean and Hannah, three very different women but all with skills to contribute to the Portobello detective agency (not forgetting Harvey the dog, of course!).
The main mystery plot is focused around addiction and its treatment, which can make for a very difficult and triggering read, but I became so engrossed in the suspicions around the clinic and the perils of the agency’s undercover work there that I flew through the whole story easily – completely immersed and barely breathing.
Action-packed and exciting, I will definitely look out for more from this series and am now very tempted to back-track to the first two books after all, to find out what I missed!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Regular readers will know that I don’t normally like to start reading partway through a series but a) the blurb just grabbed me and b) this stands alone just fine – not having read books 1 & 2 of the series didn’t affect my enjoyment of this third book at all!
I immediately engaged with the main character trio of Grace, Jean and Hannah, three very different women but all with skills to contribute to the Portobello detective agency (not forgetting Harvey the dog, of course!).
The main mystery plot is focused around addiction and its treatment, which can make for a very difficult and triggering read, but I became so engrossed in the suspicions around the clinic and the perils of the agency’s undercover work there that I flew through the whole story easily – completely immersed and barely breathing.
Action-packed and exciting, I will definitely look out for more from this series and am now very tempted to back-track to the first two books after all, to find out what I missed!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 2, 2024
When you actually work in the world of crime and murder, when you read about it you get VERY particular that it's done right! This is my first read from this author and I was really happy with how much was right. The office politics, the senior officers more like politicians than cops, the protocols that sometimes get in the way of investigations. I even know of uppity cop-kids like Julie!
Eliza's twin has gone missing. After a life pickled in alcohol, she had finally got clean but she was acting paranoid and seemed really unwell. When another couple of missing persons come to Grace's attention she knows there is something fishy about the Detox at Whiteadder House!
The relationship between Grace, Hannah and Jean really pulled me in - finally three FMC's who were the main protagonists of the story and really drew you into the story. I felt really connected to all of them in their own way. I must admit I struggled to like Brodie - I get he did a noble thing but ...grrrrrr he really annoyed me! Harvey was the epitome of a good boy and I really loved how he managed to get involved in the take down!
The story really set a fast pace and even though the time period covered was actually weeks, it only felt like days had passed from start to finish. The characters were all necessary to the story and weren't filler and there were a lot of twists and turns to keep things exciting. There were even a couple of WTF moments! I'll definitely be adding the earlier books to my TBR and I'll be keeping an eye out for book 4!
Eliza's twin has gone missing. After a life pickled in alcohol, she had finally got clean but she was acting paranoid and seemed really unwell. When another couple of missing persons come to Grace's attention she knows there is something fishy about the Detox at Whiteadder House!
The relationship between Grace, Hannah and Jean really pulled me in - finally three FMC's who were the main protagonists of the story and really drew you into the story. I felt really connected to all of them in their own way. I must admit I struggled to like Brodie - I get he did a noble thing but ...grrrrrr he really annoyed me! Harvey was the epitome of a good boy and I really loved how he managed to get involved in the take down!
The story really set a fast pace and even though the time period covered was actually weeks, it only felt like days had passed from start to finish. The characters were all necessary to the story and weren't filler and there were a lot of twists and turns to keep things exciting. There were even a couple of WTF moments! I'll definitely be adding the earlier books to my TBR and I'll be keeping an eye out for book 4!
June 25, 2024
I love a good mystery and this was a good mystery. This is the 3rd book in the Grace McKenna series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The characters were great; you could easily relate to the ones you needed to relate to and didn't like the characters you shouldn't like. The world-building and scene settings were very well done and I had no problem picturing the scenes in my head. The story is fast-paced with enough twists and turns to keep on flipping the pages. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed every second of it. I think the only thing that was a little downer was the plot. I figured that one out pretty quickly, but it didn't take away my curiosity if I was right. This book gives you the ‘cosy’ mystery vibe, but with the tension and suspense, it becomes a lot more. I like Jackie her writing style and she has no problem dragging you into the story from the very first page. If you are a fan of mystery, private detectives and you like to stay up just so you can finish a book, try this one out. In all fairness, the whole series is really nice, so if you are bored you can definitely binge-read these ones.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
May 29, 2024
The Portobello Detective Agency takes on its most dangerous investigation when Eliza Anderson seeks Detective Grace McKenna’s help to find her missing twin sister. Grace and her team member Hannah begin their search at the Whiteadder House, a rehabilitation facility deep in Scotland’s wilderness. They find that the claims for treatment at the facility are too good to be true. It is more like a luxury spa for the wealthy than a treatment facility for recovering drug addicts.
Hannah and Grace believe Eliza’s sister is a patient in the facility, and her life may be in danger. When a young woman who was believed to be a patient at the clinic was found dead at a nearby beach, other lives may also be in danger. The police were notified about the suspicious activities inside the clinic but failed to do anything about it.
Grace and Hannah are determined to find out the truth. In a heart-stopping move, they risk their own lives by infiltrating the clinic to uncover its corrupt activities and prevent more lives from being lost.
A gripping novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Hannah and Grace believe Eliza’s sister is a patient in the facility, and her life may be in danger. When a young woman who was believed to be a patient at the clinic was found dead at a nearby beach, other lives may also be in danger. The police were notified about the suspicious activities inside the clinic but failed to do anything about it.
Grace and Hannah are determined to find out the truth. In a heart-stopping move, they risk their own lives by infiltrating the clinic to uncover its corrupt activities and prevent more lives from being lost.
A gripping novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
May 29, 2024
Set in Scotland near Edinburgh, Grace McKenna runs a private investigation agency, with team members Hannah and Jean, and of course, her golden retriever Harvey. Her ex-husband Brodie is a police officer, and the two had almost gotten back together when Brodie’s girlfriend Julie announced that she was pregnant, drawing Brodie to her.
Grace’s client Eliza is desperate to locate her missing twin sister Beth, who had been a patient at the mysterious Whiteadder House rehab center to recover from her addictions. Grace’s investigation starts to reveal that there are some horrible things going on behind the scenes at the seemingly ideal rehab center. As Grace, Jean, and Hannah discover more about what the doctors are doing at Whiteadder, they are increasingly getting into very dangerous territory. Two mysterious bodies wash up on the beach. Are they associated with Whiteadder? Grace finds it difficult to get help from the police or even to know whom she can trust. Can she even trust Brodie? This story was so absorbing I read it in one day, taking only short breaks. Great suspense! I recommend it highly.
Grace’s client Eliza is desperate to locate her missing twin sister Beth, who had been a patient at the mysterious Whiteadder House rehab center to recover from her addictions. Grace’s investigation starts to reveal that there are some horrible things going on behind the scenes at the seemingly ideal rehab center. As Grace, Jean, and Hannah discover more about what the doctors are doing at Whiteadder, they are increasingly getting into very dangerous territory. Two mysterious bodies wash up on the beach. Are they associated with Whiteadder? Grace finds it difficult to get help from the police or even to know whom she can trust. Can she even trust Brodie? This story was so absorbing I read it in one day, taking only short breaks. Great suspense! I recommend it highly.
May 30, 2024
"Murder at Whiteadder House" by Jackie Baldwin is the third book in the Grace McKenna series, but it stands perfectly well on its own. Despite starting with book three, I never felt out of place. In fact, it made me eager to dive into books one and two!
This fantastic read kept me engrossed from the first page. If it hadn’t been for the late hour and my tired eyes, I could have devoured it in one sitting.
I instantly connected with Detective Grace McKenna. She’s nurturing and caring, yet a total badass who never gives in, no matter how intense things get. I also loved the importance of Grace’s dog 🐾, Harvey. Even though I’m not a dog lover myself, it was impossible not to root for him as a key character in the story.
The story of twins Eliza and Beth, and what they endured in their childhood and beyond, was equally compelling. The clever naming concept adds an intriguing layer to their story—I'll leave that for you to discover! Baldwin has a way of drawing you in with her characters and leaving you wanting more.
Have you ever found a book so captivating that you couldn't wait to read the rest of the series? 📚
This fantastic read kept me engrossed from the first page. If it hadn’t been for the late hour and my tired eyes, I could have devoured it in one sitting.
I instantly connected with Detective Grace McKenna. She’s nurturing and caring, yet a total badass who never gives in, no matter how intense things get. I also loved the importance of Grace’s dog 🐾, Harvey. Even though I’m not a dog lover myself, it was impossible not to root for him as a key character in the story.
The story of twins Eliza and Beth, and what they endured in their childhood and beyond, was equally compelling. The clever naming concept adds an intriguing layer to their story—I'll leave that for you to discover! Baldwin has a way of drawing you in with her characters and leaving you wanting more.
Have you ever found a book so captivating that you couldn't wait to read the rest of the series? 📚
June 3, 2024
I had the opportunity to read this mystery novel and though I started with the 3rd one, I put the 1st 2 on my TBR now. I do love a good mystery, especially with suspense.
This is about a private investigating agency run by ex-DCI Grace McKenna who has been tasked to find the twin sister of her client. While looking for the missing twin, she discovers that there are more missing individuals under the same circumstances. This takes Grace and her team to a too good to be true rehabilitation center for addiction called Whiteadder House.
While searching for these missing people she is also dealing major issues in her personal life (her only child died prior to book, possibly series, which caused issues in her marriage). But this won't stop her to finding out what is happening at Whiteadder House.
Grace is a bad ass PI who sees things the cops miss. She has an amazing team with Jean and Hannah, who are just as amazing (though Hannah does show to be naive, but she is young).
This book had some interesting twists that kept my interest all the way through. Can't wait to read the other books.
This is about a private investigating agency run by ex-DCI Grace McKenna who has been tasked to find the twin sister of her client. While looking for the missing twin, she discovers that there are more missing individuals under the same circumstances. This takes Grace and her team to a too good to be true rehabilitation center for addiction called Whiteadder House.
While searching for these missing people she is also dealing major issues in her personal life (her only child died prior to book, possibly series, which caused issues in her marriage). But this won't stop her to finding out what is happening at Whiteadder House.
Grace is a bad ass PI who sees things the cops miss. She has an amazing team with Jean and Hannah, who are just as amazing (though Hannah does show to be naive, but she is young).
This book had some interesting twists that kept my interest all the way through. Can't wait to read the other books.
June 7, 2024
Amazing Book!
This is Book 3 in the Grace McKenna Mystery Series.
I hadn't read Books 1 and 2 when I started this book, and while there is contextual information you're missing from Grace's personal life, it doesn't impact the telling of the story.
I was just left wondering what actually happened to Grace's son, but I've since bought Book 1 and Book 2 so I can find out .
I love this book. It was brilliant.
The story centres around the fiesty Grace and her all female detective agency staff (oh, and Harvey the Golden Retriever!) I loved how we had an all female team as usually it's a bloke running the agency and the women are just a sideact - it was brilliant to see these ladies taking centre stage and proving that they aren't damsels in distress.
I think of the entire twisty story, I only guessed one small detail, and Jackie managed to keep me hooked and even foxed me a few times
The actions of Whiteadder House was appalling, and I definitely didn't see that coming. I suspected something dodgy, but that is next level stuff.
It was a fantastic book that had me hooked until the bitter end!
Highlt recommend!
This is Book 3 in the Grace McKenna Mystery Series.
I hadn't read Books 1 and 2 when I started this book, and while there is contextual information you're missing from Grace's personal life, it doesn't impact the telling of the story.
I was just left wondering what actually happened to Grace's son, but I've since bought Book 1 and Book 2 so I can find out .
I love this book. It was brilliant.
The story centres around the fiesty Grace and her all female detective agency staff (oh, and Harvey the Golden Retriever!) I loved how we had an all female team as usually it's a bloke running the agency and the women are just a sideact - it was brilliant to see these ladies taking centre stage and proving that they aren't damsels in distress.
I think of the entire twisty story, I only guessed one small detail, and Jackie managed to keep me hooked and even foxed me a few times
The actions of Whiteadder House was appalling, and I definitely didn't see that coming. I suspected something dodgy, but that is next level stuff.
It was a fantastic book that had me hooked until the bitter end!
Highlt recommend!
June 10, 2024
This is the third book in the Detective Grace McKenna series and having read the first two books - Murder by the Seaside and Murder At Castle Traprain over the last year, I couldn't wait to dive back in.
It was great to back with the team for a new mystery.
I'm not sure whether it's because I already knew the main characters, but I found this kicked off straight from the first page.
The team works so well together but it was nice to see Hannah getting more involved in this case.
Grace is asked to help find Eliza's sister Beth, who has gone missing after she came out of rehab, fearing for her life.
In a bid to find Beth, Hannah heads to the clinic at Whiteadder and uncovers more than they bargained for.
Once again, the storyline immerses us straight away. The descriptive writing transports us right into the middle of the action and had me on the edge of my seat.
I'm really loving the settings within this series.
The exclusive rehab centre here, outwardly offering that helping hand on the way to recover, but what we uncover is so much more disturbing. A complete contrast.
Another brilliant read that I raced through! I can't wait to see what awaits us for book 4!
It was great to back with the team for a new mystery.
I'm not sure whether it's because I already knew the main characters, but I found this kicked off straight from the first page.
The team works so well together but it was nice to see Hannah getting more involved in this case.
Grace is asked to help find Eliza's sister Beth, who has gone missing after she came out of rehab, fearing for her life.
In a bid to find Beth, Hannah heads to the clinic at Whiteadder and uncovers more than they bargained for.
Once again, the storyline immerses us straight away. The descriptive writing transports us right into the middle of the action and had me on the edge of my seat.
I'm really loving the settings within this series.
The exclusive rehab centre here, outwardly offering that helping hand on the way to recover, but what we uncover is so much more disturbing. A complete contrast.
Another brilliant read that I raced through! I can't wait to see what awaits us for book 4!
June 4, 2024
This is the third book in the Portobello Detective Agency series, and, having not read the previous two, I was worried I wouldn't be able to get to grips with it. Luckily, the first few chapters offered a great recap, and I was drawn into the new mystery straight away.
When Grace is contacted by Eliza to help find her missing twin, Beth, I never imagined the twists and turns we would encounter in this book. The depth of corruption runs deep in this one, and Grace finds that she can't trust anyone other than her team. They go undercover to a rehab clinic looking for Beth, where everything gets worse.
I was on the edge of my seat for the second half of this book, not knowing what was going to happen next. The suspense was brilliant! I also loved the way the mystery was woven into the personal lives of the main characters. I enjoyed getting to know them through the story and seeing how they dealt with everything that was thrust upon them.
I look forward to seeing more from this author!
When Grace is contacted by Eliza to help find her missing twin, Beth, I never imagined the twists and turns we would encounter in this book. The depth of corruption runs deep in this one, and Grace finds that she can't trust anyone other than her team. They go undercover to a rehab clinic looking for Beth, where everything gets worse.
I was on the edge of my seat for the second half of this book, not knowing what was going to happen next. The suspense was brilliant! I also loved the way the mystery was woven into the personal lives of the main characters. I enjoyed getting to know them through the story and seeing how they dealt with everything that was thrust upon them.
I look forward to seeing more from this author!
May 29, 2024
When Eliza Anderson walks through Grace McKenna’s door begging for help finding her missing twin sister, it sparks the Portobello Detective Agency’s most dangerous investigation to date. The trail leads Grace and her team to a plush clinic nestled in Scotland’s remote wilderness. On the surface, Whiteadder House seems too good to be true, offering miracle cures and luxury comfort at no cost. But as they dig deeper, the cracks start to show.
The third outing for Grace, Jean & Hannah & another very enjoyable cosy mystery. It could easily be read on its own but with all series I have to start at the beginning as part of their joy for me is how the characters & their relationships develop throughout a series. A well paced mystery that had me glued to my kindle, there are of course twists & turns & I was left guessing as the mystery unfolded
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third outing for Grace, Jean & Hannah & another very enjoyable cosy mystery. It could easily be read on its own but with all series I have to start at the beginning as part of their joy for me is how the characters & their relationships develop throughout a series. A well paced mystery that had me glued to my kindle, there are of course twists & turns & I was left guessing as the mystery unfolded
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews