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The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency #4
Death in a Scottish Castle
When Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy travel to a remote Scottish castle, the last thing they expect to find is a locked room murder mystery. Can they prise open this case and catch a killer?
Scotland, 1912: When Maud and Daisy travel to Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull to investigate the theft of a valuable statuette, at first the case seems straightforward. But when their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed, the detective duo realise the castle is under attack…
At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it, and learn that the mysteries are linked!
When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And with the estate full of potential suspects, Maud and Daisy must work fast to uncover the murderer. Could it be the castle’s owner, Magnus Carmichael, avenging his stolen statuette? Or pretty Jane Tremain, disgruntled daughter of the deceased?
Facing their most difficult case yet, Maud and Daisy must find the key to solving the mystery. But with so many suspects, which one will finally unlock the truth?
An unputdownable historical whodunnit, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.
Scotland, 1912: When Maud and Daisy travel to Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull to investigate the theft of a valuable statuette, at first the case seems straightforward. But when their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed, the detective duo realise the castle is under attack…
At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it, and learn that the mysteries are linked!
When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And with the estate full of potential suspects, Maud and Daisy must work fast to uncover the murderer. Could it be the castle’s owner, Magnus Carmichael, avenging his stolen statuette? Or pretty Jane Tremain, disgruntled daughter of the deceased?
Facing their most difficult case yet, Maud and Daisy must find the key to solving the mystery. But with so many suspects, which one will finally unlock the truth?
An unputdownable historical whodunnit, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2024
387 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 7, 2024
When Maud and Daisy received a message that their old friend, Lord Urquhart, needed their assistance at Clachlan Castle on the Isle of Mull, the two women left their business - M. McIntyre Detective Agency in Edinburgh - to immediately head there. It was 1912 in a cold, wintery Scotland, with dense fog, storms of fierce lightning and loud claps of thunder, and Maud and Daisy had no idea what was ahead of them. The castle's owner, Magnus Carmichael, was a pleasant man until he was angered, and his few guests were a mottled lot.
When first one of the castle's guests was murdered, then the police officer who was collecting clues and interviewing staff and guests, was also murdered, Maud and Daisy were well on the trail of the killer - obviously someone from within Clachlan - but they were puzzled. A locked room murder for the first one; an impossibility for the second. But the two detectives were determined. Would they discover the killer before the police arrived on the island?
I was sad to read at the end of the story, that Death in a Scottish Castle is the final book in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series by Lydia Travers as I have enjoyed them all. This one (#4), is the best yet in my opinion. Maud and Daisy are well written characters, and complement each other well. I love "listening" to Daisy talk in her broad Scottish accent, as they work out the clues and head toward a result. An excellent story; a great series and one I recommend to fans of historical cosies.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When first one of the castle's guests was murdered, then the police officer who was collecting clues and interviewing staff and guests, was also murdered, Maud and Daisy were well on the trail of the killer - obviously someone from within Clachlan - but they were puzzled. A locked room murder for the first one; an impossibility for the second. But the two detectives were determined. Would they discover the killer before the police arrived on the island?
I was sad to read at the end of the story, that Death in a Scottish Castle is the final book in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series by Lydia Travers as I have enjoyed them all. This one (#4), is the best yet in my opinion. Maud and Daisy are well written characters, and complement each other well. I love "listening" to Daisy talk in her broad Scottish accent, as they work out the clues and head toward a result. An excellent story; a great series and one I recommend to fans of historical cosies.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
Love Daisy and Maud and Lord U! 😍 I liked the two mysteries (or really three actually!) tied up in one setting. The isle of Mull setting was fantastic. The staff of the castle was a favorite part too. I really hope this series gets to continue even though it would look different after the very satisfying and heartwarming ending.
July 12, 2024
Maud McIntyre and her friend Daisy are becoming more known as the two ladies who solve various crimes. Some of the crimes may be smaller, but they are not afraid to work on a murder case, and are determined to gain the respect of others around them, even if their lives continue to take them in different directions. .
There have been some mysterious deaths that definitely seem like murder, but as they are determined to figure out the why and who, Maud and Daisy are positive the deaths are not coincidences. In fact, as they are currently undercover at a castle, the ladies definitely have more than one suspect to consider.
Both Maud and Daisy have been delightful characters in this cozy mystery series. As a readier drawn to these well-written stories by Lydia Travers, I did feel a strong sense of sadness to see the series coming to the end. I look forward to following Ms. Travers’ next series as she has shown herself to be a skilled writer with intriguing stories.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
There have been some mysterious deaths that definitely seem like murder, but as they are determined to figure out the why and who, Maud and Daisy are positive the deaths are not coincidences. In fact, as they are currently undercover at a castle, the ladies definitely have more than one suspect to consider.
Both Maud and Daisy have been delightful characters in this cozy mystery series. As a readier drawn to these well-written stories by Lydia Travers, I did feel a strong sense of sadness to see the series coming to the end. I look forward to following Ms. Travers’ next series as she has shown herself to be a skilled writer with intriguing stories.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 29, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of four.
Maud and Daisy are asked to come to a castle to investigate the disappearance of a statue. This leads to two murders an Daisy being accused of murder. Maud and the Lord uncover the truth leading to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers romantic family and friends relationships British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
This kindle novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of four.
Maud and Daisy are asked to come to a castle to investigate the disappearance of a statue. This leads to two murders an Daisy being accused of murder. Maud and the Lord uncover the truth leading to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers romantic family and friends relationships British 🏰 mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
July 14, 2024
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery series set in Scotland during the early 1910s. Each book has been a delight to dive into and unravel the mystery put forth. Maud and Daisy are thoroughly modern women, much to the consternation of the many men they encounter along the way, and the way the author writes them for the most part is great! However, I have issues with the insertion of a romantic interest for Maud with Lord U; she’s supposed to be this strong and independent woman, but she practically falls in a puddle whenever he is around. The romance is minor, to be sure, but I find that aspect of the books takes away from my overall enjoyment of the solving of a mystery by two capable women (who don’t need a man to make their lives complete!) That’s the only thing I can find to complain about with this mystery series.
As usual, Lydia Travers lays down the mystery in expert form, laying out clues and red herrings into the death of Mr. Tremain and the subsequent death of the police sergeant. There’s even one point where one of the women makes a point of saying it is quite literally a locked room mystery.
I’m a big fan of dialogue in stories rather than long expositions of scene settings and the like, and this mystery does that in spades. Much is revealed in the conversations amongst the characters, so one must pay attention; that offhand comment could be a vital clue! I did have the murderer narrowed down by the time of the big reveal by following the little breadcrumbs the author left. Brilliant writing!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery series set in Scotland during the early 1910s. Each book has been a delight to dive into and unravel the mystery put forth. Maud and Daisy are thoroughly modern women, much to the consternation of the many men they encounter along the way, and the way the author writes them for the most part is great! However, I have issues with the insertion of a romantic interest for Maud with Lord U; she’s supposed to be this strong and independent woman, but she practically falls in a puddle whenever he is around. The romance is minor, to be sure, but I find that aspect of the books takes away from my overall enjoyment of the solving of a mystery by two capable women (who don’t need a man to make their lives complete!) That’s the only thing I can find to complain about with this mystery series.
As usual, Lydia Travers lays down the mystery in expert form, laying out clues and red herrings into the death of Mr. Tremain and the subsequent death of the police sergeant. There’s even one point where one of the women makes a point of saying it is quite literally a locked room mystery.
I’m a big fan of dialogue in stories rather than long expositions of scene settings and the like, and this mystery does that in spades. Much is revealed in the conversations amongst the characters, so one must pay attention; that offhand comment could be a vital clue! I did have the murderer narrowed down by the time of the big reveal by following the little breadcrumbs the author left. Brilliant writing!
September 23, 2024
Maud and Daisy are invited to a castle on a remote island by Lord Urquhart who needs them to come investigate the mystery of a missing bronze statue. It seems Lord U has fallen under suspicion and knows Maud and Daisy can clear his name. Posing as a crime writer and her secretary, the sleuths are invited to stay at Cremore Castle at a house party hosted by Magnus Carmichael, an old school tie of Lord U's. At dinner one of the guests, Mr Neil Tremain, becomes ill with indigestion and retires to bed. The next morning Mr. Tremain cannot be roused and his door is locked from the inside. When the doctor breaks down the door and checks on Mr. Tremain, the man is dead with a small puncture wound in his chest. How can that be when the door was locked from the inside and the doctor believes Mr. Tremain has only been dead a few hours? The local police sergeant is happy to have Daisy's insights but when he, too, ends up dead, Daisy becomes the prime suspect! Everyone knows Daisy couldn't have killed the man but she's locked in her room until the bad weather subsides and the police can come from the mainland. Maud knows she has to solve this one on her own to save her friend. She's not quite on her own though, Lord U volunteers to be her Watson and help solve both mysteries! Maud is flustered and confused by his attentions and even more confused by her reaction. She reluctantly agrees to let him help if only to save Daisy.
This was another great mystery and I am sad the series has come to an end. The romantic subplot was rushed because this is the last book. Haven't they only met a few times in the last 6 months? That's pretty fast even for 1912. The mysteries were twisty and though I thought I knew who the murderer was, there was a lot of obfuscation and conflicting information so I wasn't 100% certain until Maud and Daisy find the right clues. The mystery of the missing statue is tied into the murder case but there's a third mystery that is the real reason Lord U is visiting the castle. That one added a little too much on top of the romance. The story took a darker, more political turn. 1912 looks a whole lot like 100 years later and I'd rather read a more escapist story romanticizing the past right now. I loved the Austen references and the secret passage section was so funny. It was good satire. Jane would approve. Catherine Morland would be so disappointed! YET not ... a little anyway.
Maud is a great heroine. She possesses an insatiable curiosity which makes her not well-suited "to the round of amusements which make up the futile existence of some parts of society." I can relate.
She's so smart and well read but most of what she reads is fiction! She's a great admirer of Sherlock Holmes and apparently Jane Austen. Has she read Pride and Prejudice? LOL! She's stuck in the middle of her own Lizzie-Darcy romance. Maud is proud and she's prejudiced against Lord U because he seems like a foppish man about town with no substance. She doesn't like how he teases her and makes jokes whenever they're together. Of course the reader can see he makes her feel discombobulated because she's attracted to him. Maud takes her work seriously but she doesn't yet know how to value herself as a woman and doesn't think any man, especially a Baron, would want to marry her. She's too old, unfashionable, smart and opinionated. It seems to this reader all of those qualities attract Lord U! He just wants her to lighten up a bit more and not take life so seriously. There's plenty of evil and darkness in the world but there's nothing wrong with laughter and carrying on with a light heart. I think he likes needling Maud to get her upset on purpose. It's kind of a perverse pleasure for him, maybe. They have only met 3 times in the last 6 months and don't know each other very well yet. He dumps his backstory on her all in one scene. She kind of figured it out on her own the same way I did. Her feelings and wishes change very suddenly. I wish there was another book or two for more of a slow burn.
Daisy is so much fun. She gets really into her role as crime writer's secretary and the tale she comes up with is worthy of a penny dreadful. I like how Daisy can code switch from serving class to middle class easily. She's a loyal and devoted friend and fellow detective. I don't think Maud gives Daisy enough credit for her intelligence and capability. It is amazing how resilient Daisy is even when locked up. She's also more perceptive than Maud and notices things no one else does. It's terrible that because she's a former servant and an outsider, she's a scapegoat for murder. She's the one solving the crime and not the sergeant! Perhaps locking her up is keeping her safe.
Magnus Carmichael, the host, is an enthusiastic crime novel reader and eager to welcome strangers into his home when he thinks Maud is a novelist. He's not too bright. When he learns the truth he's angry and doesn't behave like a good host. Yes he was tricked and yes Lord U invited them for a purpose so I understand his anger but automatically accusing Daisy of murder is not the action of a congenial host. Then in the end, he seems to claim credit for solving the crime! His sister, Ailsa, is his hostess. An older woman and spinster, she is a content homebody who doesn't socialize much. When things go wrong she takes to her bed. Is she hiding because she's a murderer? If she pretends to be sick she can hide evidence and Maud and Daisy won't come in her room. There's very little chance she's the killer but she could be. Alisa disliked Neil for some reason. If the private detectives can figure out why, they have a motive.
Houseguest Mr Neil Tremain is a grumpy old man. I get the impression he's cheap if not impoverished. It's likely he stole the statue Lord U is interested in but no one can prove it. Why did he steal the statue? Is that what got him killed? His daughter Jane indicates he's a terrible father but she sounds spoiled to me. Jane seems to be upset over her father's death but will she miss HIM or his money? Jane is a catty mean girl trying to make Maud look bad in front of Lord U but not succeeding. Jane doesn't know Maud is higher up on the social scale than she is and merely chooses to work and dress simply. Of course Maud knows what happens at a court presentation and who Paquin and Worth are but she's too sensible to let those things matter. She's also wise enough not to be catty back and put Jane in her place. If Daisy heard, she probably would go ballistic and defend Maud. Jane is trying, unsuccessfully, to "catch" Lord U. Perhaps she didn't "take" during her season because of her father. Poor young woman. I hope his death frees her to find a worthwhile purpose. She does seem aware of the world even if she claims to be anti-women's suffrage. She clarifies and makes her point logically and Maud agrees with Jane's claim that the WSPU "deeds not words" tactics are too much. I agree as well. Now, the American women chaining themselves to the White House fence is a different story... I think Jane is just young and confused. She's doing what she's expected to do but times will soon be changing and she will hopefully mature and change course. Unless she killed her father. Then she'll probably get away with it because she's young and pretty and be free to trap some more titled young gentleman into marriage with her.
Sergeant McNeish, the local policeman, is a nice young man but way out of his depth. A few smiles from Daisy and encouragement and he's smitten. It makes it easier for the private detectives to direct the investigation and share what they've learned. Sargeant McNeish is smart and may have gotten the right suspect eventually but it would have taken time. Andrew, the footman, was the one who cried the alarm when he couldn't get Mr. Tremaine to answer the door in the morning. Andrew was one of the first on the scene and the one who opened the drapes. He seems a little suspicious and was in the right place at the right time for both murders. Dr. Roderick Munro, an old family friend, has the medical knowledge necessary to stab a man in the heart but why would he do that? He's a doctor. Kirsty, the maid, is one of those new socialist types. She believes she's too good to be a kitchen maid forever. In her mind, everyone is equal. She was lurking in the hallway upstairs the day before Mr. T was found dead. What was she doing there? The gardener's boy, Peddie, claims to have seen a ghost on the castle grounds. That gives us a new suspect, assuming there's no such thing as ghosts. Who is the woman in grey and what is she doing lurking around?
The murderer is
I enjoyed this series and shall miss Maud and Daisy. Perhaps a spin-off? "The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency" title still works.
This was another great mystery and I am sad the series has come to an end. The romantic subplot was rushed because this is the last book. Haven't they only met a few times in the last 6 months? That's pretty fast even for 1912. The mysteries were twisty and though I thought I knew who the murderer was, there was a lot of obfuscation and conflicting information so I wasn't 100% certain until Maud and Daisy find the right clues. The mystery of the missing statue is tied into the murder case but there's a third mystery that is the real reason Lord U is visiting the castle. That one added a little too much on top of the romance. The story took a darker, more political turn. 1912 looks a whole lot like 100 years later and I'd rather read a more escapist story romanticizing the past right now. I loved the Austen references and the secret passage section was so funny. It was good satire. Jane would approve. Catherine Morland would be so disappointed! YET not ... a little anyway.
Maud is a great heroine. She possesses an insatiable curiosity which makes her not well-suited "to the round of amusements which make up the futile existence of some parts of society." I can relate.
She's so smart and well read but most of what she reads is fiction! She's a great admirer of Sherlock Holmes and apparently Jane Austen. Has she read Pride and Prejudice? LOL! She's stuck in the middle of her own Lizzie-Darcy romance. Maud is proud and she's prejudiced against Lord U because he seems like a foppish man about town with no substance. She doesn't like how he teases her and makes jokes whenever they're together. Of course the reader can see he makes her feel discombobulated because she's attracted to him. Maud takes her work seriously but she doesn't yet know how to value herself as a woman and doesn't think any man, especially a Baron, would want to marry her. She's too old, unfashionable, smart and opinionated. It seems to this reader all of those qualities attract Lord U! He just wants her to lighten up a bit more and not take life so seriously. There's plenty of evil and darkness in the world but there's nothing wrong with laughter and carrying on with a light heart. I think he likes needling Maud to get her upset on purpose. It's kind of a perverse pleasure for him, maybe. They have only met 3 times in the last 6 months and don't know each other very well yet. He dumps his backstory on her all in one scene. She kind of figured it out on her own the same way I did. Her feelings and wishes change very suddenly. I wish there was another book or two for more of a slow burn.
Daisy is so much fun. She gets really into her role as crime writer's secretary and the tale she comes up with is worthy of a penny dreadful. I like how Daisy can code switch from serving class to middle class easily. She's a loyal and devoted friend and fellow detective. I don't think Maud gives Daisy enough credit for her intelligence and capability. It is amazing how resilient Daisy is even when locked up. She's also more perceptive than Maud and notices things no one else does. It's terrible that because she's a former servant and an outsider, she's a scapegoat for murder. She's the one solving the crime and not the sergeant! Perhaps locking her up is keeping her safe.
Magnus Carmichael, the host, is an enthusiastic crime novel reader and eager to welcome strangers into his home when he thinks Maud is a novelist. He's not too bright. When he learns the truth he's angry and doesn't behave like a good host. Yes he was tricked and yes Lord U invited them for a purpose so I understand his anger but automatically accusing Daisy of murder is not the action of a congenial host. Then in the end, he seems to claim credit for solving the crime! His sister, Ailsa, is his hostess. An older woman and spinster, she is a content homebody who doesn't socialize much. When things go wrong she takes to her bed. Is she hiding because she's a murderer? If she pretends to be sick she can hide evidence and Maud and Daisy won't come in her room. There's very little chance she's the killer but she could be. Alisa disliked Neil for some reason. If the private detectives can figure out why, they have a motive.
Houseguest Mr Neil Tremain is a grumpy old man. I get the impression he's cheap if not impoverished. It's likely he stole the statue Lord U is interested in but no one can prove it. Why did he steal the statue? Is that what got him killed? His daughter Jane indicates he's a terrible father but she sounds spoiled to me. Jane seems to be upset over her father's death but will she miss HIM or his money? Jane is a catty mean girl trying to make Maud look bad in front of Lord U but not succeeding. Jane doesn't know Maud is higher up on the social scale than she is and merely chooses to work and dress simply. Of course Maud knows what happens at a court presentation and who Paquin and Worth are but she's too sensible to let those things matter. She's also wise enough not to be catty back and put Jane in her place. If Daisy heard, she probably would go ballistic and defend Maud. Jane is trying, unsuccessfully, to "catch" Lord U. Perhaps she didn't "take" during her season because of her father. Poor young woman. I hope his death frees her to find a worthwhile purpose. She does seem aware of the world even if she claims to be anti-women's suffrage. She clarifies and makes her point logically and Maud agrees with Jane's claim that the WSPU "deeds not words" tactics are too much. I agree as well. Now, the American women chaining themselves to the White House fence is a different story... I think Jane is just young and confused. She's doing what she's expected to do but times will soon be changing and she will hopefully mature and change course. Unless she killed her father. Then she'll probably get away with it because she's young and pretty and be free to trap some more titled young gentleman into marriage with her.
Sergeant McNeish, the local policeman, is a nice young man but way out of his depth. A few smiles from Daisy and encouragement and he's smitten. It makes it easier for the private detectives to direct the investigation and share what they've learned. Sargeant McNeish is smart and may have gotten the right suspect eventually but it would have taken time. Andrew, the footman, was the one who cried the alarm when he couldn't get Mr. Tremaine to answer the door in the morning. Andrew was one of the first on the scene and the one who opened the drapes. He seems a little suspicious and was in the right place at the right time for both murders. Dr. Roderick Munro, an old family friend, has the medical knowledge necessary to stab a man in the heart but why would he do that? He's a doctor. Kirsty, the maid, is one of those new socialist types. She believes she's too good to be a kitchen maid forever. In her mind, everyone is equal. She was lurking in the hallway upstairs the day before Mr. T was found dead. What was she doing there? The gardener's boy, Peddie, claims to have seen a ghost on the castle grounds. That gives us a new suspect, assuming there's no such thing as ghosts. Who is the woman in grey and what is she doing lurking around?
The murderer is
I enjoyed this series and shall miss Maud and Daisy. Perhaps a spin-off? "The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency" title still works.
July 10, 2024
4.5 Stars
Maud McIntyre & Daisy Cameron are asked by Lord Hamish Urquhart to investigate the theft of a statue from Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull so they set off posing as a crime writer & her assistant. But then their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed. At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it could the mysteries be linked? When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And Daisy becomes the prime suspect.
The fourth & final book in the series, which is a shame as I felt that Maud & Daisy were just getting into their stride. This is my favourite of the series so it ends on a high note & for other reasons too! There are only a limited number of suspects but plenty of twists & turns, which kept me guessing. Also secrets are revealed & Maud & Daisy prepare to move forward with their lives & the agency. An entertaining cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Maud McIntyre & Daisy Cameron are asked by Lord Hamish Urquhart to investigate the theft of a statue from Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull so they set off posing as a crime writer & her assistant. But then their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed. At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it could the mysteries be linked? When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And Daisy becomes the prime suspect.
The fourth & final book in the series, which is a shame as I felt that Maud & Daisy were just getting into their stride. This is my favourite of the series so it ends on a high note & for other reasons too! There are only a limited number of suspects but plenty of twists & turns, which kept me guessing. Also secrets are revealed & Maud & Daisy prepare to move forward with their lives & the agency. An entertaining cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 13, 2024
3.75 stars
This is one of several quite readable pre-World War I series featuring strong female protagonists with a hint of aristocratic romance while crime solving.
This time out, private investigators Maud and Daisy are requested to find a missing sculpture at a country Scottish estate. But the case turns into a lot more when the suspected thief and weekend house guest is found murdered inside his locked bedroom. The sculpture is found, but that only adds to the mystery. And when the local investigating copper is also murdered under seemingly impossible circumstances, things get murky.
It's always nice to see a historical mystery featuring intelligent and self-sufficient women. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is one of several quite readable pre-World War I series featuring strong female protagonists with a hint of aristocratic romance while crime solving.
This time out, private investigators Maud and Daisy are requested to find a missing sculpture at a country Scottish estate. But the case turns into a lot more when the suspected thief and weekend house guest is found murdered inside his locked bedroom. The sculpture is found, but that only adds to the mystery. And when the local investigating copper is also murdered under seemingly impossible circumstances, things get murky.
It's always nice to see a historical mystery featuring intelligent and self-sufficient women. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2024
This is the 4th book in the series where Miss Maude McIntyre and her former ladies maid, Daisy Carmichael, operate undercover to solve a mystery for for M. McIntyre Ladies Detective Agency. At the invitation of the handsome and mysterious Lord Urquhart, the ladies travel under pseudonyms, pretending to be a crime novelist and assistant, to discreetly solve a theft. A theft quickly changes to a double murder and Maud must work to clear Daisy’s name as a suspect while trying to manage her conflicted feelings for Lord Urquhart. It is not easy to solve a murder in a locked room but Maud and Daisy persist by reviewing alibis, motives, and lessons from Sherlock Holmes and Jane Austen to guide them. This book brings Daisy into her own, showing her prowess as a sleuth and not just a former maid or assistant, which is great timing for Maud.
June 30, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Death in a Scottish Castle" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the fourth book in The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency and quite disappointingly it appears to be the last book in this rather short series. The reader has barely had a chance to get to know the characters and to look forward to their adventures. When a series is well-written and interesting, one wants to see more of the characters and their stories, instead of starting over with a new series and characters.
Maud and Daisy from the M. McIntyre Agency in Edinburgh receive a request from a favourite character from all the previous books Lord Hamish Urquhart to come to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull to help investigate a stolen bronze statue - that he may have been accused of stealing. It is a figure of a lion that Magnus Carmichael might be interested in selling. The Lord believes that another guest Neil Tremain might have stolen it. Hence asking the ladies to come and investigate. They decide to arrive undercover are Miss Maisie Smart an author and her secretary Miss Lucy Graham.
No sooner do they arrive at Clachan Castle than there is a murder. It is a true locked room mystery where there is no way that the murderer could have left the room. The door was locked, the windows were shuttered, there is no other way out of the room. One character will immediately be suspicious to the reader.
When the murder feels that he is about to be exposed, another murder occurs to prevent suspicion falling on him. Unfortunately, the prime suspect for the second murder is Daisy and the penalty for murder is hanging.
Everyone seems to overlook a key piece of evidence that the reader will catch onto early.
There is also a historic case, once revealed will lead to the murderer. The Procurator Fiscal in that historic case ruled it an accidental death but for our murderer, revenge is the only ruling.
We learn Lord Urquhart's true profession (which could have opened up several more books in the series). Sadly this was a very interesting series that had a very short life-span.
This is the fourth book in The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency and quite disappointingly it appears to be the last book in this rather short series. The reader has barely had a chance to get to know the characters and to look forward to their adventures. When a series is well-written and interesting, one wants to see more of the characters and their stories, instead of starting over with a new series and characters.
Maud and Daisy from the M. McIntyre Agency in Edinburgh receive a request from a favourite character from all the previous books Lord Hamish Urquhart to come to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull to help investigate a stolen bronze statue - that he may have been accused of stealing. It is a figure of a lion that Magnus Carmichael might be interested in selling. The Lord believes that another guest Neil Tremain might have stolen it. Hence asking the ladies to come and investigate. They decide to arrive undercover are Miss Maisie Smart an author and her secretary Miss Lucy Graham.
No sooner do they arrive at Clachan Castle than there is a murder. It is a true locked room mystery where there is no way that the murderer could have left the room. The door was locked, the windows were shuttered, there is no other way out of the room. One character will immediately be suspicious to the reader.
When the murder feels that he is about to be exposed, another murder occurs to prevent suspicion falling on him. Unfortunately, the prime suspect for the second murder is Daisy and the penalty for murder is hanging.
Everyone seems to overlook a key piece of evidence that the reader will catch onto early.
There is also a historic case, once revealed will lead to the murderer. The Procurator Fiscal in that historic case ruled it an accidental death but for our murderer, revenge is the only ruling.
We learn Lord Urquhart's true profession (which could have opened up several more books in the series). Sadly this was a very interesting series that had a very short life-span.
November 1, 2024
The ladies from the M. McIntyre Detective Agency, once again venture into the Highlands. This time, at the invitation of Lord Hamish Urquhart, a guest at Clachan Castle, who has been accused of stealing a valuable statuette by his host and wants Maud and Daisy to find it and clear his name.
As in the previous novel, Maud and Daisy decide they should not advertise they are private investigators and so arrive at Clachan Castle as a crime novelist and her secretary. Of course, this subterfuge only lasts for a short time until they are forced to confess who they really are and find themselves at odds with the owner of the castle, Magnus Carmichael.
Thwarted in an tempt to search the rooms of Neil Tremain, the man Lord Hamish suspects has stolen the statuette, their investigation is further scuppered when Tremain is found dead in his room. Overnight, their search for a missing statuette turns into a murder enquiry, a puzzling one with all the classic hallmarks of a locked room mystery.
The young sergeant left in charge is not adverse to taking advice or sharing information with Maud and Daisy. When he is murdered, Daisy becomes the prime suspect and is side-lined from the investigation, leaving Maud no alternative but to accept Lord Hamish's help which, at times, Maud finds distracting. However, persistence is the key and when another crime, although a historic one, is uncovered, the pieces quickly fall into place.
It was disappointing to read that this is the last book of the series, especially now that Maud and Daisy's partnership is so successful and their agency is gaining a solid reputation. This was another excellent mystery and a great one to conclude the series with. Although I had a suspect in mind, I had to wait for Maud and Daisy's reveal, which once again was very cleverly deduced.
And finally, Lord Hamish Urquhart's profession is revealed, which would have made for some very interesting story lines. Perhaps there will be a spin-off series. I hope so.
As in the previous novel, Maud and Daisy decide they should not advertise they are private investigators and so arrive at Clachan Castle as a crime novelist and her secretary. Of course, this subterfuge only lasts for a short time until they are forced to confess who they really are and find themselves at odds with the owner of the castle, Magnus Carmichael.
Thwarted in an tempt to search the rooms of Neil Tremain, the man Lord Hamish suspects has stolen the statuette, their investigation is further scuppered when Tremain is found dead in his room. Overnight, their search for a missing statuette turns into a murder enquiry, a puzzling one with all the classic hallmarks of a locked room mystery.
The young sergeant left in charge is not adverse to taking advice or sharing information with Maud and Daisy. When he is murdered, Daisy becomes the prime suspect and is side-lined from the investigation, leaving Maud no alternative but to accept Lord Hamish's help which, at times, Maud finds distracting. However, persistence is the key and when another crime, although a historic one, is uncovered, the pieces quickly fall into place.
It was disappointing to read that this is the last book of the series, especially now that Maud and Daisy's partnership is so successful and their agency is gaining a solid reputation. This was another excellent mystery and a great one to conclude the series with. Although I had a suspect in mind, I had to wait for Maud and Daisy's reveal, which once again was very cleverly deduced.
And finally, Lord Hamish Urquhart's profession is revealed, which would have made for some very interesting story lines. Perhaps there will be a spin-off series. I hope so.
July 11, 2025
Lol I have rated the books in this series 4...3...2...1.
This book is the worst. Let me come to the mystery and the bumbling investigation later. First of all, and this is unpardonable, the author doesn't seem to have read her own work.
Basic error #1 - The sergeant tells 'the three men' about the priest hole. The three men being Lord Urquhart, the doctor and Magnus. The very next chapter, Magnus asks 'what priest hole?'. Daisy explains it to him. These two conversations are a few minutes apart BTW.
Basic error #2 - Maud and Daisy ask Isobel and Andrew about who was where when Neil was given bicarb of soda. Isobel explains. Much much later, Daisy reveals to Maud how Isobel wasn't in the room when Neil was given the indigestion remedy. What is going on? Are all these people high? Why do none of them remember what the other person is saying?
Story error #3 - This is really lazy. So much is made about when all the doors to the castle are locked and opened. And yet, two different people are later revealed to have entered the castle without anyone being the wiser. No explanation about how or why no one saw them is given.
Now coming to the locked room mystery. I should have known the second 'Mystery of the Yellow Room' showed up (a terrible work in its own right), that this one was going to be a dud. But the author commits the cardinal sin of having another murder. You NEVER do that in a locked room mystery. The villain becomes immediately apparent. Seriously, if one can figure out the villain at 29% of the book, it's a disaster.
Now to the romance bit,
And don't even get me started on that ending. Is this the end of the series? Don't know.
This book is the worst. Let me come to the mystery and the bumbling investigation later. First of all, and this is unpardonable, the author doesn't seem to have read her own work.
Basic error #1 - The sergeant tells 'the three men' about the priest hole. The three men being Lord Urquhart, the doctor and Magnus. The very next chapter, Magnus asks 'what priest hole?'. Daisy explains it to him. These two conversations are a few minutes apart BTW.
Basic error #2 - Maud and Daisy ask Isobel and Andrew about who was where when Neil was given bicarb of soda. Isobel explains. Much much later, Daisy reveals to Maud how Isobel wasn't in the room when Neil was given the indigestion remedy. What is going on? Are all these people high? Why do none of them remember what the other person is saying?
Story error #3 - This is really lazy. So much is made about when all the doors to the castle are locked and opened. And yet, two different people are later revealed to have entered the castle without anyone being the wiser. No explanation about how or why no one saw them is given.
Now coming to the locked room mystery. I should have known the second 'Mystery of the Yellow Room' showed up (a terrible work in its own right), that this one was going to be a dud. But the author commits the cardinal sin of having another murder. You NEVER do that in a locked room mystery. The villain becomes immediately apparent. Seriously, if one can figure out the villain at 29% of the book, it's a disaster.
Now to the romance bit,
And don't even get me started on that ending. Is this the end of the series? Don't know.
September 23, 2024
Fans of historical whodunnits will love Death in a Scottish Castle, the latest installment in Lydia Travers’ terrific Edwardian mystery series featuring Maud McIntyre and her assistant, Daisy.
Scotland, 1912 and Maud and Daisy are on the move again. Travelling to the Isle of Mull and to Clachan Castle, the two detectives have been tasked with investigating the theft of a precious statuette. Maud and Daisy immediately think that they might have cracked the case – until their prime suspect Mr Tremain is found murdered in his bed and the duo realise that the castle is under attack! But with the doors and windows to his room having been securely locked, how could the murderer have possibly killed Mr Tremain when there was no room for escape?
As the sleuths begin investigating, they discover a secret panel with the stolen statuette behind it. As they edge ever closer to the truth, the case takes another chilling turn when the sergeant investigating Mr Tremain’s murder is found dead. With a castle full of suspects and time not on their side, Maud and Daisy need to work hard to unmask the killer. But who could it be? Magnus Carmichael, the castle’s owner? Mr Tremain’s daughter, Jane? Or someone hiding in plain sight?
Maud and Daisy have certainly got their work cut out for them. Will they be able to solve this case in time? Or will a dangerous killer end up getting away with murder?
Lydia Travers’ Death in a Scottish Castle is a fun historical mystery, with two clever, intuitive and redoubtable sleuths, that readers will find themselves devouring in a matter of hours. Full of atmosphere, red herrings and nail-biting intrigue that will keep crime fiction fans on the edge of their seats, Death in a Scottish Castle is a gripping historical cosy mystery from Lydia Travers perfect for Verity Bright and Helena Dixon fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Scotland, 1912 and Maud and Daisy are on the move again. Travelling to the Isle of Mull and to Clachan Castle, the two detectives have been tasked with investigating the theft of a precious statuette. Maud and Daisy immediately think that they might have cracked the case – until their prime suspect Mr Tremain is found murdered in his bed and the duo realise that the castle is under attack! But with the doors and windows to his room having been securely locked, how could the murderer have possibly killed Mr Tremain when there was no room for escape?
As the sleuths begin investigating, they discover a secret panel with the stolen statuette behind it. As they edge ever closer to the truth, the case takes another chilling turn when the sergeant investigating Mr Tremain’s murder is found dead. With a castle full of suspects and time not on their side, Maud and Daisy need to work hard to unmask the killer. But who could it be? Magnus Carmichael, the castle’s owner? Mr Tremain’s daughter, Jane? Or someone hiding in plain sight?
Maud and Daisy have certainly got their work cut out for them. Will they be able to solve this case in time? Or will a dangerous killer end up getting away with murder?
Lydia Travers’ Death in a Scottish Castle is a fun historical mystery, with two clever, intuitive and redoubtable sleuths, that readers will find themselves devouring in a matter of hours. Full of atmosphere, red herrings and nail-biting intrigue that will keep crime fiction fans on the edge of their seats, Death in a Scottish Castle is a gripping historical cosy mystery from Lydia Travers perfect for Verity Bright and Helena Dixon fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 26, 2025
The story was okay this time, but once again I figured out the murder pretty quickly and was frustrated by how Maud (especially) and Daisy just were not paying attention to pretty obvious clues. Maud in particular has a tendency to believe information as it's presented to her, e.g., , instead of - here me out - investigating and verifying facts.
At the end of the day, I just don't think Maud is much of a detective, but this volume also confirmed that this isn't really a mystery series so much as it is interested in being a romance series between Hamish and Maud with mystery as the background. As I don't care for Hamish very much, or even find Maud that interesting at this point, I won't be continuing with the series.
I was certainly struck by more socially conservative points in this volume - Daisy (the lady's maid-turned-detective) is a firm monarchist, Good Colonialist Britain is held up as a paragon of patriotic virtue against the Evil Colonialist Germany, Maud supports the suffragettes but draws the line at direct action, and Hamish wants an alarming number of children for an impoverished baron. I was also frustrated (again) by Maud's derogatory and jealous behavior towards the more fashionable young woman in the book who, for all her frippery, just lost her father. Daisy is generally a more enjoyable character but we don't get her POV or much development for her beyond supporting Maud's storyline, so that's that.
Also, it was funny (specifically to me) that after having Maud go on a bizarre culture war-esque "you can't use 'they' as a singular pronoun" rant in the last book, Maud uses 'they' as a singular pronoun when trying to work out the killer in this book. This just shows why it's stupid to hate on the singular 'they' pronoun - we all use it.
At the end of the day, I just don't think Maud is much of a detective, but this volume also confirmed that this isn't really a mystery series so much as it is interested in being a romance series between Hamish and Maud with mystery as the background. As I don't care for Hamish very much, or even find Maud that interesting at this point, I won't be continuing with the series.
I was certainly struck by more socially conservative points in this volume - Daisy (the lady's maid-turned-detective) is a firm monarchist, Good Colonialist Britain is held up as a paragon of patriotic virtue against the Evil Colonialist Germany, Maud supports the suffragettes but draws the line at direct action, and Hamish wants an alarming number of children for an impoverished baron. I was also frustrated (again) by Maud's derogatory and jealous behavior towards the more fashionable young woman in the book who, for all her frippery, just lost her father. Daisy is generally a more enjoyable character but we don't get her POV or much development for her beyond supporting Maud's storyline, so that's that.
Also, it was funny (specifically to me) that after having Maud go on a bizarre culture war-esque "you can't use 'they' as a singular pronoun" rant in the last book, Maud uses 'they' as a singular pronoun when trying to work out the killer in this book. This just shows why it's stupid to hate on the singular 'they' pronoun - we all use it.
July 1, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lydia Travers for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death in a Scottish Castle coming out July 11, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Scotland, 1912: When Maud and Daisy travel to Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull to investigate the theft of a valuable statuette, at first the case seems straightforward. But when their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed, the detective duo realise the castle is under attack…
At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it, and learn that the mysteries are linked!
When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And with the estate full of potential suspects, Maud and Daisy must work fast to uncover the murderer. Could it be the castle’s owner, Magnus Carmichael, avenging his stolen statuette? Or pretty Jane Tremain, disgruntled daughter of the deceased?
This series is one of my favorites! I love cozy Scottish mysteries. The castle setting was perfect. I didn’t realize it was the last book in the series. So sad! I would love a spin-off series and a lot more from this author! Maud and Daisy are a strong team. I love that they’re brilliant and really grew into solving mysteries. I loved the ending so much! It was such a fun series! I definitely will check out future books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Scottish mysteries!
Scotland, 1912: When Maud and Daisy travel to Clachan Castle on the Isle of Mull to investigate the theft of a valuable statuette, at first the case seems straightforward. But when their prime suspect, bad-tempered fellow guest Mr Tremain, is found dead in his bed, the detective duo realise the castle is under attack…
At first, it appears the murder is impossible. All the doors and windows to the room were locked from the inside, and there was no way for the killer to escape. But then Maud and Daisy find a secret panel with the stolen statuette hidden behind it, and learn that the mysteries are linked!
When the local sergeant investigating the case is found dead, the crime suddenly seems to have more twists and turns than the castle’s sweeping staircases. And with the estate full of potential suspects, Maud and Daisy must work fast to uncover the murderer. Could it be the castle’s owner, Magnus Carmichael, avenging his stolen statuette? Or pretty Jane Tremain, disgruntled daughter of the deceased?
This series is one of my favorites! I love cozy Scottish mysteries. The castle setting was perfect. I didn’t realize it was the last book in the series. So sad! I would love a spin-off series and a lot more from this author! Maud and Daisy are a strong team. I love that they’re brilliant and really grew into solving mysteries. I loved the ending so much! It was such a fun series! I definitely will check out future books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Scottish mysteries!
July 26, 2024
Are we really on book four already!? Time (and books) do fly when you're having fun. And that is exactly what this delightful series is - fun. Cosy crime is rather popular these days and there are countless to choose from and it may not be for everyone but if you are looking for some pure escapism without too much trauma then a cosy crime novel may just be to way to go. So what is different about The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series? Well it takes us back to pre First World War England. The world is changing both home and away, and women are becoming more and more vocal about their place in it. We can see these changes beginning to emerge as Maud and Daisy battle against prejudice and sexism. These ladies are an unlikely partnership for the time (Daisy was initially Maud's ladies maid) but the things they have in common: courage, an innate sense of right and wrong, ambition and compassion, make them a formidable pairing. I like them very much and very much enjoy the bond they have.
In this latest instalment, Maud must use all her skills to get to the bottom of a locked room murder (or two) as quickly as possible. Daisy is herself under suspicion and therefore in danger of being arrested for murder if Maud can't find the real culprit.
If you love a light-hearted novel with a puzzle to solve then it might be worth giving cosy crime a try and The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency could be a very good place to start. These books are also perfect for young readers. There is no bad language or graphic descriptions and they are intriguing enough to hold their interest. Murder mystery is also a very popular genre and so this could also be great for fans of A Murder Most Unladylike series by Robin Stevens.
In this latest instalment, Maud must use all her skills to get to the bottom of a locked room murder (or two) as quickly as possible. Daisy is herself under suspicion and therefore in danger of being arrested for murder if Maud can't find the real culprit.
If you love a light-hearted novel with a puzzle to solve then it might be worth giving cosy crime a try and The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency could be a very good place to start. These books are also perfect for young readers. There is no bad language or graphic descriptions and they are intriguing enough to hold their interest. Murder mystery is also a very popular genre and so this could also be great for fans of A Murder Most Unladylike series by Robin Stevens.
June 14, 2024
In this fourth and final outing for the lady detectives from the M. McIntyre Agency, Maud and Daisy travel to Clachan Castle on the island of Mull. Lord Urquhart who now knows them well, has requested that they disguise themselves and find a way to be invited to stay at the castle so they can find a valuable bronze statuette that he has been suspected of stealing by the Castle’s owner Magnus Carmichael. While they are there an unpleasant guest, Neil Tremain is found dead from a stab to his heart in a locked bedroom so now they also have a murderer to catch.
While there are several suspects, including the man’s daughter, Jane, Magnus and his sister Ailsa, a servant, Andrew and the visiting doctor, the real problem is working out how the murder was done with the room locked and no feasible hiding place for the murderer to be hiding when the door was eventually broken down.
This delightful historical cosy mystery series set in Scotland in 1912 features two irrepressible women who are fiercely independent and ever resourceful. Lord Urquhart, former client and occasional sidekick, is clearly in love with Maud but she is yet to admit that it might be reciprocal. In this episode she does learn there’s more to Lord Urquhart than meets the eye, but she is having too much fun being a detective to think about marriage. A charming series I am sorry to see completed. If Ms Travers ever feels like revisiting them I’d love to see what they are all doing a few years down the track!
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
While there are several suspects, including the man’s daughter, Jane, Magnus and his sister Ailsa, a servant, Andrew and the visiting doctor, the real problem is working out how the murder was done with the room locked and no feasible hiding place for the murderer to be hiding when the door was eventually broken down.
This delightful historical cosy mystery series set in Scotland in 1912 features two irrepressible women who are fiercely independent and ever resourceful. Lord Urquhart, former client and occasional sidekick, is clearly in love with Maud but she is yet to admit that it might be reciprocal. In this episode she does learn there’s more to Lord Urquhart than meets the eye, but she is having too much fun being a detective to think about marriage. A charming series I am sorry to see completed. If Ms Travers ever feels like revisiting them I’d love to see what they are all doing a few years down the track!
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
July 22, 2024
Picture This: When Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy arrive at a remote Scottish castle to investigate the theft of a valuable statuette, they unexpectedly stumble upon a locked room murder mystery involving their prime suspect, Mr Tremain, whose death inside a sealed room leads them to discover hidden secrets and a web of interconnected mysteries that threaten everyone at Clachan Castle.
Thoughts: When Maud and Daisy received a distress call from their friend Lord Urquhart, summoning them to Clachlan Castle on the Isle of Mull amidst the wintry storms of 1912 Scotland, they abandoned their Edinburgh-based M. McIntyre Detective Agency to investigate. As they navigated through the castle's enigmatic owner Magnus Carmichael and his eclectic guests, they found themselves unraveling a chilling sequence of murders: first among the guests in a locked room, then the investigating police officer under impossible circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth before authorities arrived on the isolated island, Maud and Daisy faced their most perplexing case yet. As a devoted fan of Lydia Travers' Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series, I found "Death in a Scottish Castle" to be the pinnacle of their adventures, showcasing the dynamic duo's finely crafted personalities and their seamless collaboration amidst the atmospheric backdrop of historical Scotland. Daisy's delightful Scottish brogue added an authentic charm to their deduction process, making this installment a standout in a superb series that I wholeheartedly recommend to historical cozy mystery enthusiasts.
Thoughts: When Maud and Daisy received a distress call from their friend Lord Urquhart, summoning them to Clachlan Castle on the Isle of Mull amidst the wintry storms of 1912 Scotland, they abandoned their Edinburgh-based M. McIntyre Detective Agency to investigate. As they navigated through the castle's enigmatic owner Magnus Carmichael and his eclectic guests, they found themselves unraveling a chilling sequence of murders: first among the guests in a locked room, then the investigating police officer under impossible circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth before authorities arrived on the isolated island, Maud and Daisy faced their most perplexing case yet. As a devoted fan of Lydia Travers' Scottish Ladies Detective Agency series, I found "Death in a Scottish Castle" to be the pinnacle of their adventures, showcasing the dynamic duo's finely crafted personalities and their seamless collaboration amidst the atmospheric backdrop of historical Scotland. Daisy's delightful Scottish brogue added an authentic charm to their deduction process, making this installment a standout in a superb series that I wholeheartedly recommend to historical cozy mystery enthusiasts.
August 13, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Lydia Travers and Bookoutoure for the ARC!
Maud and Daisy take on an adventure, which begins as an undercover detective role to help solve a case of theft. In an era where women were rarely spotted as independent and career-driven, these two women were making a mark in their chosen career-paths.
In order to solve the case of possible theft, Maud and Daisy are brought to Castle Clauchan on the Isle of Mull. They go undercover as a novelist and assistant to gather details to solve this mystery. Alongside the main characters, we are introduced to a panel of characters who reside at the castle, who are of various social standings. A world of aristocracy who are present as guests at the castle, meet the working class of the staff who are catering to them. In the midst of Maud attempting to uncover the thief, a murder of one of the guests take place, throwing suspicion on everyone in the Castle.
Lydia Travers weaves a cozy tale of “whodunit”, where the two female lead characters use their wit, charm, intelligence and with some inspiration from works of Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes attempt to solve the murder mystery. Can they stop the murderer and capture him/her before it’s too late? Will they be able to overcome hurdles that present in their investigation? In an era of overt misogyny, will they find sufficient space to carry on their work and receive the deserved recognition and respect?
Death in a Scottish Castle is the perfect next pick for all the cozy mystery lovers out there. If “cozy reads” is your genre, this is a definite “Do not miss” and gets a solid 4 star review.
Maud and Daisy take on an adventure, which begins as an undercover detective role to help solve a case of theft. In an era where women were rarely spotted as independent and career-driven, these two women were making a mark in their chosen career-paths.
In order to solve the case of possible theft, Maud and Daisy are brought to Castle Clauchan on the Isle of Mull. They go undercover as a novelist and assistant to gather details to solve this mystery. Alongside the main characters, we are introduced to a panel of characters who reside at the castle, who are of various social standings. A world of aristocracy who are present as guests at the castle, meet the working class of the staff who are catering to them. In the midst of Maud attempting to uncover the thief, a murder of one of the guests take place, throwing suspicion on everyone in the Castle.
Lydia Travers weaves a cozy tale of “whodunit”, where the two female lead characters use their wit, charm, intelligence and with some inspiration from works of Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes attempt to solve the murder mystery. Can they stop the murderer and capture him/her before it’s too late? Will they be able to overcome hurdles that present in their investigation? In an era of overt misogyny, will they find sufficient space to carry on their work and receive the deserved recognition and respect?
Death in a Scottish Castle is the perfect next pick for all the cozy mystery lovers out there. If “cozy reads” is your genre, this is a definite “Do not miss” and gets a solid 4 star review.
July 7, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of Death in a Scottish Castle. All opinions and comments are my own.
The ladies of the Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency find themselves on the trail of a missing statuette. Seems easy enough. And since it’s Lord Urquhart that’s asking for help, that makes it even better for agency owner Maud McIntyre (faithful readers have been following this on and off relationship for four books now). But when one of the castle guests is poisoned, things take a much darker turn. It’ll be up to Maud, with assistance from her able associate Daisy Cameron (Lord U gets his two pence in, too) to get everyone together and force a killer to come forward. And since this appears to be the last book in the series, we have a happy ending to look forward to, also.
I enjoyed Death in a Scottish Castle, although I did spot the killer pretty early on. And I don’t believe that priests’ holes were a necessity in Scotland; they were prevalent in England, since such religious persecution in Scotland was relatively unknown. Minor matters in amongst the rest. Death in a Scottish Castle is an entertaining read with two captivating main characters, who follow early 20th century sensibilities while forging a path for modern women everywhere. It has been a pleasure to tag along with them on their crime-fighting journey.
The ladies of the Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency find themselves on the trail of a missing statuette. Seems easy enough. And since it’s Lord Urquhart that’s asking for help, that makes it even better for agency owner Maud McIntyre (faithful readers have been following this on and off relationship for four books now). But when one of the castle guests is poisoned, things take a much darker turn. It’ll be up to Maud, with assistance from her able associate Daisy Cameron (Lord U gets his two pence in, too) to get everyone together and force a killer to come forward. And since this appears to be the last book in the series, we have a happy ending to look forward to, also.
I enjoyed Death in a Scottish Castle, although I did spot the killer pretty early on. And I don’t believe that priests’ holes were a necessity in Scotland; they were prevalent in England, since such religious persecution in Scotland was relatively unknown. Minor matters in amongst the rest. Death in a Scottish Castle is an entertaining read with two captivating main characters, who follow early 20th century sensibilities while forging a path for modern women everywhere. It has been a pleasure to tag along with them on their crime-fighting journey.
July 23, 2024
1912, Maud and Daisy are invited to a Scottish castle to investigate the disappearance of a valuable statuette. The chief suspect is Lord Urquhart who the pair of detectives have met several times before. But while they are at the castle, a murder takes place...
Death in a Scottish Castle is the 4th and possibly final (I hope not!) book in the Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series.
Maud and Daisy disguise themselves as a writer and her assistant to go undercover at the castle. They are focussed on their investigation into a theft when another guest is found murdered in his locked bedroom. Now they have two cases to work on and are keen to rise to the challenge. Together they face and combat the class and gender stereotypes of the era and I felt this added an air of authenticity to their activities.
The remote Scottish location and violent weather reflect the turmoil and isolation of the characters. I enjoyed the Scottish dialect indicated by the dialogue and felt this brought the characters to life effectively. I did actually guess the who and how of the murder so was feeling very smug. The crime has a very classical feel to it (think Agatha Christie) with a locked room mystery. I loved the romantic tension between Maud and Lord Urquhart (no spoilers!)
Death in a Scottish Castle is a very enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.
Death in a Scottish Castle is the 4th and possibly final (I hope not!) book in the Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series.
Maud and Daisy disguise themselves as a writer and her assistant to go undercover at the castle. They are focussed on their investigation into a theft when another guest is found murdered in his locked bedroom. Now they have two cases to work on and are keen to rise to the challenge. Together they face and combat the class and gender stereotypes of the era and I felt this added an air of authenticity to their activities.
The remote Scottish location and violent weather reflect the turmoil and isolation of the characters. I enjoyed the Scottish dialect indicated by the dialogue and felt this brought the characters to life effectively. I did actually guess the who and how of the murder so was feeling very smug. The crime has a very classical feel to it (think Agatha Christie) with a locked room mystery. I loved the romantic tension between Maud and Lord Urquhart (no spoilers!)
Death in a Scottish Castle is a very enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.
July 5, 2024
Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy have come to the Isle of Mull at the request of Lord Hamish Urquhart to investigate a missing bronze statue at an estate where he is a guest. What they find is a house with tensions and secrets. In the course of solving the missing statute, they suddenly find themselves with a locked door murder mystery.
I had not read any of the previous books in this series and I was able to enjoy the book with no problem. I did realize that Lord Hamish Urquhart was a reoccurring character in the books.
The story takes place in 1912 in Scotland just prior to World War I. It has theft, spies and murder as well as old secrets. I was hooked and kept turning pages. The pacing was good, characters were engaging, and they mystery was one of the best I have read in a while. My only complaint is that this is the final book of this series and I just found it!! I did like how the author gave us a glimpse to the main character's futures, that was very nice and appreciated. I am going to immediately seek out the other three books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this story.
I had not read any of the previous books in this series and I was able to enjoy the book with no problem. I did realize that Lord Hamish Urquhart was a reoccurring character in the books.
The story takes place in 1912 in Scotland just prior to World War I. It has theft, spies and murder as well as old secrets. I was hooked and kept turning pages. The pacing was good, characters were engaging, and they mystery was one of the best I have read in a while. My only complaint is that this is the final book of this series and I just found it!! I did like how the author gave us a glimpse to the main character's futures, that was very nice and appreciated. I am going to immediately seek out the other three books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this story.
June 25, 2024
It was such fun to be back with Maud and Daisy of the Scottish Ladies Detective Agency again. This time they’re staying in a remote castle on Mull.
I’ve very much enjoyed watching the ladies get more skilled at detection with each book, and I love the way they take their inspiration from detective stories of the time.
The mystery itself was very interesting, and definitely kept me turning the pages to find out who could get in and out of the locked room. Although I suspected the culprit from early on, I also suspected a number of other people too. It was great fun to see Maud and Daisy figure it out.
I love the characters in this series, especially Maud and Daisy. The contrast in their characters means they work really well together, and I love their friendship and loyalty.
Overall, this was an interesting mystery that kept me turning the pages. I’m sad to learn that this is the final book in the series, I feel like there’s a lot more stories to tell.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I’ve very much enjoyed watching the ladies get more skilled at detection with each book, and I love the way they take their inspiration from detective stories of the time.
The mystery itself was very interesting, and definitely kept me turning the pages to find out who could get in and out of the locked room. Although I suspected the culprit from early on, I also suspected a number of other people too. It was great fun to see Maud and Daisy figure it out.
I love the characters in this series, especially Maud and Daisy. The contrast in their characters means they work really well together, and I love their friendship and loyalty.
Overall, this was an interesting mystery that kept me turning the pages. I’m sad to learn that this is the final book in the series, I feel like there’s a lot more stories to tell.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
July 1, 2024
Fourth and final mystery in the Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series. This has been a very enjoyable series, and this one is the best of the lot. This time, Lord Urquhart is once again their client, and has asked them to come to where he is staying on the Isle of Mull to discover the whereabouts and thief of a brass figurine. Once there, naturally, a murder occurs and presents the ladies with a classic locked room puzzle. So classic, that once again Maud refers to the mystery novel oeuvre for ideas of how the crime might have been committed. This mystery is well plotted and well investigated. Maud and Daisy are fearless and persistent but also clever and sensible in their inquiry. Lord Urquhart, obviously smitten by Maud while Maud remains oblivious, tries to assist at every opportunity. The secondary characters/suspects are well developed and complex enough to engender suspicion at every turn. And the series comes together at the end in a most satisfying manner. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2024
Five HUGE FREAKING I LOVED IT AND I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER Stars!!!
Maud and Daisy are off to solve another murder, well they don't know that yet but they are. Clachan Castle is missing a statue so Maud and Daisy go undercover as a writer and her assistant to see if they can discover the thief. As they do, they're getting more than they bargained for. Now there are a couple murders and about a dozen suspects keeping Maud and Daisy on their toes.
I am so freaking sad that this is the end of my adventures with Maud and Daisy but the conclusion could not have been more perfect! Lord Hamish Urquhart and his mystery are revealed. The murders are solved. The future is projected. There is room for continuation but also enough detail to satisfy yourself knowing what their future will hold.
Maud and Daisy are off to solve another murder, well they don't know that yet but they are. Clachan Castle is missing a statue so Maud and Daisy go undercover as a writer and her assistant to see if they can discover the thief. As they do, they're getting more than they bargained for. Now there are a couple murders and about a dozen suspects keeping Maud and Daisy on their toes.
I am so freaking sad that this is the end of my adventures with Maud and Daisy but the conclusion could not have been more perfect! Lord Hamish Urquhart and his mystery are revealed. The murders are solved. The future is projected. There is room for continuation but also enough detail to satisfy yourself knowing what their future will hold.
July 11, 2024
The Plot
Maud and her assistant Daisy are undercover once again… this time at a Scottish castle on the Isle of Mull. An investigation into the theft of a statue soon turns into a locked room murder mystery.
I really enjoyed the locked room murder scenario, and it got me thinking along with Maud and Daisy how the murder could have been committed. I did guess part of how it was done. The suspects were few, but I liked the fact that there was more than one character with motive. Although perhaps this could have been further developed. The narrative structure maintained pace, with most of the action being all in the one location this time.
Daisy and Maud are brilliant characters with a lovely friendship between the pair. I do hope there are more of these books, especially with the war looming in the book. There could also be a spin off series involving Daisy.
Maud and her assistant Daisy are undercover once again… this time at a Scottish castle on the Isle of Mull. An investigation into the theft of a statue soon turns into a locked room murder mystery.
I really enjoyed the locked room murder scenario, and it got me thinking along with Maud and Daisy how the murder could have been committed. I did guess part of how it was done. The suspects were few, but I liked the fact that there was more than one character with motive. Although perhaps this could have been further developed. The narrative structure maintained pace, with most of the action being all in the one location this time.
Daisy and Maud are brilliant characters with a lovely friendship between the pair. I do hope there are more of these books, especially with the war looming in the book. There could also be a spin off series involving Daisy.
July 15, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Death in a Scottish Castle” by Lydia Travers. This is the fourth book in the Scottish Ladies’s Detectives Agency series. I have read the series from the beginning and I love the camaraderie between Maud and Daisy. Book four can be read as a stand alone, but the series is good that you will want to read them all!
Maud and Daisy are investigating a stolen statue but then tied up in a murder mystery. If you like Agatha Christie, then this book is for you!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#DeathInAScottishCastle #LydiaTravers #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInScotland
Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “Death in a Scottish Castle” by Lydia Travers. This is the fourth book in the Scottish Ladies’s Detectives Agency series. I have read the series from the beginning and I love the camaraderie between Maud and Daisy. Book four can be read as a stand alone, but the series is good that you will want to read them all!
Maud and Daisy are investigating a stolen statue but then tied up in a murder mystery. If you like Agatha Christie, then this book is for you!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#DeathInAScottishCastle #LydiaTravers #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInScotland
June 23, 2024
The detecting partners in the M. McIntyre Agency, aka Maud and Daisy, find themselves summoned to Clachan Castle on the isle of Mull when none other than Lord Urquhart himself requests their assistance. Presented with a locked room mystery reminiscent of Maud’s literary hero, Sherlock Holmes, the duo put their heads together to puzzle it out. Threaded throughout the mystery is the growing romance between Maud and Hamish, which reaches a satisfying conclusion in this final novel of the series.
3.5 stars, as I enjoyed revisiting their characters, but more lengthy dialogue than action had my attention wandering. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
3.5 stars, as I enjoyed revisiting their characters, but more lengthy dialogue than action had my attention wandering. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 14, 2024
This is a series that improved with each new installment and this is the best so far. I was a bit sad it was the last as Maud and Daisy grew on me and I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and tightly knitted mystery.
There's a theft but someone dies and our ladies are involved and investigate as they want to know who did it.
There's a lot of humour, the ladies are fleshed out and I appreciated how they were able to collaborate and use their brain to solve the mystery. I was kept guessing and turning pages.
I hope there will be more Maud&Daisy as I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the author did a good job in developing characters and plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a theft but someone dies and our ladies are involved and investigate as they want to know who did it.
There's a lot of humour, the ladies are fleshed out and I appreciated how they were able to collaborate and use their brain to solve the mystery. I was kept guessing and turning pages.
I hope there will be more Maud&Daisy as I thoroughly enjoyed this one and the author did a good job in developing characters and plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
July 8, 2024
This is the fourth and the last book in the series featuring Maud and Daisy, detective duo.
The book focuses on the duo going undercover to recover a mysteriously stolen item in a Scottish Castle, but gets entangled in a murder. There is also an undercurrent of a romance, which does not impact the way the story is written (yay 😊).
The writing was good and engaging and the characters strong. Since I picked up the last book first, I cannot comment on the character growth, though the book mentions how far Daisy has come and I will be going back to read the series in order.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book focuses on the duo going undercover to recover a mysteriously stolen item in a Scottish Castle, but gets entangled in a murder. There is also an undercurrent of a romance, which does not impact the way the story is written (yay 😊).
The writing was good and engaging and the characters strong. Since I picked up the last book first, I cannot comment on the character growth, though the book mentions how far Daisy has come and I will be going back to read the series in order.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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