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Cold Secrets
Meet Robert: bar owner and now accidental detective, as he’s swept up in a decades’ old case in the Scottish Highlands.
Robert Begg is struggling to make ends meet at the Pine Needle, the bar his late father left to him. When well-to-do Londoner Mirabella Rowley, the mother of a teenage girl who was murdered in Findrussie twenty-two years ago, gatecrashes Hogmanay celebrations, Robert puts her ranting down to grief (something he understands all too well).
However, she insists his father’s drowning accident is somehow connected to her daughter’s murder. Then, she reveals his father called her on the day he died. Suspicious of the local police, who she believes mishandled her daughter’s case all those years ago, Mirabella offers Robert and his colleagues £100,000 to look into it – an amount that will save the bar from closing.
Before he knows it, Robert finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. Why did his father telephone Mirabella? Who was her daughter’s mystery boyfriend? Did the police really get it wrong? His enquiries take him all over the village and beyond; but as Robert begins to uncover Findrussie’s murky past, more suspicious deaths occur.
Rumours begin to buzz. Brian McCrae, the surly lead investigator on the original case and now a powerful detective, starts harassing Robert. The Pine Needle team feels as if they’re being watched…
As each new twist places Robert and his friends in more danger, can they get to the truth before it’s too late?
An unputdownable Scottish murder mystery. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.
Reader
“This book makes me feel the same as watching Only Murders in the Building!”
“I can attest to the brilliance of this story. Whisky or not, it’s gripping. Believe me, I’ve read chapters of it in the morning. It goes splendidly well, no matter your tipple.”
“If you enjoy a murder mystery, this is a good one to keep you on the edge!”
Robert Begg is struggling to make ends meet at the Pine Needle, the bar his late father left to him. When well-to-do Londoner Mirabella Rowley, the mother of a teenage girl who was murdered in Findrussie twenty-two years ago, gatecrashes Hogmanay celebrations, Robert puts her ranting down to grief (something he understands all too well).
However, she insists his father’s drowning accident is somehow connected to her daughter’s murder. Then, she reveals his father called her on the day he died. Suspicious of the local police, who she believes mishandled her daughter’s case all those years ago, Mirabella offers Robert and his colleagues £100,000 to look into it – an amount that will save the bar from closing.
Before he knows it, Robert finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation. Why did his father telephone Mirabella? Who was her daughter’s mystery boyfriend? Did the police really get it wrong? His enquiries take him all over the village and beyond; but as Robert begins to uncover Findrussie’s murky past, more suspicious deaths occur.
Rumours begin to buzz. Brian McCrae, the surly lead investigator on the original case and now a powerful detective, starts harassing Robert. The Pine Needle team feels as if they’re being watched…
As each new twist places Robert and his friends in more danger, can they get to the truth before it’s too late?
An unputdownable Scottish murder mystery. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.
Reader
“This book makes me feel the same as watching Only Murders in the Building!”
“I can attest to the brilliance of this story. Whisky or not, it’s gripping. Believe me, I’ve read chapters of it in the morning. It goes splendidly well, no matter your tipple.”
“If you enjoy a murder mystery, this is a good one to keep you on the edge!”
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2024
14 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
V.J. Randle
5 books9 followersVictoria read Classics at King's College, University of Cambridge before teaching Latin and Greek for over a decade. She has given many a tour of Hellenic sites over the years, both in the capacity of educator and holiday-maker. If you spot an excitable woman in a maxi skirt waving her arms about on top of The Acropolis, chances are it's her. Do say hello!
She now lives and writes in the North-East of Scotland with her husband, Will, and cat, Athena (who is every bit the goddess of stratagem as her namesake). Sign up to her newsletter at victoriarandleauthor.com to be the first to hear about all her writing news and the occasional bookish treat.
As I'm both an author and a reader, I only rate/review books I absolutely love and don't mention the rest (I don't like being critical of other authors' work publicly). So, this is why my ratings are all 5*s – they're genuine.
She now lives and writes in the North-East of Scotland with her husband, Will, and cat, Athena (who is every bit the goddess of stratagem as her namesake). Sign up to her newsletter at victoriarandleauthor.com to be the first to hear about all her writing news and the occasional bookish treat.
As I'm both an author and a reader, I only rate/review books I absolutely love and don't mention the rest (I don't like being critical of other authors' work publicly). So, this is why my ratings are all 5*s – they're genuine.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 22, 2025
OH this was good! A wintry murder mystery with lovable characters and plenty of twists. Curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy.
December 15, 2024
Cold Secrets
‘how fragile, how suggestive the human mind can be and how willing it is to believe anything that is placed in front of it. ‘ [ … ]
What a fantastic book! I'm actually a bit sad to see it come to an end, but if it's up to me, I'd love to come down to the Pine Needles for a wee dram at some point in the future and have a chat about another adventure!
I know Scotland well, I have hiked there a number of times - from the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides - ; I am also a whisky lover (a fan of Speyside whiskies myself.), and try to get there as often as possible. I have no problem with the Scottish weather: it pours just as often here in the north of the Netherlands: it's just part of the experience. A dram by the fire in the evening and the rain and wind are soon forgotten.
The book breathes Scotland, I will not give away too much of the plot for fear of spoiling too much.
The never solved murder of a young girl years ago, with a touch of Greek tragedy is the basis for this sublime murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Mirabella offers Robert, the owner of the Pine Needle pub, a handsome reward for finding the murderer of her daughter Clara years ago.
Together with the other staff of the Pine Needle, he sets out to find out who murdered the girl and left the Rowley family in shambles.
They almost get killed and burned alive in the process…
I liked the way almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger - it is very suspenseful until the very last page.
It is incredibly well written, thrilling until the very last page, and has a very original and completely believable plot. I liked each of the characters, although I found the switch from ‘bad cop’ to ‘good cop’ (McCrae) a bit far-fetched. I fear that Robbie has been hitting the whisky bottle too many times,how can he fail to see that Eilidh is madly in love with him? :)
Some parts were hilarious, like the meeting at Felicity's place in the woods. Like The Marlowe Murder Club, I have a feeling that this book could be suitable for the screen.
I thought that the pages of the book fit in incredibly well with the story and were very original.
The story has a somewhat open ending, so I'm really hoping for a sequel! And I'd love to come and have a wee dram at The Pine Needles!
For fans of The Marlow Murder Club - a great, and atmospheric murder mystery set in bonnie Scotland!
Highly recommended, 5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley and V.J. Randle for the arc.
‘how fragile, how suggestive the human mind can be and how willing it is to believe anything that is placed in front of it. ‘ [ … ]
What a fantastic book! I'm actually a bit sad to see it come to an end, but if it's up to me, I'd love to come down to the Pine Needles for a wee dram at some point in the future and have a chat about another adventure!
I know Scotland well, I have hiked there a number of times - from the Highlands to the Outer Hebrides - ; I am also a whisky lover (a fan of Speyside whiskies myself.), and try to get there as often as possible. I have no problem with the Scottish weather: it pours just as often here in the north of the Netherlands: it's just part of the experience. A dram by the fire in the evening and the rain and wind are soon forgotten.
The book breathes Scotland, I will not give away too much of the plot for fear of spoiling too much.
The never solved murder of a young girl years ago, with a touch of Greek tragedy is the basis for this sublime murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Mirabella offers Robert, the owner of the Pine Needle pub, a handsome reward for finding the murderer of her daughter Clara years ago.
Together with the other staff of the Pine Needle, he sets out to find out who murdered the girl and left the Rowley family in shambles.
They almost get killed and burned alive in the process…
I liked the way almost every chapter ends with a cliffhanger - it is very suspenseful until the very last page.
It is incredibly well written, thrilling until the very last page, and has a very original and completely believable plot. I liked each of the characters, although I found the switch from ‘bad cop’ to ‘good cop’ (McCrae) a bit far-fetched. I fear that Robbie has been hitting the whisky bottle too many times,how can he fail to see that Eilidh is madly in love with him? :)
Some parts were hilarious, like the meeting at Felicity's place in the woods. Like The Marlowe Murder Club, I have a feeling that this book could be suitable for the screen.
I thought that the pages of the book fit in incredibly well with the story and were very original.
The story has a somewhat open ending, so I'm really hoping for a sequel! And I'd love to come and have a wee dram at The Pine Needles!
For fans of The Marlow Murder Club - a great, and atmospheric murder mystery set in bonnie Scotland!
Highly recommended, 5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley and V.J. Randle for the arc.
February 12, 2025
🄰🄳/🄿🅁 🄿🅁🄾🄳🅄🄲🅃
Thank you Victoria for sending me and my buddies the best type of bookish mail, with added extras which completmented this book perfectly.
This is a sneaky little mystery that took me by surprise. I initially felt cosy mystery vibes; however, don't be fooled, this has a real sinister streak that turned dramatically into an adrenaline-fueled thriller.
I was transported to Findrussie, Scotland, New Year's Eve 2000. Robert Begg, who owns the Pine Needles bar, hosts Hogmanay every year, following a tradition he once set. This year he receives quite a surprise when a visitor disturbs the tradition. What Robert doesn't realise that this is the beginning of a relentless murderous case that he can only solve. Of course, he has the help of his closest bar staff who have been more like family. However, perhaps he shouldn't put trust in everyone, no matter how long he has known them.
I adored this book. It's charming, with a strong plot and a fantastic build-up of historical elements. Without being overcooked, you're dribbled information, and for such a small town, it really is filled with secrets and drama.
I really enjoyed the setting; it was atmospheric, crisp, and sharp. The descriptions were sublime; I could picture myself in the bitter cold snow or feel the warmth from the fires. The murders could be quite gruesome. The book was filled with intricate details that were really quite powerful.
This has a fantastic cast of characters that are endearing. I'm from a small town in Cumbria, and I felt like I could relate and connect to the unlikely bunch that assisted Robert in his investigations. They were the perfect mix of ages, personalities, history, loyalty, warmth, and ultimately, deception.
This mysterious tale isn't all gloom; it does have quite a fun side to it, too. It's a highly thought-provoking novel. I felt like it really got my cogs turning, trying to uncover the killer, with clues, suspense, tension building, but this guessing game certainly got the better of me. The quick twists and turns did not prepare me for such a brilliant end.
I'd highy reccomend this bliss little pocket rocket. A fast-paced page-turner thats totally bingeworthy.
Thank you Victoria for sending me and my buddies the best type of bookish mail, with added extras which completmented this book perfectly.
This is a sneaky little mystery that took me by surprise. I initially felt cosy mystery vibes; however, don't be fooled, this has a real sinister streak that turned dramatically into an adrenaline-fueled thriller.
I was transported to Findrussie, Scotland, New Year's Eve 2000. Robert Begg, who owns the Pine Needles bar, hosts Hogmanay every year, following a tradition he once set. This year he receives quite a surprise when a visitor disturbs the tradition. What Robert doesn't realise that this is the beginning of a relentless murderous case that he can only solve. Of course, he has the help of his closest bar staff who have been more like family. However, perhaps he shouldn't put trust in everyone, no matter how long he has known them.
I adored this book. It's charming, with a strong plot and a fantastic build-up of historical elements. Without being overcooked, you're dribbled information, and for such a small town, it really is filled with secrets and drama.
I really enjoyed the setting; it was atmospheric, crisp, and sharp. The descriptions were sublime; I could picture myself in the bitter cold snow or feel the warmth from the fires. The murders could be quite gruesome. The book was filled with intricate details that were really quite powerful.
This has a fantastic cast of characters that are endearing. I'm from a small town in Cumbria, and I felt like I could relate and connect to the unlikely bunch that assisted Robert in his investigations. They were the perfect mix of ages, personalities, history, loyalty, warmth, and ultimately, deception.
This mysterious tale isn't all gloom; it does have quite a fun side to it, too. It's a highly thought-provoking novel. I felt like it really got my cogs turning, trying to uncover the killer, with clues, suspense, tension building, but this guessing game certainly got the better of me. The quick twists and turns did not prepare me for such a brilliant end.
I'd highy reccomend this bliss little pocket rocket. A fast-paced page-turner thats totally bingeworthy.
June 24, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
V.J. Randle’s Cold Secrets is a brooding, whisky-soaked mystery that trades in tartan tropes for something far more intimate: a story about legacy, grief, and the dangerous weight of unanswered questions.
Set in the fictional Highland village of Findrussie, the novel introduces Robert Begg, a reluctant sleuth and bar owner whose quiet life at the Pine Needle is upended when a grieving mother crashes the New Year’s festivities with a wild claim—that Robert’s late father was connected to her daughter’s unsolved murder two decades earlier. What begins as a drunken accusation quickly spirals into a full-blown investigation, with Robert and his ragtag crew of pub regulars chasing ghosts through the fog of small-town secrets.
Randle’s greatest strength lies in her ability to balance tone. The novel is laced with dry humor and cozy camaraderie, but there’s a persistent chill beneath the surface—a sense that the past is not only unresolved, but actively dangerous. The setting is richly drawn, from the creaking floorboards of the Pine Needle to the icy lochs and windswept moors that seem to whisper their own warnings.
Robert is a refreshingly grounded protagonist: no ex-cop clichés or tortured genius here. He’s grieving, broke, and in over his head—but he’s also dogged, decent, and quietly clever. As he digs deeper into the mystery of the murdered teenager and his father’s suspicious death, the novel becomes less about solving a crime and more about reclaiming a narrative that’s been buried by time and silence.
Cold Secrets reads like Only Murders in the Building with a Scottish brogue and a darker edge. It’s a slow burn, but one that rewards patience with a payoff that’s satisfying and emotionally resonant.
V.J. Randle’s Cold Secrets is a brooding, whisky-soaked mystery that trades in tartan tropes for something far more intimate: a story about legacy, grief, and the dangerous weight of unanswered questions.
Set in the fictional Highland village of Findrussie, the novel introduces Robert Begg, a reluctant sleuth and bar owner whose quiet life at the Pine Needle is upended when a grieving mother crashes the New Year’s festivities with a wild claim—that Robert’s late father was connected to her daughter’s unsolved murder two decades earlier. What begins as a drunken accusation quickly spirals into a full-blown investigation, with Robert and his ragtag crew of pub regulars chasing ghosts through the fog of small-town secrets.
Randle’s greatest strength lies in her ability to balance tone. The novel is laced with dry humor and cozy camaraderie, but there’s a persistent chill beneath the surface—a sense that the past is not only unresolved, but actively dangerous. The setting is richly drawn, from the creaking floorboards of the Pine Needle to the icy lochs and windswept moors that seem to whisper their own warnings.
Robert is a refreshingly grounded protagonist: no ex-cop clichés or tortured genius here. He’s grieving, broke, and in over his head—but he’s also dogged, decent, and quietly clever. As he digs deeper into the mystery of the murdered teenager and his father’s suspicious death, the novel becomes less about solving a crime and more about reclaiming a narrative that’s been buried by time and silence.
Cold Secrets reads like Only Murders in the Building with a Scottish brogue and a darker edge. It’s a slow burn, but one that rewards patience with a payoff that’s satisfying and emotionally resonant.
November 26, 2024
I enjoyed every minute of this book. I love a good thriller and an intelligently plotted murder mystery, and this delivered it all.
Robert Begg is still grieving after the unexpected death of his father, the small town bar he's inherited is struggling, and then a wild woman appears on New Year's Eve claiming she has new information about a decades old murder. He prefers the quiet life, but his is about to be anything but.
V J Randle assembles a charming cast of characters for this murder mystery, many are likeable, some not so much, but they're all skilfully drawn and feel realistic. Just the sort of people you might come across in a small hamlet in the Scottish Highlands. And she paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of Findrussie, complete with the icy winter waters of the loch, and the dark secretive woods that line the banks.
The plot moves along at a pleasing clip: precisely the right speed to get to know the characters, and enough room to allow your own theories as to whodunit to flourish. Never slow, the action builds, as the mystery deepens, drawing the reader ever onward to the chilling denouement. I highly recommend this fantastic story.
Robert Begg is still grieving after the unexpected death of his father, the small town bar he's inherited is struggling, and then a wild woman appears on New Year's Eve claiming she has new information about a decades old murder. He prefers the quiet life, but his is about to be anything but.
V J Randle assembles a charming cast of characters for this murder mystery, many are likeable, some not so much, but they're all skilfully drawn and feel realistic. Just the sort of people you might come across in a small hamlet in the Scottish Highlands. And she paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of Findrussie, complete with the icy winter waters of the loch, and the dark secretive woods that line the banks.
The plot moves along at a pleasing clip: precisely the right speed to get to know the characters, and enough room to allow your own theories as to whodunit to flourish. Never slow, the action builds, as the mystery deepens, drawing the reader ever onward to the chilling denouement. I highly recommend this fantastic story.
December 11, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ solid 4 stars! Can't wait to read more by V.J. Randle!!!
If you like your mysteries with a side of danger and a hint of ice, Cold Secrets is a must read!!
Cold Secrets is a fast-paced thriller and V.J. Randle's writing carves out a plot as crisp and thrilling as the winter landscape it's set in. With twists as sharp as a shard of ice and as unpredictable as a winter storm.
Amidst the tension, there’s a frosty backdrop of desperation at Robert's Pine Needle bar. Robert was left the bar by his late father. The bar is in danger of having to close as it is barely making ends meet. The cool £100k offered by well-to-do Londoner Mirabella Rowley ( the mother of a teenage girl who was murdered twenty-two years ago and who claims to have spoken to Robert's father the day he died ) in exchange for Robert to look into what happened to her daughter would be the lifeline needed to save the Pine Needle.
Lovely writing style from V.J. Randle and I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
P.S Sorry for the wintery/ice puns I can't help myself!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author V.J. Randle for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you like your mysteries with a side of danger and a hint of ice, Cold Secrets is a must read!!
Cold Secrets is a fast-paced thriller and V.J. Randle's writing carves out a plot as crisp and thrilling as the winter landscape it's set in. With twists as sharp as a shard of ice and as unpredictable as a winter storm.
Amidst the tension, there’s a frosty backdrop of desperation at Robert's Pine Needle bar. Robert was left the bar by his late father. The bar is in danger of having to close as it is barely making ends meet. The cool £100k offered by well-to-do Londoner Mirabella Rowley ( the mother of a teenage girl who was murdered twenty-two years ago and who claims to have spoken to Robert's father the day he died ) in exchange for Robert to look into what happened to her daughter would be the lifeline needed to save the Pine Needle.
Lovely writing style from V.J. Randle and I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
P.S Sorry for the wintery/ice puns I can't help myself!!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author V.J. Randle for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2024
Robert Begg is struggling. He is still grieving the death of his father & the bar- The Pine Needle' is struggling to make ends meet. As the traditional Hogmanay party is in full swing & he wonders if they can keep going till the next one. A very well to do lady arrives & demands that Robert help her right a wrong. Her son is imprisoned for the murder of his sister but she is convinced he didn't do it & the detective who investigated was involved. She offers money to find out the truth. Money that would keep the bar open. Robert discovers that his father had been contacted by her- why did he never mention it?
This was a terrific story. The setting of Findrussie is beautifully crafted- you can almost feel the wind off the Loch! The characters were well written & mostly likeable & the pace of the story was great. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This was a terrific story. The setting of Findrussie is beautifully crafted- you can almost feel the wind off the Loch! The characters were well written & mostly likeable & the pace of the story was great. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
July 31, 2025
This twisty Scottish murder mystery is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Buckle up, readers! This book is a wild ride.
When a struggling bar owner, Robert, is left to deal with a ranting, well to do woman who crashed a Hogmanay Celebration, he chalks it up to grief (and probably lunacy), but when she suggests that her daughter's cold case is somehow connected with the death of his father, he can't help digging into the case, especially after she offers him a monetary reward that could save his bar. Robert finds himself a reluctant sleuth, with a mission to discover the link between the two cases.
This book is very suspenseful, fraught with many cliffhangers in each chapter, and several plot twists. It was an enthralling read from the beginning until the very last page. I would love to see this book turned into a movie and am interested in reading more from this author!
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.
When a struggling bar owner, Robert, is left to deal with a ranting, well to do woman who crashed a Hogmanay Celebration, he chalks it up to grief (and probably lunacy), but when she suggests that her daughter's cold case is somehow connected with the death of his father, he can't help digging into the case, especially after she offers him a monetary reward that could save his bar. Robert finds himself a reluctant sleuth, with a mission to discover the link between the two cases.
This book is very suspenseful, fraught with many cliffhangers in each chapter, and several plot twists. It was an enthralling read from the beginning until the very last page. I would love to see this book turned into a movie and am interested in reading more from this author!
Many thanks to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.
January 14, 2025
This was a WILD ride! and i mean WILD :D
A few times i had to go back and see if i'd missed anything because there was a Lot going on!
i Loved the main characters and how they interacted with each other; some of the chapters started out a bit jarring, i was like how did we get here? LOL i absolutely Adore authors who don't get on a longwinded roll over scenery etc.. VJ definitely Nails It setting the scene and giving characters personality but getting on with the story! 2 Thumbs up and 5 Stars from me!
Thank you so very much for this arc copy, VJ! i also loved your heartsqueeze dedication to your dad and the hand drawn map! xox
A few times i had to go back and see if i'd missed anything because there was a Lot going on!
i Loved the main characters and how they interacted with each other; some of the chapters started out a bit jarring, i was like how did we get here? LOL i absolutely Adore authors who don't get on a longwinded roll over scenery etc.. VJ definitely Nails It setting the scene and giving characters personality but getting on with the story! 2 Thumbs up and 5 Stars from me!
Thank you so very much for this arc copy, VJ! i also loved your heartsqueeze dedication to your dad and the hand drawn map! xox
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Set in Findrussie in the Scottish highlands, Robert Begg is still trying to get over the sudden death of his father and keeping his bar Pine Needles from sinking, luckily he has the support of his friends.
The group of four friends are thrown into investigating a twenty year old murder by the victim’s mother, reluctantly Robert gets involved not realising the danger he will be putting him and his friends into.
Well written and enjoyable read.
The group of four friends are thrown into investigating a twenty year old murder by the victim’s mother, reluctantly Robert gets involved not realising the danger he will be putting him and his friends into.
Well written and enjoyable read.
February 4, 2025
*Book Review *
🅐🅓/🅟🅡 🅟🅡🅞🅓🅤🅒🅣
Me and the girls were so excited to receive this wonderful book mail from @victoria.j.randle and the added extras it came with were just fab. So much thought has gone into this little package.
I went into this book thinking it would be a nice cosy little mystery but oh how I was wrong! It had a little sneaky side to it which turned into a sinister roller coaster of a ride, but it was fabulous!
The range of characters was just right for me. There was a perfect mix of people and personalities that really built and added to the story. The murders along the way were gruesome but fab. This book however wasn’t all doom and gloom though, it has a little fun side to it, which I quite enjoyed.
The setting that was created was just perfect for the storyline. The way it was described was just pristine. You really felt like you were there in the setting yourself. As someone who has visited the Lake District and places like that, it helped me to be able to imagine the village of Findrussie easily. So I felt connected to the setting in the way it could have been somewhere I had visited previously.
It really did get me thinking and pondering who the killer was going to be and how it was all going to unfold. There was an element of suspense and great tension as all the clues unfolded. With many twists and turns along the way, which all led perfectly to a wonderful ending.
This book about a little village with lots of drama is not to be missed, you will not be able to put it down!!
🅐🅓/🅟🅡 🅟🅡🅞🅓🅤🅒🅣
Me and the girls were so excited to receive this wonderful book mail from @victoria.j.randle and the added extras it came with were just fab. So much thought has gone into this little package.
I went into this book thinking it would be a nice cosy little mystery but oh how I was wrong! It had a little sneaky side to it which turned into a sinister roller coaster of a ride, but it was fabulous!
The range of characters was just right for me. There was a perfect mix of people and personalities that really built and added to the story. The murders along the way were gruesome but fab. This book however wasn’t all doom and gloom though, it has a little fun side to it, which I quite enjoyed.
The setting that was created was just perfect for the storyline. The way it was described was just pristine. You really felt like you were there in the setting yourself. As someone who has visited the Lake District and places like that, it helped me to be able to imagine the village of Findrussie easily. So I felt connected to the setting in the way it could have been somewhere I had visited previously.
It really did get me thinking and pondering who the killer was going to be and how it was all going to unfold. There was an element of suspense and great tension as all the clues unfolded. With many twists and turns along the way, which all led perfectly to a wonderful ending.
This book about a little village with lots of drama is not to be missed, you will not be able to put it down!!
January 21, 2025
I absolutely devoured this. I found this book to be well written, gripping and very fast paced.
You get to know the characters, and how they interact with each other and really see their personalities come out.
I found the balance of thrills and shocks to fun perfect.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Excited to see if there will be prequel 👀👀
You get to know the characters, and how they interact with each other and really see their personalities come out.
I found the balance of thrills and shocks to fun perfect.
Overall an enjoyable read.
Excited to see if there will be prequel 👀👀
February 21, 2025
Cold secrets - V.j Randle
Robert get it together man, Eilidh won’t wait around forever! That’s what I wanted to say for the most part of the first half of the book. Ha!
This is a slightly sad one with a lot of shenanigans and trials and tribulations but it all worked out well in the end. 😉 I didn’t want this one to end. A very well written storyline and an unexpected twist towards the end. I loved it! Great book!
Robert get it together man, Eilidh won’t wait around forever! That’s what I wanted to say for the most part of the first half of the book. Ha!
This is a slightly sad one with a lot of shenanigans and trials and tribulations but it all worked out well in the end. 😉 I didn’t want this one to end. A very well written storyline and an unexpected twist towards the end. I loved it! Great book!
December 8, 2024
From Greek mysteries to Scottish murders?
The author shows a great depth in this story. Well written, twists and turns on each page. Have to say I didn't see this ending coming.
Really great mystery.
Looking forward to more from this author.
The author shows a great depth in this story. Well written, twists and turns on each page. Have to say I didn't see this ending coming.
Really great mystery.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews