Smoked by Scotch

by Lucy Lakestone

Hijinks in the heather...

Mixologist Pepper Revelle is excited about the latest Bohemia Bartenders gig, but she’s even more thrilled about where it is—Scotland! She and fellow bartender Neil are finally a thing, they and their friends (and frenemies) are traveling in style, and making cocktails for an iconoclastic scotch distiller’s big launch is the glitzy garnish.

Bonus: She gets to work with the sizzling hot Scottish celebrity and TV star who’s the front man for the brand—at least until a shocking incident puts her on alert that there’s trouble under all that plaid. Could their adorable spokesman’s stalkers have leveled up to violence?

The team’s job gets thornier than a thistle when they realize the Bartenders’ clients have a lot more enemies than they’ve let on. From the enchanting streets of Edinburgh to the mystical vistas of the Orkney Islands, Pepper finds so many suspects, she’s starting to wish a stone circle would whisk her back to Bohemia. As tensions mount, who will get kilt next? And can Pepper and her friends figure out the mystery before they’re burned like a chunk of Scottish peat?

SMOKED BY SCOTCH is the eighth book in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries, funny whodunits with a dash of romance set in a convivial collective of cocktail lovers, eccentrics and mixologists. These quasi-cozy culinary comedies contain a hint of heat, a splash of cursing and shots of laughter, served over hand-carved ice.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Lucy Lakestone is an award-winning author who lives on Florida's east central coast, among the towns that serve as an inspiration for the hot romances of her Bohemia Beach Series and the jumping-off point for the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries. She's been a journalist, photographer, editor and video producer but prefers living in her imagination, where the moon is full and the cocktails are divine. In her spare time, she chases tornadoes.

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See you at the beach!

Reviews

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining addition to the series, Smoked by Scotch is a story full of flavors and amazing descriptions of Scotland. Pepper and Neil get involved in the drama of two TV stars that are fronting the marketing campaign of a new whisky and their lack of communication will lead to several misunderstandings and almost death. The story has mystery, lots of funny parts - especially those with Mr. Mixy -, a crazy but knowledgeable historian/archealogist who hates tourists, and secret relationships. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Whisky Whodunnit!

The latest installation in The Bohemia Bartenders series is a must-read, even if you start with this one first!

I received an advance copy of the book and am leaving my honest opinion.

Pepper, Neil, and The Bohemia Bartenders have been invited to Scotland (Edinburgh and The Orkney Islands) for the release of a new whisky brewed in Orkney, featuring a handsome young tv star as it’s spokesman. The magical scenery, including plenty of sea, fog and castle ruins, is perfect for an epic plot of adventure, hijinks, and twists you won’t see coming. Best Bohemia Bartenders book so far!

[Maggie March · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries series!

Pepper and her pals (including the yummy Neil!) are in Scotland for their latest adventure to help launch a new brand of scotch, when of course, trouble arises. The brand's famous spokesperson just so happens to be Scotland's hottest leading man and he's been getting threatening fan mail. Add in a dangerous prank, and now it's up to Pepper and the gang to try to figure out who's trying to ruin the big launch before someone gets hurt.

Excellent writing, witty dialogue, humor, mystery, and romance make this book the perfect cozy read!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Smoked by Scotch by Lucy Lakestone brings our Bohemia Bartenders to Scotland for the grand opening of a new distillery.

Will Pepper and Neil figure out who is threatening the Arch?

Pepper and Neil
Our starring couple has come a long way since the last book I read. It was fun to jump in and see how they have faired.

Pepper is past her flirty phase and is now serious about fellow bartender Neil. The two of them are so awesome together. It was fun to watch them both care and worry about each other. Not that they have much time for romance, with sleuthing and bartending two significant events for the new distillery.

They both meet a bunch of new people, and so many of them have a motive to take Arch Halliday out. As the threatening letters get more menacing and the fans get closer, Arch's sidekick and co-star, Rory, goes missing and is presumed dead. So, many things are happening around the bartenders, but it's hard to figure out who is the culprit.

I was surprised by Mark's connections in Scotland. That man is seriously hooked up; he has connections everywhere. I don't know why it surprised me, but I was.

Five Stars
My rating for Smoked by Scotch by Lucy Lakestone is five stars. I really enjoyed the mystery, touch of romance, camaraderie, and description of Scotland. I haven't been there, but now I feel like I could have. Keep writing, Ms. Lakestone.

There is also a cocktail recipe for the Tartan Goose at the end of the book. If you try it let us know in the comment section below.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Smoked by Scotch by Lucy Lakestone.

Until the next time,

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Revelle and the Bohemia Bartenders are off to Scottland in this exciting tale. Not only will it give her some time with her boyfriend, Neil, but she will get to meet her heartthrob Arch Halliday. He’s Scotland’s hottist TV star and the face of a new scotch whisky.

Although Pepper and her crew are excited to be making cocktails at a Scottish distillery, Pepper has a side assignment. Arch has been receiving threatening letters in his fan mail. Could he have a stalker? Since Pepper has had a successful past of solving mysteries, she’s assigned to uncover the culprit. She’s shocked to find that her hero has many enemies who might want to get rid of him. Pepper vows nothing bad will happen on her watch.

This is one of my favorite series. It’s fun, witty, and the author takes us on some wonderful travels in each book. This latest trip to Scotland transported me right along with all the Bohemia Bartenders. I felt as if I was with them every step of the way.

The cast of characters are a lively group. The dialogue is quirky, clever and filled with humor. There is even some romance mixed in with the mystery. Each book can be read on its own since each mystery is solved in each book, but it’s so much more fun to start at the beginning. It gives the reader a chance to experience the character’s growth and see a romance develop.

The problem with this series is that it always leaves me wanting more. I’m already looking forward to the next one.






FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine as a bartender, traveling to Ireland to help with the promotion of a new drink. Pepper and her group are in for more than serving drinks and checking out the country. When the Scottish TV star promoting the brand falls from a cliff things get a bit too serious. That's not the only scary thing that happens on this trip. It seemed to take forever to track down what was going on and why. I can tell you, the hair on the back of my neck was up for most of the story. Even with the drama and danger, there is some humor and fun. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Brandi Conico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book in this series to read and review. Overall, great book. As in many cozy mysteries you have a cast of quirky, a little over the top characters. So it takes a little bit getting used to- I always roll my eyes a little bit when I get started- particularly this series. I mean, let's be honest, a traveling band of skilled bartenders and their tag-along buddies are going a little bit overboard.

Anyway, I received this book as an ARC, but the opinions are my own. I love Pepper, Neil's okay. I really don't like Mr. Mixy and am not sure why he inserts himself into each book as I feel like it diminishes Pepper's character to be amused when bad things happen to him. But, again, this is only my second book in this series of 8 books, so his presence may mean more to those that started at the beginning of the series.

This particular book was fun, though I cringed a little bit anytime they talked about shooting scotch or drinking it "straight." I had fun with the new characters introduced in this one and I'm interested to see how the crew manages moving forward- Can't wait to see where Mark ends up really.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and cocktails.

[Avid reader Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I am glad I did. The author did not spend a lot of time on back stories, this is book 8. I appreciated that fact. I really liked the setting of the book and how it was described. The language used transported me back to Scotland which I have visited many times but not these islands. One could see the writer did the research. I also really liked the cast of characters. They definitely added to the story and the plot. The focus on making scotch was appropriate considering the location. The various drinks that were created were interesting since my husband only drinks single malt scotch. I might try them.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper Revelle is looking forward to the Bohemia Bartenders next gig in Scotland for local distillery. Not only are they bartending but also looking into threatening letters sent to the face of the company, a Scottish celebrity named Arch Halliday. Things take a turn for the worse right from the start with an unfortunate surprise at the first event. As the story unfolds, the problems multiply and suspects start to pile up.

An entertaining mystery with a touch of humor and a dash of romance. Additionally, the descriptions are top-notch.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 8 in Lakestone's Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries series and another delicious addition that can be read as a standalone if wanted. Pepper and her pals find themselves in Scotland and I absolutely loved it! Of course, Pepper and her mixologists find themselves for more of an adventure than initially planned when trotting off to help with promotions of a new drink brand, meeting celebs and well death. A complex mystery with ups and downs and all arounds. Captivatingly fun throughout as well. I really do love this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper has arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland with her group of mixologists for a kickoff of a new distillery and hopefully protect a few of Scotland’s super-star actors from threats. I love the setting especially as the group moves from Edinburgh to the northern parts of Scotland. Lots of great descriptions (I’ve been there) and a good mystery set in the magical Scottish environment. All the characters we love-or hate are in attendance. The mystery doesn’t go the way you would expect. Overall another great episode of the Bohemia Bartenders. Highly recommend this series.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hilarious, really laugh out load whodunit with my favourite mixologist Pepper Revelle and her entourage of Bohemia Bartenders from Florida.

Part of what makes this so funny is that wherever Pepper goes, her ex, the dreadful Mr. Mixy seems to be in hot pursuit.

This was a complex mystery with intrigue on several levels and I think Pepper probably has as many lives as the proverbial cat.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

[Nicole Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A departure from the bohemian bartenders, this is another laugh out loud, mystery based in Scotland. Makes you wish that she had more books based there as this one took you out with highland coos, castles and history. This book will have you laughing out loud and wishing you were a part of the team. Looking forward to the next book in the series. The drinks listed in the book are delicious as well.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoked by Scotch is Book 8 in the Bohemia Bartenders Mysteries by Lucy Lakestone. This series is wonderful and book 8 in set in Scotland. Pepper and her boyfriend, Neil, are in Scotland for the launch of a scotch distiller. I thought the mystery was interesting and Pepper shines as she is busy looking into Mystery… will that be dangerous? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining series and Pepper is a fun character to follow around on her adventures bartending with Bohemia Bartenders. I'm glad her and Neil are finally properly together, and the mystery surprised me. I was certain that one person was behind everything, only to be completely wrong. I love it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eileen]

This is number eight in a fun series by Lucy Lakestone. I have read the rest of the series, but do think this works fine as a standalone. The characters are quirky, cocktail lovers that get embroiled in mysteries as they travel around to cocktail events. I think there’s something for everyone, a little mystery, a little romance, some humor. Light reading that I look forward to every time. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bohemia Bartenders are travelling again. To Scotland. This group of characters are always so much fun. Especially Pepper now that she is officially 'with' Neil. This story is one of mysteries, celebrities, beautiful places and of course mixology. I highly recommend this series and book. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time the Bohemian bartenders travel to Scotland for a truly amazing adventure. Of the story would not be complete with Mr. Mixy and his antics as well as Alastair’s brooding. I absolutely loved this book and go my gosh the costumes this time around were epic.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this series. I seriously can't get enough of Pepper, Neil and the gang. These mysteries are always so delectably written, I can't put them down. They are also SO funny. Even Mr. Mixty, who used to annoy the bejezus out of me. I don't drink and these books make me want to learn to make them.

[AMBER CLARK]

Adventure, mystery, romance and fun in Edinburgh and The Orkney Islands. Each book can be read on its own but you won't want to miss a moment of the Bohemia Bartenders fun so be sure to grab every book in the series!

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good storyline. Great characters. A whodunnit without a corpse. Throw in some cocktails to invite you to imbibe. What more do you need for a leisure weekend.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read both the characters and the descriptions of Scotland. This was the first book I had read in this series. I will go back and read the others now.

[Rebecca Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

just what I needed.

Loved being back with the Bohemia Bartenders! It was just like meeting back up with old friends, when you’ve had a long week.

[Amy Dong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy. Except for Pepper being tstl at least once in every book. But it’s a cost so suspension of disbelief is mandatory.