Murder at Ardaig Castle

Detective Lola Harris #5

by Daniel Sellers

A secluded retreat. A storm closing in. A killer among them.

Detective Lola Harris is persuaded to take a much-needed break in the remote Scottish Highlands. But Ardaig Castle, an exclusive wellness retreat for the rich and famous, has its own dark secrets.

Someone is sending malicious letters to the castle’s employees. The latest, sent to the manager, Why have you employed a killer among your staff?

As a storm rages outside, paranoia spreads within. The castle’s wealthy guests are rattled and old wounds are reopened. Then a body is discovered sprawled on the stone-flagged floor of the castle hallway, limbs twisted at an impossible angle.

Trapped by the weather, Lola must untangle a web of lies, grudges and hidden pasts before the killer strikes again.

Because at Ardaig Castle, not everyone is who they claim to be — and someone will kill to keep their secrets buried.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Lola Harris’ sister tricks her into coming to Ardaig Castle, which has recently been expensively converted into a rest home for celebrities and the connected to stay as they recover from exhaustion, addiction or what have you. It seems that the staff have been getting poison-pen letters, and the facility’s general manager, a friend of sister Frankie Harris’, hopes Lola can help without too much harmful publicity.

Needless to say, as the title indicates, bad publicity will be the least of it. I knew nothing about this book or its author, Daniel Sellers, before getting this page-turner for free through Kindle Unlimited, but I stayed up way too late to finish it. This is the fourth book in the DCI Lola Harris series. I think long-time fans would have enjoyed it even more than I, but I never felt lost and loved every minute — enough for five stars and for me to promise myself to catch up with the three previous novels in the series.

[Zoe Anne M · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I came across this book on NetGalley, I had no idea it was part of a series; I enjoy Tartan Noir, and the book cover piqued my curiosity. It was a rather tedious start: a locked-room mystery with several characters the reader must know by heart - scenes that had me bookmarking pages like what an amateur detective does. It wasn't until the middle part that the plot finally shifted into high gear.

Lola Harris reminded me of Nancy Drew, and I love that the writing's tone isn't the dark and gritty style most crime detective books embrace. As I've said, the book is reminiscent of Nancy Drew's: wholesome with only mild suspense. There were a few references that I couldn't get into since I've not read the previous books.

With a couple of brooding, standoffish, yet necessary characters as red herrings, this book is still a delight to read, even more so when you are a fan of Scottish whodunits. I was surprised the book wasn't as predictable as I expected, given that this genre often follows familiar patterns.

Overall, a clear 4 out of 5 stars that's perfect for a cozy mystery binge.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i do like detective Lola Harris series rather a lot. Well written, cleverly plotted, Harris herself is a great protagonist. There's really nice flow to Sellers' writing.
Murder At Ardaig Castle has a slightly different feel to it. It's a locked-room mystery and Harris is truly pushed to solve the case.
Really great story and hope there's more to come for Lola Harris.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five in this great series of Scottish murder mysteries. DI Harris is having a weekend away with her sister Frankie at Ardaig Castle, now a wellness and mental health retreat in the Highlands. Unbeknownst to her, she is lured there under false pretenses, and finds herself in the middle of "locked room" style mystery thanks to the location and a raging storm. Past crimes, poison pen letters, a current murder and a cast of suspicious characters round out this Scottish noir.

I really enjoy these novels. Sellers' plots are clever and well paced, his characters are well rounded and interesting, as is their ongoing growth across the series. I have developed quite a liking for the straight talking and yet somewhat diplomatic Lola Harris.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite different than the earlier Lola Harris books but it's still a very enjoyable read. Lola is brought to a retreat by her sister Frankie for a weekend break but it seems that Frankie has an ulterior motive so it's more of a busman's holiday for Lola. What begins as a query to find who has been sending nasty accusatory letters to several members of staff soon escalates when there's a murder. With a storm cutting off access to the castle, it's up to Lola to conduct an investigation all by herself.

The setting here is terrific, a creep castle with so many unlikeable characters who all have some secrets they want to remain hidden so there's lots of suspects. The victim themselves was particularly nasty so I liked how there was so many possible culprits to choose from. I found the story a bit slow to begin with , but it had to be to set the scene so to speak, but once the murder occurred, I found it hard to put down. I can't wait to see what is next in store for Lola.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, well, well... This book was something else. A classic kind of "We're stuck here and someone is murdered!" sort of mystery in the best kind of Agatha Christie spirit. I rather loved it!

It also blew some well-needed life into the dynamic between Lola and crime solving as a whole. Somehow it gave her a new kind of energy I thought the earlier books in the series kind of lacked. Because while pretty good, they didn't have the same spark this one did.

The one thing I struggle with is how the narrator makes ever other character, except Lola, into a snooty, nasal kind of voice that just grates at your nerves and eardrums. Sometimes it is very fitting, but other times I feel like it's the only other "voice variation" she has available, and that's a bit of a shame. #sorreh 😆

Either way, I will check back in with book #6 soon.

[David Marvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Lola Harris has taken the opportunity to work with government investigators on a major case. It is a case that can make a career and open doors for promotions and recognition. As it turns out, it is also a job that is a soul-crushing tedium of meetings, paperwork, press releases and appearances, and is nothing like actually sinking her teeth into an investigation.

Knowing how unhappy she is, Lola's sister, Frankie, proposes an ideal escape: a girls weekend at Ardaig Castle. Located in the Trossachs region of Scotland, it is in a remote and picturesque location that (according to Wikipedia) "may be considered to represent a microcosm of a typical highland landscape." What Frankie fails to mention beforehand is that she has a friend who works at the castle. The staff have received a series of frightening letters, addressed to them by name, hinting or even outright threatening to reveal secrets that the recipients do not want exposed.

Understandably upset, but already at the castle, DCI Harris agrees to meet with Frankie's friend. Harris offers some informal advice, providing some peace of mind, and determines to spend the remainder of the weekend enjoying the amenities of this castle turned into a spa retreat.

Of course, that's when everything falls apart. A major storm hits the area, blocking and washing out roads and trapping everyone at the castle. Communication with the outside world is nearly impossible. The administrator's office is ransacked and the poison pen letters taken. And then a woman is killed.

Lola Harris is a terrific protagonist. Smart, poised, and able to take the lead, she tries to preserve the scene, protect the rest of the people in the castle, and find a killer. Without any chance of backup, far away from her team in Glasgow, she takes charge of the situation and uses the people and resources available to her. The circumstances are far from ideal, but she finds herself oddly exhilarated by this chance to return to what she does best. (Not by the murder, of course, but the chase.)

Daniel Sellers uses Murder at Ardaig Castle to explore some new depths in Lola Harris's character. Although she is ambitious, she is forced to confront the reality that her path to career advancement may come at the cost of her mental and physical health. She has fought hard to become an excellent detective. Although promotion has its benefits, it also takes her away from what she loves and knows. Leaving the government task force could have serious career repercussions. Staying with it could have even more serious personal costs.

 Sometimes all it takes is being trapped in a castle with a murderer to get some perspective.

 

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I know that this is actually book 5 in the Detective Lola Harris Mysteries series and although I haven't read all thr other books yet, I did read book 4,  Murder On Skye, back in November and really enjoyed the writing style and storyline.

 

Once again, I have to just mention the front cover. I am always drawn to books by their covers and I love a dark and brooding landscape which screams mystery and dark thriller.

 

We're back on the mainland for this book and Lola has been persuaded to take a much needed break. But she's not travelled far and is staying at a wellness retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

I absolutely love this setting in thrillers because I just get the sense of vast wilderness and especially when there's a storm brewing, this just adds to the tension of the storyline perfectly.

Add in that the retr at is an old and creepy castle and we're on edge already!

 

Whilst at the retreat, Lola finds herself dragged into a mystery as threatening letters arrive and then a body is found.

Trapped by the storm, she races to discover which of the staff or residents are at risk and why!?

 

There was a great cast of characters. Given the nature of the expensive retreat, most of the guests were pretty annoying and unlikable, but this really added to the intrigued because it meant that we had a plethora of suspects.

 

I loved the locked door mystery vibe and was constantly trying to work out theories for each suspect in my head - yet I was still surprised at the reveal and how he storyline played out.

 

Another great read and I'm still planning to catch up before book 6 arrives 🫣

 

[caz.readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lola Harris and her sister Frankie are off for a relaxing weekend in the Scottish Highlands where they can switch off from their everyday life. Sounds idyllic however Frankie has taken her sister away under false pretences and is quickly swept into a case with poisoned pen letters that get more and more intense and personal. At Ardaig castle someone is out to uncover the truth behind its staff and is willing to expose their truths. With the letters hinting at the hiring of a murderer Lola can’t help but become involved especially when someone ends up dead. With the weather closing in Lola is forced to work alone. Can she get to the bottom of it all before anyone else dies?

I loved the setting of this particularly as I am Scottish and have spent a lot of time in the highlands and places that sound similar to Ardaig Castle. You really get a sense of the place from the great scene setting and descriptions from Daniel’s writing. It has everything a mystery crime novel should; well structured plot, some red herrings thrown in, a cast of suspects and a satisfying resolution. For me it was a quick read as the story flows so well. We get glimpses into each of the characters without lengthy backstories allowing the story to move on quickly. There are a few twists thrown in to keep you guessing but there is a resolution that ties everything up nicely. Overall a great read and I will definitely check out more books from this series and this author.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot, this book was right up my alley. It has all the elements of a great mystery, an isolated castle, a storm that traps everyone, and a clever detective piecing it all together.

The story follows Detective Lola Harris, who plans to spend a quiet weekend in the Scottish Highlands with her sister, Frankie. But things don’t go as planned. Frankie brings her to Ardaig Castle, where the staff have been receiving threatening anonymous letters. Before long, there’s a murder, and a storm cuts the castle off from the world, leaving Lola to solve the case on her own.

The castle setting was amazing. I loved how the storm added tension, making the story even more gripping. Lola is such a smart and determined detective and I enjoyed how she worked through the clues, even with limited resources.

The plot kept me guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings, and the ending tied everything together perfectly. This was my first book in the series, and I had no trouble following the story.

I’m definitely going to read more in the series.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Trossachs by Daniel Sellers.
Dc Lola Harris series book 5.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. I haven't read the whole series, but I was still able to read it. I did like Lola. I did like the setting. The castle did look creepy. It wasn't who I thought it was.

[Melanie Robertson-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! First of all, it's set in Scotland. Second, I've been to the area where the weekend at the castle is located.

Now, on to the book. It started on a bit of a slow burn for me, but when it took off, I couldn't stop turning the virtual pages! Lured to the castle by her sister under false pretenses, Lola finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Cut off from the outside world due to a severe storm, it's up to her to solve the case.

I enjoyed it so much that I will get the first four Lola Harris Mysteries.

[Peter Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Lola Harris is struggling to find her feet in her new role at work. She has been seconded to a special project investigating questionable political donations and corruption. Based at the Scottish Crime Campus, at Gartcosh she is now managing a team of analysts, auditors and lawyers, but it doesn’t feel like her kind of policing. At a low ebb she is persuaded by her sister Frankie to join her on a much-needed break, at a holistic wellness centre for the rich and famous at Ardaig Castle in the Trossachs. Unbeknown to Lola, Frankie has an ulterior motive, she is hoping Lola will help her friend Catherine, the general manager, handle a delicate problem. Of course, ‘busman’s holidays’ never turn out as planned, do they.

Someone is sending malicious letters to the staff, it seems few are immune and even then, Catherine wonders if they have merely destroyed any poison pen letter and kept their counsel, just as she did. Upsetting, hateful and seemingly escalating, as the latest demands ‘Why have you employed a killer among your staff?’ Could there be a murderer amongst them? When a storm comes and cuts the remote castle off from outside world, passions intensify, grudges and secrets surface, and paranoia sets in. Lola must struggle to keep things under control once a body is found.

The Ardaig Castle is a fabulously created setting, a mixture of old and new, restored by the ultra-wealthy as a showpiece retreat and fully utilised by the author. The reader gets the full tour, from the creepy basement to the crenelated roof and every floor in between as the mystery and the investigation unfolds. There are creaky wooden doors, gothic arches, grand windows and arrow slit ones, add to this someone dressed in black sneaking around late at night we have a suitably creepy setting. Of course, no historic castle would be complete without a ghost, this one has two, with even Catherine confessing to have seen one. Kudos to the author for wringing every drop of drama from the setting, I loved it.

One of the staples of horror stories or danger packed thrillers is isolation, of being cut off from the outside world and the chance of safety or rescue. Here it storms that blow down trees, disrupts communications and undercuts the road. This brings a great sense of dread but also means that Lola must take control of the situation, as she points out she has a duty of care to the people there. This puts Lola on familiar ground, she is in her element, doing what she likes best and ‘was born to do’. An excellent way for Lola to resolve the career dilemma she faces.

The poison pen letters provide a perfect example of how something starting as a distasteful prank can escalate into hate crime and then physical crime. Some are just abuse, whereas others are based on the discovery of secrets leading to blackmail and coercive control. These are crimes that affect the victims differently, some merely rip the letters whilst others agonise over the contents, it depends on the individual. It also depends on the secrets to be revealed; some can be deadly as the reader will discover and as the title suggests there must be a murder to contend with. Its great to see such a crime covered in thoughtful way, one often considered as minor or low key until it is too late. As the story progresses the messages continue, bringing a sense of portent, for the reader it is the knowledge that something bad is coming that is enjoyable as the event. The story delivers on this score.

The whodunnit part of the story is masterful, intricately planned, credible and difficult to guess, despite Lola tackling it in a methodical way. Fans of logic puzzles are going to appreciate its construction and reveal.

The characters are a mixed bunch, guests and professionals from different walks of life with myriad problems and experiences, including mental breakdown and one found not guilty of murder. A mass of suspects and motives for Lola to sift through and no easy task for the reader to keep track of. Exactly what is needed in a story like this. It was nice to see an empathetic touch in the writing as life isn’t aways black and white. Of their interactions, those with Shuna the journalist were the ones that brought the biggest smile to my face. First the friendship developing with Frankie as she was able to spend so little time with Lola. Then there was the unlikely alliance of Shuna with Lola working together rather than being on the more usual opposite sides.

The pacing is nicely judged, with nothing to sidetrack the steady flow. The violence is lowkey, but the author manages to infuse a sense of danger for much of the second half of the story. The murders are not gory or graphic, but one phrase late on gave me a shudder in one of those irrational responses or fears most of us harbour.

A masterfully constructed whodunnit with a real human touch.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A secluded retreat. A storm closing in. A killer among them.

4 star review by momobookdiary (blog)

Daniel Sellers delivers a gripping locked-room-style mystery set in a storm-battered Scottish castle. Murder at Ardaig Castle is the fifth book in the Detective Lola Harris Mysteries series, but it works well as a standalone for those new to the series—like me.

The novel follows Detective Lola Harris as she takes a much-needed break at an exclusive wellness retreat in the Scottish Highlands. But relaxation quickly turns to tension when she learns of the sinister poison pen letters that have been sent to staff over recent weeks. When a body is discovered within the castle, Lola is forced into action, navigating a web of secrets, grudges, and hidden pasts. With the storm cutting off access to the castle, the pressure mounts as she races to unmask the murderer before they strike again.

From the outset, the novel hooked me. A cut-off castle, a murderer on the loose, and a varied cast of characters—perfect ingredients for a classic whodunnit. Sellers does a fantastic job of crafting an atmospheric setting, using the castle’s hidden passageways, dark hallways, and eerie basement to heighten the tension. His descriptive writing pulls the reader straight into the howling wind and relentless rain outside, making the setting feel as much a character as the people within its walls.

Speaking of characters, the guests at the exclusive retreat are suitably wealthy, entitled, and largely unlikable, which only adds to the intrigue. There’s no shortage of suspects, and I was surprised by the final reveal. The mystery is well-paced, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep you guessing.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, there were moments when the pacing felt drawn out. Perhaps my unfamiliarity with the series played a role, as I lacked prior connection with Lola Harris. However, this book stands on its own merit, and I appreciated the depth Sellers brought to his protagonist.

I was initially drawn to this book without seeing the cover, but once I did, I was thrilled—it perfectly captures the dark and brooding landscape I love in a mystery thriller. If you enjoy a well-crafted whodunnit with an eerie, atmospheric setting and a locked-room mystery twist, Murder at Ardaig Castle is an ideal read for a cold, stormy night.

This is a well-written, immersive mystery that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Though a bit drawn out in places, the novel delivers a compelling plot, strong atmosphere, and an enjoyable puzzle to unravel. I’d definitely consider reading more from the series to get better acquainted with Detective Lola Harris.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Lola Harris is involved in a huge fraud enquiry which she hates and is sorely tempted to take up a job offered by her partner Sandy, a former detective turned PI. Her sister Frankie persuades her to take a weekend break away to unwind. Unfortunately, she now realises Frankie has got her to Ardaig Castle under false pretences. The staff of the well-being retreat owned by businessman Stefan Kade, about whom there are disturbing rumours of an interest in genetics, have been receiving nasty anonymous letters and manager Catherine has asked Frankie if Lola can help unofficially. Lola is annoyed but after seeing how upset Catherine is, agrees to take a look at the letters and advise her what to do, especially since after local police were contacted and a staff meeting was held, the poison letters only escalated. At least there are only 4 guests at present - a celebrity with an eating problem, a postmistress jailed in the IT scandal, a government minister who thinks there are Russian spies in his brain and more worrying for Lola, a broken retired senior detective whom she might know. Lola finds a tense atmosphere and hostilities between some of the employees. But as Kane and his glamorous new wife, along with Shuna Frain, a Glasgow journalist with whom Lola has clashed in the past, arrive for a visit, events quickly turn sour. Catherine’s office is ransacked, the letters go missing and someone plummets to their death from a balcony. With the rain lashing down and the roads closed by fallen trees, there are only a limited number of suspects, and it’s up to Lola, happy to be back doing what she does best, with help from Frankie and an unlikely ally in Shuna, to solve this locked room murder mystery.
Lola is compassionate and empathetic, and has a great way with witnesses as she is forced to do her duty as a serving officer and take on a surprise case without official help or any of the normal investigative techniques. Here she has to rely solely on her vast experience and her sharp incitive detective’s mind to solve the crimes committed amongst this quirky collection of people marooned by the storm. Another thrilling and completely engrossing story in a great series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something a bit different.

This Lola Harris book is very different to the previous books in the series. We see Lola taking some time off to spend a relaxing weekend with her sister Frankie in the remote Scottish Highlands, but things aren’t as they seem. Upon arrival at the wellness retreat, Ardaig Castle, Lola and Frankie are met by Catherine, the manager of the retreat. Catherine explains that the real reason for their invitation to stay is due to the spate of poison pen letters that have been delivered to herself and other members of the staff and she’s hoping that Lola can identify the sender and put an end to this vendetta. Unfortunately, the task isn’t as easy as it would appear, and Lola is not best pleased that her sister has got her involved but feels that she has no choice but to try and solve the problem. As the day progresses however, things take a strange turn. A body is suddenly found, and Lola finds herself taking on a very involved and complex investigation. To make matters worse, a big storm has set in for the weekend and the castle is completely cut off from the outside world. Despite her best efforts to contact the local constabulary, it soon becomes clear that they are totally unable to offer any assistance, and it is up to Lola to find out, not only the identity of the letter writer but now also a murderer. This is a great read, with lots of twists and intrigue. It certainly kept me reading well into the night and trying to identify the criminals in this case were not at all easy despite the fact that there was a limited of number of culprits and they were all resident in the castle at the time of the offenses. The author has created some really unpleasant members of staff at the retreat which immediately makes it very hard to work out who is guilty and who are merely victims. The plot is very complex, and the way he has described the layout of the castle is very details which makes the reader feel like they are actually part of the story. The ending is interesting. It’s decision time for Lola, what direction will she chose? I am really looking forward to the next in this fabulous series.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Daniel and NetGalley for allowing me to read Murder at Ardaig Castle prior to the publication date.

DCI Lola Harris has been seconded to a team which is investigating donations to Scottish political parties. She soon realises that the role is less detective and more project manager.
Her line manager suggests that she stays in the role for at least 6 months as that will look good at her next promotion board. (With politics involved, is this really in Lola’s best interests or is she being set up to carry the can for the outcome of the investigation?)
The offer of a role in her boyfriend’s P.I. agency looks increasingly more appealing.

Physically and mentally exhausted, Lola accepts her sister, Frankie’s invitation to spend a weekend at a cottage in the Trossachs.
On arrival, Lola discovers that the cottage is in the grounds of Ardaig Castle, the latest Wellness Retreat owned by a tech billionaire. She is furious when she realises that she has been tricked by her sister and will be expected to use her skills to identify the individual who is sending poison pen letters to the staff.
She decides to stay overnight as a storm buffets the area, bringing down trees onto the only road to the castle. Worse is to come when part of the road is washed away.
When a body is found in the hallway and with no idea who can be trusted, Lola has to step up to contain what might be a crime scene.
The story is now a locked room mystery, but on a much larger scale in the renovated and extended castle. The description of the dark narrow passage ways and the basement is creepy and very atmospheric.
The author has chosen to provide a glossary of terms for the benefit of readers.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the other volumes in which Lola Harris has starred; I quickly took her to my heart.
Lola is more or less tricked by her sister Frankie into going to a castle with a health resort in Scotland. When they get there, it turns out that her help is needed for a situation involving poison pen letters.
Lola is very reluctant at first. But she promises the hostess that she will observe quietly and see if she can unmask the culprit. Meanwhile, the weather seems to be getting worse - the roads seem to be closed due to fallen trees. Cut off from the outside world, the sisters have to make the best of it, hoping that the roads will soon be passable again.
In the meantime, as their stay inadvertently lasts longer than they had originally planned, all sorts of things are happening at the castle. An old court case, which made headlines in Down Under decades ago, seems to be coming back to the spotlight, Lola also receives threatening letters, and soon there is a death to investigate. With no outside help, it's up to Lola to find out who's writing the threatening letters, who's telling the truth and who's responsible for killing.

What a wonderful book to read! Even though we are enjoying the warm days of spring here at the moment, it made me feel like I was back in Scotland again. The book has the atmosphere of an old-fashioned detective story a la Agatha Christie (and also a bit of Enid Blyton, a favourite I also grew up with). It's reminiscent of Cluedo set in a Scottish castle: I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one with Lola Harris. I was a little surprised by the choice she made at the end, but maybe she'll reconsider that decision in the next volumes?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Chief Inspector Lola Harris, near to burnout from an exhausting job, is convinced by her sister Frankie that she needs a break and where better to go than Rose Cottage on the grounds of Ardaig Castle? The Castle is being renovated to serve as a luxury resort for the wealthy to recover from emotional and other problems. Unfortunately for Lola, Frankie has other plans for her visit. The staff at the castle has been receiving anonymous notes, first revealing things they have long held secret and now becoming more threatening. Lola is not happy to give up her weekend away to meet with Catherine, the castle’s general manager but she does and decides to help. She doesn’t anticipate the violent, destructive storm that washes out roads, topples trees and isolates the castle. Nor does she plan on more threats, a murder and a guest list of suspects. She begins a careful, thorough investigation, hoping to find the killer before they find another victim…or Lola herself.

Murder at Ardaig Castle is a carefully plotted Scottish police procedural. Lola Harris is a captivating character, drawn into a complicated mystery against her better judgement. Ardaig Castle provides an atmospheric location with its hidden doors, spiral staircases and entire empty floors that have not been restored. The storm is a character itself. You can practically hear the wind as it rattles the windows and knocks down trees. While this is the fifth in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Daniel Sellers for this ARC.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers is the fifth installment in the Detective Lola Harris Mysteries series. This book can be read as a standalone novel but if you want to get all of the characters background information then I suggest that you start at the beginning of the series.

When Detective Lola Harris is persuaded by her sister Frankie to take a vacation to a wellness retreat in a Scottish castle, she doesn't quite get the rest and relaxation that she was hoping for. Ardaig Castle is an exclusive retreat for the wealthiest clientele, and the castle holds some very dark secrets. When the manager receives a letter asking " Why have you employed a killer among your staff?" paranoia explodes. The guests are all terrified and then a body is discovered. What else will Lola find as she embarks on uncovering the mysteries of Ardaig Castle?

Even though this is the fifth book of the series, I have not read anything else by this author. I found this book to be just fine to be read as a standalone, only a couple of times I felt like if I had read the previous books I would understand more. The first bit of the book is slow but is absolutely necessary for character development. Plenty of red herrings and twists in the second half really ramped up the suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Sellers and Joffe Books for this ARC. Expected publication date is March 20th 2025.

[Michael Cordery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow this book finished up in my library and I noted it was #5 of a series. I had just finished reading a 14 book series which I had enjoyed and I realised from the beginning that this was going to be a very different book, set in very very wet and cold Scotland. The storyline was good. Lola Harris, a clearly highly rated DCI with PS, is invited to a girl's weekend by her sister Frankie at Ardaig Castle in the Trossachs Region of Scotland. What Frankie fails to tell Lola is she has friend at the castle that needs "police' help. Cutting a long story short, in the castle there are a lot of undercurrents and poor relationships within culminating in threatening letters delivered to many of the residents and Lola is tasked with finding the writer(s).

A major storm hits the area, blocking and washing out roads and trapping everyone in the castle. Communication with the outside world is impossible. The administrator's office is ransacked and the poison pen letters taken. And then a woman is killed. What we can expect from a DCI of Lola's character is to use her skills both as a skilled policewoman but also one with interpersonal skills.

The rest I will leave to the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it's deserving of 4 stars. I decided not to go back and read the earlier books. I'm usually careful not to read books that are well advanced in series but this one escaped me. For those who feel they would like to read more of DCI Lola Harris I suggest you start at Book 1. I'm sure you will not be dissapointed.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite different from the authors usual crime stories in that it is contained within ARDAIG CASTLE as Lola and her sister have gone for a much needed break. However, that is soon short lived as the lady who runs the castle tells Lola that they have been receiving poison pen letters and they are very unpleasant. Lola is tasked with trying to find the perpetrators when the owner and his film star wife turn up. Also one of the guests is her old adversary, Shuna, a reporter who is also there for the weekend.

Then, a body is found, and as there is a raging storm and the roads and the riverbank are badly damaged no local police help can attend. Therefore although Lola is a DCI it’s not her jurisdiction but she has a duty of care to keep the crime scene in tact. Fancy having a body and having to leave it there. Not very good for guest relations!!

It is an incredibly well written book and as an avid crime reader I had absolutely no idea who was behind it and why. The ending is brilliant and everything slots into place for the reader. I think I must be slipping as I had no notion at all!

I’m hoping that Lola continues with the police as she certainly is good at her job.

My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the ARC. I hope Daniel writes more in the series.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the Lola Harris series. Lola is on a break in the highlands with her sister who knows the manager. Catherine, the manager, and others in the castle have been getting malicious letters , but the local police have not really investigated. Frankie, Lola's sister, hopes that Lola will take a look. Quite early on in the book, a storm brews up which leaves everyone in the castle isolated . A locked room mystery which starts when one of the staff is found dead, possibly after falling over a bannister, but Lola has her doubts. There are a lot of characters, staff, guests, the owner and his wife and a reporter so you have to concentrate a little to keep track of them all. As the book progresses, it appears that most of the people in the castle also have a secret . Lola starts to investigate the goings on, with some help from a colleague who she has called.
The plot is quite complicated with a couple of twists and is interesting, the setting in the highlands is not really relevant because the weather has ensured that everyone is confined to the castle. Descriptions of relationships, for example with Frankie, are a little patchy. Frankie is not around for some parts of the book. Methods are sometimes a bit unbelievable but on the whole an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

[Gillian Cawte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, Engrossing
Murder at Ardaig Castle by Daniel Sellers offers the reader everything you could hope for in a spooky murder mystery. We have a diverse cast of wealthy guests, a rambling old castle with secret passages, some poison pen letters, a visiting detective. Mix this with a raging storm that traps them all in the castle – and then (of course) a DEAD BODY. What more could an avid mystery reader desire?
Daniel Sellers has very cleverly developed the scenario and atmosphere of this story with a web of hidden pasts, grudges and suspicious actions that fit into the plot but some will end up being completely unrelated to the current crimes. The characters each become very relatable but also very much engendering suspicion as they are considered as candidates for the culprit – or do we have more than one guilty party? Meanwhile our hearts go out to Detective Lola Harris who is stuck managing this investigation instead of enjoying a recuperative weekend break. I enjoyed the experience that, despite closely following every clue and nuance, the conclusion was totally unexpected but still logical and believable.
I thoroughly recommend this fast-moving, tense, engrossing crime thriller. If you have never read this genre before – this is a good one to start with.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Lola Harris isn’t currently enjoying a fraud case she’s managing. It’s more stress than running after murderers and the cracks are starting to show. Her sister Frankie offers her a getaway to a spa a friend runs and Lola thinks maybe it’s exactly what she needs although the trip there is white knuckle inducing and not only because of Frankie’s driving. They arrive in a storm to a wonderfully well appointed spa based in the old Ardaig Castle where they will spend the weekend as guests of Catherine, both a friend of Frankie’s and the manager.

Lola quickly learns that her sister has ulterior motives for bringing her and is ready to turn around and leave but the weather and the thought of the long journey home persuades her she should at least sleep on it.

Soon, a seemingly straightforward task leads to a murder, the road has been washed out and the list of suspects seems huge and all are trapped together in this intriguing mystery.

I thought this book was excellent. Couldn’t put it down. You don’t have to have read all the previous DCI Harris books, either, to be able to enjoy the read but if you started here I can pretty much bet you’ll go back and read the rest if only because the characters and writing are so brilliant.

[Twips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw that this was an isolated murder mystery set in Scotland in a castle and hit "reserve" on my library app immediately. I didn't know there was a term for it until just now but I have a soft spot for "Tartan Noir".

I had no idea it was part of a series until I got to the end and while I'm interested to go back and read the earlier installments, I don't feel like I missed out on anything by starting here. It stands well on its own.

Karen Bartke's narration was a delight. Getting into bed at night and switching on the audiobook became a favourite part of my day. It starts off fairly slow and, along with the accents and the atmosphere, it made for a great bedtime story.
Once I reached a certain point though, I had to just keep going and I finished the last few hours in one go.

I've seen comparisons to old-fashioned detective stories like Agatha Christie and I agree. There's something almost cozy about it. The overpowering storm, the castle with all its historic corridors and hidden passageways, the poison-pen letters, it all just evokes this perfect spooky vibe.

I just really enjoyed this story and will definitely be starting from the beginning of this series.

Review Date: 15 July 2025

[Phil Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 5 in the Lola Harris series and a great standalone book.
Detective Chief Inspector Lola Harris is fed up and bogged down in her latest desk bound job, heading a team that's investigating fraud in political parties.
Under the pretence of a relaxing weekend away at a swanky spa, Her sister Frankie lures Lola into investigating a series of poison pen letters at the remote Castle Ardaig.
In true Agatha Christie style, a violent storm hits Scotland, washing away the one and only access route to the castle. Lola and Frankie, together with all the other guests and staff, are stranded in the dark and gloomy Gothic pile. The telephone lines are down, and the Internet is hit and miss.
Far from a relaxing spa break, Lola is plunged into a murder investigation when a blood curdling scream is heard and a body of one of the staff is found in a tangled state beneath the balconies leading to the attic.
Lola has to rely on her wits to solve the crime and survive herself using the limited resources at hand.
It is a great read with many twists and turns and some characters as gloomy and dark as the castle itself.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lola Harris is persuaded by her sister Frankie to have a weekend away. Frankie has led Lola to believe that they’re staying in a cottage, but neglects to say that it’s in the grounds of Ardaig Castle, which is now a health and wellness retreat for the rich and famous.

Not only having deceived Lola about the location, Frankie has also not been entirely truthful about the reason for choosing the castle. Frankie knows the manager of the castle, Catherine, and has promised her that Lola will investigate the poison pen letters that Catherine and several other staff have been receiving.

Despite being cross at Frankie for manipulating her, Lola still agrees to help get to the bottom of what the anonymous letters are all about. The latest one mentions there being a killer amongst the castle’s staff so Lola starts digging, and uncovers more than she thought when a body is found on the premises.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Sellers, and Joffe Books for the eARC of this book. This is number 5 in the DCI Lola Harris series.

DCI Harris has most recently been working on a white collar crime investigation with Police Scotland. While a huge feather in her cap to be asked to head this up, Lola is not happy at it. Her sister, Frankie, suggests a weekend away at Ardaig Castle, a wellness retreat run by an old friend of Frankie's. Upon arriving Lola finds out it's a setup. Frankie has promised her friend that Lola will provide advice and help investigate a series of nasty poison pen letters received by members of the staff. Lola isn't happy by this turn of events but does agree to providing advice. It's not long before one of the staff are killed. While not Lola's jurisdiction, she's forced into action as a severe storm makes the the road into the retreat impassable.

I really enjoyed this version of a locked room mystery. I've read two of the previous DCI Lola Harris books, they're all good, but this by far is my favourite. 4 out of 5 stars.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Lola Harris believes that her sister has invited her for a restful weekend at an historic Scottish castle. In reality, her sister wants her to advise the manager on what steps to take regarding the 'poison pen' letters that various staff have received. While a storm rages, preventing the sisters from returning home, a body turns up in a grand hallway.. With the storm having cut off all access to the castle, Lola must secure the scene and learn what she can, despite being out of her jurisdiction and having no resources available.

A Scottish castle should have an assortment of quirky characters, and this one does. It also has an assortment of high-profile and powerful people who are involved in the castle's mission as a treatment facility...not to mention the 'guests' (or patients). This is an enjoyable mystery with many suspects, a sprawling crime scene, an isolated location, and people with secrets. All the ingredients necessary for an intriguing read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.