Murder in the Highlands

Sophie Sayers #8

by Debbie Young

'A witty insight into village life and a most unusual murder that kept me enthralled!' E.V. Hunter

Sophie and Hector are heading to the Highlands.

For Sophie it’s a trip home and for Hector it’s time to meet Sophie’s parents... Though their trip has village tongues wagging about a stop at Scotland’s notorious elopement spot, Gretna Green.

No matter what, it’ll make a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. But Sophie and Hector are barely across the border on the way to Inverness before a sinister encounter leaves them shaken.

Then comes a series of mishaps that leave poor Hector a little worse for wear. Is someone after Hector? Why is he certain the attacks are just accidents? Sophie is determined to find out.

Starting and finishing at the Hector's House bookshop in Wendlebury Barrow, this adventure is Debbie Young's celebration of Scotland as her second favourite place after the Cotswolds, and will make you feel as if you've taken a trip to the Highlands yourself!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published March 15, 2023

About the author

Hello dear readers!

I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.

NOVELS

My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.

My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",

My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.

All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.

SHORT FICTION

My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!

My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,

Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".

PLAYS

I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.

AWARDS

The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

FREE EBOOK

Rec

Reviews

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 


HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY DEBBIE. 


Review for Murder In The Highlands' by Debbie Young. 


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Debbie Young, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources Tours. 


Publication date 15th March 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the eighth book in the 'Sophie Sayers Cosy Mystery' series. 


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).


This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



This book is based in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, UK🇬🇧 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually holidayed in Scotland previously so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any areas Debbie has based her book on.


This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Sophie Sayers. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. 


This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you feeling the fresh Scottish air in your hair and listening to the water running down the water slides. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly. 


Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Well done Debbie on an absolutely addictive cosy mystery!! This may be the first book I have read by you but it most definitely won't be the last!! 


I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, hills, romance, adventure, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. I absolutely loved the fact that the main protagonists work in a tea/book shop and that the mystery is surrounded by books!! Here's being an absolutely huge book lover this is always a huge bonus for me. This was the perfect start(for me) to what is promising to be an addictive series and I cannot wait to get stuck in to previous and future books in this series!!! I was not expecting the fantastic surprise and reveal so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it! This is one of those fantastic finds that you can read absolutely anywhere from the beach to in front of a fireplace. It doesn't matter where you read it because of Debbie's evocative writing skills you are guaranteed to be swept away to the highlands in no time!!! I loved that although this book is predominantly a murder mystery it also made me laugh so many times. Its perfect when you find a book like that that even when the storyline has death in it it still makes you laugh and lightens the mood!!! 


Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! 


Although this is the eighth book in the series I had would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.


It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.


I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Sophie, Hector and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Debbie portrayed village life, the Highlands and characters perfectly. The fact that she did her research absolutely shined through her words so congratulations Debbie!! There is little worse than an author doing little or no research in the topic or area they write about and littering their book with unnecessary mistakes which can spoil the storyline. I really clicked with both Sophie and Hector immediately who were both a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes and see if they ever end up back at Gretna Green!! They made a perfect team and I loved watching their relationship developing. I am looking forward to meeting them both again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how their friendship and relationships with each and the other characters develop especially with Sophie's parents, Kate, Ted and Carol who all left an impression on me!! I'm looking forward to seeing what all these fantastic and memorable characters  get up to in the not so distant future!!! 


Congratulations Debbie on an absolutely addictive book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂 Welcome to my favourite cosy mystery author list!!


Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!! 



Genres covered in this book include British Detective Stories, Women Sleuths, Literary Fiction, Small Town & and Rural Fiction, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Fiction Mashups, Holiday Fiction, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others. 



I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!! 

 


240 pages.


This book is just £2.84 to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 


Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 


Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews 



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[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will read more of Debbie’s works.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Debbie Young and Rachel's Random Resources. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.

Murder in the Highlands is the 8th book in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series. In this installment, Sophie brings Hector home to meet her parents. This trip is a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. Sophie and Hector are barely across the border when a sinister encounter leaves them shaken. Followed by a series of mishaps that leave Hector a little less for the ware. Sophie begins to wonder if someone is after Hector. Why is Hector so sure that the incidents are accidents? Sophie is determined to find out.

I’ve done it again, only this time, I’ve jumped in near the end of a series. It’s ok, this book easily reads as a standalone story. I enjoyed this book so much, I’ll be circling back to read the rest of the series! This book is easy to read, and you won’t want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Sophie and Hector. They are delightful as a couple and I loved the antics they found themselves getting into. The descriptions are well written, and I loved learned about the culture and countryside. I’ve not spent too much time abroad but reading this book makes me want to travel more. This sounds like a place I’d love to visit.

This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last! I recommend this book and I look forward to accompanying this duo on their next adventure!

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER IN THE HIGHLANDS - DEBBIE YOUNG.

MY REVIEW:
This is book eight in the Sophie Sayers Cosy Mystery series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books, but it was ok because Murder In The Highlands read perfectly as a standalone story.
That said, I will definitely be adding the rest of this series to my reading list, because it was flippin brilliant!

I can’t proceed without commenting on the cover of this book. It’s very pretty and eye catching. It definitely has shelf appeal.

Murder In The Highlands is the sort of read that I think is a snuggle in and lose yourself sort of book. Clear your diary, order a take away for tea, grab a fluffy blanket, put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign and settle in for a cosy read. Be ready with your best Scooby Doo skills, because there is a mystery to be solved.

This book is a joy. I loved the characters. Sophie and Hector are just fabulous together.
The story is well written and cleverly thought out. While the setting is stunning and a real breath of fresh air.

An absolutely cracking read with an intriguing mystery at it’s heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital arc of this title.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Hector head to Scotland to visit her parents. They pass Gretna Green and thoughts of marriage are swiftly replaced by the reality of murder when a chance encounter is followed by a death. A series of incidents follow and the couple start to fear they are in danger...
Murder in the Highlands is the 8th book to feature Sophie Sayers but it is the first book I have read by this author. It works perfectly as a stand alone but now I am keen to catch up on the earlier books as this one was so good!
Sophie and Hector work together in his bookshop and he buys a book as a gift for her mother. This has disasterous consequences! On their way to see her parents in Scotland, they encounter another bookseller, but while they visit the services, their new acquaintance is murdered in the car park. There is little detail about the murder so this book falls firmly into the cosy murder mystery genre.
Next, Hector seems to become exceedingly accident prone as a series of events result in injury. I loved the build up of incidents. It is quite clear from the outset that the mum's book is special is some way and someone is trying to wrestle it away from Hector. The loved up couple are blissfully unaware and almost in denial about the dangerous incidents that threaten their trip. I wanted to shout at the pair to realise what was happening and go to the police!
I found the explanation behind the attacks a little convoluted and far fetched, but until then the book was excellent and I can't wait to catch up with Sophie and Hector's earlier adventures as well as looking forward to future events.
Murder in the Highlands is a very enjoyable cosy murder mystery.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Highlands by Debbie Young

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Sophie and Hector are heading to the Highlands.

For Sophie it’s a trip home and for Hector it’s time to meet Sophie’s parents... Though their trip has village tongues wagging about a stop at Scotland’s notorious elopement spot, Gretna Green.

No matter what, it’ll make a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. But Sophie and Hector are barely across the border on the way to Inverness before a sinister encounter leaves them shaken.

Then comes a series of mishaps that leave poor Hector a little worse for wear. Is someone after Hector? Why is he certain the attacks are just accidents? Sophie is determined to find out.

My Opinion

I am reading this series out of order but this in no way spoils my enjoyment as these books can all be read as a standalone. The residents of Wendlebury Barrow are convinced that Sophie and Hector are eloping to Gretna Green when they become aware of the couples planned trip to Scotland.

As with the previous books in the series, there is very quickly a murder - but is this a case of mistaken identity? This was such an enjoyable read I finished the book in one sitting. Before starting this book make sure you are sitting comfortably, you may be there for a while. Debbie Young writes some great short mysteries and is fast becoming one of my go-to authors. Another highly recommended read.

Rating: 4/5

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to meet the parents can be stressful, its true,
But when accidents keep happening, what should you do?

A trip home for Sophie, with Hector this time
Stopping at Gretna Green en route shouldn't be a crime!
However, they're ready for a break away
So will put up with the gossip for many a day.

En route there are incidents that don't make sense
And leave both Sophie and Hector feeling tense!
When someone they spoke to ends up dead
They start to wonder what's happening and feeling dread.

There's more to come as the story begins to unfold -
Accidents, incidents and mysteries untold.
Poor Hector appears to be the target - but why?
Let's hope they can solve it before someone else has to die!

With beautiful scenery and lots to do
This is a fun read all the way through.
Explore Loch Ness and other places, too,
With books, family drama and surprises for you.

I just wish there was an epilogue with answers to see
What happens next in the uncovered mystery!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hector Munro (aka romantic novelist Hermione Minty), the owner of bookshop Hector’s House in Wendlebury Barrow, and his employee and girlfriend Sophie Sayers make a trip to Inverness to visit Sophie’s parents, little would they foresee the litany of “accidents” that would befall Hector. They don’t even make it past the services at Gretna Green before a fellow bookseller and Land Rover owner that they have just met is murdered. As Sophie shows Hector the sights of the Highlands, he has two near misses and watches another one happen. Is someone after Hector and could it be anything to do with a seemingly worthless book he has acquired?
This is a charming cosy mystery in a series involving some very likeable characters including their fellow villagers and Sophie’s parents. Recommended for an easy and engrossing read with a lovely ending.

[Pam C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series by Debbie Young, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sophie and Hector are a delightful couple, and I loved following them back to Sophie's home in Scotland.

The book is an easy read and filled with interesting "accidents" that keep the main characters wondering what is going on. There is murder and mystery from start to finish, and I found myself guessing the culprit right up until the end.

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish countryside and culture. The author really brought the setting to life, and I felt like I was right there with Sophie and Hector as they explored the Highlands.

Overall, I recommend Murder in the Highlands to fans of cozy mysteries. It is a well-written and engaging book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, slightly quirky, cozy read. The cover is really colourful and attractive, and pretty well reflects the mood of the story.

Sophie and Hector venture outside of their Cotswolds bookshop to visit Sophie’s parents in the highlands of Scotland.

However during their trip, Hector is the victim of a few potentially serious incidents and the Sophie starts to suspect that Hector is being targeted for some reason.

This book is part of a series but it doesn’t matter if you’ve not read any of the previous stories, it stands well on its own.

Thanks must go to Boldwood Books and Netgalley who have provided an arc of this story in exchange for my review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed it from Prime Reading because I thought it was the first in a new series. It's #8, but it didn't really beat the past to death, which some book series do. I liked Sophie and her parents. She goes to visit them in Scotland (she lives in the Cotswalds,) with her boss of the book and tea shop, but he's not only her boss, but her boyfriend. Everyone where she and Hector (her boyfriend) live think they are going to elope because on the way to her parents there is a town famous for its weddings. They don't get married, but someone gets murdered, and a book is stolen. It has a nice ending, and I would recommend it, particularly if you like cozies set in other countries.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable easy read.
Sophie and Hector are visiting Sophie’s parents but on the journey a few peculiarities arise and they continue throughout their stay .
This is a delightful cosy mystery and it does turn a little sinister , can Hector and Sophie come through it unscathed?
I enjoyed the location and the dynamics of Hector’s and Sophie’s relationship.
A sweet and entertaining read.
Looking forward to the duos next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a great cozy with a lovable fun protagonist? This is the one for you! I love this series and have enjoyed each and every entry so far! Settle into a cozy place, have a favorite beverage nearby and enjoy this read! You’ll find it’s an easy read and fall in love with the characters as the mystery unfolds and is solved.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these books a lot. They are twee and comforting. Cosy murders are a particular love of mine. Really recommend this author.
I liked Sophie and hector and this particular highland read was lovely with all of its tartan and Loch Ness monster. I definitely need to read the back story books too.

Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice fun frivolous mystery that despite a murder felt more light and easy going than serious. I haven't read the other books but didn't feel this affected my reading of the mystery but does affect my understanding of the romance element that seemed like they needed to talk more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marianne Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read

Haven’t read books 1-7 but that didn’t matter as it can be read as a standalone book. Characters are good and can be engaging but find Sophie quite annoying. The first half of the book labours under a repetitive storyline but the final quarter is good and ends well. Won’t be reading any more of the series however.

[Holly Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie and Hector take a road trip to Scotland and quickly encounter a murderer, who is out to get Hector also. Really made me want me to take a trip to the Highlands to see all the lochs and what not.😍

[Alexander Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but when I read a novel I always hope it will actually have a plot. This does not. On the plus side, Sophie and Hector are engaging characters, so I will read some of their earlier adventures.

[Jim Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery written by Debbie Young who hit the ball out of the park. It is not hard to figure out who the villain is in the book, but the reason why is hard to figure out. Great book! Looking to reading more from this author!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, if you are a fan of cosy crime this is a series for you, I started at book 8 but you can read it as a stand alone. I will however go back and read a lot more by this author, it felt like a warm hug of a book and I cannot wait to delve into more of the series 5* from me

[Philip Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I have read all the books in the series. I really enjoyed them. They were a fantastic read, and I do hope there is going to be more

[Karen L48 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler alert*** I didn't understand the end of the book about a lottery ticket.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing a fun book! Loved traveling through Scotland with the characters!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one .

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful cozy mystery. A lovely village and cast of characters. I read the series and enjoyed the very different storylines, not complicated, but well told. Sophie doesnt try and second guess the police, does not aspire to be an invetigator but is curious and smart.

Each has a plot (we're in the Scottish Highlands visiting Sophie's parents this time and Hector does not have an easy time of iT) but the back story evolves too. Its four out of five for me.

[Elliemae · Rating 3 out of 5]

audiobook format

A so-so book, it took me a few days to finally finish it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

my fave in the series.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook - Hoopla

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book following Sophie and Hector on their visit to her parents in the Highlands. After being on the scene of a sinister attack at Gretna there follows some very strange events where Hector appears to be being targeted. Although there were clues along the way the outcome was not obvious. I liked how the story flowed and how Sophie and Hector’s relationship developed. I thought that it was a lighthearted mystery with just the amount of crime, fun and romance. This is the latest in the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery series and although I’d not read the any of the others found that this could easily be read as a standalone.