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Scottish Highlands #2
Hooked on Ewe
In this novel in the national bestselling Scottish Highlands Mystery series, aspiring romance novelist Eden Elliott discovers the landscape isn’t the only thing that’s dramatic when a local woman is done in...
It’s early September in Glenkillen, Scotland, when American expat (and budding romance novelist) Eden Elliott is recruited by the local inspector to act as a special constable. Fortunately it’s in name only, since not much happens in Glenkillen.
For now Eden has her hands full with other preparing for the sheepdog trial on the MacBride farm—a fundraiser for the local hospice—and helping her friend Vicki with her first yarn club skein-of-the-month deliveries. Everything seems to be coming together—until the head of the welcoming committee is found strangled to death with a club member’s yarn.
Now Eden feels compelled to honor her commitment as constable and herd together the clues, figure out which ones are dogs, and which ones will lead to a ruthless killer...
It’s early September in Glenkillen, Scotland, when American expat (and budding romance novelist) Eden Elliott is recruited by the local inspector to act as a special constable. Fortunately it’s in name only, since not much happens in Glenkillen.
For now Eden has her hands full with other preparing for the sheepdog trial on the MacBride farm—a fundraiser for the local hospice—and helping her friend Vicki with her first yarn club skein-of-the-month deliveries. Everything seems to be coming together—until the head of the welcoming committee is found strangled to death with a club member’s yarn.
Now Eden feels compelled to honor her commitment as constable and herd together the clues, figure out which ones are dogs, and which ones will lead to a ruthless killer...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
317 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Reed
12 books332 followersBestselling, award-winning author Deb Baker writes the hilarious Gertie Johnson mystery series set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A native Yooper herself, Deb brings her blend of humor and sass to everything she writes, including mysteries written under her pen name Hannah Reed.
In addition to the Yooper mysteries, Deb/Hannah also penned a doll collecting series, beekeeping mysteries, and a Scottish Highland trilogy.
In addition to the Yooper mysteries, Deb/Hannah also penned a doll collecting series, beekeeping mysteries, and a Scottish Highland trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 27, 2019
Hooked on Ewe by Hannah Reed is the second book in the Scottish Highlands series and the narrator did a commendable job. The mystery story was well-crafted and Ms. Reed's descriptive writing makes me feel like I am visiting Glenkillen with Eden. I felt like Eden went a little "over the top" while acting as Special Constable at a few points during the story. I look forward to borrowing the next book in the story from library.
May 31, 2016
Though not as good as the first, Hooked on Ewe was an engrossing second book.
Let me start with the absolutely amazing setting of Glenkillen. It sounds stunning! I really wish we'd have more time in the book to actually explore the town business and such. The mystery was also well-plotted and it held up well. I didn't see the killer coming until Eden did; though Eden did some pretty stupid things during the investigation they weren't too over the top.
The characters were almost all wonderful. Eden was funny, and strong, and an honest to goodness amazing investigator. Vicki, the Inspector, and the rest of the characters were wonderful except for Sean. I absolutely could not stand Sean. I sincerely hope he gets pushed off the cliff in the next book or something because I don't know if I can stand an entire book with Sean.
Overall a pretty solid book. Sean was incredibly dumb, Eden did some slightly bullying investigation tactics, and this took me longer than usual to get through, however, it was a very good book. I will read the next one.
Let me start with the absolutely amazing setting of Glenkillen. It sounds stunning! I really wish we'd have more time in the book to actually explore the town business and such. The mystery was also well-plotted and it held up well. I didn't see the killer coming until Eden did; though Eden did some pretty stupid things during the investigation they weren't too over the top.
The characters were almost all wonderful. Eden was funny, and strong, and an honest to goodness amazing investigator. Vicki, the Inspector, and the rest of the characters were wonderful except for Sean. I absolutely could not stand Sean. I sincerely hope he gets pushed off the cliff in the next book or something because I don't know if I can stand an entire book with Sean.
Overall a pretty solid book. Sean was incredibly dumb, Eden did some slightly bullying investigation tactics, and this took me longer than usual to get through, however, it was a very good book. I will read the next one.
April 17, 2015
Hooked on Ewe is the second book in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series written by Hannah Reed.
What a wonderful way to take a trip to the Scottish Highlands without leaving my home.
Sheep trials are going to take place on the MacBride farm as a way to make money for the hospice.
What Eden does not expect to find is the body of Isla Lindsey come rolling out of a van.
Eden is also made a special constable, so now she can investigate without getting in trouble. Well maybe! Edens strong personality comes out once again.
This story brought the beauty of the Scottish Highlands as well as learning about sheep trials, sheep shearing and information on wool after sheared off the sheep.
Looking forward to another trip back to Glenkillen.
What a wonderful way to take a trip to the Scottish Highlands without leaving my home.
Sheep trials are going to take place on the MacBride farm as a way to make money for the hospice.
What Eden does not expect to find is the body of Isla Lindsey come rolling out of a van.
Eden is also made a special constable, so now she can investigate without getting in trouble. Well maybe! Edens strong personality comes out once again.
This story brought the beauty of the Scottish Highlands as well as learning about sheep trials, sheep shearing and information on wool after sheared off the sheep.
Looking forward to another trip back to Glenkillen.
May 24, 2018
Hooked on Ewe is the standalone, follow up mystery to Off Kilter. Eden Elliot has been in Glenkillen for about 3 months. She’s working and living on Vicky’s farm. She’s made friends and finished the first draft of her book. Christine still isn’t very warm and fuzzy but it’s all okay. Until, the farm hosts a large charity event and Eden discovers the corpse of one of the town’s volunteers. Inspector Jameson has his hands full and asks Eden to be a Special Constable to help him on the case.
Overall, I enjoyed my return to the quaint town of Glenkillen. Seeing the tapestry of land, the food, and the people of the Highlands through the eyes of Eden is wonderful. From her descriptive looks at the scenery, the tastes of the foods and drink, and even the yarn produced and sold at Sheepish Expressions; it’s all brought to vivid life though her observations.
The mystery was engrossing. I liked Eden’s larger roll in the investigation. However, there were a couple small things that made it not as great as the first book - first, as Eden’s character development progresses in this second book there were aspects that came to light that I didn’t care for. I didn’t like how pushy and judgmental Eden became as she pursued the investigation. Maybe she was like this before, but I don’t remember. However, I will say she was put in her place by the inspector, and she tried to tamper her attitude subsequently. So, while it was annoying in the start, it seemed to settle down after a while.
Second, I was put off by how the first book left us thinking Vicky and Kirsten had worked things out, but then this one opened with Kirsten being a total b*tch again. This continued for quite a while, and it bothered me - been there, done that. She did make amends about halfway in (+/-) so I really hope we don’t get a repeat in book 3, or I’ll be so tired of it.
Lastly, I applauded the fact that the author put the inspector out of dating potential in the beginning and then focused on Eden’s attraction to Leif. I like their very slow burn attraction as it builds. But then, at the very end of the book, it looks like Eden accepts a date with both Leif and the inspector. This annoyed me.
The mystery itself was well-written. Clues were left here and there, but it really took time to put them all together. While I guessed at the who, it wasn’t until closer to the end than the beginning, and even then, I didn’t have it all right. But once everything is revealed, it all made sense. It’s smart and engaging.
Angela Dawe is amazing. Each voice is distinctive and genuine. She is equally strong with both male and female characters. And if I only heard her males out of context - I would assume she was a man. The accents are also customized to each character. Ms. Dawe also does a lovely job added in the emotional content of the scene with her non-verbal sounds, reactions and cues. The whole book is fabulously brought to life through her performance.
My Ratings: Story: B/B+
Narration: A+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
Overall, I enjoyed my return to the quaint town of Glenkillen. Seeing the tapestry of land, the food, and the people of the Highlands through the eyes of Eden is wonderful. From her descriptive looks at the scenery, the tastes of the foods and drink, and even the yarn produced and sold at Sheepish Expressions; it’s all brought to vivid life though her observations.
The mystery was engrossing. I liked Eden’s larger roll in the investigation. However, there were a couple small things that made it not as great as the first book - first, as Eden’s character development progresses in this second book there were aspects that came to light that I didn’t care for. I didn’t like how pushy and judgmental Eden became as she pursued the investigation. Maybe she was like this before, but I don’t remember. However, I will say she was put in her place by the inspector, and she tried to tamper her attitude subsequently. So, while it was annoying in the start, it seemed to settle down after a while.
Second, I was put off by how the first book left us thinking Vicky and Kirsten had worked things out, but then this one opened with Kirsten being a total b*tch again. This continued for quite a while, and it bothered me - been there, done that. She did make amends about halfway in (+/-) so I really hope we don’t get a repeat in book 3, or I’ll be so tired of it.
Lastly, I applauded the fact that the author put the inspector out of dating potential in the beginning and then focused on Eden’s attraction to Leif. I like their very slow burn attraction as it builds. But then, at the very end of the book, it looks like Eden accepts a date with both Leif and the inspector. This annoyed me.
The mystery itself was well-written. Clues were left here and there, but it really took time to put them all together. While I guessed at the who, it wasn’t until closer to the end than the beginning, and even then, I didn’t have it all right. But once everything is revealed, it all made sense. It’s smart and engaging.
Angela Dawe is amazing. Each voice is distinctive and genuine. She is equally strong with both male and female characters. And if I only heard her males out of context - I would assume she was a man. The accents are also customized to each character. Ms. Dawe also does a lovely job added in the emotional content of the scene with her non-verbal sounds, reactions and cues. The whole book is fabulously brought to life through her performance.
My Ratings: Story: B/B+
Narration: A+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
October 17, 2017
Eden is half way through her time in Scotland and has settled in nicely (although Vicki's half sister Kristine still needs to warm up to both of them!) Special Constable Sean has finally passed the exam to go to train as a full Police Officer so the Inspector pulls some strings and gets Eden to fill his place. It seems as though it is going to be nice and easy just a couple of hours a week so she can work on her second Highland Romance and then a killing derails everything. Sean is prepared to put off starting at the Police College and everyone is hiding something, oh and Vicki decides to stop dyeing and spinning yarn! Time for Eden to unravel the clues with the help of the Inspector and get everything back to normal.
September 3, 2019
"You should've asked my opinion before you went off half-cocked," Kirstine MacBride-Derry scolded her half sister Vicki from behind the counter of the wool and yarn shop they owned together on the outskirts of Glenkillen, a small village in the Scottish Highlands on the North Sea, along a protected bay called Moray Firth.
The second book in the Scottish Highlands Mystery series opens with a bang and continued tension between the MacBride sisters. A sheep dog event to benefit Hospice is scheduled on MacBride land. Kirstine is upset with Vicki for starting her skein-of-the-month club the same weekend. Isla, the committee leader and overall obnoxious woman is discovered dead after the event.
I enjoyed meeting Eden in the first book along with the townspeople of Glenkillen. Detective Kevin Jamieson has asked Eden to be a Special Constable as the current one has been accepted in the police academy. I suppose he feels that since she is going to investigate that she should at least be of help to him.
Eden is an aspiring romance writer. Her first book has been sent to the publisher and she only wants to get started on the sequel. The murder allows her to delve into the townspeople's lives.
The sheep dog event shows the hard work of true working dogs. Possible love interest, Leith Cameron, along with his border collie Kelly excel at sheep herding.
The characters in this series are very well written with the requisite quirky townspeople. The mystery is good and has plenty of twists and turns. I've learned over the years of reading cozies that the most disagreeable character will be the first to die. Of course, there are numerous people who would love to see her dead.
I love the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands. I don't even seem to mind the possible triangle that may be developing. I guess the wonderful scenery makes me a bit more mellow.
I had a few thoughts as to the actual killer but did not see the motive until additional information about Isla was revealed. The ending was a bit of a nail biter.
I look forward to the next book.
The second book in the Scottish Highlands Mystery series opens with a bang and continued tension between the MacBride sisters. A sheep dog event to benefit Hospice is scheduled on MacBride land. Kirstine is upset with Vicki for starting her skein-of-the-month club the same weekend. Isla, the committee leader and overall obnoxious woman is discovered dead after the event.
I enjoyed meeting Eden in the first book along with the townspeople of Glenkillen. Detective Kevin Jamieson has asked Eden to be a Special Constable as the current one has been accepted in the police academy. I suppose he feels that since she is going to investigate that she should at least be of help to him.
Eden is an aspiring romance writer. Her first book has been sent to the publisher and she only wants to get started on the sequel. The murder allows her to delve into the townspeople's lives.
The sheep dog event shows the hard work of true working dogs. Possible love interest, Leith Cameron, along with his border collie Kelly excel at sheep herding.
The characters in this series are very well written with the requisite quirky townspeople. The mystery is good and has plenty of twists and turns. I've learned over the years of reading cozies that the most disagreeable character will be the first to die. Of course, there are numerous people who would love to see her dead.
I love the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands. I don't even seem to mind the possible triangle that may be developing. I guess the wonderful scenery makes me a bit more mellow.
I had a few thoughts as to the actual killer but did not see the motive until additional information about Isla was revealed. The ending was a bit of a nail biter.
I look forward to the next book.
April 29, 2016
I loved the first one in this series, but this one was not quite as charming to me. Eden seemed to take things a bit too far in the investigation department, and I was not pleased with what I felt like were her abuses of power.
October 4, 2018
3 1/2 stars...I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. I found myself getting annoyed with Eden with her new role as a constable. Her know it all attitude rubbed me the wrong way. Hopefully in the next book she won't be as obnoxious.
November 5, 2021
3.5 fast paced and intriguing mystery. The Scottish Highlands is a beautiful place to be but also a dangerous one. Eden Elliott makes it her business again to snoop around for clues, but officially as a special constable. This was a fun read!
September 15, 2015
I really enjoy Hannah Reed's Scottish Highlands cozy series, particularly for the setting. In Hooked on Ewe, Reed gives us a good look at a staple in the Highlands: sheep dog trials. Having seen them myself in the beautiful little village of Luss, I appreciated Reed's description. We're also treated to a bit of knitting, and Eden climbs aboard a boat and goes out into the Moray Firth.
The mystery is a good one, involving quite a chase around the suspect list, and Reed applies a strong dash of humor-- especially in the relationship between Inspector Jamieson and Constable Stevens. Jamieson prefers working solo, and since Stevens annoys the stuffing out of him, Jamieson is always dreaming up busy work for the constable to get him out of his hair. Constable Stevens is coming into his own a bit because he has a particularly funny scene all his own.
There's an added bonus in this series. Since Eden is an aspiring author, readers are treated to some of the creative as well as the nuts-and-bolts publishing processes in writing. However, as much as I enjoyed Hooked on Ewe, I did have a few problems with it. First of all, I cannot believe that any police force in Scotland would agree to give someone special constable status when she's on a six-month tourist visa that's half over. I was also a bit puzzled over the motivations of the dead woman, but I can't say any more because I'd have to divulge too much of the plot.
The third thing that bugged me was a point of geography, which won't bother readers who haven't traveled extensively in Scotland. I have, so when I read that a character's sister, who was returning to Glasgow from a holiday on the Isle of Skye, decided to swing past Glenkillen to pick up her Skein-of-the-Month package, it just didn't add up. People in the UK don't tend to drive long distances. If you had to pay what they do for gasoline, you'd understand why. The drive between Glasgow and Skye is long enough on its own-- and Glenkillen is in the exact opposite direction by more than just a few miles. I know. I'm being picky!
Geography aside, I enjoy the mysteries and the characters in this series. I look forward to my next visit.
The mystery is a good one, involving quite a chase around the suspect list, and Reed applies a strong dash of humor-- especially in the relationship between Inspector Jamieson and Constable Stevens. Jamieson prefers working solo, and since Stevens annoys the stuffing out of him, Jamieson is always dreaming up busy work for the constable to get him out of his hair. Constable Stevens is coming into his own a bit because he has a particularly funny scene all his own.
There's an added bonus in this series. Since Eden is an aspiring author, readers are treated to some of the creative as well as the nuts-and-bolts publishing processes in writing. However, as much as I enjoyed Hooked on Ewe, I did have a few problems with it. First of all, I cannot believe that any police force in Scotland would agree to give someone special constable status when she's on a six-month tourist visa that's half over. I was also a bit puzzled over the motivations of the dead woman, but I can't say any more because I'd have to divulge too much of the plot.
The third thing that bugged me was a point of geography, which won't bother readers who haven't traveled extensively in Scotland. I have, so when I read that a character's sister, who was returning to Glasgow from a holiday on the Isle of Skye, decided to swing past Glenkillen to pick up her Skein-of-the-Month package, it just didn't add up. People in the UK don't tend to drive long distances. If you had to pay what they do for gasoline, you'd understand why. The drive between Glasgow and Skye is long enough on its own-- and Glenkillen is in the exact opposite direction by more than just a few miles. I know. I'm being picky!
Geography aside, I enjoy the mysteries and the characters in this series. I look forward to my next visit.
June 23, 2015
I didn’t read the first book in this series, OFF KILTER, but I am a fan of Hannah Reed’s Queen Bee Mysteries, so, when I was offered the chance to read this book, I was excited to read it, although I wasn’t sure I could get into a story set in the Scottish Highlands, but I found it to be a fun and refreshing change. It really showed that author Hannah Reed did her research into Scottland, something I’m sure she enjoyed as much as I did reading about it.
I liked protagonist, Eden Elliot right away. She’s a very dynamic character. I enjoyed getting to know the Chicago transplant as she herself was still adjusting to her new life in Glenkillen Scottland. I will be purchasing book one in this series, OFF KILTER, so I can read more about her move to a new country. I also quite liked the supporting cast of characters and look forward to learning more about them in future books.
This was an excellent mystery that captured my interest quickly and kept me turning page after page to eagerly read more. I was sorry to get to the end of the book. I can’t wait for the next exciting installment!
I liked protagonist, Eden Elliot right away. She’s a very dynamic character. I enjoyed getting to know the Chicago transplant as she herself was still adjusting to her new life in Glenkillen Scottland. I will be purchasing book one in this series, OFF KILTER, so I can read more about her move to a new country. I also quite liked the supporting cast of characters and look forward to learning more about them in future books.
This was an excellent mystery that captured my interest quickly and kept me turning page after page to eagerly read more. I was sorry to get to the end of the book. I can’t wait for the next exciting installment!
November 16, 2015
Having recently read the first book(Off Kilter) in this Scottish Highlands series, I was indeed, seriously hooked, only to discover that one of my favorite cozy authors Deb Baker IS Hannah Reed. This is a charming, well paced series which starts with Eden Elliot, now appearing to be an expat who has been sent by her generous friend and writer Ali to take 6 months over in a northern town in the Scottish Highlands, to get over a series of unfortunate life events, and to get on with her writing. Once she hits her layover in London, all connections start happening, both good, promising, and dysfunctional family relationships of her new friend and now roommate in Glenkillen, Scotland, Vicki. In this second book all the relationships that started or stalled in the first book continue to grow or whither away. In this installment, a particularly nasty and domineering woman is killed off rather early , and we are off to the races. You won't be disappointed with this lovely mix of friendships, flirtations and many challenging events that keep you interested throughout. #3 is on its way for 2016 and I can't wait to get back to the sheep farm and see how things go for Eden and Company!
January 17, 2017
Es ist schon eine Weile her, dass ich den ersten Band der Scottish Highlands-Reihe gelesen habe, doch viel mir der Einstieg in den zweiten Band nicht schwer. Die ersten hundert Seiten zogen sich etwas, doch mit den Beginn der Mordermittlungen wurde es immer besser. Ich wusste bis zur Auflösung nicht, wer der Mörder ist und warum er gemordet hat! Alles in allem ein gutes Buch, doch zwei Sterne musste ich abziehen, da a) ich die Personen (besonders die Hauptperson) und das Setting arg zu klischee-nett finde und b) mich diese Pfefferspray-Obsession der Hauptperson tierisch genervt hat.
June 30, 2018
This is a very enjoyable cozy series. I really like that Eden can take care of herself and doesn’t rely on others to save her. I like that she’s smart and independent. And surprisingly, I like that the romance is almost non-existent. I usually like a romantic interest in my cozies (as long as it’s not a love triangle), but this is a nice change of pace. The romantic interest in these books is pretty minimal, with the focus being on the mystery. It’s a slow burn— just a little flirting— yet somehow I’m finding that refreshing this time.
Once again, the audio is excellently narrated by Angela Dawe. I love those Scottish accents.
Once again, the audio is excellently narrated by Angela Dawe. I love those Scottish accents.
August 6, 2018
I am truly loving this series set in the Scottish Highlands. The descriptions of the beautiful scenery bring back memories of our trip there. The characters are well developed. The mild "love interests", the family squabbles, and all the drama of small town life make these books so familiar, so enjoyable. This one has a mystery that really had me baffled ... I'd think I had it figured out, and then some new evidence came up. I was completely wrong in who I thought would turn out to be the murderer. Lots of fun!
April 20, 2023
Main character can be full of herself and there are quite a few TSTL moments but overall not a bad mystery. Eden has finished her first romance book and has been appointed a special constable while Sean is about to set of for training. The murder of an unpleasant villager is her first assignment with Vicki, her friend, is a suspect. There’s lots of Scottish traditions explored, some inaccuracies, but overall it’s not a bad book and mystery.
January 23, 2024
Hooked on Ewe is a fun cozy Scottish mystery with lots of colorful characters. The first couple of chapters were confusing, as the author threw countless names and characters at the reader. It took a while to keep all the characters and their interrelationships straight. The murder mystery was good. The mystery takes place at a festival, like most British cozy mysteries. Remind me to never go to a festival in the UK! Fortunately it was the most hated person in the village that got it. There was humor with the 2 special constables and the interactions with the locals. There was even a hint of romance.
April 10, 2018
Another super cute story. I'm loving this series.
July 13, 2018
Lovely trip to the Scottish highlands with a little murder on the side - author is very descriptive, loved it! :-)
October 12, 2023
Audible
August 28, 2015
If you love Scotland then this book is one you probably will like. The author really caught the culture and feel of the country in her work and I think the setting was one of the most enjoyable parts of Hooked on Ewe. I certainly learned many new sayings and expressions. I really could imagine myself there from the authors descriptions.
Eden is a great character. She has lots of brains which is great since she is a romance writer and sometimes people think of them as a bit less brainy. I also loved her loyalty to her friends and how willing she was to be a special constable even though she was new to the community and only a temporary fixture.
I found the mystery so so. There were many suspects and I didn’t have any idea who it was until right before Eden found out. I didn’t really have the feeling like it was the right or wrong person who actually did it. I just kinda felt bleh about it.
I had a hard time staying focused on this book. It wasn’t a page turner for me and at several times I felt like I could have put the book down and walked away without feeling bad about never knowing who did it. I’m not sure if it was the books rather slow pace (probably intentional because we get the feeling that life in Scotland is a bit on the slow side and maybe the book was reflecting the setting) or if it was just too many side characters and their stories. Again, I think it had to do with being true to setting and I can’t fault the book for that but it just wasn’t right for me.
I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind a slower read. It was a good book but it just wasn’t a good fit for me. I need something that makes me desperate to find out what happened.
Eden is a great character. She has lots of brains which is great since she is a romance writer and sometimes people think of them as a bit less brainy. I also loved her loyalty to her friends and how willing she was to be a special constable even though she was new to the community and only a temporary fixture.
I found the mystery so so. There were many suspects and I didn’t have any idea who it was until right before Eden found out. I didn’t really have the feeling like it was the right or wrong person who actually did it. I just kinda felt bleh about it.
I had a hard time staying focused on this book. It wasn’t a page turner for me and at several times I felt like I could have put the book down and walked away without feeling bad about never knowing who did it. I’m not sure if it was the books rather slow pace (probably intentional because we get the feeling that life in Scotland is a bit on the slow side and maybe the book was reflecting the setting) or if it was just too many side characters and their stories. Again, I think it had to do with being true to setting and I can’t fault the book for that but it just wasn’t right for me.
I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind a slower read. It was a good book but it just wasn’t a good fit for me. I need something that makes me desperate to find out what happened.
December 25, 2017
This is the second in the series featuring American Eden Elliott. After a series of personal tragedies Eden left to spend six months in a small village in the Scottish Highlands to recover, and write her first romance. This second book picks up approximately three months after the first ended. Eden is more firmly entrenched in the area, and is living in a cottage on her new friend Vicky’s estate. During a dog show (sheep herding skills) Eden discovers the body of an obnoxious woman.
I had to suspend disbelief at several points. In the first book Eden was having major problems writing her first romance. As this one opens she’s already sent the full manuscript off to her friend in Chicago (a mega star romance author). So much for writer’s block. But even more importantly, soon after Eden discovers the body of a murdered woman, she’s asked to be a Special Constable for the area (volunteer police inspector) by the chief detective for the area. Yes, she’s not a citizen of the country. Yes, her tourist visa is half over, but EDEN gets asked to be a Special Constable. (The author tries to explain it away, with Eden questioning it, but I still found it difficult to accept). And then, Eden becomes completely gung ho Special Constable (letting her writing go by the way side) and gets herself into numerous, stupid, dangerous situations.
Despite those criticisms, I still like the setting. The book ends with a bit of a potential romantic cliffhanger. I’ll probably read the third in the series, but hope that Eden gets a bit smarter about her investigating. Overall, I'd give this one a C/C-
November 23, 2015
Hooked On Ewe The second book in the Scottish Highlands series, Hooked on Ewe was just....okay. I really can't put my finger on exactly what it was that rubbed me the wrong way. It just seemed....distracted, I guess. That's the best word I can come up with. You know when you call someone on the phone and are trying to get information from them and you can tell they're doing something else and they're not totally with you? That's how this book felt; like the author was busy playing Candy Crush on her phone while writing this.
I figured out whodunit fairly early on in the book, and despite several red herrings (or attempts at red herrings) I really never wavered on it. There's also a potential love triangle in the works, and the more-than-a-little-implausible-plot-thread where Eden is made a Constable. You know, because it's commonplace to deputize a foreigner into the police force.
Not a bad book, and I enjoyed it for the most part but a lot of little things detracted from a mediocre plot.
I figured out whodunit fairly early on in the book, and despite several red herrings (or attempts at red herrings) I really never wavered on it. There's also a potential love triangle in the works, and the more-than-a-little-implausible-plot-thread where Eden is made a Constable. You know, because it's commonplace to deputize a foreigner into the police force.
Not a bad book, and I enjoyed it for the most part but a lot of little things detracted from a mediocre plot.
August 27, 2016
I loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed the second one as well. It never hurts to have a few chuckles here and there.
One part of the story I did not like at all. I felt that Eden went way over board with her investigation in this particular scene especially considering that she is now recruited as official Special Constable in this installment. Normally I don't mind things like the heroine entering a house and snoop around but what she did here did not feel right. Also I was looking forward to some kind of payback to the rude behaviour that Kristine showed towards Eden and Vicki but certainly not the violent kind that actually happened.
Despite this it was a very well written book and a wonderful cozy mystery that I would recommend. I loved the "Yarn of the Month" theme.
One part of the story I did not like at all. I felt that Eden went way over board with her investigation in this particular scene especially considering that she is now recruited as official Special Constable in this installment. Normally I don't mind things like the heroine entering a house and snoop around but what she did here did not feel right. Also I was looking forward to some kind of payback to the rude behaviour that Kristine showed towards Eden and Vicki but certainly not the violent kind that actually happened.
Despite this it was a very well written book and a wonderful cozy mystery that I would recommend. I loved the "Yarn of the Month" theme.
September 16, 2016
This second novel in the series was just delightful.
Eden Elliott is in the second part of her six month stay in Glenkillen, Scotland. Eden has finished her romance novel and it is resting with her BFF, Ami in Chicago, USA, to have the final read through prior sending it to her publisher. Eden is loving the softer Scottish life and never more so than when Chief Inspector Jamieson asks her to become a volunteer constable! She is issued a warrant card and a can of pepper spray.
All, to soon, there is a murder to investigate, involving yarn, cupcakes, deceit, and embezzlement.
Well, our girl is up to the case, after all, she does have that can of Pepper Spray!
This was a fun, adventurous, cozy mystery. I truly enjoyed reading it.
Eden Elliott is in the second part of her six month stay in Glenkillen, Scotland. Eden has finished her romance novel and it is resting with her BFF, Ami in Chicago, USA, to have the final read through prior sending it to her publisher. Eden is loving the softer Scottish life and never more so than when Chief Inspector Jamieson asks her to become a volunteer constable! She is issued a warrant card and a can of pepper spray.
All, to soon, there is a murder to investigate, involving yarn, cupcakes, deceit, and embezzlement.
Well, our girl is up to the case, after all, she does have that can of Pepper Spray!
This was a fun, adventurous, cozy mystery. I truly enjoyed reading it.
September 10, 2015
I wasn't overly thrilled with this second book in the Scottish Highlands series. I think maybe it was because I was expecting more romance and less Eden going around town acting a bit like bully and ignoring what would be considered due process in the US. Add all that to the fact that I managed to nail the perp very quickly and a few glaring plot holes and you have a mediocre sophomore effort. Finally, let's get on with a love interest. Leith. The Inspector. Anyone interesting and good looking in a kilt. I'll probably give the next book a try just to see if and how Eden manages to stay in Scotland.
April 18, 2015
Whew! I just finished my ARC copy of HOOKED ON YOU and I'm still breathing hard! Hannah Reed (Deb Baker) sure writes a well crafted mystery. The characters are intriguing, the setting is the lovely, lush Scottish Highlands, there's a hint of romance, and the pacing and plotting are masterful! I want to visit the area and sip a wee pint in a pub like the Thistle and Kilt. If you haven't read OFF KILTER, the first in this delightful series, be sure to pick it up and devour it so you'll be ready for HOOKED ON YOU.
June 25, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Hannah Reed. I was looking for a light audible book to listen to on a road trip and it was good for that. The author really caught the culture and feel of the Scottish Highlands. I liked learning about the Scottish foods, the sayings and expressions. It was enough of a “who done it” to keep me wondering about the outcome. I am a knitter and was amused by the related references to the fiber world. The narrator, Angela Davis did a good job on the Scottish accents.
July 20, 2020
This series set in the Scottish Highlands is a light read. The main character is an American woman visiting to gain inspiration for the romance novel she is writing. I was hoping the book was not going to be a romance novel, but there are elements of romance in it. It is a quick read, good for summer reading. She gets involved in the discovery of a murder in the small Scottish town where she finds friends and additional mysteries. I found this second book less interesting than the first, but will likely read #3.
July 23, 2015
A great second book in this series. The mystery was will plotted and held my interest all the way until the end. I still enjoyed the interaction between Eden and Inspector Jamieson. Out of all the characters, I think the inspector is the most interesting. There is a lot of mystery to him that hasn't yet been fully gone through. Hopefully, his backstory gets some attention soon in the series.
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