Murder at the Scottish Ball

An Opal Laplume Mystery #3

by Millicent Binks

Holly wreaths, eggnog by a roaring fire and… A body by the Christmas tree? Opal Laplume is on the case!

December 1934. Spending the holidays in a Scottish castle has made Opal Laplume’s festive wishes come true. Sir Blair’s Christmas Eve ball is legendary, and Opal dons her finest gown for an exquisite night of bubbles, baubles, and tartan kilts. But the festivities come to a screeching halt when their gracious host is electrocuted by some faulty Christmas lights.

The mood soon turns from festive to frosty when Opal discovers that what seemed like a tragic accident was in fact a deadly sabotage. Everyone has something to hide. Sir Blair’s marriage was crumbling like a piece of Scottish shortbread. Did his wife take ‘til death do us part’ too far? The butler was promised a large sum from Sir Blair’s will. Did he want an early Christmas bonus? And who is the ghostly figure playing bagpipes in the tower at night?

Just as the killer proves as difficult to find as the Loch Ness Monster, one of the guests is found smothered in their bedroom. Opal soon discovers Sir Blair was hiding a deadly secret on a small island off the rugged Scottish coast. Can she find the key to the mystery there, before the entire party perishes? Or will this Christmas be her last?

An addictive and twisty Golden Age murder mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. Fans of Agatha Christie. T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright won’t be able to put this down!

Readers love Millicent

‘5 Stars!!! I now have another favorite mystery author!… Gasp!!!… an author I will add to my shelf for life!… wonderful… Must read! Must Read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fabulous! Wow… I WHIPPED through it… my heart was pounding… insanely well written… PLEASE READ THIS!!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I read this in an evening, perfect… left me wanting more… Such a delightful read, which I absolutely loved!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Sugary mystery gold!… Sherlock Holmes would have a run for his money!… Bravo Millicent!! You make my mystery loving heart want to sing!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book! Full of glamour, mystery, and old Hollywood charm!… such a fun and clever whodunnit. Opal is my new favorite sleuth!’ Jadeandherbooks

‘Delightful… will joyfully fill a quiet afternoon.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fun easy historical cozy mystery… you can sit and read all the way through, because it’s that good. Great characters and a cute dog. Definitely recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Marvelous… Very good read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Entertaining and enjoyable. Opal is such a bold and smart young woman.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the Opal Laplume Mystery series.

It is December 1934 , Christmas time, and Opal Laplume is staying in a Scottish castle to enjoy the festivities. At the Christmas Eve Ball the host is electrocuted by the ornamental lights. Is it an accident or is it murder? Opal sets her sights on finding out the facts.

Opal is an excellent heroine- clever and strong, she pursues the clues relentlessly. The old castle is of course the perfect place for a spooky crime. The characters are strong, especially Opal herself and love interest Augusto. An interesting read. Recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: More of a timepass read

1934

Opal Laplume’s wish comes true when she gets a chance to spend Christmas in a Scottish castle. Sir Blair is known for his legendary Christmas Eve parties, after all. However, what seems like a tragically accidental death at the party turns out to be a sabotage. Moreover, the host’s marital life seems to be in trouble. As Opal discovers that he has been hiding a deadly secret, she is determined to solve the mystery and expose the killer.

The story comes in Opal’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the series and may not exactly work as a standalone for the overarching plot. The mystery is independent, though.

The story is set in Scotland during Christmas. While this does play into the plot quite a bit, and I could see the chilly weather, yet somehow it is not atmospheric. Still, I liked the island and the puffins. Such cutie birds!

The mystery starts fairly early, and there is much happening with deaths, accidents, suspects, etc. While there could have been quite a few suspects, none of them actually stand out as they should. The FMC focuses on only a couple, so it impacts the sleuthing process as well.

Napoleon, the black miniature poodle, shines because of his antics. He is indeed the hero at times more than a canine sidekick.

The MMC doesn’t seem to do much this time. His charm is kinda missing in this one, though he tries and does his bit as a sleuthing and guarding as a protective officer.

The FMC’s parents do have bigger roles in this one since they are with her in the same setting. Her mother can be annoying at times, though she is a reflection of the women of her time and her social status.

The FMC swings between being a decent sleuth and a naïve young girl with a repetitive monologue about the man she likes. I feel somehow that affects my reading experience too since I did enjoy the previous two books.

To summarize, Murder at the Scottish Ball is a decent cozy mystery set during Christmas in chilly Scotland. I’d recommend reading at least one previous book before you pick this up.

Thank you, Noelle Holten, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal is an astute sleuth along with her protection officer Augusto. They make such a sweet and beautiful couple. Opal is able to put together all the clues and of course solve these tricky murders. The author also catches the essence of the time period and locations. This was my first book by this author and won’t be my last, I plan to begin with reading the two previous stories. The cover is stunning. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun, cozy mystery. Olive LaPlume heads to a ball in Scotland with her parents. Augusto is back as her protector at the ball. At the ball, their host is killed, and Olive ends up helping out with the mystery, especially when another guest at the ball is killed.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were enjoyable, and I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Seraphina Serle and her sisters. Also, Augusto's background mystery is finally revealed.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.


Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this arc.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was the first book I have read by this author and absolutely loved it. Even though it's not the first book in the series, I had no issues jumping right into the series. Obviously, I was missing some character development and back story, but I didn't feel lost at any point. This is a totally clean book, for those who want to know the smut level :)

I will definitely be going back and reading the other books in the series.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Murder at the Scottish Ball
Series: An Opal Laplume Mystery #3
Author: Millicent Binks
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: November 25, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pages: 262

Awww Holly wreaths, eggnog by a roaring fire
It is December 1934 and Opal and her parents Lord Edmund and Lady Phyllis Laplume will be spending the holidays at the Dunvaloch Castle, Isle of Bute, Scotland, This has always been a festive dream of Opals.
Sir Seamus and Lady Blair’s Christmas Eve ball is legendary, and Opal dons her finest gown for the occasion. But the festivities come to a screeching halt when their gracious host is electrocuted by some faulty Christmas lights.

The mood soon turns from festive to frosty when Opal discovers that what seemed like a tragic accident was in fact a deadly sabotage.


Oh that Opal!! Plus Napoleon has his usually touch to this cozy mystery!!

This is Book 3 in the series and I total enjoyed the other two I read.

This story gets very involved and I believe it is one of THE best in this series. I am looking forward to Opal and her poodle Napoleon’s next sleuthing adventure in Book 4.

As always I enjoy reading the author’s notes and Ms. Binks doesn’t disappoint as this is a little story in itself.
In her “Letter from Millicent” she tells us her inspiration in part for this story is based on the true story of Helen Duncan who was a Scottish medium and was arrested in 1941 for revealing classified information. She was charged under the Witchcraft Act of 1735.
I believe readers will find this very interesting and I encourage you to read it.

She also tells us that her sweet sixteen years old calico kitty Queenie died. A sorrow as well as fun memories I can related as we lost our seventeen years old sweet Maltipoo last Christmas.

I also enjoyed her Acknowledgements. She, of course, thanks many many people. However, one group caught my eye. She thanked everyone who attended her Opal Lapume series launch. Aww I would love to attend one of her book launches. My Book Club was invited to a book Launch several years ago and it was so much fun!!

I want to Thank NetGalley and the awesome team at Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Pub date scheduled for November 25, 2025.

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture for this ARC.

I was initially drawn in by the charming premise and the 1930s setting — it promised all the ingredients of a cozy, lightly whimsical whodunnit. I don’t typically read these kinds of stories, but I’m trying to expand my literary horizons and the blurb sounded delightful. I appreciated the attempt to blend period detail with a young, sassy female lead and her loyal dog sidekick. There were a few moments where I genuinely laughed out loud at the banter, and I enjoyed learning a handful of period-specific vocabulary.

Unfortunately, however, the overall execution didn’t work for me. I struggled with the pacing, which felt slow for most of the book and then rushed at the end. It felt like very little actually happened in terms of building tension or expanding the mystery. Clues appear in scattered ways, and then the final reveal feels sudden and short-lived rather than truly earned.

The protagonist, Opal, was difficult for me to connect with. Her internal monologue often came across as overly confident and naive at the same time, and because she’s only 23, the “always the smartest person in the room” tone felt unconvincing. I also found it frustrating that she frequently complained about her love interest but, despite her supposed go-getter detective attitude, never actually acted on those concerns.

The writing style wasn’t a strong fit for me either. Many characters sounded similar, the dialogue lacked distinction, and if the title and a few locations hadn’t indicated Scotland, I wouldn’t have realised that was the setting. I never felt fully immersed or engaged; even during the climactic confrontation, my heart rate didn’t budge. In fairness, I may have done myself a disservice by not reading the previous two books, but it didn’t seem necessary, and this installment largely functions as a standalone.

This ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, but readers who enjoy light, low-stakes historical mysteries, and protagonists who feel more cozy than complex may enjoy it more. Fans of gentle whodunnits where the journey matters more than suspense might find it charming in ways I didn’t.

[Bonnie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully written and just suspenseful enough that I couldn't put it down. I loved the way Opal used her reasoning and the ability to see things that others missed to solve the crimes she came across in her life. She has a wonderful, connection to her parents, even with the familiar family stress. Augusto is a unique and extremely helpful associate in her pursuits of justice for those of the crimes. Her willingness to put herself in harms way to see justice done, even if unintentional, makes a great point of interest in the story. This was such a wonderful story that not only could I not put it down until I was finished, I felt the need to read the first two books in the series. I hope that the author continues to write such wonderful stories with the need for Opal to solve additional crimes. She has a unique ability to draw the reader into the story along with her characters.


This is the third in a series written by this author, Millicent Binks. Her debut book : "A Most Parisian Murder," introduced us to the main three characters we meet in the story. They are the Honorable Opal Laplume our main heroine; Augusto Sevilla, her trusted "Protection Officer" and friend; and her mother, Lady Phyllis Laplume. Her father that we meet in book two, Lord Edmund Laplume is an ornithologist and is away on a bird watching trek. Opal and her mother, work as milliners in London.

The second book sees Opal on her way to Hollywood to work in the movies in their millinery department. Things get crazy from the first time she steps onto the production lot for the movie company. She ends up working with the main star of the movie helping to dress her and the co-star.

This is a wonderful series and I would encourage everyone to read them. I'm not sure of what the books are classified as, but I would recommend them for anyone Middle Grade and up. There is no explicit scenes or language in the books. They are so well written it's not needed or missed. I believe that this author has a wonderful future in writing.

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Murder at the Scottish Ball is exactly the kind of cozy holiday mystery I love curling up with, snow, castles, twinkling lights, a little family drama, and of course… a murder to solve. Millicent Binks delivers all of that in such a charming, old-fashioned way that it was honestly just fun to sink into.

The story follows Opal Laplume, who heads to Dunvaloch Castle with her parents for a Christmas vacation straight out of a postcard. She’s been dreaming of attending Sir Seamus and Lady Blair’s Christmas Eve ball for years, only for the festivities to collapse when Sir Seamus is found electrocuted by the castle’s Christmas lights. At first it looks like a tragic accident, but Opal quickly realizes something isn’t adding up.

And from there, we get exactly what this series does so well: clever sleuthing, deliciously messy motives, and Opal poking her nose into places no one really wants her to. Her little poodle, Napoleon, also gets his usual moments of chaotic charm, which honestly just adds to the delight.
What I really enjoyed about this installment is the atmosphere. It has that perfect “lightly Gothic, lightly festive” feel, cold Scottish nights, castle corridors, hints of secrets lurking behind every garland. It’s cozy, but in a way that still keeps you turning pages.

My only real complaint? I kind of wanted more when it came to the mystery’s complexity, but that’s also part of the cozy genre charm. It’s not meant to be gritty noir, it’s meant to be warm, playful, and fun, and it totally delivers on that. Plus, Binks’s author note at the end (with her inspiration from a real Scottish medium!) was such a nice bonus.

If you like holiday whodunnits, Scottish settings, or amateur sleuthing with a touch of whimsy, this one is a great pick, festive, atmospheric, and just twisty enough to keep things interesting.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal Laplume is very much looking forward to her family’s Christmas travel plans. They’ll be spending the holidays at an elegant Scottish castle and attending the much-anticipated Scottish Ball. Opal couldn’t be more excited. What promises to be a warm, festive gathering quickly turns chilling, however, when their host, Sir Seamus Blair, is found dead—electrocuted by the castle’s Christmas lights.

At first, everyone assumes it was a tragic accident caused by faulty wiring. But as the layers of the story unfold, it becomes clear that something far more sinister is at play. Opal, who has a knack for solving mysteries—though not without putting herself in danger—can’t resist the urge to investigate. Despite her family’s concerns and her own haunting memories from a previous case, she’s determined to uncover the truth behind Sir Seamus‘s death. But will her curiosity once again put her life at risk?

I loved the eerie, atmospheric feel of this story. Millicent Binks masterfully blends cozy mystery charm with a touch of Gothic suspense. The Scottish castle setting—with its snow-covered hills, flickering candlelight, and shadowy corridors—creates the perfect backdrop for a holiday murder. As the author describes, it’s an “airy Gothic atmosphere”—moody yet elegant, dark yet full of seasonal sparkle.

Opal, a delightful heroine, is clever, determined, and wonderfully relatable. Her inner strength shines through even as danger looms. The brisk pacing, cleverly planted clues, and satisfying yet surprising resolution make this a perfect read for mystery lovers who relish a touch of the macabre wrapped in holiday warmth. It’s a festive whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all three Opal books so far, and they go from strength to strength. This one is my favourite.

Opal and her parents have been invited to a Scottish manor by the lord of the house and it isn't long before the bodies start building up! We have secret war plans, curses, grudges long in the making, puffins (A very underrated bird) and of course witches. It wouldn't be a Scottish tale without some good witches to muddy the water.

This was a great cosy murder mystery.

Yes, there is an utterly ridiculous scene involving Napoleon and some horses and yes, the way in which Opal uses her eyes continues to annoy me, the power of her gaze or her eyelashes beggars belief. Also, as someone who loves crisps, minor quibble about the historical accuracy of flavoured ones being mentioned twenty odd years before they were actually invented. But those are minor complaints in what is, by and large, a very entertaining and well written book.

It's easy to root for Opal and her family, to become invested in their quests, be it solving the case, or understanding what is hurting the puffins.

I hope this isn't the end of the road for Opal and her investigations, a lot of things seemed to be wrapped up in this book. I really hope its just the author not wanting to drag out over arching stories for too long and that before too long we will get book four.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Julissa⁷ ⟭⟬ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amount of times I was shocked and gasped while reading this book… OMG.
It’s a mystery story set in Scotland, full of secrets, aristocratic gossip, and a murder at the worst possible moment. Opal’s family is invited to a Scottish ball to celebrate Christmas Eve, but the event takes an unexpected turn when a crime occurs and changes everything.
What I liked the most is that you truly never know who it could have been. There are countless suspects, and you understand the motives that could make any of them guilty, but you’re never really sure of anything. There are moments when the revelations leave you absolutely speechless.
I also loved how detailed the writing is. The landscape descriptions made me feel as if I were in the Scottish Highlands, ready for the Christmas festivities.
The only thing I would’ve liked to see more of is the development of the camaraderie between Opal and Inspector Sinclair; I think they had great chemistry while solving the case, but they could have interacted more. I also felt that the pacing shifted a bit—slow at first and then suddenly rushed toward the end.
Still, after reading this book, I’m definitely curious to follow Opal in future cases. I think it’s a great read if you enjoy historical mysteries (with a touch of romance that I won’t spoil).

Spanish review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRk-NbjDJ...

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third Opal Laplume historical mystery novel, readers join her in December 1934 as she prepares to spend the holidays in a beautiful Scottish castle. Sir Seamus’ Christmas Eve ball is spectacular and legendary, and she has the chance to witness it first hand. However, their host is electrocuted by faulty lights during the ball, and Opal’s investigation soon reveals that this was sabotage and not a tragic accident. As she starts to explore the secrets of the partygoers and the staff, she must figure out who killed Sir Seamus, and who the ghostly bagpiper in the tower is -- if he’s real at all. Fascinating, dramatic, and exciting, readers will love the mix of a Scottish winter, holiday festivities, and a dramatic murder in this brilliant historical mystery from Millicent Binks. The mystery itself is entertaining and fun, while the many suspects offer complexities for Opal’s investigation, and the glamorous Christmas Eve ball setting really adds detail and some holiday spirit to the story. The details, both in the historical setting and the mystery, bring the story to life, and fans of the genre will love following Opal Laplume on her latest investigation in this cozy historical mystery series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are a ton of fun and the story is a great antidote to current events!
Opal and her family (plus her *body guard*) have come to Scotland on invitation from an old friend of her father and gotten snowed in. Once there it is all a comedy of errors involving a seeress, sick corvids, a short circuit in some Christmas lights, ailing puffins, and a corpulent detective inspector, a hasty procurator fiscal, a cacophony of bagpipes in an empty room, and even more. Laughed my sox off while enjoying the investigation and the interpersonal madness.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley. Avail Nov 28, 2025
#MurderattheScottishBall by @millicent.binks.x #OpalLaplumeMysteriesBk3 @bookouture
@goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones ****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #NetGalley @the.storygraph
#historicalcozymystery #seer #scotland #amateursleuth #highlandhumorpaintings #policescotland
#electrocution #petpoodle #ravens #puffins #snowseason #closedcirclemystery #romantic

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Scottish Village is packed with murder, intrigue and many accidents.

Opal Laplume is back and she has brought her parents and her unconditional dog Napoleon with her. Sir Laplume and his family have been invited to a Christmas ball hosted by Sir Seamus and Lady Blair at the Dunvaloch Castle. As the families begin to enjoy the ball, a tragedy strikes. It first seems like it was an electrical accident until Opal realizes that it may have been intentional. As more accidents occur to other members of the party, Opal realizes that a killer is on the loose and it seems like they are closing loose ends!

I adore Opal's character. She and Napoleon make a great team. It was also nice to see Augusto and Opal move forward in their relationship. His back story and big reveal were very nice. I also enjoyed Seraphina Serle's story about her and her sisters. And Lord Sterling Peregrine finally got what he deserved. I am glad everyone got justice in the end.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Janie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, quick, and delightfully cozy mystery! Set between Christmas Eve and New Year’s, it’s the perfect pick if you’re craving a festive historical whodunit with all the warm vibes.

The whole story gave me major Agatha Christie energy (she’s been one of my all-time faves since middle school), especially the charm of the Miss Marple series. It follows a young amateur sleuth and her adorable dog sidekick as they somehow always manage to be in the right place at the right time. When someone turns up murdered at a Christmas Eve party, she jumps into the investigation—and the cozy chaos begins.

It’s cute, quick, atmospheric, and exactly the palate cleanser I needed after finishing Brimstone and before diving into Phantasma.

✨ Released November 28th and available now on Kindle Unlimited if this sounds like something you’d love!

⭐ 4 stars
🎄 Cozy, festive, historical mystery goodness

Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🩷

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opal is back! This time with her family, and they are spending the Christmas Holiday at a Scottish Castle. Augusto, the love interest, will be in attendance, which is good for Opal since it's been a few months since they last saw each other. This book has a couple of mysteries: what is making the puffins sick, the reason was Opal's family was invited, and then, while the family and others are in attendance, there was a murder!
This case was full of twists and turns, a mystery that kept me guessing, and fun and loveable characters. I loved meeting Opal's parents and seeing how she navigates investigating with them around.
As always, this series is a ton of fun and has a great mystery. With the way it ended, it seems like it could be the finale of the series, but if it continues, I will definitely read the next one, or whatever else this author comes out with next.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

The time period plus the cozy mystery plot drew me to this title. I love mysteries set in grand old English estates during such a glamorous time. However, I really struggled to get into the book. The MC was younger than I usually enjoy but plots with grand house parties always have characters with a wide variety of ages so I gave this title a try. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and the plot moved slowly. I would have loved more of a feel for the castle, the clothing etc. I may have felt more invested if I had read previous titles in the series. If you are new to the series, you may want to start at the beginning. This book just wasn’t for me. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eArc in exchange for a review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opal and her family are invited to a castle on a Scottish isle for Christmas celebrations. There is an unexpected death, and Opal wonders if it is murder and decides she must investigate. It is the third book in this likeable series and all of them are entertaining and in interesting locations. The mystery is classic and twisty, with a variety of characters, some of whom have viable motives for murder. It's an entertaining story with humour, mystery, romance and an atmospheric Scottish setting. I have read all the books in this series, and Opal has proved to be a clever detective with her inquisitive and insightful nature.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at a Scottish castle becomes a deadly game when the host is electrocuted. Opal suspects sabotage, uncovering a host of suspects with secrets to hide. As the body count rises, she races to uncover the secrets hidden on the remote island.

This is a fun mystery that’s full of twists. It’s a little different from the previous books in the series, because it has no relationship to Opal’s job as a milliner. The book also introduces a new element where Opal’s dog seems to understand language and respond to it. It will be interesting to see what direction the author takes the next book in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozies are often light and frothy but they can also have substance in the characters and the plot. Others are canapés instead of the main course. This was the my feeling after reading this book. I never truly was engaged in the characters the way I like to be. And even though the murder happened fairly early in the piece, it did not get much traction until later in the story. I wanted to like it better. And it did have some wonderful bits of excitement but it was just not enough to pull me in. My favourite characters were the sweet dog and the rescued kitty.

I am going to have to give it a middling review. Not good. Not bad. Three purrs and two paws up.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opal finds herself investigating again after the host of a Christmas ball is murdered. The other guests seem to think it was the psychic who was there, proclaiming her to be a witch. Opal is not convinced and sets out to find the real killer.

This was over a good cozy mystery! I thought the pacing and clues were good, and the whodunnit was unexpected. The ending did almost feel like the end of the series with the way it wrapped up. I am curious to see if there will be more is the series because of that.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[ElinorsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opal, her parents, and Augusto are in Scotland for a Christmas house party. On Christmas Eve, their host dies. Was it an accident or was it murder? Opal is determined to find out.

This was fun cozy mystery with a bit of a festive flair and a good continuation of the series! It was fun have Opal’s parents included and to see what’s next for Opal’s personal life. And don’t forget her poodle, Napoleon!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal is an adventurous woman with a great talent for solving murders, and this book is no exception. One of the enjoyable aspects of the series is that each story takes place in a different location, which keeps things fresh and interesting. I find this a very entertaining series, full of mystery and a touch of romance. I’m already looking forward to seeing what will happen next with Opal!
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Bookouture and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nicely constructed murder mystery rolling along at a jaunty pace. The characters are great, especially Opal who is a combination of fashionista and perceptive sleuth. There was a nice line in humour, and a fitting climax although many of the crucial clues jus5 happened to fall into Opals path just at the right time. It seemed odd that the book opened and closed in Papua. The family were fairly indefatigable, travelling from Papua to West Scotland to celebrate New Year.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these books, there’s just something so comforting about a 1930s murder mystery! I did try to figure it out along the way but I was kept on my toes until the end! Loved how Opal advocated for some of the characters in the book and we slowly see a breakdown of the “class divides”. I missed the second in this series so heading straight to read it too!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC :)

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 1934
A wonderful, full historical mystery with glamour and a Scottish Ball! What could be better!

When Opal was invited to Sir Blair's annual Scottish Ball, she cannot believe it and of course decks herself out. But who knew the host would be electrocuted! Was it an accident or murder?

With Opal on the case, she is sure to find out! A must read!

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very light hearted and somewhat frothy mystery which felt more like they fell on the answer than did much to solve it. Very easy fun read not to be taken too seriously. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another mystery Opal has gotten herself into, along with her family and trusted companion. People are dropping quickly at an estate for a Scottish Christmas celebration. Unearthing the whys and how's takes them on a journey where an old enemy reappears.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting murder mystery with some fantastic plotting and serviceable characters. would definitely recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.