Secrets in the Mist Book 1 : Mystery, Murder and Romance meet in the heart of the Scottish Highlands

by Cait Byrne

A brooding Highlands village. A buried skeleton. A secret someone would kill to protect.Isla MacLeod prefers books to people—especially loud developers like Finlay Fraser, whose plans to modernize the mist-shrouded village of Lochraven threaten everything she holds dear.

But when her spaniel digs up a centuries-old skeleton beneath a cottage marked for demolition—and a new body surfaces—Isla and Finlay are forced into an uneasy alliance. Together, they must navigate ancient curses, town secrets, and a killer who’s always one step ahead.

Perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander and Midsomer Murders, this cozy mystery weaves folklore, slow-burn romance, and page-turning suspense in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

⚠️ Cliffhanger alert! This is part of a continuous series. For the full mystery and romantic payoff, please start with Book 1.

Genres: Amazon

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

Reviews

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla & Nina MacLeod.
I loved both Isla and Nina, they were both wonderful characters. And I would like to read more about Isla because although they were cousins; Nina kind of took over the story with, a new "friend" Grant Anderson. Isla was highly suspicious of Grant, fearing he would break Nina's heart. She tried to warn Nina off because she recognized him as the handsome, con man, the gentleman thief, Arsene Lupin, Great story between Grant and Nina. Charming.
Moira was also in the story and she was the peacekeeper, voice of reason and wisdom in the story.
Isla had problems of her own when it came to men. Her ex, who she's dubbed Heartless Harrison dumped her. He was definitely a confidence killer for Isla. He called her, "the boring small town girl". Good riddance ! I loved that Isla tastes books, when she picks one up. She can immediately tell if its for real or not. Her golden spaniel, Shakespeare aka Shakes was adorable and a big help with his snooping around.
It also led me to some questions as I read. Is Edris bad? What about Grant what are his true motives? What's going on with Grant and Angus?
Just to let you know there was humor in this book as well. Some funny times.
Great surprise with a nice Epilogue leading up to another book, " Secrets in the Mist Book 1 of the Lochraven Romantic Series on Amazon. Looks like a man Finlay has entered Isla's life.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mist covered Highland village of Lochraven is the setting for this beautifully described storyline that’s simply divine . Look at the cover isn’t it amazing with the lucky heather on the moor and Isla Macloud having to deal with that boor Finlay Fraser…She just wants peace and quiet , he’s off planning to knock everything she holds dear down. With them trying to develop the place around she’s not going down without a fight and she faces him head hon ,no it’s not a typo it’s a promise but there’s another part to this story ,we’re not done yet . There could even be more in-store who knows where their story leads . It does so please book one ,Cait Byrn it’s amazing hon . These opposites have to work together against a foe ,so they get closer . I’ll not let you know. Just keep on turning the page and this book is easy to engage ,get immersed in the fabric of the story weaves so well . It’s ancient curses and small town secrets . A mystery to behold and maybe a story old as time . Is it a slow burn romance or a pantomime? Loved this story and can’t wait for book 2. Great writing that’s inviting and characters well developed and endearing

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla MacLeod is a book restorer who has taken over the family business in Lochraven, Scotland. Life is going smoothly until real estate developer Finlay Fraser arrives in town with a plan to modernize the quaint village. At first, Isla is against any changes that Finlay proposes. But things change when there is a murder in Finlay’s yard and he is framed, even though he was with Isla at the time. As they work together to find the real killer, their feelings for each other begins to grow. Will they solve the mystery before one of them becomes the next victim?

Byrne weaves a story of mystery, betrayal and romance. Being set in Scotland, she uses Scottish words and phrases to bring realism to the setting. The plot was fast-paced with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending that I was not expecting. While some aspects of the story felt a bit rough around the edges (such as a few timing inconsistencies and information that was presented somewhat awkwardly), I still found the story enjoyable overall. There are many positive elements that make this an engaging read.

*I was gifted a copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Anna Šuštar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in the Mist is the first full-story book I’ve read by Cait Byrne, and it didn’t disappoint. It captures that cozy small-town atmosphere while mixing in real mystery and danger. What starts as a search into something ancient quickly turns into a murder investigation with very real stakes.

Curious and determined Isla teams up — somewhat reluctantly — with the confident Finley, leading to a series of fun, awkward, and sometimes tense moments as they uncover the truth. The mix of charm, mystery, and adventure reminded me of the excitement of The Famous Five books I loved as a child. A delightful and engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that has 2 brokenhearted women, both have been wronged by the partner, returning to the bookstore that keeps their hearts whole. Isla, is now afraid to love, Nina is willing to take a chance. Fire in the village and they focus on it to have a purpose and find the cause. Good lead in story for a new series.

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am interested in seeing where the story goes but I felt the characterisation and description of situations was too superficial. Especially the last part. I could not get a handle on them and kept getting confused. Could be just me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Eliz Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. A good first book in what promises to be a good suspenseful series. The author brings Scotland alive and Isla is a great main character along with Finlay. Can two opposites actually get along and save Lochraven while delving into mysteries and intrigue.

[karin whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla and Finlay, a couple who like to do some sleuthing, along with their dog Shakespeare, or mostly Shakes, the attentive spaniel. They are on a mission to find the cure for a mysterious "sleeping disease". A fast paced, well-written storyline, with great characters. A surprising twist! A fun read!

[Dianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As it turned out it was not quite my style of book. I like a good mystery. But this has back and forth between love. Hate interest and it's just not my thing. I'm sure someone else would quite enjoy it.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful tale set in Scotland weaves together love, mystery, and murder in a twisted, captivating narrative that keeps readers constantly engaged and eager to unravel each page.

[Books Magically Appear · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unique tale. A funny heartwarming story. It has everything you are looking for in mystery. The author put this together in a wonderful way that keeps you hooked and not wanting to stop.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series you will need to read in order. Storyline continues throughout the series.
Burglary
Forgery
Murder
Falsifying evidence
Enemies to love?

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has a good plot with unexpected twists. I had to quit reading it because of certain words that were used. Really disappointed because I was enjoying the story and it had just given a plot twist making things even more interesting.