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The Highland Bookshop Murders #2
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26A deliciously twisty Highland mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of cozy crime with a bite!
Beth Cunningham's clever book subscription service is the talk of Oban, complete with local treats and hand-picked reads. But when elderly customer Nora Kelly is found dead in her armchair, Beth's book boxes are identified as the murder weapon. It seems a vengeful killer has the Wild Haggis Bookshop in their sights...
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter insists on round-the-clock protection for Beth, which means close quarters with the infuriating – and increasingly attractive – officer. As spring approaches and the bookshop fills with bountiful blooms and excited children, Beth's investigation uncovers secrets that someone has spent decades trying to bury. With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
An unputdownable cozy mystery for fans of Paige Shelton and Dee MacDonald!
Beth Cunningham's clever book subscription service is the talk of Oban, complete with local treats and hand-picked reads. But when elderly customer Nora Kelly is found dead in her armchair, Beth's book boxes are identified as the murder weapon. It seems a vengeful killer has the Wild Haggis Bookshop in their sights...
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter insists on round-the-clock protection for Beth, which means close quarters with the infuriating – and increasingly attractive – officer. As spring approaches and the bookshop fills with bountiful blooms and excited children, Beth's investigation uncovers secrets that someone has spent decades trying to bury. With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
An unputdownable cozy mystery for fans of Paige Shelton and Dee MacDonald!
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
4 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Baldwin
17 books74 followersScottish crime writer and former criminal lawyer.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop by Jackie Baldwin
Synopsis /
Beth Cunningham's clever book subscription service is the talk of Oban, complete with local treats and hand-picked reads. But when elderly customer Nora Kelly is found dead in her armchair, Beth's book boxes are identified as the murder weapon. It seems a vengeful killer has the Wild Haggis Bookshop in their sights...
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter insists on round-the-clock protection for Beth, which means close quarters with the infuriating – and increasingly attractive – officer. As spring approaches and the bookshop fills with bountiful blooms and excited children, Beth's investigation uncovers secrets that someone has spent decades trying to bury. With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Jackie Baldwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is book #2 in the series The Highland Bookshop Murders and this instalment has protagonist and bookshop owner, Beth Cunningham recovering from the aftermath of being considered the prime suspect of a murder in the Wild Haggis Bookstore – which occurred in the previous story.
Full disclosure – I have book #1 Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop on my tbr but my inability to be patient meant that I've read this series out of order. However, because of Baldwin's exceptional talent to write a sequel that slays [my children will be rolling their eyes at the use of this term] I didn't feel lost in the story at any time. And here's why: — The author referred to the first book as if it were backstory. She can, and did, mention occurrences that happened in the past — because if she didn't, our current story would make less sense. The goal here is to make sure any reader who picks up the novel is able to read it without confusion.
Baldwin has set this series in Oban, Scotland – another reason I wanted to read this. The Highlands, lochs, castles, and all it's wild natural beauty. I love a Scottish setting, it never fails to amaze.
At the story's beginning, Beth and her loyal staff at the Wild Haggis Bookstore — Chloe, Morna and Lachlan are putting together the final touches on the store's subscription boxes which are due to go out shortly. These have proved a big hit with their customers and this time around Beth has sourced some lovely samples from local businesses to add to the boxes. Beth likes to go the extra mile by choosing to deliver the boxes personally to her customers and the last delivery for the day is Nora Kelly. One of Beth's more favourite customers, Nora lives alone but likes nothing more than coming into the shop at least once a week to make a purchase and have a chat. When Beth arrives at the house to find Nora asleep in her lounge, she realises something is wrong, very wrong. Nora is not asleep but dead.
Initial police investigations uncovered Nora had died of poisoning and, again, the finger is pointed straight at Beth – as Nora's subscription box had contained packets of tea which were thought to be contaminated with poison. Frustrated at again being made to look like the perpetrator, Beth works to find out what really happened to her friend and, clear her name.
A well written and cleverly plotted mystery which left no unresolved plotlines, apart from the hint of a continuing/beginning romantic relationship between our protagonist and the good police detective DS Logan Hunter.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 17, 2026.
Synopsis /
Beth Cunningham's clever book subscription service is the talk of Oban, complete with local treats and hand-picked reads. But when elderly customer Nora Kelly is found dead in her armchair, Beth's book boxes are identified as the murder weapon. It seems a vengeful killer has the Wild Haggis Bookshop in their sights...
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter insists on round-the-clock protection for Beth, which means close quarters with the infuriating – and increasingly attractive – officer. As spring approaches and the bookshop fills with bountiful blooms and excited children, Beth's investigation uncovers secrets that someone has spent decades trying to bury. With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Jackie Baldwin for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is book #2 in the series The Highland Bookshop Murders and this instalment has protagonist and bookshop owner, Beth Cunningham recovering from the aftermath of being considered the prime suspect of a murder in the Wild Haggis Bookstore – which occurred in the previous story.
Full disclosure – I have book #1 Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop on my tbr but my inability to be patient meant that I've read this series out of order. However, because of Baldwin's exceptional talent to write a sequel that slays [my children will be rolling their eyes at the use of this term] I didn't feel lost in the story at any time. And here's why: — The author referred to the first book as if it were backstory. She can, and did, mention occurrences that happened in the past — because if she didn't, our current story would make less sense. The goal here is to make sure any reader who picks up the novel is able to read it without confusion.
Baldwin has set this series in Oban, Scotland – another reason I wanted to read this. The Highlands, lochs, castles, and all it's wild natural beauty. I love a Scottish setting, it never fails to amaze.
At the story's beginning, Beth and her loyal staff at the Wild Haggis Bookstore — Chloe, Morna and Lachlan are putting together the final touches on the store's subscription boxes which are due to go out shortly. These have proved a big hit with their customers and this time around Beth has sourced some lovely samples from local businesses to add to the boxes. Beth likes to go the extra mile by choosing to deliver the boxes personally to her customers and the last delivery for the day is Nora Kelly. One of Beth's more favourite customers, Nora lives alone but likes nothing more than coming into the shop at least once a week to make a purchase and have a chat. When Beth arrives at the house to find Nora asleep in her lounge, she realises something is wrong, very wrong. Nora is not asleep but dead.
Initial police investigations uncovered Nora had died of poisoning and, again, the finger is pointed straight at Beth – as Nora's subscription box had contained packets of tea which were thought to be contaminated with poison. Frustrated at again being made to look like the perpetrator, Beth works to find out what really happened to her friend and, clear her name.
A well written and cleverly plotted mystery which left no unresolved plotlines, apart from the hint of a continuing/beginning romantic relationship between our protagonist and the good police detective DS Logan Hunter.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 17, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beth Cunningham lives in the small Scottish town of Oban, where she runs a bookshop. Last year she was implicated in a murder, but that's all behind her...until she discovers the body of one of her regular customers while making a delivery. Initially dismissed as death by natural causes, Beth is certain there's more to the story - and before long she's once again in the eye of the storm.
As with the first book in this series, the thing which really impressed me was the genuinely dark history of the characters, and the equally dark motives - while still being a cozy murder mystery, this can and does take the reader to some surprising and controversial (for the genre) places. There were definitely points in the text which had me saying 'oh...wow' out loud, and I really respect that.
The key characters from the first book are with us again in the second and they have their own gentle arcs which carry you along with them - and I really like that although Beth is the central character, the book is definitely not all about her and you do come to care about the rest of the gang just as much.
Frustrations with this are fairly similar to the frustrations you'll find in many of this kind of book. The thing which grated on me most were the dropped plot points. Had they been red herrings designed to throw off the reader then I'd have understood but there are definitely a couple of things in this book which were meant to be significant and were just never followed up on. The dialogue isn't always that strong, and Beth has a habit of knowingly making decisions against her own interest as well as wild mood swings within the same breath.
Definitely worth a read, this is really enjoyable and good fun - especially if you're looking for a set of characters and a world you can buy into.
- Thanks you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review -
As with the first book in this series, the thing which really impressed me was the genuinely dark history of the characters, and the equally dark motives - while still being a cozy murder mystery, this can and does take the reader to some surprising and controversial (for the genre) places. There were definitely points in the text which had me saying 'oh...wow' out loud, and I really respect that.
The key characters from the first book are with us again in the second and they have their own gentle arcs which carry you along with them - and I really like that although Beth is the central character, the book is definitely not all about her and you do come to care about the rest of the gang just as much.
Frustrations with this are fairly similar to the frustrations you'll find in many of this kind of book. The thing which grated on me most were the dropped plot points. Had they been red herrings designed to throw off the reader then I'd have understood but there are definitely a couple of things in this book which were meant to be significant and were just never followed up on. The dialogue isn't always that strong, and Beth has a habit of knowingly making decisions against her own interest as well as wild mood swings within the same breath.
Definitely worth a read, this is really enjoyable and good fun - especially if you're looking for a set of characters and a world you can buy into.
- Thanks you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review -
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is certainly a darker cosy read than most.
Our main character has a very dark past which was a lovely change. It doesn't shy away from that either. The murders and motives that are scattered throughout this book are just as dark and they touch on very topical, sensitive issues. On the other hand, Beth did annoy me at times with her wild mood swings and... questionable choices. I understand it's her personality but I really wanted to faceplant at some of the dumb things she decided to do without any real thought as to the consequences.
It truly feels like it is set in Scotland rather than that just being a name, the whole book invokes the country brilliantly. There is plenty to enjoy here, a highlight, as with the previous book, being the little found family that she has created within the bookstore. I was very invested in the subplot involving her younger staff, almost as much as I was in the actual murder mystery itself.
I would have loved to have rated it higher, because I did enjoy it. It's just there are so many plot points that either don't make sense or are brought up never to be referred to again. A certain note, a certain disguise, a whole family... those were all intriguing points and they either were never addressed or just didn't serve any purpose.
It's a good read beyond those quibbles however, and they shouldn't be enough to put you off reading it, its just frustrating in the moment for there to be what seems like a clue or a major plot point that you see but the book never truly acknowledges.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Our main character has a very dark past which was a lovely change. It doesn't shy away from that either. The murders and motives that are scattered throughout this book are just as dark and they touch on very topical, sensitive issues. On the other hand, Beth did annoy me at times with her wild mood swings and... questionable choices. I understand it's her personality but I really wanted to faceplant at some of the dumb things she decided to do without any real thought as to the consequences.
It truly feels like it is set in Scotland rather than that just being a name, the whole book invokes the country brilliantly. There is plenty to enjoy here, a highlight, as with the previous book, being the little found family that she has created within the bookstore. I was very invested in the subplot involving her younger staff, almost as much as I was in the actual murder mystery itself.
I would have loved to have rated it higher, because I did enjoy it. It's just there are so many plot points that either don't make sense or are brought up never to be referred to again. A certain note, a certain disguise, a whole family... those were all intriguing points and they either were never addressed or just didn't serve any purpose.
It's a good read beyond those quibbles however, and they shouldn't be enough to put you off reading it, its just frustrating in the moment for there to be what seems like a clue or a major plot point that you see but the book never truly acknowledges.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop by Jackie Baldwin is the second book in the Highland Bookshop Murders series and I believe she has another winner in this book.
When Beth Cunningham's book subscription service is used as a weapon in a murder, she steps in to investigate be she and her bookshop’s reputation is on the line. Once again, Beth’s past is being used against her as a killer, and hopefully this will be the last time. As Beth investigates the past of the deceased, she finds interesting information her and decides that maybe her death was an act of revenge.
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter faces some competition for Beth’s affections as she goes out on her very first date. Will he finally get his act together and ask her out or will she give up and move on? It is challenging for him because he needs to protect her during this time because she may be next on the killer’s list and he cannot really get involved with her until the investigation is resolved.
Beth faces challenges in this investigation, and I think readers will enjoy her investigation, the shop’s fun Easter event with chicks, the breadcrumbs left by the author, and the characters in the town. It is a fun read, and I cannot wait for the next installment of Beth’s life.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Beth Cunningham's book subscription service is used as a weapon in a murder, she steps in to investigate be she and her bookshop’s reputation is on the line. Once again, Beth’s past is being used against her as a killer, and hopefully this will be the last time. As Beth investigates the past of the deceased, she finds interesting information her and decides that maybe her death was an act of revenge.
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter faces some competition for Beth’s affections as she goes out on her very first date. Will he finally get his act together and ask her out or will she give up and move on? It is challenging for him because he needs to protect her during this time because she may be next on the killer’s list and he cannot really get involved with her until the investigation is resolved.
Beth faces challenges in this investigation, and I think readers will enjoy her investigation, the shop’s fun Easter event with chicks, the breadcrumbs left by the author, and the characters in the town. It is a fun read, and I cannot wait for the next installment of Beth’s life.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop” the 2nd instalment of The Highland Bookshop Murders by Jackie Baldwin set in the in the quaint Scottish town of Oban. What a great follow-up to book one.
This time around Beth is trying to find out who killed an elderly customer Nora using the Wild Haggis Bookshops subscription box.
With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
Beth and her staff Lachlan, Morna and Chloe set out to uncover the truth and protect Beth from danger. Every twist and turn in the investigation is likely to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see justice served. I like where things are going as Beth starts to trust people and her feelings after living a very sheltered life up until moving to Oban.
I enjoyed Jackie Baldwin’s writing style and the charming Scottish Highlands setting. This was a quick, engaging read, and I'm looking forward to book 3.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, Scottish settings, and amateur sleuths
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time around Beth is trying to find out who killed an elderly customer Nora using the Wild Haggis Bookshops subscription box.
With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan's protection may not be enough to save her...
Beth and her staff Lachlan, Morna and Chloe set out to uncover the truth and protect Beth from danger. Every twist and turn in the investigation is likely to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see justice served. I like where things are going as Beth starts to trust people and her feelings after living a very sheltered life up until moving to Oban.
I enjoyed Jackie Baldwin’s writing style and the charming Scottish Highlands setting. This was a quick, engaging read, and I'm looking forward to book 3.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, Scottish settings, and amateur sleuths
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop” is the second book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone book. References are made to the previous book and how it impacted relationships, but the author does a great job of catching you up, so you won’t be lost. You will find that it will make you want to go back and read the first one because this novel is so enjoyable.
I think, to me, that part of the enjoyment is that it comes across as a cozy, but is so much more than that. There are parts of this novel that would fit in the mystery/thriller side more than a cozy mystery. But it has the sweetness, setting, and feel around the characters of being part of a cozy. If that makes sense. If not, just read it and you will understand.
The characters all have clearly defined roles and their quirkiness adds to the enjoyment of the novel. This bookshop is one that I know I would love just going and spending time with the workers while browsing books. Well, except for the dead people and constant danger. Other than that.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
I think, to me, that part of the enjoyment is that it comes across as a cozy, but is so much more than that. There are parts of this novel that would fit in the mystery/thriller side more than a cozy mystery. But it has the sweetness, setting, and feel around the characters of being part of a cozy. If that makes sense. If not, just read it and you will understand.
The characters all have clearly defined roles and their quirkiness adds to the enjoyment of the novel. This bookshop is one that I know I would love just going and spending time with the workers while browsing books. Well, except for the dead people and constant danger. Other than that.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
A pretty good read but hampered by a fair amount of loose threads and unexplained plot holes. Beth Cunningham is a likable main character with quite the backstory, which doesn't get explained until well into the book. She runs a bookstore and is settling into smalltown Scottish life after being a city girl. She has been through a lot, including a prison term and the death of her mother.
She was making a good start in the last book but being suspected of murder threw things off balance. That case got solved and now she and her interesting and well portrayed ensemble crew of employees are back to business as usual. That is, until Beth finds a dead body under very strange circumstances while delivering a book.
And it soon becomes obvious someone is trying to frame Beth - again. It doesn't help that she and the town's chief investigator are attracted to each other. The characters are well done but sometimes the action is implausible. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A pretty good read but hampered by a fair amount of loose threads and unexplained plot holes. Beth Cunningham is a likable main character with quite the backstory, which doesn't get explained until well into the book. She runs a bookstore and is settling into smalltown Scottish life after being a city girl. She has been through a lot, including a prison term and the death of her mother.
She was making a good start in the last book but being suspected of murder threw things off balance. That case got solved and now she and her interesting and well portrayed ensemble crew of employees are back to business as usual. That is, until Beth finds a dead body under very strange circumstances while delivering a book.
And it soon becomes obvious someone is trying to frame Beth - again. It doesn't help that she and the town's chief investigator are attracted to each other. The characters are well done but sometimes the action is implausible. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
3.5 stars rounded down
I like this series a lot but didn't like book two as much as book one, mostly because I found myself rolling my eyes too often. There are too many dropped clues and the police seem even dumber this time. Beth and Logan are all over the place - either decide that you like each other, or decide that you're grumps. Choose one. None of the reveals came as a surprise. I'd pretty much figured out everything by the time Beth figured it out herself. Without spoiling anything, one part that drove me crazy was when Beth had a visitor who - so obviously! - wasn't who they said they were, and no one thought to follow up? Even after Beth mentioned it? With a killer on the loose? There were too many "don't do it, Beth!" parts for my taste.
All of that said, I was very happy to see more involvement from the book shop staff and, in fact, may have enjoyed those parts of the book more than any other. Loving the found family aspect of the series.
3.5 stars rounded down
I like this series a lot but didn't like book two as much as book one, mostly because I found myself rolling my eyes too often. There are too many dropped clues and the police seem even dumber this time. Beth and Logan are all over the place - either decide that you like each other, or decide that you're grumps. Choose one. None of the reveals came as a surprise. I'd pretty much figured out everything by the time Beth figured it out herself. Without spoiling anything, one part that drove me crazy was when Beth had a visitor who - so obviously! - wasn't who they said they were, and no one thought to follow up? Even after Beth mentioned it? With a killer on the loose? There were too many "don't do it, Beth!" parts for my taste.
All of that said, I was very happy to see more involvement from the book shop staff and, in fact, may have enjoyed those parts of the book more than any other. Loving the found family aspect of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the second book in the Highland Bookshop mystery series. I liked the first book in the series, but I enjoyed this book even more. The characters are becoming more developed and the mystery had a lot more twists and turns which I enjoyed. Forgiveness and revenge play big parts in this book and it’s interesting to see how different characters deal with situations. It felt very true to life, some people try to overcome events in their lives and others are eaten alive and never recover. It was a good reminder that in the world today, making the right choices really counts. I hope this series will continue for many more books. I would love to know more about the characters in the story and watch them develop and grow.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2026
I absolutely adore the Wild Haggis Bookstore! Thank you Storm Publishing through NetGalley for the opportunity to review this mystery. Beth is back running the bookstore however no crime book clubs this time around. I was a bit upset when I thought DS Logan Hunter and Beth were no longer. I remember in the last book, ending with a possibility of them. This one deals with the elderly and cold cases. Beth has a brilliant mind yet because of her past the police always look into her first and think they have it. Logans character gets a little deeper showing his heart and beliefs. The rest of the characters do not disappoint at all. I love how the author brings it all together making you think all these possibilities yet it finally all comes together in the end with a complete mind blown twist. Good story! Love the author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is Jackie Baldwin’s latest triumphant episode in The Highland Bookshop Murders series.
Beth Cunningham is doing her best to simultaneously promote her adorable The Wild Haggis Bookshop as well as other small businesses in and around Oban, by putting together subscription boxes for clients.
Shortly after she finished distributing that month’s round of subscription boxes, a loyal patron is found dead, and it never fails that Beth was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Again!
This latest episode of the Highland Bookshop Murders was woven seamlessly into the story and background that was started with Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop. This book is perfect for lovers of cozy murder mysteries, and is thoroughly engaging from cover to cover.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this digital ARC!!
Beth Cunningham is doing her best to simultaneously promote her adorable The Wild Haggis Bookshop as well as other small businesses in and around Oban, by putting together subscription boxes for clients.
Shortly after she finished distributing that month’s round of subscription boxes, a loyal patron is found dead, and it never fails that Beth was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Again!
This latest episode of the Highland Bookshop Murders was woven seamlessly into the story and background that was started with Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop. This book is perfect for lovers of cozy murder mysteries, and is thoroughly engaging from cover to cover.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this digital ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second in a series set in Oban, Scotland, and centered on a bookshop owner who is trying to enjoy her fresh start after tough times for much of her early life. Beth gets drawn into a murder investigation again when an elderly customer is found dead, and the death seems to be linked to a subscription box from Beth’s shop. The mystery is well done, with lots of twists as more is revealed about the dead woman’s life. I love the Oban setting and can picture it as I read, while the regular characters are thoroughly enjoyable and have developed really believable relationships. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This cozy mystery had me hooked from page one. Set in a charming Scottish bookshop, it follows Beth Cunningham, a book-loving heroine who finds herself tangled in a murder when a beloved regular dies — and her own book boxes become key evidence.
I loved the warm, small-town Highland atmosphere, the clever twists, and the slow-burn tension with Detective Logan Hunter. It’s the perfect mix of comfort read and page-turner.
If you love bookshop settings, amateur sleuths, and mysteries best enjoyed with a cup of tea, this one’s for you. 🫖🔍📖
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Jackie Baldwin and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
I loved the warm, small-town Highland atmosphere, the clever twists, and the slow-burn tension with Detective Logan Hunter. It’s the perfect mix of comfort read and page-turner.
If you love bookshop settings, amateur sleuths, and mysteries best enjoyed with a cup of tea, this one’s for you. 🫖🔍📖
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Jackie Baldwin and Storm Publishing📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
January 14, 2026
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘Poison at the Wild Haggis Bookshop’, by Jackie Baldwin.
In this, the second book in the series, Beth Cunningham, has recovered from being the prime suspect in a murder in the bookshop she owns, but little does she know that their new subscription boxes would land her back in the spotlight when an older lady is found dead in her home. DS Logan Hunter seems to have feelings for Beth but must also investigate where the evidence takes him. Beth and her bookshop staff, while prepping for several Easter activities, must also try to solve the mystery and even protect Beth, who gets a little too close to the truth.
This was a fun, engaging story with colorful characters and a good mystery.
In this, the second book in the series, Beth Cunningham, has recovered from being the prime suspect in a murder in the bookshop she owns, but little does she know that their new subscription boxes would land her back in the spotlight when an older lady is found dead in her home. DS Logan Hunter seems to have feelings for Beth but must also investigate where the evidence takes him. Beth and her bookshop staff, while prepping for several Easter activities, must also try to solve the mystery and even protect Beth, who gets a little too close to the truth.
This was a fun, engaging story with colorful characters and a good mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beth and her crew at the Wild Haggis Bookshop have a subscription box service that includes books plus little touches from local businesses. One such inclusion is mushroom tea from a pop-up store. When one of their clients dies and the tea is blamed, Beth is considered a suspect. Of course, she needs to investigate since she and her shop are involved.
This is a cozy mystery, but Beth has a very dark back story as do several of the characters. It all feels right and it feels nice that people with dark pasts can move on to become good people. I enjoyed the mystery, the development of the characters, and the cats! This is the fencing in the series, but it works very well as a standalone.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a cozy mystery, but Beth has a very dark back story as do several of the characters. It all feels right and it feels nice that people with dark pasts can move on to become good people. I enjoyed the mystery, the development of the characters, and the cats! This is the fencing in the series, but it works very well as a standalone.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 9, 2026
This is a new author to me but I saw that she has written quite a lot. This is the second book in a series and there were many references to what happened in the first book. It didn’t detract too much from this story. Set in Oban on the west coast of Scotland- a place I know very well- Beth owns a bookshop/ cafe well frequented by the locals. When delivering to one of her customers, she finds the lady dead in her chair and a very anxious young man in the house. Thus the story begins…. If you are a fan of Richard Osman or Robert Thorogood , you will like this. A death, a mystery, possible romance and a lovely setting makes for a delightful read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this second book of the series, Beth finds herself in serious danger. Will she be able to stop the killer in time?
This is a fantastic series that continues to impress. I really love the author’s writing style: it’s smooth, easy to read, and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and feel realistic, the setting is vivid, and the story is both engaging and suspenseful from start to finish. The tension is well maintained throughout the book, making it hard to put down. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Storm Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
This is a fantastic series that continues to impress. I really love the author’s writing style: it’s smooth, easy to read, and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and feel realistic, the setting is vivid, and the story is both engaging and suspenseful from start to finish. The tension is well maintained throughout the book, making it hard to put down. Highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Storm Publishing and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While delivering one of her bookshop’s subscription boxes, Nora stumbles upon the shocking death of an unassuming older woman. She has no idea that this single discovery will pull her into far more trouble than she ever imagined.
This story is packed with surprises and clever twists, constantly making me rethink what I thought I knew. I also enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and how well they worked together as a team.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is packed with surprises and clever twists, constantly making me rethink what I thought I knew. I also enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and how well they worked together as a team.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book in a series, and it does help if you have read the first book. This was a clever plot,where two people seeking vengeance set their sights on Oban. Eventually events unravel to explain the mystery. Meanwhile, there is the pleasure of the bookshop and the people who work there, and the gradual development of the relationship between Beth and Logan. I do hope there is more to come as I enjoy reading about these characters, including the cats! Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy to read and freely review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cozy murders in the highlands of Scotland?
I'm listening!
This was the perfect 2nd installment to the series. Beth is back and this time she needs to solve the murder of a customer usings the Wild Haggis Bookshops subscription box. LOVE this premise by the way- for a book lover- perfecto!
The territory plays in as its own character and will make you want to visit ASAP. The mystery is great and keeps you guessing!
Thank you to Netgalley for a chance to read prior to publication.
I'm listening!
This was the perfect 2nd installment to the series. Beth is back and this time she needs to solve the murder of a customer usings the Wild Haggis Bookshops subscription box. LOVE this premise by the way- for a book lover- perfecto!
The territory plays in as its own character and will make you want to visit ASAP. The mystery is great and keeps you guessing!
Thank you to Netgalley for a chance to read prior to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a book that kept me guessing. There are multiple people hiding their identity. Following the clues I was able to to figure out some of it but was still surprised by one suspect. The chicks were cute as were the two cats. It was great visiting with all the original characters again. I enjoyed this book very much.
Review of advance copy
Beth and her bookshop staff are trying to return to normality following the traumatic events at their book club. Beth delivers a book subscription box to a customer and is shocked to once again be pulled into a police investigation. Past events and a search for the truth lead Beth and the police in a race to prevent further harm. Totally gripping read, very cleverly written.
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