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The Highland Mysteries #1
Deadly Cairns
Scotland’s Views Are To Die For.
Turns Out Some People Do.
Joana and Brian are the kind of sleuthing duo you’d happily road-trip with – provided you can survive the banter. Armed with cameras, stubborn optimism, and a thermos of green tea, they head north to capture Scotland at its most dramatic.
But then the beauty spots they visit start turning into crime scenes.
Young photographers with drones are being murdered at Scotland’s most scenic locations, and the killer leaves a disturbing calling a perfectly balanced stack of stones beside each body, topped with a neat little thumbs up. A deadly cairn.
The police settle fast on a suspect. Joana isn’t convinced. From Aberdeen to Orkney and across the wild, wind-battered Highlands, she and Brian chase leads through villages full of eccentric locals, tartan-clad dogs, whisky-fuelled wisdom, and the occasional truly questionable “Scottish delicacy”.
Can Joana and Brian catch the killer before the next cairn appears?
Deadly Cairns is a cosy, twisty, road-trip mystery packed with clever clues, breathtaking scenery, and laugh-out-loud British banter. Page-turning enough to keep you up far too late, and charming enough to make you forgive the Scottish weather.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.
Turns Out Some People Do.
Joana and Brian are the kind of sleuthing duo you’d happily road-trip with – provided you can survive the banter. Armed with cameras, stubborn optimism, and a thermos of green tea, they head north to capture Scotland at its most dramatic.
But then the beauty spots they visit start turning into crime scenes.
Young photographers with drones are being murdered at Scotland’s most scenic locations, and the killer leaves a disturbing calling a perfectly balanced stack of stones beside each body, topped with a neat little thumbs up. A deadly cairn.
The police settle fast on a suspect. Joana isn’t convinced. From Aberdeen to Orkney and across the wild, wind-battered Highlands, she and Brian chase leads through villages full of eccentric locals, tartan-clad dogs, whisky-fuelled wisdom, and the occasional truly questionable “Scottish delicacy”.
Can Joana and Brian catch the killer before the next cairn appears?
Deadly Cairns is a cosy, twisty, road-trip mystery packed with clever clues, breathtaking scenery, and laugh-out-loud British banter. Page-turning enough to keep you up far too late, and charming enough to make you forgive the Scottish weather.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2026
About the author
Joana Snowdon
5 books4 followersI live on the coast of the North Sea in North East Scotland, where the salty air and endless horizon are the perfect companions for dreaming up a cosy mystery.
In my previous life, I worked as a journalist and travelled the world. These days, you’re more likely to find me in my garden with a pen and paper than on a plane. I don't write in an old-fashioned way, but I still love to plan my plots and clues with something I can actually hold. When I head out into the Highlands, I usually bring a thermos of green tea and something vegan that is easy to pack for a picnic (I love eating!). And if this sounds familiar… well… yes. Admittedly, I am a bit like Brian. I like my drama and my snacks. But I’m also a bit like my other main character, Joana, who shares my name. I can be dry, often sarcastic, and sometimes a little annoying.
My stories are of course fiction, but they draw heavily on my real experiences in the Scottish hills. Thankfully, there aren’t nearly as many dead bodies in real life, though many of my quirkier characters are inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met.
I’ve chosen the Highland Coo as the symbol for The Highland Mysteries because, to me, there isn’t a more magnificent animal in the world. They are wild, beautiful, and never really tamed. Just like Scotland itself. (Plus their hairstyle looks pretty much like mine after a sleepless night of plotting, so they have my sympathy.)
While my books are full of secrets and the occasional corpse, I promise to skip the grisly details. I believe there’s enough gloom in the world already. My goal is to give you an escape: a clever twist, a bit of amusement, and a chance to laugh before you return to reality.
Cheers, Joana
In my previous life, I worked as a journalist and travelled the world. These days, you’re more likely to find me in my garden with a pen and paper than on a plane. I don't write in an old-fashioned way, but I still love to plan my plots and clues with something I can actually hold. When I head out into the Highlands, I usually bring a thermos of green tea and something vegan that is easy to pack for a picnic (I love eating!). And if this sounds familiar… well… yes. Admittedly, I am a bit like Brian. I like my drama and my snacks. But I’m also a bit like my other main character, Joana, who shares my name. I can be dry, often sarcastic, and sometimes a little annoying.
My stories are of course fiction, but they draw heavily on my real experiences in the Scottish hills. Thankfully, there aren’t nearly as many dead bodies in real life, though many of my quirkier characters are inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met.
I’ve chosen the Highland Coo as the symbol for The Highland Mysteries because, to me, there isn’t a more magnificent animal in the world. They are wild, beautiful, and never really tamed. Just like Scotland itself. (Plus their hairstyle looks pretty much like mine after a sleepless night of plotting, so they have my sympathy.)
While my books are full of secrets and the occasional corpse, I promise to skip the grisly details. I believe there’s enough gloom in the world already. My goal is to give you an escape: a clever twist, a bit of amusement, and a chance to laugh before you return to reality.
Cheers, Joana
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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May 2, 2026This cozy mystery is for Scotland enthusiasts.
It has Nancy Drew vibes, with the mood being light and family-friendly in spite of it being a murder mystery. The narrator is alarmingly ready to run into unsafe situations, though, and the culprit is sign-posted well before the reveal, so I would say I got more enjoyment out of the road-trip aspect of the story. It actually feels well grounded in its setting, and its variety of characters that know Scotland beyond the pretty photos.
Thanks to Highland Quill Publishing via NetGalley for this review copy.
It has Nancy Drew vibes, with the mood being light and family-friendly in spite of it being a murder mystery. The narrator is alarmingly ready to run into unsafe situations, though, and the culprit is sign-posted well before the reveal, so I would say I got more enjoyment out of the road-trip aspect of the story. It actually feels well grounded in its setting, and its variety of characters that know Scotland beyond the pretty photos.
Thanks to Highland Quill Publishing via NetGalley for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really must read blurbs more carefully. I took a quick gander at the title, thought ooh, Cairns, they are quite a wonderful and troublesome breed of dog, requested, then wondered why my dear husband was chuckling at the pile of stones on the front cover, yes, I’d got the wrong type of cairn!
However, the story intrigued me and we have visited all the locations in this book, which added to the warm feelings of recognition and delight.
Joana and Brian are investigating places in Scotland that are secret and hard to access for a planned “ warts and all” book, that shows it in all its damp, wet, midge- ridden, flocks of suicidal sheep and gorgeous Highland coos glory.
Brian will be using a drone to photograph these difficult locations, but he is warned off by the local policeman, Hamish Murray, who warns them that there have been three deaths in the past months, and the victims were all using drones.
Other people may decide to go elsewhere, Jo decides to investigate , Brian , who is a bit of a drama Queen, has a quick hissy fit, but eventually falls in with this idea and hopes he can find vegan food along the way, this is a common grumble of his throughout this book. DC Murray is hilarious, his speech is full of malapropisms, he is initially suspicious of them both, but gradually comes to appreciate their well intentioned mishaps.
A light hearted murder mystery, full of humour and it is easy to guess the killer. What made this book for me is the way the views of Scottish people were heard, the second home syndrome, that creates ghost villages, lack of housing and employment that forces youngsters away from their families, the contrast between land owners and those who want to build housing estates, the shortfall in shops, schools and transport, quite political at times, but the stereotypical view of Scotland is well and truly debunked, challenged and explained.
I absolutely adored this book, we both spent many years visiting Scotland, and miss it so much. This book will find a place on my bookshelves and I have already recommended this to family members. A cosy read with a heart of pure Scottishness. Will look out for the next books in this planned series.
However, the story intrigued me and we have visited all the locations in this book, which added to the warm feelings of recognition and delight.
Joana and Brian are investigating places in Scotland that are secret and hard to access for a planned “ warts and all” book, that shows it in all its damp, wet, midge- ridden, flocks of suicidal sheep and gorgeous Highland coos glory.
Brian will be using a drone to photograph these difficult locations, but he is warned off by the local policeman, Hamish Murray, who warns them that there have been three deaths in the past months, and the victims were all using drones.
Other people may decide to go elsewhere, Jo decides to investigate , Brian , who is a bit of a drama Queen, has a quick hissy fit, but eventually falls in with this idea and hopes he can find vegan food along the way, this is a common grumble of his throughout this book. DC Murray is hilarious, his speech is full of malapropisms, he is initially suspicious of them both, but gradually comes to appreciate their well intentioned mishaps.
A light hearted murder mystery, full of humour and it is easy to guess the killer. What made this book for me is the way the views of Scottish people were heard, the second home syndrome, that creates ghost villages, lack of housing and employment that forces youngsters away from their families, the contrast between land owners and those who want to build housing estates, the shortfall in shops, schools and transport, quite political at times, but the stereotypical view of Scotland is well and truly debunked, challenged and explained.
I absolutely adored this book, we both spent many years visiting Scotland, and miss it so much. This book will find a place on my bookshelves and I have already recommended this to family members. A cosy read with a heart of pure Scottishness. Will look out for the next books in this planned series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A murder mystery set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Thank you to the author and the publisher. My review is voluntary.
Social media influencers with drones are being killed at some of Scotland’s most picturesque spots. Joana and Brian, who are travelling through the area researching for a book they are writing, find themselves investigating the crime.
The setting for Deadly Cairns makes this an enjoyable read. The Highland are picturesque and atmospheric and packed with famous landmarks. The premise of a social media based crime gives book a contemporary and original slant. The portrayal of the clash between newcomers and original residents, along with the pros and cons the newcomers bring, is also well executed.
The story unfolds almost entirely through dialogue from Joana’s perspective, though there’s very little exploration or reflection on her part. The characters in this novel remain something of a mystery. We get to know Brian a bit better, though only through Joana’s perspective. Joanne, on the other hand, is almost entirely unknown, aside from Joana’s view of her as a younger version of Edith. Interestingly, Edith, though a minor character, comes across more vividly than the two main protagonists. Characters are so important in this genre. It is their quirks and faults that make the relatable. Joana does come across as bossy but unfortunately this just makes her unlikable. Ironically, in the end Brian turns out to be the more astute investigator.
Deadly Cairns will appeal to anyone looking for a short straightforward read set in a beautiful environment.
Thank you to the author and the publisher. My review is voluntary.
Social media influencers with drones are being killed at some of Scotland’s most picturesque spots. Joana and Brian, who are travelling through the area researching for a book they are writing, find themselves investigating the crime.
The setting for Deadly Cairns makes this an enjoyable read. The Highland are picturesque and atmospheric and packed with famous landmarks. The premise of a social media based crime gives book a contemporary and original slant. The portrayal of the clash between newcomers and original residents, along with the pros and cons the newcomers bring, is also well executed.
The story unfolds almost entirely through dialogue from Joana’s perspective, though there’s very little exploration or reflection on her part. The characters in this novel remain something of a mystery. We get to know Brian a bit better, though only through Joana’s perspective. Joanne, on the other hand, is almost entirely unknown, aside from Joana’s view of her as a younger version of Edith. Interestingly, Edith, though a minor character, comes across more vividly than the two main protagonists. Characters are so important in this genre. It is their quirks and faults that make the relatable. Joana does come across as bossy but unfortunately this just makes her unlikable. Ironically, in the end Brian turns out to be the more astute investigator.
Deadly Cairns will appeal to anyone looking for a short straightforward read set in a beautiful environment.
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April 25, 2026Many thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Highland Quill Publishing for this ARC via Netgalley.
'Let's photograph crumbling castles at foggy dawn,' you said. 'It'll be atmospheric,' you said. You left out the part where it might get us killed.
Travel writer Joana and her friend and photographer Brian are working on a Scotland travel guide, when they learn that several drone photography influencers have been killed at tourist hotspots. Joana is determined to investigate, and drags Brian with her on a green tea and vegan scone-fuelled journey through the Scottish Highlands in search of the killer.
Along the way, the two encounter a long range of colourful characters and potential suspects, including an eighty-three-year-old granny, a police officer with a peculiar speech pattern and a vegan haggis praline-selling influencer.
Deadly Cairns is a contemporary cosy mystery filled with snappy banter, a love of authentic nature and culture and reflections on social media and its role in shaping the world around us.
From fun, light-hearted banter to beautiful descriptions of Scottish nature in its full, unedited glory and lamentations of the effects of overtourism and the craze for fame and fortune fuelled by social media, this mystery mixes humour and serious reflections on modern society with haggis, rugged rainy landscapes and a serial killer lurking in the mist.
'Let's photograph crumbling castles at foggy dawn,' you said. 'It'll be atmospheric,' you said. You left out the part where it might get us killed.
Travel writer Joana and her friend and photographer Brian are working on a Scotland travel guide, when they learn that several drone photography influencers have been killed at tourist hotspots. Joana is determined to investigate, and drags Brian with her on a green tea and vegan scone-fuelled journey through the Scottish Highlands in search of the killer.
Along the way, the two encounter a long range of colourful characters and potential suspects, including an eighty-three-year-old granny, a police officer with a peculiar speech pattern and a vegan haggis praline-selling influencer.
Deadly Cairns is a contemporary cosy mystery filled with snappy banter, a love of authentic nature and culture and reflections on social media and its role in shaping the world around us.
From fun, light-hearted banter to beautiful descriptions of Scottish nature in its full, unedited glory and lamentations of the effects of overtourism and the craze for fame and fortune fuelled by social media, this mystery mixes humour and serious reflections on modern society with haggis, rugged rainy landscapes and a serial killer lurking in the mist.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deadly Cairns is the kind of book that reminds me why I love the cosy mystery genre. As my second read from this author, it confirmed what I suspected after the first book: she has a real gift for balancing a twisty plot with sharp humor and irresistible character chemistry.
This time, Joana and her ever patient assistant Brian head to Aberdeenshire to photograph locations for her new book. What should have been a scenic working trip quickly turns dark when young drone photographers start turning up murdered at some of Scotland's most breathtaking spots. The police makes an arrest, but Joana isn't convinced they've caught the real culprit. Her determination to investigate pulls the reader across the Highlands, through villages full of eccentric people, tartan dressed dogs and culinary curiosities that add texture without ever slowing the plot.
The pacing is brisk, the banter between Joana and Brian sparkles and the interaction with DC Murray and DCI Fraser add a delightful comedic edge. The author's clever clues and atmospheric description make the Highlands feel like a character in their own right.
For me, this was a genuine page turner, witty, charming and satisfyingly twisty. I am already looking forward to the next adventure in the series.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This time, Joana and her ever patient assistant Brian head to Aberdeenshire to photograph locations for her new book. What should have been a scenic working trip quickly turns dark when young drone photographers start turning up murdered at some of Scotland's most breathtaking spots. The police makes an arrest, but Joana isn't convinced they've caught the real culprit. Her determination to investigate pulls the reader across the Highlands, through villages full of eccentric people, tartan dressed dogs and culinary curiosities that add texture without ever slowing the plot.
The pacing is brisk, the banter between Joana and Brian sparkles and the interaction with DC Murray and DCI Fraser add a delightful comedic edge. The author's clever clues and atmospheric description make the Highlands feel like a character in their own right.
For me, this was a genuine page turner, witty, charming and satisfyingly twisty. I am already looking forward to the next adventure in the series.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy
Jo and Brian are landscape photographers from London. During a trip to Scotland to take pictures for a book on unusual Scotland locales, they get embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer targeting… yes, you got it, influencer publishing their pics on a specialized website.
Side by side a decent whodunit, the story is a meditation on the dangers of social media and how they are changing our perspective of the world. We don't look for what's real, rather for what'll get us likes and followers, and will manipulate reality as much as necessary for it. As Brian puts it "reality doesn't get likes".
While the main characters didn't really excite me, I really loved DC Murray, a bumbling policeman with a penchant for funny malapropisms and malaphors such as "the chance of becoming a virus (= going viral)" or "a wild penguin chase". By contrast, Jo and Brian are a lot less interesting. Brian is an unsufferable whiner, even if he gets better with time, and Joana is just a solid professional with a (un)healthy dose of curiosity that will get her in trouble (After all, curiosity killed the cat, didn'it?).
All in all, not my favorite book of the year but an interesting story all the same.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Side by side a decent whodunit, the story is a meditation on the dangers of social media and how they are changing our perspective of the world. We don't look for what's real, rather for what'll get us likes and followers, and will manipulate reality as much as necessary for it. As Brian puts it "reality doesn't get likes".
While the main characters didn't really excite me, I really loved DC Murray, a bumbling policeman with a penchant for funny malapropisms and malaphors such as "the chance of becoming a virus (= going viral)" or "a wild penguin chase". By contrast, Jo and Brian are a lot less interesting. Brian is an unsufferable whiner, even if he gets better with time, and Joana is just a solid professional with a (un)healthy dose of curiosity that will get her in trouble (After all, curiosity killed the cat, didn'it?).
All in all, not my favorite book of the year but an interesting story all the same.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Race against a killer of influencers!📱
4.5🌟
Pretty unputdownable, thanks to the urgency of ending the crime spate that is eliminating ambitious fledgling influencers; the great jaunts to Scottish castles and other iconic sights; and the cute interplay between Joana and Brian, the two main characters. Brian is a bit of a drama queen (bemoaning lack of creature comforts, odd hours they work in all weather and the personalities they meet) as they travel around Scotland to shoot photos for a travel guide. It offered a nice size pool of potential suspects and victims and, though I had an inkling of the murderer (thanks to the sheer number of murder mysteries I devour), the journey to the exciting, atmospheric end was worth every chapter.
The writing is good and made me want to read more in this cozy travelogue vein about this pair of amateur detectives with glimpses of Scotland on the ready.
Thanks to Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op, Highland Quill Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟
Pretty unputdownable, thanks to the urgency of ending the crime spate that is eliminating ambitious fledgling influencers; the great jaunts to Scottish castles and other iconic sights; and the cute interplay between Joana and Brian, the two main characters. Brian is a bit of a drama queen (bemoaning lack of creature comforts, odd hours they work in all weather and the personalities they meet) as they travel around Scotland to shoot photos for a travel guide. It offered a nice size pool of potential suspects and victims and, though I had an inkling of the murderer (thanks to the sheer number of murder mysteries I devour), the journey to the exciting, atmospheric end was worth every chapter.
The writing is good and made me want to read more in this cozy travelogue vein about this pair of amateur detectives with glimpses of Scotland on the ready.
Thanks to Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op, Highland Quill Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW: I was very excited for this book because I LOVE Scotland so I was looking forward to seeing how the author described it and used it. The references to the many places and villages and landmarks warmed my heart because I’ve been to many of them.
Her characters Joana and Brian have a funny dynamic. There was a bit of humor between them which was fun to read but I did not enjoy how Joana seemed to not trust Brian’s input or how she always wanted to be the one in control. That killed the team dynamic for me.
The authors premise for the story was influencers ruining the beauty of Scotland and I found this to be a brilliant and novel idea for a book. This was written well with a perspective I never thought about when it comes to social media; the twist at the end (while I saw it coming) I think will be a thrill for many readers.
I do recommend this book for readers who like mild mystery, no violence but has a murder aspect, and twists.
Her characters Joana and Brian have a funny dynamic. There was a bit of humor between them which was fun to read but I did not enjoy how Joana seemed to not trust Brian’s input or how she always wanted to be the one in control. That killed the team dynamic for me.
The authors premise for the story was influencers ruining the beauty of Scotland and I found this to be a brilliant and novel idea for a book. This was written well with a perspective I never thought about when it comes to social media; the twist at the end (while I saw it coming) I think will be a thrill for many readers.
I do recommend this book for readers who like mild mystery, no violence but has a murder aspect, and twists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joana and her friend Brian are photographers, out to capture photos of Scotland for a travel guide. Brian uses a drone for his photos, but soon hears that drone photographers are being murdered in Scotland. Near each victim is a small stone cairn with a black thumbs up.
Joana is intent on finding the killer, while Brian switches from wanting no involvement to being totally involved. Is the motive for the killings due to over tourism destroying beautiful sites, over editing creating false images of Scotland, luring young people to risky behavior just to get likes, or something else entirely? I enjoyed the humor and mystery in this story that is a mystery combined with a travelogue of Scotland. I especially liked the young policeman, Murray. He was hilarious. Even better, there is a link to download a ‘Discover Scotland’ companion guide to the book.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC.
Joana is intent on finding the killer, while Brian switches from wanting no involvement to being totally involved. Is the motive for the killings due to over tourism destroying beautiful sites, over editing creating false images of Scotland, luring young people to risky behavior just to get likes, or something else entirely? I enjoyed the humor and mystery in this story that is a mystery combined with a travelogue of Scotland. I especially liked the young policeman, Murray. He was hilarious. Even better, there is a link to download a ‘Discover Scotland’ companion guide to the book.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
This was a very enjoyable read. The backdrop of the Scottish highlands was amazing and this storyline of someone killing off young influencers was quite riveting. The odd duo of Joana and Brian ensured there were many humourous moments throughout. Talk about different characters. Joana is quite determined whereas Brian is quite a moaner who is content to sit and eat rather than put himself in possible danger. The young policeman was also quite hilarious.
Regarding the story, I enjoyed trying to figure out the motive behind the killings. Is it due to resulting over-tourism destroying the local sites or due to AI enhanced photos of Scotland which are causing people to partake in risky behaviour all for the sake of likes on social media. It meant there were several possible suspects in mind but I only figured things out just before the actual reveal towards the end. I look forward to seeing where these two end up next.
Regarding the story, I enjoyed trying to figure out the motive behind the killings. Is it due to resulting over-tourism destroying the local sites or due to AI enhanced photos of Scotland which are causing people to partake in risky behaviour all for the sake of likes on social media. It meant there were several possible suspects in mind but I only figured things out just before the actual reveal towards the end. I look forward to seeing where these two end up next.
May 11, 2026
*I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This was honestly great fun. I only picked it up bc I expected to snark about Scottish inaccuracies but, aside for one or two it was honestly a real love letter to the highlands. Scotland was essentially a silent character and I really loved that. The plot kept me interested and reading very easily, the characters were memorable and engaging (especially Joana and Brian and their affectionally antagonistic relationship) and no one hand held me through the plot. This book was better than several I've read that had big publishing houses behind them.
If you fancy a quick fun mystery read with a bonus roadtrip folded in, very much do rec.
This was honestly great fun. I only picked it up bc I expected to snark about Scottish inaccuracies but, aside for one or two it was honestly a real love letter to the highlands. Scotland was essentially a silent character and I really loved that. The plot kept me interested and reading very easily, the characters were memorable and engaging (especially Joana and Brian and their affectionally antagonistic relationship) and no one hand held me through the plot. This book was better than several I've read that had big publishing houses behind them.
If you fancy a quick fun mystery read with a bonus roadtrip folded in, very much do rec.
May 13, 2026
Photographers Joana and Brian are visiting Scotland, intending to capture the less touristy side of the beautiful country. Brian’s passion is for aerial photos using his beloved drone.
But, when they are cautioned by a local police officer, who tells them that young photographers using drones are being targeted by a killer, Joana’s curiosity gets the better of her and, much to Brian's dismay, the duo sets out to solve the murders.
This was the first book in the series and I loved it! The author has a way of describing things that took me right to Scotland and the banter between Joana and Brian was
wonderful.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put my Kindle down! I recommend this book highly and I can't wait to read the next one!
I was honored to be on the Advanced Reader team for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
But, when they are cautioned by a local police officer, who tells them that young photographers using drones are being targeted by a killer, Joana’s curiosity gets the better of her and, much to Brian's dismay, the duo sets out to solve the murders.
This was the first book in the series and I loved it! The author has a way of describing things that took me right to Scotland and the banter between Joana and Brian was
wonderful.
Once I started reading, I couldn't put my Kindle down! I recommend this book highly and I can't wait to read the next one!
I was honored to be on the Advanced Reader team for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. This book is a bit of fun - a pair of photographers exploring Scotland, taking photos of The Authentic Scotland. It sounds wonderful. But drone photographers start getting killed. It seems the more followers and likes they have on their posts on a mythical social media platform (two real ones come immediately to mind) the more of a target they are. This feels like a warning about the dangers of becoming obsessed with chasing likes and the technology in general. The intrepid pair meet some interesting people in their investigation but Scotland itself is the star. The author even offers a free pdf guidebook to download at the end. Worth a read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joana and Brian take a road trip and unfortunately murder seems to have hitched a ride as murders keep happening wherever they go. Rather than run home and hide, the duo continues their trip and looks for clues along the way. Will they focus in on a murderer or will they be the next targets?
I enjoyed the cosy mystery and the Scottish tour in this book. Joana and Brian are great sleuthing partners and make this a great book. I would definitely take another cosy road trip with them in the future.
I enjoyed the cosy mystery and the Scottish tour in this book. Joana and Brian are great sleuthing partners and make this a great book. I would definitely take another cosy road trip with them in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The first book in a new mystery series set in Scotland! While taking photos for their new Scotland guide book, Joanna and Brian are warned of a serial killer targeting drone photographers.
A quick and fun mystery, although I wish there had more to the backstory of Joanna and Brian to really draw me into this series. As someone who works with photographers, I really enjoyed this concept and all the suspects. While I figured out the ending, I enjoyed the twist.
Thank you to #NetGalley #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCo-op and #HighlandQuillPublishing for the ARC
A quick and fun mystery, although I wish there had more to the backstory of Joanna and Brian to really draw me into this series. As someone who works with photographers, I really enjoyed this concept and all the suspects. While I figured out the ending, I enjoyed the twist.
Thank you to #NetGalley #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCo-op and #HighlandQuillPublishing for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 stars rounded up! ⭐
A light and easy read, with beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
The characters felt one-dimensional, they all had one or two things to characterize them and it didn’t go deeper than that: Joana likes green tea, Brian is vegan and a bit whiny, DC Murray is bad with proverbs. Furthermore, the investigation didn’t make a lot of sense and it all felt rushed. It almost worked better as a travel guide than a mystery.
Thanks to Highland Quill Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
A light and easy read, with beautiful descriptions of Scotland.
The characters felt one-dimensional, they all had one or two things to characterize them and it didn’t go deeper than that: Joana likes green tea, Brian is vegan and a bit whiny, DC Murray is bad with proverbs. Furthermore, the investigation didn’t make a lot of sense and it all felt rushed. It almost worked better as a travel guide than a mystery.
Thanks to Highland Quill Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
Review of advance copy
After reading the novella I dove into the first of the series and I loved the description of Scottish landscapes and landmarks, transporting me right back to my own visits there.
The mystery is a red thread through the book and the banter between the MC's makes it a funny engaging read.
This author knows how to combine cozy mystery vibes with views of the locals about tourists and the influence on their lives and country.
I did guess the culprit before the reveal, but it was still greatly set-up!
I really love this series and hope to read more soon!
The mystery is a red thread through the book and the banter between the MC's makes it a funny engaging read.
This author knows how to combine cozy mystery vibes with views of the locals about tourists and the influence on their lives and country.
I did guess the culprit before the reveal, but it was still greatly set-up!
I really love this series and hope to read more soon!
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this cosy crime novel, and thought it had the making of a really good series.
Joana and Brian are a likeable duo, and all the descriptions of Scotland are very enjoyable to read.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and it was certainly a page turner.
If you enjoy cosy crime I would recommend this to you, and look forward to book 2.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me a copy to read and review
Joana and Brian are a likeable duo, and all the descriptions of Scotland are very enjoyable to read.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and it was certainly a page turner.
If you enjoy cosy crime I would recommend this to you, and look forward to book 2.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me a copy to read and review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Highland Quill Publishing for the eARC.
Set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland, I was eager to start this book, but ended up quite disappointed with it.
I didn't like Joanna, who is quite bossy and a bit of a know-it-all, and Brian, instead of constantly whining,
should be more forceful with Joanna.
The scenic chapters were good; I lived in Scotland for a while and loved it.
I ended up skipping to the end.
Set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland, I was eager to start this book, but ended up quite disappointed with it.
I didn't like Joanna, who is quite bossy and a bit of a know-it-all, and Brian, instead of constantly whining,
should be more forceful with Joanna.
The scenic chapters were good; I lived in Scotland for a while and loved it.
I ended up skipping to the end.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning and the mystery kept me guessing all the way to the end even as the list of suspects grew longer.
This is a story that very easily could happen in real life. The characters are so fun and enjoyable to read as they work together to solve the case and I didn’t want to see them go after finishing the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a story that very easily could happen in real life. The characters are so fun and enjoyable to read as they work together to solve the case and I didn’t want to see them go after finishing the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Deadly Cairns is Book 1 in The Highland Mysteries by Joan a Snowdon. I felt like I was on a Scottish road trip with Joan a and Brian… without the murder. They were enjoying a beautiful trip armed with their camera when these stops are littered with crime tape. I thought the author was clever dropping clues along with witty dialogue. I enjoyed my "book" vacation and reading this mystery will give you a snapshot of Scotland. I an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 12, 2026
Deadly Cairns by Joanna Snowdon was an enjoyable mystery with an interesting discussion around ethical tourism and Scottish culture. I liked how the setting and local history shaped the story and gave it a distinct atmosphere.
I did find the relationship between the two main characters a little confusing at times, especially because I couldn’t fully tell if they were married or not. Still, it was a fun read overall.
I did find the relationship between the two main characters a little confusing at times, especially because I couldn’t fully tell if they were married or not. Still, it was a fun read overall.
May 13, 2026
I was intrigued by the fact that the story was set in Scotland, and I thought that it was pretty interesting. I enjoyed reading about the antics between the two main characters. The pace was fast, and the mystery was very intense. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Snowden is going to bring us with the other stories in this series.
I received a free ARC via StoryOrigin, this review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I received a free ARC via StoryOrigin, this review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
May 12, 2026
Wow, just wow, what a fantastic book! The worldbuilding is impressive, the humour and banter are top-tier, and there is an abundance of plot twists. I love the characters. Joana and Brian are my new favourite sleuthing duo, they are simply delightful. Five stars, all the way!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought this was a great cozy mystery. The characters were well developed. The mystery itself was quite good. It took you down several paths before the final solution was revealed. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next one. (This was an advanced reader copy from the author.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. The story was interesting, it was a fun read, and I had several Laughing Out Loud moments when reading it. If you want a fun cozy mystery to read, you should definitely read this book.
I loved this book. The story was interesting, it was a fun read, and I had several Laughing Out Loud moments when reading it. If you want a fun cozy mystery to read, you should definitely read this book.
May 14, 2026
Great storytelling and plot. The scenery description makes you feel like you are there. Characters are larger than life and several laugh out loud moments. All in all a great book!
Read 04/25/26.
Read 04/25/26.
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