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The Highland Mysteries #3
Lethal Laybys
Not yet published
Expected 22 Jun 26NC 500 Memories Last A Lifetime.
Unfortunately, Some Campers Don’t.
Joana and Brian, amateur sleuths with cameras in hand, arrive in Inverness with a straightforward a photo reportage on camping along the North Coast 500. The only catch? They have to live it – inside a campervan with not enough space to escape Brian’s banter.
But trouble starts near Wick when they pull into a layby and find a police cordon. A fellow traveller has been found dead in his van. The police are quick to point to a faulty heater, but Joana notices what others have overlooked. Where has the victim’s black Labrador disappeared to? And what’s behind the rumours about the Highland Games athlete and a cheating scandal?
As they search for answers, Joana and Brian are swept up in the NC 500’s patchwork of local a ceilidh in full swing, Highland Games gossip, a cake stall with ‘special biscuits’, a dog show with the waggiest tail, and a campervan rally across the Highlands that attracts every eccentric within a hundred miles.
When a second man is found dead, Joana and Brian must race to uncover the truth before the NC 500 claims another camper.
Lethal Laybys is a cosy mystery steeped in Highland scenery, filled with locals who are anything but ordinary, and laced with dry British wit that surfaces even in the darkest moments. Expect a page-turning plot as winding as the NC 500 itself… and midges that should honestly be on the suspect list.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.
Unfortunately, Some Campers Don’t.
Joana and Brian, amateur sleuths with cameras in hand, arrive in Inverness with a straightforward a photo reportage on camping along the North Coast 500. The only catch? They have to live it – inside a campervan with not enough space to escape Brian’s banter.
But trouble starts near Wick when they pull into a layby and find a police cordon. A fellow traveller has been found dead in his van. The police are quick to point to a faulty heater, but Joana notices what others have overlooked. Where has the victim’s black Labrador disappeared to? And what’s behind the rumours about the Highland Games athlete and a cheating scandal?
As they search for answers, Joana and Brian are swept up in the NC 500’s patchwork of local a ceilidh in full swing, Highland Games gossip, a cake stall with ‘special biscuits’, a dog show with the waggiest tail, and a campervan rally across the Highlands that attracts every eccentric within a hundred miles.
When a second man is found dead, Joana and Brian must race to uncover the truth before the NC 500 claims another camper.
Lethal Laybys is a cosy mystery steeped in Highland scenery, filled with locals who are anything but ordinary, and laced with dry British wit that surfaces even in the darkest moments. Expect a page-turning plot as winding as the NC 500 itself… and midges that should honestly be on the suspect list.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 22, 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 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Lethal laybys" is the third book in Joana Snowdon's cosy mystery series that I've read and once again she delivers a wonderfully entertaining escape to the Scottish Highlands.
This time, Joana and her ever chaotic assistant Brian head to Inverness for what should be a simple assignment: a photo reportage on camping along NC500 - but as usual, trouble finds them fast. When the caber toss champion of the Highland Games is murdered, the duo cannot resist getting involved, much to the despair of long suffering DCI Fraser and the amusement of DC Murray.
As bodies start piling up, the author takes the reader on a scenic tour of the NC500, complete with quirky locals, dogs, sweets with a twist and plenty of sharp banter. The atmosphere is vivid, the humor lands and the mystery keeps the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, charming and full of Highland character. My only gripe is Brian's talent for saying the wrong thing at the worst possible moment, but honestly, that's part of what makes him who he is.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This time, Joana and her ever chaotic assistant Brian head to Inverness for what should be a simple assignment: a photo reportage on camping along NC500 - but as usual, trouble finds them fast. When the caber toss champion of the Highland Games is murdered, the duo cannot resist getting involved, much to the despair of long suffering DCI Fraser and the amusement of DC Murray.
As bodies start piling up, the author takes the reader on a scenic tour of the NC500, complete with quirky locals, dogs, sweets with a twist and plenty of sharp banter. The atmosphere is vivid, the humor lands and the mystery keeps the pages turning.
I really enjoyed this book, it's funny, charming and full of Highland character. My only gripe is Brian's talent for saying the wrong thing at the worst possible moment, but honestly, that's part of what makes him who he is.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This Jo & Brian's 3rd trip to Scotland in 2 years. They're going on an 'Eco friendly' camping trip along the NC500. Can you see Brian doing that? In their last 2 trips they discovered 6 murder victims. How many will they find with this one? They go to pick up their ecofriendly camping trailer and both their jaws drop when they see it. She told them it was for 2 people and this will barely hold one person. The only truly accurate thing about it is it's Eco friendliness; it's electric. Prepare for a very entertaining trip and start reading today. Joana Snowden has earned herself another 5* review!
Read on 05/07/26.
Read on 05/07/26.
Review of advance copy
The third full novel in this series and the author brought me back to the Highlands once again. Thank you for the vibes and both known and new places I visited through this book! Some of them are on my list for my next visit!
The mystery is a red thread throughout the entire book, which keeps you turning the pages, interspersed with lovely local characters, plenty of food, sweet dogs and great banter. Brian's inability to keep quiet is getting to hilarious levels in this one.
It's another 5 star read for me and I can't wait to read more in this series!
The mystery is a red thread throughout the entire book, which keeps you turning the pages, interspersed with lovely local characters, plenty of food, sweet dogs and great banter. Brian's inability to keep quiet is getting to hilarious levels in this one.
It's another 5 star read for me and I can't wait to read more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews