Murder at the Stone Circle

by Elizabeth Rose

A Medieval mystery where ancient legends, dark secrets, and murder threaten to destroy a wedding before it begins.

Murder follows Lady Vivienne Harlowe wherever she goes—and not even her wedding can change that.

With the murders of her parents finally solved, Vivienne is ready to marry Sheriff Zachariah Fitch and start a new life together. When she sees the ghost of her late mother inside an ancient standing stone circle, she takes it as a sign—this is where they should exchange their vows.

But the wedding never happens. Before a single vow leaves her lips, the officiator is struck by an arrow and falls dead at her feet.

The circle is said to be a place where witches were turned to stone for practicing pagan rituals. Zachariah has never believed in legends—until now. Someone seems determined to keep him from marrying Vivienne. And his suspicions keep circling back to Morgana, Vivienne's newly discovered half-sister, who arrived with shadows trailing behind her.

As murder, legend, and deception hang heavy in the fog, Vivienne and Zachariah must hunt down another killer. But Vivienne is keeping a secret of her own—one that could change their future forever.

Atmospheric, twisty, and laced with gothic tension—Murder at the Stone Circle is a historical mystery for readers who love sleuthing couples, ancient curses, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Perfect for readers who
– Sleuthing couples with undeniable chemistry
– Gothic mysteries with witchy legends
– Atmospheric historical settings shrouded in fog
– Dark family secrets and wedding-day chaos

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.

Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:

Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest

RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude

Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets

International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude

Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme

Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights

Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales

Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown

Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

And More!

Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:

Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!

Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.

Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding vows thwarted!

Just as life is becoming settled for Lady Vivienne Harlowe and Sheriff Zachariah Fitch, trouble strikes.
Vivienne and Zachariah decide to marry outside in nature because the season of Advent had started and marriage inside the church isn’t allowed during this time.
Vivienne had always thought to be married in the stone circle feeling this would bring her closer to her dead mother.
Unfortunately, during the ceremony, just as she bends over to pick up her dropped bouquet, an arrow flies by, grazing her before imbedding itself in the priest, Father Deocarus.
Pandemonium erupts, the wedding is cancelled, and what the future holds is unknown.
Vivian and Zac will have to face opposition from all sides, although they have some support. The pair are desperate to uncover the truth of Father Deocarus’ death, particularly as the prospect of ex communication for those who attended the wedding is on the cards. Ex Communication is a serious offence at these times with awful and frightening consequences.
As the tale of Vivienne and Zachariah draws to a close, a window opens for others to come to the fore.
I didn’t enjoy this as much as previous titles in the series but I needed to see how the couples time would draw to a close.

An Oliver Herber ARC via Booksprout
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Stone Circles is the final installment in Elizabeth Rose’s Harlowe & Fitch Historical Mystery Series, and I’m genuinely sad to see this series come to an end. Over the course of the books, we’ve unraveled a web of secrets and followed Lady Vivienne Harlowe as she rediscovered her lost family members and fell in love with Sheriff Zachariah Fitch.

Having read every book in the series, I can say this final chapter delivers plenty of twists and turns. As always, murder seems to follow Lady Vivienne wherever she goes—even on her wedding day. Just as she is ready to start the next chapter of her life as Zachariah’s wife, a poisoned arrow strikes during the ceremony, killing the priest and nearly ending her own life. And yet, what makes this finale so satisfying is how brilliantly Elizabeth Rose ties up all the lingering mysteries surrounding Lady Vivienne’s life, weaving them into a dramatic and emotional conclusion.

While I’ve avoided giving away too many details, this story has so much more to offer than I could capture here—unexpected revelations, deep emotional payoffs, and a few final surprises that make saying goodbye to these characters all the more meaningful.

Lady Vivienne’s journey has been filled with heartbreak and danger, but I’ve always admired her unshakable spirit and determination to overcome every adversary. In this story, her newly discovered half-sister Morgana takes a central role, using her magical abilities to unravel the murder and tie up the loose ends of Vivienne’s past.

What makes this series truly shine is its colorful cast of unusual friends and allies, who bring humor, chaos, and charm to every adventure. I was delighted that the finale included all of them one last time. Thankfully, Elizabeth Rose has hinted that we’ll see these characters again in her upcoming paranormal mystery series starring Morgana and Isaac—and I, for one, can’t wait.

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

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is both a great read and a sad ending to a wonderful series. For those of us who have read all the books and followed the course of mystery, death, danger, lose and solving many mysteries with Vivienne and Zachariah this last book has a lot of twist and turns. Some things I looked for but many were a happy surprise, and others answered more of our questions. Our couple is finally getting married! Ya, but as we know, nothing runs smoothly for this pair. As it was advent, and no weddings were allowed in the church, so they were going to be married outdoors in the stone circle! The circle was thought to be a pagan place. Zachariah just wants to wed the woman he has loved for so long he doesn't care where it is as long as Vivienne was happy. He knows how bad it will be if the church finds out one of their priests is marrying them at this time of the year. Unfortunately, the wedding doesn’t happen as the priest is shot with an arrow and Vivienne is injured. Then many things go wrong, the church finds out, many secrets and mysteries come out of the woodwork. Wow this is amazing read, romantic, but with ghosts, witches, a very gothic feel to most of the story and a happy ending but not what I was expecting. What a great ending to this wonderful series that has given years of great reading. If you haven't read this series, start with book one as each book adds to the mystery and adds wonderful characters too. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Luckily, we get to start a new series with the brother and sister of this wonderful couple! I can’t wait.

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne And Zachariah Get There Ending 🥰
Murder At Stone Circle : Harlow & Fitch Historical Mystery Book 8 ; Elizabeth Rose Wraps Up This Series With All The Questions Answered And Plenty Of Surprises You Didn’t See Coming ! As Well As , Her Unique Way Of Bringing In Some Of Your Favorite Characters From The Past ! Of Course There Is The Wedding ! Or Is There ? Another Murder To Be Solved ! With All The Excitement And Quirkiness That Goes Along With The Story ! You Will Just LOVE 💗 Everything About It !
Lady Vivienne Harlowe And Sheriff Zachariah Fitch Finally Come To There Wedding Day ! If You Have Read The Books Previously You Would Know That Nothing Goes As Planned Or Easy For Lady Vivienne ! Saying That You Can’t Even Begin To Guess What’s To Come ! The Characters All Jell Together Making The Story Into One Large Crazy Family ! That Makes You Emotionally Connected ! Caring ! Wanting A Storybook Ending !
This Story Has It All ! Great Characters ! The Perfect Ending ! With A Hint Of What’s To Come ! Excellent Series !!!!!!!.

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

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivienne and Zachariah have work together to solve several murders. They have found her brother and son, and who was responsible for her parents’ deaths. Zachariah has been reunited with his siblings. Their long friendship has turned into something so much more, and they are to be wed. They gather at the stone circle for their wedding, but before the event can take place, the priest is downed by an arrow. Now before their nuptials, they have another murder to solve. Who would kill a priest? Was the real intended victim Vivienne? This is another well-crafted story with a complex plot that holds your attention and keeps you guessing about the murderer. There is murder, mystery, tension, more than one suspect, and a summons from the king. Our favorite characters are here, including the children, Nairnie and Bear, Maleine, and Isaac (who causes annoyingly comic relief). Morgana also has a role in this one. As this excellent series draws to its conclusion, there is a murder solved, a wedding held, and some important changes in the circumstances of several of the characters. It looks like there may be a spinoff coming, and I look forward to it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous ending to the Harlowe and Fitch series with all the intriguing characters from the previous books coming together as Lady Vivienne Harlowe and Sheriff Zechariah Fitch attempt a wedding day in the stone circle but as is common with these two, things go array and they are once again investigating a murder. I found myself commiserating with Zechariah quite often in this book when the Sheriff could not find a moment of peace or space in his own home, continued to find Vivienne not where she promised him she would stay and trying to solve a murder while chaos ran amuck all about him. Vivienne is definitely one stubborn, strong-willed lady but has such a tender heart for all seeking refuge. The bond between Vivienne and Zechariah, even when they frustrated with each other, is so special and they easily compromise and forgive each other. Yes, an absolute delight and solving the murder mystery adds even more fun to book. A great series and I’m looking forward to the next one.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting for truth

It’s supposed to be the happiest day of Vivienne and Zachariah’s life their wedding day. Yet bad luck finds them once again as the priest who was about to marry them is killed right as the ceremony is about to begin. With rumblings of witches, paganism and secrets hanging in the air the murder investigation becomes a quagmire from the start. The betrothed couple needs to find the truth to solve the murder and unlock an important riddle that will change everything.
Great story! Lots of suspense and very unexpected twists. Gotta love how men who don’t understand a thing jump straight into a good old fashioned witch hunt. SMH. Love how Vivienne and Zachariah find a balance after the first shocking twist. I loved the ending (and new beginning) of the story. Sorry to see this is the last installment but I’ve enjoyed this series and look forward to the spin-off with Morgana and Issac.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the murders of her parents finally solved, Vivienne is ready to marry Sheriff Zachariah Fitch and start a new life together. When she sees the ghost of her late mother inside an ancient standing stone circle, she takes it as a sign—this is where they should exchange their vows.
Vivienne is sure she sees her deceased mother and bends down injured but the priest that was performing the ceremony is killed.
Zachariah didn’t want the ceremony held there and with Vivienne injury there is another surprising discovery!
This story has more twists admins turns it was hard to keep up! Major changes for the couple and their friends!
Morgana who is indeed Vivienne sister is also a victim of the very superstitious folk of that day!
Just when you think you have it figured out a new clue and secret is revealed!
Get in, hold on to the last book that introduces a whole new couple’s adventures! Bravo
I received a copy from Booksprout for my unbiased opinion!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another entertaining read in this last book of the series. Vivienne and Zachariah are about to get married when murder strikes again. Vivienne isn’t one to hold back and insists on being part of the investigation. Zachariah wants her to stay at home to keep safe. Some secrets are revealed and Issac ( Zac’s brother ) and Morgana (Vivienne’s sister) play more of a part in this story. There are a number of people who aren’t who they are pretending to be and Vivienne and Zac find themselves with nowhere to live. Vivienne cares for her family and friends and wants them all to be together but isn’t she how it can work out. There is a spin-off series to come and I look at to reading that. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books by Elizabeth Rose but never one from this series. I must say that i enjoyed the book.
It seems that finally Lady Vivienne and Zachariah can now marry and start their life together but at the readying the minister was killed and Vivienne was injured.
Is this an omen due to it being during Advent and at the stone circle which is said to be pagen?
The couple is pulled in many directions from those around them, they face possible retribution from the church. Also witches and ghosts seem to appear with messages. Many things are not what they seem or have been told they are. But they need together to solve this so the wedding can happen.

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

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit confused by this book. Early English speech was mixed with modern English speech. It made it incredibly difficult to try to get immersed in the story. The author should have decided upon one and stuck with it.

The characters plainly spoke about witches at a time when even thinking about them would have had you labeled as one and killed for it. That also made it difficult to get into the story.

I’m not sure what this author was trying to convey but I evidently missed it. And the book was a miss for me, as well.

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

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series and getting to know the various characters. I still feel that Harlowe is a little too naive and trusting, but she does seem to have luck on her side. Fitch is ever the protector and finally has decided he can’t change her so he will continue just to love her. There is a murder to solve so all the characters get involved in some way. It is nice to know that the author’s new series will still bring back some of these characters.

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

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bittersweet book in this series. Vivienne and Zachariah are getting married. But a murder thwarts their plans. The usual cast of characters are together and there is chaos and humor as some of the characters are quite outrageous. There are some surprising revelations that come out during the investigation. This was intriguing and even though this is the last book in this series I am looking forward to the spinoff. I hope we see some of the characters from this series in the new one.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This awesome book will instantly hook you and not let you down. I loved the suspense, unexpected moments, tension, drama, twists, and surprises. These characters are so well written that you will wish you could meet them in person.

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

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book delivers another brisk, medieval whodunit with the series’ signature mix of courtly intrigue and personal stakes. The mystery unfolds quickly, weaving together village tensions, royal secrets, and the steady partnership of Harlowe & Fitch. It’s light, fast, and atmospheric—perfect if you enjoy historical sleuthing that keeps the pace tight and the drama low‑angst.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this mystery. I enjoyed the setting and found the mystery one that kept me guessing. I will be watching for more by this author.

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

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery that will draw you in, keep you guessing and not let go. Lovely characters and engaging plot.

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

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book answered a few questions. Asked a few more. Brought everyone closer. Clarity about what was important to have and do. Looking forward to the new series.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling twist to the marriage propels the couple into another mystery to solve. It’s delightful and perfectly captures the essence of this genre. This story truly delivers a great twist.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Stone Circle by Elizabeth Rose is a spectacular finale to an unforgettable series. I was completely drawn in by the mystery and the beautifully woven plot. The suspense builds steadily as the story unfolds, keeping you guessing until the very end.

The cast of characters continues to be as engaging as ever. Each returning figure feels like an old friend, and the depth and personality they bring to the story are truly remarkable. Vivienne and Zachariah, in particular, have grown tremendously over the course of the series. Watching their journey culminate in a satisfying, romantic conclusion felt both earned and heartwarming.

Elizabeth Rose has delivered the perfect ending to this series. The combination of clever plotting, rich character development, and emotional payoff makes this book an absolute must-read. Fans will be thrilled, and anyone new to the series will want to go back to the beginning to experience the full journey.