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A Joyce & Ginger Mystery #3

Murder Wears Tartan: An English Cozy Mystery

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244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

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Kate P Adams

5 books5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Short, Sweet and Cozy.
1,577 reviews
May 11, 2026
Murder Wears Tartan is the 3rd fun book in Kate P. Adams' Joyce and Ginger Mysteries series. Joyce and Ginger are good friends but couldn't be more different! Joyce is elegant, structured and many times divorced whereas Ginger is down-to-earth, laid back and a lesbian. Their banter adds humor. They are going on the train from Great Britain to Scotland. Joyce meets Archie and they hit it off. He invites both Joyce and Ginger to an event he is attending at Edinburgh Castle. It turns out Archie is Viscount Strathfinnan and has a family castle. One of the servers ends up dead and Archie is seen arguing with him. Joyce and Ginger see Archie while in Edinburgh and he invites them to his castle and for their Highland Games. Someone must realize they are asking questions because they receive threats. A second person is found dead. They meet Laura who could be a friend but could also be a suspect. There are a few people visiting Archie's castle who were also in Edinburgh and are suspects. Joyce and Ginger narrow down the suspects while enjoying their vacation. This is a fun, often humorous cozy mystery with friendship and a good mystery. I received an advance copy from the author for free and I voluntarily leave this review.
#MurderWearsTartan #JoyceAndGingerMysteries #NetGalley
4,749 reviews39 followers
April 23, 2026
Murder Wears Tartan is a best travel friends, Highland Games, twisted, cozy mystery. As Joyce and Ginger embark on a Scottish travel adventure they meet Archie, the charming Viscount Strathfinnan, and are invited to an event at Edinburgh Castle where the first murder occurs. Then they are invited to Archie's castle Dunairlie for the Highland Games. There are strange people, a journalist, odd heirlooms, more murder and missing heirlooms before all is resolved. I really enjoyed Joyce shopping for tartan and this latest bit of sleuthing. I hope we will be seeing more of Archie and maybe even of the gorgeous scenery of Scotland. Ms. Adams has another winner in this well plotted mystery!
681 reviews16 followers
May 3, 2026
Joyce and Ginger are vacationing in Edinburgh, Scotland. While on the train to Edinburgh, Joyce wants something to drink, but the train does not have a bar or club car. A man in the dining car helps them with a recommendation. Once they reach Edinburgh, the man introduces himself as Archie Buchanan and he is staying at the same hotel as Joyce and Ginger. Archie invites them to attend an event at the castle. It turns out that Archie is actually a Viscount who owns the castle, although he does not live there on a regular basis. During the party, Harry, a member of the serving party was stabbed to death and a valuable book was stolen. Archie denies knowing the server, but the company insists that a friend of Archie's specifically requested that Harry be on the service crew. Joyce and Ginger try to let the police handle the case, but circumstances arise the continue to pique their interests!

Who requested Harry to attend the party at the castle? Who killed Harry? Why was he killed? Who stole the book? Are the two crimes related? Will there be more deaths and thefts? Can Joyce and Ginger unravel the mystery?
Profile Image for Roberta.
1,229 reviews19 followers
April 25, 2026
I have very much enjoyed the previous two books in this series, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Murder Wears Tartan.

This time, Joyce and Ginger are travelling to Scotland, wear they see some majestic scenery, some culture, and stumble over a body.

In spite of having a nasty cold when I read this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ginger and Joyce’s banter is as sparkling as ever, and the true friendship that lies underneath is definitely part of the appeal of this series.

The setting is wonderful, with majestic scenery, several old buildings, and some fascinating history. None of which detracts from the central plot.

The mystery itself was a fascinating one. I had a great time trying to work out who the murderer was, alongside Joyce and Ginger.

If you’re looking for a great murder mystery, with a sparky and loyal friendship, and a glorious setting, this is the book for you.
1,121 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2026
Joyce and Ginger are on their way to Edinburgh for a holiday. Ginger had chosen the overnight sleeping-car trip, which
Joyce was appalled by when she saw it! They met a man in the train who they later saw on the station in Edinburgh & again at their hotel, which Joyce had arranged. Archie invites them to an event at “The Castle” which turns out to be a few things his family owned. He is a Viscount with a castle in the highlands. Deciding she needs some fresh air Ginger goes out of the room and wanders around & falls over a dead man! During the fuss that occurs a rare book disappears from its display case. Archie & Joyce seem smitten with each other & he invites them to the castle to enjoy the scenery and see a Highland Games event. Then another murder, this time at the castle. A very interesting read. There truly is something about Scotland that gets into one’s bones!
395 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2026
What a delight to explore again the travels and travails of Joyce (who absolutely must insist upon top billing) and Ginger.

The duo finds both mystery and murders amidst the gorgeous scenery and somewhat macabre history of Scotland.

While there is a simmering romance, the focus is on the depth of friendship between the two women who are chalk and cheese in nature and yet still perfectly balance one another.

And, the picturesque descriptions of Edinburgh and the countryside will summon wonderful memories if you are fortunate enough to have visited Scotland or certainly, entice you with thoughts of planning a trip someday.

Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
396 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2026
Another Joyce And Ginger Mystery!

Joyce and Ginger have embarked to Scotland. Naturally Ginger wants to explore all of the historical places, museums and of course walk the marvelous countryside. Joyce not so much, she's more interested in shopping, drinking champagne, and getting to know a very handsome Viscount better. But they both soon find themselves up to their neck in murder, mystery and mayhem. Enjoyable and entertaining with Joyce and Ginger continuing their light hearted banter, a weekend visit to a castle and very interesting descriptions of Scotland landmarks and the vivid details of the rich history and folklore. This third book in the Joyce and Ginger mysteries was worth the wait. Looking forward to more travels involving these two friends.
240 reviews
April 30, 2026
Absolutely brilliant! It was such a joy to accompany Joyce and Ginger on another adventure. I felt like a ghostly onlooker whilst the two friends unravelled yet more murder and mysterious goings on whilst on holiday in Scotland. The banter between them is second to none; so so natural it just oozes love and friendship between two totally opposite characters.
A great plot with plenty of laugh out loud moments. We see a slightly softer side to Joyce as well. I wonder if Archie will feature a little bit more in her life???

Welcome home Kate. This book was well worth waiting for. Crumpet is obviously cheering you on to greater writing. Thank you for my ARC. I’m a bit late with my review but I took my time reading it to savour every word. Can’t wait for what comes next.

1,474 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2026
Joyce and Ginger are taking the overnight train to Edinburgh. The train is a disappointment but the company is outstanding. They meet the viscount of a castle outside Edinburgh and end up with a few interesting invitations. While at an event at Edinburgh Castle, they stumble over one of the waiters who is deceased. Of course, the duo is curious but they’re off to Dunairlie Castle for the Highland Games. Joyce is becoming better acquainted with the Viscount and Ginger gives whiskey a fresh try. As the two enjoy the games they continue their investigation into the murder.

I was so excited to read a new Joyce and Ginger mystery. I really missed them.
Profile Image for Suzan.
1,729 reviews18 followers
May 3, 2026
Joyce and Ginger in Scotland, and lots of tartan, what more could you want in a great cozy mystery? I love this series. Joyce and Ginger would be so fun to meet in person, and it is always great fun to hang out with them through these books.
Joyce and Ginger meet a Viscount and get invited to the Highland games at his castle. So that means that Joyce needs to up her wardrobe, so she will have to do some clothes shopping for her and Ginger. Lots of tartan will be needed. Just part of the fun in this great story. You will love, laugh, and wish you were with these two lovely ladies.
10 reviews
April 30, 2026
Kate hit this one out of the park!!

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish!! Excellent plot, superb characters, gorgeous, evocative descriptions, and extra-witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud! I can’t say enough good about this one; moving back to Derbyshire must’ve been just the creative refresher she needed. I’m really looking forward now to another Charlton House . . . and then another Joyce & Ginger! Welcome back, Kate P Adams!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
186 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2026
I’ve been waiting all year for this!

Joyce and Ginger have been looking forward to their trip to Scotland. Meeting a gorgeous man on the train in is just icing on the cake. He invites them to some local activities and Ginger trips over a body. Not what they planned, but something they are getting used to resolving. I love Kate Adam’s characters and can’t wait to see where they’re heading next.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,411 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2026
Joyce and Ginger are such complete opposites that they are extremely compatible as friends. Neither can turn her back on a mystery and they are both very adept at putting clues together. This was fun to read! I have always held a fascination for Scotland. I do hope the future holds more for Joyce! I loved this book, it was so fun to read!
175 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2026
Loved the Scotland theme!

Lots of red herrings in this one! Thoroughly enjoyed the Scotland lingo, good, games background. Several surprises in the characters leading you astray. Great read!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,239 reviews
June 14, 2026
My review for Murder Wears Tartan

I absolutely loved it! I adore Scotland and I hope another Joyce and Ginger will have another adventure to Scotland. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
391 reviews
May 26, 2026
A fairly atmospheric mystery, although I guessed the culprit early in the book. A nice mystery wrapped in Scottish tradition, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
2 reviews
June 22, 2026
Awesome Read

The newest Joyce and Ginger book is a true page turner. Would make the perfect summer bucket list book. Highly recommend
334 reviews
June 24, 2026
Fabulous book and plot. Absolutely unputdownable. Kate Adams has written another masterpiece
Profile Image for Naticia.
812 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2026
Vivid descriptions, lovely characters, and an exciting mystery. I cannot wait for the next adventure, and hope this series never ends.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews