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Red Flag on the Seashore
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
About the author
Catherine Aitken
4 books3 followersCatherine's background is in film and TV production and development, and her love of story has carried through to her books. Her debut novel, The Liberation of Bella McCaa, is a romantic women's fiction book set at the seaside in Scotland.
This was followed by a rollercoaster of a romcom - Just One Weekend - set in New York.
Now her third book is out there. Red Flag on the Seashore is a cosy crime set at the Scottish seaside with an amateur sleuth.
Her favourite pastimes are reading and cinema, with travel and collages making when time allows.
Catherine lives in Edinburgh but comes from Dundee where two of her novels are set.
This was followed by a rollercoaster of a romcom - Just One Weekend - set in New York.
Now her third book is out there. Red Flag on the Seashore is a cosy crime set at the Scottish seaside with an amateur sleuth.
Her favourite pastimes are reading and cinema, with travel and collages making when time allows.
Catherine lives in Edinburgh but comes from Dundee where two of her novels are set.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 15, 2026
Having read and enjoyed Catherine Aitken's first book, The Liberation of Bella McCaa, I was excited to read an advance copy of it's sequel and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. The book's heroine Bella McCaa is a feisty, somewhat reckless woman of a certain age (ie menopausal) who lives in my hometown so part of what I enjoyed was all the references to places I know and love. However, Red Flag On the Seashore also has a cracking plot which moves along in a very pacy manner that makes the book hard to put down. It is somewhat fantastical and unrealistic in places but it doesn't matter as it is always highly entertaining while also being more than a wee bit warm and fuzzy. I'm quite pleased that this seems to be turning into a series as this book, and it's predecessor, have both been engaging romps, perfect for reading on a sunny afternoon.
July 16, 2026
Well, it's been over two years since I read The Liberation Of Bella McCaa, but now she's back and she's back with a bang!
I absolutely loved the first Bella book.
As a character, I found her so relatable and being on that more mature side was really refreshing and inspiring.
Now we're back and after the success of rebuilding her own relationship, Bella persuades her friend Celeste to also take that leap back into dating.
Sadly, this goes terribly wrong with Celeste losing more than her heart.
Feeling guilty, Bella vows to fix her wrong by leaping into the investigation in whatever form that took and she starts to question all her life decisions again.
I absolutely loved seeing Bella get mixed up in this hunt and watching all the crazy stunts she tried to pull off in order to help her friend.
This was certainly a crazy ride and in places, even a little unbelievable - but quite honestly, this made it all the more fun and if I'm honest, totally sounds like my life through menopause too!
Once again, I was drawn into his book right from the start and I loved the writing style which was exciting, fun and fast paced.
I couldn't put this down and raced through the pages to get to the end.
What a great sequel - well worth the wait - but if you've not read this series yet, do head back and read these in order to see the full character development - a brilliant series.....so far?
I absolutely loved the first Bella book.
As a character, I found her so relatable and being on that more mature side was really refreshing and inspiring.
Now we're back and after the success of rebuilding her own relationship, Bella persuades her friend Celeste to also take that leap back into dating.
Sadly, this goes terribly wrong with Celeste losing more than her heart.
Feeling guilty, Bella vows to fix her wrong by leaping into the investigation in whatever form that took and she starts to question all her life decisions again.
I absolutely loved seeing Bella get mixed up in this hunt and watching all the crazy stunts she tried to pull off in order to help her friend.
This was certainly a crazy ride and in places, even a little unbelievable - but quite honestly, this made it all the more fun and if I'm honest, totally sounds like my life through menopause too!
Once again, I was drawn into his book right from the start and I loved the writing style which was exciting, fun and fast paced.
I couldn't put this down and raced through the pages to get to the end.
What a great sequel - well worth the wait - but if you've not read this series yet, do head back and read these in order to see the full character development - a brilliant series.....so far?
July 10, 2026
This is a cosy coastal mystery that started out strong for me. From the opening chapters, I was drawn into Bella and Celeste's friendship, the seaside setting, and the warm, light-hearted tone that gives this book all the hallmarks of a classic cosy mystery.
One of the things I enjoyed most was that the mystery centred around theft, fraud, and deception rather than murder. It felt refreshing to read a cosy mystery that took a slightly different path while still delivering plenty of intrigue. The humour sprinkled throughout the story was another highlight, adding charm and personality.
Bella's determination to help her friend after a disastrous date sets the story in motion, and I was fully invested in seeing how the mystery would unfold. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and there were plenty of entertaining moments along the way.
Where the story lost me slightly was in the latter half. Some of the situations became increasingly far-fetched, making it harder for me to suspend my disbelief. A few character decisions also didn't quite work for me personally, and I struggled to connect with some of the choices made as the story reached its conclusion.
That said, cosy mysteries often thrive on larger-than-life situations and quirky characters, and I can see many readers enjoying this. The setting, humour, and engaging friendships remained strong throughout, and Bella is certainly a memorable protagonist.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, entertaining read with plenty of cosy mystery charm. While some elements didn't fully land for me, I'd still recommend it to readers looking for a light-hearted mystery with an unconventional amateur sleuth and a coastal backdrop.
One of the things I enjoyed most was that the mystery centred around theft, fraud, and deception rather than murder. It felt refreshing to read a cosy mystery that took a slightly different path while still delivering plenty of intrigue. The humour sprinkled throughout the story was another highlight, adding charm and personality.
Bella's determination to help her friend after a disastrous date sets the story in motion, and I was fully invested in seeing how the mystery would unfold. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and there were plenty of entertaining moments along the way.
Where the story lost me slightly was in the latter half. Some of the situations became increasingly far-fetched, making it harder for me to suspend my disbelief. A few character decisions also didn't quite work for me personally, and I struggled to connect with some of the choices made as the story reached its conclusion.
That said, cosy mysteries often thrive on larger-than-life situations and quirky characters, and I can see many readers enjoying this. The setting, humour, and engaging friendships remained strong throughout, and Bella is certainly a memorable protagonist.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, entertaining read with plenty of cosy mystery charm. While some elements didn't fully land for me, I'd still recommend it to readers looking for a light-hearted mystery with an unconventional amateur sleuth and a coastal backdrop.
July 11, 2026
I really enjoyed my visit to Broughty Ferry in Red Flag on the Seashore. Catherine Aitken strikes a lovely balance between a twisty mystery and characters who feel like people you would genuinely enjoy spending time with.
Bella was my favorite part of the story. I appreciated that she is a middle-aged heroine whose age and menopause are simply part of her life rather than something the story revolves around. It made her feel authentic, relatable, and refreshingly different from many amateur sleuths.
The mystery begins with a disastrous date and a stolen rare comic, but it quickly grows into something much bigger with fraud, blackmail, family secrets, and more than one mystery to untangle. I thought I had everything figured out more than once, only for the story to take another turn.
I also loved the sense of community. The friendships, evenings at the pub, Scottish expressions, and colorful cast of characters gave the book plenty of warmth alongside the suspense. Although this is the third Bella McCaa mystery, I had no trouble jumping in here and never felt as though I was missing important background.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with engaging characters, a memorable seaside setting, and enough twists to keep you guessing, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for providing a gifted copy. My thoughts are, as always, my own.
Bella was my favorite part of the story. I appreciated that she is a middle-aged heroine whose age and menopause are simply part of her life rather than something the story revolves around. It made her feel authentic, relatable, and refreshingly different from many amateur sleuths.
The mystery begins with a disastrous date and a stolen rare comic, but it quickly grows into something much bigger with fraud, blackmail, family secrets, and more than one mystery to untangle. I thought I had everything figured out more than once, only for the story to take another turn.
I also loved the sense of community. The friendships, evenings at the pub, Scottish expressions, and colorful cast of characters gave the book plenty of warmth alongside the suspense. Although this is the third Bella McCaa mystery, I had no trouble jumping in here and never felt as though I was missing important background.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with engaging characters, a memorable seaside setting, and enough twists to keep you guessing, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for providing a gifted copy. My thoughts are, as always, my own.
July 9, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
This was such a good book. I really enjoyed it. Having read the first book I was super pumped to be back for the next adventure. Being back was like catching up with old friends and it was good to know what was going on with the characters from the first book.
I liked the story and how Bella was investigating a crime of theft from one of her friends I did like the twist and turns in this book but at times I did feel like it was a little unrealistic but don’t get wrong I didn’t mind one but. I thought it really added to the story.
Ooo we also have some romance in this book loved this and we meet so many new friends some whom I liked others well not so much. I loved Bella though so so much. And I really hope this is going to become a series for her. Ooo how cool would that be ?!
This is a definite cozy crime book and I highly recommend it!! I think I need to go back and reread book one cause it’s been a min since I read that one I need more of this author.
Overall great story and writing and loved it all!!
This was such a good book. I really enjoyed it. Having read the first book I was super pumped to be back for the next adventure. Being back was like catching up with old friends and it was good to know what was going on with the characters from the first book.
I liked the story and how Bella was investigating a crime of theft from one of her friends I did like the twist and turns in this book but at times I did feel like it was a little unrealistic but don’t get wrong I didn’t mind one but. I thought it really added to the story.
Ooo we also have some romance in this book loved this and we meet so many new friends some whom I liked others well not so much. I loved Bella though so so much. And I really hope this is going to become a series for her. Ooo how cool would that be ?!
This is a definite cozy crime book and I highly recommend it!! I think I need to go back and reread book one cause it’s been a min since I read that one I need more of this author.
Overall great story and writing and loved it all!!
July 10, 2026
This is the second book in the Bella McCaa Mysteries series, and I'm really enjoying a series with an older, but not elderly, female protagonist. As a woman who definitely doesn’t have her life in order, it's nice to see that Bella doesn’t either, and she's older than me, so that's reassuring! And it also reminded me that sometimes love isn't enough and that's sad, but its also OK.
The scene where Bella had to rescue Celeste after her disastrous date made me laugh, but also served as a reminder of how careful you have to be when dating someone new. I also loved the relationship between Trent and his Mum, it reminded me of my boys and me.
I read something recently where someone said they don't read cosy crime because of the unbelievable storylines. But that's exactly why I love them, they are so implausible and usually full of madcap schemes, that I don't see how you can fail to love them!
I think Bella has a great future career ahead of her, as does Aitken as an author. I can only hope that I get to go along for the ride!
The scene where Bella had to rescue Celeste after her disastrous date made me laugh, but also served as a reminder of how careful you have to be when dating someone new. I also loved the relationship between Trent and his Mum, it reminded me of my boys and me.
I read something recently where someone said they don't read cosy crime because of the unbelievable storylines. But that's exactly why I love them, they are so implausible and usually full of madcap schemes, that I don't see how you can fail to love them!
I think Bella has a great future career ahead of her, as does Aitken as an author. I can only hope that I get to go along for the ride!
June 19, 2026
I read the author's first book, The Liberation of Bella McCaa so was delighted to hear Bella was returning.
It was great to hear how things were working out with Jem and delightful to catch up with the returning characters from the first book.
I did feel the book was slow to start but I soon got into it. I really enjoyed the storyline with Bella investigating a theft from one of her friends.
There are a few twists and turns in the investigation which made for good reading but I did feel some of it to be a little bit unrealistic.
Aside from the crime there is also an element of romance and associated angst.
There are plenty of new characters introduced which added to the storyline, some I liked more than others.
This is a great, easy read cosy crime and going by the end of the book, I hope it's the first in a series for Bella.
It was great to hear how things were working out with Jem and delightful to catch up with the returning characters from the first book.
I did feel the book was slow to start but I soon got into it. I really enjoyed the storyline with Bella investigating a theft from one of her friends.
There are a few twists and turns in the investigation which made for good reading but I did feel some of it to be a little bit unrealistic.
Aside from the crime there is also an element of romance and associated angst.
There are plenty of new characters introduced which added to the storyline, some I liked more than others.
This is a great, easy read cosy crime and going by the end of the book, I hope it's the first in a series for Bella.
July 8, 2026
A couple of years after reading the first Bella McCaa mystery, Bella is back in her beloved Broughty Ferry for another adventure. I admit, I couldn't remember much of book 1 as there's quite a gap between the releases, but for the most part this is standalone enough that you could read it without the first one and not be missing too much.
We meet a lot of new characters here, but also see updates on some of the previous characters. I really enjoyed getting to know the new characters - I really liked Callum, Trent and Melanie in particular.
There was plenty of action throughout, the story kept up a rapid pace throughout.
I really enjoyed the ending, it was great to see Bella find her way, though there's still some pieces that may find their way into future troubles for Bella to become inviegled in!
Fans of cosy crime set in scotland will really enjoy this!
We meet a lot of new characters here, but also see updates on some of the previous characters. I really enjoyed getting to know the new characters - I really liked Callum, Trent and Melanie in particular.
There was plenty of action throughout, the story kept up a rapid pace throughout.
I really enjoyed the ending, it was great to see Bella find her way, though there's still some pieces that may find their way into future troubles for Bella to become inviegled in!
Fans of cosy crime set in scotland will really enjoy this!
June 22, 2026
What a delightful, madcap romp of a book! This was my first introduction to Bella McCaa, having not read the previous two books in the series (which is not my usual approach). Even still I was able to jump right in with Bella, Jem, and her friends. While contemplating a life with Jem in New York, her best friend’s precious art is stolen and amateur sleuth Bella leads the investigation. So many twists and turns! There were times I was confused with the cast of characters and had to go back a few chapters to find what I missed, but what a fun, fantastical story. I’m looking forward to reading the first two in the series and am happy to recommend this entertaining book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2026
Bella is back from New York and tying up loose ends in Dundee ready for a new life with her partner. But when a friend’s comic worth a mint is stolen under nefarious circumstances, Bella can’t resist helping to find the thief.
This was a great mix of mystery, capers, female friendship, family and secrets - with a side plot of relationship angst and budding romance. I enjoyed the cast of colourful characters, Bella's sass and her friendship group. Plus the storyline is hugely entertaining. Highly recommend if you love cozy crime and amateur sleuths!
This was a great mix of mystery, capers, female friendship, family and secrets - with a side plot of relationship angst and budding romance. I enjoyed the cast of colourful characters, Bella's sass and her friendship group. Plus the storyline is hugely entertaining. Highly recommend if you love cozy crime and amateur sleuths!
July 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and read it in practically one sitting i couldnt put it down.
I have read the previous book by this author and so I was so looking forward to diving in with the characters again and it didn't disappoint.
It was lovely to be back with the old characters again and getting to know more about them but I also loved getting to know the new characters and I loved spending time with Callum who made me laugh out loud at times.
The book is perfectly paced and gripped me all the way through. I loved it and would highly recommend the series
I have read the previous book by this author and so I was so looking forward to diving in with the characters again and it didn't disappoint.
It was lovely to be back with the old characters again and getting to know more about them but I also loved getting to know the new characters and I loved spending time with Callum who made me laugh out loud at times.
The book is perfectly paced and gripped me all the way through. I loved it and would highly recommend the series
July 9, 2026
I have been waiting for this book for so long! I thoroughly e joyed the first Bella McCaa book and couldn’t wait to find out what she did next. This book did not disappoint. Bella is such an engaging, relatable character and I enjoy all the interactions with her friends etc. In this sequel Bella turns amateur detective which was a lot of fun - I hope there is more to come! A perfect holiday read, highly recommend.
June 17, 2026
I’m sorry to say that I just couldn’t get into this book. When a book doesn’t draw me in through a couple chapters, I usually read a few chapters more to give it a chance. That was my approach to this book. Unfortunately, especially since I was a draft reader, I simply had zero interest in any characters or the story narrative itself. So I stopped reading before finishing.
July 27, 2026
My friend, Laura, from book club told me that this author was looking for people to read a copy of her new book. As It is set in Broughty Ferry and Dundee, I thought I would give it a try. I could picture the setting so well!
This book had it all. Humour, romance and a little bit of a mystery! Our main character Bella is happy with her life; her love life is settled as she has been reunited with her first love and they plan to buy a home in Dundee together. She convinces her friend Celeste to go on a date but it goes dramatically wrong and a prized possession vanishes, presumably stolen by her date.
Bella feels guilty. If she hadn’t forced?? Celeste to go on the date then none of this would be happening. So, she does what she thinks best and sets out to find the missing item.
This is actually the second book in this series and I didn’t find that reading the first was an absolute necessary as the characters are explained well so I could figure out who was who. I would definitely recommend this to people who like cosy crime or if you are from this area.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews