Killer Kitsch

The Highland Mysteries #5

by Joana Snowdon

Scotland's Coastal Villages Look Picture-Perfect. Looks Can Kill.

Footdee is all painted fences, eccentric locals, and gardens crammed with cheerful ceramic Highland coos. When DCI Fraser sends Joana and Brian to investigate a spate of smashed figurines, neither is thrilled. Kitsch vandalism. But then the broken coos start connecting to bodies across the North East of Scotland. And a crime against neighbourhood knick-knacks turns out to be something far deadlier.

Joana, naturally, thinks she has it solved already, and marches off to interrogate a beautician, a care home manager, and a group of models trying to survive on a freezing Scottish beach in bikinis. She'd never admit it, but she's lost without Brian, her best mate from London. His signature chaos, from purple face masks to waterlogged lobbies, has a strange way of uncovering the truth.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

I 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

Reviews

[Alisha]

Another enjoyable entry in the series, with plenty of chuckles along the way. Books like this put the "cozy" in cozy mystery.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to read "A killer kitsch" and it absolutely didn't disappoint. It was another fantastic mystery in the series and reminded me once again why I enjoy Joana's writing so much.
This was such a fun and quirky mystery, packed with plenty of laugh out loud moments, twists and an unexpected culprit. The banter between Joana, Brian and Murray, along with Fraser's increasingly exasperated outbursts adds so much to the humor and makes the characters' interactions one of my favorite parts of the series.
What starts as a vandalism investigation in a small Scottish town soon turns into a murder investigation, with bodies pilling up and a very stressed DCI Fraser trying to keep everything under control. As usual, the mystery kept me guessing and the story was full of twists that kept me turning the pages.
I particularly enjoyed seeing Brian grow as a character in this book. His silliness is still very much present, as is his addiction to vegan snacks, but we also get to see his smart side. He actually manages to keep his mouth shut for once and makes plenty of valuable contributions to the investigation. It was great to see him becoming more confident and showing that there is more to him than his usual antics.
I also really liked the shift in Fraser's behavior. While Murray still plays the mediator between our meddling duo and the exasperated detective, it feels like Fraser is slowly getting used to their involvement in his investigations. He even seems to be accepting some of their ideas, little by little. I loved seeing that relationship develop.
Overall, this was a great mystery. It was fun, quirky, hilarious and completely unputdownable. I finished it in just one day! "A killer kitsch" is another brilliant addition to the series and has everything I've come to love about Joana's mysteries. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with plenty of humor, memorable characters and twists, this series is definitely worth checking out.


***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Kitsch was a fun, quirky mystery that had me laughing almost as often as it had me trying to figure out who was actually behind everything.

What starts out looking almost ridiculous (because, honestly, who would expect ceramic cows to be part of a murder mystery?) gradually turns into something much more serious.

Joana is a great amateur sleuth. She has just enough curiosity, stubbornness, and disregard for Fraser's instructions to keep getting herself into situations she probably shouldn't be in. And Brian is the perfect sidekick. Their conversations and completely inappropriate moments of humor kept the story from becoming too dark, even as the body count increased.

The plot kept changing direction. Just when I thought I had figured out who was responsible for the deaths, another piece of information complicated things. The deepfake angle added a very current twist to the investigation.

Murray may have been my favorite character simply because you never quite know what is going to come out of his mouth. The banter between Joana, Brian, Murray, and the increasingly exasperated Fraser gave the book a cozy, almost sitcom-like quality at times—which worked surprisingly well alongside the darker murder investigation.

There are several suspects and plenty of misdirection before the truth comes out, but the ending ties the major threads together and explains how the various pieces fit.

[Nicole Henke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to book 5 of the Scottish Seaside mystery series! In the previous four books, Joanna and Brian kept visiting Scotland for different reasons while working on her travel books. What she found there was the nature and people she had been wanting. So she's moved herself up to the top of Scotland, to a small village. Well she's missing Brian and the chaos that he brings, he soon becomes a frequent guest, which comes to no surprise. What she isn't expecting is for DCI Fraser to come knocking at her door and asking for her help. Can it be that he's finally realized she gets more information from people than he does? It appear so ! Even Brian who hates to be involved in cases admits that he's bored and agrees to help out. As they keep talking to people they soon realize that this is more than a case of simple vandalism and there's a lot more at stake. This series is the perfect Light reading you need! Seriously it's full of humor, honest friendship, and the lure of Scotland, that keeps you reading to see what the dynamic duo is up to now. Can't wait to see what happens next in book 6!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joana Snowdon's boredom led to the irascible Detective Fraser allowing her to look into a throwaway case - a village vandal. It was a bone to keep her away from his suspicious deaths investigation. But Joana is not one to be constrained.

Whenever I read a Scottish Seaside Cosy Mystery, it always feels like old home week where everyone (from far and near) gathers to celebrate. Of the four main characters, my favourite is never constant, and in this book, it was Fraser with his put-on air that masked his very real concern for potential victims. It may be my imagination, but I feel he has endured (specific word choice, there!) emotional growth.

The mystery, though it had its twists and turns, was straightforward enough that I didn't have to strain to remember new characters' names or nitpicky plot details. It did keep me guessing, and I enjoyed trotting behind the others to see in which direction the clues headed.

Thank you to Joana Snowdon and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Kitsch is the newest Scottish cozy mystery by Joana Snowdon. Brian and Joana are at again, solving what should be a minor mystery, but turns out to be so much more and dovetails right into Det. Fraser’s murder mystery which they then help solve also. I enjoy this series a lot, but I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much. I felt like the crime was overly complicated and not as realistic. I also felt like the murder weapon was questionable. Without giving away any spoilers, I know the murder weapon very well and I don’t believe it would have worked as suggested. I felt very triggered even reading about the idea, so it might just be me and my experiences that made this book hard to read. That being said, the humor that I have come to expect from Ms. Snowdon was there and an interesting mystery, just not one for me. I will still be looking forward to the next Snowfellow mystery, but I hope it will take another path!

Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to return to this small town. I love Brian's humor and dry whit even when he's not trying. This guy is always dying of hunger. While preparing for this adventure, he asked Joana about packing for the trip. Her flippant answer made him remark, " things escalate so quickly with you, I want to be prepared." I busted a gut listening to this adult man whine like a 2 year old . The Coos are irresistible, and Murray is a gift from the Gods.

He's always happy despite Fraser and his sour puss attitude. Murray's take on slang is always the highlight of each book for me. He slaughters the slag so sweetly.

Now to sleuthing. Fraser has a love hate relationship with Joana butting into police matters, but he can't solve them without her input! I was gobsmacked whodunit!! A great suspenseful read.

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written mystery story that keeps you guessing as the author puts out more clues to enjoy. Full of mystery, murder, friends, villains, intrigue, danger and twists. Another Highland Coo is smashed and Joana is there looking for some answers plus who killed these people with a jab shot to lose weight. She and Brian are off on another puzzle to solve. DCI Fraser sees her and Brian and gives them a mission to find out about the smashed coos but warns them to stay away from the murders. Joana and Brian help Aidan when he is accused of the murders. Murphy, Fraser's man stays in contact with them as they figure out the who and why. Great story for these characters who have worked together in earlier stories. Each has much to give in solving the mystery but the ending is a surprise. Can't wait to read the next story in this series. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really fun book in the series, but I think it could also work as a stand alone.
Joana and Brian are asked by the police to help them when a spare of vandalism hits a seaside town that is known for it's china ornaments. Yet very quickly it becomes apparent that the vandalism is overlapping with a series of murders, including a bride to be from the village.
Brian and Joana have a great sparring relationship, and their interactions with other characters often provide humerous moments.
This is a great cosy mystery, and I hope there are more to come.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian combined both Joanna and his last names to come up with Snowfellow. He thinks it would be a good name for them. Joanna does not. I thought it was funny. DCI Frasier gives them a case involving someone destroying ceramic lawn ornaments while the police investigate the deaths. Well, we know that telling them not to investigate a murder is the same as asking them to do it. The usual shenanigans occur while the duo is hot on the trail, including getting info from Murray. Thoroughly enjoying book, I read it in one sitting because I couldn't find a point where I wanted to stop. :) I give it a 5*+++++!
Read on 08/07/26.
I am an ARC reader who only gives my own honest opinion in my reviews.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to reading the next book in this series and Killer Kitsch does not disappoint. Joana is bored and Fraser allows Joana and Brian to investigate vandalism in a quaint village involving ceramic yard ornaments…highland coos and puffins. Fraser is really just keeping them from his main investigation involving two deaths. The mystery is great and the humor keeps it light and cozy. Brian is hilarious, as is Murray with his twisted take on common sayings. I love this series and the quirky characters and lovely setting.
Thanks to Joana Snowdon for the ARC.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Kitsch is Book 5 A Scottish Seaside Cozy Mystery by Joana Snowdon. Once again DCI Fraser is sending Joana and Brian out to help catch someone smashing figurines… until bodies begin to pile up. This simple vandalism grows into something much more sinister. Twist, surprises, and murder lead our little group with a final surprise. This series just keeps getting better. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Stacey E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this new-to-me series and am finding myself really growing fond of Joanna's writing. The quirky characters are so much fun to follow around! The setting, characters, and overall feel makes these books so easy to settle into and enjoy. I'm definitely looking forward to more with the author and series!

[Frank T]

Another fun read from Joana Snowdon! I really enjoy the descriptions of Scotland, the relationships between Joana, Brian, Murphy and Fraser. These are fun reads, with enough suspense to keep me coming back and turning pages. Perfect for reading on the porch with a cuppa.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joana and Brian are asked by the police to investigate the smashing of ceramic coos. There is a lot in this story, models so cold on a beach in bikinis in Scotland in summer! Several have injection marks on them. Then, it is noticed that one of the coos had had something put inside it before it was smashed. A fun book as these two sort out the muddy waters!

[Andrea Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highland Coos, "deep fakes", friends, and the beautiful Scottish countryside in one mystery. This series is new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cozy. I am looking forward to reading the 1st book in the series.

[Kate Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever does vandalism of garden ornaments have to do with deaths of people from diabetic coma? Joanna is permitted by a grumpy CDI Fraser to investigate the former while he investigates the unexplained deaths. It’s not her fault she crosses his path a lot. Twisty cosy in a highland setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.