What do you think?
Rate this book
Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #11
X Marks the Scot
The old Chadwick mansion on the edge of Moosetookalook, Maine, has been shrouded in mystery for generations—until Scottish Emporium owner Liss MacCrimmon uncovers a forgotten family secret. But she never imagined that a little curiosity would lead her into such deadly territory . . .
While perusing auction items from the Chadwick estate, Liss purchases a painting of a bagpiper to add to her collection. Her interest shifts from art to sleuthing upon a strange discovery—what appears to be a treasure map tucked behind the canvas. She’s even more intrigued when she links the scroll to an early Chadwick who smuggled goods across the Canadian border.
So during a business trip to Canada, Liss arranges a meeting with an archivist in hopes of pinning down the truth about the map and the Chadwick bloodline. Before her quest moves forward, however, she finds the archivist’s murdered body at a local genealogical society. One thing is certain—Liss isn’t alone on this treasure hunt . . .
Liss returns to Moosetookalook, terrified that the killer may have followed her home. With her life in real peril and the map at risk of being stolen, she launches into full-scale investigation mode. But as she deciphers clues and inches toward the dangerous culprit, Liss quickly realizes she’s only a step away from ending up like the Chadwick clan—permanently wiped out.
While perusing auction items from the Chadwick estate, Liss purchases a painting of a bagpiper to add to her collection. Her interest shifts from art to sleuthing upon a strange discovery—what appears to be a treasure map tucked behind the canvas. She’s even more intrigued when she links the scroll to an early Chadwick who smuggled goods across the Canadian border.
So during a business trip to Canada, Liss arranges a meeting with an archivist in hopes of pinning down the truth about the map and the Chadwick bloodline. Before her quest moves forward, however, she finds the archivist’s murdered body at a local genealogical society. One thing is certain—Liss isn’t alone on this treasure hunt . . .
Liss returns to Moosetookalook, terrified that the killer may have followed her home. With her life in real peril and the map at risk of being stolen, she launches into full-scale investigation mode. But as she deciphers clues and inches toward the dangerous culprit, Liss quickly realizes she’s only a step away from ending up like the Chadwick clan—permanently wiped out.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
185 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books353 followersKaitlyn Dunnett is a pseudonym used by Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Mistress Jaffrey Mysteries, the Face Down Mysteries featuring Susanna Appleton, 16th century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth, the Diana Spaulding 1888 Quartet, and the award-winning How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries, plus an assortment of other books.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 29, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was my first trip to Moosetookalook, Maine and I am so upset with myself that it took me this long to find this series.
Liss MacCrimmon owns the Scottish Emporium and while she is at an auction looking for items for her shop she finds a painting of a bagpiper. She bids and wins the picture after outbidding two other people. While carrying it to the car she drops it and makes a very interesting discovery. It looks like a treasure map was hidden behind the canvas in the frame. The treasure is marked with an “X” but Liss has no idea where to start looking, but she thinks it may be on the old Chadwick property, since that is where the auction is being held. Her aunt does a little research and feels they need to head to Nova Scotia to meet with a man that may have more information. But when they arrive for their meeting, the man is dead, murdered. Liss and her aunt are quickly cleared when their alibi checks out, so they continue will the rest of their visit to meet with vendors for merchandise for their store and to attend the Highland Games in Antigonish. Liss feels as if she is being watched several times, but when their hotel room is trashed and an Ipad and a broach are missing, they report it to the police and head back to Maine. Strange things start to happen at home and Liss is convinced it all has to do with the map she found. Did the killer follow her home? Her life may be in jeopardy, so she has no choice but the find where X marks the spot.
As this was my first adventure with Liss, her family, and friends, I was pleased by how well they were described. I am sure I am missing out on certain nuances of the characters but that did not deter from my enjoyment of the story. I really liked that she is friends with Chief of Police Sherrie Campbell and that she works with her aunt.
Ms. Dunnett has written a well-plotted mystery with plenty of suspects and the exact right amount of suspense. I enjoyed that genealogy was used to lead the way in solving the mystery. A treasure hunt is always fun to follow in a story. I did figure out the culprit a bit before it was revealed. The person just felt shady from the start.
There is a subplot in the story concerning Liss’ parents and that made me wish I had read the previous stories, but it also made me what to jump right into the next new book, Overkilt being released October 30.
I found this to be a very entertaining mystery. My first trip to Moosetookalook was a very enjoyable getaway and am looking forward to visiting again soon.
This was my first trip to Moosetookalook, Maine and I am so upset with myself that it took me this long to find this series.
Liss MacCrimmon owns the Scottish Emporium and while she is at an auction looking for items for her shop she finds a painting of a bagpiper. She bids and wins the picture after outbidding two other people. While carrying it to the car she drops it and makes a very interesting discovery. It looks like a treasure map was hidden behind the canvas in the frame. The treasure is marked with an “X” but Liss has no idea where to start looking, but she thinks it may be on the old Chadwick property, since that is where the auction is being held. Her aunt does a little research and feels they need to head to Nova Scotia to meet with a man that may have more information. But when they arrive for their meeting, the man is dead, murdered. Liss and her aunt are quickly cleared when their alibi checks out, so they continue will the rest of their visit to meet with vendors for merchandise for their store and to attend the Highland Games in Antigonish. Liss feels as if she is being watched several times, but when their hotel room is trashed and an Ipad and a broach are missing, they report it to the police and head back to Maine. Strange things start to happen at home and Liss is convinced it all has to do with the map she found. Did the killer follow her home? Her life may be in jeopardy, so she has no choice but the find where X marks the spot.
As this was my first adventure with Liss, her family, and friends, I was pleased by how well they were described. I am sure I am missing out on certain nuances of the characters but that did not deter from my enjoyment of the story. I really liked that she is friends with Chief of Police Sherrie Campbell and that she works with her aunt.
Ms. Dunnett has written a well-plotted mystery with plenty of suspects and the exact right amount of suspense. I enjoyed that genealogy was used to lead the way in solving the mystery. A treasure hunt is always fun to follow in a story. I did figure out the culprit a bit before it was revealed. The person just felt shady from the start.
There is a subplot in the story concerning Liss’ parents and that made me wish I had read the previous stories, but it also made me what to jump right into the next new book, Overkilt being released October 30.
I found this to be a very entertaining mystery. My first trip to Moosetookalook was a very enjoyable getaway and am looking forward to visiting again soon.
January 30, 2020
3 ½ stars
I don’t usually start reading a series from anything but the first book but I needed a cozy who’s title starts with an A-Z Challenge and I came across this series. It didn’t hurt that I started so deep into the series, the book gives good introductions to all the major characters especially the main character Liss who I immediately liked along with her best friend Sherri who just happens to be chief of police in their small town.
The mystery itself was satisfying because it’s two fold
No matter the reason why I started the series I’ll be getting more books in the series and hopefully will be able to start with book one.
Cozies Reading Challenge
I don’t usually start reading a series from anything but the first book but I needed a cozy who’s title starts with an A-Z Challenge and I came across this series. It didn’t hurt that I started so deep into the series, the book gives good introductions to all the major characters especially the main character Liss who I immediately liked along with her best friend Sherri who just happens to be chief of police in their small town.
The mystery itself was satisfying because it’s two fold
No matter the reason why I started the series I’ll be getting more books in the series and hopefully will be able to start with book one.
Cozies Reading Challenge
October 24, 2020
3.5 / 5.0 stars
As part of a challenge to read at least 26 books this year, each title beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, I discovered that there were very few books which began with the letter, "X". This fun cozy mystery fit the bill perfectly and I enjoyed it in the process.
There were so many things in this book which appealed: a quaint small Maine town setting (Moosetookalook), a grand old mansion set for the wrecking ball, a secret "treasure" quest, a trip to Nova Scotia, a shop specializing in all things Scottish and no graphic death scenes. As a cozy, I would have enjoyed a touch more humorous banter. But over all, it was well written, had an engaging plot and a fair number of red herrings.
As part of a challenge to read at least 26 books this year, each title beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, I discovered that there were very few books which began with the letter, "X". This fun cozy mystery fit the bill perfectly and I enjoyed it in the process.
There were so many things in this book which appealed: a quaint small Maine town setting (Moosetookalook), a grand old mansion set for the wrecking ball, a secret "treasure" quest, a trip to Nova Scotia, a shop specializing in all things Scottish and no graphic death scenes. As a cozy, I would have enjoyed a touch more humorous banter. But over all, it was well written, had an engaging plot and a fair number of red herrings.
October 30, 2017
X Marks the Scot by the talented Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in the Liss MacCrimmon series,
While attending an auction, Liss becomes the proud owner of a painting of a bagpiper, a painting she plans to add to her expanding collection.
Excited to have one the painting, Liss accidentally drops the awkward painting, loosening a piece of paper that was tucked behind the frame.
Curious about her recent discovery, Liss wonders what the piece of paper could be, to her it look slike an old treasure map.
Liss confides her discovery to her Aunt Margaret and the dynamic duo set off for Canada, hoping to find some answers there. Unfortunately, their appointment turns gruesome, when Liss discovers the body of the historian that was going to assist them.
As strange things begin to happen, Liss fears that someone is following her and she becomes determined to find the anwers to the mysterious treasure map.
I have become a dedicated fan to this fun series. Ms. Dunnett weaves such exciting stories and I have loved each book in this unique series.
Liss is a strong character and her love and loyalty to her friends and family make her a lovable character.
The setting og Moosetookalook, Maine is appealing and interesting and of course, who doesn't love that name?!
If you haven't read a Liss MacCrimmon mystery, you are missing out on one of the best cozy series in print.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for letting me read this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
While attending an auction, Liss becomes the proud owner of a painting of a bagpiper, a painting she plans to add to her expanding collection.
Excited to have one the painting, Liss accidentally drops the awkward painting, loosening a piece of paper that was tucked behind the frame.
Curious about her recent discovery, Liss wonders what the piece of paper could be, to her it look slike an old treasure map.
Liss confides her discovery to her Aunt Margaret and the dynamic duo set off for Canada, hoping to find some answers there. Unfortunately, their appointment turns gruesome, when Liss discovers the body of the historian that was going to assist them.
As strange things begin to happen, Liss fears that someone is following her and she becomes determined to find the anwers to the mysterious treasure map.
I have become a dedicated fan to this fun series. Ms. Dunnett weaves such exciting stories and I have loved each book in this unique series.
Liss is a strong character and her love and loyalty to her friends and family make her a lovable character.
The setting og Moosetookalook, Maine is appealing and interesting and of course, who doesn't love that name?!
If you haven't read a Liss MacCrimmon mystery, you are missing out on one of the best cozy series in print.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for letting me read this book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 3, 2018
The latest Liss MacCrimmon mystery is wonderful. I wish I could go to the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium and have a look around and do some shopping. This is a beautifully crafted series that I'm looking forward to catching up on. The mystery pulls you in with a treasure map, but it's the characters who you'll adore. I truly enjoyed this. Cozy mystery fans need to add this to their TBR list.
November 5, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
At first I was a little confused with the barrage of characters, reminiscences and the whole town in general. After a while I started picking things up, although I never fully got there. I'd have to go back and read the first ten books to fully grasp this book. Oddly enough, despite my four star rating, I felt like the mystery was a little weak and contrived. BUT I did see the potential, and realized most of the failings I had with this book were my own and not the fault of the author or the book itself.
I'm going to go back sometime and read the others. This seems like a standard cozy series, four stars.
At first I was a little confused with the barrage of characters, reminiscences and the whole town in general. After a while I started picking things up, although I never fully got there. I'd have to go back and read the first ten books to fully grasp this book. Oddly enough, despite my four star rating, I felt like the mystery was a little weak and contrived. BUT I did see the potential, and realized most of the failings I had with this book were my own and not the fault of the author or the book itself.
I'm going to go back sometime and read the others. This seems like a standard cozy series, four stars.
November 27, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
This was both interesting and slightly boring. The concept was great. I loved the idea of the genealogy part, but it was too much of an info dump and not enough of a story. The mystery started out great, but by the end there were too many characters and I ended up not really caring who did it.
This was both interesting and slightly boring. The concept was great. I loved the idea of the genealogy part, but it was too much of an info dump and not enough of a story. The mystery started out great, but by the end there were too many characters and I ended up not really caring who did it.
May 2, 2019
Can’t give it a 3 because I like books I give a 3. I’m so done with this series. I was bored the whole way through.
November 28, 2017
When Liss comes across a piece of paper hidden inside a recent art purchase she wonders where it may lead to. You see it looks like a treasure map but is it the real thing or just some fake? Liss decides she just has to know, so she is off to Canada with her Aunt in tow. When thing start to get weird Liss thinks maybe they aren't alone in the search for treasure, and maybe it's time to return home. There just one problem, was she followed home, could someone be after her map? Follow along as Liss tries to answer these questions and more. This is a fun series with eccentric characters who are easy to get to know. I look forward to visiting with everyone again.
February 28, 2021
So first of all, I chose this b/c it fit the category for the challenge. It is in the middle of the series and I haven't read this writer or series previously.
I wasn't lost b/c I hadn't read the previous books which was good.
The mystery was interesting with several twists and turns.
I liked the characters. Some humor.
I liked that this was in the Scottish theme but a cozy instead of my usual romances I read.
I will go back and read the series from the beginning.
I wasn't lost b/c I hadn't read the previous books which was good.
The mystery was interesting with several twists and turns.
I liked the characters. Some humor.
I liked that this was in the Scottish theme but a cozy instead of my usual romances I read.
I will go back and read the series from the beginning.
November 19, 2017
X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series. Liss MacCrimmon is attending the auction of the Chadwick mansion and purchases a painting a Scottish bagpiper. While trying to load the painting into the car, it falls and reveals a treasure map tucked into the back of the painting. Liss’ curiosity is peaked and Aunt Margaret suggests a trip to Chadwick, Nova Scotia to obtain details on the Chadwick family (it is on the way to the Antigonish Highland Games—they can obtain new items for the shop). They arrive for their meeting with Orson Bailey at the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society to find the place locked up. When they gain entrance, Liss discovers Orson dead under the kitchen table. Who knew of their trip to Chadwick and what had Orson uncovered? While at the highland games, their motel room is broken into and ransacked. Liss returns home determined to find out where the map leads and what is hidden where X marks the spot. It seems that trouble has followed her home. What will Liss uncover in her latest investigation in Moosetookalook, Maine?
X Marks the Scot is not a standalone. You do need to read the other books in the series. I have read all the books in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, and X Marks the Scot is my least favorite. I knew the killer’s identity long before the murder took place. The mystery had some interesting aspects (a treasure map, hidden tunnels), but it could have done with a little tweaking. I wish the mystery had been stronger (it was light). I want to be gobsmacked! Moosetookalook is a charming Maine town with unique characters and plenty of charm. It will be interesting to see what happens now that Liss’ parents have returned to town and Liss is dreading it (she gets along better with her mother when there are a couple of states between them). I found the pace of the novel to be too slow (made the book seem long). I will read the next book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series in the hopes that the series will get back on track. I have a feeling, though, that the series has run its course.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
X Marks the Scot is not a standalone. You do need to read the other books in the series. I have read all the books in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, and X Marks the Scot is my least favorite. I knew the killer’s identity long before the murder took place. The mystery had some interesting aspects (a treasure map, hidden tunnels), but it could have done with a little tweaking. I wish the mystery had been stronger (it was light). I want to be gobsmacked! Moosetookalook is a charming Maine town with unique characters and plenty of charm. It will be interesting to see what happens now that Liss’ parents have returned to town and Liss is dreading it (she gets along better with her mother when there are a couple of states between them). I found the pace of the novel to be too slow (made the book seem long). I will read the next book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series in the hopes that the series will get back on track. I have a feeling, though, that the series has run its course.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 3, 2018
This is the first book in this series of 11 that I've read. The Liss MacCrimmon series is funny with a good murder to solve. Set in a small town in Maine Liss and her friend attend an auction and buy a painting of a kilt dressed Scott. When she knocks the frame an old map fall out from behind the painting and she's all set for a treasure hunt. Someone else is more intent on finding the treasure and kills the archivist that Liss got to help her. With several good leads, she needs to find the killer before she's the next victim. Moosetookalook, Maine sounds like a fun place to visit and is a good setting for Liss and her friends.
December 26, 2017
A old mansion ... a possible treasure map found behind a painting at an auction ... just enough strange characters in western Maine ... a trip to Nova Scotia for a Scottish festival ... all adds up to an exciting and fun mystery. What more could you want? Of course. And, yes ... there's a cat .... Recommended!
October 22, 2020
This book was a nice change of pace, and very different than everything else I've been reading lately. It was a very light mystery that kept you guessing without being too intense. I haven't read anything else in the series, but the characters were interesting and easy to keep track of without any backstory.
July 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in the fictional town of Moosetookalook, Maine. This is my first foray into the world of Liss MacCrimmon, owner of the town's Scottish Emporium, jumping right into the story at Book 11. Now that I've finished this one, I plan to go back to the beginning and join the characters from the very start. I'm looking forward to learning everyone's backstories after having seen a bit into the future.
This mystery is a fun one - there's a real treasure map involved, and it even has an X to mark the spot! The characters are very likable (unless, of course, they aren't meant to be). I'm happy to say that Liss only got on my nerves once during the whole book, mostly because she let her excitement interfere with the investigation.
Maybe it's because I don't read cozy mysteries too often, or maybe I'm just not quick to pick up on the whodunnit, but I rarely ever guess the culprit until the very end. Is that a good or a bad thing? I'm not sure, but it works for me. I didn't figure this one out until around the same time the characters did. I enjoyed how the author offered many different suspects, each with a motive but also an alibi right when they seemed to have things all figured things out. It kept things interesting. Just as I thought we'd learn who was behind it all, they would have a way out. I think I've read maybe three cozies ever (?), but this one is my favorite so far.
This mystery is a fun one - there's a real treasure map involved, and it even has an X to mark the spot! The characters are very likable (unless, of course, they aren't meant to be). I'm happy to say that Liss only got on my nerves once during the whole book, mostly because she let her excitement interfere with the investigation.
Maybe it's because I don't read cozy mysteries too often, or maybe I'm just not quick to pick up on the whodunnit, but I rarely ever guess the culprit until the very end. Is that a good or a bad thing? I'm not sure, but it works for me. I didn't figure this one out until around the same time the characters did. I enjoyed how the author offered many different suspects, each with a motive but also an alibi right when they seemed to have things all figured things out. It kept things interesting. Just as I thought we'd learn who was behind it all, they would have a way out. I think I've read maybe three cozies ever (?), but this one is my favorite so far.
November 2, 2019
This is a fun series set in the fictional town of Moosetookalook, Maine. Saying that name alone is part of the fun. Though Liss MacCrimmon seems to trip over dead bodies and has a knack for solving the murders.
When Liss has the winning bid for a picture at an auction, she has no idea it contains a secret map with an x to mark something. She and her Aunt decide to dig a bit more on the family that had owned the house where the painting came from and end up stumbling on a dead body in Nova Scotia. Things take off from there as a series of events seem to be connected, but yet the connection isn't clear. Are they seeing things that aren't there? Will they find a treasure by following the map? Or will they be embarrassed when it all fizzles out to nothing and find the murder isn't connected at all?
An enjoyable series that you can read any one of the 11 books to date and not be lost. Did I mention there are 11 books ready to read? Book 12 is set to come out in 2020 and that leaves plenty of time to start this series and binge on the first 11 in the series and be ready for book 12 to drop.
When Liss has the winning bid for a picture at an auction, she has no idea it contains a secret map with an x to mark something. She and her Aunt decide to dig a bit more on the family that had owned the house where the painting came from and end up stumbling on a dead body in Nova Scotia. Things take off from there as a series of events seem to be connected, but yet the connection isn't clear. Are they seeing things that aren't there? Will they find a treasure by following the map? Or will they be embarrassed when it all fizzles out to nothing and find the murder isn't connected at all?
An enjoyable series that you can read any one of the 11 books to date and not be lost. Did I mention there are 11 books ready to read? Book 12 is set to come out in 2020 and that leaves plenty of time to start this series and binge on the first 11 in the series and be ready for book 12 to drop.
February 14, 2023
So I borrowed this book from the library, purely because it started with an X and i could knock off a prompt for my reading challenge. However, once I started reading, I found that I enjoyed the story.
This book follows Liss MacCrimmon, who, it seems, tends to find herself in some tricky situations - usually starting when she finds a dead body.
This story is no different, it starts with Liss purchasing a painting at an auction but she drops it as she is putting it into her car. The frame is damaged and what appears to be a treasure map - complete with an X - falls out. Liss seeks out the assistance of her Aunt and they travel to Nova Scotia to speak with a man named Orson Bailey who has some information on the origin of the painting. But when they arrive, it’s evident that he has been killed. That’s where the story truly begins.
This is the 11th book in the series but I didn’t feel hindered by not having read the others. The story itself was good but u found the pace of the book to be far too slow for my liking.
Overall, not a bad read but I probably won’t read any of the others.
This book follows Liss MacCrimmon, who, it seems, tends to find herself in some tricky situations - usually starting when she finds a dead body.
This story is no different, it starts with Liss purchasing a painting at an auction but she drops it as she is putting it into her car. The frame is damaged and what appears to be a treasure map - complete with an X - falls out. Liss seeks out the assistance of her Aunt and they travel to Nova Scotia to speak with a man named Orson Bailey who has some information on the origin of the painting. But when they arrive, it’s evident that he has been killed. That’s where the story truly begins.
This is the 11th book in the series but I didn’t feel hindered by not having read the others. The story itself was good but u found the pace of the book to be far too slow for my liking.
Overall, not a bad read but I probably won’t read any of the others.
August 25, 2018
One more book (the one that's not yet out) to go in my project to reread all the books in the Liss MacCrimmon series and make notes on details of character and setting before I revise the manuscript of the thirteenth title. As has been the pattern, I found a few contradictions in this one, but nothing earth shaking. I do, however, think I'll be adding some things to the "Bloopers Page" at my KaitlynDunnett.com website. This has definitely been a learning experience.
February 12, 2020
This cozy series is just a fun read. The characters are enjoyable and the mysteries satisfying.
September 22, 2024
Realistically between 2.5 and 3 stars.
Lighthearted and cozy, pleasant read with some funny characters.
I think if you read the whole series you’d probably get more out of it.
Lighthearted and cozy, pleasant read with some funny characters.
I think if you read the whole series you’d probably get more out of it.
September 19, 2021
Liss, short for Amaryliss, buys at an estate auction an ugly reproduction portrait of a bagpiper to hang on the wall of her shop, the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, where all things Scottish are sold. When the heavy framed work is dropped while being loaded in the car, the back splits and a doucment hidden inside is revealed. Turns out it is a map and X marks the spot. Liss immediately is intrigued and starts trying to figure out how to find the 'treasure', getting caught up with a series of questionable events that include discovering a dead body, being followed, and a break-in or two. There are also plenty of interested visitors to Moosetookalook, Maine to consider as suspects.
Of course what immediately runs through my mind when I read about a treasure map with X marking the spot is the line from the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade about maps rarely leading to hidden treasure map and X never marking the spot. I boosted my rating to 3 stars just because the author actually acknowledged that thought about 3/4s through this cozy!
I've not read any others in this series. While I don't feel any urgency to read more in the series, I do have a couple more in my ebook TBR that I bought because of the overly adorable title/cover or because set at Christmas and I have no hesitation in reading them at some point. This readily read as a standalone, a plus along with a mildly enjoyable mystery and cast of characters. I even liked the side story about Liss' anxieties over her parents suddenly deciding after 25 or so years to move back to Maine from Arizona. Little things irritated me though. I constantly read 'Liss' as 'Lisa', there are a couple of plot points that you can drive a MAC truck through (i.e. when you can't read the markings on the back of a document with the naked eye, why the heck don't you get a magnifying glass?), and the mystery was only tepidly engaging.
But it does have 2 cute Scotties and a couple of cats with personality to entertain.
Of course what immediately runs through my mind when I read about a treasure map with X marking the spot is the line from the beginning of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade about maps rarely leading to hidden treasure map and X never marking the spot. I boosted my rating to 3 stars just because the author actually acknowledged that thought about 3/4s through this cozy!
I've not read any others in this series. While I don't feel any urgency to read more in the series, I do have a couple more in my ebook TBR that I bought because of the overly adorable title/cover or because set at Christmas and I have no hesitation in reading them at some point. This readily read as a standalone, a plus along with a mildly enjoyable mystery and cast of characters. I even liked the side story about Liss' anxieties over her parents suddenly deciding after 25 or so years to move back to Maine from Arizona. Little things irritated me though. I constantly read 'Liss' as 'Lisa', there are a couple of plot points that you can drive a MAC truck through (i.e. when you can't read the markings on the back of a document with the naked eye, why the heck don't you get a magnifying glass?), and the mystery was only tepidly engaging.
But it does have 2 cute Scotties and a couple of cats with personality to entertain.
December 21, 2018
I've really enjoyed this series, but this entry just didn't do it for me, and I realized that the last few books have also been a little--blah, actually. Liss buys a portrait at an auction and discovers a map tucked in the back. Other people seem to want the map, too, and when Liss and her aunt go on a buying expedition to Canada, the genealogist/historian they plan to meet with has been murdered. Liss is also worried that her parents are planning to move back to Maine from their vacation home in Arizona. It doesn't occur to her to Google her main suspects, or to read up on police procedure before she tells her friend, the chief of police, to arrest people. Actually, maybe Liss and her husband Dan are realistic--after work, they eat and watch the tv news, then he watches a baseball game--but that doesn't make them very interesting characters.
August 29, 2019
I lost interest at the half point and then just slogged through to see how it Resolved. Very unbelievable with too many stock characters and too many red herrings. Since this is part of a series, I have to assume that the author has found an audience. I just don’t meet the criteria. I have the newest Louise Penny waiting. Can hardly wait!
February 4, 2018
It was nice visiting Moosetookalook again. Fluffy, light mystery was needed after some of my heavier reading. Lisa is off on a treasure hunt after finding an old map in a painting bought at an auction.
Read
July 14, 2023X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett was a book I probably wouldn't have finished except that I needed a book with X in the title for the Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge. But, if you need a book for a ABC reading challenge, this is the best "X" title I've found.
December 16, 2024
3 stars. 2024 popsugar challenge Advanced Prompt #5 - A book that starts with the letter 'X'. So I planned to read Sue Grafton's 'X' for this prompt, but I'm still on 'O' so I needed a plan B. I found this book and saw it was already part of a series, but figured as a mystery cozy I'd be ok starting in the middle. And I was. It was obvious there was a bunch of backstory from previous books I'd missed but for the most part it was fine. The characters were ok. The writing was ok. The story was a bit much.
The story takes place in Maine, in a small town called Moosetookalook. Liss owns a shop selling Scottish stuff. She and Sherri (the town sheriff) went to the Chadwick mansion for an estate sale. The property has been bought and the new owner is going to raze the house and build an elderly care facility. Liss buys a painting of a Scottish bagpiper (It's a horrible painting, but will work in her shop). She had a bit of a bidding war with another man and a woman but won. After the auction she saw a very small petite woman trying to lug a trunk she had brought. Liss goes to help her but she wasn't strong enough. A young man came by to help. Liss gets her picture but loading it in the car it fell and the frame broke. She found a piece of paper on the pack and she was shocked to see it looked like a treasure map.
Liss doesn't make any effort to hide the fact that she found what looks like a treasure map. She starts to figure out where the map could be (there weren't any clear landmarks to show where the map is located) and what it could lead to. The Chadwick family was known to smuggle booze during prohibition. And there were rumors that they had ties to shady people. But the house is razed soon after the auction. Liss and her Aunt decide to go to Canada for a Scottish festival and to stop at a historian who had documents about the Canadian branch of the Chadwick family.
When they get to his office, they find he's dead. The police come and clear them. The papers weren't there. Then at a Scottish store Liss is sure she sees the man that was bidding against her at the auction. Was he following them? Did he kill Bailey? (I think that was the guy's name). While she and her aunt were at the festival, her room is ransacked and her laptop and a broach are stolen. So are other rooms.
Liss hasn't been keeping the map a secret and had made copies and given it to people. She's finding there are two people that are suspicious. The man who had followed her to Canada is Aaron Lucas. Turn out he's head of security for a pharmaceutical company. The previous owner of the house had stolen formulas from the company. The company was trying to get them back. The other person was the small woman, named Benny Beamer. Liss learns that she is a Chadwick relative. But none of her story makes sense. No permanent residence, doing investigative research (but not clear on what that is).
Liss's home is broken into but nothing was taken or messed up. Same with her shop. I thought most of Liss's action/reactions were realistic. Why would she hide the fact she found a treasure map? Why wouldn't she tell her friends and neighbors she's going out of town? And she was very upfront with Sherri about what she was doing and what was going on. So she wasn't working in a vaccuum.
Liss and her husband Dan figure out the map is on the Chadwick property. They contact the property owner and together find a brick wall in the forest that had removable bricks in the shape of an X. Nothing was there though. But then further inspection of the map revealed that there was more to the clue. All the actors in the story showed up (because word travels in a small town) to see if it was at the new X marks the spot location. Liss finds a well, Benny surprisingly is able to lift the lid off. A box is taped on the underside but is welded shut. The property owner takes the box. But he's hit on the head and knocked out. The box is taken.
By now Liss and Sherri had figured out it was Benny. Turns out she had also worked for the pharmaceutical company and she's a con artist. She wants the formulas to sell. She was a former gymnast so she looks small but is actually quite strong. She demands Liss bring money (from the company) and do the swap. But she does a poor job tying Liss up and Liss is able to knock her out and tie her up. Benny hadn't meant to kill the guy, but he fell on the spike during their argument. The kicker was that the formula was worthless, as another company had figured it out and it didn't work.
There was an underlying story about Liss's parents unexpectedly moving back to Maine but not talking to her about it. I don't have enough back story but this whole exchange was weird. It seemed unnecessarily secretive.
The story was ok. Not sure if this swayed me to pick up the series.
The story takes place in Maine, in a small town called Moosetookalook. Liss owns a shop selling Scottish stuff. She and Sherri (the town sheriff) went to the Chadwick mansion for an estate sale. The property has been bought and the new owner is going to raze the house and build an elderly care facility. Liss buys a painting of a Scottish bagpiper (It's a horrible painting, but will work in her shop). She had a bit of a bidding war with another man and a woman but won. After the auction she saw a very small petite woman trying to lug a trunk she had brought. Liss goes to help her but she wasn't strong enough. A young man came by to help. Liss gets her picture but loading it in the car it fell and the frame broke. She found a piece of paper on the pack and she was shocked to see it looked like a treasure map.
Liss doesn't make any effort to hide the fact that she found what looks like a treasure map. She starts to figure out where the map could be (there weren't any clear landmarks to show where the map is located) and what it could lead to. The Chadwick family was known to smuggle booze during prohibition. And there were rumors that they had ties to shady people. But the house is razed soon after the auction. Liss and her Aunt decide to go to Canada for a Scottish festival and to stop at a historian who had documents about the Canadian branch of the Chadwick family.
When they get to his office, they find he's dead. The police come and clear them. The papers weren't there. Then at a Scottish store Liss is sure she sees the man that was bidding against her at the auction. Was he following them? Did he kill Bailey? (I think that was the guy's name). While she and her aunt were at the festival, her room is ransacked and her laptop and a broach are stolen. So are other rooms.
Liss hasn't been keeping the map a secret and had made copies and given it to people. She's finding there are two people that are suspicious. The man who had followed her to Canada is Aaron Lucas. Turn out he's head of security for a pharmaceutical company. The previous owner of the house had stolen formulas from the company. The company was trying to get them back. The other person was the small woman, named Benny Beamer. Liss learns that she is a Chadwick relative. But none of her story makes sense. No permanent residence, doing investigative research (but not clear on what that is).
Liss's home is broken into but nothing was taken or messed up. Same with her shop. I thought most of Liss's action/reactions were realistic. Why would she hide the fact she found a treasure map? Why wouldn't she tell her friends and neighbors she's going out of town? And she was very upfront with Sherri about what she was doing and what was going on. So she wasn't working in a vaccuum.
Liss and her husband Dan figure out the map is on the Chadwick property. They contact the property owner and together find a brick wall in the forest that had removable bricks in the shape of an X. Nothing was there though. But then further inspection of the map revealed that there was more to the clue. All the actors in the story showed up (because word travels in a small town) to see if it was at the new X marks the spot location. Liss finds a well, Benny surprisingly is able to lift the lid off. A box is taped on the underside but is welded shut. The property owner takes the box. But he's hit on the head and knocked out. The box is taken.
By now Liss and Sherri had figured out it was Benny. Turns out she had also worked for the pharmaceutical company and she's a con artist. She wants the formulas to sell. She was a former gymnast so she looks small but is actually quite strong. She demands Liss bring money (from the company) and do the swap. But she does a poor job tying Liss up and Liss is able to knock her out and tie her up. Benny hadn't meant to kill the guy, but he fell on the spike during their argument. The kicker was that the formula was worthless, as another company had figured it out and it didn't work.
There was an underlying story about Liss's parents unexpectedly moving back to Maine but not talking to her about it. I don't have enough back story but this whole exchange was weird. It seemed unnecessarily secretive.
The story was ok. Not sure if this swayed me to pick up the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is incredible. The mystery is top-notch, and the characters are completely realistic. I love it.
Will Liss figure out why all these different things keep happening to her?
Liss MacCrimmon
Our sleuth is Liss MacCrimmon, owner of Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, wife, and cat mom. Liss goes to an auction at Chadwick House and purchases an oil painting of a man in a kilt playing the bagpipes for her store. However, she finds a treasure map hidden in the frame behind the painting. As this is my first book to read in this series, I wasn't expecting Liss to be so curious and tenacious. She is like a dog with a bone. Liss must know what is happening, and she is prepared to figure out what is happening and who is behind it, no matter what. This seems to be a family trait, as her aunt is the same.
I did enjoy seeing how Liss worked through the clues. Some of her suspected plots were a bit questionable, but I do appalled her for not going off to search for a potential suspect alone. Taking her husband with her was extremely smart. I also found it funny that she assumed no one would attend one treasure-hunting outing since she hadn't mentioned it. Moosetookalook is like any other small town, with gossip having a life of its own.
The Mystery
We have the treasure map, a man murdered in Canada, the death of the previous owner of Chadwick House, rooms ransacked, new people staying around for the summer with questionable reasons, break-ins, and Liss's parents returning to Moosetookalook (I love this town's name). Are they one mystery or several? That is what Liss, Margaret, and Sherry are trying to figure out. I enjoyed the banter between the characters. However, we didn't learn why Liss's parents are returning to Maine. I guess that is the next installment.
Four Stars
My rating for X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is four stars. I enjoyed the cast, setting, and mystery, but a few things took me out of the story. One example is at first, Liss's iPad was stolen from her motel room in Canada but is switched to her laptop in the last quarter of the book. I know crazy, but it made me go back to look it up. Then there were a couple of times that Liss made a query or seemed to figure out a clue only to completely forget about it until later when addressing it with someone else. Other than those things, I love the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Liss figure out why all these different things keep happening to her?
Liss MacCrimmon
Our sleuth is Liss MacCrimmon, owner of Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium, wife, and cat mom. Liss goes to an auction at Chadwick House and purchases an oil painting of a man in a kilt playing the bagpipes for her store. However, she finds a treasure map hidden in the frame behind the painting. As this is my first book to read in this series, I wasn't expecting Liss to be so curious and tenacious. She is like a dog with a bone. Liss must know what is happening, and she is prepared to figure out what is happening and who is behind it, no matter what. This seems to be a family trait, as her aunt is the same.
I did enjoy seeing how Liss worked through the clues. Some of her suspected plots were a bit questionable, but I do appalled her for not going off to search for a potential suspect alone. Taking her husband with her was extremely smart. I also found it funny that she assumed no one would attend one treasure-hunting outing since she hadn't mentioned it. Moosetookalook is like any other small town, with gossip having a life of its own.
The Mystery
We have the treasure map, a man murdered in Canada, the death of the previous owner of Chadwick House, rooms ransacked, new people staying around for the summer with questionable reasons, break-ins, and Liss's parents returning to Moosetookalook (I love this town's name). Are they one mystery or several? That is what Liss, Margaret, and Sherry are trying to figure out. I enjoyed the banter between the characters. However, we didn't learn why Liss's parents are returning to Maine. I guess that is the next installment.
Four Stars
My rating for X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is four stars. I enjoyed the cast, setting, and mystery, but a few things took me out of the story. One example is at first, Liss's iPad was stolen from her motel room in Canada but is switched to her laptop in the last quarter of the book. I know crazy, but it made me go back to look it up. Then there were a couple of times that Liss made a query or seemed to figure out a clue only to completely forget about it until later when addressing it with someone else. Other than those things, I love the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
January 5, 2018
When Liss Ruskin attends an estate auction, she doesn't expect the picture she bought to be so much trouble...Liss was taken by a painting of the Piper to the Laird of Grant, and successfully bid against two others. But when she accidentally dropped it, the frame broke and revealed what appeared to be a treasure map underneath. The problem was that it had no distinctive markings, so she didn't know where or what it was actually for.
All she could surmise was that it had something to do with the Chadwick family, and that there must be some sort of treasure on the estate grounds. It was her Aunt Margaret who suggested they make a trip to Canada to see if they could discover anything about the family that would lead them to find the truth. And that was her first mistake...
Upon arriving at her destination, the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society in Canada, Liss and Margaret entered the building and called out for Orson Bailey, the man they were supposed to meet. And meet him they did, but not in the way they expected, for Orson was dead, underneath a table. It didn't help when she discovered their hotel room had been ransacked, yet the only two items stolen were an iPad and brooch.
So when Liss eventually returned to her home in Moosetookalook, Maine, she was more curious than ever about the map, and Orson's murder. She wondered if they were connected, especially since other things were occurring - things she knew were connected to the map. And if there was a treasure involved, how many people were interested in it, and which one was interested enough to kill someone to get it?
This, as always, is another enjoyable book in the Liss MacCrimmon mystery series. The author does a commendable job of keeping the plot moving along nicely, and the characters are well-drawn and vivid. It says much for a book when you want to punch a character for being smug and self-satisfied. It was an entertaining read, and the mystery itself was threaded nicely throughout, giving subtle clues along the way.
Although I pretty much had the murderer figured out early (I read a lot of these), it was still quite nice to see how everything was connected, and how Liss began to put it all together. I did feel that this book probably wasn't actually suited to be read as a stand-alone since there are references to other books, it was still easy enough to read, and it will be interesting to see how the return of Liss's parents affect her life in Mooosetookalook. Recommended.
All she could surmise was that it had something to do with the Chadwick family, and that there must be some sort of treasure on the estate grounds. It was her Aunt Margaret who suggested they make a trip to Canada to see if they could discover anything about the family that would lead them to find the truth. And that was her first mistake...
Upon arriving at her destination, the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society in Canada, Liss and Margaret entered the building and called out for Orson Bailey, the man they were supposed to meet. And meet him they did, but not in the way they expected, for Orson was dead, underneath a table. It didn't help when she discovered their hotel room had been ransacked, yet the only two items stolen were an iPad and brooch.
So when Liss eventually returned to her home in Moosetookalook, Maine, she was more curious than ever about the map, and Orson's murder. She wondered if they were connected, especially since other things were occurring - things she knew were connected to the map. And if there was a treasure involved, how many people were interested in it, and which one was interested enough to kill someone to get it?
This, as always, is another enjoyable book in the Liss MacCrimmon mystery series. The author does a commendable job of keeping the plot moving along nicely, and the characters are well-drawn and vivid. It says much for a book when you want to punch a character for being smug and self-satisfied. It was an entertaining read, and the mystery itself was threaded nicely throughout, giving subtle clues along the way.
Although I pretty much had the murderer figured out early (I read a lot of these), it was still quite nice to see how everything was connected, and how Liss began to put it all together. I did feel that this book probably wasn't actually suited to be read as a stand-alone since there are references to other books, it was still easy enough to read, and it will be interesting to see how the return of Liss's parents affect her life in Mooosetookalook. Recommended.
February 21, 2018
Liss MacCrimmon Ruskin, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine's only Scottish emporium, knows her pipers. So when the painting of the Piper to the Laird of Grant came up for auction at the Chadwick mansion, she was willing to fight to the end for it. Or at least, until $400. Fortunately, that was enough, and the painting was hers. It didn't occur to her that there might be more to the painting than what meets the eye, until she accidentally dropped it trying to get it into the car. That's how she found the treasure map that had been hidden in the back of the painting.
That discovery leads Liss and her family to start digging. Her aunt, Margaret, puts her recently minted skills in genealogy to work to build a Chadwick family tree. Liss, meanwhile, goes to see her best friend Sherri, the chief of police, to look into the two other people who bid on the piper. One is a well-known local, but the other is a tall, dark-haired stranger who bought a bunch of other paintings and mirrors. Could he be looking for the map that was hidden in Liss's frame? And how far is he willing to go to get his hands on it?
X Marks the Scot is a charming cozy set in a small town in Maine but with a hearty helping of Scottish love. It's the eleventh book in Kaitlyn Dunnet's Liss MacCrimmon series, and it's a lot of fun. I love the characters and the town of Moosetookalook. But for this one, I did find the mystery a little lackluster. There didn't seem to be much on the line for Liss and her family, so there was not the tension you find in other cozies. That being said, I will definitely give this series another chance as X Marks the Scot was entertaining, very well written, and filled with interesting characters in a lovely town.
I recommend this series, just maybe don't start with this book.
Galleys for X Marks the Scot were provided by Kensington through NetGalley, with many thanks.
That discovery leads Liss and her family to start digging. Her aunt, Margaret, puts her recently minted skills in genealogy to work to build a Chadwick family tree. Liss, meanwhile, goes to see her best friend Sherri, the chief of police, to look into the two other people who bid on the piper. One is a well-known local, but the other is a tall, dark-haired stranger who bought a bunch of other paintings and mirrors. Could he be looking for the map that was hidden in Liss's frame? And how far is he willing to go to get his hands on it?
X Marks the Scot is a charming cozy set in a small town in Maine but with a hearty helping of Scottish love. It's the eleventh book in Kaitlyn Dunnet's Liss MacCrimmon series, and it's a lot of fun. I love the characters and the town of Moosetookalook. But for this one, I did find the mystery a little lackluster. There didn't seem to be much on the line for Liss and her family, so there was not the tension you find in other cozies. That being said, I will definitely give this series another chance as X Marks the Scot was entertaining, very well written, and filled with interesting characters in a lovely town.
I recommend this series, just maybe don't start with this book.
Galleys for X Marks the Scot were provided by Kensington through NetGalley, with many thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews