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Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #12
Overkilt
Liss MacCrimmon's meddlesome mother is back in Moosetookalook, Maine, to serve a hefty portion of trouble in time for Thanksgiving. But when a scandalous murder case threatens to leave Liss alone at the table, family drama takes on a terrifying new meaning . . .
While Liss preps the Scottish Emporium for November's inevitable shopping rush, other local businesses aren't half as lucky. Year after year, her father-in-law's rustic hotel can barely turn a profit during the stretch between autumn's peak and ski season. Except this time, Mr. Ruskin realizes that the recipe for success lies in enticing an untapped niche clientele--childless couples desperate for a holiday away from family . . .
The unusual marketing tactic has everyone in Moosetookalook talking. Unfortunately, it also inspires a scathing social media campaign aimed at persuading tourists to boycott the hotel for affronting family values. Liss dismisses the bad publicity as being totally "overkilt"--until angry mobs fill the streets, the troublemaker who started it all turns up dead, and her loved ones are suspected of murder . . .
With so much at stake, Liss can't possibly follow police orders to stay out of the investigation. There's just one wee problem: saving her own clan could mean sending a friend or two behind bars. Now--partly helped, partly hindered by her difficult mother--Liss must digest a slew of unsettling clues and catch the real killer . . . or else everything she's ever been thankful for may vanish before her eyes.
While Liss preps the Scottish Emporium for November's inevitable shopping rush, other local businesses aren't half as lucky. Year after year, her father-in-law's rustic hotel can barely turn a profit during the stretch between autumn's peak and ski season. Except this time, Mr. Ruskin realizes that the recipe for success lies in enticing an untapped niche clientele--childless couples desperate for a holiday away from family . . .
The unusual marketing tactic has everyone in Moosetookalook talking. Unfortunately, it also inspires a scathing social media campaign aimed at persuading tourists to boycott the hotel for affronting family values. Liss dismisses the bad publicity as being totally "overkilt"--until angry mobs fill the streets, the troublemaker who started it all turns up dead, and her loved ones are suspected of murder . . .
With so much at stake, Liss can't possibly follow police orders to stay out of the investigation. There's just one wee problem: saving her own clan could mean sending a friend or two behind bars. Now--partly helped, partly hindered by her difficult mother--Liss must digest a slew of unsettling clues and catch the real killer . . . or else everything she's ever been thankful for may vanish before her eyes.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2018
74 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books355 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 3, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Thanksgiving in Moosetookalook Maine should be delightful, right? Not this year. The Spruces’, a rustic hotel owned by Liss’ husband’s family is facing an uphill battle. The new marketing director came up with an idea to fill the rooms this year with childless couples that don’t want to join their own families over the holidays. It was a good idea and reservations were up until a fringe group decides to make trouble. Going so far as to truck people from away into town to boycott anyone supporting or connected to the Ruskin family claiming they are all against family values. Businesses were even vandalized to stir up trouble. But before the angry hoards have left the town square a member of the radical group is found dead and all clues lead to the Ruskin family. She can’t just sit on her hands, she has to help, but if things go wrong there will be absolutely nothing to be thankful for this year or a long time to come.
This is my second visit to Moosetookalook and I enjoyed myself. The author takes on a hot topic and her approach was very stirring. A group with a very narrow viewpoint feels they can press their beliefs on an entire town. As the story continues we find the group isn’t as tightly knit as we believed at first as the death of the member of the group brings cracks in their make up to the forefront.
Liss digs deep to solve this mystery, going back, again and again, to try to uncover the truth. The way the author wrote this was very gripping making it a hard book to put down. The way the community rallied together was heartwarming and at times hard to read because difficult questions had to be asked to clear people from the list of suspects.
The subplot of the family dynamics in Liss’ family was captivating too. Her parents, Mac and Violet “Vi” MacCrimmon, have just moved back to Maine from Arizona. Vi and Liss have a had a strained relationship but circumstances bring them closer in this story. I didn’t like the way Vi kept a secret about her health from her daughter though. I believe it is things like that that put the strain in their relationship in the first place. I may have to go back and read the series from the beginning to see if my theory is correct.
This was an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing right up until the suspenseful conclusion. The characters were unique. I want to get to know the core characters better so I am excited about Ms. Dunnett next book in this series. For me, it was a 5 Starfish read and a Perfect Escape!
Thanksgiving in Moosetookalook Maine should be delightful, right? Not this year. The Spruces’, a rustic hotel owned by Liss’ husband’s family is facing an uphill battle. The new marketing director came up with an idea to fill the rooms this year with childless couples that don’t want to join their own families over the holidays. It was a good idea and reservations were up until a fringe group decides to make trouble. Going so far as to truck people from away into town to boycott anyone supporting or connected to the Ruskin family claiming they are all against family values. Businesses were even vandalized to stir up trouble. But before the angry hoards have left the town square a member of the radical group is found dead and all clues lead to the Ruskin family. She can’t just sit on her hands, she has to help, but if things go wrong there will be absolutely nothing to be thankful for this year or a long time to come.
This is my second visit to Moosetookalook and I enjoyed myself. The author takes on a hot topic and her approach was very stirring. A group with a very narrow viewpoint feels they can press their beliefs on an entire town. As the story continues we find the group isn’t as tightly knit as we believed at first as the death of the member of the group brings cracks in their make up to the forefront.
Liss digs deep to solve this mystery, going back, again and again, to try to uncover the truth. The way the author wrote this was very gripping making it a hard book to put down. The way the community rallied together was heartwarming and at times hard to read because difficult questions had to be asked to clear people from the list of suspects.
The subplot of the family dynamics in Liss’ family was captivating too. Her parents, Mac and Violet “Vi” MacCrimmon, have just moved back to Maine from Arizona. Vi and Liss have a had a strained relationship but circumstances bring them closer in this story. I didn’t like the way Vi kept a secret about her health from her daughter though. I believe it is things like that that put the strain in their relationship in the first place. I may have to go back and read the series from the beginning to see if my theory is correct.
This was an entertaining mystery that kept me guessing right up until the suspenseful conclusion. The characters were unique. I want to get to know the core characters better so I am excited about Ms. Dunnett next book in this series. For me, it was a 5 Starfish read and a Perfect Escape!
November 7, 2018
An enjoyable cozy mystery. Great setting as usual but I thought it would have more of a Thanksgiving vibe, not just the very end holiday scene. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end! I am looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
I received an ARC of this book from the author.
October 31, 2018
Lisa's business is doing quite well, especially with the seasons upcoming holiday rush, but not all business's are doing quite so well. Her father-in-laws rustic hotel hardly does any business during this time but with a new strategy in place he hopes to fill his hotel. Things don't go as well has planned for him though, with social media turning customers away from him because of his tactics. When the lead of the group trying to boycott him ends up dead things don't look good. With her father-in-law being a suspect in the murder Lisa knows that she must do everything she can to find a murderer and clear his name. The police want her to mind her own business but there is no way that she can let them railroad him. The clues are never ending but who do they lead to? Lisa knows that she right must sift through everything to find the answers that she seeks. Plunge right in and see if you can figure out the clues and solve the mystery.
March 2, 2019
The chauvinistic, domineering, bigoted head of a pseudo religious group tries to damage the reputation of the Spruces resort hotel owned by Liss's father-in-law and the MacCrimmon family. Dan practically strangles him to death in a confrontation, but it turns out there are others who also might have reason to kill the nasty bigot. When a body is found in the middle of a demonstration, it is first assumed it is the cult leader, but it is discovered that it was actually his similar looking cousin. All the men in the cult wear identical black suits and sport big, black beards while the women wear ankle length lavender dresses.
I should stop reading these books. As in the earlier books of the series, Liss is still sharp tongued and highly judgmental, especially of her mother, although it is only because they are similarly strong minded. Both are married to sweet natured men who adore their wives in spite of their imperious ways. (I haven't forgiven Liss for forcing Dan to wear a kilt to their wedding in spite of the fact that he was dead set against it)
Liss still acts as if she, former dancer/shopkeeper, is far more clever than the police and that they are obligated to keep her informed of their every step.
I could pick at all the things that are wrong in this story, but the bottom line is that I really don't like Liss. She is portrayed as kind and loyal, but there is an unpleasant edge to her that apparently the author does not see. In that respect, she reminds me of Sheila Connolly's protagonists. They are arrogant and self-centered.
I should stop reading these books. As in the earlier books of the series, Liss is still sharp tongued and highly judgmental, especially of her mother, although it is only because they are similarly strong minded. Both are married to sweet natured men who adore their wives in spite of their imperious ways. (I haven't forgiven Liss for forcing Dan to wear a kilt to their wedding in spite of the fact that he was dead set against it)
Liss still acts as if she, former dancer/shopkeeper, is far more clever than the police and that they are obligated to keep her informed of their every step.
I could pick at all the things that are wrong in this story, but the bottom line is that I really don't like Liss. She is portrayed as kind and loyal, but there is an unpleasant edge to her that apparently the author does not see. In that respect, she reminds me of Sheila Connolly's protagonists. They are arrogant and self-centered.
November 24, 2018
Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the twelfth tale in A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. Amaryllis “Liss” MacCrimmon Ruskin lives in Moosetookalook, Maine with her husband, Dan. Liss is enjoying a quiet dinner with Dan at Spruce Lodge when she notices her father-in-law, Joe Ruskin talking with an oddly dressed man and two women in old fashioned lavender dresses. They are New Age Pilgrims and object to Joe’s new promotion to bring in tourists during his slow period. The promotion appeals to childless couples who would like to get away for Thanksgiving. The New Age Pilgrims leader, Hadley Spencer states the special is affront to family values and organizes a protest in the town square. All the Ruskin family businesses are targeted by the group and threatening messages left on their doors. Thanks to Hadley’s social media campaign, hundreds arrive for the demonstration preventing the scheduled bus of tourists from enjoying their day in Moosetookalook. Late in the day, Hadley is discovered by the merry-go-round with a knife sticking out of his back. With several of Liss’s family members on the suspect list, Liss dons her sleuthing cap and sets out to bag a killer. Violet, Liss’s mother, insists on helping her with the investigation. Liss is going to need the patience of Job to resolve this whodunit.
While Overkilt can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order. Liss has grown since we first met her in Kilt Dead. Liss is married to Dan Ruskin and manages the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium. Liss is not her usual self in Overkilt which can be attributed to her mother, Violet returning to town. Liss and her mother do not get along which can be attributed to Violet’s high-handed manor. An example would be that Liss does not like big parties nor does she want a birthday party. Violet, despite being told by Dan not to have one, organizes a surprise birthday party (she creates problems for Thanksgiving too). It seems to be Violet’s way or Violet’s way which is frustrating and unwanted in a cozy mystery. I thought Overkilt was easy to read thanks to the author relaxed writing style and steady pacing. I like the small town of Moosetookalook with its quaint shops and friendly townspeople (for the most part). There are also some adorable cats and dogs added into the mix. The mystery is straightforward. You can tell right away which person will die because of his behavior and attitude. There are multiple suspects and misdirection. The police tell Liss to quit meddling in the case (of course) multiple times. Liss has no intention of letting anyone in her family go down for a crime they did not commit. The situation with Hadley and the demonstration was realistic. It is easily a situation that could happen in our society (and probably has somewhere). I was surprised to see foul language in Overkilt. I like to read cozy mysteries because the do not have course language, extreme violence or intimate scenes. I am giving Overkilt 3.5 out of 5 stars. While Overkilt is not my favorite book in this series, I did enjoy my visit to Moosetookalook.
While Overkilt can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order. Liss has grown since we first met her in Kilt Dead. Liss is married to Dan Ruskin and manages the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium. Liss is not her usual self in Overkilt which can be attributed to her mother, Violet returning to town. Liss and her mother do not get along which can be attributed to Violet’s high-handed manor. An example would be that Liss does not like big parties nor does she want a birthday party. Violet, despite being told by Dan not to have one, organizes a surprise birthday party (she creates problems for Thanksgiving too). It seems to be Violet’s way or Violet’s way which is frustrating and unwanted in a cozy mystery. I thought Overkilt was easy to read thanks to the author relaxed writing style and steady pacing. I like the small town of Moosetookalook with its quaint shops and friendly townspeople (for the most part). There are also some adorable cats and dogs added into the mix. The mystery is straightforward. You can tell right away which person will die because of his behavior and attitude. There are multiple suspects and misdirection. The police tell Liss to quit meddling in the case (of course) multiple times. Liss has no intention of letting anyone in her family go down for a crime they did not commit. The situation with Hadley and the demonstration was realistic. It is easily a situation that could happen in our society (and probably has somewhere). I was surprised to see foul language in Overkilt. I like to read cozy mysteries because the do not have course language, extreme violence or intimate scenes. I am giving Overkilt 3.5 out of 5 stars. While Overkilt is not my favorite book in this series, I did enjoy my visit to Moosetookalook.
August 29, 2018
Liss is back in Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnet.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and a unique marketing campaign by her father in law causes a string of events that leaves Liss digging for answers.
A religious group is strong arming the small town of Moosetookalook and tempers flare when the locals are losing business.
Even though Liss knows she should leave it to the police, she can't help but ask questions when her family members become top suspects.
This is an interesting addition to the series and is very engaging to the reader.
Liss is one of my favorite characters and now that her mother has returned to Maine, she adds a colorful twist to this series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and a unique marketing campaign by her father in law causes a string of events that leaves Liss digging for answers.
A religious group is strong arming the small town of Moosetookalook and tempers flare when the locals are losing business.
Even though Liss knows she should leave it to the police, she can't help but ask questions when her family members become top suspects.
This is an interesting addition to the series and is very engaging to the reader.
Liss is one of my favorite characters and now that her mother has returned to Maine, she adds a colorful twist to this series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 28, 2018
Liss MacCrimmon came home to manage the family business when her parents moved to the Sun Belt. Now they've come back to the little town of Moosetookalook, adding emotional complication to Liss's life. Speaking of emotional complication, her gift shop is being boycotted by the members of a cultish commune on the edge of town.
The group, which slavishly follows a charismatic leader, isn't being quiet about their boycott. They're protesting intensely enough to scare away the busloads of tourists Liss counts on to make a living.
And then the violence begins.
Dunnett has created a complex world in Moosetookalook, with a thought-provoking examination of relationships, religion, bigotry, and madness. The characters are interesting and the story is suspenseful.
The group, which slavishly follows a charismatic leader, isn't being quiet about their boycott. They're protesting intensely enough to scare away the busloads of tourists Liss counts on to make a living.
And then the violence begins.
Dunnett has created a complex world in Moosetookalook, with a thought-provoking examination of relationships, religion, bigotry, and madness. The characters are interesting and the story is suspenseful.
October 28, 2018
A very entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery. It's the first one I read in this series and really liked it.
The plot was somewhat unusual involving online harassment and cults. It was sound and engaging, keeping hooked til the last page.
The mystery was good, it kept me guessing till the end.
I loved the cast of characters and the setting.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
The plot was somewhat unusual involving online harassment and cults. It was sound and engaging, keeping hooked til the last page.
The mystery was good, it kept me guessing till the end.
I loved the cast of characters and the setting.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
February 10, 2019
Lisa owns the Scottish Emporium and is preparing for the Christmas rush, with her overbearing mother back in town. Lisa’s father-in-law is having a business slump at his hotel so is running a special, childless couples can come and enjoy the weekend. An odd religous group objects and starts an online campaign against them and arranging protests that hurt all the shops downtown. The leader of the group is found dead and Lisa’s husband and aunt are prime suspects. Lisa and her mother form an uneasy team to find the murderer and what the cult is all about.
November 26, 2018
This adventure is one of Liss's toughest to date. Too many suspects, and family and friends to protect. Lots of who, whats, and hows to play with in our minds as we the readers try to figure it out before the end of the book.
October 18, 2018
Overkilt by Kaitlyn Dunnet is a well written and absorbing cozy, deceptively light in tone and style yet dealing with some very serious issues of religious beliefs and family relations.
Liss's Scottish Emporium is doing well, however most of the local businesses in Moosetookalook, I have to say I am delighted with the name, are facing dry few months so when her father-in-law presents new idea for boosting his hotel business Liss is delighted.
Unfortunately his idea is not welcomed by local religious group leader who involves social media to boycott the hotel. Situation is getting more serious by the minute culminating with the murder of the group leader.
When Liss realizes that her nearest and dearest are on the main suspect list. To add to the drama her mother is coming to town.
Even though this is the twelfth installment I had no problems following the story. It moves at the good pace and keeps reader guessing till the end, which comes as quite a surprise.
I loved meeting the characters, each of them unique yet lovable, the setting is fabulous and Liss's relationship with her mother is hilarious.
Liss's Scottish Emporium is doing well, however most of the local businesses in Moosetookalook, I have to say I am delighted with the name, are facing dry few months so when her father-in-law presents new idea for boosting his hotel business Liss is delighted.
Unfortunately his idea is not welcomed by local religious group leader who involves social media to boycott the hotel. Situation is getting more serious by the minute culminating with the murder of the group leader.
When Liss realizes that her nearest and dearest are on the main suspect list. To add to the drama her mother is coming to town.
Even though this is the twelfth installment I had no problems following the story. It moves at the good pace and keeps reader guessing till the end, which comes as quite a surprise.
I loved meeting the characters, each of them unique yet lovable, the setting is fabulous and Liss's relationship with her mother is hilarious.
February 11, 2019
When Liss's father-in-law, the local hotel keeper, runs afoul of the leader of a small sect, Liss is among the business owners being targeted and boycotted. A member of the sect, the leader's cousin, is stabbed during the demonstration against the businesses, and since he looks a lot like the leader, the police think one of the townspeople was responsible. That means that Liss's husband Dan, her aunt Margaret, and several of her friends are suspects--all had tangled with the sect leader. Liss's mother urges her to investigate, and even offers to help, the last thing Liss wants.
October 18, 2018
This is a cozy with a topical underlying theme- bullying in the age of social media. The New Age Pilgrims decide to crush on Liss's family hotel when her father-in-law decides to offer a special dinner for couples who do not have children. Then one of then is murdered and off course Liss must investigate. I'd not read this series and found it quite interesting. The idea that a Maine town called Moosetookalook could support a large tourist trade is terrific. The mystery has red herrings and the family dynamics (especially between Liss and her mother) are well done. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one!
October 19, 2018
I enjoy Moosetookalook and the regular cast of characters. Liss and Dan are great together. The mystery was interesting. Liss trying to get all the pieces together while keeping her mother out of trouble, and finding other information to take her aunt out of the suspect list made for an satisfying read.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
October 9, 2018
I have loved every book written by his author and this is as usual
A great story and I have grown tomlove all the main characters. Well done on a great mystery. #freegalley #Kaitlyn Dunnett
A great story and I have grown tomlove all the main characters. Well done on a great mystery. #freegalley #Kaitlyn Dunnett
September 25, 2018
Thanksgiving is coming and the New Age Pilgrims are shaking things up in Moosetookalook, Maine. Unfortunately the “Pills” are creating problems for Less MacCrimmon and her family which extends to the entire community of Moosetookalook (that’s fun to read, say and type!). And when one of the Pills is found murdered, the police come knocking on Aunt Margaret’s door. But Liss and her Mother, Vi, must first survive working together to clear her Aunt and the other townsfolk.
This story moves at a good pace and keeps you guessing until close to the end. It is a quick and enjoyable read. This will certainly get you in the mood for the holidays. Curl up with a warm cup of mulled cider and settle in for a good read!
This story moves at a good pace and keeps you guessing until close to the end. It is a quick and enjoyable read. This will certainly get you in the mood for the holidays. Curl up with a warm cup of mulled cider and settle in for a good read!
October 29, 2018
Sometimes I find the stories in this series a bit stodgy, a bit tough to wade through. Overkilt was a quick read for me. I was afraid that Liss' issues with her mother were going to make this story less appealing to me, but it worked out okay with me (and Liss) more hopeful about her parents staying in town.
Despite the small town and limited number of characters, there was no shortage of suspects and I liked the realism on how something like this could get out of hand and damage people quickly.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Despite the small town and limited number of characters, there was no shortage of suspects and I liked the realism on how something like this could get out of hand and damage people quickly.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2018
Beginning with the background of the characters and set up so that we can pick out the murder victim (and rejoice), that is all straightforward. Then come the twists and red herrings that make you want to sit up and read it to the end! The characters certainly are and the reader can't help but agree with the townsfolk and shake heads over the shenanigans perpetrated by the cult causing problems. Well, no sense doing a recap or spoilers, just go ahead and enjoy!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
September 13, 2018
Businesses in Moosetookalook (love that name) are being picketed by the crazy leader of a group called New Age Pilgrims. Hurting the local business trade just as they are coming into Thanksgiving is causing problems. When a member of the group is killed, many of the local business people (including some of Liss’s own family members) are under suspicion. Liss’s parents are back in town and Liss must learn to work with her mother to solve the case. I was caught up in the story from the start and loved the setting, the characters, and the mystery.
September 5, 2018
This book was a wonderful addition to the series. I think what I love most about this is that I completely dislike the main character. With Liss not being a cookie cutter do gooder, and actually being almost full of herself and her opinions, it is just something completely different and adds that much more. I love being drawn more to the other characters instead of just the main one. This mystery was well written and different, I really couldn't predict how the story was going to go. A great read!
April 21, 2021
Liss is especially irritating and stupid in this one. Least favorite of the series. Whenever history gets added to a series that has been going on for awhile, it seems so fake and stupid. "BTW Liss all these things happened 10ish years ago, nobody mentioned it once since then, that's why you didn't know." Very phony and unrealistic. Didn't appreciate the SJW aspects either. Seemed forced and political and I prefer to keep that out of novels. Did not care for the mystery in this one either.
November 12, 2018
Pretty disappointing. Boring really. Lisa needs to spend more time with Dan's relatives and less with hers.
May 13, 2020
Not my cup of tea.
October 12, 2018
Liss MacCrimmon and other shop owners in Moosetookalook, Maine are preparing for the busy holiday shopping season. Liss’s father-in-law’s hotel is offering a unique Thanksgiving dinner aimed at couples without children who are looking for a special way to spend the holiday. This promotion triggers protests and an online hate campaign started by members of a local group who feel the dinner violates “traditional” family values. The hate campaign expands and soon Liss’s shop, The Scottish Emporium, also becomes a target. When a member of the group is murdered, many people close to Liss become suspects. Liss refuses to stand by and see her family and friends under suspicion for something they didn’t do and launches her own investigation to find the killer.
I have read a few of the prior books in this series and found them entertaining. I like Overkilt but it wasn’t my favorite in the series. Liss is a thorough investigator as usual. She doesn’t hesitate to turn to other residents in the town to help her research the New Age Pilgrims, the groups that are behind the hateful, bigoted remarks aimed at her and her family. I like Liss’s loyalty and the way the story shows how something like this can get out of hand in today’s digital age. The smear campaign goes on too long, though, at the expense of scenes showcasing the loving relationship between Liss and Dan. There is so much going on with the “Pilgrims” that the close moments between the couple, usually among my favorite parts of these books, are lacking. In addition, Liss has a unique job on her résumé; she was once a former professional Scottish dancer. However, I was disappointed that this doesn’t play a role in the story like it has in some of the other books.
The book wraps up with a surprising conclusion that was satisfying for the characters of Moosetookalook as well as readers. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing how Liss’s often critical mom is at least trying to have a better relationship with her daughter and also makes a meaningful contribution to the investigation. New readers will enjoy meeting the characters, and may also want to check out some of the earlier books in this well-written series. I would rate the book as 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, though the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a few of the prior books in this series and found them entertaining. I like Overkilt but it wasn’t my favorite in the series. Liss is a thorough investigator as usual. She doesn’t hesitate to turn to other residents in the town to help her research the New Age Pilgrims, the groups that are behind the hateful, bigoted remarks aimed at her and her family. I like Liss’s loyalty and the way the story shows how something like this can get out of hand in today’s digital age. The smear campaign goes on too long, though, at the expense of scenes showcasing the loving relationship between Liss and Dan. There is so much going on with the “Pilgrims” that the close moments between the couple, usually among my favorite parts of these books, are lacking. In addition, Liss has a unique job on her résumé; she was once a former professional Scottish dancer. However, I was disappointed that this doesn’t play a role in the story like it has in some of the other books.
The book wraps up with a surprising conclusion that was satisfying for the characters of Moosetookalook as well as readers. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing how Liss’s often critical mom is at least trying to have a better relationship with her daughter and also makes a meaningful contribution to the investigation. New readers will enjoy meeting the characters, and may also want to check out some of the earlier books in this well-written series. I would rate the book as 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, though the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2018
Overkilt is the twelfth book in Kaitlyn Dunnett’s Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. The author provides great character background, and this book can easily be read as a standalone. Ms. Dunnett has written a steadily paced and entertaining mystery with a great cast of characters. The story has enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep the reader engaged.
Liss MacCrimmon Ruskin owns a gift shop, the Scottish Emporium, and lives with her husband, Dan, in the small rural village of Moosetookalook, Maine. Her parents, Mac and Violet “Vi” MacCrimmon, have recently moved back to Maine from Arizona; her aunt, Margaret Boyd, lives in the apartment above the Scottish Emporium; and one of closest friends Sherri Campbell, is Moosetookalook’s chief of police. In preparation for Thanksgiving and the normal decline in business, The Spruces’ events coordinator, Tricia Lynd, came up with a unique marketing campaign that Liss’s father-in-law, Joe Ruskin, incorporates for his hotel. He’s offering a unique Thanksgiving getaway aimed at childless couples who don’t want to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. Hadley Spinner, a bigot and a blowhard who only sees his own point of view, got it into his head that most of the guests who are taking advantage of the Thanksgiving Special are unmarried, or same-sex couples, thus The Spruces is encouraging immorality. Hadley’s following, the New Age Pilgrims, organized a demonstration and an internet smear campaign trying to get tourists to boycott The Spruces, the Scottish Emporium, Patsy’s Coffee House, and other local businesses. The campaign and demonstration not only create problems for Liss and her family but also extends to the entire Moosetookalook community. When one of the New Age Pilgrims is murdered, several people close to Liss become suspects. Even though she knows she should leave it to the police, she realizes she can’t stand by and watch as her family and friends are under suspicion for something they didn’t do, so, with encouragement from her mother, she launches into her own investigation. Vi discovered the body, and she wants to investigate even though Liss isn’t enthusiastic about the idea.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Liss MacCrimmon Ruskin owns a gift shop, the Scottish Emporium, and lives with her husband, Dan, in the small rural village of Moosetookalook, Maine. Her parents, Mac and Violet “Vi” MacCrimmon, have recently moved back to Maine from Arizona; her aunt, Margaret Boyd, lives in the apartment above the Scottish Emporium; and one of closest friends Sherri Campbell, is Moosetookalook’s chief of police. In preparation for Thanksgiving and the normal decline in business, The Spruces’ events coordinator, Tricia Lynd, came up with a unique marketing campaign that Liss’s father-in-law, Joe Ruskin, incorporates for his hotel. He’s offering a unique Thanksgiving getaway aimed at childless couples who don’t want to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. Hadley Spinner, a bigot and a blowhard who only sees his own point of view, got it into his head that most of the guests who are taking advantage of the Thanksgiving Special are unmarried, or same-sex couples, thus The Spruces is encouraging immorality. Hadley’s following, the New Age Pilgrims, organized a demonstration and an internet smear campaign trying to get tourists to boycott The Spruces, the Scottish Emporium, Patsy’s Coffee House, and other local businesses. The campaign and demonstration not only create problems for Liss and her family but also extends to the entire Moosetookalook community. When one of the New Age Pilgrims is murdered, several people close to Liss become suspects. Even though she knows she should leave it to the police, she realizes she can’t stand by and watch as her family and friends are under suspicion for something they didn’t do, so, with encouragement from her mother, she launches into her own investigation. Vi discovered the body, and she wants to investigate even though Liss isn’t enthusiastic about the idea.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 29, 2018
Overkilt it the 12th entry in this great cozy mystery series. Even iof you are new to this series, don't worry, it can be read as a stand alone, you won't be confused. First off, how can you not smile and maybe even giggle a bit when you read the town's name. Moosetookalook - gotta love it! A very nice small town in Maine. Just like some other small towns in Maine with female amateur sleuths, this one has its share of homicides. Liss MacCrimmon really only wants to run her family's store, have a happy life with her husband, her father-in-law, and her Aunt Margaret, trouble comes in time to threaten everybody's Thanksgiving plans. Business is very slow in the period before the snow falls for her father-in-law and his hotel. Then he has a great idea - run a Thanksgiving special for couples without children. All goes well until the local cult gets it into their collective head that the hotel is going to be hosting unmarried couples in sin. That will lie about being married and not having children. Well, the next thing Liss knows, a cyberbully campaign is threatening not only the hotel but it bleeds out into the rest of the community. No surprise that there follows a homicide. Unfortunately, just about everyone close to her is on the suspect list. Oh, and her Mom is back in town (can she be kept out of trouble?) and her Aunt Margaret is close to the top of the suspect list.
This is a well crafted cozy mystery with a very current social theme and I have to say, of all the twelve books, I may be putting it in the "my favorite so far" slot. It's that good.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a well crafted cozy mystery with a very current social theme and I have to say, of all the twelve books, I may be putting it in the "my favorite so far" slot. It's that good.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 23, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read in the series (this is book #12). I picked it up as I adored the cover and loved the Scottish theme.
As my first introduction to the town and residents of Moosetookalook, Maine, I found them both to be endearing and irksome. The village square with Patsy’s Coffee House and the Scottish Emporium came alive especially during the boycott protest lead by Hadley Spinner and his New Age Pilgrim group. Hadley was quickly established as the villain and when a murder takes place (during the protest), it’s no surprise that Hadley is in the middle of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this cozy. Ms. Dunnett did a great job of creating intense feelings towards Hadley and a protectiveness of the town. Characters were introduced throughout the first few chapters in such a way that it was easy to know who was who and motives were created so we, the reader, had various suspects to choose from.
My issue was with Liss, the main character. I couldn’t connect with her and found her rather mousy. (And I have to confess, I didn’t like her husband, Dan, either.) I just couldn’t believe she’d be able to have the gumption to solve a murder mystery. Her strained relationship with her mother read like a bitchfest and I just skipped those sections. At the end, when she tells her mother they make a good team, I laughed. I mean, really? She bitched at her mother for the majority of the book.
I may give the first in the series a go. Maybe Liss had a little bit of backbone in the beginning.
As my first introduction to the town and residents of Moosetookalook, Maine, I found them both to be endearing and irksome. The village square with Patsy’s Coffee House and the Scottish Emporium came alive especially during the boycott protest lead by Hadley Spinner and his New Age Pilgrim group. Hadley was quickly established as the villain and when a murder takes place (during the protest), it’s no surprise that Hadley is in the middle of it.
Overall, I enjoyed this cozy. Ms. Dunnett did a great job of creating intense feelings towards Hadley and a protectiveness of the town. Characters were introduced throughout the first few chapters in such a way that it was easy to know who was who and motives were created so we, the reader, had various suspects to choose from.
My issue was with Liss, the main character. I couldn’t connect with her and found her rather mousy. (And I have to confess, I didn’t like her husband, Dan, either.) I just couldn’t believe she’d be able to have the gumption to solve a murder mystery. Her strained relationship with her mother read like a bitchfest and I just skipped those sections. At the end, when she tells her mother they make a good team, I laughed. I mean, really? She bitched at her mother for the majority of the book.
I may give the first in the series a go. Maybe Liss had a little bit of backbone in the beginning.
August 9, 2023
Another exciting story in Maine. Interesting theme to the plot....
Thanksgiving finds a small-town Maine shop owner juggling her mother and a murder case in this cozy mystery by the author of X Marks the Scot .
While Liss MacCrimmon preps the Scottish Emporium for November's inevitable shopping rush, other local businesses in Moosetookalook, Maine, aren't half as lucky. Year after year, her father-in-law's rustic hotel can barely turn a profit during the stretch between autumn's peak and ski season. Except this time, Mr. Ruskin realizes that the recipe for success lies in enticing an untapped niche clientele—childless couples desperate for a holiday away from family . . .
The unusual marketing tactic has everyone in Moosetookalook talking. Unfortunately, it also inspires a scathing social media campaign aimed at persuading tourists to boycott the hotel for affronting family values. Liss dismisses the bad publicity as being totally “overkilt” —until angry mobs fill the streets, the troublemaker who started it all turns up dead, and her loved ones are suspected of murder . . .
With so much at stake, Liss can't possibly follow police orders to stay out of the investigation. There's just one wee saving her own clan could mean sending a friend or two behind bars. Now—partly helped, partly hindered by her difficult mother—Liss must digest a slew of unsettling clues and catch the real killer . . . or else everything she's ever been thankful for may vanish before her eyes.
Thanksgiving finds a small-town Maine shop owner juggling her mother and a murder case in this cozy mystery by the author of X Marks the Scot .
While Liss MacCrimmon preps the Scottish Emporium for November's inevitable shopping rush, other local businesses in Moosetookalook, Maine, aren't half as lucky. Year after year, her father-in-law's rustic hotel can barely turn a profit during the stretch between autumn's peak and ski season. Except this time, Mr. Ruskin realizes that the recipe for success lies in enticing an untapped niche clientele—childless couples desperate for a holiday away from family . . .
The unusual marketing tactic has everyone in Moosetookalook talking. Unfortunately, it also inspires a scathing social media campaign aimed at persuading tourists to boycott the hotel for affronting family values. Liss dismisses the bad publicity as being totally “overkilt” —until angry mobs fill the streets, the troublemaker who started it all turns up dead, and her loved ones are suspected of murder . . .
With so much at stake, Liss can't possibly follow police orders to stay out of the investigation. There's just one wee saving her own clan could mean sending a friend or two behind bars. Now—partly helped, partly hindered by her difficult mother—Liss must digest a slew of unsettling clues and catch the real killer . . . or else everything she's ever been thankful for may vanish before her eyes.
November 21, 2018
Princess Fuzzypants here: With the pre-Thanksgiving rush underway, Liss does not need additional stress. That of course means she is going to get it in spades. Not only must she deal with her meddlesome mother’s returns to Moosetookalook (I love that name) but the leader of a local misogynistic cult has decided Liss and her family are attacking family values- even if his family values do not in any way resemble what others might consider appropriate.
He is, to say the least, unbalanced. The first salvo is vandalism and then protesters who turn busloads of tourists away. Feelings are running hot so when one of the cult is knifed in the back, the locals with whom the cult has butted heads lead the suspect list. It looks like Liss’ aunt will be the main suspect followed closely by Liss’ husband. As Liss and her mother try to figure out who committed the murder, they get a peek at the inner working of the commune. It is not as cohesive or “happy families” as they would have outsiders believe.
Despite being downtrodden by the men in the cult, it turns out to be the women who take matters in their own hands both solving two murders and passing a form of judgement on the killer. While it might have been an extreme action, there was something satisfying in it. Once the reader gets beyond the teeth gnashing when these men treat women with such disdain, it is a good mystery. I give it four purrs and two paws up.
He is, to say the least, unbalanced. The first salvo is vandalism and then protesters who turn busloads of tourists away. Feelings are running hot so when one of the cult is knifed in the back, the locals with whom the cult has butted heads lead the suspect list. It looks like Liss’ aunt will be the main suspect followed closely by Liss’ husband. As Liss and her mother try to figure out who committed the murder, they get a peek at the inner working of the commune. It is not as cohesive or “happy families” as they would have outsiders believe.
Despite being downtrodden by the men in the cult, it turns out to be the women who take matters in their own hands both solving two murders and passing a form of judgement on the killer. While it might have been an extreme action, there was something satisfying in it. Once the reader gets beyond the teeth gnashing when these men treat women with such disdain, it is a good mystery. I give it four purrs and two paws up.
November 20, 2023
This was a pretty enjoyable read, and it takes place between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Lisa MacCrimmon Ruskin is busy with her Scottish Emporium in western Maine,where fall is underway and people are preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Her father-in-law is promoting a couples' only Thanksgiving event at the inn he owns, and Liss expects that she will get a little boost in sales from those visitors.
But the Hadley Spinner and his group called the New Pilgrims send out flyers saying that the couples only event is evil,because childlessness is wrong, the couples may not even be married and staying at the inn, or they could be same sex! At first the local shop owners aren't too worried, but when a bus load of tourists drives away rather than deal with the protesters, and it looks like someone has killed Hadley Spinner, things get serious, fast.
As Liss tries to figure out what happened, and find the killer - since her Aunt Margaret is a primary suspect - a lot of things come out about the New Pilgrims, their leader, and past events.
I liked this book because there was something to be figured out, but not fifty red herrings to toss you in every direction. It was a good description of a small town where not everyone was friends, but could work together. And so few cozy mysteries take place at Thanksgiving, it was a nice seasonal treat.
Lisa MacCrimmon Ruskin is busy with her Scottish Emporium in western Maine,where fall is underway and people are preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Her father-in-law is promoting a couples' only Thanksgiving event at the inn he owns, and Liss expects that she will get a little boost in sales from those visitors.
But the Hadley Spinner and his group called the New Pilgrims send out flyers saying that the couples only event is evil,because childlessness is wrong, the couples may not even be married and staying at the inn, or they could be same sex! At first the local shop owners aren't too worried, but when a bus load of tourists drives away rather than deal with the protesters, and it looks like someone has killed Hadley Spinner, things get serious, fast.
As Liss tries to figure out what happened, and find the killer - since her Aunt Margaret is a primary suspect - a lot of things come out about the New Pilgrims, their leader, and past events.
I liked this book because there was something to be figured out, but not fifty red herrings to toss you in every direction. It was a good description of a small town where not everyone was friends, but could work together. And so few cozy mysteries take place at Thanksgiving, it was a nice seasonal treat.
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