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Shetland Sailing Mysteries #1
Death on a Longship
The first book in Marsali Taylor's thrilling Shetland Sailing Mysteries series. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Val McDermid, Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, LJ Ross and Ann Cleeves!'... a well written, enjoyable story with a proper murder-mystery plot... Highly recommended.' Puzzle Doctor, Classic MysteriesIT DOESN'T TAKE TOO LONG BEFORE THE 'ACCIDENTS' BEGIN...Her big break has finally arrived and Cassie Lynch believes she has struck gold after securing a job to skipper a Viking longship for a film. Even though this does mean returning to the Shetland Islands, the place where she fled far away from as a teen.When an unknown corpse appears onboard, Cass finds herself, her family, and her traumatic past all under intense scrutiny by the disturbingly shrewd Detective Inspector, Macrae.Cass must uncover all of her local knowledge, her wisdom from sailing that she didn't realise she possessed and call on her glamorous french opera singer mother to clear them of all suspicion. Will she be able to stay ahead of the murderers game, and avoid becoming the next victim?_____________________________Praise for the chillingly addictive, nail-biting 'A fascinating book and a fascinating series so far. And there are more in the series! Yaaay!!' 5* Reader review'Excellent first volume of detective stories set in Shetland... Good story line with notable twists to the conclusion. Would recommend' 5* Reader review'Very believable characters and delightful descriptions of Shetland that really make you feel you are there' 5* Reader review'Lovely series of crime books set in beautiful Shetland... Complex and fascinating' 5* Reader review
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2012
208 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Marsali Taylor
40 books175 followersMarsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 7, 2023
Die 29-jährige Cassandre Lynch arbeitet als Skipper eines nachgebauten Wikingerbootes auf den Shetland-Inseln. Auf dem Boot wird ein Film gedreht. Eines Abends findet Cass auf dem Wikingerboot eine Frauenleiche. Die Tote ist eine der Schauspielerinnen. Cass und ihr Vater geraten unter Verdacht, so dass sie beschließt, auf eigene Faust nach dem Täter zu suchen...
**
Mein Leseeindruck:
Für einen Krimi empfand ich die ersten 100 Seiten als relativ schleppend und unspektakulär. Langatmig waren sie zwar nicht, aber ich hatte auf mehr Spannung gehofft. Nach den ersten 100 Seiten aber wurde die Geschichte dann interessanter und konnte mich mehr fesseln.
Positiv hervorzuheben ist der Schauplatz der Krimihandlung. Die Geschichte spielt auf den Shetland-Inseln, was mir besonders gut gefallen hat. Ich konnte die raue Küste direkt vor mir sehen und das Meer hören.
Auch die Hauptprotagonistin Cassandre hat mir gut gefallen. Sie ist eine sehr ungewöhnliche junge Frau mit einem Geheimnis, das sich dem Leser im Verlauf der Handlung immer mehr erschließt.
Der Schreibstil hat mir ebenfalls gefallen. Das Buch lässt sich gut und flüssig lesen, auch wenn ich persönlich mir auf den ersten 100 Seiten etwas mehr Spannung erhofft hatte. Trotzdem kann ich den Kriminalroman auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen, denn die Geschichte und das Setting lohnen sich!
**
Mein Leseeindruck:
Für einen Krimi empfand ich die ersten 100 Seiten als relativ schleppend und unspektakulär. Langatmig waren sie zwar nicht, aber ich hatte auf mehr Spannung gehofft. Nach den ersten 100 Seiten aber wurde die Geschichte dann interessanter und konnte mich mehr fesseln.
Positiv hervorzuheben ist der Schauplatz der Krimihandlung. Die Geschichte spielt auf den Shetland-Inseln, was mir besonders gut gefallen hat. Ich konnte die raue Küste direkt vor mir sehen und das Meer hören.
Auch die Hauptprotagonistin Cassandre hat mir gut gefallen. Sie ist eine sehr ungewöhnliche junge Frau mit einem Geheimnis, das sich dem Leser im Verlauf der Handlung immer mehr erschließt.
Der Schreibstil hat mir ebenfalls gefallen. Das Buch lässt sich gut und flüssig lesen, auch wenn ich persönlich mir auf den ersten 100 Seiten etwas mehr Spannung erhofft hatte. Trotzdem kann ich den Kriminalroman auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen, denn die Geschichte und das Setting lohnen sich!
August 10, 2014
I could say how much I loved reading this book, or I could give an objective way of measuring that. This weekend, I spent most of my waking time reading it, and I had to force myself to put it down occasionally to go out into the unseasonably mild August sunshine. I’m someone who prefers being out in the garden or by the pond, so this is saying a lot. And as I was getting close to the end, I made myself slow down; I wasn’t ready to leave the setting yet (Shetland) or say fond farewells to Cass, Macrae, Magnie, Anders and his rat.
I stumbled across Death on a Longship when looking for Scotland-related books to read for a GR group challenge. I don’t know if I liked it so well because of the writing style, the nice narrative pacing, the introduction into a new (to me) culture and dialect, or my recent brief foray into neighboring Orkney. It's likely a combination of all of those. Writing to get the flavor of a dialect or cultural references across without bogging down a story can be dicey sometimes, but author Marsali Taylor nails it very nicely. She seasons conversations precisely right to keep the essence there but still allow the reader to pick up the meaning from context. Even so, she does have a translation of Shetland terms and phrases at the back, as well as some cultural context that the former anthropology student in me particularly loved.
In short, it was quite the serendipitous find and a very happy read. Fortunately for me, this is the first in a series of books of Shetland mysteries involving the major characters. I do believe they will be my go-to for binge-reading whenever I feel the need to lose myself in a nicely done mystery in a time or place different from my own.
(Note: I couldn't find the exact edition that I read here on GR, so chose the one with the closest publishing date to it. The version I read was the one published by Accent Press, March 5, 2014.)
I stumbled across Death on a Longship when looking for Scotland-related books to read for a GR group challenge. I don’t know if I liked it so well because of the writing style, the nice narrative pacing, the introduction into a new (to me) culture and dialect, or my recent brief foray into neighboring Orkney. It's likely a combination of all of those. Writing to get the flavor of a dialect or cultural references across without bogging down a story can be dicey sometimes, but author Marsali Taylor nails it very nicely. She seasons conversations precisely right to keep the essence there but still allow the reader to pick up the meaning from context. Even so, she does have a translation of Shetland terms and phrases at the back, as well as some cultural context that the former anthropology student in me particularly loved.
In short, it was quite the serendipitous find and a very happy read. Fortunately for me, this is the first in a series of books of Shetland mysteries involving the major characters. I do believe they will be my go-to for binge-reading whenever I feel the need to lose myself in a nicely done mystery in a time or place different from my own.
(Note: I couldn't find the exact edition that I read here on GR, so chose the one with the closest publishing date to it. The version I read was the one published by Accent Press, March 5, 2014.)
March 16, 2016
I love the setting in the Shetlands.The story for me was overlong and convoluted. To the point it was discussed if bed sheets should be changed, seemed the author was trying to reach a word count.
July 7, 2022
A Viking boat becomes focus of Shetland Island community hosting a film crew with a well known movie star featured who falls victim to murder. The "star" of the story, however, is young woman from the island who is returning as a boat owner and the one to manage a Viking boat for the film.
There are great boat scenes depicted as well as interesting vignettes of island life.
Included in this storyline is the plan for a Shetland wind farm, something that has become a reality.
If this part of the world interests you, Amazon Kindle price is currently 99 cents.
There are great boat scenes depicted as well as interesting vignettes of island life.
Included in this storyline is the plan for a Shetland wind farm, something that has become a reality.
If this part of the world interests you, Amazon Kindle price is currently 99 cents.
January 15, 2022
Shetland for real!
I’ve read Ann Cleese’s series by the same name, but Marsali Taylor dives deeper into the customs and atmosphere of the islands. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I’ve read Ann Cleese’s series by the same name, but Marsali Taylor dives deeper into the customs and atmosphere of the islands. Thoroughly enjoyable!
May 9, 2025
2.5 stars
February 25, 2022
A really enjoyable murder mystery. It was great knowing the places in Shetland that were referenced and being able to visualise them, but this isn’t essential to enjoy the story. I’ve already bought the next one in the series.
January 24, 2018
Recommended by a friend in Shetland.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery set in Shetland. The author peppers the book with enough dialect that you learn a few words (there is also a bit of a dictionary 8n the very back) but not so much that the reader would get frustrated.
This first novel in the collection introduces some main characters, with the lead being a woman skipper named Cass. All of the characters are well developed and the story moves at a nice clip.
I need more! Now to the second book.
Btw, better written than the Ann Cleve’s books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery set in Shetland. The author peppers the book with enough dialect that you learn a few words (there is also a bit of a dictionary 8n the very back) but not so much that the reader would get frustrated.
This first novel in the collection introduces some main characters, with the lead being a woman skipper named Cass. All of the characters are well developed and the story moves at a nice clip.
I need more! Now to the second book.
Btw, better written than the Ann Cleve’s books.
February 26, 2025
I first started reading this series during the first lockdown, and I wondered how they would stand up to rereading during 'normal life'. So far, so good. This one stays at 5 stars.
This is not a series for those who like lots of fast-paced action, gory murders and dysfunctional detectives. Cass Lynch may have run away from home as a teenager and be dealing with a traumatic incident from her past, but she's still a level-headed individual, and the main police detective character, Gavin MacCrae comes across as sane and sensible too.
What you do get with this series is a brilliant sense of location, well-rounded and believable characters, a well-constructed plot, a motive which is clear enough to be spottable but not so obvious as to be irritating, and a satisfactory resolution. I particularly love the care with which Taylor creates even minor characters - Peerie Charlie and Rat are particular favourites!
I did find that it took me a few pages to become absorbed into the story - to stop 'reading' and start 'living' it - but no more than is normal when an author is settling in to a new series. I'm looking forward to working my way through the rest of the series in preparation for visiting Shetland for real later this year!
NB: I often see these novels recommended for fans of Ann Cleeves. Personally, I prefer Taylor's writing, as I gain more of a sense of place from it, and I also find the characters more realistic. It wouldn't surprise me at all to bump into Cass or Gavin in Shetland, but I'd never expect to meet Jimmy Perez!
This is not a series for those who like lots of fast-paced action, gory murders and dysfunctional detectives. Cass Lynch may have run away from home as a teenager and be dealing with a traumatic incident from her past, but she's still a level-headed individual, and the main police detective character, Gavin MacCrae comes across as sane and sensible too.
What you do get with this series is a brilliant sense of location, well-rounded and believable characters, a well-constructed plot, a motive which is clear enough to be spottable but not so obvious as to be irritating, and a satisfactory resolution. I particularly love the care with which Taylor creates even minor characters - Peerie Charlie and Rat are particular favourites!
I did find that it took me a few pages to become absorbed into the story - to stop 'reading' and start 'living' it - but no more than is normal when an author is settling in to a new series. I'm looking forward to working my way through the rest of the series in preparation for visiting Shetland for real later this year!
NB: I often see these novels recommended for fans of Ann Cleeves. Personally, I prefer Taylor's writing, as I gain more of a sense of place from it, and I also find the characters more realistic. It wouldn't surprise me at all to bump into Cass or Gavin in Shetland, but I'd never expect to meet Jimmy Perez!
July 18, 2025
Not a bad book, but the downgraded rating is due to a huge failing in wrapping up the story, the kind of thing I find unforgivable with any author.
Overall, the story was good. The two main characters (Cass Lynch and DI Macrae) were likable and you could see how they would develop in later books.
The sailing information was excellent. I know just enough about sailing to understand that most of the information in the book was accurate. And the way Cass spoke about being at sea is how the sailors whose interviews I've heard speak. So good research by the author.
The who done it part was reasonably hidden so it couldn't be figured early. Although the reason for the murder was too typical. No one seems to have come up with anything new - guess I read too many murder mysteries.
Now my big problem with this book. There is a secondary story about someone committing sabotage. The person was peripherally involved in a death. But at the end of the book, this subplot is dropped, nada, nothing, no mention, no consequences. I really hate when an author does this.
The other thing I hate is when an author takes a strong female character and decides she needs to be more girlie in order to satisfy the mother. That took away from my interest in Cass.
I liked the descriptions of Fair Isle and Shetland, it's a place I've always wanted to go. I'm going to read the next book based on the place and the sailing, and hope that the author improves.
Overall, the story was good. The two main characters (Cass Lynch and DI Macrae) were likable and you could see how they would develop in later books.
The sailing information was excellent. I know just enough about sailing to understand that most of the information in the book was accurate. And the way Cass spoke about being at sea is how the sailors whose interviews I've heard speak. So good research by the author.
The who done it part was reasonably hidden so it couldn't be figured early. Although the reason for the murder was too typical. No one seems to have come up with anything new - guess I read too many murder mysteries.
Now my big problem with this book. There is a secondary story about someone committing sabotage. The person was peripherally involved in a death. But at the end of the book, this subplot is dropped, nada, nothing, no mention, no consequences. I really hate when an author does this.
The other thing I hate is when an author takes a strong female character and decides she needs to be more girlie in order to satisfy the mother. That took away from my interest in Cass.
I liked the descriptions of Fair Isle and Shetland, it's a place I've always wanted to go. I'm going to read the next book based on the place and the sailing, and hope that the author improves.
April 2, 2018
Didn’t really take to this to this book.
Cassandra takes a job on a film set that will take her back to her childhood home on Shetland. So far so interesting.
A body is discovered on Cass’s boat, even more interesting, but as we go along everything that is asked of Cass needs a long chapter as she looks back on her life. Every building and room well described, childhood memories gone over in depth, the family home, her father, how she met new friends and remembers old friends.
The death is discovered at the beginning of the book but after a while I’d forgotten about it and the handsome, kilt-wearing detective from Inverness who takes charge, as it features in just short breaks.
Dear readers, I did not finish. Sorry. Three stars as it could’ve got better further on and others got more from it.
Cassandra takes a job on a film set that will take her back to her childhood home on Shetland. So far so interesting.
A body is discovered on Cass’s boat, even more interesting, but as we go along everything that is asked of Cass needs a long chapter as she looks back on her life. Every building and room well described, childhood memories gone over in depth, the family home, her father, how she met new friends and remembers old friends.
The death is discovered at the beginning of the book but after a while I’d forgotten about it and the handsome, kilt-wearing detective from Inverness who takes charge, as it features in just short breaks.
Dear readers, I did not finish. Sorry. Three stars as it could’ve got better further on and others got more from it.
July 17, 2017
This was a decent read, decent enough that I would try others in the series. I found it quite hard to get through and didn't find myself caring quite enough about most of the characters. The first in a crime series often has a lot of work to do and can be pretty lumpy... but at least this one has a lot in it and errs on the overstuffed rather than thin side. I see various descriptions of them as 'Cass Lynch Mysteries' and 'Shetland Sailing Mysteries' - lots of Cass with her interesting family background and difficult events in her past, lots of Shetland which is always nice, as Ann Cleeves has shown, and a heck of a lot of boat-y stuff.
The elements about the impacts of oil and windpower were fascinating and not the usual fare, worth reading for those alone.
The elements about the impacts of oil and windpower were fascinating and not the usual fare, worth reading for those alone.
July 29, 2015
If it's true that a Shetlander is a sailor with a bit of land (by contrast with an Orcadian, who's a farmer with a boat), then this book belongs in Shetland. I spent the first while feeling rather seasick but that is the choice of subject matter rather than the quality of the writing. Otherwise an enjoyable and atmospheric read, with convincing characters amongst the Shetlanders, anyway.
November 6, 2018
This was ok. Not thrilling or particularly exciting but not bad. I liked the shetland background which added a bit of spice. A fairly average who dunnit. And a bit too much boat stuff. I skipped over all the nautical terms which seemed endless.
September 7, 2021
This book was mildly interesting, but I felt I was slogging through a bit...and when I discovered I was only about halfway through, decided, I didn't want to spend any more time on it. Life's too short.
November 3, 2022
There are lots of good things to say about this book. An interesting and unusual setting (Shetland, someone living on a boat, a longship, a filmcrew).
The writing in some places is wonderful, especially when Ms Taylor talks about the scenery. She's got a great way with words, and those passages are an absolute joy to read.
There's conflict, there's a mystery, there's murder, there are actually characters I can relate to (instead of hyped up wedding planners, cardboard cutout muffin makers and a whole horde of witches who simply can toil and trouble to their heart's content - they'll never faze me. )
So, why only three stars (well, three stars for me are a good rating, but not the best. If I really like a book, I usually give at least four)?
Well, there are quite a few issues with formatting - the name of the boat is correctly italicised and very often there's an extra line. Or a space missing.
What's more important, I had quite a few issues with the plot. It's super complex, very convoluted, and I'm still not sure I understood it all.
The author's style is also rather wordy (okay, I'm told I'm guilty of that particular crime as well), but I don't quite go to the same level of granularity when it comes to describing mundane tasks.
It's a lot to take in, and I didn't quite click. However, I liked it enough to buy the second book, the one with the Neolithic mount, and that one is really good. Currently, I'm on number three. I'd say, not an absolutely super brilliant beginning, but a good book, an interesting premise, and some good quality writing I could get my teeth in.
I was starting to have my doubts about my beloved mysteries. I can't re-read all my favourite authors all the time. Looks like I might not have to
Hm.
The writing in some places is wonderful, especially when Ms Taylor talks about the scenery. She's got a great way with words, and those passages are an absolute joy to read.
There's conflict, there's a mystery, there's murder, there are actually characters I can relate to (instead of hyped up wedding planners, cardboard cutout muffin makers and a whole horde of witches who simply can toil and trouble to their heart's content - they'll never faze me. )
So, why only three stars (well, three stars for me are a good rating, but not the best. If I really like a book, I usually give at least four)?
Well, there are quite a few issues with formatting - the name of the boat is correctly italicised and very often there's an extra line. Or a space missing.
What's more important, I had quite a few issues with the plot. It's super complex, very convoluted, and I'm still not sure I understood it all.
The author's style is also rather wordy (okay, I'm told I'm guilty of that particular crime as well), but I don't quite go to the same level of granularity when it comes to describing mundane tasks.
It's a lot to take in, and I didn't quite click. However, I liked it enough to buy the second book, the one with the Neolithic mount, and that one is really good. Currently, I'm on number three. I'd say, not an absolutely super brilliant beginning, but a good book, an interesting premise, and some good quality writing I could get my teeth in.
I was starting to have my doubts about my beloved mysteries. I can't re-read all my favourite authors all the time. Looks like I might not have to
Hm.
October 27, 2025
Spannender Krimi
Der Krimi ist spannend geschrieben. Zu Beginn wechselt die Perspektive immer zwischen der Gegenwart, in der die Protagonistin Cass Lynch zum Mordfall befragt wird und ihren Erinnerungen/Erzählungen aus den vergangenen Tagen bis hin zum Mord.
Die Charaktere, mit denen wir es zu tun bekommen, sind alle auf ihre Art und Weise eigen. Insgesamt passten die Figuren zur Umgebung Shetlands und der generellen Stimmung der Geschichte.
Ein spannender Aspekt bei dem Mordfall: Das Opfer war ein Zwilling und zunächst steht die Frage im Raum, welchen Zwilling es erwischt hat und ob der Täter gegebenenfalls den falschen Zwilling ermordet hat. Dadurch wird immer nach Mordmotiven gegen beide Zwillingsschwestern gesucht. Solche Twists gefallen mir gut und ich war mir dadurch auch bis zum Schluss nicht sicher, wer hinter dem Mord stecken könnte.
Aufklärung des Falls und die Befragungen, die Cass durchführt, um den Täter zu überführen und somit ihre eigene Unschuld und die ihres Vaters zu beweisen, waren sehr interessant. Ich kam dann in einen guten Flow und wollte den Fall auch aufklären.
Was mich etwas gestört hat, waren die umfangreichen Erklärungen zum Segeln. Es wurde mir hier stellenweise zu technisch/fachlich und das hätte es für mich in der Ausführlichkeit nicht gebraucht. Dadurch entstanden auch Längen, die aus meiner Sicht immer mal die Spannung etwas rausgenommen haben.
Insgesamt aber ein guter Krimi, der mir gefallen hat und den ich weiterempfehlen kann.
Der Krimi ist spannend geschrieben. Zu Beginn wechselt die Perspektive immer zwischen der Gegenwart, in der die Protagonistin Cass Lynch zum Mordfall befragt wird und ihren Erinnerungen/Erzählungen aus den vergangenen Tagen bis hin zum Mord.
Die Charaktere, mit denen wir es zu tun bekommen, sind alle auf ihre Art und Weise eigen. Insgesamt passten die Figuren zur Umgebung Shetlands und der generellen Stimmung der Geschichte.
Ein spannender Aspekt bei dem Mordfall: Das Opfer war ein Zwilling und zunächst steht die Frage im Raum, welchen Zwilling es erwischt hat und ob der Täter gegebenenfalls den falschen Zwilling ermordet hat. Dadurch wird immer nach Mordmotiven gegen beide Zwillingsschwestern gesucht. Solche Twists gefallen mir gut und ich war mir dadurch auch bis zum Schluss nicht sicher, wer hinter dem Mord stecken könnte.
Aufklärung des Falls und die Befragungen, die Cass durchführt, um den Täter zu überführen und somit ihre eigene Unschuld und die ihres Vaters zu beweisen, waren sehr interessant. Ich kam dann in einen guten Flow und wollte den Fall auch aufklären.
Was mich etwas gestört hat, waren die umfangreichen Erklärungen zum Segeln. Es wurde mir hier stellenweise zu technisch/fachlich und das hätte es für mich in der Ausführlichkeit nicht gebraucht. Dadurch entstanden auch Längen, die aus meiner Sicht immer mal die Spannung etwas rausgenommen haben.
Insgesamt aber ein guter Krimi, der mir gefallen hat und den ich weiterempfehlen kann.
September 30, 2018
Cassie is desperate to make it as a ship's skipper without the help of her successful businessman father and her opera-singing mother, both of whom she feels resentful against. When she gets appointed as skipper of a Viking reconstruction ship in her native Shetland for a Hollywood film, she hopes that this is her big break - but quickly things begin to unravel.
Probably best not to be too squeamish or inclined to seasickness if you want to enjoy this book. Plus - you've heard of a ship's cat - well this ship has a rat - don't worry - it's a really nice one and functions as a great neck-warmer on long crossings - every ship should have one...
I picked up this book because we sailed to Orkney this year - negotiating the fiendish tides - just a half-hour window twice a day to get out of Stromness through the Roost, we headed off at 2am - but hey, it's light at 2am in Orkney in June - just a shame that we'd been out to a gig until midnight - but live a little... Next year I'm trying to persuade my husband to sail us to Shetland, so I figured I'd give this book a go.
I'd have preferred the first half of the story not to have been told in 'flashbacks', but once the story caught up with itself I settled down to enjoy it, and there were some complex back stories and guilt to add to the interest of the actual detective story.
Probably best not to be too squeamish or inclined to seasickness if you want to enjoy this book. Plus - you've heard of a ship's cat - well this ship has a rat - don't worry - it's a really nice one and functions as a great neck-warmer on long crossings - every ship should have one...
I picked up this book because we sailed to Orkney this year - negotiating the fiendish tides - just a half-hour window twice a day to get out of Stromness through the Roost, we headed off at 2am - but hey, it's light at 2am in Orkney in June - just a shame that we'd been out to a gig until midnight - but live a little... Next year I'm trying to persuade my husband to sail us to Shetland, so I figured I'd give this book a go.
I'd have preferred the first half of the story not to have been told in 'flashbacks', but once the story caught up with itself I settled down to enjoy it, and there were some complex back stories and guilt to add to the interest of the actual detective story.
August 20, 2023
The first book in Marsali Taylor's mystery series set on Shetland is also my first encounter with her work. The presence of a replica Viking longship in the story (and the book title) helped spark my interest and hoping for something in the style of Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series, I bought this volume.
My copy suggests this is for people who like the Vera mysteries by Anne Cleeve, but Taylor's book does not have the depth of 'gravitas' of Cleeve's novels, neither is it addictive like the Griffiths' series. But Death on a Longship is entertaining enough, and I was intrigued sufficiently to keep reading until the end. (At my age, I can't be bothered wasting my time with something less than 'entertaining' or 'interesting.'
As for the other titles in the series, I would opt for eBook editions rather than add more paperbacks to my collection, even though physical books are my favourite medium. But Taylor's light-weight style happily suits the digital format.
My copy suggests this is for people who like the Vera mysteries by Anne Cleeve, but Taylor's book does not have the depth of 'gravitas' of Cleeve's novels, neither is it addictive like the Griffiths' series. But Death on a Longship is entertaining enough, and I was intrigued sufficiently to keep reading until the end. (At my age, I can't be bothered wasting my time with something less than 'entertaining' or 'interesting.'
As for the other titles in the series, I would opt for eBook editions rather than add more paperbacks to my collection, even though physical books are my favourite medium. But Taylor's light-weight style happily suits the digital format.
December 23, 2023
I've read two of Marsali Taylor's Shetland Sailing mysteries previously, but wanted to read the first, and luckily this time it was in the library when I called in. Death on a Longship was published in 2012. I liked this one best of the three I have read to date, I suspect this is because the passion for writing about sailing and the Shetland landscape she describes were so fresh and new in this first volume. The description of the landscape, the places, the food, are all superb.
The plot weaves and throws out plentiful clues, but clues to what? People who are opposed to the proposed windfarm or people with a grudge sufficient to wish to kill to make a point? The characters that are later developed in the subsequent series are sketched here, in varying degrees of depth. They are to become familiar in the subsequent books.
For those who enjoy Ann Cleeves books, these are far more integrated into Shetland life, as one would expect from a long-time resident, rather than a visitor.
The plot weaves and throws out plentiful clues, but clues to what? People who are opposed to the proposed windfarm or people with a grudge sufficient to wish to kill to make a point? The characters that are later developed in the subsequent series are sketched here, in varying degrees of depth. They are to become familiar in the subsequent books.
For those who enjoy Ann Cleeves books, these are far more integrated into Shetland life, as one would expect from a long-time resident, rather than a visitor.
December 29, 2021
Wow! I really like these. Okay, in this first one the plot is a bit contrived (and I figured it out too soon), but I absolutely love getting to know Cass Lynch and (eventually) DI Gavin Macrae. But I am so thankful for the recommendation of Ann Cleeves for another series set in the Shetland Islands. I reading the series in order (thank goodness it took me a few years to get started) and am getting better with the vocabulary. Of course I love the landscape! (If you have read any other of my reviews, you'll know that this is a major reason I read detective fiction.) One of the aspects of the novels I also love is surprising, as I do not sail: I really like being out on the water and all the information about tides and sails and navigation. I am not going to review these separately (pressed for time) but will give the appropriate (to me) stars. Wonderful series!
June 6, 2023
This is the tenth book which I have read in this cosy crime series. This is the first book in this series (eleven books so far) and was originally published as "Death on a longship". I like the main character of Cass Lynch and I like the references to life in the islands so I find the books charming.
In this story Cass returns to Shetland after a long absence to skipper the longship for a film company. When one of the cast is found dead on the longship Cass finds herself under suspicion. This is a good read although the scene where the children show Cass what they have found grated on me a bit as I could not see how Cass, given her long absence from the islands, could possibly have known the children.
Probably a good idea to read these books in order so you can see how Cass' life develops over the series.
In this story Cass returns to Shetland after a long absence to skipper the longship for a film company. When one of the cast is found dead on the longship Cass finds herself under suspicion. This is a good read although the scene where the children show Cass what they have found grated on me a bit as I could not see how Cass, given her long absence from the islands, could possibly have known the children.
Probably a good idea to read these books in order so you can see how Cass' life develops over the series.
July 22, 2023
This isn’t the sort of book I read these days, though twenty years ago I read lots of crime books like this. I took it in though, because I am on the Shetlands for the summer and was persuaded to read something from here.
This is based is Brae, the hub of the island of Yell, so not a lot of people around. It’s the first book of a series involving Cass Lynch, who owns and sails an eight metre keelboat, and whose services are requested by an American film company on the islands making a movie.
Its strengths for me are its locations, and culture of the area. As a crime novel it was how I expected it to be, highly implausible and yet predictable, and setting out a formulaic pattern which I expect the other books of the series will follow. My criticism is exactly what fans of Taylor’s books like.
This is based is Brae, the hub of the island of Yell, so not a lot of people around. It’s the first book of a series involving Cass Lynch, who owns and sails an eight metre keelboat, and whose services are requested by an American film company on the islands making a movie.
Its strengths for me are its locations, and culture of the area. As a crime novel it was how I expected it to be, highly implausible and yet predictable, and setting out a formulaic pattern which I expect the other books of the series will follow. My criticism is exactly what fans of Taylor’s books like.
October 23, 2020
I like a book to grab me in the first few pages, this did not. I found the first half of the book very confusing with all its jumping around. It was very difficult but I plowed on. I ordered the entire series so I decided to just get through the first one and see how I felt. Eventually, Taylor keep everything in the present tense and it was easier to follow. Hopefully, the rest of the series isn't as difficult to navigate.
I ordered this series based on Ann Cleeves Shetland books. I did like the fact that environment issues were the same in both series...Wind farms on Shetland were mentioned in both series. It actually changed my mind regarding the effect they have on the environment. Thank you for enlightening me.
I ordered this series based on Ann Cleeves Shetland books. I did like the fact that environment issues were the same in both series...Wind farms on Shetland were mentioned in both series. It actually changed my mind regarding the effect they have on the environment. Thank you for enlightening me.
August 3, 2017
Leider konnte mich dieser Krimi nicht wirklich überzeugen. Ich fand Cass als Protagonistin einfach schwierig, ich habe keine Beziehung zu ihr aufgebaut und es war mir eigentlich relativ egal, was passiert. Ich habe eigentlich eher immer darauf gewartet, ob jetzt noch irgendeine zwischenmenschliche Beziehung ins Spiel kommt, aber irgendwie ... klar, das Verhältnis zu ihrer Familie gibt da schon auch einiges her, aber trotzdem finde ich, dass Cass schwer zu fassen bleibt. Der Fall an sich ist auch nicht übermäßig spannend - und mir waren es zum Teil auch einfach zu viele Segel-Details. Echt schade.
November 17, 2017
Liked this, a bit different (I don't know much about sailing but the author manages to make you understand the main bits and a bit about the sailing world without overloading you with information). The setting is mainly Shetland with a bit of Bergen. The twin theme seems to be turning up in a lot of the books I have read recently! Told from the point of view of an innocent suspect, which is interesting (the police are definitely outsiders in the story). Not a mainstream publisher (in fact one which is local to me rather than to the setting) so may not be as obtainable in shops and libraries as some, but I will be looking out for others.
May 8, 2022
I liked the story and found it to be a good beginning to a series but, there are, nonetheless a few things that were a peerie bit annoying.
I liked the setting and the varied cast of characters that populated the story, even the victim to some extent but I found some descriptions to be lengthy for no purposes other than filling space and the little girl with unbelievably unsuited for each other and rich parents, living like a pauper on her boat was somewhere cliché.
Nonetheless, the. Book was good and I’m going to give a go at the next instalment in the series and I will gladly recommend the book to friends.
I liked the setting and the varied cast of characters that populated the story, even the victim to some extent but I found some descriptions to be lengthy for no purposes other than filling space and the little girl with unbelievably unsuited for each other and rich parents, living like a pauper on her boat was somewhere cliché.
Nonetheless, the. Book was good and I’m going to give a go at the next instalment in the series and I will gladly recommend the book to friends.
July 4, 2022
A salty tale.
The first in what I hope will be a long series. Boats and Shetland and a good amateur detective in Cass. She becomes skipper of a reproduction Viking longship which is going to feature in a film about the Vikings in America. Shetland is standing in for America. Cass is a local with a heavy load of guilt. The film crew has a star with a twin sister as stunt double. One sister dies who dunnit? Throw in some eco problems, baby mania, a Highland police officer with a kilt...Perhaps future love interest for Cass and you have a great formula. The story moves slowly, has lots of sailing jargon and wonderful descriptions of Shetland. A complete joy.
The first in what I hope will be a long series. Boats and Shetland and a good amateur detective in Cass. She becomes skipper of a reproduction Viking longship which is going to feature in a film about the Vikings in America. Shetland is standing in for America. Cass is a local with a heavy load of guilt. The film crew has a star with a twin sister as stunt double. One sister dies who dunnit? Throw in some eco problems, baby mania, a Highland police officer with a kilt...Perhaps future love interest for Cass and you have a great formula. The story moves slowly, has lots of sailing jargon and wonderful descriptions of Shetland. A complete joy.
December 19, 2023
Cass was born on the Shetlands, but her parents' careers meant that she had to move to France as a young teenager. However, her love for the sea and boats stayed and she ran away at 16 to work on various vessels (mainly yachts and sail boats) around the world, one of which trips ended in personal tragedy. A chance encounter in a Norwegian restaurant creates an opportunity for her to return to the Shetlands and manage a replica Viking ship for a film crew. However when the main star is found dead on board, Cass finds herself a suspect and must use all her skills to uncover the truth. A lovely start to a series new to me set in the Shetland islands. I look forward to the rest of the series.
November 11, 2019
I thought this was a very original idea for a crime novel, and I'm a sucker for anything set in Shetland. The descriptions of the setting worked for me, up to a point, but I did find the writing quite clunky, with odd word choices (almost as if written by someone for whom English is a second language), and this at times pulled me out of the story. However, this is the author's first novel, and I'm sure this will improve with time. I'll probably give the next in the series a shot, as I did warm to (most of) the characters.
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