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Scottish Shire Mystery #2
Murder in a Scottish Garden
In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer. . .
Paislee’s custom sweater and yarn business, Cashmere Crush, is the sole support for not only the single mum and her ten-year-old son Brody, but also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she’ll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him.
Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody’s class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It’s not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery’s nephew, Charles Thomson. Gruff DI Mack Zeffer is on the case, but Paislee also has a stake in flushing out the shooter. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path . . .
Paislee’s custom sweater and yarn business, Cashmere Crush, is the sole support for not only the single mum and her ten-year-old son Brody, but also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she’ll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him.
Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody’s class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It’s not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery’s nephew, Charles Thomson. Gruff DI Mack Zeffer is on the case, but Paislee also has a stake in flushing out the shooter. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path . . .
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2021
210 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Traci Hall
109 books401 followersalso writing as Traci Wilton and Ellie Brannigan
From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone.
Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it's her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.
Traci wants to hear from you!
Traci@TraciHall.com
Facebook.com/BytheSeaSeries
Twitter.com/Tracihallauthor
From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone.
Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it's her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean.
Traci wants to hear from you!
Traci@TraciHall.com
Facebook.com/BytheSeaSeries
Twitter.com/Tracihallauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 14, 2023
3.5 stars
Book 2 in the Scottish Shire Mystery Series, Paislee, owner of her speciality sweater and yarn shop, Cashmere Crush, is a chapterone on her son's field trip. She hears a gun shot and sees a man fall through the hedges. THroughout the book they are trying to figure out who killed this man, who was the cousin to her landlord that's been trying to evict her, Shawn Marcus. Shawn is afraid someone is trying to kill him and his mother so Paislee starts trying to investigate the murder and everything gets crazy from there.
I liked this one a little more than book 1, we have more of a focus on the mystery here then their family dynamics, but I still want a romance for Paislee! I will continue on listening to these audiobooks because they are very bingeable :) Love the scottish vibes and accents, as always. Looking forward to see what happens next with our characters. I did like the family aspect of Paislee, her son and grandfather. We get pretty attached to our main characters more in this story as we grow to know them and their backgrounds. Paislee is a very realistics character trying to balance being a single mom, small business owner and taking care of her family.
Overall, enjoyed this and plan to continue on.
Book 2 in the Scottish Shire Mystery Series, Paislee, owner of her speciality sweater and yarn shop, Cashmere Crush, is a chapterone on her son's field trip. She hears a gun shot and sees a man fall through the hedges. THroughout the book they are trying to figure out who killed this man, who was the cousin to her landlord that's been trying to evict her, Shawn Marcus. Shawn is afraid someone is trying to kill him and his mother so Paislee starts trying to investigate the murder and everything gets crazy from there.
I liked this one a little more than book 1, we have more of a focus on the mystery here then their family dynamics, but I still want a romance for Paislee! I will continue on listening to these audiobooks because they are very bingeable :) Love the scottish vibes and accents, as always. Looking forward to see what happens next with our characters. I did like the family aspect of Paislee, her son and grandfather. We get pretty attached to our main characters more in this story as we grow to know them and their backgrounds. Paislee is a very realistics character trying to balance being a single mom, small business owner and taking care of her family.
Overall, enjoyed this and plan to continue on.
May 29, 2021
Murder in a Scottish Garden by Traci Hall has Paislee Shaw acting as chaperone on her son’s class field trip to the Leery Estate. Paislee is hoping to see her wayward landlord, Shawn Marcus while there because there is only five days left on the thirty days’ notice he served her. While waiting for one of her charges to exit the restroom, Paislee hears a pop and then Lady Leery’s nephew, Charles Thomson falls through the hedges dead. DI Mack Zeffer is on the case, and he is interested in Paislee’s keen observations. DI Zeffer, though, does not want Paislee investigating, but her curiosity gets the best of her. She soon discovers that there are more suspects than sprouting weeds in a spring garden. Paislee needs to narrow down the list and zero in on the guilty party. Murder in a Scottish Garden is the 2nd A Scottish Shire Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in Murder in a Scottish Shire. I like that the main characters (Paislee, Brody, Gramps) are developed. We continue to learn more about this little family. I enjoyed the descriptions of Nairn, Scotland with its nosy residents and charming shops. Not as much time was spent in Cashmere Crush this time which is a shame because I love the cozy shop. I enjoy reading about the beautiful yarns Paislee carries and the items she creates with them. The mystery was complex and thought-out. There are a handful of suspects along with good clues. I enjoyed solving this whodunit. I did feel, though, that the book lacked action. The pacing was sluggish in the middle. I am surprised Cashmere Crush makes money with the amount of time Paislee spends running around town with the shop closed. There is a way to balance work and sleuthing (hint to the author). I was not a fan of the lawsuit storyline (parents sued Paislee—who has no money—because she protected a little girl from seeing a dead man). It seemed silly and unnecessary. There are two potential suitors for Paislee, but issues keep her from getting together with her son’s headmaster who runs hot and cold. Grandpa is still looking for his missing son. This storyline started in Murder in a Scottish Shire and is touched on in this book. I wonder how long the author will stretch out this thread. Murder at a Scottish Social is the next book in the series. Murder in a Scottish Garden is a charming whodunit with a mystifying maze, a striking sculptor, a dedicated detective, a trivial lawsuit, real estate miseries, and a mysterious murder.
May 21, 2021
Murder in a Scottish Garden is a terrific second instalment to a new cosy mystery series by Traci Hall and I found the book to be an extremely fun read.
I loved the setting of Nairn, a delightful sounding Scottish town by the seaside, so imaginatively depicted by the author. Twenty-something single mum, Paislee Shaw has made a great life for herself, her son Brody, 10 and their terrier, Wallace. She owns Cashmere Crush, a bespoke speciality knitwear shop where the locals can while away their time at her 'Knit and Sip' group. But Paislee has recently received some bad news in the form of an eviction notice. Her landlord, Shawn Marcus, heir to the Leery Estate, has vanished and she needs to speak with him. Paislee goes looking for Shawn and finds a dead body instead, and it's Lady Leery’s nephew, Charles Thomson. Detective Inspector Mack Zeffer is on the case as Paislee sets out to keep her business going.
A full cast of interesting characters complemented the disorganised, very determined Paislee though not everyone was as they seemed. The plot was strong and comfortably paced, and the puzzling mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading Murder in a Scottish Garden and I am already anticipating another trip to Nairn and getting to know all of the characters to a greater degree. If you adore a fantastic cosy mystery with decent helpings of family angst and community spirit, don't miss out on Murder in a Scottish Garden.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
I loved the setting of Nairn, a delightful sounding Scottish town by the seaside, so imaginatively depicted by the author. Twenty-something single mum, Paislee Shaw has made a great life for herself, her son Brody, 10 and their terrier, Wallace. She owns Cashmere Crush, a bespoke speciality knitwear shop where the locals can while away their time at her 'Knit and Sip' group. But Paislee has recently received some bad news in the form of an eviction notice. Her landlord, Shawn Marcus, heir to the Leery Estate, has vanished and she needs to speak with him. Paislee goes looking for Shawn and finds a dead body instead, and it's Lady Leery’s nephew, Charles Thomson. Detective Inspector Mack Zeffer is on the case as Paislee sets out to keep her business going.
A full cast of interesting characters complemented the disorganised, very determined Paislee though not everyone was as they seemed. The plot was strong and comfortably paced, and the puzzling mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed reading Murder in a Scottish Garden and I am already anticipating another trip to Nairn and getting to know all of the characters to a greater degree. If you adore a fantastic cosy mystery with decent helpings of family angst and community spirit, don't miss out on Murder in a Scottish Garden.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
March 9, 2021
The second book in the Scottish Shire Mystery series is an entertaining read. In my opinion, this book can be read as a stand-alone without being lost, even if you haven't read the first book. The characters in this series are developing nicely. Paislee is not what I would call a busy body or nosey type of sleuth, she is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think her relationship with her grandfather and the family dynamics that are developing add a nice dimension to the story. The secondary cast of characters is comprised of fellow shop owners and Paislee's best friend Lydia.
This time around, Paislee is innocently accompanying her son's class as a chaperone on a field trip to the local gardens. However, as seems to be her luck, upon taking one of her charges to the restroom, she sees a dead body next to the building. The mystery has intrigue and dysfunctional family dynamics that the reader needs to wade through before determining the killer's identity. There is plenty going on during the story and it is up to the reader to determine if and/or how the events are related. I thought the mystery was wrapped up nicely. There is one underlying mystery that I think will carry through the series for a while and that is what happened to her grandfather's son. That's a thread running through this book but no resolution yet.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This time around, Paislee is innocently accompanying her son's class as a chaperone on a field trip to the local gardens. However, as seems to be her luck, upon taking one of her charges to the restroom, she sees a dead body next to the building. The mystery has intrigue and dysfunctional family dynamics that the reader needs to wade through before determining the killer's identity. There is plenty going on during the story and it is up to the reader to determine if and/or how the events are related. I thought the mystery was wrapped up nicely. There is one underlying mystery that I think will carry through the series for a while and that is what happened to her grandfather's son. That's a thread running through this book but no resolution yet.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 2, 2022
Mi ci è voluto un po' per abituarmi ai dialoghi che "copiano" la parlata scozzese, ma poi ho letto facilmente questo libro. Bella storia con una soluzione un po' complessa: infatti i colpevoli che mi venivano in mente avevano sempre un motivo per cui non sembravano essere quello giusto. La mia frase suona criptica, ma è l'unico modo per non fare spoiler...
February 9, 2021
This is the second book in a fun series by Traci Hall.
Paisley Shaw is a single mom running her own yarn shop. Her Grandpa lives with them too, and the three of them make a cute family.
While accompanying her son Brody on a field trip, Paisley and a young student run into some problems when an odd noise rings out.
Before long, Paisley finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation, fighting to keep her business going, and trying to figure out why she’s being dismissed as a chaperone at her son’s school.
This book is a fun read for anyone who enjoys a solid mystery.
#MurderinaScottishGarden #NetGalley
Paisley Shaw is a single mom running her own yarn shop. Her Grandpa lives with them too, and the three of them make a cute family.
While accompanying her son Brody on a field trip, Paisley and a young student run into some problems when an odd noise rings out.
Before long, Paisley finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation, fighting to keep her business going, and trying to figure out why she’s being dismissed as a chaperone at her son’s school.
This book is a fun read for anyone who enjoys a solid mystery.
#MurderinaScottishGarden #NetGalley
July 15, 2021
I did enjoy the characters in book with it being well written and the characters and setting being well described.
With the descriptions you will feel as though you are in Scotland and going through the struggles our main character is as she is served an eviction notice on her yarn shop having to evacuate in thirty days.
When presented with the golden opportunity of chaperoning her son's class filed trip to the landlord's mother's mansion she expects to run into him there as he's a bit elusive.
When a murder occurs almost under her nose the sleuthing begins.
Attention keeping book.
Pub Date: 25 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
With the descriptions you will feel as though you are in Scotland and going through the struggles our main character is as she is served an eviction notice on her yarn shop having to evacuate in thirty days.
When presented with the golden opportunity of chaperoning her son's class filed trip to the landlord's mother's mansion she expects to run into him there as he's a bit elusive.
When a murder occurs almost under her nose the sleuthing begins.
Attention keeping book.
Pub Date: 25 May 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2021
The second book in the Scottish Shire series is just as delightful as the first. Single mom and shop owner, Paislee Shaw is chaperoning her son's field trip to the local Manor when she gets involved in another murder.
I love the characters in this series. They are well developed and make me feel like I am part of the story. I really like that Grandpa has become such an integral part of Paislee's family. I like that Paislee is very human and struggles a bit with time management, particularly when it comes to her son, Brody.
There is a continuation of a potential love triangle with the Head Master and the Detective Inspector. I am firmly on Team Zeffer. The Head Master is a bit too snotty for my taste.
There was not as much time devoted to the shop this time. I missed that. I would also have liked to have seen a pattern in the back of the book for one of Paislee's creations.
The mystery was very well done with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was quite shocked when the culprit was revealed. Family secrets are always a good plot.
I truly enjoyed my visit to Nairn and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see if we get more clues about Craigh's disappearance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing a copy of this book to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love the characters in this series. They are well developed and make me feel like I am part of the story. I really like that Grandpa has become such an integral part of Paislee's family. I like that Paislee is very human and struggles a bit with time management, particularly when it comes to her son, Brody.
There is a continuation of a potential love triangle with the Head Master and the Detective Inspector. I am firmly on Team Zeffer. The Head Master is a bit too snotty for my taste.
There was not as much time devoted to the shop this time. I missed that. I would also have liked to have seen a pattern in the back of the book for one of Paislee's creations.
The mystery was very well done with lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was quite shocked when the culprit was revealed. Family secrets are always a good plot.
I truly enjoyed my visit to Nairn and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see if we get more clues about Craigh's disappearance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing a copy of this book to me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2022
Traci Halls second book in the Scottish Shire Series is just as charming as her first! Paislee Shaw is searching for her absent landlord, Shawn Marcus, who has served her and other shop owners with an eviction notice. Paislee discovers Shawn is an heir to the Leery Estate, which is exactly the place her son Brody, is going on a field trip with his class. Paislee signs up to be a chaperone hoping to catch up to Shawn and demand some answers. While at the estate, Paislee is witness to a murder, watching as a body falls out of a hedge. Now, she must help find the killer to get the answers she needs.
I have completely embraced this series. Paislee is a strong woman, who’s loyal to her family and friends. This cozy mystery combines all the elements of a cozy. A charming small town, a relatable amateur sleuth, devoted friends and a plethora of suspects. Not to mention an arrogant detective and an uncertain headmaster. This is a series you will want to follow.
I have completely embraced this series. Paislee is a strong woman, who’s loyal to her family and friends. This cozy mystery combines all the elements of a cozy. A charming small town, a relatable amateur sleuth, devoted friends and a plethora of suspects. Not to mention an arrogant detective and an uncertain headmaster. This is a series you will want to follow.
June 6, 2024
3.5 pink stars
This worked better for me as an audiobook than reading the first book in print. Katherine Kellgren is an able narrator, and while I know better than to think the dialect is in any way authentic, she managed to sound Scottish enough that I wasn't put off by it. Parts of the backstory are alluded to, but I think you could get by with this as a standalone. Since this took place mostly on the Leery Estate, we didn't get as much of the atmosphere of the little seaside town, or of the knitting shop, or even of Paislee's friends and neighbors. Even DI Mack Zeffer is only a very minor character. Still this proved to be a pleasant diversion, and I am not averse to reading more of the series.
Description: In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer. Paislee's custom sweater and yarn business is the sole support for her ten-year-old son Brody, and also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she'll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him. Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody's class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It's not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery's nephew, Charles Thomson. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path...
This worked better for me as an audiobook than reading the first book in print. Katherine Kellgren is an able narrator, and while I know better than to think the dialect is in any way authentic, she managed to sound Scottish enough that I wasn't put off by it. Parts of the backstory are alluded to, but I think you could get by with this as a standalone. Since this took place mostly on the Leery Estate, we didn't get as much of the atmosphere of the little seaside town, or of the knitting shop, or even of Paislee's friends and neighbors. Even DI Mack Zeffer is only a very minor character. Still this proved to be a pleasant diversion, and I am not averse to reading more of the series.
Description: In the charming Scottish shire of Nairn, sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw must root out a garden variety killer. Paislee's custom sweater and yarn business is the sole support for her ten-year-old son Brody, and also her eccentric Gramps and Wallace, their black Scottish terrier. So when her landlord, Shawn Marcus, serves her an eviction notice and then pulls a disappearing act, she'll go to any lengths to find the man and reason with him. Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate, which Brody's class will be visiting on a field trip. So Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of tracking down Shawn and killing two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, the only one killed is a man Paislee sees falling out of the hedges after being shot. It's not her missing landlord, but Lady Leery's nephew, Charles Thomson. With suspects sprouting up like weeds, Paislee may need to hedge her bets until she can determine who is trying to lead her down the garden path...
February 5, 2021
Murder in a Scottish Garden by Traci Hall is an excellent cozy mystery that is the second in a series titled: Scottish Shire Mystery. I loved it!
I really enjoyed the first book, Murder in a Scottish Shire, so I knew I had to read this one. It was so great visiting Paislee Shaw, her family, and the quirky cast of residents within the lovely village of Nairn, Scotland. The author does an amazing job of placing the reader directly into the scene to where I felt as if I was actually walking within the cluster of homes, the fabulous estate, and immersing myself in history and local customs. I like anything that takes place in Scotland, so of course I enjoyed this book.
I like Paislee and the fact that she is a realistic character. She balances being a single mom, a woman, a small business owner, taking care of her family (her grandfather and her son) and adorable Scottish terrier, Wallace. The balancing is hard, but she does it well, and is better all the more because of it all.
I enjoyed the murder/mystery that she became involved in, and I thought there were plenty of twists and suspense associated with it.
I really enjoy this series and look forward to seeing where this will go with future books.
The quintessential cozy mystery, and I loved every moment of it.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I really enjoyed the first book, Murder in a Scottish Shire, so I knew I had to read this one. It was so great visiting Paislee Shaw, her family, and the quirky cast of residents within the lovely village of Nairn, Scotland. The author does an amazing job of placing the reader directly into the scene to where I felt as if I was actually walking within the cluster of homes, the fabulous estate, and immersing myself in history and local customs. I like anything that takes place in Scotland, so of course I enjoyed this book.
I like Paislee and the fact that she is a realistic character. She balances being a single mom, a woman, a small business owner, taking care of her family (her grandfather and her son) and adorable Scottish terrier, Wallace. The balancing is hard, but she does it well, and is better all the more because of it all.
I enjoyed the murder/mystery that she became involved in, and I thought there were plenty of twists and suspense associated with it.
I really enjoy this series and look forward to seeing where this will go with future books.
The quintessential cozy mystery, and I loved every moment of it.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington for this awesome arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
May 9, 2021
Fast paced, and enjoyable Cozy Mystery
Enjoyable read, within a beautiful setting in the seaside resort of Nairn Scotland. Paislee Shaw, owner of Cashmere Crush, a sweater and yarn shop is a volunteer chaperone on her son's field trip to Leery Estates. While Paislee waits on one of the students in the restroom, she hears a gun shot, and see's a man fall through the hedges. At first she thinks it's her landlord, Shawn Marcus, her landlord that's trying to evict her, and ruin her business, it's actually his cousin Charles Thomson who has been shot, and killed. It's reviewed that Charles's a scam artist, and has made a deal with the sick Shawn who needs a kidney transplant to sell him one of his for 1 million dollars. Shawn's afraid that someone out to kill him, and his protective mother, Lady Shannon Leery asks Paislee to investigate, and find out who killed Charles. Against the order of Detective Inspector Mack Zeffer to mind her business, stick to her knitting, and let the police handle the murder investigation, Paislee ignores him, and with the assistance from her Grandpa Angus slowly realizes that there is more than one person involved. Will Paislee find Charles murdered, and save Shawn Marcus before he's the second victim?
Enjoyable read, within a beautiful setting in the seaside resort of Nairn Scotland. Paislee Shaw, owner of Cashmere Crush, a sweater and yarn shop is a volunteer chaperone on her son's field trip to Leery Estates. While Paislee waits on one of the students in the restroom, she hears a gun shot, and see's a man fall through the hedges. At first she thinks it's her landlord, Shawn Marcus, her landlord that's trying to evict her, and ruin her business, it's actually his cousin Charles Thomson who has been shot, and killed. It's reviewed that Charles's a scam artist, and has made a deal with the sick Shawn who needs a kidney transplant to sell him one of his for 1 million dollars. Shawn's afraid that someone out to kill him, and his protective mother, Lady Shannon Leery asks Paislee to investigate, and find out who killed Charles. Against the order of Detective Inspector Mack Zeffer to mind her business, stick to her knitting, and let the police handle the murder investigation, Paislee ignores him, and with the assistance from her Grandpa Angus slowly realizes that there is more than one person involved. Will Paislee find Charles murdered, and save Shawn Marcus before he's the second victim?
August 30, 2025
Here in Book 2 of the series, we find Paislee chaperoning her son's class on a field trip to the gardens of the historic manor house of the local aristocratic family. This family happens also to be the one her landlord belongs to, the one who served all with a 30 day notice to vacate due to sale of the property. But the sale has never appeared in the public record, causing some consternation. Paislee of course hopes to run into him at the manor while she's chaperoning, and create an opportunity to find out what's happening and let the shop owners stay. Unfortunately, she is on the spot for another murder - of her landlord's cousin.
Of course, the sale of the building her shop is in - or the announced sale - is part of the mystery here but there is much more revolving around her landlord and his aristocratic family, including many deep dark secrets. I enjoyed it even though I found it very hard to believe that none of the shop owners receiving the notice to vacate consulted a lawyer who would have saved them all much uncertainty. It would not however have prevented the murder, though someone other than Paislee would have been on the spot.
The audio read by Beverly Crick is quite good.
Of course, the sale of the building her shop is in - or the announced sale - is part of the mystery here but there is much more revolving around her landlord and his aristocratic family, including many deep dark secrets. I enjoyed it even though I found it very hard to believe that none of the shop owners receiving the notice to vacate consulted a lawyer who would have saved them all much uncertainty. It would not however have prevented the murder, though someone other than Paislee would have been on the spot.
The audio read by Beverly Crick is quite good.
May 7, 2021
3.5 stars
The primary characters are absolutely the stars of this series. Family ties trump everything else for them, shedding light on the mystery as well as the side stories among the secondary characters. I was surprised by the reveal, which is always a good thing.
As with book 1, the dialect and Scottish vocabulary feel forced and inconsistent, jarring in otherwise smooth American English structured sentences. Another issue is the character of the detective, who has a tendency to suddenly spill a bunch of information unnecessarily. It may be effective in moving along the plot line, but it is really quite unbelievable.
Overall, I find this one an average to above average cozy mystery. I’m committed enough to the characters to continue with the series, but it is not my favorite so far.
Thank you to Traci Hall, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The primary characters are absolutely the stars of this series. Family ties trump everything else for them, shedding light on the mystery as well as the side stories among the secondary characters. I was surprised by the reveal, which is always a good thing.
As with book 1, the dialect and Scottish vocabulary feel forced and inconsistent, jarring in otherwise smooth American English structured sentences. Another issue is the character of the detective, who has a tendency to suddenly spill a bunch of information unnecessarily. It may be effective in moving along the plot line, but it is really quite unbelievable.
Overall, I find this one an average to above average cozy mystery. I’m committed enough to the characters to continue with the series, but it is not my favorite so far.
Thank you to Traci Hall, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2021
Murder in a Scottish Garden by Traci Hall is the 2nd book in A Scottish Sire Mystery, and another enjoyable book. Paislee is a twenty-eight-year-old single mom, who owns Cashmere Crush a specialty sweater shop. Life is settling in with her grandfather living with them, and helping her at the store. On top of that Paislee was served with eviction notice on her shop, that she would have to move out of her store within thirty days, but has not heard anything since. Paislee wants to talk to the owner, Shawn Marcus, so she agrees to chaperone her son's field trip to their gardens. While there Paislee witnesses a man being killed, and the sleuthing begins. I really liked this book, and can't wait for the next book in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries ,than give this book a try, you won't be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 24, 2021
While I love the characters and the setting for this series, I just couldn't get into this particular story. The people being investigated are so aloof and unlikeable that I didn't really care who was guilty. Still, I will continue with the series because I love Paislee, her family and her friends.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2021
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I had a couple of issues that were probably only something I would notice [if one leaves one's purse on the BUS that leaves without you, it is IMPOSSIBLE to then, an hour later {after being dropped off by a constable}, throw ones purse under the counter of ones shop], and if one is that terrified of losing their shop and livelihood, then perhaps one should actually STAY IN THE STORE AND WORK, and not run around trying to find a killer? <--This is a common trope that is becoming popular amongst the cozy genre and I have to say, I am not a fan. There are plenty of books out there [cozy and otherwise] where the MC both works, and does their job well, and THEN goes killer hunting that authors don't need to dive into this unnecessary trope that is extremely frustrating. I also was not a fan of the parent's that wanted to sue Paislee and the school - THAT should never have even happened. At all. And the way that is resolved proves it. It was unneeded and just bogged down the story. If the author doesn't want Paislee and Hamish together, there needs to be a better [and more plausible] way to go about it. This was ridiculous.
That said, there is much about this book that I really loved. I love Paislee [even though she frustrates me] and Brody and Grandpa so much. I love how they have worked to become a cohesive unit and how Grandpa is finally opening up to Paislee about his estranged son and his worries about that. That story-line is one I am anxious to see how it is resolved. And I love the little community where Paislee lives; how people look out for each other and support each other. And I love the yarn shop. I am not a crafter and cannot knit, crochet or anything like that to save my life and I am completely envious of those who can. But I DO love yarn and the colors and textures are just lovely and so I adore the parts where we are in the store with Paislee and she is talking about her stock or working on a project and we get to learn a little more about yarn.
There were points in this book where I wasn't sure if I was going to want to read the next one, but the reveal at the end changed my mind about that. THAT was a good reveal and a complete surprise. The issues dealt with in this book are handled well and at no time does any of it ring false or gratuitous. And the reveal WAS really a surprise. I had totally guessed wrong and that turned the tide for me. I am now looking forward to the next one and continuing the story of Paislee and Company.
Thank you to NetGalley, Traci Hall, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That said, there is much about this book that I really loved. I love Paislee [even though she frustrates me] and Brody and Grandpa so much. I love how they have worked to become a cohesive unit and how Grandpa is finally opening up to Paislee about his estranged son and his worries about that. That story-line is one I am anxious to see how it is resolved. And I love the little community where Paislee lives; how people look out for each other and support each other. And I love the yarn shop. I am not a crafter and cannot knit, crochet or anything like that to save my life and I am completely envious of those who can. But I DO love yarn and the colors and textures are just lovely and so I adore the parts where we are in the store with Paislee and she is talking about her stock or working on a project and we get to learn a little more about yarn.
There were points in this book where I wasn't sure if I was going to want to read the next one, but the reveal at the end changed my mind about that. THAT was a good reveal and a complete surprise. The issues dealt with in this book are handled well and at no time does any of it ring false or gratuitous. And the reveal WAS really a surprise. I had totally guessed wrong and that turned the tide for me. I am now looking forward to the next one and continuing the story of Paislee and Company.
Thank you to NetGalley, Traci Hall, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
The latest installment in the “A Scottish Shire Mystery” series, Murder in a Scottish Garden is a great addition. The main characters in this series keep getting better, and even though this is book two, readers will feel as if these characters are long-time friends. Paislee’s sweater and yarn shop are in danger when the landlord sends an eviction notice and then disappears, leaving everything up in the air and the future uncertain. Paislee has to find a way to talk to him but wasn’t expecting to have a murder involved when she did.
A man is killed while Paislee is chaperoning a school outing for her son at the estate owned by her landlord, Shawn. After watching the man stumble out of the bushes and die practically at her feet, she has no choice but to help find the killer. Her sweater and yarn store are everything to her family; if she loses it, her son, grandfather, and her dog will be out on their ears with nothing. Even though the DI on the case doesn’t want her help or interference, Paislee gets herself smack dab in the middle of the investigation and on a killer’s radar.
The suspects in this story all have good motives and flimsy alibi’s; the tension runs high as Paislee works through the clues to find the killer’s identity. There are plenty of twists and turns, with just enough hints to lead readers down the garden path of truth. The locations, Paislee’s sweater and yarn shop, as well as the estate and gardens, are described well and give you a sense of having been there. The action is good but not over the top. The main characters have wonderful personality quarks and have grown since book one; even Gramps becomes more understood, and dare I say, loved? I enjoyed Murder in a Scottish Garden and look forward to the next addition.
A man is killed while Paislee is chaperoning a school outing for her son at the estate owned by her landlord, Shawn. After watching the man stumble out of the bushes and die practically at her feet, she has no choice but to help find the killer. Her sweater and yarn store are everything to her family; if she loses it, her son, grandfather, and her dog will be out on their ears with nothing. Even though the DI on the case doesn’t want her help or interference, Paislee gets herself smack dab in the middle of the investigation and on a killer’s radar.
The suspects in this story all have good motives and flimsy alibi’s; the tension runs high as Paislee works through the clues to find the killer’s identity. There are plenty of twists and turns, with just enough hints to lead readers down the garden path of truth. The locations, Paislee’s sweater and yarn shop, as well as the estate and gardens, are described well and give you a sense of having been there. The action is good but not over the top. The main characters have wonderful personality quarks and have grown since book one; even Gramps becomes more understood, and dare I say, loved? I enjoyed Murder in a Scottish Garden and look forward to the next addition.
July 3, 2021
Wow! This book is so good! It is entertaining, cozy-mysterious, full of twists and turns, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Murder in a Scottish Garden", I was whisked away to Nairn, put on my sleuthing hat, and went on quite the adventure with this story.
This is the second book in Traci Hall's "A Scottish Shire Mystery" series, but the first in this series that I have read. I now can't wait to go back and read the first book. Ms. Hall's writing style is incredible! She brilliantly brings her story to life right before the reader's eyes, and I was hooked from the very first page. Each element of her story, from the locations, to the characters, to the plot itself is so well-thought out, and every moment helps to push the plot forward in one way or another. Moreover, she seamlessly weaves the various puzzle pieces of the mystery together in such an intriguing way.
Paislee, owner of Cashmere Crush, a knitwear shop, accompanies her son on a field trip in the hopes that she will be able to speak to her landlord Shawn, who has disappeared after serving her an eviction notice. Shawn will inherit the estate that Brody's (Paislee's son) field trip is at, and she hopes to find him there. She soon stumbles upon a dead body, and is pulled into another mystery. Will Paislee be able to find out who is guilty with numerous suspects, where not everything is at it seems? Are there more secrets than meets the eye? You will just have to read to find out.
If you enjoy contemporary cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me guessing and turning the pages, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Hall writes next.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for sending me the review copy of this book, I am eagerly awaiting the next ones in the series! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book in Traci Hall's "A Scottish Shire Mystery" series, but the first in this series that I have read. I now can't wait to go back and read the first book. Ms. Hall's writing style is incredible! She brilliantly brings her story to life right before the reader's eyes, and I was hooked from the very first page. Each element of her story, from the locations, to the characters, to the plot itself is so well-thought out, and every moment helps to push the plot forward in one way or another. Moreover, she seamlessly weaves the various puzzle pieces of the mystery together in such an intriguing way.
Paislee, owner of Cashmere Crush, a knitwear shop, accompanies her son on a field trip in the hopes that she will be able to speak to her landlord Shawn, who has disappeared after serving her an eviction notice. Shawn will inherit the estate that Brody's (Paislee's son) field trip is at, and she hopes to find him there. She soon stumbles upon a dead body, and is pulled into another mystery. Will Paislee be able to find out who is guilty with numerous suspects, where not everything is at it seems? Are there more secrets than meets the eye? You will just have to read to find out.
If you enjoy contemporary cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me guessing and turning the pages, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Hall writes next.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books for sending me the review copy of this book, I am eagerly awaiting the next ones in the series! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 10, 2021
Paislee Shaw is a single mum, owner of a sweater and yarn shop and supports herself and son, plus grandfather and Wallace the dog. When she is pressurised with one months notice to give up her lease on her prime situation shop, she and the other tenants all equally pressurized by the situation has to come up with a plan to meet their elusive landlord. He does not respond to letters or telephone calls and although he is rumoured to live in the village pile, his whereabouts are unknown and no sightings of him at all.
When Paislee accompanies her son along with a group of school children to the aristocratic home of her landlord and his mother, her main focus was on collaring Shawn Marcus and forcing him to see reason. She did not envisage to be the witness of a murder, be then suspected in the murder and then get inveigled into an investigation of the murder promoted by Shawn's mother herself the Lady Leery who asks Paislee to go detect the history of these murders, mainly of course of clearing her son's name.
The series deals with Paislee (who is in a bit of a time management fix) with love interests from both the Detective as well as the Head Master and finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time a bit too often. The setting is charming, the characters even more so, the villains are villainous and the story rolls along with many, many suspects.
A cozy which aptly lives upto the description.
When Paislee accompanies her son along with a group of school children to the aristocratic home of her landlord and his mother, her main focus was on collaring Shawn Marcus and forcing him to see reason. She did not envisage to be the witness of a murder, be then suspected in the murder and then get inveigled into an investigation of the murder promoted by Shawn's mother herself the Lady Leery who asks Paislee to go detect the history of these murders, mainly of course of clearing her son's name.
The series deals with Paislee (who is in a bit of a time management fix) with love interests from both the Detective as well as the Head Master and finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time a bit too often. The setting is charming, the characters even more so, the villains are villainous and the story rolls along with many, many suspects.
A cozy which aptly lives upto the description.
April 23, 2021
Nairn has always been a quiet town until recently Paislee Shaw can’t seem to escape murder and secrets coming to the surface.
In the second book of the Scottish Shire mystery series, Traci Hall takes us on something I know all too well — a school field trip. While at the picturesque gardens with her son’s class, Paislee has a murder case land right in front of her — quite literally. Through the tangled web of secrets, between family, lovers, and friends, Hall knits a fantastic story sure to keep the reader turning the pages!
I love the attention to the characters and their backgrounds. It made me feel like I was right in the middle of a drama on the CW while I was reading. Hall is very good at describing the smaller details of a character you may think insignificant at the time but they end up being important to remember later on in the story or mystery. I had a few “aha!” moments reading and recalling the subtleties she wrote and it made it a more fun read.
The main setting being an old manor and gardens was reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel and I loved it. Again, as in the first book, there were smaller mysteries within the larger whole and I think it just makes for a more interesting read.
I’m already ready for the next book!
In the second book of the Scottish Shire mystery series, Traci Hall takes us on something I know all too well — a school field trip. While at the picturesque gardens with her son’s class, Paislee has a murder case land right in front of her — quite literally. Through the tangled web of secrets, between family, lovers, and friends, Hall knits a fantastic story sure to keep the reader turning the pages!
I love the attention to the characters and their backgrounds. It made me feel like I was right in the middle of a drama on the CW while I was reading. Hall is very good at describing the smaller details of a character you may think insignificant at the time but they end up being important to remember later on in the story or mystery. I had a few “aha!” moments reading and recalling the subtleties she wrote and it made it a more fun read.
The main setting being an old manor and gardens was reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel and I loved it. Again, as in the first book, there were smaller mysteries within the larger whole and I think it just makes for a more interesting read.
I’m already ready for the next book!
February 10, 2021
"Murder in a Scottish Garden” is the 2nd instalment in the Scottish Shire Mystery series by Traci Hall. What a great sequel to book one! I loved finding out more about the Leery estate and especially the life Lady Shannon has lead . Also that Paisley, her son Brody and grandpa were still together. Lydia always has Paislee’s back and who wouldn’t want a BFF like that. I find the characters to be wonderful, full of Scottish pride and small village life.
The mystery is interesting, well plotted, full of lots of twists and kept me guessing on whodunnit right to the reveal.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery is interesting, well plotted, full of lots of twists and kept me guessing on whodunnit right to the reveal.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to read
August 13, 2021Book 2 in this series was even better if that's possible! I love the authors details to everything Scottish, so much so you feel you are there! A surprise ending I'm left wishing for more books in this series and I'm not patient! Loved this book!
November 27, 2021
Refreshing change of pace. Looking forward to the third in the series. Characters are likable.
Gifted by Podcast Game of Books Corks and Conversations with Christie and Cathi. (Really enjoyed both books in the new series.)
Gifted by Podcast Game of Books Corks and Conversations with Christie and Cathi. (Really enjoyed both books in the new series.)
January 10, 2023
Thank you to the author for my giveaway win of this book! My opinions below are my own.
This was another winner in the series. I love how Paislee is growing in her bond with her grandfather. I love hearing about her life as a mom trying to do her best. The stakes felt high because Paislee’s shop is in danger and Paislee is also facing legal action after her choices as a school chaperone. I was anxiously flipping pages to see what would happen.
The mystery was intriguing with all sorts of suspects. I liked the message that money and prestige don’t always lead to happiness. The wonderful characters and setting have made this series a must read for me.
This was another winner in the series. I love how Paislee is growing in her bond with her grandfather. I love hearing about her life as a mom trying to do her best. The stakes felt high because Paislee’s shop is in danger and Paislee is also facing legal action after her choices as a school chaperone. I was anxiously flipping pages to see what would happen.
The mystery was intriguing with all sorts of suspects. I liked the message that money and prestige don’t always lead to happiness. The wonderful characters and setting have made this series a must read for me.
March 17, 2024
I read this book in one sitting. I enjoy the Scottish setting and the characters. The mystery had layers to it that kept me guessing. I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 1, 2024
Not the worst book, but the main character is weirdly obsessed with other people's lineage, fertility, bloodlines, surrogacy, and doesn't know the difference between kidneys and livers. And there is a lot of gun violence.
October 14, 2024
Still love the three generation set-up. An interesting mystery that ties into last book, as well as some hooks that might become their own books later. I love when authors do that.
May 24, 2021
Paislee shaw Single mum and 1 and the shop owners, thats now being Evicted. So finding The Landlord, has become a thing.. this man hands out evic notices then disappears.
A school field Trip,
To Leery Estate for Brody's school the Amazing Maze...
The things that will be seen. And somethings that aren't meant to be seen..
There's a murder in the Maze, that wasn't something they were expecting on a field trip.
This is A Book 2 In This series.
Murder in a Scottish Garden.
A school field Trip,
To Leery Estate for Brody's school the Amazing Maze...
The things that will be seen. And somethings that aren't meant to be seen..
There's a murder in the Maze, that wasn't something they were expecting on a field trip.
This is A Book 2 In This series.
Murder in a Scottish Garden.
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