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Shetland Sailing Mysteries #8
Death from a Shetland Cliff
Marsali Taylor returns with the eighth enthralling mystery in her thrilling Shetland Sailing Mystery series.
'This series is a must-read for anyone who loves the sea, or islands, or joyous, intricate story-telling.' Ann Cleeves
As summer draws to a close in Shetland, indomitable sailor Cass Lynch is preparing to look after eccentric, outspoken Tamar, who is returning from hospital following a fall. Recuperation should involve a peaceful week in Tamar's isolated cottage but, on arriving at the house, Cass finds there has been a break-in . . . curiously, only some old papers are disturbed.
Then the body of a man is found in a cove close-by and while it looks to be an accident at first glance, suspicions are quickly aroused - and soon the police have a murder on their hands.
At the same time, Cass begins to suspect Tamar knows more than she's letting on about her family's ties to the local laird. As the family start to gather, secrets won't stay buried for long . . .
This eighth novel in the series brings Cass back to her home waters, where she becomes entangled in a family saga of greed, inheritance and hidden truths.
'This series is a must-read for anyone who loves the sea, or islands, or joyous, intricate story-telling.' Ann Cleeves
As summer draws to a close in Shetland, indomitable sailor Cass Lynch is preparing to look after eccentric, outspoken Tamar, who is returning from hospital following a fall. Recuperation should involve a peaceful week in Tamar's isolated cottage but, on arriving at the house, Cass finds there has been a break-in . . . curiously, only some old papers are disturbed.
Then the body of a man is found in a cove close-by and while it looks to be an accident at first glance, suspicions are quickly aroused - and soon the police have a murder on their hands.
At the same time, Cass begins to suspect Tamar knows more than she's letting on about her family's ties to the local laird. As the family start to gather, secrets won't stay buried for long . . .
This eighth novel in the series brings Cass back to her home waters, where she becomes entangled in a family saga of greed, inheritance and hidden truths.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2022
67 people are currently reading
106 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 20, 2020
Marsali Taylor's Shetland sailing series featuring amateur sleuth and sailor, Cass Lynch, I regret to say is one I have been unaware until now because I love it, and will appeal to those of you who love your Scottish crime, the sea and island life. Set in Shetland, Cass is on leave, she is second mate on a Norwegian sail training vessel, Sorlandet, a floating academy. She finds herself doing a favour for Magnie, a friend, agreeing to help the elderly Tamar Irvine, who can only return to her isolated home if she can receive daily care. Tamar is a cantakerous, strong minded woman, nobody's fool and sharp as a tack. It turns out whilst she was in hospital, someone had broken into her home and gone through her papers. Cass stays on her small yacht, Khalida, accompanied by Cat, and in a hidden cove nearby, the body of a man is discovered, dead for at least a couple of weeks.
Tamar suddenly appears to be remarkably popular with members of her disparate family, the vultures begin to descend and circle around her, beginning with Felicity, the daughter of Tamar's brother, Archie, who arrives from London, the owner of a London glossy Latest! that trades on gossip. Felicity is in search of family papers and is full of questions about her father and old family history. Then there is Kayleigh, who Cass had gone to school with, wanting to take over Tamar's croft, along with others with their own agendas, Gary, a New Zealand relative, the Princess Di lookalike, Loretta and her obnoxious privileged son, Harald, along with others. The dead man turns out to be Derek Luncarty, from Dundee, close to Monikie House, the home of the Rylands, with their long historical connections with the Irvines. Cass finds herself in the middle of murders, mysterious papers, family scandals, inheritance skulduggery, secrets, theft, envy and greed, and all the inherent dangers that she cannot escape.
Taylor's storytelling is well plotted, atmospheric and full of details about sailing and the wonderful location that is Shetland itself, the geography, the dialect and vocabulary. For me, the highlights were the Shetland islands and the seas, along with the brilliant characters, such as the indomitable and stubborn Tamar, a close relationship develops between her and Cass. And not all of the memorable characters are human, there is Cat, and a young ginger ketling that begins to regard Cat and the Khalida as home. Cass makes for a terrific central protagonist with her sailing obsession, a relationship with a police officer, DI Gavin Macrae, and confronting head on the idea that change is inevitable and not always under one's control. This is a series I am delighted to have discovered, and one which I think many crime fiction and mystery fans will love too! Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
Tamar suddenly appears to be remarkably popular with members of her disparate family, the vultures begin to descend and circle around her, beginning with Felicity, the daughter of Tamar's brother, Archie, who arrives from London, the owner of a London glossy Latest! that trades on gossip. Felicity is in search of family papers and is full of questions about her father and old family history. Then there is Kayleigh, who Cass had gone to school with, wanting to take over Tamar's croft, along with others with their own agendas, Gary, a New Zealand relative, the Princess Di lookalike, Loretta and her obnoxious privileged son, Harald, along with others. The dead man turns out to be Derek Luncarty, from Dundee, close to Monikie House, the home of the Rylands, with their long historical connections with the Irvines. Cass finds herself in the middle of murders, mysterious papers, family scandals, inheritance skulduggery, secrets, theft, envy and greed, and all the inherent dangers that she cannot escape.
Taylor's storytelling is well plotted, atmospheric and full of details about sailing and the wonderful location that is Shetland itself, the geography, the dialect and vocabulary. For me, the highlights were the Shetland islands and the seas, along with the brilliant characters, such as the indomitable and stubborn Tamar, a close relationship develops between her and Cass. And not all of the memorable characters are human, there is Cat, and a young ginger ketling that begins to regard Cat and the Khalida as home. Cass makes for a terrific central protagonist with her sailing obsession, a relationship with a police officer, DI Gavin Macrae, and confronting head on the idea that change is inevitable and not always under one's control. This is a series I am delighted to have discovered, and one which I think many crime fiction and mystery fans will love too! Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
October 1, 2020
Having followed this series from the start I am always excited to see that Marsali Taylor has another Cass Lynch book out. Death from a Shetland Cliff could be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading all of the series. This time Cass is back in Shetland whilst the Tall Ship she is on is in dry dock. She is asked to keep an eye on a lady who has just broken her hip & needs a bit of help whilst she settles back home. Tamar is a very strong willed lady, who has been round the world as a photographer. Now her croft is being eyed up by various relatives who want to get their hands on it- the land being all important. A body is found in a bay nearby. Does he have anything to do with an intruder who had been rifling through papers in Tamsin's house? Despite trying to avoid such things Cass finds herself involved in family secrets & murder.
I love the Cass Lynch books. She is a terrific character & I am enjoying watching her develop as the books go on. This has become my new favourite- A Handful of Ash having held that spot for a long while. Living in Shetland, I knew many of the places mentioned making visualising the action very easy. The combination of scene, sailing & the terrific cast of characters made this a grat five star read.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
I love the Cass Lynch books. She is a terrific character & I am enjoying watching her develop as the books go on. This has become my new favourite- A Handful of Ash having held that spot for a long while. Living in Shetland, I knew many of the places mentioned making visualising the action very easy. The combination of scene, sailing & the terrific cast of characters made this a grat five star read.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Death from a Shetland Cliff, the eighth novel to feature Shetland based sailor Cass Lynch.
Cass agrees to help Tamar Irvine recover from a broken hip but, preparing Tamar’s home for her return, she discovers a break-in where only papers have been disturbed. Then a body is discovered on the cliffs and Cass begins to suspect that not only does Tamar know more about these events than she’s letting on but that they are linked to family secrets she isn’t revealing.
This is the first novel in the series that I have read so I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. It is told entirely from Cass’s first person point of view so the reader knows what she knows, nothing more or less, and is able to make their own deductions. I got some right but couldn’t hazard a guess at much of it. For me, this is a good thing as it kept me glued to the pages and my interest alive throughout.
The plot is deceptively simple with a murder investigation at its heart but the ramifications and permutations of who and why are legion, engrossing and all plausible. It’s not difficult to follow but trying to work it out made my head spin. I found all the resolutions, because there ends up being several puzzles, unusual, quirky and a refreshing change.
Mainland Shetland is a character in its own right in the novel as there is a strong sense of place and custom. Obviously there is a lot of water in the novel with Cass living on a boat and Tamar’s home situated at the shore and that gives the novel a sense of peace and calm despite the emotional turbulence on shore. I must admit that I was surprised to recognise some of what I assumed initially was the Shetland dialect as simple Scots, not dissimilar to what I hear at the other end of the country. It might be difficult for reasons readers although the author offers a helping hand by explaining some of the more obscure terms at the start of the chapter.
Death from a Shetland Cliff is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Cass agrees to help Tamar Irvine recover from a broken hip but, preparing Tamar’s home for her return, she discovers a break-in where only papers have been disturbed. Then a body is discovered on the cliffs and Cass begins to suspect that not only does Tamar know more about these events than she’s letting on but that they are linked to family secrets she isn’t revealing.
This is the first novel in the series that I have read so I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. It is told entirely from Cass’s first person point of view so the reader knows what she knows, nothing more or less, and is able to make their own deductions. I got some right but couldn’t hazard a guess at much of it. For me, this is a good thing as it kept me glued to the pages and my interest alive throughout.
The plot is deceptively simple with a murder investigation at its heart but the ramifications and permutations of who and why are legion, engrossing and all plausible. It’s not difficult to follow but trying to work it out made my head spin. I found all the resolutions, because there ends up being several puzzles, unusual, quirky and a refreshing change.
Mainland Shetland is a character in its own right in the novel as there is a strong sense of place and custom. Obviously there is a lot of water in the novel with Cass living on a boat and Tamar’s home situated at the shore and that gives the novel a sense of peace and calm despite the emotional turbulence on shore. I must admit that I was surprised to recognise some of what I assumed initially was the Shetland dialect as simple Scots, not dissimilar to what I hear at the other end of the country. It might be difficult for reasons readers although the author offers a helping hand by explaining some of the more obscure terms at the start of the chapter.
Death from a Shetland Cliff is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 15, 2021
I loved the genuine Shetland setting - rather than an non descript imagining - and the ‘Shetlan’ dialect, both of which gave the story a raw authenticity.
I’d not read the other books in the series, but it was easy enough to pick up most of the strands and read this story ‘stand alone’.
All the elements of tartan noir are here including the scenery, the inter-connectedness of people and a rural spect.
As well as some interesting characters, there are also boats and Faberge eggs in the mix. A delightful jamboree.
I’d not read the other books in the series, but it was easy enough to pick up most of the strands and read this story ‘stand alone’.
All the elements of tartan noir are here including the scenery, the inter-connectedness of people and a rural spect.
As well as some interesting characters, there are also boats and Faberge eggs in the mix. A delightful jamboree.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2020
Definitely the best of the Cass Lynch series yet!
August 25, 2021
Another murder mystery to be solved by intrepid Shetland sailor Cass Lynch and her policeman boyfriend DI Gavin Macrae. Cass looks after Tamar, an elderly lady, discharged from hospital after a fall, at her remote croft. The vultures gather from near and far (London and even New Zealand). Some want Tamar to leave her the croft. Others are chasing the rumour that one of Tamar's relatives might be an (illegitimate but, under Scottish law, full) heir to the estate of the laird. Has Tamar got something that thieves want? And what is hidden in the container near the jetty?
Death provokes further questions. Why did the man fall to his death from the nearby cliff? And when further deaths occur: what happened and why?
As it happened, for once, I was ahead of Cass every step of the way. But it didn't matter. I love these books not for the puzzles they pose, though that is an essential ingredient of all good whodunnits, and not for the inevitably nail-biting finish at the end, but for the quality of the writing, the perfectly-drawn characters, the insight into Shetland life, and the lyrical descriptions of sailing and scenery.
Selected quotes:
"Given that I’d lived on a series of boats for the last fifteen years, since I was sixteen, I didn’t see why just being female qualified me for the post of Chief Inspector of Housework" (Ch 1)
"A brown Shetland wren landed on the drystone dyke that enclosed it, bobbed at us, chittered indignantly, then flew into a cranny between two grey-lichened stones." (Ch 1)
"The stairs were best grade traditional crofthouse, with a gradient similar to a ladder’s, going straight up between wooden walls." (Ch 1)
"I was still wary of large animals that had a bite at one end and a kick at the other." (Ch 1)
"The gold flush along the bottom of the eastern cumulus faded to grey, and the clouds jostled over the sun, leaving only a chink of bright sky." (Ch 2)
"Outside, the wind had fallen to a cold breath on my bare arm. The sky was not yet dark; there was a band of lavender along the horizon, shading up to creamy-blue that gradually deepened to indigo. Three stars glittered. Even as I watched, the lavender darkened to heather purple." (Ch 2)
"Her eyes seemed too big, green searchlights seeking out other people’s frailties." (Ch 5)
"She paused, and tilted her head towards the guest bedroom. ‘No sign of life from there. Probably doesn’t know there is a morning.’" (Ch 6)
"Loretta had copied the short, flicked-back haircut, and walked as if she expected people to bring her flowers as she passed." (Ch 7)
"I felt my inner socialist welling up." (Ch 11)
"I wouldn’t keep trying to have my butter and the money for it" (Ch 15)
“Why on earth,” I told her, “would he carry poison round with him in his backpack when he’s just coming to redd up kin? It’s a bit overly for a first meeting.”’ (Ch 17)
"Dealing with disturbed people’s all in a day’s work for Superplod." (Ch 24)
This is a crime novel by a writer at the very top of her game.
Death provokes further questions. Why did the man fall to his death from the nearby cliff? And when further deaths occur: what happened and why?
As it happened, for once, I was ahead of Cass every step of the way. But it didn't matter. I love these books not for the puzzles they pose, though that is an essential ingredient of all good whodunnits, and not for the inevitably nail-biting finish at the end, but for the quality of the writing, the perfectly-drawn characters, the insight into Shetland life, and the lyrical descriptions of sailing and scenery.
Selected quotes:
"Given that I’d lived on a series of boats for the last fifteen years, since I was sixteen, I didn’t see why just being female qualified me for the post of Chief Inspector of Housework" (Ch 1)
"A brown Shetland wren landed on the drystone dyke that enclosed it, bobbed at us, chittered indignantly, then flew into a cranny between two grey-lichened stones." (Ch 1)
"The stairs were best grade traditional crofthouse, with a gradient similar to a ladder’s, going straight up between wooden walls." (Ch 1)
"I was still wary of large animals that had a bite at one end and a kick at the other." (Ch 1)
"The gold flush along the bottom of the eastern cumulus faded to grey, and the clouds jostled over the sun, leaving only a chink of bright sky." (Ch 2)
"Outside, the wind had fallen to a cold breath on my bare arm. The sky was not yet dark; there was a band of lavender along the horizon, shading up to creamy-blue that gradually deepened to indigo. Three stars glittered. Even as I watched, the lavender darkened to heather purple." (Ch 2)
"Her eyes seemed too big, green searchlights seeking out other people’s frailties." (Ch 5)
"She paused, and tilted her head towards the guest bedroom. ‘No sign of life from there. Probably doesn’t know there is a morning.’" (Ch 6)
"Loretta had copied the short, flicked-back haircut, and walked as if she expected people to bring her flowers as she passed." (Ch 7)
"I felt my inner socialist welling up." (Ch 11)
"I wouldn’t keep trying to have my butter and the money for it" (Ch 15)
“Why on earth,” I told her, “would he carry poison round with him in his backpack when he’s just coming to redd up kin? It’s a bit overly for a first meeting.”’ (Ch 17)
"Dealing with disturbed people’s all in a day’s work for Superplod." (Ch 24)
This is a crime novel by a writer at the very top of her game.
April 28, 2022
Good read
October 1, 2020
This is the 8th book in the Shetland Sailing mysteries featuring Cass Lynch.
Cass has taken some leave while Sørlandet, the Norwegian sail training ship she works aboard, is in Kristiansand. As a favour to her friend Magnie, she is looking after his Aunt Tamar who has had a fall, and will need help while recuperating. An easy, peaceful job set in lovely surroundings, BUT, as those of you who are familiar with Cass's history, the words easy and peaceful don't sit well. Sure enough a body is discovered at the bottom of a cliff close to Tamar's house and Cass discovers a mystery. It is very quickly pronounced a murder and Cass thinks that Tamar knows more than she is letting on. As the investigation takes place, members of Tamar's family start to 'drop in' to help look after her, and as Cass listens and observes, she establishes that there are hidden family secrets surrounding Tamar, her past and future inheritances and ultimately greed.
As with all Marsali Taylor's novels, there are several underlying themes woven around the investigation of the main case and this time round, Cass's feline friend Cat, has his own adventure which is really rather sweet.
Reading Cass's adventures after such a long wait has been a joy. The beautiful descriptions of Shetland life, traditions, it's landscape and even language bring everything to life. So much so that I really don't want the book to finish, I want more. The characters seem fresher and Tamar was a grand old lady with a fascinating story. The relationship between Cass and Gavin progresses and I look forward to reading more of their adventures and investigations together.
Death from a Shetland Cliff has all the right ingredients for a cracking good tale. Suspense, humour, murder, romance and I can highly recommend it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Headland Publishing for granting me a digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review
Cass has taken some leave while Sørlandet, the Norwegian sail training ship she works aboard, is in Kristiansand. As a favour to her friend Magnie, she is looking after his Aunt Tamar who has had a fall, and will need help while recuperating. An easy, peaceful job set in lovely surroundings, BUT, as those of you who are familiar with Cass's history, the words easy and peaceful don't sit well. Sure enough a body is discovered at the bottom of a cliff close to Tamar's house and Cass discovers a mystery. It is very quickly pronounced a murder and Cass thinks that Tamar knows more than she is letting on. As the investigation takes place, members of Tamar's family start to 'drop in' to help look after her, and as Cass listens and observes, she establishes that there are hidden family secrets surrounding Tamar, her past and future inheritances and ultimately greed.
As with all Marsali Taylor's novels, there are several underlying themes woven around the investigation of the main case and this time round, Cass's feline friend Cat, has his own adventure which is really rather sweet.
Reading Cass's adventures after such a long wait has been a joy. The beautiful descriptions of Shetland life, traditions, it's landscape and even language bring everything to life. So much so that I really don't want the book to finish, I want more. The characters seem fresher and Tamar was a grand old lady with a fascinating story. The relationship between Cass and Gavin progresses and I look forward to reading more of their adventures and investigations together.
Death from a Shetland Cliff has all the right ingredients for a cracking good tale. Suspense, humour, murder, romance and I can highly recommend it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Headland Publishing for granting me a digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review
October 25, 2020
I have never been to Shetland but this book took me there as if through a wardrobe and straight into "islandic" Narnia. Marsali Taylor captures the landscape, the people and the spirit of Shetland so wonderfully and with such attention to every idiosyncratic detail that I felt instantly transported there. The place came to life through the characters, the dialect and their unique way of life.
It was my first book by Marsali Taylor, but it won't be the last (I already have one of the earlier ones on my kindle). The protagonist, Cass seems to be your everyday, ordinary lass in her early thirties, not afraid of hard work, quite personable, a happy cat owner, well-rounded, dating Gavin who is a police detective. But on the other hand, she is also far from stereotypical: a second mate on a Norwegian ship, a passionate sailor who lives on her boat, and of course, an astute sleuth.
This mystery, revolves around Tamar, a fantastically drawn character of an elderly lady who is as feisty, as sharp-minded and as independent as anyone half her age. After a fall, she is back to her croft which seems to have been burgled in her absence. Distant family members suddenly take interest in her and flock to her house, allegedly to offer support, but evidently to also search through her papers. There seems to be a family connection to a wealthy laird, and potentially a juicy inheritance. A body of a man is found. The plot develops and weaves in and out of plausible causes of his death and his links to Tamar. The conclusion was not quite what I expected, but it is nonetheless believable and interesting.
It was my first book by Marsali Taylor, but it won't be the last (I already have one of the earlier ones on my kindle). The protagonist, Cass seems to be your everyday, ordinary lass in her early thirties, not afraid of hard work, quite personable, a happy cat owner, well-rounded, dating Gavin who is a police detective. But on the other hand, she is also far from stereotypical: a second mate on a Norwegian ship, a passionate sailor who lives on her boat, and of course, an astute sleuth.
This mystery, revolves around Tamar, a fantastically drawn character of an elderly lady who is as feisty, as sharp-minded and as independent as anyone half her age. After a fall, she is back to her croft which seems to have been burgled in her absence. Distant family members suddenly take interest in her and flock to her house, allegedly to offer support, but evidently to also search through her papers. There seems to be a family connection to a wealthy laird, and potentially a juicy inheritance. A body of a man is found. The plot develops and weaves in and out of plausible causes of his death and his links to Tamar. The conclusion was not quite what I expected, but it is nonetheless believable and interesting.
July 1, 2021
I like Cass Lynch but this story, which is set mainly on land, is a bit over complicated especially regarding the family relationships. This is an entertaining though slow moving story which involves Cass looking after a very elderly woman who has just come out of hospital. There is a suspicious death then a murder and before the end Cass realises that she too is a target. Although I had figured out what the old lady had given Cass to hide I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. A decent enough read and I will definitely look for some of the author's other books.
October 18, 2020
I love this series i particularly enjoy learning about Shetland and sailing Cass is a terrific character and The minor characters are well drawn enjoying this series immensely
June 25, 2022
This is my 4th book about sailor Cass Lynch written by Shetlander, Marsali Taylor. Unfortunately the library rarely has them in order so I just have to pick what's there. I think this is the 8th book from 2020 but I remember the librarian saying that there is or are some newer ones. I may resort to reserving them but the prices have gone up! And when you're on a tight budget these days...
I've really enjoyed all these books, Cass Lynch is a seasoned sailor with a boyfriend on the mainline who is a Detective Inspector. Cass is on leave from the boat she works on, the Sorlandet, and has returned to Brae in Shetland to her own small boat, and is back to running the yacht club for young sailors with her friend Magnie. Magnie asks her if she would like some summer work just for about a week taking care of his cousin Tamar whose in her 90s and just returning from hospital after having a fall at home. They go to her croft house to check what she needs for her return and find that drawers are open downstairs where someone has rifled through them. They put it back to rights and Tamar arrives home. She is a very feisty lady who doesn't look or seem her age at all.
Tamar has a very large family and they are all descending on her home, not to see how she is, but because she owns the croft house and at her age and being a great adventurer in her day, even photographing and working alongside David Attenborough, she is a woman of some wealth. Cass finds caring for Tamar a pleasure but not so the hordes of relatives coming daily and seeming to take any surreptitious moment to check out her house for what looks like hidden papers. Then one night when Cass, who is sleeping on her boat which is moored at the foot of Tamar's garden, is woken by headlights sweeping across her boat windows. She pulls on clothes and rings Tamar to say they have incomers. There is a poor phone connection in this area I forgot to mention. Cass quietly moves to go round the back of the house in the dark when she is grabbed from behind and is shut in an old brick outhouse.
She has her trusty torch with a screwdriver and being a very handy lass removes all the screws on the hinges of the door and putting them in her pocket, (so she can put them back again later, she wouldn't want the door to fall on Tamar now would she), she manages to get out, and finds Tamar tied up in the bedroom. Tamar doesn't want the police involved. Cass isn't so sure but she rings her detective boyfriend to let him know what is going on. And very soon after this there is a show, a sort of sheep herding cum cake baking cum flower arranging sort of a show, to which Tamar and Cass, and all the relatives it seems, visit and where young Felicity dies after drinking from Tamar's cup of tea. Felicity dies very quickly. The police arrive in a boat the next day and the man in charge is Cass's boyfriend Gavin McCrae, I hope I've spelt that right!
They discover, or rather Cass works it out, that it is likely she was poisoned by a concentrated boiled liquid mixture of rhubarb leaves, well who'd have thought it. And before long Tamar herself rings Cass in the night saying come quick, she does but it is too late for Tamar who dies in great pain by the same method as Felicity. It is a fairly fast paced book and the clues come thick and fast too. There are so many family members who could have killed both of them. But in the end it comes down to the one least likely, or so you think.
As I said earlier I really like these books, apart from one thing.
The relationship Cass has with Gavin is quite strange, it's not of lovers but more of a sort of brother/father/uncle thing, which just makes their relationship decidedly odd. I think he is an unnecessarily superfluous character in the book.
Well he could just be some friendly bobby she happens to know, not her lover to whom she may or may not get married.
I've really enjoyed all these books, Cass Lynch is a seasoned sailor with a boyfriend on the mainline who is a Detective Inspector. Cass is on leave from the boat she works on, the Sorlandet, and has returned to Brae in Shetland to her own small boat, and is back to running the yacht club for young sailors with her friend Magnie. Magnie asks her if she would like some summer work just for about a week taking care of his cousin Tamar whose in her 90s and just returning from hospital after having a fall at home. They go to her croft house to check what she needs for her return and find that drawers are open downstairs where someone has rifled through them. They put it back to rights and Tamar arrives home. She is a very feisty lady who doesn't look or seem her age at all.
Tamar has a very large family and they are all descending on her home, not to see how she is, but because she owns the croft house and at her age and being a great adventurer in her day, even photographing and working alongside David Attenborough, she is a woman of some wealth. Cass finds caring for Tamar a pleasure but not so the hordes of relatives coming daily and seeming to take any surreptitious moment to check out her house for what looks like hidden papers. Then one night when Cass, who is sleeping on her boat which is moored at the foot of Tamar's garden, is woken by headlights sweeping across her boat windows. She pulls on clothes and rings Tamar to say they have incomers. There is a poor phone connection in this area I forgot to mention. Cass quietly moves to go round the back of the house in the dark when she is grabbed from behind and is shut in an old brick outhouse.
She has her trusty torch with a screwdriver and being a very handy lass removes all the screws on the hinges of the door and putting them in her pocket, (so she can put them back again later, she wouldn't want the door to fall on Tamar now would she), she manages to get out, and finds Tamar tied up in the bedroom. Tamar doesn't want the police involved. Cass isn't so sure but she rings her detective boyfriend to let him know what is going on. And very soon after this there is a show, a sort of sheep herding cum cake baking cum flower arranging sort of a show, to which Tamar and Cass, and all the relatives it seems, visit and where young Felicity dies after drinking from Tamar's cup of tea. Felicity dies very quickly. The police arrive in a boat the next day and the man in charge is Cass's boyfriend Gavin McCrae, I hope I've spelt that right!
They discover, or rather Cass works it out, that it is likely she was poisoned by a concentrated boiled liquid mixture of rhubarb leaves, well who'd have thought it. And before long Tamar herself rings Cass in the night saying come quick, she does but it is too late for Tamar who dies in great pain by the same method as Felicity. It is a fairly fast paced book and the clues come thick and fast too. There are so many family members who could have killed both of them. But in the end it comes down to the one least likely, or so you think.
As I said earlier I really like these books, apart from one thing.
The relationship Cass has with Gavin is quite strange, it's not of lovers but more of a sort of brother/father/uncle thing, which just makes their relationship decidedly odd. I think he is an unnecessarily superfluous character in the book.
Well he could just be some friendly bobby she happens to know, not her lover to whom she may or may not get married.
March 17, 2023
Cass Lynch tut einem Freund einen Gefallen und kümmert sich um dessen Tante, die nach einem Aufenthalt im Krankenhaus wieder nach Hause zurückkehrt. Auch wenn die gebrochene Hüfte der alten Dame eine typische Verletzung ist, ist Tamar doch alles andere als eine normale Neunzigjährige und so ist der Aufenthalt in ihrem kleinen Cottage keine Pflicht für Cass, sondern ein Vergnügen.
Aber Cass ist nicht die Einzige, die sich um Tamar kümmert. Unter den zahlreichen Besuchern, die Tamar während der ersten Tage ihre Aufwartung machen, ist auch ihre Nichte. Die ist extra aus London gekommen, um sich um ihre Tante zu kümmern. Aber es scheint so, als ob Tamars Gesundheit nicht ihre Hauptsorge ist, denn sie sieht sich mehr als gründlich im Haus um.
Als dann noch eine Leiche am Strand gefunden wird, wird Cass klar, dass der Aufenthalt bei Tamar alles andere als langweilig wird.
Manchmal wundere ich mich schon darüber, wie viele Verbrechen auf den beschaulichen Shetlandinseln passieren. Aber ohne sie würde es diese Krimireihe nicht geben und das fände ich schade. Und es ist auch nicht so, dass Marsali Taylor ihre Fälle konstruiert, deshalb greife ich immer wieder gerne zu ihren Büchern.
Dieses Mal war die Vergangenheit der unterschiedlichen Charaktere fast spannender als der eigentliche Krimi. Jeder Besucher von Tamar hatte einen kleinen oder auch größeren dunklen Fleck auf der ansonsten weißen Weste und die meisten hingen mit dem aktuellen Fall zusammen.
So hatte die Geschichte alle Zutaten für einen guten Krimi. Aber auch wenn mir die Geschichte gefallen hat, konnte sie mich dieses Mal nicht so richtig packen. Manches war mir zu durchsichtig, anderes ein bisschen zu verworren und das war für mich keine gute Mischung.
Aber Cass ist nicht die Einzige, die sich um Tamar kümmert. Unter den zahlreichen Besuchern, die Tamar während der ersten Tage ihre Aufwartung machen, ist auch ihre Nichte. Die ist extra aus London gekommen, um sich um ihre Tante zu kümmern. Aber es scheint so, als ob Tamars Gesundheit nicht ihre Hauptsorge ist, denn sie sieht sich mehr als gründlich im Haus um.
Als dann noch eine Leiche am Strand gefunden wird, wird Cass klar, dass der Aufenthalt bei Tamar alles andere als langweilig wird.
Manchmal wundere ich mich schon darüber, wie viele Verbrechen auf den beschaulichen Shetlandinseln passieren. Aber ohne sie würde es diese Krimireihe nicht geben und das fände ich schade. Und es ist auch nicht so, dass Marsali Taylor ihre Fälle konstruiert, deshalb greife ich immer wieder gerne zu ihren Büchern.
Dieses Mal war die Vergangenheit der unterschiedlichen Charaktere fast spannender als der eigentliche Krimi. Jeder Besucher von Tamar hatte einen kleinen oder auch größeren dunklen Fleck auf der ansonsten weißen Weste und die meisten hingen mit dem aktuellen Fall zusammen.
So hatte die Geschichte alle Zutaten für einen guten Krimi. Aber auch wenn mir die Geschichte gefallen hat, konnte sie mich dieses Mal nicht so richtig packen. Manches war mir zu durchsichtig, anderes ein bisschen zu verworren und das war für mich keine gute Mischung.
November 26, 2023
Mark went to the library for me, and the librarian suggested this book. When he gave it to me I mentioned that I knew Marsali from the Scottish Islands Society of Authors group, so was delighted to be able to read one of her sailing mysteries. The only sailing I have done was 60+ years ago in Dutch with the family of my Dutch friend Nel and some of her school friends, on the Zuider Zee in Friesland (yes before it became the Ijsselmeer although after the creation of the Afsluitdijk, & whilst polders were being drained.) However that means that the terminology was all new to me, although I recalled some of the manoeuvres described.
The main thrust of the story takes place on Shetland however, and Marsali's descriptions of the family members & the scenery is evocative & compelling. The story is well constructed, following the procedures of a sailing race, and concluding with a tense end scene. I thought the hint about the mystery that was causing the crimes to occur was telegraphed a little too obviously, but there were also plenty of red herrings, and the character of the old lady Tamar, at the centre of events, allowed for the mystery to continue to throw out false trails.
The family relationships are a little complicated, but the device of Tamar explaining the family tree to a young relation whose teacher has set the class to create their own family tree, helps to clarify the relationships of a large Shetland crofting family.
I'll certainly look out for more of Marsali's series.
The main thrust of the story takes place on Shetland however, and Marsali's descriptions of the family members & the scenery is evocative & compelling. The story is well constructed, following the procedures of a sailing race, and concluding with a tense end scene. I thought the hint about the mystery that was causing the crimes to occur was telegraphed a little too obviously, but there were also plenty of red herrings, and the character of the old lady Tamar, at the centre of events, allowed for the mystery to continue to throw out false trails.
The family relationships are a little complicated, but the device of Tamar explaining the family tree to a young relation whose teacher has set the class to create their own family tree, helps to clarify the relationships of a large Shetland crofting family.
I'll certainly look out for more of Marsali's series.
July 16, 2025
While at home in the Shetlands, Cass agrees to look after an elderly relative of Magnie's who has had a recent fall and need some assistance while recuperating at home. However, it soon turns out that various members of the family would like to make sure they are considered in the lady's will to inherit her croft and other household items. In the meantime, a man's body is found near the house where Cass is staying and gunshot wounds seem to rule out accidental death. Cass is once more plunged into the role of reluctant investigator as threats start to escalate. I enjoyed this instalment in the series which I highly recommend!
May 30, 2022
Loving this whole series!
I read the first one (Death on a Longship) a few months ago with my local book club, and enjoyed it so much I bought all the others on Kindle. Trying very hard not to binge-read them one after another, but it’s hard! I love Cass, and Gavin, and the way their relationship is developing. Cass’s parents are beautifully portrayed and all the other regular characters are immensely likeable. I love the descriptions of the various places in Shetland, the Viking history, the feeling of being at sea… I will miss these books so much when I finish number 10!
I read the first one (Death on a Longship) a few months ago with my local book club, and enjoyed it so much I bought all the others on Kindle. Trying very hard not to binge-read them one after another, but it’s hard! I love Cass, and Gavin, and the way their relationship is developing. Cass’s parents are beautifully portrayed and all the other regular characters are immensely likeable. I love the descriptions of the various places in Shetland, the Viking history, the feeling of being at sea… I will miss these books so much when I finish number 10!
June 23, 2022
An enjoyable murder mystery set in Shetland with a sailing heroine, so ticked many of my interests (excepting murder). Good to have a feeling for the location and great to be taken back there. This is a series and I will read another when I want an easy read.
August 3, 2023
This series is one of my all time favorites!
Although I am not much of a sailor I have been around water, boats, ships and beautiful places and these wonderfully written tales have it all!
Although I am not much of a sailor I have been around water, boats, ships and beautiful places and these wonderfully written tales have it all!
July 22, 2024
Another great read in this series, excitement, mystery and the ongoing romance between Cass and Gavin. Always the surprising twists at the end and just enough clues on some clues that you aren’t left feeling stupid but can say’ oh yes I guessed that.
October 9, 2023
Listened on Audible but that edition not on Goodreads.
Another brilliant story, well told.
Another brilliant story, well told.
February 25, 2024
I love it when I come across an excellent book and then find it one of a series!
July 25, 2025
An OK read
April 7, 2025
This was my introduction to Marsali Taylor's writing, when I was desperately ordering random cheap fiction online during the first lockdown, and I remember realising, when only a few pages in, that I'd just found a new author to follow. This was my favourite in the series first time round, and a reread has only confirmed its status.
In this volume, Cass is on home leave in Shetland while her tall ship is in dry dock. Her friend Magnie asks her to act as a home help to an elderly lady, Tamar Irvine, who is recovering from a broken hip. But Tamar is far from being a stereotypical sweet old lady, and this seemingly innocent request soon plunges Cass into yet another mystery.
I love everything about this book. The setting is brilliant, as are the characters. Magnie and Gavin (and Cat, of course!) are the only 'regulars' to appear in this novel, but Tamar's family are such strong characters that it doesn't matter. Taylor's writing reaches new strengths in this book as well. A really strong addition to the series, and although I would always recommend starting a series at the beginning, this would work fine as a standalone novel too.
In this volume, Cass is on home leave in Shetland while her tall ship is in dry dock. Her friend Magnie asks her to act as a home help to an elderly lady, Tamar Irvine, who is recovering from a broken hip. But Tamar is far from being a stereotypical sweet old lady, and this seemingly innocent request soon plunges Cass into yet another mystery.
I love everything about this book. The setting is brilliant, as are the characters. Magnie and Gavin (and Cat, of course!) are the only 'regulars' to appear in this novel, but Tamar's family are such strong characters that it doesn't matter. Taylor's writing reaches new strengths in this book as well. A really strong addition to the series, and although I would always recommend starting a series at the beginning, this would work fine as a standalone novel too.
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