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Cate Kensie #2
Murder at Dunhaven Castle
If you could go back in time and clear your family’s name, would you?
Dr. Cate Kensie, now known as Lady Catherine Kensie, the mistress of Dunhaven Castle, still can’t believe her life. Somehow, moved to Scottland, inherited a castle that’s more than meets the eye, and is the proud--and sometimes reluctant-- owner of an amazing family heirloom. But there’s a secret Cate must protect about her new life, a secret that no one but Jack Reid, the estate manager, knows of.
As Cate learns more about her new home, she discovers that in 1856 there was a murder at Dunhaven and non-other than her own ancestor, Randolph MacKenzie, was accused and convicted of the crime. However, the more she learns about the murder at Dunhaven, the more confusing things become. All of the evidence is there, but the answers still don’t add up.
Will Cate have the courage to dive into a centuries-old murder to clear her family’s name? Or will she find out the hard way that sometimes it’s best to leave the past in the past where it can’t hurt you?
Find out in the nail-biting second installment of the Cate Kensie Mysteries series, Murder at Dunhaven Castle!
Dr. Cate Kensie, now known as Lady Catherine Kensie, the mistress of Dunhaven Castle, still can’t believe her life. Somehow, moved to Scottland, inherited a castle that’s more than meets the eye, and is the proud--and sometimes reluctant-- owner of an amazing family heirloom. But there’s a secret Cate must protect about her new life, a secret that no one but Jack Reid, the estate manager, knows of.
As Cate learns more about her new home, she discovers that in 1856 there was a murder at Dunhaven and non-other than her own ancestor, Randolph MacKenzie, was accused and convicted of the crime. However, the more she learns about the murder at Dunhaven, the more confusing things become. All of the evidence is there, but the answers still don’t add up.
Will Cate have the courage to dive into a centuries-old murder to clear her family’s name? Or will she find out the hard way that sometimes it’s best to leave the past in the past where it can’t hurt you?
Find out in the nail-biting second installment of the Cate Kensie Mysteries series, Murder at Dunhaven Castle!
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2021
989 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Nellie H. Steele
110 books495 followersNellie H. Steele lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with her family and her many fur-babies. When she isn't writing, she enjoys teaching Statistics at a local university or watching her dogs and cats play in the yard.
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
Nellie is the author of the Cate Kensie Mystery Series, a cozy mystery series following the adventures of Dr. Catherine Kensie, a history professor turned Scottish Countess, and her beloved dog, Riley, as they navigate their new lives in their quirky Scottish highlands castle, solving mysteries along the way! She is the creator of the Shadow Slayers series, a suspenseful series with a supernatural twist! Follow the Shadow Slayers through time as they fight to banish darkness from the world. Nellie also writes an adventure series, Maggie Edwards Adventures. Follow Maggie Edwards as she travels the world solving mysteries and finding unique treasures!
Check out all Nellie offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels, sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news about book releases or like us on facebook (facebook.com/anovelideapublishing) to keep up with us!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 23, 2020
Still Problematic
I wasn't that thrilled with the first book of the series because of information dumps, slow pacing for the first part of the novel, and odd problems with dialogue. The dialogue paragraphs in this book are a little better in some respects, but other issues cropped up with them, like odd capitalization and use of dialogue tags. The author still seems to be enamored with the information dump. Unfortunately, they don't just happen in the beginning; they happen all over the book. The author seems to have a real penchant for telling rather than showing. There's a reason why an adage exists that authors should show, not tell. Telling is distancing, plus we have to rely on a narrator’s word that something in particular happened. Showing lets us see the drama unfold with our own eyes so we can draw our own conclusions. Yet again, the author seems to be caught up in the unimportant minutiae, like details about the dog and a party, as well as explaining far too much about inconsequential motions and actions rather than just getting us to the good stuff. Again, this is an awesome premise for a novel. I just wish the author's writing ability matched her imagination.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I wasn't that thrilled with the first book of the series because of information dumps, slow pacing for the first part of the novel, and odd problems with dialogue. The dialogue paragraphs in this book are a little better in some respects, but other issues cropped up with them, like odd capitalization and use of dialogue tags. The author still seems to be enamored with the information dump. Unfortunately, they don't just happen in the beginning; they happen all over the book. The author seems to have a real penchant for telling rather than showing. There's a reason why an adage exists that authors should show, not tell. Telling is distancing, plus we have to rely on a narrator’s word that something in particular happened. Showing lets us see the drama unfold with our own eyes so we can draw our own conclusions. Yet again, the author seems to be caught up in the unimportant minutiae, like details about the dog and a party, as well as explaining far too much about inconsequential motions and actions rather than just getting us to the good stuff. Again, this is an awesome premise for a novel. I just wish the author's writing ability matched her imagination.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 11, 2023
I loved it!!!
I can't wait to read the next. I had hoped Cate would bring Sonia back to her time and keep her herself, but the way it turned out was better. Though I'm sad we won't be going back to 1856, I can't wait to see what the 1920's have in store.
I can't wait to read the next. I had hoped Cate would bring Sonia back to her time and keep her herself, but the way it turned out was better. Though I'm sad we won't be going back to 1856, I can't wait to see what the 1920's have in store.
February 14, 2022
Book 2 of the Cate Kinsey mysteries by Nellie H. Steele. This time I opted for spending more time listening to the audiobook, and must praise Naomi Rose-Mock. I really enjoyed her narrated rendition of this murder mystery! I’m funny about which narrators I recommend, but she is outstanding. Once again, Nellie H. Steele has written a murder mystery that draws you in from the beginning! I’m loving this series! On to the next one! ❤️
December 24, 2022
Entertaining audiobook! Well written and well narrated with a fun premise and a story that keeps moving..I’ll definitely listen to the next in series.
April 21, 2021
Cate inherited a castle in Scotland from her relatives. She lives in the Midwest USA and decided to move to Scotland to live in her new home Dunhaven castle.
Steele made the fiction of the castle seem so real. She made time travel seem so real where Cate traveled to help her relative from a murder charge in the 1800's. This is Book two of a series and I need to go back to read Book One, but first going to read book 3 A Holiday Heist at Dunhaven Castle. If you love old Castles you will love this series.
Steele made the fiction of the castle seem so real. She made time travel seem so real where Cate traveled to help her relative from a murder charge in the 1800's. This is Book two of a series and I need to go back to read Book One, but first going to read book 3 A Holiday Heist at Dunhaven Castle. If you love old Castles you will love this series.
July 27, 2020
Another Interesting Book
This is another interesting Cate Kensie mystery dealing with time travel.
I loved the storyline and all the interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those who love mysteries with a paranormal aspect.
This is another interesting Cate Kensie mystery dealing with time travel.
I loved the storyline and all the interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those who love mysteries with a paranormal aspect.
December 5, 2023
I am giving this book 2 stars only because I liked the characters. As for the story, the dialogue, the ‘time travel’, and the so-called ‘mystery’- ridiculous, disappointing and dumb.
My apologies.
My apologies.
March 30, 2022
Our time travel friends, Cate and Jack, are back at it again; traveling through time. Cate finds out about a murder that took place at the castle in 1856 involving one of her relatives, Randolph. She has decided to prove his innocence and with Jack's help, sets out on numerous trips back in time. I recommend you read it to find out more; or you can read one of the many reviews that basically tell the entire story.
I liked this book much better than the first and can't wait to continue on with the next book in the series.
I liked this book much better than the first and can't wait to continue on with the next book in the series.
October 30, 2023
Murder at Dunhaven Castle
This book was very fun to read. I lost a few hours of sleep but it was well worth it.
Can’t wait to begin the next in the series.
This book was very fun to read. I lost a few hours of sleep but it was well worth it.
Can’t wait to begin the next in the series.
August 15, 2021
Cate Kensie, now Lady Catherine, has inherited Dunhaven Castle and all it's secrets. The most important one being that she can now time travel to the past and meet her relatives and help them if she can, with problems. Cate and her estate manager, Jack Reid, do this together as he has a tie to her past also.
This time Cate discovers a relative from 1856 has been accused of murder and she wants to know if he really did it. Randolph, her relative knows she and Jack are time travelers but he has no idea why they have come to his time. As they get to know Randolph and his wonderful wife Victoria they know that there is no murder in Randolph's heart but how do they prove it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters. Can't wait to read more.
This time Cate discovers a relative from 1856 has been accused of murder and she wants to know if he really did it. Randolph, her relative knows she and Jack are time travelers but he has no idea why they have come to his time. As they get to know Randolph and his wonderful wife Victoria they know that there is no murder in Randolph's heart but how do they prove it?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters. Can't wait to read more.
August 9, 2021
Nice story. Enjoyed the listen. Can’t wait till the next installment comes out on Audible.
December 30, 2020
This was not your usual time travel book. I liked the storyline, characters and the unique way they travelled through time.
After Cate settled in the castle she'd inherited in Scotland, she started researching her ancestors. She found a relative who lived over a hundred years ago sho had confessed to a murder she was sure he didn't commit. She couldn't find anything helpful in her research so she decided to go back to 1856 for some answers. She told the estate handyman, Jack, about her plan hoping he would go with her. He did not like the idea but went along just to make sure she didn't get into trouble or do something to change the timeline.
I enjoyed Cate's activities in 1856 and how she tried to blend into that time period. Her actual life, in comparison, was mundane. Walking the dog, researching her ancestors. Just the usual things that need to be done. Along with the castle, Cate inherited a title. You'd think a countess would have her days full. But even a countess's day can be dull.
I requested this book to review. Fans of time travel murder mysteries will enjoy it.
After Cate settled in the castle she'd inherited in Scotland, she started researching her ancestors. She found a relative who lived over a hundred years ago sho had confessed to a murder she was sure he didn't commit. She couldn't find anything helpful in her research so she decided to go back to 1856 for some answers. She told the estate handyman, Jack, about her plan hoping he would go with her. He did not like the idea but went along just to make sure she didn't get into trouble or do something to change the timeline.
I enjoyed Cate's activities in 1856 and how she tried to blend into that time period. Her actual life, in comparison, was mundane. Walking the dog, researching her ancestors. Just the usual things that need to be done. Along with the castle, Cate inherited a title. You'd think a countess would have her days full. But even a countess's day can be dull.
I requested this book to review. Fans of time travel murder mysteries will enjoy it.
July 24, 2021
A Good Read
Just finished this book and truly enjoyed the mystery. Great storyline and even a greater finish. Looking forward to more.
Just finished this book and truly enjoyed the mystery. Great storyline and even a greater finish. Looking forward to more.
July 8, 2020
Murder at Dunhaven Castle is the second in a series written by Nellie Steele. I read the first book, Secret of Dunhaven Castle, and thought that is was an amazing mystery story with a surprising twist that I did not see coming. Murder at Dunhaven Castle continues the suspense, adding to the reading enjoyment by furthering the development of the main characters while adding some new and unique sub-characters. The story continues with Cate Kenzie, an American History Professor, who inherits a Scottish Castle with a past history of a murder purportedly committed one of her ancestors. Cate, with the help of her friend and groundskeeper Jack, takes up the task of investigating the murder in an attempt to clear her ancestor's name. The story is enthralling and will keep you turning pages whether you want to stop or not. I definitely recommend this book.
July 10, 2021
Although the story kept my interest, the dialogue was repetitive and the plot was slow paced.
June 15, 2020
Murder at Dunhaven Castle: A Cate Kensie Mystery (Cate Kensie Mysteries Book 2) by Nellie H. Steele is a awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading and I am hooked on this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mysteries in their stories.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
September 25, 2022
I really liked all the characters, it’s just the focus is more on little things (like taking the dog on a walk) then the actual mystery. I also figured out everything before the end, which I rarely do in mysteries. I think the most bothersome thing for is that there are so many exclamation points after every other sentence, that it somehow becomes distracting
Even though this book had issues, I liked it enough that I want to read the next book in the series.
Even though this book had issues, I liked it enough that I want to read the next book in the series.
January 8, 2021
Ready for a great Adventure!
This was such a well planned novel. It was like reading NANCY DREW all grown up! The concept of inheritance .iced in with time travel has become my perfect escape! I heartily recommend this series for those of us who do NOT like zombies, and other ugly things getting in the way of a terrific read!
This was such a well planned novel. It was like reading NANCY DREW all grown up! The concept of inheritance .iced in with time travel has become my perfect escape! I heartily recommend this series for those of us who do NOT like zombies, and other ugly things getting in the way of a terrific read!
October 20, 2021
I wanted this book to go on and on! I hated when it was over. All the characters were so incredible. The time travel was so awesome. What a wonderful thing to be able to do. The way Cate was able to sort and solve things were just, wow!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2020
Correcting a wrong
Cate has inherited a timepiece that allows her to visit the past and events in her castle home. She and her estate manager travel together to solve a castle mystery.
Cate has inherited a timepiece that allows her to visit the past and events in her castle home. She and her estate manager travel together to solve a castle mystery.
April 22, 2021
Great story
This premise has so many great possibilities but sadly it takes way to long to get to anything exciting or important I keep reading though so I guess it’s a good book 😉
This premise has so many great possibilities but sadly it takes way to long to get to anything exciting or important I keep reading though so I guess it’s a good book 😉
October 19, 2021
What a ride. I loved this book in fact I am enjoying the series ! Now onto book three ! Holiday Heist ! These would make a wonderful television series !
October 29, 2021
I absolutely loved it! Brilliantly written and so enjoyable! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
September 12, 2022
Once again, I’m glad I didn’t let some of the negative reviews stop me from reading this 2nd book in the series. I absolutely loved the story. I read to relax and have fun and these books are fun. Some readers have complained about the use of so many small details like how many times Cate walks the dogs or has trouble sleeping….to me that’s part of what makes the story so appealing, because the minutiae of life is something we all experience. It makes Cate more real. I cannot help but wonder if there will ever be more than friendship between Cate and Jack? I saw someone complain that some part of Cate’s dress wasn’t historically accurate for the time period….who cares?! Relax and have fun reading and stop looking for things so inconsequential to complain about. I have loved the first 2 books of the series and look forward to reading the next one!
October 12, 2023
Great read
Dr. Cate Kensie, now Countless at Dunhaven has settled in nicely. Her dog, Riley is acting funny, stealing food and not acting like himself. Her friend Molly from Aberdeen is coming for a visit for the Halloween party. There will be loads of guests. Mrs. Campbell is in charge of the party, as she is the prez of the historical society and the librarian for the town. Mrs. Campbell brought articles about Cate's ancestor Randolph and she doesn't believe that he is a murderer. So she wants to go back in time with Jack and figure out the truth. Crazy stuff ensues and boy was it fun to read. Surprises abound! Can't wait to read the next one.
Dr. Cate Kensie, now Countless at Dunhaven has settled in nicely. Her dog, Riley is acting funny, stealing food and not acting like himself. Her friend Molly from Aberdeen is coming for a visit for the Halloween party. There will be loads of guests. Mrs. Campbell is in charge of the party, as she is the prez of the historical society and the librarian for the town. Mrs. Campbell brought articles about Cate's ancestor Randolph and she doesn't believe that he is a murderer. So she wants to go back in time with Jack and figure out the truth. Crazy stuff ensues and boy was it fun to read. Surprises abound! Can't wait to read the next one.
September 13, 2021
Much better than the first one
Author did a much better job of moving the story along although the frequent descriptions of dog walking need better editing. The solution to the murder was interesting as well. One quibble: it was never explained why Randolph confessed in the first place. Wouldn’t the police wonder about that? That being said, i’m glad i gave the second book a try after disliking the first. Hopefully they will continue to get better.
Author did a much better job of moving the story along although the frequent descriptions of dog walking need better editing. The solution to the murder was interesting as well. One quibble: it was never explained why Randolph confessed in the first place. Wouldn’t the police wonder about that? That being said, i’m glad i gave the second book a try after disliking the first. Hopefully they will continue to get better.
September 23, 2020
This was not your usual time travel book. I liked the storyline, characters and the unique way they travelled through time.
After Cate settled in the castle she'd inherited in Scotland, she started researching her ancestors. She learned of a relative who lived over a hundred years ago. He had confessed to a murder she was sure he didn't commit. She couldn't find anything helpful in her research so she decided to go back to 1856 for some answers. She told the estate handyman, Jack, about her plan hoping he would go with her. He did not like the idea but went along just to make sure she didn't get into trouble or do something to change the timeline.
I enjoyed Cate's activities in 1856 and how she tried to blend into that time period. Her actual life, in comparison, was mundane. Walking the dog, researching her ancestors. Just the usual things that need to be done. Along with the castle, Cate inherited a title. You'd think a countess would have her days full. But even a countess's day can be dull.
I requested this book to review. Fans of time travel murder mysteries will enjoy it.
After Cate settled in the castle she'd inherited in Scotland, she started researching her ancestors. She learned of a relative who lived over a hundred years ago. He had confessed to a murder she was sure he didn't commit. She couldn't find anything helpful in her research so she decided to go back to 1856 for some answers. She told the estate handyman, Jack, about her plan hoping he would go with her. He did not like the idea but went along just to make sure she didn't get into trouble or do something to change the timeline.
I enjoyed Cate's activities in 1856 and how she tried to blend into that time period. Her actual life, in comparison, was mundane. Walking the dog, researching her ancestors. Just the usual things that need to be done. Along with the castle, Cate inherited a title. You'd think a countess would have her days full. But even a countess's day can be dull.
I requested this book to review. Fans of time travel murder mysteries will enjoy it.
June 5, 2022
awesome
Time traveling how interesting! I can’t help but wonder how Cate will be able to travel as freely with her friend Molly now living in the castle too. Look forward to continuing the suspense.
Time traveling how interesting! I can’t help but wonder how Cate will be able to travel as freely with her friend Molly now living in the castle too. Look forward to continuing the suspense.
August 17, 2023
Cate and Jack travel back to 1856 to prove Randolphs innocence of a murder of one of the servants he did not commit.Cate and Jack investigate trying to get Randolph out of jail before it is to late. This book was worth reading I could not put it down.
September 21, 2021
I found myself listening with a smile on my face a number of times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews