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A Shetland Winter Mystery
'This series is a must-read for anyone who loves the sea, or islands, or joyous, intricate story-telling.' ANN CLEEVES
It's the dark nights in the run up to Christmas, and sailing sleuth Cass Lynch's first night on dry land is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage. Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Soon Cass learns others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night.
It looks like ingenious local teenagers playing tricks - but what happens when festive games turn deadly?
Cass soon finds out as a schoolboy disappears, leaving only a trail of footprints into the middle of a snowy field. She's determined to investigate, but uncovering the truth will also put her in danger . . .
Nail-biting and unputdownable, A Shetland Winter Mystery is the latest instalment in the much-loved Shetland Sailing Mystery series by Marsali Taylor. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths and J M Dalgliesh.
Readers LOVE the Shetland Sailing Mysteries:
'Definitely the best of the Cass Lynch series yet!' 5* Reader Review
'The beautiful descriptions of Shetland life, traditions, it's landscape and even language bring everything to life.' 5* Reader Review
'This series gets better and better' 5* Reader Review
'A beautifully written story, with descriptions so vivid you can smell the sea and beautiful countryside.' 5* Reader Review
'The perfect lockdown read for anyone who longs to be back on the sea.' 5* Reader Review
It's the dark nights in the run up to Christmas, and sailing sleuth Cass Lynch's first night on dry land is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage. Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Soon Cass learns others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night.
It looks like ingenious local teenagers playing tricks - but what happens when festive games turn deadly?
Cass soon finds out as a schoolboy disappears, leaving only a trail of footprints into the middle of a snowy field. She's determined to investigate, but uncovering the truth will also put her in danger . . .
Nail-biting and unputdownable, A Shetland Winter Mystery is the latest instalment in the much-loved Shetland Sailing Mystery series by Marsali Taylor. Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths and J M Dalgliesh.
Readers LOVE the Shetland Sailing Mysteries:
'Definitely the best of the Cass Lynch series yet!' 5* Reader Review
'The beautiful descriptions of Shetland life, traditions, it's landscape and even language bring everything to life.' 5* Reader Review
'This series gets better and better' 5* Reader Review
'A beautifully written story, with descriptions so vivid you can smell the sea and beautiful countryside.' 5* Reader Review
'The perfect lockdown read for anyone who longs to be back on the sea.' 5* Reader Review
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2021
62 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Marsali Taylor
39 books174 followersMarsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland’s scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland’s distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 22, 2022
I just could not get into this book. The story was flat and boring. The characters linear and the “muscle men” felt like they were in the wrong book.
January 8, 2022
A Shetland Winter Mystery by Marsali Taylor conveys promise but not more. In fact, I thought more careful editing would have helped this novel (and writer) immensely.
There is plenty to be positive about. The location is conveyed with authority, and, despite being lightly drawn, conveys a sense beauty and naturalness contrasted with bleakness and isolation. The moral motivation that lies behind the plot is handled well. Taylor perfectly balances getting her point across without shoving the issue down her reader’s throat. Thus, the topic of invasive wind turbines is enlightening without being over-bearing — the reader cannot help but be sympathetic to the negative impact of the turbines and the draconian means by which they are implemented. Some of the plot lines, too, are intriguing. The unhealthiness of the family relationships at the centre of the tragedy are really engaging.
However, there were a few issues with the book that I simply couldn’t get past; primarily, the characterisation. It is totally one-dimensional, and, not having read previous instalments in the series, I felt completely ambivalent to the main characters, Cass and Gavin. Quite honestly, I felt sorry for Gavin who seems little more than a walking kilt. It’s lazy to expect readers to know the back catalogue in order to give a character depth.
The ‘muscle-men’ sub-plot was also extraneous. The fact that they are referred to as ‘muscle-men’ throughout is simply ridiculous. Getting beyond that, though, the family feuding as well as the turbine issue and the mythical trow element were enough plot devices to keep any decent mystery going without silly mistaken identities and abductions.
In addition to this, Taylor mentions how writing about young people helped her during a time when she had less contact with them. However, there are quite a few anachronisms that pop up in the text that don’t seem relative of youth. I mean, who wears stockings to go for dinner at their parents’ house, these days?
Better editing wold have sorted all of these problems. So, for me, the thanks to the editors in the acknowledgements seemed a little…shall we say, under-deserved.
N.B. There are quite a few typos and formatting errors in the text which I have ignored for the purposes of this review.
There is plenty to be positive about. The location is conveyed with authority, and, despite being lightly drawn, conveys a sense beauty and naturalness contrasted with bleakness and isolation. The moral motivation that lies behind the plot is handled well. Taylor perfectly balances getting her point across without shoving the issue down her reader’s throat. Thus, the topic of invasive wind turbines is enlightening without being over-bearing — the reader cannot help but be sympathetic to the negative impact of the turbines and the draconian means by which they are implemented. Some of the plot lines, too, are intriguing. The unhealthiness of the family relationships at the centre of the tragedy are really engaging.
However, there were a few issues with the book that I simply couldn’t get past; primarily, the characterisation. It is totally one-dimensional, and, not having read previous instalments in the series, I felt completely ambivalent to the main characters, Cass and Gavin. Quite honestly, I felt sorry for Gavin who seems little more than a walking kilt. It’s lazy to expect readers to know the back catalogue in order to give a character depth.
The ‘muscle-men’ sub-plot was also extraneous. The fact that they are referred to as ‘muscle-men’ throughout is simply ridiculous. Getting beyond that, though, the family feuding as well as the turbine issue and the mythical trow element were enough plot devices to keep any decent mystery going without silly mistaken identities and abductions.
In addition to this, Taylor mentions how writing about young people helped her during a time when she had less contact with them. However, there are quite a few anachronisms that pop up in the text that don’t seem relative of youth. I mean, who wears stockings to go for dinner at their parents’ house, these days?
Better editing wold have sorted all of these problems. So, for me, the thanks to the editors in the acknowledgements seemed a little…shall we say, under-deserved.
N.B. There are quite a few typos and formatting errors in the text which I have ignored for the purposes of this review.
December 21, 2021
A Shetland winter mystery by Marsali Taylor.
The Shetland Sailing Mysteries Book 10.
It's the dark nights in the run up to Christmas, and sailing sleuth Cass Lynch's first night on dry land is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage. Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Soon Cass learns others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night.
A good read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
The Shetland Sailing Mysteries Book 10.
It's the dark nights in the run up to Christmas, and sailing sleuth Cass Lynch's first night on dry land is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage. Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Soon Cass learns others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night.
A good read with good characters. Likeable story. 4*.
January 28, 2024
This took me a while to get into but the descriptions were amazing - you really felt like you were there. It has entertained me so much that I will look for more by this author.
December 17, 2021
A promising series loses its moral compass
I’ve read this entire series and up until this novel have felt it worthwhile. This episode is a huge disappointment. Awash with hypocrisy, with the lead hero, in the end, essentially justifying murder because a second wife is upset at her son-in-law for being a prick; and actively withholding evidence of serious destruction of property because the crooks are cute and their hearts are in the right place? Skip the fact that she is also, by refusing to report direct knowledge of these crimes to her own fiancé, lying to the man she loves; but she is also completely comfortable conspiring to cause her own fathers’ business to fail, costing him millions, and putting hundreds of people out of work just because she can’t bring herself to damage the bright futures of a bunch of spoiled, self-centered, overly entitled teens because she taught them to sail, and thinks they they deserve a break.
God save us all from moral relativism.
If we also didn’t have to constantly hear about our hero’s deep religious faith, and how important the church is in her life, it might have been slightly better. Hypocritical is the nicest thing I can about this latest in the Shetland Sailing series.
I want my money back.
I’ve read this entire series and up until this novel have felt it worthwhile. This episode is a huge disappointment. Awash with hypocrisy, with the lead hero, in the end, essentially justifying murder because a second wife is upset at her son-in-law for being a prick; and actively withholding evidence of serious destruction of property because the crooks are cute and their hearts are in the right place? Skip the fact that she is also, by refusing to report direct knowledge of these crimes to her own fiancé, lying to the man she loves; but she is also completely comfortable conspiring to cause her own fathers’ business to fail, costing him millions, and putting hundreds of people out of work just because she can’t bring herself to damage the bright futures of a bunch of spoiled, self-centered, overly entitled teens because she taught them to sail, and thinks they they deserve a break.
God save us all from moral relativism.
If we also didn’t have to constantly hear about our hero’s deep religious faith, and how important the church is in her life, it might have been slightly better. Hypocritical is the nicest thing I can about this latest in the Shetland Sailing series.
I want my money back.
December 11, 2021
Marsali Taylor's writing is pitch perfect. Shetland is much more than just a location. It is a plot device: the place where her characters live, and crime is committed to create the latest mystery. The beauty of Shetland and the author's love of it permeates every single page. The writing is evocative and compelling and there's real passion in the prose.
In the same way as the late Ruth Rendell used her Inspector Wexford novels to address statements about cultural differences and often environmental wrongdoings, here Marsali Taylor makes a statement for the conservation of her homeland and the islands she loves.
I love the mingling of myth and reality, the Norse mythology and the Trows, and the tantalizing glimpses of life on Shetland - and Cat and Kitten are superstars!
In the same way as the late Ruth Rendell used her Inspector Wexford novels to address statements about cultural differences and often environmental wrongdoings, here Marsali Taylor makes a statement for the conservation of her homeland and the islands she loves.
I love the mingling of myth and reality, the Norse mythology and the Trows, and the tantalizing glimpses of life on Shetland - and Cat and Kitten are superstars!
December 17, 2021
I devour Marsali Taylors Shetland Sailing Mysteries with our lead Cass Lynch. I love reading about her sailing adventures with her Cat and lately Kitten. Her developing relationship with her partner Gavin. This is the latest in the series and is a slight departure in that we see Cat is taking leave from her tall ships posting as they are on a Christmas Break. So Cass in living with Gavin on dry land and adjusting to all that brings. Nonetheless, the threads of different stories as the characters live their lives with tragic events is compelling.
November 29, 2024
I enjoyed this book - It was interesting to find out that Shetland has it's own language based on old Norse; it is great that this is included in the book. I enjoyed the mystery that was woven into the culture and society of the island. The landscape was also a big feature - I felt that I could really breathe the fresh air and feel the earth beneath my feet.
January 2, 2022
Goodreads apparently do not have the cover artwork for this paperback which is strange as they do have the cover for the Kindle edition. The book came as a recommendation and I had no idea that it is number ten in The Shetland Mystery series. I have visited Shetland and would love to go back to many of the locations featured in this story. I did not have the back-story of Cass Lynch or DI Gavin McRae, the two protagonists in a relationship. Cass is a sailor who crews on board an ocean-going yacht. Something that takes her away from home for weeks on end. Who looks after her two cats when she is away?
The book is peppered with Shetland vocabulary and a glossary is provided for Scots and Shetlan words, which helps. A Shetland Winter Mystery is a slow burner but it does get better as the plot develops. Set in the run up to Christmas and during Cass' first night on dry land, she is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage . Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night. Teenagers playing tricks? Acting like trows, an indelible part of local folklore? Will festive games turn deadly? Cass will find out when a schoolboy disappears, leaving only a trail of footprints into the middle of a snowy field...
I certainly wasn't enthralled with this book and I probably won't bother to read more of this series.
The book is peppered with Shetland vocabulary and a glossary is provided for Scots and Shetlan words, which helps. A Shetland Winter Mystery is a slow burner but it does get better as the plot develops. Set in the run up to Christmas and during Cass' first night on dry land, she is disturbed by strange noises outside her isolated cottage . Tiny footprints in the moonlit snow trail from her front door before mysteriously disappearing. Others were visited by the same tiny feet in the night. Teenagers playing tricks? Acting like trows, an indelible part of local folklore? Will festive games turn deadly? Cass will find out when a schoolboy disappears, leaving only a trail of footprints into the middle of a snowy field...
I certainly wasn't enthralled with this book and I probably won't bother to read more of this series.
November 27, 2022
This was a much more detailed book than a lot of mystery / crime books are. It took its time to patiently build up the scene, introducing you to the main characters and giving you a real flavour of Shetland, living in Shetland and the environment of the area.
It took quite a while to introduce the crimes which really then seemed to come out of nowhere as real crimes would and you saw the effect on the community.
There are quite a few surprises along the way and it builds up good tension towards the end of the book where everything is put together well.
Good storytelling and characterisation is maintained throughout the book. This is actually book 10 in the Shetland Sailing Mysteries Series which I hadn‘t realised when I started reading it but it holds up really well as a standalone.
Overall an enjoyable book, even if it was a bit slower in pace than most of the crime books I usually read, and therefore less pacier. The book actually felt more of an experience and I would be keen to read other books in the series.
It has a list of the local vocabulary used in the book to help the reader and to keep the local flavour.
There are quite a few surprises along the way and it builds up good tension towards the end of the book where everything is put together well.
Good storytelling and characterisation is maintained throughout the book. This is actually book 10 in the Shetland Sailing Mysteries Series which I hadn‘t realised when I started reading it but it holds up really well as a standalone.
Overall an enjoyable book, even if it was a bit slower in pace than most of the crime books I usually read, and therefore less pacier. The book actually felt more of an experience and I would be keen to read other books in the series.
It has a list of the local vocabulary used in the book to help the reader and to keep the local flavour.
January 14, 2022
Another murder mystery involving sailor Cass Taylor and her policeman boyfriend Gavin. Cass is on shore for once, preparing for Christmas with Gavin, Cat and Kitten, when mysterious footprints appear outside their remote cottage: 'Trows' (Shetland fairies) are traditionally active at this time of year. But is this a prank, and how is it linked to the controversial wind turbines being built?
Then a young boy disappears, possibly one of the prankers ...
What makes this series of whodunnits exceptional is that Marsali Taylor is more and more able to take time with her stories. Much of it is about Shetland's preparations for Christmas and the momentary difficulties experienced by Cass and Gavin as they navigate the early waters of living together, and on land. This is allied to a careful exploration of the relevant characters who are so well-developed that I felt apprehensive about their possible fates. The depth and texture of the story is further enhanced by the (fully explained) use of Shetland vocabulary (eg "She was in a right ammerswak. The goddess poise was gone. She was wearing the pinnie she’d worn yesterday, but the buttons were done up squint."; Ch 8) and by some superb pieces of description of the Shetland countryside:
"There had been an intense frost during the night. The orange-brown kelp on the shore was crinkled white with ice, and there was a glaze of ice in the curve by the point where the burn ran down." (Ch 7)
"It came on a serious shower of snow as we hit the main road. The windscreen wipers quickened to double speed, flack, flack, and still there was snow running down the window, as if we’d caught a foaming wave going over us. The tyres hissed through pools of water on the salted road, but the ditches at each side were white with snow lying on frozen water." (Ch 18)
I want to go there (maybe not in winter).
In short, it is a good little murder mystery in the classic style, but books of this quality transcend the genre.
Then a young boy disappears, possibly one of the prankers ...
What makes this series of whodunnits exceptional is that Marsali Taylor is more and more able to take time with her stories. Much of it is about Shetland's preparations for Christmas and the momentary difficulties experienced by Cass and Gavin as they navigate the early waters of living together, and on land. This is allied to a careful exploration of the relevant characters who are so well-developed that I felt apprehensive about their possible fates. The depth and texture of the story is further enhanced by the (fully explained) use of Shetland vocabulary (eg "She was in a right ammerswak. The goddess poise was gone. She was wearing the pinnie she’d worn yesterday, but the buttons were done up squint."; Ch 8) and by some superb pieces of description of the Shetland countryside:
"There had been an intense frost during the night. The orange-brown kelp on the shore was crinkled white with ice, and there was a glaze of ice in the curve by the point where the burn ran down." (Ch 7)
"It came on a serious shower of snow as we hit the main road. The windscreen wipers quickened to double speed, flack, flack, and still there was snow running down the window, as if we’d caught a foaming wave going over us. The tyres hissed through pools of water on the salted road, but the ditches at each side were white with snow lying on frozen water." (Ch 18)
I want to go there (maybe not in winter).
In short, it is a good little murder mystery in the classic style, but books of this quality transcend the genre.
December 27, 2021
I loved this book, set in Shetland. The characters are interesting and I love the different connections they have on the island. The book deals with lots of different issues as well. It has several storylines. There is a family drama line, with a first wife and son living near the second wife, husband and son. It would be dramatic enough like that, but when sons go missing, the drama was incredible.
The author did a brilliant job of describing the family. The tension throughout, the suspense and the way they deal with each other was brilliant. You’re made to feel for each character in turn, wondering at the same time who is guilty. And guilty of what? Murder, hiding away, being hidden? And has it anything to do with the two Heavies, confronting Cass and others?
The main character, Cass, and her sailing adventures was another interesting line, as is her boyfriend, Gavin. Gavin’s job as a high-up policeman brings you right into the action whilst Cass’s connection with the people around her allows her in on the excitement as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it makes a lovely Christmassy read.
The author did a brilliant job of describing the family. The tension throughout, the suspense and the way they deal with each other was brilliant. You’re made to feel for each character in turn, wondering at the same time who is guilty. And guilty of what? Murder, hiding away, being hidden? And has it anything to do with the two Heavies, confronting Cass and others?
The main character, Cass, and her sailing adventures was another interesting line, as is her boyfriend, Gavin. Gavin’s job as a high-up policeman brings you right into the action whilst Cass’s connection with the people around her allows her in on the excitement as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it makes a lovely Christmassy read.
December 13, 2023
I think this book suffered a bit from being read around so many other mysteries. I've read a lot across November and December, which makes comparison easy and A SHETLAND WINTER MYSTERY just didn't manage to stack up to them. I think if I'd read it in more of a thriller/mystery isolation, it probably would have held its own better and I wouldn't have felt like I was dragging my feet and reading it because it was the monthly book club pick.
My main trouble getting into the book was the fact I didn't feel there was much initial tension, much hint of what the mystery would be. I don't think it's necessary to have the major mystery (death/kidnapping/theft etc) in the initial chapters but I do want tension to create a hook in the absence of the major mystery, something to promise what is to come. That simply wasn't present here for me. There was simply the mysterious footprints that was brushed off as a prank, which simply didn't create that hook for me. And from there I just struggled, wanting a hook and never finding one strong enough for me.
My main trouble getting into the book was the fact I didn't feel there was much initial tension, much hint of what the mystery would be. I don't think it's necessary to have the major mystery (death/kidnapping/theft etc) in the initial chapters but I do want tension to create a hook in the absence of the major mystery, something to promise what is to come. That simply wasn't present here for me. There was simply the mysterious footprints that was brushed off as a prank, which simply didn't create that hook for me. And from there I just struggled, wanting a hook and never finding one strong enough for me.
February 6, 2024
This starts off in a fairly light mood, with sailor Cass Lynch on dry land for once, as she's on a break from sailing for Christmas,and is back on Shetland at the cottage she has moved into with her policeman boyfriend Gavin and two cats. In the run-up to Christmas, it seems that many residents have been visited at night by trowies, little folk who live in mounds in the hills, and come down to cause mischief. Tiny footprints lead up to doorways and windowsills, and then lead away from another window, or a catflap, but no harm is done. Cass suspects the local children,and for a while it all bowls along, until a teenager goes missing, and then another young man is found dead on a beach -are the two cases connected? Events then become more serious, although towards the end of the book so many people, especially the female characters, did so many silly things that I started to get a bit fed up with the tired cliche of a character heading into danger, when all they had to do was go to the police. Having said that, it was very readable and passed the time well enough. 6.5/10
August 19, 2022
The latest installment of Marsali Taylor’s Shetland Sailing Mystery series and one of the better one. Not a lot of sailing but a lot of Shetland folk lore, some ingenuity and a good mystery to go along with it all. Probably one of my favourites in the series. You really feel as though you know some of the people who feature in these books and it’s nice to see a central group of characters appearing in book after book even while Cass takes centre stage. This was particularly interesting as well because of the way the issue of a wind farm on Shetland was dealt with and how it divided the islanders and even families. This reflects the issues that have been encountered in the real-life situation on Shetland now (although, I believe without the murders!) This series is an interesting one. You don’t have to love tall ships and the ocean to enjoy the books.
April 6, 2022
A wonderful setting, with fantastic characters. Such a captivating storyline, which keeps you full of anticipation to the end. The detailed descriptions of the area and the landscape are so authentic, you can imagine yourself there with Cass and Gavin. I love books based in Shetland and this one is exceptional. I loved how at the beginning of each chapter Marsali Taylor gave us the meaning of the Scots and Shetlan words and the glossary at the end was brilliant to read through afterwards - made me want to read the book all over again!
I highly recommend this winter mystery! I am looking forward to reading Book 11 in The Shetland Sailing Mysteries!
I highly recommend this winter mystery! I am looking forward to reading Book 11 in The Shetland Sailing Mysteries!
December 26, 2021
A great read with a strong female lead character.
The writing is descriptive in its nature and is easy to read .
Cass the protagonist is a sailor / part time sleuth, pranks are played and teenagers are missing can Cass get to the truth?
The characters are strong and the story draws the reader in. The writing makes it easy to immerse yourself in the story and great for a winter read with a mug of hot chocolate in your favourite armchair.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline .
The writing is descriptive in its nature and is easy to read .
Cass the protagonist is a sailor / part time sleuth, pranks are played and teenagers are missing can Cass get to the truth?
The characters are strong and the story draws the reader in. The writing makes it easy to immerse yourself in the story and great for a winter read with a mug of hot chocolate in your favourite armchair.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline .
February 7, 2022
This is the third book which I have read in this series (ten books so far). I like the main character Cass Lynch and I like the descriptions of Shetland. Most of this story is set on land, rather than at sea, and much of the story is charming even though there is a murder and some excitement. I will definitely look out for the seven books I have yet to read.
June 21, 2022
Read the rest of the series first. I started this book and I felt as though I had entered a conversation part way through and then I realised it was not a stand alone book. I went back and purchased the first book and loved it so I’m now working my way through all the books until I get to this one and it all makes sense. I
February 13, 2024
A very slow burner, where nothing really happens over the first half of the book.
It got better and I read most of the second half in one evening.
Despite a few inconsistencies (Cass talking to Berwin about Robin’s paintings, just after Berwin finds out Robin tried to kill him, seemed odd, for example!), an enjoyable read.
It got better and I read most of the second half in one evening.
Despite a few inconsistencies (Cass talking to Berwin about Robin’s paintings, just after Berwin finds out Robin tried to kill him, seemed odd, for example!), an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
Difficult one to rate I liked the descriptive writing around the landscape. I enjoyed the kinks to mythology but the actual story line and characters I did not.
I felt the ending was rushed and tried to suggest we should be sympathetic and I was not.
Gavin and Cass I felt very little connection to although maybe that's as I have not read the series.
I felt the ending was rushed and tried to suggest we should be sympathetic and I was not.
Gavin and Cass I felt very little connection to although maybe that's as I have not read the series.
February 27, 2022
review
A very interesting book. The Scottish islands are a breed of their own. Their language is so different. But, a mystery is a mystery no matter the language. It twists and turns and keeps you guessing. You will not be disappointed. Now, I just need to find more.
A very interesting book. The Scottish islands are a breed of their own. Their language is so different. But, a mystery is a mystery no matter the language. It twists and turns and keeps you guessing. You will not be disappointed. Now, I just need to find more.
July 19, 2022
Sorry I just couldn't get the gist of this book, I got as far as chapter 6 and gave up! Nothing seemed to be happening and I found myself skipping great chunks of it. It's the first I've tried to read of this series, think it might be the last!
August 5, 2022
I really struggle with this story as the plot did not fix it me. I feel like this book could of done with some more editing this would of improved the novel a whole lot. I couldn't connect to the characters.
March 1, 2024
After over 150 pages, I gave up on this book. Boring is the word that comes to mind and lots of idle chit-chat. The characters were just uninteresting and there was lots of what I call "fill." Just not my cup of tea.
July 24, 2024
I know I’m rattling through these books like a racing car but they are just so good and completely take my mind off post op pain and physical inactivity. Cass and Gavin continue to delight and Shetland has become almost like home. A clever interweaving of crime, romance and Shetland culture.
October 17, 2025
It was okay. Very slow to start. Had to push through it but became more exciting when the story got going and you got to know the characters. I don’t think I’ll read another one of her stories though.
June 4, 2022
Honestly seemed a good book but couldn’t get into it. Nothing captivated me. Story just flat and didn’t seem very well put together. Shame really.
September 20, 2022
Another great Shetland story
I’m going to miss Cass and Gavin, and Shetland! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series. Shetland is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit now.
I’m going to miss Cass and Gavin, and Shetland! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series. Shetland is definitely on my bucket list of places to visit now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews