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Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery #1
Death by Appointment
A doctor retreats to the Scottish coast for a fresh start—but finds herself in harm’s way—in this compelling murder mystery.
Physician Cathy Moreland needs time to heal, having recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while struggling with a painkiller habit. The little village of Kinnaven promises respite, but after Cathy attempts to get an opiate prescription, things don’t go well. When she discovers the body of the local Dr. Cosgrove, her sanctuary is shattered.
Before long, Cathy is swept up in local gossip about the death. Decades earlier, the cliff where Cosgrove died had been the site of another tragedy, leading some to suspicions about the doctor’s demise. But as Cathy determines to learn the truth, she will find herself in grave danger.
Physician Cathy Moreland needs time to heal, having recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while struggling with a painkiller habit. The little village of Kinnaven promises respite, but after Cathy attempts to get an opiate prescription, things don’t go well. When she discovers the body of the local Dr. Cosgrove, her sanctuary is shattered.
Before long, Cathy is swept up in local gossip about the death. Decades earlier, the cliff where Cosgrove died had been the site of another tragedy, leading some to suspicions about the doctor’s demise. But as Cathy determines to learn the truth, she will find herself in grave danger.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2021
116 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Mairi Chong
12 books39 followersMairi grew up in the north-east of Scotland. The dramatic coastal village proved to be the perfect back-drop for imaginative play alongside her brothers.
"The neighbours must have hated us. We were always up on someone's shed roof tracking down smugglers, or digging in a ditch, hoping to unearth hidden treasure!"
Mairi read voraciously from a young age. Both her father and grandfather were great storytellers and read aloud to her, encouraging her to invent stories of her own. Their support led her to gaining a scholarship to study creative writing at a prestigious summer school.
In reading, she gravitated towards crime fiction, beginning with Agatha Christie, and moving on to Dorothy L. Sayers and Josephine Tey.
"I must have been a bit of a pig at school. I remember at the age of ten asking if the library had Bleak House! In my defence, I still think it was a good call. Dickens was one of the great pioneers in detective fiction."
Creativity took a backseat when Mairi chose to study Medicine at Dundee University. She qualified as a general practitioner, enjoying the variety of the work.
"I suppose I fell in love with every medical specialty as I moved through university. I especially enjoyed A&E and psychiatry. When I think about it, it’s probably because both involved listening to people’s stories."
Within General Practice, Mairi specialized in addictions psychiatry, women’s health and family planning, but following the devastating personal diagnosis of bipolar disorder, swiftly followed by renal cancer, she was forced to take a career break.
"It was a wake-up call really. I was ambitious and the illnesses forced me to prioritise. In many ways, it was the best thing that could have happened to our family. I realised that I needed to be at home with my beloved son. I felt that I had missed out on too much. As I slowly recovered, I read with him the stories I had myself once loved. I found it brought back my own appetite for books. I think, what with the mental illness and work, I had lost that part of myself entirely. The writing came not long after. It seemed like a very natural progression. Like rediscovering a long forgotten and much- loved friend."
Happily, Mairi has been declared free from cancer and now lives a peaceful existence deep in the Scottish countryside with her husband, son, cats and horses. She has even been known to deliver the odd calf for the neighbouring farmer if he’s in a fix.
"Stories are everywhere around me; I don’t need to go hunting for them. Sometimes the smallest comment or thought can spark an idea for a book. I know it seems impossible, surrounded by such beauty, but believe it or not, it’s the ideal place to plot a murder."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 15, 2021
Death by Appointment is a prequel novel for the Dr Cathy Moreland series set in rural Scotland. There are currently three books in the main series, but I haven’t read any of them yet - I downloaded the first, Murder and Malpractice, during a free book promotion last year. It’s been sitting high on my TBR (but below all the ARCs) ever since, so when I got an email newsletter from the author mentioning she was looking for more advance reviewers for her “Clinical Team”, I signed up and decided to read them in chronological rather than published order. I was particularly interested because like me, the author trained and worked as a GP in Scotland, although she is no longer practicing for personal reasons, and I liked the idea of a heroine who is a Primary Care doctor - rather than the usual psychologists & forensic specialists who predominate in crime fiction.
Cathy Moreland, a conscientious and competent GP, is devastated to find herself hospitalised with bipolar disorder, her confidence wrecked and her career on the line. Persuaded to take a quiet holiday to recuperate, she rents a cottage near the remote village of Kinnaven on the North East coast, but is drawn in to the affairs of the locals by a series of sudden deaths. How does the threatening presence in this idyllic setting connect to the tragic suicide of a young mother thirty years earlier?
This was a beautifully written contemporary yet old-fashioned mystery, with no gore or overt violence, but it’s not formulaic cosy crime, and I had no idea who the perpetrator would be. Cathy is an appealing central protagonist, battling her personal demons but determined to do the right thing, and there are some interesting support characters, like single mother Jean, easily led astray by her manipulative cad of a boyfriend, and Cathy’s bolshy friend Suzalinna. I enjoyed the little medical details, but they never detract from the plot. Prequels can be tricky, because you need to introduce your character and avoid spoilers for new readers, without too much repetition or affecting your established canon for those who have read the later books, but Chong balances this very well. I look forward to following this doctor’s casebook going forward! Thanks to Mairi Chong for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Death by Appointment is published on April 3rd.
Cathy Moreland, a conscientious and competent GP, is devastated to find herself hospitalised with bipolar disorder, her confidence wrecked and her career on the line. Persuaded to take a quiet holiday to recuperate, she rents a cottage near the remote village of Kinnaven on the North East coast, but is drawn in to the affairs of the locals by a series of sudden deaths. How does the threatening presence in this idyllic setting connect to the tragic suicide of a young mother thirty years earlier?
This was a beautifully written contemporary yet old-fashioned mystery, with no gore or overt violence, but it’s not formulaic cosy crime, and I had no idea who the perpetrator would be. Cathy is an appealing central protagonist, battling her personal demons but determined to do the right thing, and there are some interesting support characters, like single mother Jean, easily led astray by her manipulative cad of a boyfriend, and Cathy’s bolshy friend Suzalinna. I enjoyed the little medical details, but they never detract from the plot. Prequels can be tricky, because you need to introduce your character and avoid spoilers for new readers, without too much repetition or affecting your established canon for those who have read the later books, but Chong balances this very well. I look forward to following this doctor’s casebook going forward! Thanks to Mairi Chong for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
Death by Appointment is published on April 3rd.
December 14, 2021
An intriguing mystery with well-written characters.
A Scottish village by the sea seems the idea retreat for Dr Cathy Morland after a bipolar diagnosis. But village life is far from idyllic - the local doctor is receiving threatening letters, thefts are occurring and two people die. Although neither death is considered suspicious by the police, Cathy is drawn into investigating them - could there also be a murderer in the village?
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the review copy which has introduced me to a new author. I look forward to reading other books in the series.
A Scottish village by the sea seems the idea retreat for Dr Cathy Morland after a bipolar diagnosis. But village life is far from idyllic - the local doctor is receiving threatening letters, thefts are occurring and two people die. Although neither death is considered suspicious by the police, Cathy is drawn into investigating them - could there also be a murderer in the village?
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the review copy which has introduced me to a new author. I look forward to reading other books in the series.
December 30, 2021
Not a genre I normally read but I was enthralled by this book. Rich imagery and accomplished prose transports us to the picturesque village of Kinnavan. At times reminiscent of a Scottish version of Murder she wrote with hints of Agatha Christie, Death By Appointment gives cosy crime a new twist by introducing a female GP as the main protagonist.
Flawed and intelligent Dr Cathy Moreland revitalises the genre and gives the series a distinct flavour. The fact that the Author herself is a physician gives it a very authentic feel. I was fascinated by Cathy's medical knowledge and how she spotted things in the characters she met.
Chong's plotting is perfectly crafted, resulting in a heartfelt mystery where tension builds steadily throughout the narrative. So expertly does she weave a web of suspicion, that it's difficult not to assume that everyone's guilty at some point or another. The final scene in the main house gave me Goosebumps as I awaited the reveal. But this isn't just a mystery novel because at its core there lies a love story.
A wonderful debut, I can't wait to read the next one in the series and learn more about Dr Cathy. I want to know how she's getting on with her friends and her new life. What mystery she discovers next. And is she keeping herself safe?
Perfect for fans of Cosy crime, Medical thrillers and Scottish crime. But even if you aren't a fan of those genres give it a try because you might find out you love it too.
Flawed and intelligent Dr Cathy Moreland revitalises the genre and gives the series a distinct flavour. The fact that the Author herself is a physician gives it a very authentic feel. I was fascinated by Cathy's medical knowledge and how she spotted things in the characters she met.
Chong's plotting is perfectly crafted, resulting in a heartfelt mystery where tension builds steadily throughout the narrative. So expertly does she weave a web of suspicion, that it's difficult not to assume that everyone's guilty at some point or another. The final scene in the main house gave me Goosebumps as I awaited the reveal. But this isn't just a mystery novel because at its core there lies a love story.
A wonderful debut, I can't wait to read the next one in the series and learn more about Dr Cathy. I want to know how she's getting on with her friends and her new life. What mystery she discovers next. And is she keeping herself safe?
Perfect for fans of Cosy crime, Medical thrillers and Scottish crime. But even if you aren't a fan of those genres give it a try because you might find out you love it too.
December 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this story, and really liked the doctor too. Would definitely read more by this author and about Cathy too. Was given this as an ARC copy and this is my honest review x
March 19, 2021
Death by Appointment is a great easy read murder mystery, and is something different from what I normally read - as evidenced by my chewed up fingernails! (Just kidding!) The characters and storyline are realistic - even if a bit creepy at times. You realize something - or someone - is terrorizing the British Hamlet where Cathy has gone to recuperate following a mental breakdown. Cathy soon learns that the townspeople have never recovered from the 30 year old suicide of a young mother who took her own life and that of her newborn child by jumping off a cliff into the sea. What drove the young woman to end her life and that of her child? Cathy wonders if it was really a suicide. Yet, will Cathy also be driven to suicide or is something more sinister taking place - a murderer on the loose? As in most good stories, there were times I thought I figured out what was really going on and who was responsible for events that were taking place, but I was wrong. The clues were there, but I missed solving the mystery while anticipating the next unsettling event. There is an interesting cast of characters, including Cathy - a doctor who is suicidal and recovering from a drug habit; an old artist who chooses to live as a recluse; young men who experienced the atrocities of war; an old doctor who is soon to retire; and many more who added to the complexity and intrigue of this mystery. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2021
A very interesting read! Dr Moreland has had a complete breakdown and goes to a remote area of Scotland to recuperate. It turns out to be quite the exciting time for her as she solves a 30 year old mystery of a death of a young woman and her new born child. Which happens to tie in with the death of a soon to retire area doctor. This book is full of so much intrigue, twists, turns, drama, mystery, a bit of romance, and full of something always going on! The characters are well introduced and developed and you feel like the are people you would run across in the real world. Mairi Chong's writing style is different from what is ordinary found in the books I read, but its uniqueness is also what makes it more attractive. She does a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing about the real who done it to the story. You only find out when she is ready to reveal it to the reader and I love it! It sort of started out slow, but in reality it was a necessary to give you the background to the characters in the story. It ends up being a barn burning page turner!!! Great story, thank you Mairi Chong!
April 2, 2021
Mairi Chong’s books – can’t really call them “cozies” since they’re meatier, but they’re also not as tense as thrillers – start with a situation and characters which capture your interest. The atmosphere is built up (where are we, who is with whom and what do they do, told also from the viewpoints of different characters), and the mystery starts to develop. At the center is Cathy – in this book she is taking a leave of absence in a small Scottish town to recover from a breakdown connected with her bipolar syndrome. Other characters take steps which influence the action and their lives, and Cathy’s experience and medical history give her empathy with them. You are drawn right along as things progress until you are so engaged in the whole story that you keep reading to find out what happens. A warm and thoughtful scene at the end rounds out an excellent and well-written book.
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.
I received an advance copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.
March 26, 2021
I had read two of the Dr. Cathy Moreland mysteries before this prequel and it explains a lot. Recovering from a bipolar diagnosis, Cathy goes to the Scotland shore to recuperate for a few weeks before, hopefully resuming her practice. But I’m not sure how much rest she gets. The local GP who is getting ready to retire, commits suicide off of Devil’s Leap, to everyone’s surprise! But there are also a lot a other stories going on, which keep you eagerly reading to find out what has gripped this small town. The ending was very much a surprise! A great read, if perhaps a little less “cozy” than some. Cathy has a sharp mind and it’s a pleasure to watch how she puts the history, past and present together to solve this case. I did receive an advance copy from the talented author, and write this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2021
Death by Appointment is Book 4 in A Dr. Cathy Moreland Mystery. Mairi Chong has written a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The first 4 chapters laid a needed foundation for the rest of the book. The book opens with the death of a young mother and her daughter. The results of this death causes a death 30 years later.
Dr. Cathy Moreland puts all of the pieces together and I was so surprised by the ending; it was perfect. Mairi Chong has written very strong characters and multiple layers to the story. This is not a light hearted mystery, the book is a serious cozy. I can’t wait to read Mairi Chong’s next book. I received an arc for free in exchange for my honest voluntary review.
Dr. Cathy Moreland puts all of the pieces together and I was so surprised by the ending; it was perfect. Mairi Chong has written very strong characters and multiple layers to the story. This is not a light hearted mystery, the book is a serious cozy. I can’t wait to read Mairi Chong’s next book. I received an arc for free in exchange for my honest voluntary review.
April 3, 2021
“Death by appointment” is the prequel to the Dr Cathy Moreland Mystery series.
Dr Moreland is recovering from a severe mental breakdown in a small Scottish village by the sea, but things do not turn out the way she had planned. Two tragic deaths occur, and before long she is caught up in a murder investigation…
I like this series, and the prequel really adds to the character development. The story is well-written and relatable to real life: tragic but believable. You’re constantly trying to figure out what’s really going on, and yet the end is a complete surprise.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
Dr Moreland is recovering from a severe mental breakdown in a small Scottish village by the sea, but things do not turn out the way she had planned. Two tragic deaths occur, and before long she is caught up in a murder investigation…
I like this series, and the prequel really adds to the character development. The story is well-written and relatable to real life: tragic but believable. You’re constantly trying to figure out what’s really going on, and yet the end is a complete surprise.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
March 13, 2021
If you ever enjoyed an Agatha Christie, give this series a try! Its setting is along the coast in Scotland. It takes place in the twenty-first century. There are plenty of suspects and enough different things happening so that your interest won’t wane. I read it in one day. I couldn’t guess who done it. It was a fun read. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I want to. Death by appointment could be enjoyed as a standalone, but now I will read what I missed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 13, 2021
Thank you for the opportunity to have an advanced read of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
A totally engrossing and fast paced story with relatable characters and exciting storyline. I could picture the beautiful village and the drama they must have felt through the authors beautiful writing. I was gripped from start to finish. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I’ll definitely be looking them up.
A totally engrossing and fast paced story with relatable characters and exciting storyline. I could picture the beautiful village and the drama they must have felt through the authors beautiful writing. I was gripped from start to finish. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I’ll definitely be looking them up.
April 2, 2021
As a follower of the Cathy Moreland series I can honestly say I’ve been taken on a journey with every character with each new instalment, there’s something relatable in every book and it makes all the difference to me as a reader. The medical twist to this murder mystery series peaks my interest entirely. It’s so engaging, quick paced and so eloquently written that it’s easy to place yourself inside the world Mairi has created. A fantastic read again.
April 15, 2021
A compelling story with the bleak and savage coastline and mysterious characters adding to an atmosphere of pervasive evil and foreboding. The descriptions of Devil's Leap and the events that occurred there chilled my blood. All of this juxtaposed with people in the village going about their seemingly mundane daily routines makes for a read that definitely didn't disappoint this reader.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2021
Swept up in mysteries and tragedies after being diagnosed with bi-polar disease, Dr. Moreland begins investigating occurrence that may have deeper and more sinister roots than previously believed. Exceptional writing, enthralling characters and engrossing scenes make number four in this series a compelling book. Highly Recommended.
March 21, 2021
Well ... what can I say? Absolutely brilliant “Death By Appointment” kept you turning the pages and then the ending wow ! Fab characters and the setting just helped to add to this ace book Thank you again for a great read x
September 29, 2021
Another great book from Mairi
This is the 4th book I've read of Mairi's and thoroughly enjoyed. She takes time to allow you to get to know the characters and keeps you guessing right until the end. Looking forward to the next one
This is the 4th book I've read of Mairi's and thoroughly enjoyed. She takes time to allow you to get to know the characters and keeps you guessing right until the end. Looking forward to the next one
March 31, 2021
As an advanced reader of this book I was privileged to read another fantastic tale! I’ve now read all 4 of Mairi’s books and not once guessed correctly! Can’t wait for next instalment
January 15, 2022
Cathy has recently been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and has gone away for a while, after being diagnosed with medication and released from hospital. The idea was rest and recouperate so she could return to her job as a GP.
The town of Kinnaven in northern Scotland has a history however, one of tragedy. A young mother and her baby daughter died after jumping from cliffs.
As Cathy gets used to being in the village she is befriended by the cleaner Jean and starts to pick up on bits of information.
There are a couple of sub stories, one involving Ross, who is a knob, quite simply! A liar, cheat, manipulative and sneaky. I didn't like him, and had zero sympathy for him throughout. Wanted to scream at the women he came into contact with to run!
Jean is a young woman, single mum to Calum, cleaning to get by. Ross is her one love and when he returns she can't help her feelings. I loved Jean, although she was naive, nosey and a bit of a gossip, her heart was ultimately in the right place.
Then there is Dr Cosgrove, who has lived in the town for years and is due to retire soon. Her story isn't entirely clear to begin with but it becomes clearer.
There are lots of little bits mentioned throughout that all tie together at the end. The last few chapters will have you thinking, ohhh, a lot!
All the peripheral characters are wonderful, and it ends with a particularly poignant letter that gave me goosebumps and was just wonderful.
A very very exciting debut from a writer who clearly knows her stuff in regards to the issues of mental health, and medicine, but doesn't patronise you with it.
I think there are going to be big things in this beautiful ladies future and I can't wait to watch her star rise.
The town of Kinnaven in northern Scotland has a history however, one of tragedy. A young mother and her baby daughter died after jumping from cliffs.
As Cathy gets used to being in the village she is befriended by the cleaner Jean and starts to pick up on bits of information.
There are a couple of sub stories, one involving Ross, who is a knob, quite simply! A liar, cheat, manipulative and sneaky. I didn't like him, and had zero sympathy for him throughout. Wanted to scream at the women he came into contact with to run!
Jean is a young woman, single mum to Calum, cleaning to get by. Ross is her one love and when he returns she can't help her feelings. I loved Jean, although she was naive, nosey and a bit of a gossip, her heart was ultimately in the right place.
Then there is Dr Cosgrove, who has lived in the town for years and is due to retire soon. Her story isn't entirely clear to begin with but it becomes clearer.
There are lots of little bits mentioned throughout that all tie together at the end. The last few chapters will have you thinking, ohhh, a lot!
All the peripheral characters are wonderful, and it ends with a particularly poignant letter that gave me goosebumps and was just wonderful.
A very very exciting debut from a writer who clearly knows her stuff in regards to the issues of mental health, and medicine, but doesn't patronise you with it.
I think there are going to be big things in this beautiful ladies future and I can't wait to watch her star rise.
January 18, 2022
A Dr Cathy Moreland Mystery. It’s time to die. Book one.
Firstly I have to say I love the cover. The book starts in 1990 and you come across the deaths straight away and who they were found by then boom your left unknowing where this will go as it time lapses 30 years later where your introduced to Dr Cathy Moreland and her mental illness.
I really enjoyed how the author introduces so many different characters that are soon all to be connected in some way. Kinnaven sounds like a lovely place for now. I didn’t know who I was going to get at the start of each chapter and this really set up the pace for me. When you get moments of flash back to 1990 your mind just can’t take the suspense especially with the mystery behind the letters.
I felt really sad when the death occurred but it is a murder mystery after all. I think I got so involved with the character I almost didn’t expect it to happen. I love how the book touches on the importance of how severe mental illness can be an addiction too.
The short chapters make this book more exciting than your usual murder mystery. You have your secrets developing on top of a lot of accusations. I thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to follow the series. The writing style was just up my street. You can easily read this in a few hours.
Firstly I have to say I love the cover. The book starts in 1990 and you come across the deaths straight away and who they were found by then boom your left unknowing where this will go as it time lapses 30 years later where your introduced to Dr Cathy Moreland and her mental illness.
I really enjoyed how the author introduces so many different characters that are soon all to be connected in some way. Kinnaven sounds like a lovely place for now. I didn’t know who I was going to get at the start of each chapter and this really set up the pace for me. When you get moments of flash back to 1990 your mind just can’t take the suspense especially with the mystery behind the letters.
I felt really sad when the death occurred but it is a murder mystery after all. I think I got so involved with the character I almost didn’t expect it to happen. I love how the book touches on the importance of how severe mental illness can be an addiction too.
The short chapters make this book more exciting than your usual murder mystery. You have your secrets developing on top of a lot of accusations. I thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to follow the series. The writing style was just up my street. You can easily read this in a few hours.
December 26, 2021
Thanks to Bloodhound for providing a review copy
This is my first book by this author although not the first book in this series however this did not take away from the story at all, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
The story starts 30 years ago with the discovery of the bodies of a young mother and her child at the bottom of a cliff, we are then brought into the present and introduced to GP Cathy Moreland. Cathy is a GP who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been persuaded to take a holiday to help her rest, she rents a cottage in a small village in Scotland unaware of its history and is soon drawn in to the loves and the losses of the locals.
The book is described as a murder mystery and yes there is a murder and a mystery but this doesn’t happen until you are passed half way so for me this book was more than that. The characters are very well written, Cathy as a GP with mental health issues is so warm and likeable and Jean, her cleaner who she becomes friends with is so naïve when it comes to love but if we are honest how many of us have done something daft for love! The story develops at an easy pace and there are plenty of twists and turns thrown in. I have given this 4 stars only because I like my murders to be in the first half so I can get more involved with finding the killer, instead I felt myself spending far too long just wanting someone to die! All in all, in it is a very enjoyable read with relatable character and beautiful scenery.
This is my first book by this author although not the first book in this series however this did not take away from the story at all, it can definitely be read as a standalone book.
The story starts 30 years ago with the discovery of the bodies of a young mother and her child at the bottom of a cliff, we are then brought into the present and introduced to GP Cathy Moreland. Cathy is a GP who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been persuaded to take a holiday to help her rest, she rents a cottage in a small village in Scotland unaware of its history and is soon drawn in to the loves and the losses of the locals.
The book is described as a murder mystery and yes there is a murder and a mystery but this doesn’t happen until you are passed half way so for me this book was more than that. The characters are very well written, Cathy as a GP with mental health issues is so warm and likeable and Jean, her cleaner who she becomes friends with is so naïve when it comes to love but if we are honest how many of us have done something daft for love! The story develops at an easy pace and there are plenty of twists and turns thrown in. I have given this 4 stars only because I like my murders to be in the first half so I can get more involved with finding the killer, instead I felt myself spending far too long just wanting someone to die! All in all, in it is a very enjoyable read with relatable character and beautiful scenery.
April 9, 2021
Death by Appointment is a mystery set in Scotland. Dr. Cathy Moreland is staying for a few weeks in the small village of Kinnaven. She discovers the body of local doctor, Cosgrove at the bottom of the cliff and learns of a connection to a tragedy in the same location 30 years before.
In the end, this mystery was just okay for me. The characters were unevenly developed. Some were better drawn than others. I was also left with questions about characters and events that were left open.
I liked the setting of the small, coastal village. The mystery did have a good number of suspects and I was surprised by the resolution (I didn't guess it and I often do).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the end, this mystery was just okay for me. The characters were unevenly developed. Some were better drawn than others. I was also left with questions about characters and events that were left open.
I liked the setting of the small, coastal village. The mystery did have a good number of suspects and I was surprised by the resolution (I didn't guess it and I often do).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2022
What a great addition to the sleuthing world Dr Cathy Moreland is! I loved her complexity!
Death by Appointment is a dark, twisty tale set on the Scottish coast. Recovering from a mental breakdown, Dr Moreland goes there to recuperate and stumbles across a town with a dark past that overshadows its present. When she discovers a body, Cathy is determined to uncover the truth, unaware of the danger she is placing herself in. Cleverly plotted, emotionally taut and a superbly drawn cast of flawed characters pull you into their worlds and keep you guessing until the end. A fantastic start to the Dr Cathy Moreland series
Death by Appointment is a dark, twisty tale set on the Scottish coast. Recovering from a mental breakdown, Dr Moreland goes there to recuperate and stumbles across a town with a dark past that overshadows its present. When she discovers a body, Cathy is determined to uncover the truth, unaware of the danger she is placing herself in. Cleverly plotted, emotionally taut and a superbly drawn cast of flawed characters pull you into their worlds and keep you guessing until the end. A fantastic start to the Dr Cathy Moreland series
January 22, 2022
Death By Appointment is an intriguing crime fiction prequel novel to the Dr. Cathy Moreland series set in rural Scotland. This was a unique and easy murder mystery read that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Dr. Cathy Moreland had a breakdown and relocated to a rural area of Scotland to recover. She happens to get involved in not only one, but two deaths. The beginning caught my attention and kept me hooked as the mystery developed.
Death by Appointment is full of twists, turns, mystery, romance, intrigue, and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the writing style was quite unique.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dr. Cathy Moreland had a breakdown and relocated to a rural area of Scotland to recover. She happens to get involved in not only one, but two deaths. The beginning caught my attention and kept me hooked as the mystery developed.
Death by Appointment is full of twists, turns, mystery, romance, intrigue, and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the writing style was quite unique.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 4, 2022
Dr. Cathy Moreland is battling her own demons after she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder while struggling with a painkiller habit. So, she goes on a vacation to rest and re-evaluate her life. While there she questions some of the things she sees. But when a body is found in the same location as years ago, this could be just the thing she needs to stop focusing on herself and start focusing on the world around her. I good mystery story. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 15, 2022
The first book in the Dr Cathy Moreland Mystery series and a cracking start. It was my first read by this author and although I understand this a prequel to three existing novels, for me it means I’ll be reading them in date order. A well written story and I thought very original with some great characters, in particular Cathy who is dealing with her own Demons. I can’t avoid mentioning Ross; a despicable man and my one complaint about the book is that I don’t think he receives a suitable comeuppance - I can’t tell you what I wanted to do to him!
Briefly, Cathy has been hospitalised and diagnosed as being bipolar. Her confidence is shattered and to help her recuperate, her friend Suzalinna has arranged for Cathy to stay in a cottage in a remote village on the Scottish coast. However, this village is not all it seems. Cathy finds the body of the local Doctor who appears to have committed suicide and shortly afterwards a local farmer is found dead. Cathy surmises that the deaths may be related to a tragedy 30 years earlier. Can she solve the crime, or are they even crimes?
This certainly isn’t a cosy mystery novel but neither is it full of blood and guts, albeit the body count is pretty high. With all the different threads you wonder where this is going but they all tie up beautifully and there is a very poignant ending. I can’t wait to read the next one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Cathy has been hospitalised and diagnosed as being bipolar. Her confidence is shattered and to help her recuperate, her friend Suzalinna has arranged for Cathy to stay in a cottage in a remote village on the Scottish coast. However, this village is not all it seems. Cathy finds the body of the local Doctor who appears to have committed suicide and shortly afterwards a local farmer is found dead. Cathy surmises that the deaths may be related to a tragedy 30 years earlier. Can she solve the crime, or are they even crimes?
This certainly isn’t a cosy mystery novel but neither is it full of blood and guts, albeit the body count is pretty high. With all the different threads you wonder where this is going but they all tie up beautifully and there is a very poignant ending. I can’t wait to read the next one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 21, 2022
I loved this book and raced through it. Death by Appointment is a classic crime novel written in a modern way. Dr Cathy Moreland is a fantastic protagonist. She is a well-rounded and fascinating character. Written with such depth, this is an addictive book, which is a good thing as it is the first in a series.
Everything ties together so beautifully and it is impossible to forget this hauntingly beautiful novel. It’s a masterclass in crime writing. Superb.
Everything ties together so beautifully and it is impossible to forget this hauntingly beautiful novel. It’s a masterclass in crime writing. Superb.
March 18, 2021
I liked this straight away. The writing is clear and direct but certainly not facile; the events of 1978 around which the story is told are described as a ‘sore [that] would seep and necrose.’ I hadn’t read the previous books featuring Dr Cathy Moreland but enough information was given to introduce her. Recovering from a mental health crisis, Cathy is taking a break in remote Kinnaven. Heather is the village GP nearing retirement. Jean is living with her young son after a divorce when her childhood soulmate returns. I like their inner monologues; each has her own inconsistent self-awareness, her own demons. I found myself wanting to shout at Jean to trust her gut but it would be pretty dull if people in books only made sensible decisions!
I think Mairi Chong does a good job of meting out just enough information to tantalise. I always wanted to know just a little bit more than I was given, so was eager to read on. The first half is very well paced – slap bang in the middle we’re left on a cliffhanger (pun definitely intended); the tension has been built and things look bleak for more than one of the people we have got to know. From then on, the story hurtles along to arrive at an ending that’s neither obvious nor a complete rug-puller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think Mairi Chong does a good job of meting out just enough information to tantalise. I always wanted to know just a little bit more than I was given, so was eager to read on. The first half is very well paced – slap bang in the middle we’re left on a cliffhanger (pun definitely intended); the tension has been built and things look bleak for more than one of the people we have got to know. From then on, the story hurtles along to arrive at an ending that’s neither obvious nor a complete rug-puller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2022
This is my very first book that I have read by this Author and it won't be my last I throughly enjoyed reading this book and is definitely a five star book from me
January 14, 2022
I found this one a little slow in starting, but once I got into the story I couldn't stop until I'd finished.
It's the first book I've read by Mairi & I will be looking to read more of her works. From what I gather this is a prequel to the other books in the Cathy Moreland series, of which I think there are three.
Loved the way it was written, as it really drew you into the story.
It's the first book I've read by Mairi & I will be looking to read more of her works. From what I gather this is a prequel to the other books in the Cathy Moreland series, of which I think there are three.
Loved the way it was written, as it really drew you into the story.
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