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Kate Hamilton Mysteries #1
A Dream of Death
This atmospheric debut mystery “is a Scottish delight that will keep you on your toes” with its riveting blend of real history, island legend, and unforgettable characters (Carlene O’Connor, USA Today –bestselling author of the Irish Village mysteries).
On a remote island in Scotland, an American antiques dealer a brutal killing staged to recreate a centuries-old unsolved murder.
Autumn has come and gone on Scotland’s Isle of Glenroth, and the islanders gather for the Tartan Ball, the annual end-of-tourist-season gala. Spirits are high until an unexpected turn of events takes the floor.
A recently published novel about island history has brought hordes of tourists to the small Hebridean resort community. On the guest list is American antiques dealer Kate Hamilton. Kate returns reluctantly to the island where her husband died, determined to repair her relationship with his sister, proprietor of the island’s luxe country house hotel, famous for its connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Kate has hardly unpacked when the next morning a body is found, murdered in a reenactment of an infamous unsolved murder described in the novel—and the only clue to the killer’s identity lies in a curiously embellished antique casket. The Scottish police discount the historical connection, but when a much-loved local handyman is arrested, Kate teams up with a vacationing detective inspector from Suffolk, England, to unmask a killer determined to rewrite island history—and Kate’s future.
On a remote island in Scotland, an American antiques dealer a brutal killing staged to recreate a centuries-old unsolved murder.
Autumn has come and gone on Scotland’s Isle of Glenroth, and the islanders gather for the Tartan Ball, the annual end-of-tourist-season gala. Spirits are high until an unexpected turn of events takes the floor.
A recently published novel about island history has brought hordes of tourists to the small Hebridean resort community. On the guest list is American antiques dealer Kate Hamilton. Kate returns reluctantly to the island where her husband died, determined to repair her relationship with his sister, proprietor of the island’s luxe country house hotel, famous for its connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Kate has hardly unpacked when the next morning a body is found, murdered in a reenactment of an infamous unsolved murder described in the novel—and the only clue to the killer’s identity lies in a curiously embellished antique casket. The Scottish police discount the historical connection, but when a much-loved local handyman is arrested, Kate teams up with a vacationing detective inspector from Suffolk, England, to unmask a killer determined to rewrite island history—and Kate’s future.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2019
312 people are currently reading
1932 people want to read
About the author
Connie Berry
7 books149 followersConnie Berry is the author of the Kate Hamilton Mysteries, set in the UK and featuring an American antiques dealer with a gift for solving crimes. Like her protagonist, Connie was raised by antiques dealers who instilled in her a passion for history, fine art, and travel. During college she studied at the University of Freiburg in Germany and St. Clare’s College, Oxford, where she fell under the spell of the British Isles. Besides reading and writing mysteries, Connie loves history, foreign travel, cute animals, and all things British. She lives in Ohio with her husband and adorable Shih Tzu, Emmie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
July 8, 2023
The first murder mystery of the series and I enjoyed it. Cozy style mystery involving a current killer and a 200-year-old murder. Enjoyable side characters and details of Scottish history. I rate it 3.5* as it slowed a bit in the middle. I did not guess the killer.
March 22, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance digital read copy of A Dream of Death by Connie Berry. In this novel, antique dealer and store owner, Kate Hamilton has returned to the remote Scottish Isle of Glenroth at the request of her previously estranged sister-in-law, Elenor. The trip is a difficult one emotionally for Kate, whose husband died off the island’s coast three years ago and Elenor has had no contact with Kate since as she has blamed Kate for the death of her brother and protector.
For her part, Kate has lots of resentment toward Elenor since she thinks of Elenor as being completely self-centered and sees her of having taken advantage of everyone around her to satisfy her own selfish ends. The only reason she has agreed to go is because her husband asked her to take care of Elenor if anything ever happened to him, as he has thought of that as his responsibility all his life.
When Kate arrives, in part to attend the annual Tartan Ball on the island, Elenor seems truly frightened and tells Kate she needs her help. When Kate tries to learn more, Elenor says she will explain all after the ball. The only information Kate has is an antique chest, called a casket, that Elenor shows her and wants her to appraise. Kate takes a preliminary look and begins research, but before much can be done, it’s time for the ball.
At the ball Elenor has several announcements, none of which make her very popular with the people of the island. The ball ends abruptly with everyone frustrated after Elenor makes a pronouncement, clashes with the matriarch of one of the families, and leaves the ball before it has had much time to get started. Before Kate can learn what is frightening Elenor so, she learns that Elenor has been murdered and she begins an effort to learn what Elenor wanted and who murdered her.
The book is well plotted, and some of the characters are interesting. It is an interesting beginning to a new series. Kate does come across as mercurial at times, with a tendency to snap judgments and decisions. At times her behavior seems more consistent with a young thirty year old than a woman who is the mother of two adult children. Her snap judgements lead her to bounce from one suspect to another, deciding they are the murderer, often based on conclusions leapt to upon learning partial information. Because there is not a consistent building of clues and red herrings, it is difficult for the reader to determine who the murderer is except through intuition.
There is also a minor love interest developing that might have merit, but which seems to develop sporadically and rapidly in the same way Kate approaches solving Elenor’s murder. Because there isn’t much development of the relationship in its early stages, it’s difficult to get any feeling of connection between Kate and her possible love interest.
The book merit, and the series has potential. Much depends on how well future books develop characters, themes, clues, etc. I would like to read the next book in the series before deciding if it is one I would be interested in reading in depth.
For her part, Kate has lots of resentment toward Elenor since she thinks of Elenor as being completely self-centered and sees her of having taken advantage of everyone around her to satisfy her own selfish ends. The only reason she has agreed to go is because her husband asked her to take care of Elenor if anything ever happened to him, as he has thought of that as his responsibility all his life.
When Kate arrives, in part to attend the annual Tartan Ball on the island, Elenor seems truly frightened and tells Kate she needs her help. When Kate tries to learn more, Elenor says she will explain all after the ball. The only information Kate has is an antique chest, called a casket, that Elenor shows her and wants her to appraise. Kate takes a preliminary look and begins research, but before much can be done, it’s time for the ball.
At the ball Elenor has several announcements, none of which make her very popular with the people of the island. The ball ends abruptly with everyone frustrated after Elenor makes a pronouncement, clashes with the matriarch of one of the families, and leaves the ball before it has had much time to get started. Before Kate can learn what is frightening Elenor so, she learns that Elenor has been murdered and she begins an effort to learn what Elenor wanted and who murdered her.
The book is well plotted, and some of the characters are interesting. It is an interesting beginning to a new series. Kate does come across as mercurial at times, with a tendency to snap judgments and decisions. At times her behavior seems more consistent with a young thirty year old than a woman who is the mother of two adult children. Her snap judgements lead her to bounce from one suspect to another, deciding they are the murderer, often based on conclusions leapt to upon learning partial information. Because there is not a consistent building of clues and red herrings, it is difficult for the reader to determine who the murderer is except through intuition.
There is also a minor love interest developing that might have merit, but which seems to develop sporadically and rapidly in the same way Kate approaches solving Elenor’s murder. Because there isn’t much development of the relationship in its early stages, it’s difficult to get any feeling of connection between Kate and her possible love interest.
The book merit, and the series has potential. Much depends on how well future books develop characters, themes, clues, etc. I would like to read the next book in the series before deciding if it is one I would be interested in reading in depth.
May 11, 2022
I really enjoyed the Scottish setting with interesting, complicated characters and a rest historical backdrop. When Kate Hamilton traveled from Ohio to Scotland at the frantic request of her sister-in-law, she didn't realize what an eventful trip it would be. She was quickly pulled into mystery that she felt strongly she had to solve to help someone out who had tried to help her husband just before he died. She also didn't expect to meet an interesting English detective. Lots of surprises, twists, turns, and danger intersperse this complex mystery. Highly recommended read for those who enjoy suspense with a historical background and a hint of romance.
July 3, 2025
A Dream of Death is an engaging mystery, featuring an amiable amateur sleuth, a suitably unlikeable victim and a little middle-aged romance on the side. Its setting in a grand country house hotel off the western Scottish coast, and the intertwining of a long ago crime, add to the intrigue.
Ohio antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is intrigued by an urgent summons from her somewhat frosty sister-in-law, Elenor Spurgeon, the owner-proprietor of plush Glenroth House Hotel. However, it's with some reservations that she makes the trip to Scotland - Kate hasn't visited the island of Glenroth since the sudden death of her beloved husband Bill there, three years before.
Her arrival comes amidst frantic final preparations for the island's Tartan Ball, a glittering social function which the hotel hosts each year. Kate barely has time to greet her sister in law, let alone elucidate the reason for Elenor's need to consult with her, before the festivities are underway. Feelings run high at the ball, as Elenor unexpectedly announces that she's agreed to the sale of the hotel to a Swiss chain and her own engagement to local historian, Dr. Hugh Guthrie. Unable to rouse Elenor in her suite after the ball, Kate returns to her own quarters and begins reading Dr. Guthrie's recently-published book, a copy of which Elenor had pressed upon her to read. The book consists of the fictionalised diary of Flora Arnott, the teenage bride of a former owner of Glenroth House, who was brutally murdered alongside her maidservant in the early 19th century. Kate's imagination is piqued by the story, elements of which she's heard before via her late husband, who grew up at Glenroth.
Curiosity and mild annoyance at Elenor's mysterious behaviour turn to horror the following morning, when Kate is told that her sister-in-law's body has been found, partially hidden in a snowdrift, and that she has died in circumstances eerily similar to those of Flora Arnott's murder 200 years earlier. Local police and Inspector Rob Devlin of Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team (MIT) arrive on Glenroth to investigate and, as luck would have it, English Detective Inspector Tom Mallory is a fellow guest of Kate's at Glenroth House. Kate is unable to resist putting her natural curiosity and tenacity to use in determining what's been going on at Glenroth House, and who may have had a motive to kill Elenor. She's also intent on protecting vulnerable local man Bo Duff, a lifelong friend of her late husband's, who's facing suspicion and rather aggressive questioning from the police.
There's often an uneasy relationship between a "nosy" amateur sleuth and the police in cosy mysteries, and that's certainly the case here, but the effect is lessened somewhat by the presence of an "off duty" police character, in the person of Tom Mallory. As Kate and Tom compare notes, and he cautions her against putting herself in danger by asking too many questions of potential suspects, their rapport grows, bringing some romance into Kate's life for the first time since her husband's death.
In a thrilling conclusion, Kate finds the final missing pieces of the puzzle and confronts the killer in a dramatic scene. After tying up some loose ends at Glenroth, the reader is left with the tantalising possibility of burgeoning romance and a future meeting for Kate and Tom in his native Suffolk.
I'll admit I have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cosy mystery sub-genre, but I found that A Dream of Death fell on the right side of the line for me, with it's balance of Kate's amateur sleuthing set within the context of a genuine police investigation. The intertwining of the historical mystery surrounding Flora Arnott's death added an extra dimension of intrigue and the romantic sub-plot was an enjoyable foil for the criminal investigation, without ever becoming distracting or overly sentimental. Kate makes a feisty and sympathetic heroine, combining curiosity and attention to detail with intuition and a keen sense of human psychology.
I particularly enjoyed Connie Berry's setting of her book on the (fictional) island of Glenroth in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, located somewhere between the (real) isles of Skye to the north, and Rùm and Eigg to the south. With her descriptions of "turrets and crenellated battlements", I had Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rùm in mind, although that building dates from at least 100 years later than the fictional Glenroth House. Berry's descriptions of the western Scottish landscape, in combination with the inclement weather, created an evocatively mysterious and oppressive atmosphere, despite the protagonists' fairly regular ferry trips back and forth to the nearby mainland.
I'm pleased to see that this is the first in a series of books featuring Kate Hamilton, and look forward to reading the subsequent books.
I'd highly recommend A Dream of Death to any reader who enjoys well-plotted traditional and/or "cosy" mysteries, particularly those with unusual and interesting settings.
My thanks to the author, Connie Berry, publisher Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Ohio antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is intrigued by an urgent summons from her somewhat frosty sister-in-law, Elenor Spurgeon, the owner-proprietor of plush Glenroth House Hotel. However, it's with some reservations that she makes the trip to Scotland - Kate hasn't visited the island of Glenroth since the sudden death of her beloved husband Bill there, three years before.
Her arrival comes amidst frantic final preparations for the island's Tartan Ball, a glittering social function which the hotel hosts each year. Kate barely has time to greet her sister in law, let alone elucidate the reason for Elenor's need to consult with her, before the festivities are underway. Feelings run high at the ball, as Elenor unexpectedly announces that she's agreed to the sale of the hotel to a Swiss chain and her own engagement to local historian, Dr. Hugh Guthrie. Unable to rouse Elenor in her suite after the ball, Kate returns to her own quarters and begins reading Dr. Guthrie's recently-published book, a copy of which Elenor had pressed upon her to read. The book consists of the fictionalised diary of Flora Arnott, the teenage bride of a former owner of Glenroth House, who was brutally murdered alongside her maidservant in the early 19th century. Kate's imagination is piqued by the story, elements of which she's heard before via her late husband, who grew up at Glenroth.
Curiosity and mild annoyance at Elenor's mysterious behaviour turn to horror the following morning, when Kate is told that her sister-in-law's body has been found, partially hidden in a snowdrift, and that she has died in circumstances eerily similar to those of Flora Arnott's murder 200 years earlier. Local police and Inspector Rob Devlin of Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team (MIT) arrive on Glenroth to investigate and, as luck would have it, English Detective Inspector Tom Mallory is a fellow guest of Kate's at Glenroth House. Kate is unable to resist putting her natural curiosity and tenacity to use in determining what's been going on at Glenroth House, and who may have had a motive to kill Elenor. She's also intent on protecting vulnerable local man Bo Duff, a lifelong friend of her late husband's, who's facing suspicion and rather aggressive questioning from the police.
There's often an uneasy relationship between a "nosy" amateur sleuth and the police in cosy mysteries, and that's certainly the case here, but the effect is lessened somewhat by the presence of an "off duty" police character, in the person of Tom Mallory. As Kate and Tom compare notes, and he cautions her against putting herself in danger by asking too many questions of potential suspects, their rapport grows, bringing some romance into Kate's life for the first time since her husband's death.
In a thrilling conclusion, Kate finds the final missing pieces of the puzzle and confronts the killer in a dramatic scene. After tying up some loose ends at Glenroth, the reader is left with the tantalising possibility of burgeoning romance and a future meeting for Kate and Tom in his native Suffolk.
I'll admit I have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cosy mystery sub-genre, but I found that A Dream of Death fell on the right side of the line for me, with it's balance of Kate's amateur sleuthing set within the context of a genuine police investigation. The intertwining of the historical mystery surrounding Flora Arnott's death added an extra dimension of intrigue and the romantic sub-plot was an enjoyable foil for the criminal investigation, without ever becoming distracting or overly sentimental. Kate makes a feisty and sympathetic heroine, combining curiosity and attention to detail with intuition and a keen sense of human psychology.
I particularly enjoyed Connie Berry's setting of her book on the (fictional) island of Glenroth in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, located somewhere between the (real) isles of Skye to the north, and Rùm and Eigg to the south. With her descriptions of "turrets and crenellated battlements", I had Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rùm in mind, although that building dates from at least 100 years later than the fictional Glenroth House. Berry's descriptions of the western Scottish landscape, in combination with the inclement weather, created an evocatively mysterious and oppressive atmosphere, despite the protagonists' fairly regular ferry trips back and forth to the nearby mainland.
I'm pleased to see that this is the first in a series of books featuring Kate Hamilton, and look forward to reading the subsequent books.
I'd highly recommend A Dream of Death to any reader who enjoys well-plotted traditional and/or "cosy" mysteries, particularly those with unusual and interesting settings.
My thanks to the author, Connie Berry, publisher Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
April 9, 2019
Kate Hamilton has returned to the Isle of Glenroth off the coast of Scotland, something she swore she would never do after the death of her husband three years ago. She’s come in response to a plea for help from her sister-in-law, Elenor, but Elenor won’t say more until after the Tartan Ball she is hosting for island residence the night Kate arrives. Elenor makes a couple of shocking announcements during the ball and then turns up murdered the next morning. Kate sees parallels to a 200-year-old crime from the island’s past that has recently been brought to back to prominence thanks to a bestselling novel. The police dismiss the similarity as a coincidence, but is Kate on to something?
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 10, 2019
A Dream of Death by Connie Berry was a suspenseful mystery that kept me turning the pages until the end.
Ms. Berry is a "new to me" author but I will be looking forward to more of her books in the future. Her descriptive writing regarding the Scottish island, the home and characters made me feel as if I was with Kate every step of the way. I liked Kate and admired her tenacity as she tried to ferret out clues in order to prove that the gentle handyman, who was her husband Bill's oldest friend, didn't commit the murder. The plot was smoothly paced with well hidden clues, red herrings, few suspects and enough twists to keep me guessing until the dramatic reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Berry is a "new to me" author but I will be looking forward to more of her books in the future. Her descriptive writing regarding the Scottish island, the home and characters made me feel as if I was with Kate every step of the way. I liked Kate and admired her tenacity as she tried to ferret out clues in order to prove that the gentle handyman, who was her husband Bill's oldest friend, didn't commit the murder. The plot was smoothly paced with well hidden clues, red herrings, few suspects and enough twists to keep me guessing until the dramatic reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 27, 2019
A new author and the first book of the Kate Hamilton series. Kate receives a call from Eleanor, her sister-in-law that she needs help. Kate flies to Glenroth, Ireland to help her. The trip brings back her grief for Bill, her husband who died in a boating accident three years ago. Kate meets Tom Malloy, a vacating homicide policeman. Her Eleanor is stabbed to death after the Tartan celebration. Working together they endeavor to solve Eleanor's murder and clear Bo's name. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 20, 2019
There's a scene in this story where the main character, whose name has slipped my mind already, is invited to tea with two eccentric ladies, who serve her weak tea and dry half-burnt molasses cookies. I feel like that scene is a fitting description of this book. Weak tea is exactly what comes to mind when reading this. Not terrible. Just weak. Even the title, which is vague and forgettable and seems to have no real connection to the story.
I should start with the admission that I am not a frequent reader of cozy mysteries, so perhaps this book suffers from my unfamiliarity/ lack of passion for the subgenre. But I'd still like to think that there are certain standards for writing interesting and compelling mysteries, even cozies. I read this as an ARC, so I'm hoping the most egregious mistake has been corrected by publication time. I'm only mentioning it in as a spoiler. But there are other complaints too. The heroine has a number of TSTL (too stupid to live) moments--for instance, running into dark woods to search for a missing woman, after one woman has already been murdered, WITHOUT HER PHONE OR A FLASHLIGHT! Also, in general, the police tell her not to meddle in the investigation, and she just actually ROLLS HER EYES at them and keeps on meddling. Of course, one of the detectives "keeps her updated" on information about the investigation in a way that did not seem at all realistic or professional, even if he was trying to get into her pants. She also meddled in the affairs of a mentally handicapped adult character multiple times in this story--while she's presented as caring about him very much, and desperately trying to help him and advocate for him, her behavior is inappropriate and reckless and seems actually harmful to his mental health. I was angry at her several times for how she interacted with him.
The romance in this story felt both forced and dragged out. I appreciate the reality of two people who have lost beloved partners having some qualms about risking a new relationship, but the story still dragged out their interactions (should we? shouldn't we?), while somehow imparting far more seriousness to a relationship than their actual interactions actually warranted. Also, there's an attempt to force suspense towards the end of the book which just does NOT work--it's obvious the person is a red herring meant to horrify or at least disappoint us. I was not in suspense; I just rolled my eyes.
And diversity in this book? Well, there's a hotel employee who is described as of mysterious ethnic origin (turns out to be Romani, I think), and gets described by things like her "exotic" clothing and her broken English. Not a very deep portrayal. There's also a brief mention of a black character, who literally only exists for how he affects a white female character. I get that this is set on remote Scottish islands, but this story is still so white it glows in the dark.
There were elements that I didn't care for that I'm guessing were more conventions of the subgenre than poor writing, per say. Heavy-handed descriptions of EVERYTHING, especially food and clothing (I was surprised not to see recipes at the end of the book, honestly). A weird moment of magical realism wherein the antique dealer heroine gets funny tingly sensations when touching certain antiques that turn out to be valuable finds. And of course, the MC's meddling in the investigation despite police instructions.
I also found it interesting to note aspects to several British crime dramas and/or novels in this book. Was the similarity to the mentally handicapped adult suspect in Raven Black accidental? How about the back story for the love interest being almost exactly like David Tennant's character from Broadchurch? I guess if it's small enough similarities it's just sampling?
Despite the issues I had with the writing, I managed to read most of the book in one day. It was relaxing escapist fare, and I honestly didn't know whodunit until the final reveal (although I knew several people who did not do it, despite the book trying to fake me out). Also, not knowing much about antique dealers and evaluation, I did not realize how suited they might be to investigation, with their eye for detail and interest in research. So that was an interesting aspect to the story. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, especially ones set internationally, and don't mind a glaring lack of diversity and the occasional lapse in logic, you may enjoy this book very much. And you'd be in luck, as apparently this is the beginning of a series. Given the resolution to this story, I'm not sure how that will happen, but I guess finding out will be part of the fun for those who do read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I should start with the admission that I am not a frequent reader of cozy mysteries, so perhaps this book suffers from my unfamiliarity/ lack of passion for the subgenre. But I'd still like to think that there are certain standards for writing interesting and compelling mysteries, even cozies. I read this as an ARC, so I'm hoping the most egregious mistake has been corrected by publication time. I'm only mentioning it in as a spoiler. But there are other complaints too. The heroine has a number of TSTL (too stupid to live) moments--for instance, running into dark woods to search for a missing woman, after one woman has already been murdered, WITHOUT HER PHONE OR A FLASHLIGHT! Also, in general, the police tell her not to meddle in the investigation, and she just actually ROLLS HER EYES at them and keeps on meddling. Of course, one of the detectives "keeps her updated" on information about the investigation in a way that did not seem at all realistic or professional, even if he was trying to get into her pants. She also meddled in the affairs of a mentally handicapped adult character multiple times in this story--while she's presented as caring about him very much, and desperately trying to help him and advocate for him, her behavior is inappropriate and reckless and seems actually harmful to his mental health. I was angry at her several times for how she interacted with him.
The romance in this story felt both forced and dragged out. I appreciate the reality of two people who have lost beloved partners having some qualms about risking a new relationship, but the story still dragged out their interactions (should we? shouldn't we?), while somehow imparting far more seriousness to a relationship than their actual interactions actually warranted. Also, there's an attempt to force suspense towards the end of the book which just does NOT work--it's obvious the person is a red herring meant to horrify or at least disappoint us. I was not in suspense; I just rolled my eyes.
And diversity in this book? Well, there's a hotel employee who is described as of mysterious ethnic origin (turns out to be Romani, I think), and gets described by things like her "exotic" clothing and her broken English. Not a very deep portrayal. There's also a brief mention of a black character, who literally only exists for how he affects a white female character. I get that this is set on remote Scottish islands, but this story is still so white it glows in the dark.
There were elements that I didn't care for that I'm guessing were more conventions of the subgenre than poor writing, per say. Heavy-handed descriptions of EVERYTHING, especially food and clothing (I was surprised not to see recipes at the end of the book, honestly). A weird moment of magical realism wherein the antique dealer heroine gets funny tingly sensations when touching certain antiques that turn out to be valuable finds. And of course, the MC's meddling in the investigation despite police instructions.
I also found it interesting to note aspects to several British crime dramas and/or novels in this book. Was the similarity to the mentally handicapped adult suspect in Raven Black accidental? How about the back story for the love interest being almost exactly like David Tennant's character from Broadchurch? I guess if it's small enough similarities it's just sampling?
Despite the issues I had with the writing, I managed to read most of the book in one day. It was relaxing escapist fare, and I honestly didn't know whodunit until the final reveal (although I knew several people who did not do it, despite the book trying to fake me out). Also, not knowing much about antique dealers and evaluation, I did not realize how suited they might be to investigation, with their eye for detail and interest in research. So that was an interesting aspect to the story. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, especially ones set internationally, and don't mind a glaring lack of diversity and the occasional lapse in logic, you may enjoy this book very much. And you'd be in luck, as apparently this is the beginning of a series. Given the resolution to this story, I'm not sure how that will happen, but I guess finding out will be part of the fun for those who do read more in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 22, 2019
Three years after the death of her husband in an accident on the island, Kate Hamilton returns to Glenroth. The island off the coast of Scotland has a sparse population of only 238 people once the tourist season is over. Kate returns to fulfill a promise she made to her husband to help her sister-in-law, Elenor Spurgeon. Elenor runs the Glenroth House Hotel. She contacted Kate requesting her help. Initially all Elenor will tell her is that something is happening on the island that worries her and shows Kate a small carved box. Elenor says everything that is occurring relates to the box. Unfortunately, Elenor is murdered before she can elaborate. Kate finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Who killed Elenor? And how does it all tie in with the intricately carved wooden box and another murder that happened 200 years in the past?
A Dream of Death is the first book in the Kate Hamilton series. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the plot. I will definitely be reading more of this series! I like Kate as a main character. She is strong, intelligent, and driven to protect her friends and family. The side characters are all small town quirky, which adds to the charm and magic of this story.
A great start to a new cozy series! It made for a very enjoyable afternoon of reading! I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Connie Berry also writes the Davis Way Crime Caper series.
**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
A Dream of Death is the first book in the Kate Hamilton series. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the plot. I will definitely be reading more of this series! I like Kate as a main character. She is strong, intelligent, and driven to protect her friends and family. The side characters are all small town quirky, which adds to the charm and magic of this story.
A great start to a new cozy series! It made for a very enjoyable afternoon of reading! I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!
Connie Berry also writes the Davis Way Crime Caper series.
**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 20, 2021
A Dream of Death was a pleasant introduction to Kate Hamilton: troubled widow, distant mother of two, good daughter and owner of an antique shop in Ohio.
When her deceased husband's sister, Elenor, requested her to visit Scotland, Kate was leery, but she followed through. They had never been the best of friends let alone good relatives, but Kate meant to fulfill a promise made to her husband. He always had a soft heart towards his sister, even if it caused friction in their marriage.
Because it was the first story in a series, the reader received quite a bit of information about Kate's past. I expected as much and wasn't disappointed. The history of the Isle of Glenroth played front and center. If you weren't born and raised on the Isle, you were an outsider.
Except for some slow reading, my only other complaint was Kate's treatment of D.I. Tom Mallory. He sporadically showed up for roughly the first 2/3's of the story. When it came down to the ending, I was somewhat confused where all the tension and seriousness came from. I would have loved more time spent between the twosome while maneuvering around the suspense.
When her deceased husband's sister, Elenor, requested her to visit Scotland, Kate was leery, but she followed through. They had never been the best of friends let alone good relatives, but Kate meant to fulfill a promise made to her husband. He always had a soft heart towards his sister, even if it caused friction in their marriage.
Because it was the first story in a series, the reader received quite a bit of information about Kate's past. I expected as much and wasn't disappointed. The history of the Isle of Glenroth played front and center. If you weren't born and raised on the Isle, you were an outsider.
Except for some slow reading, my only other complaint was Kate's treatment of D.I. Tom Mallory. He sporadically showed up for roughly the first 2/3's of the story. When it came down to the ending, I was somewhat confused where all the tension and seriousness came from. I would have loved more time spent between the twosome while maneuvering around the suspense.
May 14, 2022
Thought I would start with first book of this series as it sounded like something I might like. I did like most of it. If I started describing the plot it could ruin it for others. American woman comes to settle family things with the family of her deceased Scottish husband. There are a lot of characters, murders and threats of more with the mystery of a hidden ancient book the American woman is able to find at great risk.
February 17, 2019
This is the first book in the Kate Hamilton Mystery series by Connie Berry, who is a new author to me. I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good steady plot and mature characters that appealed to me. While the main character, Kate Hamilton, owns an antique store, this book read more like a traditional mystery but with cozy elements. Kate is called to Scotland by her sister-in-law, Eleanor, only to have her murdered the night after she arrives. Eleanor is murdered in the same way as a young woman nearly two hundred years prior. Form this point, the story weaves in aspects of the historical mystery and how is is eerily similar to the modern day events. There were plenty of suspects as well as twist and turns to keep me engaged and guessing. I was surprised at the identity of the killer in what was a climatic reveal.
This was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be back for future installments in the series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
This was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be back for future installments in the series. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
March 27, 2020
A very strong debut. Kate Hamilton is an American in her mid 40s, whose late husband was Scottish; she returns to Scotland to the family home at the urgent request of her sister-in-law, even though the women aren't close, and quickly finds herself tangled up in a mystery weaving together the present and past -- two hundred years past. Kate is an appealing protagonist; the plot is solid and the setting very well portrayed. Most of the secondary characters have a nice pop to them, though I didn't quite grasp the sister-in-law, and the writing is strong. An Agatha Award nominee for Best First, and very much a contender.
November 14, 2025
I hadn't heard of this author until I got an email from a local bookstore about an upcoming book event and realized that the premise, antique dealer accidentally becomes a sleuth, was exactly up my alley. Really enjoyed this first entry and promptly checked out the rest of the titles my library had available to read.
November 11, 2019
I'm slaphappy giddy over this new series....set in Scotland!! In a remote island location! Carrie over at Reading is My Superpower blog highly recommended this series and when she talks books, I listen! So glad I did because I am over-the-moon enraptured with everything about the Kate Hamilton Mysteries after reading this first book. And I have the second one (Christmas themed) precariously balancing atop my TBR pile right now. I think I'll have to put it out of it's misery and read it next. Wouldn't want all the books tumbling down because of one over-enthusiastic cozy trying to get my attention. :-)
So -- why am I in such an enraptured delirium over A Dream of Death? Um...did I mention Scotland?! (It's worth mentioning again, don't you think?) And I enjoyed the 'seasoned' heroine -- a widow with two university bound children. Kate is a mashup of everything I like in a good friend. Empathetic, tenacious, loyal and stoically snappish when the occasion calls for it. The perfect crime-solving temperament. And a certain Detective Inspector created some interesting dynamics amidst all the murder and mayhem.
Then there's an island full of quirky characters -- pretty much all of them with motives to do harm. And I love the way Berry paces out the plot. Exacting details bring vivid images to mind without bogging down the story. You know how sometimes a cozy mystery can have so many detailed descriptions that it starts to distract from the story? Well, this author has found the perfect balance between creating the right ambiance while keeping the plot moving along with her excellent word choice and snappy dialogue.
Yikes -- I haven't even mentioned the alluring historical mystery that shadows the present day one. Along with an ancestor's diary that raises even more questions. What a delectable thrill of a read. Looking forward to many more happy hours spent with Kate and company. This author can't write fast enough to suit me!
So -- why am I in such an enraptured delirium over A Dream of Death? Um...did I mention Scotland?! (It's worth mentioning again, don't you think?) And I enjoyed the 'seasoned' heroine -- a widow with two university bound children. Kate is a mashup of everything I like in a good friend. Empathetic, tenacious, loyal and stoically snappish when the occasion calls for it. The perfect crime-solving temperament. And a certain Detective Inspector created some interesting dynamics amidst all the murder and mayhem.
Then there's an island full of quirky characters -- pretty much all of them with motives to do harm. And I love the way Berry paces out the plot. Exacting details bring vivid images to mind without bogging down the story. You know how sometimes a cozy mystery can have so many detailed descriptions that it starts to distract from the story? Well, this author has found the perfect balance between creating the right ambiance while keeping the plot moving along with her excellent word choice and snappy dialogue.
Yikes -- I haven't even mentioned the alluring historical mystery that shadows the present day one. Along with an ancestor's diary that raises even more questions. What a delectable thrill of a read. Looking forward to many more happy hours spent with Kate and company. This author can't write fast enough to suit me!
October 3, 2021
4.5 Such an entertaining cozy mystery! I enjoyed the main characters, the lively secondaries, the setting, and the narrator. Fun!
May 8, 2019
“On the Isle of Glenroth, memories and regrets lay as thick on the ground as yellow gorse in autumn.”
I love traditional British mysteries – they’re a different level of cozy mystery because you just want to cozy up with them in front of a roaring fire and a warm quilt. Debut novelist Connie Berry has crafted a delicious, atmospheric mystery with rich language, a relatable heroine, and a tangible setting. Did I mention it’s set on an island in Scotland and there’s a yummy British detective who is staying at the inn too?
The opening sentences (including the one I quoted above) immediately drew me in, and the pages that followed kept me riveted to the almost poetic word-crafting and the complex & intriguing plot. Antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is a middle-aged heroine who is returning to the island where her husband died a tragic death three years before, returning after a frantic summons from her estranged sister-in-law. But before Elenor can explain why she needed Kate’s help, more tragedy strikes and soon Kate finds herself drawn into an investigation where “every question raised others. Every clue deepened the confusion.” Berry cleverly weaves together a tapestry of suspects that kept me guessing every time I thought I had it figured out, and readers shouldn’t relax until the very last word has been read. There’s also a bit of a split-time angle as well that serves to further enhance both the atmosphere and the mystery.
Bottom Line: Berry’s debut novel is a warm, cozy delight from start to finish, embodying everything that is lovely about British mysteries while adding an American flair as well, courtesy of the easy-to-love heroine Kate Hamilton. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series, to seeing where Kate’s amateur sleuthing – and relationships – take her next, and to the treat of every well-placed word and subtle notes of grace in future books by this author.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
I love traditional British mysteries – they’re a different level of cozy mystery because you just want to cozy up with them in front of a roaring fire and a warm quilt. Debut novelist Connie Berry has crafted a delicious, atmospheric mystery with rich language, a relatable heroine, and a tangible setting. Did I mention it’s set on an island in Scotland and there’s a yummy British detective who is staying at the inn too?
The opening sentences (including the one I quoted above) immediately drew me in, and the pages that followed kept me riveted to the almost poetic word-crafting and the complex & intriguing plot. Antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is a middle-aged heroine who is returning to the island where her husband died a tragic death three years before, returning after a frantic summons from her estranged sister-in-law. But before Elenor can explain why she needed Kate’s help, more tragedy strikes and soon Kate finds herself drawn into an investigation where “every question raised others. Every clue deepened the confusion.” Berry cleverly weaves together a tapestry of suspects that kept me guessing every time I thought I had it figured out, and readers shouldn’t relax until the very last word has been read. There’s also a bit of a split-time angle as well that serves to further enhance both the atmosphere and the mystery.
Bottom Line: Berry’s debut novel is a warm, cozy delight from start to finish, embodying everything that is lovely about British mysteries while adding an American flair as well, courtesy of the easy-to-love heroine Kate Hamilton. I am definitely looking forward to more books in this series, to seeing where Kate’s amateur sleuthing – and relationships – take her next, and to the treat of every well-placed word and subtle notes of grace in future books by this author.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 9, 2025
A Dream of Death was a book that I was very eager to read and I thought I would really like it. I found that is was just ok for me and seemed slow moving. I had trouble keeping interested in it.
What I liked about the book was the location of the Isle of Glenroth in Scotland. Kate Hamilton returns to the Isle which was her deceased husbands home. Kate is an antique dealer in Ohio. Her sister-in-law in Scotland asks Kate urgently to come visit as she needs her help. Kate was never close to her sister-in-law but makes the trip. Soon a murder occurs and Kate becomes involved in solving who did the crime.
The book has a mystery from the past and from the present which I normally like. There were quite a few characters that I had a little problem keeping straight what they did on the island. In short, it was a book that I thought I would love and it was slow moving for me. It was well written though. I was glad when I finished it.
What I liked about the book was the location of the Isle of Glenroth in Scotland. Kate Hamilton returns to the Isle which was her deceased husbands home. Kate is an antique dealer in Ohio. Her sister-in-law in Scotland asks Kate urgently to come visit as she needs her help. Kate was never close to her sister-in-law but makes the trip. Soon a murder occurs and Kate becomes involved in solving who did the crime.
The book has a mystery from the past and from the present which I normally like. There were quite a few characters that I had a little problem keeping straight what they did on the island. In short, it was a book that I thought I would love and it was slow moving for me. It was well written though. I was glad when I finished it.
February 15, 2019
A Dream of Death is a cozy mystery. Kate flies to Scotland to help her sister in law with something. This is also the place where her husband died a few years ago. Now, a day after Kate's arrival, a murder occurs. Who is the killer? What was their motive? With help from people from her past, Kate investigates the murder. It's a well written thoughtful story. The setting of Scotland is vividly portrayed, and the entire story has an overall mystery atmospheric feeling about it. Kate is strong, relatable and intelligent. I wanted things to work in her favor. She's a sympathetic character. The other characters are likeable and charming. The story is a cozy mystery type, but the content is a little heavier but not too much. It's the perfect balance of mystery and intrigue with a bit of romance and charming. I recommend for anyone who enjoys a fun romance mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
Ohio antique dealer, Kate Hamilton, has been called to the Scottish family manor of her deceased husband's sister. He's been gone three years and Kate still struggles with the loss. But when family beckons, who can argue? The sister-in-law had turned the home into a stately country hotel and was one of the major employers in the area. The evening of Kate's arrival is the Tartan Ball and everyone who is anyone is in attendance (including that most handsome Detective Inspector, Tom Mallory of Suffolk, who was seeking some R&R in the outer Scottish reaches). The sister-in-law announces at the soirée some news which did not sit well with the locals nor the staff. Sure enough, by the next morning, there's a body in a snowdrift and Kate is on the case (regardless of being instructed by the constabulary to stay out of the investigation). Interestingly enough, there appears to be some similarities between this death and an unsolved crime there from 200 years previously. The police dismiss Kate's assertions but perhaps she's actually on to something. Only time will tell.
This was a delightful start to Connie Berry's, "Kate Hamilton Mystery" series. It's part cozy mystery, a bit of police procedural and holds a small touch of later-in-life blooming romance. The story calls into play Kate's knowledge of history and antiques. There were a number of red herrings where everyone is a suspect at some point or another. Secrets abound - not the least of which are those of the house itself. As cozy mysteries go, there was a bit more gravitas than is often found in the genre which personally, I found quite appealing. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
This was a delightful start to Connie Berry's, "Kate Hamilton Mystery" series. It's part cozy mystery, a bit of police procedural and holds a small touch of later-in-life blooming romance. The story calls into play Kate's knowledge of history and antiques. There were a number of red herrings where everyone is a suspect at some point or another. Secrets abound - not the least of which are those of the house itself. As cozy mysteries go, there was a bit more gravitas than is often found in the genre which personally, I found quite appealing. All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
May 15, 2019
This is an excellent mystery. The first in a new series. Great character development, fast paced, suspenseful plot and a lovely Scottish Highlands setting. What more could you want, right? I highly recommend A Dream of Death, the first installment in the Kate Hamilton Mystery series by Connie Berry. I look forward to book #2 coming out in October.
April 16, 2019
A Dream of Death has an interesting premise and setting. Kate travels from Ohio to the Isle of Glenroth. If she had not promised her deceased husband, Bill that she would take care of Elenor if anything ever happened to him (I bet she is regretting it now) she would never set foot on remote island again since it is where her husband died in a sailing accident. Kate owns an antique shop in Jackson Falls, Ohio that her mother is currently watching while she is away. DI Tom Mallory is the only other guest at Elenor’s Glenroth House Hotel and Kate finds herself attracted to him. Elenor’s murder gives the pair the opportunity to spend more time together since Kate is determined to investigate despite being told several times to leave the case to the professionals. I admit to having a hard time liking our main character, but I am hopeful for improvement. Her behavior was off-putting at times as she jumped to conclusions and make sudden decisions based on little evidence or facts. Kate’s behavior reminds me of a younger woman instead of someone in their 40s (now, I am assuming she is in her 40s since she has two children in college. We are never really told her age). There are some lovely secondary characters that I liked, and I felt bad for Bo (such a sweet man). The Isle of Glenroth is a unique and beautiful setting. I loved the descriptions of this Scottish island. I found this sentence compelling “Isle of Glenroth rose before me like Brigadoon materializing in the Highland mist”. The mystery was clever and thought out with misdirection that will send readers down the rabbit hole. There is a lack of clues to help readers in solving the crime. I like how the two hundred year old unsolved murders were worked into the story. It added depth to A Dream of Death. I appreciated that all threads of the whodunit were wrapped up at the end of the book. The paranormal element was miniscule. I wanted more of it and I did not like how Kate wrote it off (disappointing). The “romance” between Kate and Tom was lacking. It needed more development or build up earlier in the book so what happened at the end would make more sense. The author was overly descriptive of food, clothing and mundane details (like washing hair, drying it with towel, combing it behind ears, putting on lotion, etc.). My favorite phrase from A Dream of Death is “don’t let your yesterdays define you”. A Dream of Death is a good beginning to A Kate Hamilton Mystery series. A Dream of Death has an intriguing mystery, quaint Scottish isle, disappearing antiques, a dashing inspector and a determined antiques dealer.
June 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this first entry in the Kate Hamilton mystery series! it's set on a remove island in Scotland and features an American antiques expert. Both Kate and Tom (a police investigator from England on holiday in Scotland) are interested and have a lot of baggage.
The mysteries involve both a murder in the present, and ones in the past that may be linked somehow to the history of the place. We have many potential murderers, and most people involved are hiding secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and am going to download the next in the series right away!
The mysteries involve both a murder in the present, and ones in the past that may be linked somehow to the history of the place. We have many potential murderers, and most people involved are hiding secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and am going to download the next in the series right away!
February 6, 2019
Kate found herself going back to fulfill a promise made to her husband two weeks before he died three years ago. Finding an attraction that surpasses that which she felt for her husband was not on the charts, but love, she did find in the place she first lost it, but can she hold on to it in the face of everyone being a suspect in her cousin's murder. This tale is shrouded in a dark cloud of mystery, of an unsolved murder mystery a couple hundred of years old to the present day copy cat murder. What a juice of a puzzle, deeply captivating and thrilling, with a bunch of awesome characters all embedded in an absolutely delightful storyline.
July 28, 2023
This was an enjoyable mystery although some of the details about family history were somewhat tedious to read. Still, the details were a necessary part of the story. It was an interesting murder mystery with many suspects. I enjoyed the way that the author made several different people look guilty toward the end of the book. The story also included a touch of romance that blossomed in the latter part of the book. I will definitely continue reading this series!
April 10, 2019
A Dream Of Death is the first book in the Kate Hamilton Mystery series.
It’s been three years since Kate Hamilton’s husband Bill had passed away in a tragic boating accident off the coast of a Scottish island where he had lived prior to his marriage, with his sister in the family home. After his marriage to Kate, he had sold his interest in the family estate to his sister and she had turned it into a luxury hotel. Bill’s sister, Elenor, and Kate had never gotten along and the last person Kate expected to hear was Elenor. Elenor calls, begging Kate to come to Glenroth for that annual Tartan Ball. She also adds that she really needs her help.
When Kate arrives, Elenor is busy putting the finishing touches to the Tartan Ball to really talk with Kate about what is bothering her but does tell Kate that there is a package that she wants Kate to look at as soon as she gets to her cottage. The package that is awaiting Kate is a miniature casket. Kate who has an antique store back in the states can tell that it definitely is an antique. Also, she finds a copy of The Diary of Flora Arnott, Volume One by Dr. Hugh Parker Guthrie, a local author. The Arnott’s were the first settlers on Glenroth and Kate is somewhat familiar with the story.
That evening things are going nicely at the Tartan Ball until Elenor makes a couple of announcements that shock everyone at the ball. First, she will be selling the hotel and second, she has recently gotten engaged to Dr. Guthrie. The next morning Elenor is found dead with an arrow in her neck. As Kate begins to read the book Elenor gave her, she learns that Flora Arnott had died the same way.
There are many suspects as Elenor was not well liked by many of the residents of the island. Plus, some of the descendants of the original owners of the house, have for some time questioned whether the sale was legal. There is only one guest at the hotel at the time the story begins, Tom Mallory a policeman from Scotland who claims to be on holiday. She is able to convince him that some ideas as to what might have happened seem possible and begin to share information and attempt to uncover the killer.
This is a very enjoyable beginning to a new series. The story proceeds at a steady pace, is well-plotted and has many red herrings and kept me guessing until the end. I will be looking forward to learning more about the residents of the island in future books.
It’s been three years since Kate Hamilton’s husband Bill had passed away in a tragic boating accident off the coast of a Scottish island where he had lived prior to his marriage, with his sister in the family home. After his marriage to Kate, he had sold his interest in the family estate to his sister and she had turned it into a luxury hotel. Bill’s sister, Elenor, and Kate had never gotten along and the last person Kate expected to hear was Elenor. Elenor calls, begging Kate to come to Glenroth for that annual Tartan Ball. She also adds that she really needs her help.
When Kate arrives, Elenor is busy putting the finishing touches to the Tartan Ball to really talk with Kate about what is bothering her but does tell Kate that there is a package that she wants Kate to look at as soon as she gets to her cottage. The package that is awaiting Kate is a miniature casket. Kate who has an antique store back in the states can tell that it definitely is an antique. Also, she finds a copy of The Diary of Flora Arnott, Volume One by Dr. Hugh Parker Guthrie, a local author. The Arnott’s were the first settlers on Glenroth and Kate is somewhat familiar with the story.
That evening things are going nicely at the Tartan Ball until Elenor makes a couple of announcements that shock everyone at the ball. First, she will be selling the hotel and second, she has recently gotten engaged to Dr. Guthrie. The next morning Elenor is found dead with an arrow in her neck. As Kate begins to read the book Elenor gave her, she learns that Flora Arnott had died the same way.
There are many suspects as Elenor was not well liked by many of the residents of the island. Plus, some of the descendants of the original owners of the house, have for some time questioned whether the sale was legal. There is only one guest at the hotel at the time the story begins, Tom Mallory a policeman from Scotland who claims to be on holiday. She is able to convince him that some ideas as to what might have happened seem possible and begin to share information and attempt to uncover the killer.
This is a very enjoyable beginning to a new series. The story proceeds at a steady pace, is well-plotted and has many red herrings and kept me guessing until the end. I will be looking forward to learning more about the residents of the island in future books.
October 10, 2019
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2GyadQZ
It’s been a while since reading a mystery that I could hardly put down, but that’s the case with A Dream of Death by debut author Connie Berry. I simply can’t say enough about this traditional mystery! Spellbinding, atmospheric, intelligent, captivating … A Dream of Death is simply exquisite. Definitely a 5-star, best-of-the-best read for me. Connie Berry is an author to watch.
I was initially drawn to this book because of a love for British fiction, and Scotland is the icing on the cake. The setting – Glenroth, a fictional island in the Inner Hebrides – becomes a major character. The descriptions are so vivid and easy to follow that I could visualize each scene in my mind, even sensing the rush of the wind and the pulse of the sea. The prose is exquisite, with a gentle touch of humor. And you won’t find any fluffy descriptions of food or clothing; rather, every word is important and propels the storyline along.
Three years ago I’d been Kate – wife, mother, daughter, friend. I’d known my lines by heart. Then the curtain fell, and when it rose again, I’d found myself in a new play, without script or cues. No choice but to stumble along.
- Kate
The characters themselves are vividly drawn and appealing. Kate – with her natural curiosity, passion for history, and heartbreaking background – is a fascinating protagonist. There’s nothing paranormal or psychic, but on a rare occasion while observing an antique, she had experienced “an impression, of joy or sadness, or longing, as if the emotional atmosphere in which an object existed had seeped into the joints and crevices along with the dust and grime.” Romance doesn’t play a major part, but there’s a hint of it in Kate’s relationship with Tom, a detective inspector visiting from Suffolk, England, who I liked very much.
There’s a poignancy to the mystery plot itself. The murder victim was the sister of Kate’s deceased husband, Bill. Tension existed between these three in the past, for there seemed to be an unbreakable bond between brother and sister that came ahead of the marriage relationship. When the story opens, Kate is traveling to Glenroth in order to make good on a promise to Bill that she would look after his sister. Elenor is a complex character, and Kate soon discovers that the “reasons to dislike Elenor were as plentiful as cold germs in January.” And then there’s Bo, who seems to be the most likely suspect. A life-long friend of Bill’s, Bo has a cognitive disability, but is high functioning. I loved this character so much and appreciated that he was portrayed realistically.
A Dream of Death is a wonderfully engrossing story of great depth that leaves me wanting so much more from this author. And to top it off, this story is clean – no profanity or explicit scenes. Thank you, Connie Berry, for showing that an excellent novel has no need of these elements.
Book #2, A Legacy of Murder, releases in October 2019 – and I can’t wait! It looks like future stories will be set in England, but I hope for an eventual return to Scotland.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
It’s been a while since reading a mystery that I could hardly put down, but that’s the case with A Dream of Death by debut author Connie Berry. I simply can’t say enough about this traditional mystery! Spellbinding, atmospheric, intelligent, captivating … A Dream of Death is simply exquisite. Definitely a 5-star, best-of-the-best read for me. Connie Berry is an author to watch.
I was initially drawn to this book because of a love for British fiction, and Scotland is the icing on the cake. The setting – Glenroth, a fictional island in the Inner Hebrides – becomes a major character. The descriptions are so vivid and easy to follow that I could visualize each scene in my mind, even sensing the rush of the wind and the pulse of the sea. The prose is exquisite, with a gentle touch of humor. And you won’t find any fluffy descriptions of food or clothing; rather, every word is important and propels the storyline along.
Three years ago I’d been Kate – wife, mother, daughter, friend. I’d known my lines by heart. Then the curtain fell, and when it rose again, I’d found myself in a new play, without script or cues. No choice but to stumble along.
- Kate
The characters themselves are vividly drawn and appealing. Kate – with her natural curiosity, passion for history, and heartbreaking background – is a fascinating protagonist. There’s nothing paranormal or psychic, but on a rare occasion while observing an antique, she had experienced “an impression, of joy or sadness, or longing, as if the emotional atmosphere in which an object existed had seeped into the joints and crevices along with the dust and grime.” Romance doesn’t play a major part, but there’s a hint of it in Kate’s relationship with Tom, a detective inspector visiting from Suffolk, England, who I liked very much.
There’s a poignancy to the mystery plot itself. The murder victim was the sister of Kate’s deceased husband, Bill. Tension existed between these three in the past, for there seemed to be an unbreakable bond between brother and sister that came ahead of the marriage relationship. When the story opens, Kate is traveling to Glenroth in order to make good on a promise to Bill that she would look after his sister. Elenor is a complex character, and Kate soon discovers that the “reasons to dislike Elenor were as plentiful as cold germs in January.” And then there’s Bo, who seems to be the most likely suspect. A life-long friend of Bill’s, Bo has a cognitive disability, but is high functioning. I loved this character so much and appreciated that he was portrayed realistically.
A Dream of Death is a wonderfully engrossing story of great depth that leaves me wanting so much more from this author. And to top it off, this story is clean – no profanity or explicit scenes. Thank you, Connie Berry, for showing that an excellent novel has no need of these elements.
Book #2, A Legacy of Murder, releases in October 2019 – and I can’t wait! It looks like future stories will be set in England, but I hope for an eventual return to Scotland.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 6, 2022
Well. That was interesting. And unexpected. Never guessed ANY of it. Nada. Nothing. That alone is worth the 4 stars! Another book set in Scotland; apparently that is my current country of choice. LOL
The only negative is the narrator - I am not a fan at all. She really couldn't decide who was Scottish and who wasn't. It got annoying. Even as I adapted to it, every once in awhile she'd just go off and I'd have no idea WHO was speaking. Really looking forward to book 2.
The only negative is the narrator - I am not a fan at all. She really couldn't decide who was Scottish and who wasn't. It got annoying. Even as I adapted to it, every once in awhile she'd just go off and I'd have no idea WHO was speaking. Really looking forward to book 2.
May 3, 2019
I'm feeling the burn... From the first page to the last. Putting it down to eat or do a household chore felt wrong. I needed to finish this book. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
April 16, 2019
This traditional mystery debut has many appealing elements: large cast of colorful characters, bits of history surrounding an unsolved murder, a hint of romance, and a fantastic setting in Scotland.
An American woman, Kate, lost her Scottish husband a few years ago. When his willful sister Eleanor urgently begs her to return to Scotland, but then is found dead the next morning, Kate has few clues to work with. As an avid antiques dealer, she is particularly drawn to the small casket in Eleanor's room as it surely has secrets of its own.
This is a 'whodunnit' mystery with many red herrings delightfully strewn throughout. It is not a cozy mystery; could have easily been written more darkly. The author grew up with antiques and brings this knowledge into the story. It is nice to see a novel develop around a woman in her 40s with grown children taking a lead role and indulging in a bit of romance. Just suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning.
An American woman, Kate, lost her Scottish husband a few years ago. When his willful sister Eleanor urgently begs her to return to Scotland, but then is found dead the next morning, Kate has few clues to work with. As an avid antiques dealer, she is particularly drawn to the small casket in Eleanor's room as it surely has secrets of its own.
This is a 'whodunnit' mystery with many red herrings delightfully strewn throughout. It is not a cozy mystery; could have easily been written more darkly. The author grew up with antiques and brings this knowledge into the story. It is nice to see a novel develop around a woman in her 40s with grown children taking a lead role and indulging in a bit of romance. Just suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning.
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