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Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #4
The Corpse Wore Tartan
Can there be such a thing as too many men in kilts? Normally Liss MacCrimmon, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine's one and only Scottish Emporium, would say no. But that's before one of them turns out to be murderous. . .
The bagpipes are blaring at The Spruces, Moosetookalook's finest hotel, reopened just in time to host the Burns Night Supper, an annual celebration of Scotland's beloved poet, Robert Burns. In the midst of the long Maine winter, the festivities are just the thing to give the hotel a much needed boost--and to bring fresh business to Liss's shop.
But when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society arrives on the scene, they bring more than a hunger for haggis and a passion for plaid. The quarrelsome group harbors their share of long held grudges, and the animosity only grows as the whiskey flows. Then a fierce blizzard hits, trapping everyone--angry Scotsmen, hapless hotel staff, and Liss herself--inside.
It's a situation with all the makings for mayhem, and sure enough, it isn't long before a body is discovered, face down in a storage room, covered in tartan--and blood.
Lucky for Liss, she's got some good friends alongside her to help sort out the local police officer Sherri Willett, and Dan Ruskin, the man who's got Liss all tied up in Celtic knots. But they'll have to work fast, before another body goes as cold as the snowstorm keeping them cooped up with a killer.
Praise for Kaitlyn Dunnett and Her Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries! A Wee Christmas Homicide
"This cozy mystery has it all--a picturesque location, a bit of romance, some suspense, and a cast of appealingly quirky characters." --Booklist
"With a cute mystery centering around holiday festivities, this novel is perfect for the holiday season." --Romantic Times
"The blend of romance and cozy mystery will please lovers of all things Scottish." --Kirkus Reviews
Scone Cold Dead
"Enjoyable. . .vivid descriptions of Maine during mud season and a quirky cast of characters lift this cozy." --Publishers Weekly
"This series has all the great elements that keep readers coming back; a feisty and resourceful heroine, a fresh premise and a picturesque location with colorful secondary characters." --Romantic Times
Kilt Dead
"High-kicking fun with characters as colorful as the tartans. . .a delightful new series." --Dorothy Cannell
"Strong local color and a surprise ending will make this a hit with the cozy crowd." --Publishers Weekly
"A blithe and bonny mystery from Kaitlyn Dunnett! Cozy mystery readers should pour a cuppa and settle down to savor the flavor of the Highlands, the wee dram of Scottish folklore and the small town skullduggery that season this clever debut." --Nancy Martin, author of the Blackbird Sisters Mysteries
"If you have an affinity for all things Scottish, this is the book for you." --Deadly Pleasures
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
64 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books356 followersKaitlyn Dunnett is a pseudonym used by Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Mistress Jaffrey Mysteries, the Face Down Mysteries featuring Susanna Appleton, 16th century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth, the Diana Spaulding 1888 Quartet, and the award-winning How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries, plus an assortment of other books.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
April 27, 2017
MUCH better than #3!!
This one had me guessing up until most of it was revealed; there were plenty of red herrings and Liss was amazingly enough, WAY less whiny than she was in the previous one. I enjoyed this enough to keep reading [which I never thought I would do after #3]. Very good read!!
This one had me guessing up until most of it was revealed; there were plenty of red herrings and Liss was amazingly enough, WAY less whiny than she was in the previous one. I enjoyed this enough to keep reading [which I never thought I would do after #3]. Very good read!!
February 25, 2019
This was a very light fun read. If you need a distraction that isn’t hard to get through, this book’s for you. It’s the quintessential cozy mystery.
November 21, 2016
Another fantastic book in this series
I just love this series. I've become a huge fan in just a short time.
Liss is a strong, independent character who sees no harm in doing a little sleuthing.
This time it's not Liss who is in harm's way, but Dan, the man who is determined to win her love and her heart.
When a body is found during a snow storm, Sherri, Pete, Liss and Dan investigate since there is no one else to help. The snow storm has caused power outages and downed trees and no one has access to help with the investigation. Liss is determined to help even though her help isn't exactly wanted.
This is an entertaining series and fans of cozy mysteries will love this story!
I just love this series. I've become a huge fan in just a short time.
Liss is a strong, independent character who sees no harm in doing a little sleuthing.
This time it's not Liss who is in harm's way, but Dan, the man who is determined to win her love and her heart.
When a body is found during a snow storm, Sherri, Pete, Liss and Dan investigate since there is no one else to help. The snow storm has caused power outages and downed trees and no one has access to help with the investigation. Liss is determined to help even though her help isn't exactly wanted.
This is an entertaining series and fans of cozy mysteries will love this story!
March 1, 2013
First, a big THANKS to Goodreads. I won this book in one of their giveaways.
The Corpse Wore Tartan is the fourth book in a series of cozy mysteries featuring Amaryllis Rosalie (Liss) MacCrimmon. The series is written by Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Liss is a former professional Scottish dancer who, because of a career-ending injury, has taken over her family’s “emporium” in Moosetookalook, a small, picturesque town in Maine. The series’ supporting cast includes Liss’ aunt, Margaret MacCrimmon Boyd, her high school friend, Sherri, who is with the local police department, Sherri’s fiancé, Pete, also with the police department, and Dan Ruskin, Liss’ boyfriend. This mystery takes place at the newly renovated Spruces, owned by Dan’s father (and invested in by Liss’ aunt) during a blizzard that strands the major participants at the inn with the murder victim, all the suspects, and a murderer—and the power goes out. Okay, the generator kicks in, but they’re conserving in case the storm lasts more than a few days. The mood is enhanced by unfinished rooms, passages, the cold, the piles of snow, and the storm.
Liss is an American of Scottish descent. The Emporium stocks and sells Scottish items from clothing to knick-knacks to specialty foods. The Scottish theme plays into the story, but only in that the group trapped at the inn is the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society. Otherwise, this hook allows the author to sprinkle her stories with bits of Scottish history and folklore--which I thoroughly enjoy, by the way.
Without spoilers, I have to say that this was not a great mystery. I knew a few pages in who would be killed and how the major plot of the story would finally unfold. Of course, I didn’t know specific details, but the mystery itself was not very mysterious.
As for the best part of cozy mysteries, the cast of characters and their continuing interactions with one another, I was again disappointed. When reading these mysteries, one has to like and care about the characters. It’s the only reason to return book after book, the mysteries are secondary. For whatever reason, I didn’t really care for the characters and their sub-stories. I found them to be shallow, one-dimensional, and bland. Liss is the pretty, strong-willed one who doesn’t like to be told what to do. She jumps into things head first, much to the dismay of Dan and Sherri. Dan spends his time trying to keep Liss from dangerous situations while wondering how to take their relationship to the next level. He begrudgingly admits Liss is a good investigator. Sherri is a single parent who doubts her professional capabilities. She doesn’t like Liss getting involved with police business, but values her insights. Pete doesn’t seem to have a personality. His main role seems to be propping up Sherri. It’s not that they’re not likeable, I just found them uninteresting. I never really got to know anything other than their one dimension.
I thought this might be because this was the fourth book in the series and if I had read all the books, I would know the characters better. Usually series mystery writers provide little background summaries of earlier stories and recaps of the characters so if you join the series a few stories in, you’re not lost. There was a bit of this of course, but not a lot--Liss had solved murders before; Liss had been in dangerous situations and Dan didn’t like that, etc. I even got confused when they mentioned a Gordon Tandy as someone Liss had been dating--ongoing action--for the past year. I thought she was with Dan. It turns out Gordon, who is in law enforcement, is away for training or on special assignment so doesn’t play a part in this story. Still it would have been nice to know that Liss had been dating both Gordon and Dan or that both had been competing for her affections. I didn’t find this out reading this book, but by going back to earlier books in the series.
I decided to hold judgment on this book until I read the others. I found the earlier books, Kilt Dead, Scone Cold Dead, and A Wee Christmas Homicide, at the library and read them. Though I don’t particularly care for the main characters any more than I did after book four, at least I know something of their back stories. And, though the plots are all the same--to the chagrin of Dan and Sherri (and Gordon), Liss gets involved with a murder; Liss finds herself in dangerous situations, again to the chagrin and annoyance of Dan; Liss figures out who killed the victim; case and book closed--I enjoyed the earlier books more than this one. Not because of the characters, which still seemed one-dimensional, but because the mysteries were a bit more involving.
But back to this book…if you’re a fan of Kaitlyn Dunnett’s Scottish Mysteries, you’ll probably like this. If you’re not and you’re looking for something good to read, I’d pass on this in favor of something else. Though it attempts to be engaging--and nearly gets it at times--the writing winds up being more lackluster and ordinary than interesting. The mystery and subplots are not involving and the characters never rise above. If I had picked this up while perusing at the bookstore and sampled different sections, I would have put it back on the shelf, even though I like the Celtic theme.
The Corpse Wore Tartan is the fourth book in a series of cozy mysteries featuring Amaryllis Rosalie (Liss) MacCrimmon. The series is written by Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Liss is a former professional Scottish dancer who, because of a career-ending injury, has taken over her family’s “emporium” in Moosetookalook, a small, picturesque town in Maine. The series’ supporting cast includes Liss’ aunt, Margaret MacCrimmon Boyd, her high school friend, Sherri, who is with the local police department, Sherri’s fiancé, Pete, also with the police department, and Dan Ruskin, Liss’ boyfriend. This mystery takes place at the newly renovated Spruces, owned by Dan’s father (and invested in by Liss’ aunt) during a blizzard that strands the major participants at the inn with the murder victim, all the suspects, and a murderer—and the power goes out. Okay, the generator kicks in, but they’re conserving in case the storm lasts more than a few days. The mood is enhanced by unfinished rooms, passages, the cold, the piles of snow, and the storm.
Liss is an American of Scottish descent. The Emporium stocks and sells Scottish items from clothing to knick-knacks to specialty foods. The Scottish theme plays into the story, but only in that the group trapped at the inn is the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society. Otherwise, this hook allows the author to sprinkle her stories with bits of Scottish history and folklore--which I thoroughly enjoy, by the way.
Without spoilers, I have to say that this was not a great mystery. I knew a few pages in who would be killed and how the major plot of the story would finally unfold. Of course, I didn’t know specific details, but the mystery itself was not very mysterious.
As for the best part of cozy mysteries, the cast of characters and their continuing interactions with one another, I was again disappointed. When reading these mysteries, one has to like and care about the characters. It’s the only reason to return book after book, the mysteries are secondary. For whatever reason, I didn’t really care for the characters and their sub-stories. I found them to be shallow, one-dimensional, and bland. Liss is the pretty, strong-willed one who doesn’t like to be told what to do. She jumps into things head first, much to the dismay of Dan and Sherri. Dan spends his time trying to keep Liss from dangerous situations while wondering how to take their relationship to the next level. He begrudgingly admits Liss is a good investigator. Sherri is a single parent who doubts her professional capabilities. She doesn’t like Liss getting involved with police business, but values her insights. Pete doesn’t seem to have a personality. His main role seems to be propping up Sherri. It’s not that they’re not likeable, I just found them uninteresting. I never really got to know anything other than their one dimension.
I thought this might be because this was the fourth book in the series and if I had read all the books, I would know the characters better. Usually series mystery writers provide little background summaries of earlier stories and recaps of the characters so if you join the series a few stories in, you’re not lost. There was a bit of this of course, but not a lot--Liss had solved murders before; Liss had been in dangerous situations and Dan didn’t like that, etc. I even got confused when they mentioned a Gordon Tandy as someone Liss had been dating--ongoing action--for the past year. I thought she was with Dan. It turns out Gordon, who is in law enforcement, is away for training or on special assignment so doesn’t play a part in this story. Still it would have been nice to know that Liss had been dating both Gordon and Dan or that both had been competing for her affections. I didn’t find this out reading this book, but by going back to earlier books in the series.
I decided to hold judgment on this book until I read the others. I found the earlier books, Kilt Dead, Scone Cold Dead, and A Wee Christmas Homicide, at the library and read them. Though I don’t particularly care for the main characters any more than I did after book four, at least I know something of their back stories. And, though the plots are all the same--to the chagrin of Dan and Sherri (and Gordon), Liss gets involved with a murder; Liss finds herself in dangerous situations, again to the chagrin and annoyance of Dan; Liss figures out who killed the victim; case and book closed--I enjoyed the earlier books more than this one. Not because of the characters, which still seemed one-dimensional, but because the mysteries were a bit more involving.
But back to this book…if you’re a fan of Kaitlyn Dunnett’s Scottish Mysteries, you’ll probably like this. If you’re not and you’re looking for something good to read, I’d pass on this in favor of something else. Though it attempts to be engaging--and nearly gets it at times--the writing winds up being more lackluster and ordinary than interesting. The mystery and subplots are not involving and the characters never rise above. If I had picked this up while perusing at the bookstore and sampled different sections, I would have put it back on the shelf, even though I like the Celtic theme.
December 31, 2019
I had lost track of this series! A fun concept, interesting characters and a satisfying mystery!
March 31, 2023
Book review of The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett,
A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery
From goodreads.com:
Can there be such a thing as too many men in kilts? Normally Liss MacCrimmon, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine’s one and only Scottish Emporium, would say no. But that’s before one of them turns out to be murderous…
The bagpipes are blaring at Moosetookalook’s finest hotel, reopened just in time to host an annual celebration of Scotland’s most beloved poet. But when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society arrives on the scene, they bring more than a hunger for haggis and a passion for plaid. The quarrelsome group harbors their share of long held grudges, and the animosity only grows as the whiskey flows. Then a fierce blizzard hits, trapping everyone—angry Scotsmen, hapless hotel staff, and Liss herself—indoors.
It isn’t long before a body is discovered face down in a storage room, covered in tartan—and blood. Now Liss will have to work fast to solve this crime before another body goes as cold as the snowstorm keeping her cooped up with a killer.
Leona's Review:
There is a group called the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society (SHAS) holding a conference at The Spruces Hotel, named for the beautiful trees. Liss MacCrimmon is the part owner of the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium.
The first crime is the report of a stolen brooch that was taken from the room of Phil MacMillan. The second is the death of one of the members of the group.
Phil has a twin, Phineas, and a wife Eunice. Some other characters are Joe Ruskin, the owner of the hotel, Sherri from the police, Harvey MacHenry and Richardson Bruce who are members of SHAS.
There is some romance in the book with Liss and Dan Ruskin who is the son of the owner of The Spruces.
To make matters worse, there is a snow storm that cuts the electricity and the people in the hotel are stranded.
This is my first read of the series of these books. They are Kilt Dead, Scone Cold Dead, A Wee Christmas Homicide and The Corpse Wore Tartan. The author became interested in Scottish heritage after her husband began to play the bagpipes.
I have to give this a 3.5 star rating. Not a 4 star rating but also not a 3 star rating. I wish there had been more information about the Scottish heritage and customs. I also wish there had not been so much fighting among the members of the group. The book did keep the reader guessing. The book could be read as a stand alone but I think it would help to have read the other books in the series.
The opinions are my own.
I won this book from the author and from goodreads.com. Kaitlyn Dunnett signed the book and that was a nice thought.
Kaitlyn Dunnett may be found at www.kaitlyndunnett.com
Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com
A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery
From goodreads.com:
Can there be such a thing as too many men in kilts? Normally Liss MacCrimmon, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine’s one and only Scottish Emporium, would say no. But that’s before one of them turns out to be murderous…
The bagpipes are blaring at Moosetookalook’s finest hotel, reopened just in time to host an annual celebration of Scotland’s most beloved poet. But when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society arrives on the scene, they bring more than a hunger for haggis and a passion for plaid. The quarrelsome group harbors their share of long held grudges, and the animosity only grows as the whiskey flows. Then a fierce blizzard hits, trapping everyone—angry Scotsmen, hapless hotel staff, and Liss herself—indoors.
It isn’t long before a body is discovered face down in a storage room, covered in tartan—and blood. Now Liss will have to work fast to solve this crime before another body goes as cold as the snowstorm keeping her cooped up with a killer.
Leona's Review:
There is a group called the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society (SHAS) holding a conference at The Spruces Hotel, named for the beautiful trees. Liss MacCrimmon is the part owner of the Moosetookalook Scottish Emporium.
The first crime is the report of a stolen brooch that was taken from the room of Phil MacMillan. The second is the death of one of the members of the group.
Phil has a twin, Phineas, and a wife Eunice. Some other characters are Joe Ruskin, the owner of the hotel, Sherri from the police, Harvey MacHenry and Richardson Bruce who are members of SHAS.
There is some romance in the book with Liss and Dan Ruskin who is the son of the owner of The Spruces.
To make matters worse, there is a snow storm that cuts the electricity and the people in the hotel are stranded.
This is my first read of the series of these books. They are Kilt Dead, Scone Cold Dead, A Wee Christmas Homicide and The Corpse Wore Tartan. The author became interested in Scottish heritage after her husband began to play the bagpipes.
I have to give this a 3.5 star rating. Not a 4 star rating but also not a 3 star rating. I wish there had been more information about the Scottish heritage and customs. I also wish there had not been so much fighting among the members of the group. The book did keep the reader guessing. The book could be read as a stand alone but I think it would help to have read the other books in the series.
The opinions are my own.
I won this book from the author and from goodreads.com. Kaitlyn Dunnett signed the book and that was a nice thought.
Kaitlyn Dunnett may be found at www.kaitlyndunnett.com
Leona Olson
http://www.mnleona.blogspot.com
May 26, 2017
Hey Guys! Today I'm reviewing The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett. It is the fourth in the Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery Series!
We start our story only a couple of days after Christmas on the night of the Burns Festival. Apparently a Scottish tradition where people drink and eat Haggis. Liss' aunt is working the event but decides to go home early when there is news of a storm. The first in a line of bad events that happens is two of the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society are fighting over a bagpipe. Liss stops their fight and asks Dan's pregnant sister (the reception desk attendant) to throw the bagpipe out on her way home. Then Phil MacMillan and his wife Eunice greet Liss with a complaint that they forgot toothpaste at home and don't want to buy any from the gift shop. Liss tells them they have to buy a new one if they want toothpaste as there is nowhere nearby to buy some. After their complaining they head back to their room.
Then we go into the kitchen where one of the SHAS members is complaining to the chef that the meal isn't traditional without sheep stomach lining for the Haggis. The chef reminds him that outside of Europe it is considered a hazard to import. Then we get a call to Liss and Dan as Phil and Eunice tell them their room had been torn apart and the brooch of the family crest missing. The police are called in. Sherri Willett is investigating the brooch, and no one is allowed to leave the premises while questioning is going on. The employees are particularly upset about this. However a storm comes while the Burns Night Dinner is happening and knocks out the power, so everyone will have to stay anyways. They are snowed in! There are zero suspects for the missing brooch as most everyone has an alibi. Phineas MacMillan (twin to Phil) says a lot of upsetting things in his toast and riles people up.
After the power goes out Dan and Liss tell people where to get flashlights and such, and to not run too much hot water or there won't be any since no one knows how long they will be snowed in for. Also food will be on the house since this is an inconvenience. This makes Dan worry about his father Joe, due to him putting all his life savings into this hotel and it still hasn't paid off. Liss is in the gift shop with Russ Tandy and his wife (brother to Gordon Tandy Liss' ex-lover) when Phineas shows up. Russ starts fighting with him only to be told that he is actually Phil. Phil then asks Liss the layout of the hotel so he can go explore.
Later on in the night one of the housekeeping staff, Sadie, rushes up to Dan and freaks out. She states there is a dead man in a supply closet in the basement. Dan confirms that one of the twins has been killed. He calls Sherri and Pete (works as a police officer and is Sherri's fiance) down. They quarantine the scene. Liss is upset for the hotel and that this event has turned deadly. All of them travel upstairs to see which twin had been killed. They find Phineas in his room, meaning that it must have been Phil who was killed. They go to Phil and Eunice's room since Phineas doesn't believe that Phil could be dead. Eunice opens the door and refuses to believe it as well until she sees the body. However there is a lack of remorse on both Phineas and Eunice's faces, which sets me and Liss both off on a track of suspicion.
Everyone is questioned once again as there is now a murderer on the loose. Sherri tries to keep the news of murder from the public, but people are gossips and it leaks out that one of the twins has been killed. Most people wish it had been Phineas that died, since he was a jerk at the supper. Will MacHenry collapses at one point due to his heart condition, and Liss and Dan must head out into the snow with snowshoes to the nearest doctor. They reach him before night and ask him to head to the hotel on snowmobile. Dan tells Liss he intends to propose to her at some point, which kind of ruins a surprise moment. But maybe with Liss that's necessary since she isn't a big fan of surprises in the love department. She tells him she will have to think on it. Liss spends the night at her house and looks at old photos and newspaper clippings from the SHAS. That's where she believes she finds a break in the case. One of the housekeeping staff, Dilys, used to be engaged to Phineas MacMillan.
Liss goes over to where Dilys is staying with her cousin and goes through her stuff. She finds an article that tells of the SHAS having their annual Burns Night Supper at the hotel in Dilys' room. This seals the deal for Liss and I think to myself perhaps, but it doesn't make much sense to kill Phil if you're upset about losing the engagement. She asks Eunice about Dilys and Eunice supplies info that Phil had given Phineas perhaps false information about Dilys cheating on him that lead to the engagement being called off due to the fact that if he got married he would get more from the trust fund and Phil would get less. That sets me on thinking that maybe Phil isn't dead. He and Eunice were in financial trouble, what better way to fix that then to get the trust from Phineas? And if the insurance company thought it was murder they would get their payout there too. Liss and several other people keep commenting though that Eunice would know the difference between the twins, and that they have different mannerisms.
Dilys and Phineas disappear at some point, and Liss, Sherri, Pete, Joe, Sam (Dan's brother) and Dan go on a search of the premises for them. Liss and Sherri accidentally find Phineas walking about on the third floor, and tell him to go to the main room for questioning later. They ask him if he's seen Dilys, and he replies he didn't know she was here but that he had seen someone walk on snowshoes earlier outside. But Liss has a hunch and instead they go into the closed off section of the hotel. In a closet Liss finds Dilys and they take her for questioning.
******Spoilers Ahead********
As I suspected Dilys was tied up by Phineas, who actually turns out to be Phil. The reason he killed Phineas and decided to take his identity was for money! I love when my twists turn out to be true :)) Phil takes Dan hostage at the end, but Liss remembers a secret passage that will lead to where he is going to go out of the hotel so she bangs him over the head with a frying pan. Phil is arrested by state police and then Liss accepts Dan's proposal. Yay!!
Alright so what was great about this book?
-Well Liss and Dan, and Sherri and Pete. Well truthfully all the characters. They were a fun read. This author always writes characters in depth, even small characters that leave halfway through the book or are only mentioned once. Everyone has a great backstory!
-This one had more of a mystery! There was actually some crime solving going on. Liss still stumbled upon the answer, so I'll have to deduct points for that. But she did question people and tried to figure out who killed Phineas, so yay! Good job!
-Liss finally gets engaged to Dan and Gordon Tandy is finito!
What didn't I like?
-Liss still stumbles upon the answer.
-There is more exposition than mystery solving. I liked learning about Burns Night and the goings on in the hotel, but it can make the mystery seem rushed when there's not much put into solving the crime.
-The fact that Liss was still unsure of Dan and thought about Tandy a couple of times, when she knew that she wasn't even sad he was leaving last book.......
Overall I'd give this book a 4/5 or an 8/10. Marked improvements from the first 3!
We start our story only a couple of days after Christmas on the night of the Burns Festival. Apparently a Scottish tradition where people drink and eat Haggis. Liss' aunt is working the event but decides to go home early when there is news of a storm. The first in a line of bad events that happens is two of the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society are fighting over a bagpipe. Liss stops their fight and asks Dan's pregnant sister (the reception desk attendant) to throw the bagpipe out on her way home. Then Phil MacMillan and his wife Eunice greet Liss with a complaint that they forgot toothpaste at home and don't want to buy any from the gift shop. Liss tells them they have to buy a new one if they want toothpaste as there is nowhere nearby to buy some. After their complaining they head back to their room.
Then we go into the kitchen where one of the SHAS members is complaining to the chef that the meal isn't traditional without sheep stomach lining for the Haggis. The chef reminds him that outside of Europe it is considered a hazard to import. Then we get a call to Liss and Dan as Phil and Eunice tell them their room had been torn apart and the brooch of the family crest missing. The police are called in. Sherri Willett is investigating the brooch, and no one is allowed to leave the premises while questioning is going on. The employees are particularly upset about this. However a storm comes while the Burns Night Dinner is happening and knocks out the power, so everyone will have to stay anyways. They are snowed in! There are zero suspects for the missing brooch as most everyone has an alibi. Phineas MacMillan (twin to Phil) says a lot of upsetting things in his toast and riles people up.
After the power goes out Dan and Liss tell people where to get flashlights and such, and to not run too much hot water or there won't be any since no one knows how long they will be snowed in for. Also food will be on the house since this is an inconvenience. This makes Dan worry about his father Joe, due to him putting all his life savings into this hotel and it still hasn't paid off. Liss is in the gift shop with Russ Tandy and his wife (brother to Gordon Tandy Liss' ex-lover) when Phineas shows up. Russ starts fighting with him only to be told that he is actually Phil. Phil then asks Liss the layout of the hotel so he can go explore.
Later on in the night one of the housekeeping staff, Sadie, rushes up to Dan and freaks out. She states there is a dead man in a supply closet in the basement. Dan confirms that one of the twins has been killed. He calls Sherri and Pete (works as a police officer and is Sherri's fiance) down. They quarantine the scene. Liss is upset for the hotel and that this event has turned deadly. All of them travel upstairs to see which twin had been killed. They find Phineas in his room, meaning that it must have been Phil who was killed. They go to Phil and Eunice's room since Phineas doesn't believe that Phil could be dead. Eunice opens the door and refuses to believe it as well until she sees the body. However there is a lack of remorse on both Phineas and Eunice's faces, which sets me and Liss both off on a track of suspicion.
Everyone is questioned once again as there is now a murderer on the loose. Sherri tries to keep the news of murder from the public, but people are gossips and it leaks out that one of the twins has been killed. Most people wish it had been Phineas that died, since he was a jerk at the supper. Will MacHenry collapses at one point due to his heart condition, and Liss and Dan must head out into the snow with snowshoes to the nearest doctor. They reach him before night and ask him to head to the hotel on snowmobile. Dan tells Liss he intends to propose to her at some point, which kind of ruins a surprise moment. But maybe with Liss that's necessary since she isn't a big fan of surprises in the love department. She tells him she will have to think on it. Liss spends the night at her house and looks at old photos and newspaper clippings from the SHAS. That's where she believes she finds a break in the case. One of the housekeeping staff, Dilys, used to be engaged to Phineas MacMillan.
Liss goes over to where Dilys is staying with her cousin and goes through her stuff. She finds an article that tells of the SHAS having their annual Burns Night Supper at the hotel in Dilys' room. This seals the deal for Liss and I think to myself perhaps, but it doesn't make much sense to kill Phil if you're upset about losing the engagement. She asks Eunice about Dilys and Eunice supplies info that Phil had given Phineas perhaps false information about Dilys cheating on him that lead to the engagement being called off due to the fact that if he got married he would get more from the trust fund and Phil would get less. That sets me on thinking that maybe Phil isn't dead. He and Eunice were in financial trouble, what better way to fix that then to get the trust from Phineas? And if the insurance company thought it was murder they would get their payout there too. Liss and several other people keep commenting though that Eunice would know the difference between the twins, and that they have different mannerisms.
Dilys and Phineas disappear at some point, and Liss, Sherri, Pete, Joe, Sam (Dan's brother) and Dan go on a search of the premises for them. Liss and Sherri accidentally find Phineas walking about on the third floor, and tell him to go to the main room for questioning later. They ask him if he's seen Dilys, and he replies he didn't know she was here but that he had seen someone walk on snowshoes earlier outside. But Liss has a hunch and instead they go into the closed off section of the hotel. In a closet Liss finds Dilys and they take her for questioning.
******Spoilers Ahead********
As I suspected Dilys was tied up by Phineas, who actually turns out to be Phil. The reason he killed Phineas and decided to take his identity was for money! I love when my twists turn out to be true :)) Phil takes Dan hostage at the end, but Liss remembers a secret passage that will lead to where he is going to go out of the hotel so she bangs him over the head with a frying pan. Phil is arrested by state police and then Liss accepts Dan's proposal. Yay!!
Alright so what was great about this book?
-Well Liss and Dan, and Sherri and Pete. Well truthfully all the characters. They were a fun read. This author always writes characters in depth, even small characters that leave halfway through the book or are only mentioned once. Everyone has a great backstory!
-This one had more of a mystery! There was actually some crime solving going on. Liss still stumbled upon the answer, so I'll have to deduct points for that. But she did question people and tried to figure out who killed Phineas, so yay! Good job!
-Liss finally gets engaged to Dan and Gordon Tandy is finito!
What didn't I like?
-Liss still stumbles upon the answer.
-There is more exposition than mystery solving. I liked learning about Burns Night and the goings on in the hotel, but it can make the mystery seem rushed when there's not much put into solving the crime.
-The fact that Liss was still unsure of Dan and thought about Tandy a couple of times, when she knew that she wasn't even sad he was leaving last book.......
Overall I'd give this book a 4/5 or an 8/10. Marked improvements from the first 3!
March 13, 2011
Review: The Corpse Wore Tartan (Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mysteries) (Hardcover)
ISBN-13:978-0-7582-3879-5
ISBN-10:0-7582-3879-7
By Kaitlyn Dunnett
Liss has started getting comfortable in a relationship with Dan the co-owner of the newly renovated hotel, The Spruces. Dan is a hard working craftsman and has used his craft to spruce up the hotel and bring it back to its former glory. Liss is working as a hotel liaison for the Scottish contingent that has come to the hotel for Robert Burn’s day celebrations while stocking the hotel gift shop with merchandise from her Scottish emporium .
Dan is counting on this weekend to make his hotel a success and bring in more business. Liss is working hard to make the guests Scottish stay a success but the leaders of the group staying are difficult to work with. Eunice Mac Millian and Phil her husband and his twin brother Phineas are sniping at other members of the group as they act like the hotel and others are not treating them like the royalty they believe they are. When a storm brews and they are all trapped at the hotel.One of the members of the party are found murdered and it’s up to Liss and her
Ms. Dunnett has created a story not unlike an Agatha Christie novel .She weaves enough clues for the reader to follow along and try to solve the crime. An excellent read.
ISBN-13:978-0-7582-3879-5
ISBN-10:0-7582-3879-7
By Kaitlyn Dunnett
Liss has started getting comfortable in a relationship with Dan the co-owner of the newly renovated hotel, The Spruces. Dan is a hard working craftsman and has used his craft to spruce up the hotel and bring it back to its former glory. Liss is working as a hotel liaison for the Scottish contingent that has come to the hotel for Robert Burn’s day celebrations while stocking the hotel gift shop with merchandise from her Scottish emporium .
Dan is counting on this weekend to make his hotel a success and bring in more business. Liss is working hard to make the guests Scottish stay a success but the leaders of the group staying are difficult to work with. Eunice Mac Millian and Phil her husband and his twin brother Phineas are sniping at other members of the group as they act like the hotel and others are not treating them like the royalty they believe they are. When a storm brews and they are all trapped at the hotel.One of the members of the party are found murdered and it’s up to Liss and her
Ms. Dunnett has created a story not unlike an Agatha Christie novel .She weaves enough clues for the reader to follow along and try to solve the crime. An excellent read.
July 30, 2018
With this fourth book in the series, I am continuing my research project, seeking out the small details I've forgotten over the course of twelve books as I work on writing the thirteenth. Continuity matters. Although I say it that shouldn't, I really enjoyed THE CORPSE WORE TARTAN. It's been so long since I read it, let alone since I wrote it, that I'd forgotten a lot of what happens to my characters in the course of the story. I do remember that I enjoyed the challenge of writing a novel that takes place in less than three days, and that I had fun stranding my characters at the hotel, cut off from the outside world by a blizzard. There are quite a few humorous elements in this one, and I still think they're funny. I hope I'm not the only one. And it seems to me that Liss continues to grow as a person, just as she did in A WEE CHRISTMAS HOMICIDE, coming to recognize some of her own flaws and try, although not always successfully, to correct them. And now, on to SCOTCHED.
January 11, 2011
Liss MacCrimmon runs a Scottish heritage store in remote Moosetookalook, ME, so she's the logical person to be liaison when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society holds its annual Robert Burns dinner at the newly renovated local hotel. Her friend Sherri is called in when one of the guests says he's been robbed--which is lucky, because the town and hotel are hit by a ferocious snowstorm that leaves the hotel isolated from the outside world just before a body is discovered in a storage closet. There are identical twins, a medical emergency, a disappearing guest, and a lot to keep Sherri on her toes, not least the fact that nothing can stop Liss from trying to investigate the murder.
August 29, 2019
Not bad, just burned out on this series. I'll probably pick it up later.
February 5, 2018
While I liked it while I read it, and quite enjoyable at times. I didn't think it was remarkable in any aspect, and annoying even. I don't know anything about the previous books in the series, I just picked this up in the library thinking it would be fun.
It was terribly predictable. And using a snowstorm to trap the attendants in the hotel was lazy. Yes, it's not something that would never happen in the real world, but come on.
The characters, from the main to the secondary, were a bit stupid. For all of them I had a moment when I was thinking why the hell they were doing that. I don't think the protagonist was sympathetic at all. Being friends with the police officer in charge doesn't mean you can go around disturbing an investigation of murder. Also:
The plot besides the alleged mystery was non-existent. There was some attempt at character development, but, while some was semi-interesting, it came accross as forced.
So... I mean, if for some reason you like the characters from previous books or want to fill your free time with mindless reading, go for it.
Thanks for reading!
It was terribly predictable. And using a snowstorm to trap the attendants in the hotel was lazy. Yes, it's not something that would never happen in the real world, but come on.
The characters, from the main to the secondary, were a bit stupid. For all of them I had a moment when I was thinking why the hell they were doing that. I don't think the protagonist was sympathetic at all. Being friends with the police officer in charge doesn't mean you can go around disturbing an investigation of murder. Also:
The plot besides the alleged mystery was non-existent. There was some attempt at character development, but, while some was semi-interesting, it came accross as forced.
So... I mean, if for some reason you like the characters from previous books or want to fill your free time with mindless reading, go for it.
Thanks for reading!
July 26, 2017
The good: It was a fun read, I didn't want to put it down. Kept me engaged and entertained. I will happily read more from this author.
The bad: The mystery was not at all mysterious. There was only one piece I hadn't been certain of before there was even a murder to solve. This doesn't ruin a book for me, but it lacking any substantial 'mystery' kind of moves it to an unintended genre.
The personal pet peeves: I am absolutely in the minority on this, so I try not to let it lower the rating too much, but I hate the modern trend of these murder mysteries to be about half watered-down mystery, and half light-hearted romcom. I don't like it when there are love stories mixed in with my protagonists. This book didn't handle it too annoyingly, but I would have preferred it to be a non-issue.
The best moment: the Murder, She Wrote reference of course! I'm glad the author didn't try to set her series in a small (and deadly) town in Maine without throwing in at least one Murder, She Wrote gem :)
The bad: The mystery was not at all mysterious. There was only one piece I hadn't been certain of before there was even a murder to solve. This doesn't ruin a book for me, but it lacking any substantial 'mystery' kind of moves it to an unintended genre.
The personal pet peeves: I am absolutely in the minority on this, so I try not to let it lower the rating too much, but I hate the modern trend of these murder mysteries to be about half watered-down mystery, and half light-hearted romcom. I don't like it when there are love stories mixed in with my protagonists. This book didn't handle it too annoyingly, but I would have preferred it to be a non-issue.
The best moment: the Murder, She Wrote reference of course! I'm glad the author didn't try to set her series in a small (and deadly) town in Maine without throwing in at least one Murder, She Wrote gem :)
July 16, 2023
Good plot. many twists and turns. exciting happenings....
Can there be such a thing as too many men in kilts? Normally Liss MacCrimmon, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine’s one and only Scottish Emporium, would say no. But that’s before one of them turns out to be murderous… The bagpipes are blaring at Moosetookalook’s finest hotel, reopened just in time to host an annual celebration of Scotland’s most beloved poet. But when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society arrives on the scene, they bring more than a hunger for haggis and a passion for plaid. The quarrelsome group harbors their share of long held grudges, and the animosity only grows as the whiskey flows. Then a fierce blizzard hits, trapping everyone—angry Scotsmen, hapless hotel staff, and Liss herself—indoors.
It isn’t long before a body is discovered face down in a storage room, covered in tartan—and blood. Now Liss will have to work fast to solve this crime before another body goes as cold as the snowstorm keeping her cooped up with a killer.
Can there be such a thing as too many men in kilts? Normally Liss MacCrimmon, proprietor of Moosetookalook, Maine’s one and only Scottish Emporium, would say no. But that’s before one of them turns out to be murderous… The bagpipes are blaring at Moosetookalook’s finest hotel, reopened just in time to host an annual celebration of Scotland’s most beloved poet. But when the Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society arrives on the scene, they bring more than a hunger for haggis and a passion for plaid. The quarrelsome group harbors their share of long held grudges, and the animosity only grows as the whiskey flows. Then a fierce blizzard hits, trapping everyone—angry Scotsmen, hapless hotel staff, and Liss herself—indoors.
It isn’t long before a body is discovered face down in a storage room, covered in tartan—and blood. Now Liss will have to work fast to solve this crime before another body goes as cold as the snowstorm keeping her cooped up with a killer.
March 15, 2021
The Corpse Wore Tartan (Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries, #4) by Kaitlyn Dunnett
The Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society comes to Moosetookalook, Maine to honor a Scottish Poet. A blizzard hits just as a body is found in the Hotel. Tempers have flared, arguments and resentments among the group make for many possible suspects. Liss and Sherri are on the case before more lives are in danger.
The story moves at a steady pace with the classic who-done-it style. The characters are well developed, Liss is very likable as is Sherri. There is plenty of drama, secrets and suspects as well as a splash of romance and a wee bit of humor. Overall I found The Corpse Wore Tartan very enjoyable and feel those who love a great cozy murder mystery will enjoy it as well.
The Scottish Heritage Appreciation Society comes to Moosetookalook, Maine to honor a Scottish Poet. A blizzard hits just as a body is found in the Hotel. Tempers have flared, arguments and resentments among the group make for many possible suspects. Liss and Sherri are on the case before more lives are in danger.
The story moves at a steady pace with the classic who-done-it style. The characters are well developed, Liss is very likable as is Sherri. There is plenty of drama, secrets and suspects as well as a splash of romance and a wee bit of humor. Overall I found The Corpse Wore Tartan very enjoyable and feel those who love a great cozy murder mystery will enjoy it as well.
November 10, 2022
The ending is incredibly predictable. The moment you find out who the victim is, you can guess who the killer is and even figure out the motive. I’ll be honest, I couldn’t stand the main character. All the characters were cliches and one dimensional, and the main character was the worst. Her absolutely disrespect for her friends and coworkers made it difficult to get through. I was praying she would just get arrested for obstruction of justice, because none of her actions were endearing in a way you could forgive.
June 6, 2017
Another dollar store find. This is an easy-read mystery with another engaging female protagonist. Also set in Maine, Liss finds herself trapped in the hotel where she's arranged a fancy dinner for a Scottish Historical group. Just as a raging blizzard hits, a murder is discovered, so Liss tries to assist the police in tracking down the killer. Nothing new, but an enjoyable read with believable characters.
July 29, 2018
I love reading about anything Scottish, so I was ready to love this book. And I pretty much did. Occasionally, things got kind of off-track, but for the most part it was a lovely little cozy mystery. And no, it wasn't terribly difficult to figure things out, but that's OK. Sometimes I get tired of trying to keep things straight and just want to read and enjoy. Actually, this is not my first Dunnett, and I've loved them all.
December 13, 2018
This was my least favorite of this series so far. I'm not really sure why it fell flat. The characters were all stuck at a grand old, restored hotel in the middle of a snowstorm, with no way to leave. That should have provided a great setting and setup for suspense, but it didn't. It was just kind of dull. I did somewhat enjoy the way the story played out in the end. I just wish that there would have been a tauter, more interesting and suspenseful storyline that got us there.
June 8, 2020
Usually by this point (book 4) in a cozy mystery series such as this one, the storyline starts to get a tad stale; that's not the case with this one. If anything, book four was stronger than book 3. It was very well crafted, a great deal of fun to read, and Dunnett pays attention to the little details that really work to strengthen the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book(s) in the series!
August 26, 2021
Wonderful listening
Another will written romantic thriller mystery adventure novel in the Liss MacCrimmon Series book four. The characters are interesting and will developed in their relationships. The story line is set in Maine where in the middle of a snow storm a murder takes place and the fun begins. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening. 2021
Alexa reads to me due to eye damage and issues from shingles.
Another will written romantic thriller mystery adventure novel in the Liss MacCrimmon Series book four. The characters are interesting and will developed in their relationships. The story line is set in Maine where in the middle of a snow storm a murder takes place and the fun begins. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening. 2021
Alexa reads to me due to eye damage and issues from shingles.
September 26, 2018
Wow! Another thrilling cozy set in Moosetookalook, Maine. This murder is set in the sprawling hotel during a snowstorm and power outage and the requisite conference. There’s non-stop investigating and a few red herrings.
You’ll love this charming series. Start at the beginning for the full effect.
Cheers to Kaitlyn Dunnett for a wonderful cozy mystery for a rainy day.
You’ll love this charming series. Start at the beginning for the full effect.
Cheers to Kaitlyn Dunnett for a wonderful cozy mystery for a rainy day.
March 11, 2019
I had a hard time getting into this particular book of the series. The twist was very interesting, but there was only so much they could do with being stuck in one secluded place for the entire book. I missed some of the other characters from previous books who weren't present at the hotel. I hope it is not a sign that my interest will decline for the future ones, but we'll see.
May 8, 2024
Bloody Burns Day
This outing reminded me of past Burns days, including one in France. A twin is killed after making a speech that makes fun of many of those attending the Burns Day celebration. Liss and Dan become closer. There is a lot of snow. A man's a man for a' that. Sherri gains confidence as a homicide detective.
This outing reminded me of past Burns days, including one in France. A twin is killed after making a speech that makes fun of many of those attending the Burns Day celebration. Liss and Dan become closer. There is a lot of snow. A man's a man for a' that. Sherri gains confidence as a homicide detective.
August 8, 2017
Really a 3.5 score. I continue to enjoy this series, even though I sometimes find the main character, Liss, annoying. I understand independence but she tends to be a bit over the top with it. However I will continue to read the series as its a nice easy, entertaining read.
August 8, 2017
This is the 4 book in the Liss MacCrimmon series, but it was my first one to read. I absolutely loved this book too! It is a classic who-dun-it mystery. I will be going back and reading the first 3 books in this series now!
September 4, 2017
" The Corpse Wore Tartan" by Kaitlyn Dunnett captured my attention within the first chapter. The writer's style and phrasing was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the characters as well.
I will be reading more of Kaitlyn Dunnett's work.
I will be reading more of Kaitlyn Dunnett's work.
August 1, 2019
The Corpse Wore Tartan
Storms with snow and ice knocked down trees and bringing down powerlines and trapping the Scottish society members with the hotel staff. Murder is done with no way to get help. An enjoyable mystery with lots of twists and turns.
Storms with snow and ice knocked down trees and bringing down powerlines and trapping the Scottish society members with the hotel staff. Murder is done with no way to get help. An enjoyable mystery with lots of twists and turns.
May 13, 2021
Once again, I tried a cozy mystery and found myself sorely disappointed. Too much repetition, bad plot, numerous plot flaws, poorly formed characters (especially for 4th in a series), and mistakes, including typos. Oh, well, I gave it a try. Won't be going back for more.
November 21, 2022
Light, fun, and very Scottish cozy mystery with some new characters from out of town. The first major event at the new hotel is a disaster, and the only police officer on the scene, Sherri, can't get backup because of a blizzard. Of course, Liss is there to help/butt in.
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