In the last months of 2022, the best mysteries I read were often cozies. Cozy mystery authors, including Lucy Connelly, have added a depth to their books, sometimes a darkness and reality, that wasn’t always present in cozies. An American in Scotland is an intriguing kick-off to A Scottish Isle Mystery series. The characters, particularly the protagonist, Dr. Emilia McRoy, are well-developed, but not without flaws. The setting is atmospheric and chilling at times, with the rain and wind.

Dr. Emilia McRoy spent fifteen years doing emergency medicine in Seattle. But, there’s no longer anything for her there; no family, and only a burned out career. She was recruited for the position of general practitioner in Sea Isle, Scotland. She was eager to move halfway around the world. It didn’t hurt that her recent DNA test showed her relatives came from that part of the world. But, maybe she should have read her thirty-page contract a little better.

Em is surprised to learn her new practice and home are in a deconsecrated church with a cemetery in the backyard. She has so much to learn about Sea Isle, and the people in the local pub, The Pig & Whistle, can tell her stories. For instance, why does a man named Smithy refuse to drink in the pub when there’s a McRoy at the bar? Three hours later, she takes shelter in a small hut during a rainstorm, and finds Smithy’s body. She’s about to run for help when she smacks into Ewan Campbell, the constable, mayor, laird of Sea Isle, and her new boss. Ewan has a second surprise for her. Dr. Emilia McRoy’s contract says she’s the local coroner.

When Ewan suggests Smithy’s death was a drunken accident, and Em insists he was murdered, they’re on the way to the first of many conflicts. Em is determined to find answers to her first case as coroner, although her only training comes from hours watching murder mysteries on BritBox and Acorn TV.

Em is reluctant to get too close to people after the tragedies in her life, but the people in Sea Isle work their way into her heart. She finds two people who take care of her house and garden, female friends she never had before, and a town eager to welcome their new doctor. The setting is attractive for a mystery series, but, if you read for character, as I do, you’ll find a well-written, appealing cast.

I hope An American in Scotland finds its audience. I want to return to Sea Isle with Dr. Emilia McRoy.

Lucy Connelly is Candace Havens. Her website is http://candacehavens.com/

An American in Scotland by Lucy Connelly. Crooked Lane Books, 2023. ISBN 9781639103508 (hardcover), 304p.


FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley to review for a journal.