The third Scottish Isle mystery by Lucy Connelly, Death at a Scottish Christmas, didn’t quite live up to the earlier ones, in my opinion. While I loved the concept, there were too many other elements in the story.
Dr. Emilia McRoy never had a month off when she worked in Seattle in the ER, but as coroner on Sea Isle, Scotland, she has the entire month of December off. She’s already bored by December 10, and agrees to help a friend host a famous band at her pub. Bram, the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers, was originally from Sea Isle, and everyone turns out to hear them.
When Em finds Bram dead on the beach the next day, her short-lived vacation is over. She’s a control freak, and takes over the coroner’s investigation. However, Sea Isle’s constable, Ewan Campbell, had a history with Bram, so the Scottish Police Authority sends in an investigator. Em juggles her loyalty to Ewan, her respect for authority, and her curiosity as she sits in as band members are questioned about the disappearance of Bram’s new music, the planned tour, and his murder. When another band member dies, the case has to be solved before the band leaves the island.
The investigation is slow-paced in the sequel to Death at a Scottish Wedding, but the various holiday celebrations and Em’s new friends make up for the flat ending.
Lucy Connelly’s website is https://www.lucyconnelly.com/.
Death at a Scottish Christmas by Lucy Connelly. Crooked Lane Books, 2024. ISBN 9781639109302 (hardcover), 256p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.
Whenever somebody tells me they’re bored because they’re on vacation, I figure it’s their own fault.
Bram and The Stokers? Do they sing some sort of horror rock? The Monster Mash? The Werewolf Watusi?
At least that part of the book was funny, Glen. And, you’re right. It’s her own fault.
Off subject, I finished the Most Wonderful Crime of the Year. It really made me want to give up in the middle of the book. The end was better but not satisfying. So I am consoling myself with a book that I bought, When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart. I love the book. I have a bone density test tomorrow to see if I still have osteopenia but I hope to wake up earlier enough to post.
Enjoyed it. But, I agree….. not as good as the others.
Will be late tomorrow, if at all. I have a cardiologist deal. Over an hour each way. Supposed to be routine. But, it would not be the first time I showed up for something routine, thought all was fine, and soon found myself in the back of an ambulance going to the hospital. Don’t want any of that. Can’t afford it and don’t need the stress.
Goodness! Fingers crossed that all will be well and you can just go home again. I feel stressed on your behalf!