Reviews

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

the_sassy_bookworm's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Book Review: Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely love the cover of this book. It immediately caught my attention and set the tone for the cozy mystery that lay inside. Now, onto my review.

In "Death at a Scottish Wedding," the second book in the Scottish Isle mystery series, author Lucy Connelly takes us on another thrilling adventure with Dr. Emilia McRoy. Set in the enchanting backdrop of Sea Isle, Scotland, this book is perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Charlene O'Connor.

Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American doctor who is finally feeling at home in Sea Isle, is invited to a wedding at Morrigan's Castle. Little does she know that this three-day celebration is about to take a dark turn. As a snowstorm hits and the castle becomes isolated, Emilia stumbles upon a dead body in one of the turrets. With no one claiming to know the victim, Emilia takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again.

What I loved most about this book was the well-written and well-paced plot. The mystery was skillfully plotted, keeping me guessing until the very end. Connelly expertly weaves together elements of suspense, romance, and humor, creating an engaging read that held my attention throughout.

The setting of a snowed-in castle in Scotland added an extra layer of charm to the story. Connelly's vivid descriptions brought the castle and its surroundings to life, making me feel like I was right there alongside Emilia, exploring the hidden secrets within its walls.

The characters in this book were another highlight for me. Emilia, as the protagonist, was relatable and likable. Her determination to uncover the truth, even with her own life at risk, made her a compelling character to follow. The supporting cast, including Constable Ewan Campbell, added depth and complexity to the story. Their interactions and relationships felt genuine, further immersing me in the narrative.

One aspect that impressed me about "Death at a Scottish Wedding" was its ability to stand alone as a book in a series. While it is the second installment in the Scottish Isle mystery series, I had no trouble following the story or connecting with the characters. Connelly provides enough background information without overwhelming readers who may be new to the series.

In conclusion, "Death at a Scottish Wedding" is a delightful cozy mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. With its well-crafted plot, charming setting, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining and engrossing mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Dr. Emilia McRoy and eagerly look forward to reading the next book in this series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

belovedbrat's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

madsmcw_reads's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

sofareadsbooks's review

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1.0

Eh - not my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, the book wasn’t bad! It just could have been better. The dialogue is so so and Emilia continuously rambles on about how her friends are such good people & she doesn’t STOP. It made for some very repetitive reading.

On the good side though, this book had everything for a good murder mystery: a wedding, a group of people locked in a house with a killer on the loose, a scottish castle!

I think it was a fine read, but I wouldn’t read any other books in this series.

Thank to NetGalley for providing me with an e-book.

Edit: changed to 1 star, solely because looking back I just didn’t enjoy reading this book.

caitiep92's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

4.5

valeris29's review against another edition

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5.0

 
Flirt with possible psychopaths. Check.
I was afraid to pick this one up because I had such high hopes for the followup to An American in Scotland and the author did not disappoint! A locked castle mystery in the middle of a Scottish blizzard with a cast full of prime suspects and a wedding. Just what you want to read on a snowy day or any time of the year. 

suewise's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I really enjoyed this follow-up to An American in Scotland, featuring Dr. Emilia McRoy, a former American ER physician who relocated to a small town in Scotland. This cozy mystery successfully treads the fine line between cozy and traditional. “Dr. Em” is also the town’s coroner, which allows her to investigate mysterious deaths without being overly nosy and annoying. It is somehow both lighthearted and mysterious, which is refreshing and highly enjoyable. The tone is similar to that of another series I enjoy, Connie Berry’s Kate Hamilton mysteries.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

jen_baroness_mom's review

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5.0

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly is a perfectly played whodunit with quick-witted characters in a fantastic setting. 

Will Doc Em and her Scooby crew find out who killed the ex-boyfriend of the bride before anyone else is taken out? 

Four days at a Scottish castle, so romantic and fun, unless there is a killer who keeps trying to get the wedding canceled. With one dead man, a snowstorm, an avalanche, and no access to the outside world, what are they going to do? Well, this group of sleuths will help the constable and his men find the real culprit and keep the wedding going as planned. 

Dr. Emilia McRoy 
Our sleuth, the local doctor and coroner of Sea Isle, Scotland, is at her friend's wedding. Locked in a castle with people she doesn't know, Doc Em is going to help as many people as she can. That is her job, and she is a professional. 

I like Em. She seems to have found her place in the world. Now, she has friends, who are her family, a home, and she loves her practice. The murders just add variety to her already busy schedule. I really enjoyed her mindset and ability to find a motive in the midst of chaos. Ewan could be a romantic interest if she would be open to the possibility. 

Five Stars
 
I loved the way the author mixed Scottish words and American slang throughout the book. Ms. Connelly does a fantastic job of keeping the mystery moving, with a bit of suspense and the wonderful dynamics of the characters throughout the story. My rating for Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly is five stars. I highly recommend this to all mystery fans out there. 

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly. 

Until the next time, 
~Jen 

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