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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton is the 6th novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. We return to Edinburgh, Scotland on a snowy day as Paige begins her day at The Cracked Spine. Delaney is surprised when she receives a missive from wealthy Shelagh O’Connor inviting her to a pub that afternoon. Delaney along with three others are invited to participate in a treasure hunt. They must decipher the clues to find a valuable copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The winner will receive Shelagh’s entire book collection and each participant also receives a cash bonus. Delaney cannot pass up this opportunity. Things take a dark turn when robberies begin happening by someone who dresses as Shelagh did in the 1970s and then Shelagh is kidnapped. It is a pleasure to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Aggie, Elias, and Hamlet. The characters are well-developed and friendly. We meet some new people that are involved in the treasure hunt. Shelagh is a unique character with a beautiful home and a gorgeous library (I wanted to win it). The treasure hunt was interesting. They visit various local pubs searching for unique clues. The author provided vivid descriptions that brought them alive for me as well as Edinburgh. It was great learning about Edinburgh and Robert Louis Stevenson. There are interesting facts about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The mystery was thought out. I like how everything tied together in this intricate whodunit. Delaney’s bookish voices added another level to the story. While I found the mystery complex, the solution was not. I kept hoping there would be a twist to surprise me. I also found the pacing to be a little slow at times. I liked the cozy moments with Tom and Delaney as well as her time spent with co-workers and their friends (and temporary houseguests) Aggie and Elias. I just loved Delaney’s attic library. It sounds like a cozy and special place. Deadly Editions is an intriguing cozy mystery with a tricky treasure hunt, clever clues, a large library, a valuable volume, and popular pubs.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
DEADLY EDITIONS, the sixth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series by Paige Shelton, is another terrific addition to one of my favorite series. The reader is treated to the enchanting city of Edinburgh, Scotland as seen through the eyes of American transplant, Delaney Nichols. I especially enjoyed how the plot revolved around pubs in the area and Ms. Shelton’s strong descriptions brings their quaint charm to life on the pages. I also think that Delaney has just about the best job in the world working as a bookseller/buyer for the Cracked Spine Bookshop and I would dearly love to spend time in such a place. She’s surrounded by a cast of delightful, well-developed characters who each contribute to the appeal and it’s been a pleasure getting to know them over the course of the series. It’s been gratifying seeing them grow and develop relationships, including a marriage between Delaney and Scottish pub owner, Tom. Delaney also has a unique gift in that she can hear “bookish voices” – quotes from books that provide clues to assist in solving a problem or a mystery. It adds to the focus of books and bookshops, and while I’m not familiar with the quotes used, I appreciate the addition.
In this newest release, the plot revolves around the theme of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved how the author wove complex intrigue involving this classic dark tale into both an exclusive book treasure hunt and into a long ago unsolved murder and a current day murder. At the center of these crimes is eccentric wealthy Shelaigh O’Connor, owner of a vast book collection. Besotted with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Shelaigh created a scandal in her teen years by emulating some of the elements of the dark book. When a copycat appears and Shelaigh disappears, many wonder if she’s to blame for the crimes committed. As Delaney hunts for the treasured book and for Shelaigh herself, she uncovers clues to who had reasons to murder Shelaigh’s friend. As the multifaceted threads of the story came together, Ms. Shelton pens a suspenseful reveal that had me on the edge of my seat, turning pages faster and faster. My only regret was not savoring it longer since I’ll have to wait another year for the next book in the series.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this newest release, the plot revolves around the theme of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson. I loved how the author wove complex intrigue involving this classic dark tale into both an exclusive book treasure hunt and into a long ago unsolved murder and a current day murder. At the center of these crimes is eccentric wealthy Shelaigh O’Connor, owner of a vast book collection. Besotted with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Shelaigh created a scandal in her teen years by emulating some of the elements of the dark book. When a copycat appears and Shelaigh disappears, many wonder if she’s to blame for the crimes committed. As Delaney hunts for the treasured book and for Shelaigh herself, she uncovers clues to who had reasons to murder Shelaigh’s friend. As the multifaceted threads of the story came together, Ms. Shelton pens a suspenseful reveal that had me on the edge of my seat, turning pages faster and faster. My only regret was not savoring it longer since I’ll have to wait another year for the next book in the series.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
papidoc's review
4.0
Nearly as good as past books in the series, until the end. The heroine's "action" scene and what followed (the good-hearted drug dealer?) seemed a bit out of character for this setting.
deanapotter's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
Deadly Edition is a fantastic addition to the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries!
Treasure hunts and books what more could a person want. Delaney Nichols is all about the books but when a mysterious message about taking part in a treasure hunt is delivered by a mysterious source has our bookstore owner a little leery. One of four people to receive this unexpected invitation by eccentric socialite Shelagh O’Connor. After attending the meeting Delaney is intrigued by the treasure hunt and the prizes. The quest is to find a rare first edition of Robert Louis Stevenson‘s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Shelagh has a questionable past and as this treasure hunt begins it seems some of those questionable acts are resurfacing. Homes get broken into, a murder turns things up a notch and the eccentric socialite is kidnapped. Delaney puts her nose to the page and finds the clues to start figuring out what is actually going on.
Deadly Edition is a mystery within a mystery and I absolutely enjoyed it. Visiting Edinburgh with Delaney is always a treat. From the snowy setting that starts off the story to the big part the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde plays within the story is absolutely enjoyable. Paige Shelton hits this one home big time. The story is absolutely engaging. She has a way of making you think while getting lost within the story. The characters are what make me come back each and every time. Page is amazing but she is who she is because of those she hangs out with. Her husband Tom, friends- Agee, Rose, hamlet and Elias all play a big part in the story and add so much personality and dimension to it. Not only was this a treasure hunt but it was also like a pub crawl too. I love the descriptions of each of them. With a handful of suspects, a few really good twists and a jaw-dropping moment makes Deadly Editions an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
Deadly Edition is a fantastic addition to the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries!
Treasure hunts and books what more could a person want. Delaney Nichols is all about the books but when a mysterious message about taking part in a treasure hunt is delivered by a mysterious source has our bookstore owner a little leery. One of four people to receive this unexpected invitation by eccentric socialite Shelagh O’Connor. After attending the meeting Delaney is intrigued by the treasure hunt and the prizes. The quest is to find a rare first edition of Robert Louis Stevenson‘s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Shelagh has a questionable past and as this treasure hunt begins it seems some of those questionable acts are resurfacing. Homes get broken into, a murder turns things up a notch and the eccentric socialite is kidnapped. Delaney puts her nose to the page and finds the clues to start figuring out what is actually going on.
Deadly Edition is a mystery within a mystery and I absolutely enjoyed it. Visiting Edinburgh with Delaney is always a treat. From the snowy setting that starts off the story to the big part the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde plays within the story is absolutely enjoyable. Paige Shelton hits this one home big time. The story is absolutely engaging. She has a way of making you think while getting lost within the story. The characters are what make me come back each and every time. Page is amazing but she is who she is because of those she hangs out with. Her husband Tom, friends- Agee, Rose, hamlet and Elias all play a big part in the story and add so much personality and dimension to it. Not only was this a treasure hunt but it was also like a pub crawl too. I love the descriptions of each of them. With a handful of suspects, a few really good twists and a jaw-dropping moment makes Deadly Editions an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
eastofthesunwestofthemoon's review
3.0
2 1/2 stars. The takeaway word for me was 'chaotic.' I might also mention inconsistent - for example, some of the pubs are described very well and others just cursorily. There are some (obviously ongoing) characters who don't really play any important role or move the story, so they appear to be there just to pad out the pages. The characters involved in the 'treasure hunt' are more like character sketches and don't have much depth. It was a fun idea for a plot, but not all that well-executed. I'm not sure I would be motivated to read more in this series.
bookswithbonnie's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
thisandthatwithkaren's review
4.0
“Deadly Editions” is the 6th instalment in the "Scottish Bookshop Mystery” series by Paige Shelton. I loved visiting Edinburgh, Scotland and the Cracked Spine book shop again. The story is full of quirky characters, a beautiful setting, and an interesting plot. I liked how this time we were exploring the tale of Jekyll and Hyde as well as a treasure hunt.
There were several possible suspects, and kept me guessing for quite a while. I was drawn into this story right away and did not want to put it down. Overall, I found it to be a very entertaining read that made me long to visit Scotland and read more about author Robert Louis Stevenson.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There were several possible suspects, and kept me guessing for quite a while. I was drawn into this story right away and did not want to put it down. Overall, I found it to be a very entertaining read that made me long to visit Scotland and read more about author Robert Louis Stevenson.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Deadly Editions is the 6th book in the Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton. Released 6th April 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
All of the Scottish Bookshop mysteries are self contained and as such work well enough as standalones. The characters' interrelationships have developed over the course of the books, so there will be some missing backstory, but the author is adept at giving the necessary information, so readers who choose to pick up this one first won't likely experience any problems with keeping the story straight.
For lovers of very light bookstore cozies, these will likely be a good fit. This outing sees Delaney and crew on a scavenger hunt with the prize being a wealthy and eccentric bibliophile's priceless library collection. There are four people in-it-to-win-it (with generous cash grants to the ones who don't take home the grand prize). The stakes get higher when the benefactress is kidnapped, and everyone is scrambling to rescue her and solve an old murder mystery from her past.
All in all, it's a diverting, very light, readable cozy mystery with a whimsical ensemble cast. Some of the plot setups and developments are a bit over the top, but I strongly suspect that's a big part of why bookshop cozies are wildly popular. A strong suspension of disbelief is required. The language and content are chaste and perfectly safe for commute or work reading.
Four stars. The author is a talented and capable storyteller, and I do love bookstore cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Deadly Editions is the 6th book in the Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton. Released 6th April 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
All of the Scottish Bookshop mysteries are self contained and as such work well enough as standalones. The characters' interrelationships have developed over the course of the books, so there will be some missing backstory, but the author is adept at giving the necessary information, so readers who choose to pick up this one first won't likely experience any problems with keeping the story straight.
For lovers of very light bookstore cozies, these will likely be a good fit. This outing sees Delaney and crew on a scavenger hunt with the prize being a wealthy and eccentric bibliophile's priceless library collection. There are four people in-it-to-win-it (with generous cash grants to the ones who don't take home the grand prize). The stakes get higher when the benefactress is kidnapped, and everyone is scrambling to rescue her and solve an old murder mystery from her past.
All in all, it's a diverting, very light, readable cozy mystery with a whimsical ensemble cast. Some of the plot setups and developments are a bit over the top, but I strongly suspect that's a big part of why bookshop cozies are wildly popular. A strong suspension of disbelief is required. The language and content are chaste and perfectly safe for commute or work reading.
Four stars. The author is a talented and capable storyteller, and I do love bookstore cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.