A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

3.0

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly has Dr. Emilia McRoy attending the wedding of her friend, Angie at Morrigan Castle. A man ends up dead in a turret in the middle of a blizzard. I liked the descriptions of the castle (perfect place for a murder especially with the turret and a storm raging outside). The mystery had an intriguing start. No one can leave the castle thanks to the blizzard. Emilia is also the local coroner and, between her and Ewan, they come up with enough supplies to conduct an autopsy. I can understand Emilia bringing her medical bag with her stocked with extra supplies (since everyone in the village seems to be attending the wedding), but I cannot imagine bringing the necessary instruments needed for an autopsy (it just seemed farfetched). Emilia and her friends discuss the case endlessly (I could have used a shot of whiskey to get through the endless theorizing). I was baffled at how no one seemed to remember anything of importance regarding the case (they seemed to be an unobservant group of people). The whodunit can easily be solved. The reveal was lackluster (it needed a little pizzaz aka action, drama, or suspense). Emilia seemed to feel that if she stated “I’m a doctor” or “I’m the coroner” that it justified her interference. Emilia, the steady and calm ER doctor, screamed at unexpected noises and movements (she needed a dram of whiskey to calm her nerves). Other ladies seem to scream frequently as well. The independent and strong women came across immature (I would rather brave the blizzard than deal with this bunch of nervous Nellie’s). The story had a slow pace and it especially dragged in the middle. I tired of Emilia going on and on about her wonderful group of friends (she has only known them for three months). She considers them her Sea Isle family. Death at a Scottish Wedding is the second A Scottish Isle Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Unfortunately, this series is not for me.