A review by thecosymoose
Murder at the Loch (An Ally McKinley Mystery Book 2) by Dee Mcdonald

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Retired TV researcher Ally McKinley is back in this second mystery from Dee MacDonald. Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, Ally is making a go of her new life. Retired and widowed, she’s moved to the highlands to start a bed and breakfast business, and getting to know her new community. 

Alas, the peace and tranquility is short-lived. Taking a stroll down to the loch, she meets up with the larger than life Laird, who announces he’s to marry. His new bride is 40 years his junior, but he swears they’re both in love and happy. And on that bombshell, they spot something floating in the loch, revealed to be the body of a young woman.

The community is shocked by the death, and on top of this, the news of the upcoming wedding, to take place within a week, leaves the village reeling. Of course the wedding itself comes with its own drama, and there’s yet another death. 

I’m really enjoying this gentle series with larger than life characters. Ally is such a warm and genuine character, with a core of steel. She has a wonderful way with people, standing her ground but at the same time being warm and open. All the characters are as large and vibrant as the wild Scottish landscape, with as many secrets. 

It’s a wonderful cosy series that I’m completely invested in, and it’s a perfect book to curl up with under a blanket with a cuppa.