Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 1
This tightly plotted mystery introduces readers to something that they should not miss while they are in the Highlands: the whisky distillery. Whisky is big business, and there are tours that will take you from one distillery to another, although there's no need to do that here with one right in the book.
Besides whisky, we also have samples of a truly cringeworthy Ugly American, and the fine art of writing romance novels-- which is why Eden went there in the first place. In order to solve the murder, Eden is forced to delve into her own family history whether she wants to or not, and Inspector Jamieson appears to be relying on her more and more as the series progresses. Which brings me to my sticking point.
I still can't buy into the idea that a newly-arrived American who's completely unfamiliar with Scottish law would be made a constable in the police force. Yes, it's a tiny village. Yes, she is just a Special Constable... but I just can't buy into it. However, that does not mean I can't recognize well-developed characters and finely crafted mysteries when I see them, and Hannah Reed's Scottish Highlands series is both enjoyable and well-written.
Besides whisky, we also have samples of a truly cringeworthy Ugly American, and the fine art of writing romance novels-- which is why Eden went there in the first place. In order to solve the murder, Eden is forced to delve into her own family history whether she wants to or not, and Inspector Jamieson appears to be relying on her more and more as the series progresses. Which brings me to my sticking point.
I still can't buy into the idea that a newly-arrived American who's completely unfamiliar with Scottish law would be made a constable in the police force. Yes, it's a tiny village. Yes, she is just a Special Constable... but I just can't buy into it. However, that does not mean I can't recognize well-developed characters and finely crafted mysteries when I see them, and Hannah Reed's Scottish Highlands series is both enjoyable and well-written.
Carol S. (waucondacarol) reviewed Dressed to Kilt (Scottish Highlands, Bk 3) on + 319 more book reviews
Another murder adventure for Chicagoan Eden Elliott in Scotland and recruited as a special constable in a small village. The time on her visitor visa is nearly up and she doesn't want to leave her cozy cottage and all her new friends. A murder leads her to the truth of her Scottish heritage and her father's disappearance when she was just a child back in Chicago. A really good plot.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Author Eden Elliott's time in Glenkillen, Scotland is drawing to close. She has been invited to a whisky tasting with Leith Cameron. The date totally goes off track when a body is found in a vat during a tour of the warehouse. Eden is called upon in her Special Constable status to work the case. When the investigation leads to a bit of her own heritage she and others believe she could be in danger. To solve the crime secrets may be revealed, secrets Eden had wished would stay secret.
Hannah Reed has given us another fantastic story. A story that goes full circle as many secrets are revealed Secrets of Eden's family and secrets about her journey to the Scottish Highlands.
Eden is a wonderful character. She has embraced her time in Scotland meeting new people and trying new things. Yes, she may have distant relatives there but that was not her purpose in coming. She wanted to write the best stories she could, set in the highlands and when her best friend suggested she go there she knew it was the right decision. Eden has grown so much since she has arrived. She is much more confident and that shows in her daily life and in her her writing.
All the characters the author gives us are unique and realistic. The imagery she has created with her words makes the area come alive. Picturing the winter days there was so easy.
The story had such a great flow, not too slow, not too fast, just right. There were plenty of twists and some puzzling clues.
Each story in this series takes us off on a fabulous adventure. The characters are so appealing, I love the lilt of the language and the humor sprinkled throughout. I will never get to actually travel to Scotland but Hannah Reed has transported me there virtually three times and I hope she gets the chance to take us back there again soon.
Each story reads well as a stand alone, but for maximum enjoyment you need to escape into all three.
Author Eden Elliott's time in Glenkillen, Scotland is drawing to close. She has been invited to a whisky tasting with Leith Cameron. The date totally goes off track when a body is found in a vat during a tour of the warehouse. Eden is called upon in her Special Constable status to work the case. When the investigation leads to a bit of her own heritage she and others believe she could be in danger. To solve the crime secrets may be revealed, secrets Eden had wished would stay secret.
Hannah Reed has given us another fantastic story. A story that goes full circle as many secrets are revealed Secrets of Eden's family and secrets about her journey to the Scottish Highlands.
Eden is a wonderful character. She has embraced her time in Scotland meeting new people and trying new things. Yes, she may have distant relatives there but that was not her purpose in coming. She wanted to write the best stories she could, set in the highlands and when her best friend suggested she go there she knew it was the right decision. Eden has grown so much since she has arrived. She is much more confident and that shows in her daily life and in her her writing.
All the characters the author gives us are unique and realistic. The imagery she has created with her words makes the area come alive. Picturing the winter days there was so easy.
The story had such a great flow, not too slow, not too fast, just right. There were plenty of twists and some puzzling clues.
Each story in this series takes us off on a fabulous adventure. The characters are so appealing, I love the lilt of the language and the humor sprinkled throughout. I will never get to actually travel to Scotland but Hannah Reed has transported me there virtually three times and I hope she gets the chance to take us back there again soon.
Each story reads well as a stand alone, but for maximum enjoyment you need to escape into all three.
Dressed to Kilt by Hannah Reed is the third book in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series. Eden Elliott is in Glenkillen, Scotland (in the Scottish Highlands) to work on her Highlands Desire Series (new romance series). Her friend, Ami Penderson, convinced her to go to Scotland and work to add authenticity to her books. Eden has been staying in a cottage on MacBride Farm. Eden met Vicki MacBride on the airplane from London. Eden's six-month tourist visa is getting ready to expire (but Eden really does not want to leave), so she has little time left spend with friends and explore the area. Leith Cameron is a local barley supplier and Eden's romantic interest. Leith invites Eden to a whiskey tasting at Glenkillen Distillery. It is a special event for a select few hosted by Bridie Dougal, the owner of Glenkillen Distillery (and chieftain of the Dougal clan). Eden is getting a tour of the distillery when she sees an arm sticking out of a washback. Eden rushes over to see if she can help. Eden finds Henrietta dead. Henrietta McCloud is Bridie's long-time companion. Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson soon arrives on the scene along with Sean Stevens. Who would want to hurt Henrietta and why did she want to speak with Eden (asked to meet with her after the whiskey tasting event)? Eden assists with the case as the local Special Constable (a volunteer position). It turns out that Bridie knew Eden's grandfather and father. Eden has not heard from her father since she was six years old (when he went to Scotland to attend his father's funeral). Being in Scotland is Eden's chance to find out about her family and what happened to her father, but Eden has resisted. It looks like the door to the past has swung open and Eden has no choice but to enter. Join Eden as she sets out to find Henrietta's killer and why her father never returned to his family.
Dressed to Kilt may be the third book in the series, but you can read it alone (I have not had a chance to read the other books in the series yet). The book is nicely written and easy to read (has a good pace for the most part). I had some trouble liking Eden (I will probably warm up to her). I thought Eden spent too much time thinking and analyzing (and complaining). We are subject to her rambling thoughts (pages and pages of them). I wish the writer had provided more clues to the mystery (instead of complaints about Eden's father which dominated the story). The mystery was twisty and curvy which was enjoyable. Some of the characters speak with a Scottish accent (of course), but it is difficult to read (comprehend). I give Dressed to Kilt 4 out of 5 stars (the mystery improved the rating). I will be reading the next book in the series. I believe Eden will improve (I hope) now that her daddy issues have been resolved.
I received a complimentary copy of Dressed to Kilt from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
Dressed to Kilt may be the third book in the series, but you can read it alone (I have not had a chance to read the other books in the series yet). The book is nicely written and easy to read (has a good pace for the most part). I had some trouble liking Eden (I will probably warm up to her). I thought Eden spent too much time thinking and analyzing (and complaining). We are subject to her rambling thoughts (pages and pages of them). I wish the writer had provided more clues to the mystery (instead of complaints about Eden's father which dominated the story). The mystery was twisty and curvy which was enjoyable. Some of the characters speak with a Scottish accent (of course), but it is difficult to read (comprehend). I give Dressed to Kilt 4 out of 5 stars (the mystery improved the rating). I will be reading the next book in the series. I believe Eden will improve (I hope) now that her daddy issues have been resolved.
I received a complimentary copy of Dressed to Kilt from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
