"The Stolen Letter" A Scottish Bookshop Mystery By Paige Shelton: Review/Giveaway

by Sandra Murphy

Details on how to win a copy of this book at the end of the review and links to purchase it.

Just returned from her honeymoon, Delaney Nichols finds her happiness marred by the news the Cracked Spine bookshop may not only have to close but the buildings will be demolished. The local council insists an inspection was done and the building failed. No repairs were made so a vote is scheduled and expected to pass. The shop will be gone.


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Delaney feels there’s something shady about the whole thing. There was no inspection, no copy sent to the store, no notice of the vote. The building itself is as much part of the ambiance as the books, Hector the pup, Rosie, Hamlet, Edwin, and Delaney. In Scotland, old buildings are revered, not flattened. Rumors abound about an historic letter, gold coins, an ancient business license, and receipts for work done on the shop’s remodel years ago. Everyone swears the information is in the store, but where exactly?

On her way to work, Delaney literally bumps into Mary, who has books to sell. The fact the woman looks like Delaney will in twenty years is astonishing—red hair, freckles, and pointed chin, have everyone taking a surprised second look.

Invited for dinner, Delaney and Tom meet Dina and Mikey, Eloise and Gretchen, and Mary’s husband, Henry. Three days later, Henry is dead. Finding Henry and Mikey were both on the council, Delaney begins to suspect the chance meeting wasn’t so chance after all.

In addition, Mary claims to be the reincarnation of Mary Queen of Scots. Not sure what to make of this, Delaney chooses to “not disbelieve” as opposed to yes, I believe or no, you’re crazy.

Delaney feels challenged to solve the case to protect her home and family, the shop, and its employees.

This is the fifth book in the series. Delaney has embraced her new life, made friends, and is acquiring an understanding of Scottish words and phrasing. She and Tom are obviously made for each other, tied with her love for Tom. History of the discord between half-sisters Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots is throughout the story, never intruding but an integral part of the tale. By the end of the book, expect to speak with a slight brogue or find yourself longing for a kilt.

Shelton also writes the Country Cooking School mysteries (5), the Farmer’s Market series (7), and the Dangerous Type books (3). I’ve read the three series and enjoyed them all.

To enter to win a copy of The Stolen Letter, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "stolen,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 9, 2020. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. BE AWARE THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN SHIPPING THE WINNING BOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode went up this week.

You can use these links to purchase the book. If you have adblocker on you may not be able to see the Amazon link:




Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She writes about eco-friendly topics, pets and wildlife for magazines and reviews mysteries and thrillers for KRL. A collection of her short stories, published by Untreed Reads, From Hay to Eternity: Ten Tales of Crime and Deception can be found at all the usual outlets. Each one is a little weird and all have a twist you won't see coming.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.





Comments

  1. I love this series!
    kozo8989(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  2. Love to win a copy of this to read

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  3. I would love to read this! Sounds delightful! jeaniedannheim (at)ymail (dot)com

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  4. This sounds like a wonderful series. Thanks for the chance to win a book.

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  5. This sounds like excellent fun and I can refresh my Scottish brogue at the same time. Thanks! crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

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  6. Taylor R WilliamsMay 3, 2020 at 10:37 AM

    I really like this series - sure would love to own one of her books - thanks for the chance

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  7. I'd like to be able to read this one! tWarner419@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds like a great book. Would really like to read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Sounds interesting and fun to read. Thank you for the chance 😊

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  10. Sounds interesting and fun to read. Thank you for the chance intriguing cover and story.

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  11. Would love to win this.. love this series

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  12. Would love to win .. fantastic series.. alj_mlj@yahoo.com

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  13. Love bookstore mysteries! Thanks for the chance 😊
    angelsusan77(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. this has been a great series. Looking forward to
    reading the next installment. Sounds exciting.
    thanks txmlhl:(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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