Murder in the Scottish Highlands

An Ally McKinley Mystery, Book 1

By: Dee MacDonald

Narrated by: Samara MacLaren

Majestic mountain views, whisky by the fire and… a murder to solve? Join Ally McKinley at her cosy little guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands as she tackles her first puzzling case!

For recently retired Ally McKinley, the tiny village of Locharran is the perfect place to open the guesthouse of her dreams in a lovingly restored old Scottish malthouse. Before long she is making friends with the locals, including Hamish Sinclair, the earl who owns the nearby castle. But things take an unexpected turn when her first paying guest, American tourist Wilbur Carrington, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back…

With the police baffled, Ally’s instincts get the better of her, and she can’t resist launching her own investigation. In no time at all she and her Labrador puppy Flora are on the case, making enquiries over tea and excellent shortbread. She finds that Wilbur, a keen amateur genealogist, was convinced that he was the rightful Earl of Locharran… Even worse, he had plans that would put many people out of their jobs and even their homes.

But which of the locals resorted to murder? The hotel owner furiously trying to save his business? Locharran Castle’s fiercely loyal housekeeper who’d do anything for the earl? Or the earl himself, whose entire way of life was threatened by what Wilbur knew?

Looking for clues, Ally finds a faded photograph in a hidden drawer in Wilbur’s room. Could this be the key to solving the mystery? But when one of her suspects dies in a suspicious accident, Ally realises that things are getting a wee bit too close for comfort… Can she uncover the truth or will a killer get off scot-free?

A new Scottish cosy mystery series from bestselling author Dee MacDonald. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase.

©2024 Dee MacDonald (P)2024 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Entertaining!

The new series is very entertaining and the characters are really likable. Excited for the next installment.

A Scottish Miss Marple!

Ally McKinley is my new favorite Miss Marple. I loved her character, her wit, her kindness to others but most of all her inquisitive mind. I also enjoyed this trip to the Highlands with walks across the moors and breathtaking views of the coast. This is one of those books that you wish it didn’t have to end - and also the narration is superb!!

Characters

I enjoyed the characters yet found myself concerned about the age of the protagonist. How many years will she feel like working that hard and with a small income how will she pay the mortgage.? Still would be happy to read additional books.

Charming heroine,

Charming heroine- love her can-do, reinvent herself persona. Lovely, authentic Scottish details. Made me long for a nice cuppa tea and to see Ben Nevis. A fun journey of a cosy mystery. Sweet romance and quirky side characters.

Great story

Loved the story and narration. Author did a great job building the mystery and keeping the attention of the audience

Poor quality

The breathy quality of the narration put me to sleep. The quality of the editing and sound was poor, inconsistent, and at one point, when the narrater mistakenly reads some text in the wrong character’s voice, we hear her say “no” then the same text in the correct voice after some mechanical thumping sound. Later in the book there were multiple times where phrases or words were repeated. Mistakes that hadn’t been properly edited out. Did no one listen before they put the product out! This is just garbage!!!

Also, the name Mamie, in an American character, would be Maymee. Not Mammy. It’s an old fashioned nickname for Margaret. Mammy is what a child calls their female parent. At best. At worst it’s a racist stereotype and this narrator said the name over and over.

Again: did no one check this before it was put out? How can you charge money for this?