While you might see the obvious red herrings, and have more questions in the beginning of the book than you should, this is still an enjoyable stand alone book of the series. While it helps to know Delaney's past since arriving in Scotland, enough is filled in during this story that you don't feel lost. If you love the Scottish Bookshop series, this is a fun entry into it,with all things 'Nessie'. Many of the Nessie myths are tackled, and you get a bit of local lore and history with the quick read too! This 4th entry in the series is a fun Spring read!

What a fun book this was! The Loch Ness monster, King Arthur, family dynamics and lots of Scottish weather make this a entertaining story. I hadn’t read the previous books in the series but now I want to read them all! (Though that isn’t necessary to follow the story here). I can’t wait to find out what comes next in the storyline.

Delaney Nichols has relocated, from Kansas, to Edinburgh, Scotland to work at the Cracked Spine, a bookstore owned by Edwin MacAlister. In this fourth book of the Scottish Bookshop series, Delaney is getting ready to marry Tom Shannon, owner of a local pub.

On her way to meet with a minister to officiate at the wedding, she finds a deck of cards that leads her to Norval Fraser, an older gentleman obsessed with finding the Loch Ness monster. Returning the cards, she meets Norval and his grand-nephew Gavin MacLeod. The next morning Delaney finds Norval waiting for her at the bookshop and he asks her to help him locate Gavin. Turns out Gavin is dead, and the police take Norval into custody.

Paige Shelton concocts a finely layered mystery weaving suspense over wedding problems with chasing a murderer and finding proof that the Loch Ness monster lives. With three major story threads involved, red herrings manage to keep the reader alert and quickly turning pages. Ms. Shelton is a talented writer and amazes the reader with her ability to fabricate a seamless narrative tapestry – and a delightful read.

This is the second book I’ve read in this series, and I enjoyed this one more than the first. Especially fun for fans of Scotland, or anyone dreaming of a trip to Edinburgh. Great characters—I would love to see more of them—and a good, if somewhat convoluted, mystery with just the teeniest touch of the not-quite-explainable. Maybe the Loch Ness Monster really does exist!

The Loch Ness Papers is the fourth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.

Delaney Nichols is scurrying to meet with Rev. Bellows to see if she will be able to marry her and Tom Shannon when she bumps into Norval Fraser coming out of the church. As Delaney is about to enter the church she notices a deck of cards on the ground with a picture of the Loch Ness Monster on the cards. After meeting with Rev. Bellows Delaney goes across the street to where Norval lives and returns the cards. When she enters Norval flat, she notices papers and books piled all over. Norval explains that he has been researching Nessie since he was young, believing that Nessie does exist and taken his father when he was a young boy. Norval tells Delaney that he would like to give the papers to someone who will continue his work and not sell the papers.

One morning when as Delaney arrives at The Cracked Spine she finds Norval waiting for her. He wants her to go with him to his great-nephew Gavin’s home. Norval says he has been trying to call him but he doesn’t answer. When they arrive they find the dead body of Gavin, having been stabbed. Evidence found at the scene leads the police to consider Norval as a person of interest. Delaney with the help of the staff at The Cracked Spine set out to clear Norval’s name.

Another mystery that comes to Delaney’s attention happens when a good looking man from the states come to the bookstore with what appears to be a very valuable book that he claims to have found in his grandfather’s house. He says that his grandfather left a note in the book where he claims to have stolen the book from The Cracked Spine and would like for his grandson to return it one day. Edwin MacAllister, owner of the bookstore has no recollection of ever having the book. Something doesn’t ring true about his story and Delaney wants to know if the story is true.

And as if Delaney didn’t have enough on her plate, her parents and brother have arrived for their daughter’s marriage. Fortunately, Elias and Aggie McKenna, Delaney’s landlords are more willing to show the family around Edinburgh.

Another well-written and plotted story and most all the previous cast of enjoyable character are back to help tell the store. Ms. Shelton almost had me convinced that there is really a “Nessie”.

I will be watching for the next book in this wonderful series.

Delaney is excited for her upcoming wedding not only are her parents coming to town but she gets to spend the rest of her life with the man she loves. Learning that she needed a new officiant for her wedding she heads out to the church to ask a reverend that was recommended if they would be available for her wedding. While heading to the church she runs into an elderly gentleman named Norval that she has an immediate connection with. She finds a pack of cards and realizes that Norval must have dropped them. She finds out where he lives to return the cards and learns that he is a Loch Ness monster enthusiast. Delaney befriends Norval and he asks her to continue on in his search for the illusive creature. Delaney agrees to think it over and continues on with her everyday life. When Norval shows up at the shop worried about his nephew Delaney goes with him and finds the young man murdered. Who could have killed him and why? Did it have something to do with Norval's research or could it have been one of his many investors? The police are looking at Norval and although she hasn't known him long Delaney doesn't believe he could have done it. Follow along as she tries to clear his name but with all the she has going on will she be able to? With her family in town, a lost dress, and an American with a book and story to tell will she be able to find the time to be of some help to Norval? This was a great read that truly transports you to Scotland. I've never been there but when I read a book from this series I feel as if I'm there. I look forward to being transported again with the next book in the series!!!

This is the fourth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, and it's delightful. I've read all the books in the series and they are all very good,

In this book, Delaney meets a Loch Ness monster enthusiast who wants her to take over his work proving Nessie is real. When he is found murdered, Delaney wants to find the culprit. She ends up doing a little Nessie investigating at the same time, is she real or not?! I love the setting and the characters in this series.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

THE LOCH NESS PAPERS by Paige Shelton is the fourth novel in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The novel will be published on April 2nd 2019 by Minotaur Books.

Not long after bookseller Delaney Nichols befriends an elderly Loch Ness Monster fanatic, he is accused of stabbing his nephew to death. Despite not knowing Norval Fraser very well, Delaney is determined to prove his innocence. Even though she is busy making the final preparations for her wedding, escorting her American family around Edinburgh, and dealing with an obnoxious Texan, Delaney is still able to make time to assist the police with their investigation and search for evidence of the Loch Ness Monster.

I’m not going to lie…my main reason for requesting THE LOCH NESS PAPERS is because it involved the Loch Ness Monster. I’m a lover (and usually a believer) in all sorts of cryptids, including Nessie. I was not disappointed in the amount of coverage Nessie received in the novel. Shelton shares plenty of Nessie facts and fiction.

THE LOCH NESS PAPERS is the first of the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries that I have read, and there were a few times where I felt that I could have used some additional backstory to catch up. I wasn’t quite sure why the local police were so open to Delaney’s interference in their case or why they asked her to do some investigating for them. Aside from that, I enjoyed the story. The plot was interesting and the characters were quirky. I would definitely read other novels in the series to see what Delaney and the other characters get up to. My only problem with the novel is that I figured out who the killer was starting with his first appearance. No, I didn’t have his motive figured out at first, but I had no doubts when it came to the killer’s identity. Overall, an interesting novel with a fantastic setting and fun characters. Nessie is just an extra bonus.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Reading this story makes me want to explore every nook and cranny of The Cracked Spine Bookshop, and follow Delaney’s footsteps as she sleuths the streets of Scotland.

Danger, love, mystery, history, and myth all unite to create a story so memorable and mesmerizing I didn’t want it to end! I’d rate it 10 stars, if I could. The plot grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the last word. I’ll think about this story for a long time to come.

I was emotionally moved by elderly Norval Fraser’s endless quest to prove the Loch Ness monster exists. I never doubted the protagonist, Delaney Nichols would step right into the fray surrounding Norval and the past that haunts him while all the while planning her wedding to Tom. The ending is fantastic in more ways than one! I highly recommend this exciting cozy mystery to readers.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin’s Press. Thank you.

Bookseller Delaney Nichols befriends a Loch Ness monster enthusiast; when he stands accused of murder she'll do whatever it takes to learn who the killer is―and whether Nessie herself is really lurking in the Scottish waters.

Delaney Nichols is delighted with her life in Edinburgh, working at The Cracked Spine―a shop that specializes in hard-to-find books and artifacts. With a job she loves, and her fast approaching marriage to devastatingly handsome Scottish pub-owner Tom Shannon, Delaney's life could be straight out of a fairy tale―at least it would be, if the pastor meant to perform the wedding ceremony hadn't recently passed away. Outside the church where Delaney is searching for another reverend, she stumbles across Norval Fraser: an elderly man obsessed with the Loch Ness monster. Always attracted to the interesting and unusual, Delaney befriends Norval. But when his nephew is found dead, the police decide Norval's obsession has moved from monsters to murder.

With a wedding to plan, her family arriving soon from Kansas, and the arrival of an over-the-top Texan with a wildly valuable book, Delaney's plate is full to bursting, but she can't abandon her new friend. Determined to help Norval, she sets out to learn the truth. The Loch Ness buries its secrets deeply, but Delaney is determined to dig them up―whether Nessie likes it or not.

Although I love the concept of an American working in a Scottish book story, I have enjoyed this series less and less. The Loch Ness Papers had a very convoluted and difficult to follow plot. I found it hard to believe that Delaney would be chasing around Scotland while her wedding is just a few days away and her parents had traveled all the way from Kansas. Also ironic were the number of Americans living in this small section of Scotland. Seemed contrived. Still not sure how the 17th century King Arthur book factored into the story.

The story rambled and spent way to much time on Norval's papers. I'm not sure I will continue to read this series. I do not plan to post a review on my blog.

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series that takes place in Scotland. The people seem real and delightful. I will look forward to the next books in the series!

Delaney Nichols is heading to the alter with her Scottish fiancé and a week before the nuptials she needs to find a new minister to perform the ceremony. As she is visiting the prospective pastor she literally runs into an older gentleman that brings intrigue, and murder, into the week leading up to her wedding. Intrigue in that he believes in Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, and murder when his nephew is found murdered and he is the main suspect.

Even with less than a week to go before her wedding, and the wedding shop with her dress suddenly closes and disappears along with her dress, Delaney is certain about two things: Tom IS the man for her and the elderly Norval Fraser did NOT muder his nephew. She’s still on the fence about Nessie though.

This delightful story brings an American midwestern farm girl to Edinburgh and it’s quite an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed the spin on Nessie and even the nod to my neck of the woods here in the US, Oklahoma City. I seem to be drawn to books based in Scotland and this one found it’s way to my notice and I am glad it did.

While the first book I have read in this series, it was just fine as a standalone, though I want to read the prior entries. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Delaney, Tom and the gang at The Cracked Spine.

Delaney Nichols is hoping to find a pastor for her wedding ceremony, now that her original choice passed away. Her accidental meeting with Norval Fraser at the church doorway soon finds her caught up not only in a murder, but also in the legend of the Loch Ness monster herself. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery read, with plenty of action to keep the story moving. Central to the theme was Delaney's connection with Norval and her search for the truth in his arrest for murder. This search found Delaney searching through Norval's vast collection of Nessie paraphernalia to ferret out the truth. But also part of the story were her plans for her upcoming wedding, with a search for a pastor, as well as fittings for her wedding dress. Featured in this story were the regular characters that are part of the Cracked Spine Bookshop, and it was clear that they all have a very good relationship with each other and with their newest resident, Delaney. I also liked how the story showed her relationship with her parents and her brother, because this added depth to her character. The story twisted and turned and kept the reader guessing until the end, and I loved how they even brought Nessie alive with the stories, tales, and lies that have lasted through the years. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received from NetGalley and all opinions are strictly my own.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught.

I cannot say enough about this series. I just love it! I hope it goes on for a long time. Excellent characters and storytelling. Highly recommend it.

Is Nessie, the Loch Ness monster real or just a folk tale people love to repeat? Either way, she is at the center of THE LOCH NESS PAPERS by Paige Shelton. This is the forth in the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries and my first read of the series. The mystery stands alone and is a complete story within this book. The characters and setting are engaging and I want to go back and read the books from the beginning as I expect that although the mystery is complete, there are some relationships and character development that have grown over the series. I think I would have enjoyed experiencing relationships grow and change as they developed. Still, that in no way diminished my enjoyment of this book.
Delaney Nichols, the central character in this series, has emigrated to Scotland from Kansas and in this novel is preparing to marry her fiance when she gets drawn into the world of Norval, a somewhat mentally challenged older man who is apparently obsessed with the Loch Ness Monster. While Delaney isn’t interested in continuing his research, which is what he wants, she is curious to learn more about Nessie and the truth behind the stories of a monster living in the loch.
As she begins to get acquainted with Norval, his nephew is murdered and there is a possibility Norval will be arrested for the crime. Delaney is certain that Norval may have some challenges, but he is not a murderer. She begins to fear for his well being and involves herself in solving the murder.
Side stories for this novel include the arrival of Delaney’s family from Kansas to join in the wedding festivities, the appearance of a Texan in possession of a rare book on King Arthur and the people who inhabit The Cracked Spine, the shop where Delaney is employed as a researcher. Rounding out Delaney’s world are Elias and Aggie, her landlords and, in Elias’ case, the cab driver who ferries her around Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland.
The characters in this book who make up Delaney’s world are warm and wonderful. They come across as individuals you would love to meet and hopefully include in your circle of friends. In addition, Scotland is a minor character in the beauty of its people and the stories of the Loch Ness Monster. The book moves as a good pace, pulling you through to the end but not so fast that you don’t get to enjoy the surrounding people and places of each chapter.
This is an excellent entry into the cozy genre of mystery novels. There is murder, but not so graphic as to be off-putting. The side stories and characters are engaging and enjoyable to experience, leaving you perhaps wishing you could at least schedule a trip to Scotland if not consider emigrating yourself. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, this is one not to be missed, although I will say you might want to start the series with the first book so as to get the full flavor of all the secondary characters.

A rock solid cozy mystery, I strongly recommend you read the series in order to fully appreciate the characters.
The locale of the series is beautifully written and the whodunit is well paced and interesting.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This was an unusual story line but definitely very interesting. The Loch Ness monster plays a big role in the story and it was interesting to read all the lore behind the story. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

3.75 stars

Another charming entry in the Scottish Bookshop mystery series. American Delaney Nichols has ended up in Scotland looking for adventure, and her job at antiquarian bookstore The Cracked Spine has provided it.

Delaney's wedding to Scottish pub owner Tom Shannon is imminent, and Delaney's family is expected in from Kansas any day for the festivities. Meanwhile, Delaney becomes involved in the murder of a possibly crooked young financial investor when his eccentric old uncle finds the body, along with Delaney. She has just met the uncle, Norval Fraser, and is moved by his fierce obsession to materials relating to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. When he is arrested, Delaney realizes she must investigate to find the real culprit.

Several suspects soon emerge, including disgruntled clients of the victim's, a mysterious Texan who keeps turning up, and a few old enemies of the family. Delaney's family and friends are enjoyable to spend time with, and the old bookshop itself is almost another character in the book.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.