As usual, this book did not disappoint. I really love this series. Reading it makes me feel like I am in Scotland. Delaney and Tom have finally gotten married. By chance or accident, Delaney runs into a woman one day that changes a lot of things. Good characters, good story. I really enjoyed it.

The Stolen Letter is the 5th book in the Scottish Book Shop Mystery series. Once again I was transported to Edinburgh, Scotland and the Cracked Spine book shop. The story is full of quirky characters, a beautiful setting, and an interesting plot. I liked how this time we were exploring the idea of past lives, as with Delaney I’m not a non believer.

There are several possible murderers, and kept me guessing for quite a while. I was drawn into this story right away and did not want to put it down, even if my eyes were drooping and my kindle smacking me.

Overall, I found it to be a very entertaining read that made me long to visit Scotland and read more on Mary Queen of Scots. I highly recommend this to my fellow mystery lovers.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books/St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.

This fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries sees newly married bookshop worker Delaney just back from her honeymoon. Delaney, an American, moved to Edinburgh to work at her dream job at The Cracked Spine, used bookstore.

Her first day back and mysteries are already happening. Who’s the customer who looks so much like Delaney and believes herself to be the reincarnation of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland? Is she connected to the threat of the city council tearing down The Cracked Spine?

This book, like the preceding ones in the series, is a charming cozy of a mystery populated with Delaney’s colorful friends and coworkers and a lovely sense of Edinburgh and its history.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the DRC.

This delightful cozy mystery is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series by Paige Shelton. The reader returns to The Cracked Spine bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland where Delaney Nichols has just returned from her honeymoon to local pub owner Tom Shannon. On her way to the bookshop, a chance encounter with a woman named Mary Stewart outside of the bookshop sets the story in motion. Not only is there a striking resemblance between Delaney and Mary, Mary points out that they also share an uncanny resemblance to Mary, Queen of Scots and claims she was Mary, Queen of Scots in a past life! Upon her arrival, Delaney soon learns that the beloved bookshop is being closed for building code violations. As Delaney sets out to stop the closure of the bookshop, she is confronted with another mystery to solve involving the untimely death of the city council member behind the building code citation and husband to Mary Stewart. This is a quintessential cozy mystery, with a dash of British royal family history and a touch of the paranormal.

I loved this book ! I read it cover to cover unable to part with it until the end. This is a series I highly recommend. Each new release is a delight and takes the reader away to a bookstore in Edinburgh Scotland. The descriptions of the culture, the city and the architecture by the author are truly wonderful.

This is the 5th installment in this "Scottish Bookstore" mystery series by cozy author Paige Shelton. I have read the entire series and highly recommend each book in the series for your reading enjoyment. This book can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Our intrepid protagonist Delaney Nichols has just returned from her Honeymoon when she finds out the city council wants to close her beloved bookstore " The Cracked Spine" She is determined to save it no matter what it takes. She then collides in the street with a women who looks just like her ! They strike up a conversation and soon Delaney is inviting the women and her husband to dinner. . The women believes she is descended and reincarnated from Queen Mary of Scotland and both Elizabeth I and II. Delaney finds her fascinating and enjoys her historical viewpoints. Unknown to Delaney that the husband is one of the nastiest council members determined to close her down. When the husband is murdered in a bomb Delaney and friends are determined to help the women by solving his murder while making sure Delaney is not suspect number one and that the Cracked Spine may reign forever.

I loved this series and enjoyed this next in series as much as the previous in series. Every book is charming , fun to read with wonderful sleuths to keep the reader guessing. i hope this series will continued. Review cross posted.

Title: The Stolen Letter
Author: Paige Shelton
Genre: Cozy mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5

Delaney Nichols is confident she’s doing what she loves—case in point, just one day after returning from her fabulous European honeymoon, she’s eager to get back to the Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she works. But as she disembarks her bus and hurries toward the shop she and another woman collide, sending a stack of books the woman is carrying to the ground.

Delaney’s hapless victim’s name is Mary, and the two women can’t help but notice that they bear an uncanny resemblance to one another. According to Mary, they both also look like the long-beheaded Mary Queen of Scots. Even stranger, Mary believes she is the reincarnation of the Scottish queen. But peculiar as Delaney’s doppelganger is, she doesn’t have time to dwell on it: on her arrival to the bookshop, she learns the Edinburgh city council wants to close the Cracked Spine, citing code violations, and she’s determined to stop them.

But when Mary’s husband dies in a car explosion—and Delaney learns he was the very member of city council who proposed that the city take a closer look at the bookshop’s construction—she starts to wonder if her meeting with Mary wasn’t an accident. Edinburgh has become as filled with intrigue and deception as any European court, and Delaney is determined to get to the bottom of this royal mystery.

I haven’t read any of the first four books in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, but that wasn’t a problem at all. I was all ready to pack up and head off to Scotland after finishing this. I love the tribe at the bookstore, and the eccentric Mary gives a quirky edge to things. This was a fun, feel-good read.

Paige Shelton lives in Arizona. The Stolen Letter is her newest novel, the fifth installment in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

A happy newlywed couple, a quaint bookshop, British royalty lookalikes, a murder, valuable antiques, castles, multiple mysteries.. all in a gorgeous Edinburgh, Scotland setting. What is it NOT to like?

I read this book in less than 24hrs, which is highly unusual for me. I adored it!

I particularly enjoyed:
1. the loving characters such as Delaney Nichols, the female lead: a strong, smart, confident, young female, with a good head on her shoulders, loves her job, loves her husband Tom Shannon, has a good intuition, a special power (shh.. you will have to read it to find out what it is),.. nothing not to love about her. Another character I enjoyed was news reporter and Tom's ex-girlfriend Brigid McBride.

2. the historical context of the story. I learned quite a lot about Mary, Queen of Scots. It was fascinating and very smart of author Paige Shelton to narrate Mary's life throughout. As a historical fiction fan, it got me completely hooked to the story and I kept wanting to learn more about this historical figure and how her life affected the main storyline. I also appreciated Paige Shelton's book reference under her "Acknowledgements." That book on Mary's life is also on my reading list now.

3. Paige Shelton's fast-paced, fun, modern, yet intriguing writing style. She did a wonderful job keeping me on my toes. The end came as a pleasant surprise.

I really enjoyed this read, I highly recommend it to basically anyone right one, even if you have not read the other books of the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The Stolen Letter will allow you to escape today's grim situation and allow you to dive into an exciting and mysterious story.

Thank you Net Galley and Minotaur Books for this e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

With a setting like a bookshop in Scotland, and appealing characters, this cozy mystery is one to savor. Delaney moves to Scotland to work at the Cracked Spine bookshop. Upon returning from her honeymoon, she encounters a woman named Mary, who not only looks like her, but claims to have lived a previous life as a queen. When the bookshop is threatened with being closed down, the two story lines become entwined, with a murder. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I enjoy this series partly for the interesting characters and story line but also for its use of Edinburgh as almost a character in itself. It is such a fascinating old city that it becomes a major player. It only enhances what is a good story.
Delaney and Tom have just returned from their honeymoon when she literally runs into another woman who could be her twin. This lady, Mary Stewart, thinks she was the other Mary Stuart in a past life. In spite of her rather odd convictions, Delaney and crew like Mary and join her for dinner with her husband Henry and several others including her niece and her husband. It is only after Henry is killed by a car bomb that they realize the threats the Cracked Spine bookstore were predicated by Henry. They have been informed the building was declared unsafe by an inspection no one can recall and that the decision is final. Mary insists that Henry had changed his mind after meeting Delaney, Tom and Rosie. But whatever his intentions, the vote to tear down the building as unfit is going ahead and the business and building may be doomed.
The search to figure out what nefarious dealings are behind this threat combine with their desire to figure out who killed Henry. They are convinced the perp is one in the same. But as the showdown vote approaches, Edwin, the owner of the business and building is ready to do whatever is needed to see them survive. Delaney goes in another less showy direction to garner support but both are equally effective.
The ultimate reveal of both the motive and the killer is both exciting and satisfying. It is another good story in the series.
Five purrs and two paws up..

Back from her honeymoon and ready to get to work, is greeted with a hugs and a mysterious town vote to close the Cracked Spine. GASP you say, as I was just as flumoxed as to who could possibly want this iconic and beloved store/warehouse shut down. The council cites that for reasons of safety and a failed buiding inspection that no one seems to remember taking place, and we all know that Rosie would have remembered even if Edwin did not. In addition to the mysterious vote is the mysterious Mary Stuart or should I say Mary "thinks she's the reincarnated Queen of Scots" Stuart, who incidentally could be Delaney's older doppleganger. There are strange forces at work here or stangers who are forcing things to not work. A car bombing provides the victim and even more strangeness to this already thrilling tale. I could not put the kindle down except to look up a recipe for Scottish Shortbread, a favorite of the Queen. I also stopped to look up the image of a casket that would have been used to house a Burgess ticket. I do love a good story that entertains as well as educates. The characters are well developed and you do not have to be familiar with them to be able to catch on quickly as to the relationships and going-ons in the story or with the crew of the The Cracked Spine. This is another winner!

Absolutely loved it! Yet another strong entry in the wonderful Scottish Bookshop mystery series. I was afraid that the boss would lose something, with the main character getting married in the 4th book, but that isn't the case at all (at least, so far!). I did get a pretty good idea of who the murderer was about halfway through, but there were still enough red herrings to keep me second guessing myself.

This is a wonderful story! This is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. This story is about Delaney Nichols, an American transplant in Scotland and a newlywed. Delaney works at The Cracked Spine, a bookstore in her small town.

I was immediately drawn into the book and had a hard time putting it down. Even though I had not read the previous books in the series, I had no problem jumping right in and falling in love with The Cracked Spine. With the author's writing style, I could perfectly picture the town and the shop and I was drawn to the characters.

Delaney bumps into a woman outside the bookshop, knocking the woman's books to the ground. Delaney stops to help her, and when they look at each other, Delaney realizes the woman could be her twin, only 20 years older. The woman, Mary, also realizes the uncanny similarities. Delaney assists Mary to the bookshop and quickly Mary asks Delaney and her co-worker Rosie are invited to dinner that night at Mary's home.

When they talk with her further, Mary discloses she believes she is Mary, Queen of Scots reincarnated. The next day, a man is murdered via car bomb, and it is discovered it was Mary's husband, whom Delaney and Rosie thought was delightful when they met him the night before.

Delaney's regular contact at the detective bureau is on vacation, so she keeps some of her suspicions to herself. I really enjoyed this book and felt that The Cracked Spine would be a regular hang out for me, and the characters would definitely be my friends. I really enjoyed this book, and I didn't even figure out 'whodunit 'until the very end.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Scottish cozy mystery. I am excited to read the first four books in the series. My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher Minotaur Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The book successfully blends a cozy mystery plot, British royalty, and many paranormal elements like reincarnation and book characters that give advice. And it has more plot than a bushel of other cozy mysteries. Yet the author somehow makes it work. The conclusion skillful weaves all the plot threads into a fine and coherent tapestry.

American Delaney works as a manager and researcher in an old bookshop called The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, Scotland. She recently returned from her honeymoon with Tom, a local pub owner. Soon after her return, Delaney literally runs into her twenty year older double, who is on her way to the bookshop. The doppelganger is named Mary Stewart. Mary is convinced she is the reincarnated Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. When told about it, Delaney laughs. However, Delaney hears the characters from books speaking directly to her in her head. In fact, the voice she hears may be Mary Stuart. Was Mary and Delaney’s meeting destined? Mary certainly thinks so,

“We might never understand it, but we were destined to meet, Delaney, I’m sure of it. Today, we might not understand why, but I suspect we will someday.”

In the meantime, The Cracked Spine is in danger of being closed and demolished by the city. To stop it, Delaney must find the old Burgess ticket that gives the owner, Edwin, the right to continue his business.

When there is a car bomb in the village, killing Mary’s husband, Henry, Delaney decides to investigate. Centuries earlier, the queen’s husband, also named Henry, was murdered by the queen’s lover in an explosion. Could history be repeating itself?

I love history. In my opinion, there can never be too many subplots as long as they are all tied up in a nice bow at the end. The Stolen Letter delivers on both fronts. I know much more about Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots. Plus I had a pleasant afternoon being immersed in modern day Edinburgh. 4 stars!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop mystery series.
The main character, Delaney, is an American woman who is now living in Scotland working in a bookstore called the Cracked Spine. She is an ameteur sleuth. While this is a stand alone book, I do recommend reading the other books in the series for the best reading experience.

The characters are well developed. The mystery is great with a bit of paranormal thrown in.
The plot is well paced and I loved the setting of Scotland.

I look forward to the next book in this series.

I was so delighted to receive this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.  The book's description led me to think that all that I look for in a cozy could be found here.  Location: check...Scotland.  Books: check...the protagonist owns a bookstore, although readers learn that is is imperiled.  Well, as you read, you just have to believe that it will work out since the book is part of a series.  Characters: Check...there is even one of those favorite tropes, two characters who look alike.  And check:  of course, murder. Add to all of this that that there is some history as well.  These elements taken together, lead to a very enjoyable read.  If you like cozies, consider this one!


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols heading back to work after her honeymoon with her new husband, Tom. As she heads towards The Cracked Spine, Delaney runs into a woman carrying a large number of books. After helping retrieve the volumes, Delaney introduces herself to Mary who looks remarkably like her. Delaney is to learn from Mary Stewart that they both look like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary states that she was the Queen of Scots in a past life. Mary then invites Delaney, Tom and Rosie to dinner that evening. Rosie has surprising news to share with Delaney once they are alone. It seems The Cracked Spine has not passed an inspection and the Edinburgh city council will be voting in a week to shut down their beloved bookstore. The next morning, they hear a BOOM and learn that Henry Stewart, Mary’s husband and a member of the city council, died in a car explosion. Delaney is astonished when she discovers that Henry was the one pushing for the vote to close The Cracked Spine. Something does not add up and Delaney intends to get answers so she can save the bookshop. The Stolen Letter is the fifth novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. It can be read alone for those new to this series. I was eager to read The Stolen Letter when I saw it involved Mary, Queen of Scots. She is one of my favorite historical figures along with Queen Elizabeth I. Delaney Nichols enjoyed her honeymoon with her new hubby, Tom Shannon, but she is eager to return to The Cracked Spine. Delaney loves her job and the people who work there. When Delaney hears that her beloved bookstore is in jeopardy, she takes action. Delaney is fierce when it comes to The Cracked Spine. I felt Edwin should play a bigger role (it is his shop) and I was happy to see that Edwin stepped up when it counted. Rosie, a shop employee, is a delight. I liked how she was involved in the investigation. I enjoyed the author’s word imagery which brings the book to life. I could envision Edinburgh with its charming shops, cobbled streets and cozy pubs. The mystery is complex with its suspicious suspects, misdirection and various clues. I just love a twisty whodunit. I bet you will be surprised when the solution is revealed. I found The Stolen Letter to be well-written with genuine, friendly characters. I could tell the author did her research on Mary, Queen of Scots. There were some details that were new to me. It was also interesting to learn about Burgess Tickets and the Freedom Casket they came in. The ending was wonderful. It was unique and surprising. The Stolen Letter is a great addition to A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The Stolen Letter is an entertaining cozy mystery with a perplexing puzzle, an insidious inspection, a remarkable reincarnation, a crafty councilor, lost links, and a determined Delaney.

Delaney is back from her honeymoon and excited to get back to work doing what she loves working at The Cracked Spine, a bookstore unlike others. While on her way in she runs into a woman who is the spitting image of herself, just older. She soon learns the woman's name is Mary and she just happens to be heading to the bookstore to sell off some books. The two get to chatting and Delaney soon learns that not only do the two resemble Mary Queen of Scots, but Mary actually thinks she was her in a past life. After Mary leaves Delaney learns that the bookstore might be closing so she doesn't have time to think anymore of her chance meeting. She knows that she has to do ever in her power to stop this from happening. After learning of the death of Mary's husband Delaney finds out that not only was the man on the council that is trying to close the bookstore but he was behind them wanting to take a closer look at the store itself. She then asks herself was meeting Mary a true accident or was there a more nefarious reason for the chance encounter. Delaney knows that she must find the answers and quick, not only to keep the bookstore open but from having her world turned upside down! this was a.wonderful read filled with a lovely cast of characters, a beautiful setting, and a mystery that you can't help but dive into.

This series seems to be getting better and better with each one. The characters are now like old friends and I always look forward to visiting with Delaney and friends.

This book taught me a great deal regarding Scotland and the royal Mary. Although I am not a believer in reincarnation, it made complete since in this book.

It was a quick read as it is so well-written and it kept my interest late into the night. I'm ready for the next one in the series.

The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries and the first book that I have read in this series. I enjoyed the story and the setting. I found this to be a great cozy mystery and will be looking for the previous books in this series as well as future books as I really enjoyed this story. Even though I had not read the previous books in this series, I was able to follow the storyline with no issues.

Fifth in this wonderful series,An involving story that immediately draws me Iinto the story the time in history.It also has me doing research looking up facts on the real historical figures she mentions.An excellent series both for entertainment and learning.Highly recommend this book this series,#netgalley#st.martins