This is book 2 in a new Scottish Shires series set in the fictional town of Nairn, where Paislee Shaw owns a small boutique yarn and sweater shop (organized by color--shudder. I know that's a thing, but this knitter would never shop there.). Hall is trying to set up a location similar to Sea Harbor in the Seaside Knitters mystery series--a small town with a quaint and boutique row of stores, a group of knitting regulars--but her twist gives Paislee a young son whose father she refuses to identify, a grandfather that has just re-entered her life, and more realistic financial concerns. But she doesn't make Paislee a realistic shop owner; for example, the hours seem to be pretty limited, the village is tiny and doesn't appear to have a tourist attraction nearby that will bring customers in, and there's no mention of Cashmere Crush having an Internet presence. Cashmere yarn is expensive. Where did money to build up the inventory come from? Perhaps that's discussed in the first book, but having worked in small shops, nothing rang true for me re: the shop or its maintenance. Despite those financial concerns which are the whole reason she is drawn into the mystery, Paislee (also a little too twee a name for me) seems to spend little time in her shop and a lot of time dashing around. She has just a few days before being evicted and she hasn't looked for a new location yet and she only starts to get customer information then? Most specialty shops I patronize have a book where you can enter your email or address for sales flyers, etc. Paislee is chaperone on a field trip with her son's class when she witnesses a man fall though a hedge, seemingly injured. She doesn't run to help, which struck me as very odd, and when others arrive and find him dead, Paislee, who had escorted a young girl to the bathroom, decides the appropriate action is to keep the door closed and not let the girl out. The scene drags on and on, with the girl wanting to leave and Paislee lying that the door is jammed shut. Why not get the girl out and shield her view of the man on the ground, and escort her back to the group? There was no blood on the victim, as we're told several times, so she could have lied to the little girl that he was feeling sick and the other gentlemen would help him. But the author uses this scene, where Paislee keeps the child essentially locked alone in the bathroom while holding onto the door to prevent her from getting out, as a device to pile on more stress in Paislee's life when the girl's parents threaten to sue her. It's a great plot device to get Paislee to the scene of the crime, but is was grossly mishandled by the author in details and outcome and length. Paislee is also one of those amateur detectives who thinks the police should tell her what's going on with their investigation, just because, and who also thinks they don't know how to do their job. "He didn't owe her, but it wouldn't hurt him to be polite." No, but it would jeopardize his investigation and potentially the court case that will result. Paislee's sense of entitlement in this regard pops up a few times and is quite ridiculous. She will go to dinner at the estate because there should be a gun cabinet and she can find out who had access to it, because the DCI wouldn't think to ask that. But he's not the only character of whom she thinks poorly. She knows better than her son's school headmaster, too, and knows the grounds and the teachers better than he (I mean, she is a school chaperone after all, and she does have a kid in the school, after all, and his being headmaster for several years and working with these teachers for 10 hours a day for years means he probably knows little about them, right?) and that she needs to tell him to make sure the kids will be all right when they return to school. Does she really think that hunters know nothing about the ammunition they use to shoot? There's also much made about "her mother's heart" being affected by various things: a child's illness or feeling compassion when she hears someone crying. This barren spinster would feel the same; these are human reactions that sympathetic humans would feel regardless of whether they have offspring. And like Hayley in the previous book reviewed above, Paislee has no issues gossiping about other people but is shocked to realize people talk about her and her actions. She is shocked when Lady Leery mentions that she could not have raised a child as a single parent but didn't even consider she had shocked Lady Leery just moments before by prying into Lady Leery's son Shaun's need for a kidney transplant (which we the reader know at this point in the story is a family secret and not common knowledge). There are a lot of little things that irritated, but I'll only mention two: "Though average looking, Dan had a wizard's touch in the kitchen." What? What does that even mean? Only good looking people can be chefs? Ugly people don't know how to cook? His looks have anything to do with his talent and personality and value? And why is it impolite for Brady to tell his mother that his grandfather is in the bathroom? She asked Brady where Grandpa was and he told her. What's impolite about that? He didn't use any expletives or naughty words. The author threw in a lot of Gaelic words she clearly looked up on the Internet to add to the ambiance of the story, but her clean as a whistle, no sex or cursing story includes calling someone a wanker. I don't think she knows what this word means. The mystery and murder aren't that compelling, and the red herrings that are tossed in are done so very poorly and do not confuse the mystery as they're supposed to. I have to give this one a D, as there is little in the setting, plot, or characters to merit even an average score. The idea behind the series might be okay, but the author should have worked much more closely with an editor.

2nd book in this mystery series

Paislee’s landlord Shawn Marcus serves an eviction notice on her sweater and yarn business and than disappears, and Paislee will go to any lengths to find him.

Shawn is heir to the Leery Estate which her son Brody’s class will be visiting on a field trip. Paislee volunteers to chaperone in the hopes of finding Shawn. Unfortunately Paislee sees a man falling out the hedges after being shot.
It’s not Shawn but lady Leery’s nephew Charles Thomson. DI Mack Zeffer is on the case but Paislee needs to find the shooter. There are many suspects will Paislee find him before he finds her?

I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Nairn has always been a quiet town until recently Paislee Shaw can’t seem to escape murder and secrets coming to the surface.

In the second book of the Scottish Shire mystery series, Traci Hall takes us on something I know all too well — a school field trip. While at the picturesque gardens with her son’s class, Paislee has a murder case land right in front of her — quite literally. Through the tangled web of secrets, between family, lovers, and friends, Hall knits a fantastic story sure to keep the reader turning the pages!

I love the attention to the characters and their backgrounds. It made me feel like I was right in the middle of a drama on the CW while I was reading. Hall is very good at describing the smaller details of a character you may think insignificant at the time but they end up being important to remember later on in the story or mystery. I had a few “aha!” moments reading and recalling the subtleties she wrote and it made it a more fun read.

The main setting being an old manor and gardens was reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel and I loved it. Again, as in the first book, there were smaller mysteries within the larger whole and I think it just makes for a more interesting read.

I’m already ready for the next book!

Paislee Shaw owns a yarn shop named Cashmere Crush, which she inherited from her late grandmother. It's the sole source of income for her and her ten-year-old son, Brody. Recently, her grandfather has come to live with her, and he helps with both the shop and Brody, which allows her to go on a field trip with Brody's class and keep the shop open.

Paislee's landlord has given everyone on the block eviction notices, and she doesn't want to move. Therefore, when she goes to the Leery Estate to see the gardens, she intends to talk with Shawn Marcus, Lady Leery's son. But shortly after arriving, she sees a man fall from the bushes, apparently dead. At first she thinks it's Shawn, but later discovers it's his cousin Charles Thomson. Little does Paislee know that this one act can embroil her in several uncomfortable situations, not the least among them of the possibility of losing both her shop and her home.

When another opportunity arrives to see Shawn, she jumps at it and in doing so draws herself even farther into the murder investigation, to the consternation of DI Zeffer, who wants her to steer clear completely. But Paislee has a stake in the game, and she's not going to let a little thing like a murderer on the loose stop her...

This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed it quite as much as the first. I love the small village of Nairn and the closeness of its residents. It's hard in this day and age to find somewhere where people care and look out for each other. It gives a warm feeling inside. Paislee does not go looking for trouble, nor is she what I would consider nosy. She's caring. She sees people with problems and tries to help them if she can. When she is thrust into the investigation, she naturally wants to get to the truth, and people talk to her while they won't talk to DI Zeffer.

She has a loving relationship with her son, and a growing one with her grandfather, who's only been in her life a short while. You can feel the relationship growing, and you can tell that they care about one another, not only in banter but in actions.

To the things I don't really care for: I understand Paislee's reluctance to get involved with anyone, but in my mind I see her old and alone (since Brody will grow up, leave her, and more than likely marry) just sitting in a chair and knitting with gnarled hands. Now, I crochet and I do many other crafts, but I give my hands a rest so as not to develop arthritis in my fingers. All she does is laundry and knitting. How satisfying a life is that? I would like to see her at least try to wade into the waters of dating someone, or even just having coffee or lunch with them once in a while.

Anyway, the mystery is intriguing, with her trying to pin down Shawn, but he is also one of the murder suspects, along with everyone else in the house, including the servants. There are plenty of red herrings, and plenty of problems for Paislee, though she doesn't allow any of them to stop her. When the ending comes and we discover the murderer, it all comes together in a turn of events that's both satisfying and leaves us wanting more. I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.

Fun read and an easy recommendation to my book group. Younger readers closer to age of the protagonist.

This is the second book in the Scottish Shire Mystery series by Traci Hall. What a great trip back to Scotland.
Paislee chaperones a school trip with her son Brody's class. A murder occurs. Let's just say she noses around to find answers.
Love that Paislee is a single mom who balances work, her son and grandpa. A very realistic character that is relatable.
Quirky characters and I love the village of Narin.
Lots of twists and turns that kept me trying to guess whodunit.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

Murder in a Scottish Garden, by Traci Hall, is the 6th in the series. I was excited to read this book set in a cozy Scottish village of Nairn. The characters are wonderful!
Paislee Shaw runs a custom sweater and yarn shop. She is a single mom living with her Gramps and a precious Scottish terrier. Strong and capable, nevertheless she is weighted with many different concerns--including an eviction and a murder. Her family is close- knit and her friends are what you would want in your own life. The plot is tight and the pace is fast, littered with wrong turns and twists--- the conclusion is a surprise. This is such a good read, don't miss it!
I requested and received an ARC. Thank you Traci Hall, Kensington, and NetGalley. #MurderinaScottishGarden #NetGalley

OMG, what an amazing read. I could not put this book down once I started and proceeded to finish it in one sitting. It moves along at a pace that makes for a relaxing read and one that you can lose yourself in. You will absolutely fall in love with these characters and you want to know more about them as well as be there for them. The story will grab you from the instant that you start reading and keep you turning pages until the very end and then you are needing more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. This book is a must read, you will not be sorry that you did.

Single mom and owner of a sweater shop that deals in specialty sweaters, Paislee Shaw gets an eviction notice. Then the landlord disappeared! I enjoyed this mystery. Thanks #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This 2nd installment in the Scottish Shire Mystery series is as entertaining as the 1st one was. I really like Paislee's character, and I was so offended on her behalf about the lawsuit! She is juggling a million different things with her shop, her son, her grandfather, and her life. Add a murder mystery into the mix, and it's a fast-paced story, indeed. Although I definitely appreciate the plots, I have to say I most enjoy the characters in Hall's books. They feel so real, and so does the setting in Scotland--I guess that's what makes this a wonderful escapist cozy series that takes me right back to my own visits to Scotland.

Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Poor Paislee, all she wants to do is be a good Mom, run her yarn shop, help her Granddad and visit with the ladies on Knit and Sip night. You can't help but to root Paislee on as she tackles one challenge after another never thinking about herself, which is what gets her into possible legal trouble while on the field trip where the mystery really starts. There are moments when it seems like a glimmer of romance is possible but then she reminds herself and her BFF Lydia that she has her son Brody and he is all the man she needs, even when she turns heads during a night out dressed to the tens (because nines just isn't good enough). Besides, she is rather busy helping DI Zeffer to solve crimes and this latest one had me guessing, so many suspects and red herrings. Paislee works her way through the suspects with her usual outgoing, helpful, and friendly demeanor, not to mention that she is doggedly determined. She is definitely someone who easily wins people over You don't need to have read the series starter to be able to keep up, Paislee does a nice job of telling her story and bits of her back story as well. Looking forward to finding a chicken and leek soup or basil scone recipe.

Custom Crush owner, Paislee Shaw gets mixed up in another murder mystery in author Traci Hall's second book in her Scottish Shire Mystery series. Murder in a Scottish Garden will keep readers turning the pages to see who is guilty of the murder. I really like the characters in this story, especially Paislee as she is a very smart, innovative and cleaver. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy this story.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I loved everything about this book, the second in Traci Hall's Scottish Shire Mystery series. Paislee is a complex character and she is thoroughly delightful as she reasons and grows with life's experiences. As a chaperone for her son Brody's school fieldtrip she comes upon a murder while taking a child to the restroom. Her efforts to shield the child results in a myriad of problems, not the least of which is a lawsuit from the child's parents and the disloyalty of the schoolmaster, Hamish. Paislee struggles to maintain her lease on the yarn shop which produces her livelihood, deal with her grandpa and the disappearance of an uncle and navigate D.I. Zeffer's investigation of the murder, all the while as a single parent to Brody. It sounds like a lot but the author is expert in crafting a wonderful story. I can't wait for more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Paislee Shaw agrees to chaperon her son’s school fieldtrip to the Leery Estate Gardens for two reasons: she gets to spend time with her son; and she’s hoping to have a word with Lady Leery’s son Shawn Marcus, Paislee’s landlord. An added perk: the hunky headmaster is also a chaperon.
Marcus owns the building that houses her business. He said he’s going to sell his property on Market Street, leaving Paislee and his other tenants out on the street. She’d hoped to talk to him about his decision, but her plan is derailed when a man’s seemingly lifeless body falls through a hedge just yards from her feet. The man bears a striking resemblance to her irksome landlord, but he is identified as Lady Leery’s conman nephew Charles.
Detective Inspector Zeffer has had dealings with Paislee on other cases, and he warns her not to play amateur sleuth. However, she’s sure he’ll be pleased if she helps just a little bit to solve the crime. She is, after all, a witness. And of course she’ll be very careful and not put herself or others in any danger. At least that’s her plan.
She discovers that the extremely dysfunctional Leery family has secrets that at least one person is desperate to keep secret.
This is the second in the Scottish Shire Mystery series. Paislee is a likable and resourceful protagonist, and the other characters are fully fleshed out and engaging. The setting in a Scottish seaside village is charming

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It follows a single Mom as she solves a murder that happened on a school field trip with her son. I liked all the characters in the Scottish town. Although this is the second installment in this series, I did not have any trouble following this book having not read the first. It can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Murder in a Scottish Garden is a wonderful cozy about Paislee, a single mom who lives with her son Brody and her grandfather. I love the family dynamic in this story. Paislee works hard at her sweater shop to take care of her family and is upset when she gets an eviction notice out of the blue from her landlord. She can't track him down in order to discuss it with him, but then an opportunity presents itself. Her son is going on a field trip to her landlord's estate, so Paislee goes along as a chaperone in the hopes that she can find him that way. She doesn't find her landlord, but she does find a dead body. This is a great mystery with wonderful characters and a lovely Scottish setting. I enjoy Paislee's tight knit family and look forward to reading further stories in this series.

Thischarming cozy mystery quickly grabs your attention and takes you to The wilds of Scotland giving you a vacation that we all can't take part of right now. Paislee is much more confident in herself and in trying to take care of those around her, she is more willing to stand up for herself and her shop, and in that means taking chances then she will. It's a bit of a departure from the first book, but a good sophomore one, in that it allows the characters to grow and mature and leaves you waiting to see what will happen next! If you haven't read the series this is a good one to start with!

Another favorite by a great author. The plot of the story was very well written. The author really draws the reader in as you read. I felt like I was an unnamed character in the story. Such a great read.

I mostly enjoyed this book. I had trouble figuring out some of the dialogue due to the scottish pronunciations. I liked most of the characters. I had trouble keeping some of the male characters apart. I enjoyed the interact between the main character and her family. #MurderinaScottishGarden #NetGalley

Scotland, small-business, small-town, amateur-sleuth, murder, murder-investigation, knitting, dog, pet, whodunit, cosy-mystery*****

It's not vital to have read the first in the Scottish Shire series. The story is told in a clear Scottish brogue and filled with characters who most certainly are. Paisley Shaw is a realistic character who balances being a single mom, a small business owner whose landlord is trying to evict her business, taking care of her family (her grandfather and her son) and adorable Scottish terrier. She is chaperoning a school outing to the local estate when a man belonging to the wealthy family is shot. Things get worse from there. Problems with her son's school are the most vexing and complicate her subtle investigation into the shooting. This one is even better than the first!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!