The Burning Pages is the seventh installment in The Scottish Bookshop series by author Paige Shelton. It fits in the cozy category, and although I haven't read in any other books in the series, I found the characters interesting and engaging and the story and setting of interest.

Delaney Nichols has married a Scot and is living in Edinburgh, and works with a convivial cast of characters at The Crooked Spine bookshop. She is an amateur sleuth, and her skills are put to the test when a home housing the Robert Burns society burns down after a Burns night dinner. One of the members is killed in the fire. When suspicion is cast on Delaney's friend and work mate, Hamlet, she is keen to prove he had nothing to do with the murder.

For those who like cozy mysteries, and especially for those who follow this series, this will be a welcome and worthy installment. I felt like I was missing out a bit because I didn't know the characters well, and that is part of the charm of a cozy, seeing the characters live life and develop. I would have rated this 3.5 for myself, but didn't want to punish the book for the fact that I hadn't read the previous ones, which would have added to my enjoyment, so I'm rating it 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Shelton, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a complicated mystery involving the disappearance of a woman and many fires in Edinburg reaching back many years. Delaney and her friends try to figure out the connection and solve the mystery. I enjoy this series.

Delaney Nichols receives an invitation to a Burns Night dinner, a Scottish tradition honoring poet Robert Burns. She takes her coworker Hamlet from the Cracked Spine bookshop. But underneath the surface of the evening, old tensions, a broken friendship and something else are not right. One of the guests ends up dead in a fire, and Hamlet's a suspect. Can Delaney and their friends clear Hamlet and find the true killer? And what else is Hamlet hiding?
From page one, I enjoyed this delightful book! The writing flows easily and includes plenty of action with pauses in the right places that helped me catch my breath. Humor also adds to the fun. The history of Scotland and the insertion of the language, poetry and customs also make this book a unique combination of entertainment and education.
While I am new to the series, I jumped right in and didn't feel like I was missing anything. But now I want to read all the books in this series!

Thanks so much to the author, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted, advanced copy of this book, as well as NetGalley for the gifted e-copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner } My reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog

TW: murder, arson, mention of attempted kidnapping

If there is anything that I love, it's books about book people, and especially if those book people are also in a setting surrounded by books. Like, for instance, a book person who works and spends most of her time in a cute little bookshop in Scotland. You know, as a random example.

This was a fun mystery with a whole lot of storylines that until the end you're not quite sure if they're all connected in some way or not. There's just a lot going on. I liked each storyline, and I do like how they do fit together in the end (spoiler? I guess?), but I will say that once or twice it got difficult to try and keep everything straight. There were characters with little roles in the smaller scale plots that I had to go back and remind myself who they were and how they were related to the story a couple of times.

I will say, I'm sure part of that is because this is book 7 in this series of cozy mysteries, and is the first one that I've read. I'm sure all of the main characters, and maybe some of the more supporting characters as well, were introduced in length in the previous novels, so maybe if I'd read the previous 6 books I would have had a little bit easier time with that. I don't know that the problem would have completely gone away, since I was mostly having the trouble with folks related to the specific mystery. But either way, take that with a grain of salt.

One other small thing to note is that a lot of the dialogue is written out in a way to be read in a Scottish accent. This made it really fun and feel really immersed in the setting, but definitely keep in mind that you may need to use your own deductive reasoning to figure out a couple of words or sayings if you're not familiar with it.

Overall I would recommend this book as a fairly easy cozy mystery. I figured out the ending before I got there, but isn't that part of the charm of a cozy? I tend to think so, anyway. I think that the perfect way to read this book would be curled up in a comfy chair in a little bookshop, or at home surrounded by your bookshelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the newest book I the Scottish Bookshop series. It's a great cozy mystery series that is perfect for book lovers. Delaney once again helps to solve a mystery involving some of her friends and family.

The Burning Pages is the seventh book in Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. While I have read a couple of the books in the series, you don't have to have read any of them to enjoy this book.

I really liked the mystery in this book. Burning pages is a play on words of sorts. Scottish poet Robert Burns is the literary feature in this book. Following a Burns Dinner, the building burns down and a body is found in the ruins.

You would think the mystery would be discovering who killed the young man and set fire to the building. And in a way, it is about it but there is so much more to the mystery. We get to know more about Scotland and, of course, their famous poet.

We also get to know the regular cast of characters a bit more. Hamlet is a person of interest in the murder investigation. Delaney, Rosie, and Edwin know he didn't do it and will do anything to make sure he isn't unjustly accused. In the process of trying to solve the murder, Delaney uncovers secrets about Hamlet's past - a past he was already delving into.

While I've loved many of Shelton's books, this series has always been one that I could take or leave. I like the characters and the mysteries are interesting but it hasn't been a must-read series for me. But this book has really made me like the series more - it is definitely my favorite and now I kind of want to go back and pick up the series from the beginning.

Whether you are following the series or just looking for a fun read, you should get this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday, April 22 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/04/the-burning-pages-by-paige-shelton.html

In her Scottish Bookshop series, Paige Shelton writes another suspense-driven mystery anchored by the Cracked Spine. Please see the complete review at www.reviewingtheevidence.com

I have been enjoying The Scottish Bookshop cozy mysteries by Paige Shelton, mostly because they take place in Scotland and revolve around books! The author pulls off another enjoyable read that is interesting and not to taxing emotionally. I enjoy the audiobook version for the accents!

** I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

This is the 7th book in there series, but it could be read as a stand alone as I wasn't familiar with the others books. I love a good cozy and this one didn't disappoint! I will definitely need to go back and read the others now. I loved the main character and how she took charge right away. I thought it was well paced as well. I didn't guess the ending so that was a nice surprise as well.

I seem to have requested a book that I was not aware was the 7th book in a series I have never read. As such, I have no knowledge of what happened before, or how the characters may have grown during the time span. I would advise others to read the books in order, as this is not really a good stand alone book. Although it takes place in Scotland, I did get a little tired of everything being about Robert Burns, their famous poet. As far as the mystery itself, it was okay, but seemed to be part of a continuing story, as did the ending of the book.

I must admit that when I read book 1 in this series, I never would have foreseen contemplating a 5-star rating for one of them. Delaney and I have not been friends. I’ve found her pushy and obnoxious and completely dismissive of other people’s boundaries. It has been the setting, the bookish voices, and the other characters that have kept me in the series.

In The Burning Pages, Shelton draws on the connections we have with those other characters to create a very heartfelt and engaging installment. Delaney isn’t as obnoxious as in some of the other booms, and there are exceptionally smooth transitions among the different plot lines. If it weren’t for the clunky reveal, this would have been a five-star review.

Thank you to Paige Shelton, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Burning Pages is the seventh book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, but it truly does stand alone if you jump right in (as I did). Delaney is a great MC to follow, she's clever, has great intuition, and is a delight to learn about throughout the story. The setting and community here are just as much a part of the story as the characters. Usually I can guess the ending to a cozy pretty early on, but The Burning Pages has a good amount of twists and additional mysteries to keep you guessing till the end.

4/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review?

Delaney Nichols is invited to attend a Burns Night dinner at a local Robert Burns Society to celebrate the poet’s birthday. Delaney is not sure why she was invited, but she is intrigued. She invited co-worker, Hamlet to attend with her. Edwin, Delaney’s boss, learns of the invite and warns Delaney that one of the members could be trying to get to him through her. During the dinner, it soon becomes apparent that Edwin’s suspicions were correct. One of the members had accused Edwin of burning down his bookshop twenty years ago. After giving the members a piece of her mind, Delaney and Hamlet depart. Later that evening, the building where the dinner was held is ablaze. When the fire is put out, they find a body inside. It turns out to be one of the Robert Burns Society members. Hamlet finds himself at the top of the suspect list. Delaney with help from her bookish voices sets out to find the evildoer. Along the way, she might also find answers to help her solve another mystery she stumbled upon the warehouse while going through the files. Delaney will need to keep her wits about her because it is obvious the wrongdoer likes playing with fire. The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton is the seventh A Scottish Bookshop Mystery. I believe it is best if you start at the beginning of the series rather than at the end. I thought The Burning Pages was well-written with developed characters. We have gotten to know Delaney Nichols and her Scottish family. Delaney’s brother, Wyatt shows up for an unexpected visit to Delaney’s delight. I love the authors descriptions of Edinburgh. She really brings the city alive with her word imagery. I love that she includes statutes, museums, shops, and monuments. We also get historical details which adds color and realism. The whodunit was a fun one to follow and solve. Delaney dons her sleuthing cap once again to help a friend. She gets assistance from her friends, family, and her bookish voices. There is action, intrigue, and drama. I enjoyed the reveal. It was interesting learning more about Roberts Burns, his works, and the societies created in his name. The Burning Pages is a tale that will keep you on your toes. The Burning Pages is a captivating cozy with an intriguing invitation, a burning building, a murdered society member, a compatriot who is a suspect, an unforeseen find, Tam O’Shanter chapeaus, a valuable voice, and pages of poetry.

I enjoyed this next in bookshop mystery series books. I loved learning about the life of poet Robert Burns and how he nod his work has been celebrated since 1800 period.

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the gifted galley that is available for purchase since April 5, 2022

Another great cozy mystery from Paige Shelton. I love reliving my time in Scotland through the pages of the books in the "A Scottish Bookshop Mystery" series.

I had no idea who the killer was in this book. There were so many red herrings and misdirections and they were all very well done. Can't wait to see if more is shared about Hamlet's family in future books.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Robert Burns is known as the national poet of Scotland. Burns Night is celebrated around the world with Burns Suppers on the poet’s birthday. This year Delaney Nichols is invited to a local Burns Night Supper being held at the Burns House and she takes her friend and coworker Hamlet along as her guest. Unsure why this small group offered her the invitation she and Hamlet arrive cautiously at the event with Elias waiting outside in the car in case they wish to make a hasty exit. This is exactly what happens when they learn their invitation was only extended to make an effort to get their boss and another member of the group to reconcile a long-running feud. The member thought Edwin was the person responsible for burning down his bookshop twenty years ago and still believes so today.

Later that night a dead body is found when a fire burns the Burns House to the ground. Hamlet was seen back at the house shortly before the fire and becomes the prime suspect in the blaze and the murder. Delaney soon is on the case to prove his innocence but when some secrets are revealed she sees that is not going to be an easy task and she may need some extra help.

All my favorite characters return and they are joined by Delaney’s fabulous brother Wyatt in the seventh installment of this wonderful series. These core characters all continue to grow but the focus this time is truly on Hamlet when Delaney finds something surprising on the dark side of The Cracked Spine.

Delaney’s discovery is twisted up with the Robert Burns celebration and Edwin’s past connections to the local group. Readers are introduced to the small group including high-profile defense attorney Clarinda Creston and it is clear the woman is hiding something. To clear Hamlet Delaney must investigate the past and more twists and secrets take the story in several directions. I recall the moment the light bulb when off in my head as to who the real guilty party was but I wasn’t able to nail down everything until the very end. This author does an excellent job of misdirection.

Let’s face it, Delaney has a dream job in a dream location. I was so happy she was able to share it with her brother Wyatt and that he was able to help her in her sleuthing even if it meant just staying at the bookshop and keeping Rosie company. I loved the way they found a fast friendship and the way he found a place quickly within the group. I am so happy he agreed to visit again soon.

The Burning Pages was a sensational read. I love the way Paige Shelton tells a story and I really enjoyed the Robert Burns theme. She penned a complex story with multiple mysteries that kept me totally engaged from beginning to end. Her descriptions took me right in the middle of every scene and into Delaney’s exciting life. Again, the author has given me A Perfect Escape. Until next year, I can hardly wait.

Scottish bookstore owner, Delaney, is dragged into a mystery again in The Burning Pages.

Delaney is invited to a prestigious dinner celebrating Scottish poet, Robert Burns. She brings along her coworker, Hamlet. After the dinner, the venue is burned to the ground and Hamlet is the number one suspect.

I love the characters and the Scottish setting. The mystery was relaxing because it was easy to solve. The Burning Pages would make a great beach or warm spring couch read. 4 stars!

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

THE BURNING PAGES, by Paige Shelton, is the seventh book in the charming Scottish Bookshop Mysteries. I’ve so enjoyed this series and delight in each book’s theme. In this newest release the poet Robert Burns is showcased. I loved the peek into the historical aspect of his life and the ways he’s been celebrated since 1848 with Burns Night dinners. While I’m not very familiar with the majority of his works, I was much surprised to find out that Robert Burns is the author of Auld Lang Syne! Lest you think this isn’t a cozy mystery, it is… Ms. Shelton skillfully weaves the famous poet into a modern-day crime along with a colorful cast of characters. The protagonist, Delaney Nichols, and Hamlet, her young coworker at The Cracked Spine Bookshop in Edinburgh, are invited to attend a Burns Night dinner. This sets the stage for long ago grievances to be brought to the foreground and a deadly retribution to occur. When Hamlet becomes a suspect and then disappears, Delaney knows she needs to get to the bottom of the crimes, past and present, and prove her friend’s innocence. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to find pieces of Hamlet’s tragic past. I truly loved getting to know Hamlet better and the author does an admirable job weaving in his heartbreaking backstory into the present-day mystery. The pace of the mystery was spot-on and there were enough suspects to keep me guessing as I turned the pages faster and faster.

Delaney is a delightful character, full of care for those she meets. I’m also quite intrigued with her gift for hearing “bookish voices”, i.e., quotes from various books she comes across, which provide enigmatic clues that don’t always make sense right away. An American transplant to Scotland, Delaney is married to a Scottish pub owner. Rounding out the core cast of charming characters is her mysterious boss, Edwin, bookshop employee Rosie and her adorable dog, Hector, and her former landlords, Elias and Aggie. I thoroughly enjoy the attention to detail and the authenticity of the country, the brogue language, and food (haggis anyone?!) that the author brings to the story through these characters. It’s like taking an armchair vacation while playing armchair detective all at the same time and has me impatiently waiting until the next book becomes available!

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton continues in Shelton's tradition of writing an excellent cozy mystery. This lovely series is set in Scotland and features an American woman, Delaney, who has relocated to Scotland to work in a bookshop and curate the owner's collection of curios. On this morning she enters the bookshop and is greeted by her brother, Wyatt, who is an engineer and is visiting for his work. She is returning from a meeting with a woman called Clarinda Creston, and attorney, and a member of a small organization who has invited Delaney to a Robert Burns dinner, which is something of a tradition in Scotland and is held by many organizations. Delaney wondered how they had selected her, but with her joy at seeing Wyatt, it slipped her mind of a moment. Hamlet, another bookshop employee offers to attend with her, being a Burns aficionado, which puts her mind at ease about this dinner with strangers. At the meal she discovers her reason for attendance and she and Hamlet leave after her friend, Elias, appears in the door, reiterating his concern. Rightly so as it turns out, as the small building burns to the ground that evening with a body inside it.

Delaney has come to Scotland after a lifetime in the rural Midwest. She has fallen in love with it and with Tom, who is now her husband. He owns the pub down the street and they live together in his cottage by the sea. She is very happy except for missing her family. She does seem to get involved in murder cases from time to time, not that she goes looking, but she is drawn into them for various reasons. This time an eyewitness saw Hamlet enter the burned out building with the deceased earlier in the evening and now has disappeared. So, of course, Delaney is worried. These are beautifully written books, very personal about this small group of people who have all led interesting lives and know a myriad of people. Delaney is by nature, curious, and has a tendency to rush in blindly, causing the people who love her, much consternation. Shelton always lays out the clues in a way so the reader is uncovering things as Delaney does, which makes reading her books very exciting. This is an excellent series, and Shelton, a marvelous author.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Burning Pages by Minotaur, through Net galley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #minotaur #theburningpages #paigeshelton

"The Burning Pages" is the 7th installment in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, and I really enjoyed it. This is the second book I have read in the series, and I find the writing easy to follow and reasonably paced. All of the main characters are likable, and there is a warmth to them, even though the two books I read have been set in winter.
This story shows Delaney knee-deep in another mystery, this one involving Hamlet, her young coworker at the Cracked Spine Bookshop. I don't want to give much away other than to say that this has everything that appeals to me, such as Scotland, books, literature, and a family mystery. The only issue I had was with the introduction of a character whose story is left hanging, but I have a feeling he will play a part in the next book. Still, this was a quick and fun read.
Thanks to Martin's Press/Minotaur Books & Netgalley for ARC.