While I thought the plot of this novel was very interesting, the writing was very cheesy and not for me. I did end up reading the whole thing because I was interested in the plot, but the writing wasn't my favorite.

Debbie Young continues her delightful Sophie Sayers mystery series with Murder in the Highlands, an enjoyable and intriguing read that cannot fail to please.

There is great excitement in the air as Sophie and Hector are off to the Highlands. For Sophie, it’s a chance to go back home and see her parents while for Hector, this trip is fraught with anxiety as he’s about to meet Sophie’s parents for the first time. Hector is already a nervous wreck and the last thing he wants or needs is to have the village grapevine going into overdrive as tongues are wagging that the beautiful couple might stop at Gretna Green and tie the knot! However, it looks like Sophie and Hector have more than village gossip to worry about when a sinister encounter leaves them shaken to the core…

As a series of unfortunate incidents take place that leave Hector worried, Sophie begins to wonder whether someone has it in for Hector. But just who could have a grudge against him? Who could possibly dislike Hector so much as to want to cause him harm? Who is behind this vendetta and why? Sophie is determined to find out – even if it means putting herself in the line of fire.

Can Sophie discover who wants to cause trouble for Hector? Or will somebody succeed in tearing the two of them apart forever?

Murder in the Highlands is a charming, witty and addictive cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Debbie Young writes wonderful page-turners full of humour, whimsy and intrigue that are peopled with larger than life and eccentric characters that keep readers hooked until the very last word. In Murder in the Highlands, the intrepid Sophie Sayers finds herself working on a case that hits very close to home and which will test her like never before.

Fun, clever and captivating, cozy mystery fans will love Debbie Young’s latest, Murder in the Highlands.

A quick, cute and easy read, I love a cosy mystery and this one had the perfect setting. I loved it, I can't wait to read more by the author

A cozy mystery set in Scotland? Yes, please! I’m intrigued by all things Scotland, so of course I had to snag this book. While I found out this is the eighth book in the series, I was able to follow along just fine without having read the first seven (though I will now!).

Protagonist Sophie and her beau Hector are on vacation in Scotland to visit her parents. What should be a romantic getaway takes a dark turn when a murder crosses their paths. And when Hector begins to have increasingly serious accidents, the lovestruck couple will need to come back down to reality to figure out what’s going on.

A perfect little cozy mystery and fun read for lovers of the genre! I greatly look forward to starting with the first book in this series!

Sophie and Hector head to Scotland to visit her parents. They pass Gretna Green and thoughts of marriage are swiftly replaced by the reality of murder when a chance encounter is followed by a death. A series of incidents follow and the couple start to fear they are in danger...
Murder in the Highlands is the 8th book to feature Sophie Sayers but it is the first book I have read by this author. It works perfectly as a stand alone but now I am keen to catch up on the earlier books as this one was so good!
Sophie and Hector work together in his bookshop and he buys a book as a gift for her mother. This has disasterous consequences! On their way to see her parents in Scotland, they encounter another bookseller, but while they visit the services, their new acquaintance is murdered in the car park. There is little detail about the murder so this book falls firmly into the cosy murder mystery genre.
Next, Hector seems to become exceedingly accident prone as a series of events result in injury. I loved the build up of incidents. It is quite clear from the outset that the mum's book is special is some way and someone is trying to wrestle it away from Hector. The loved up couple are blissfully unaware and almost in denial about the dangerous incidents that threaten their trip. I wanted to shout at the pair to realise what was happening and go to the police!
I found the explanation behind the attacks a little convoluted and far fetched, but until then the book was excellent and I can't wait to catch up with Sophie and Hector's earlier adventures as well as looking forward to future events.
Murder in the Highlands is a very enjoyable cosy murder mystery.

My Review: I enjoyed reading Murder in the Highlands, it was an easy and fun read. I really enjoyed the authors way of bringing the story and scenery to life. We follow Sophie and Hector, a couple that live and work together. They are heading for a week in the highlands to visit Sophie's parents, with a gaelic languaged book in tow. There's a lot of speculation from their friends and locals about the nature of their trip, fully believing they will head to Gretna Green to get hitched. Once in Gretna things take a turn and the intrigue begins. If cosy crime is your thing and you're looking for an enjoyable easy flowing read, this is a good book to read. Sorry for the delay in writing this review.

Going to meet the parents can be stressful, its true,
But when accidents keep happening, what should you do?

A trip home for Sophie, with Hector this time
Stopping at Gretna Green en route shouldn't be a crime!
However, they're ready for a break away
So will put up with the gossip for many a day.

En route there are incidents that don't make sense
And leave both Sophie and Hector feeling tense!
When someone they spoke to ends up dead
They start to wonder what's happening and feeling dread.

There's more to come as the story begins to unfold -
Accidents, incidents and mysteries untold.
Poor Hector appears to be the target - but why?
Let's hope they can solve it before someone else has to die!

With beautiful scenery and lots to do
This is a fun read all the way through.
Explore Loch Ness and other places, too,
With books, family drama and surprises for you.

I just wish there was an epilogue with answers to see
What happens next in the uncovered mystery!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This is an enjoyable, slightly quirky, cozy read. The cover is really colourful and attractive, and pretty well reflects the mood of the story.

Sophie and Horace venture outside of their Cotswolds bookshop to visit Sophie’s parents in the highlands of Scotland.

However during their trip, Horace is the victim of a few potentially serious incidents and the Sophie starts to suspect that Horace is being targeted for some reason.

This book is part of a series but it doesn’t matter if you’ve not read any of the previous stories, it stands well on its own.

Thanks must go to Boldwood Books and Netgalley who have provided an arc of this story in exchange for my review.

The latest book by this talented author sees Sophie and hector head off up to the highlands so that Hector can meet Sophie's parents. Of course being the cosy mystery a murder is bound to happen but who is after Hector?
I love these stories, filed with engaging characters and beautiful descriptions of the Scottish countryside. This was a beautiful read.

I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Debbie Young, NetGalley, and Rachel's Random Resources. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.

Murder in the Highlands is the 8th book in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series. In this installment, Sophie brings Hector home to meet her parents. This trip is a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. Sophie and Hector are barely across the border when a sinister encounter leaves them shaken. Followed by a series of mishaps that leave Hector a little less for the ware. Sophie begins to wonder if someone is after Hector. Why is Hector so sure that the incidents are accidents? Sophie is determined to find out.

I’ve done it again, only this time, I’ve jumped in near the end of a series. It’s ok, this book easily reads as a standalone story. I enjoyed this book so much, I’ll be circling back to read the rest of the series! This book is easy to read, and you won’t want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Sophie and Hector. They are delightful as a couple and I loved the antics they found themselves getting into. The descriptions are well written, and I loved learned about the culture and countryside. I’ve not spent too much time abroad but reading this book makes me want to travel more. This sounds like a place I’d love to visit.

This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last! I recommend this book and I look forward to accompanying this duo on their next adventure!

MURDER IN THE HIGHLANDS - DEBBIE YOUNG.

MY REVIEW:
This is book eight in the Sophie Sayers Cosy Mystery series. I hadn’t read any of the previous books, but it was ok because Murder In The Highlands read perfectly as a standalone story.
That said, I will definitely be adding the rest of this series to my reading list, because it was flippin brilliant!

I can’t proceed without commenting on the cover of this book. It’s very pretty and eye catching. It definitely has shelf appeal.

Murder In The Highlands is the sort of read that I think is a snuggle in and lose yourself sort of book. Clear your diary, order a take away for tea, grab a fluffy blanket, put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign and settle in for a cosy read. Be ready with your best Scooby Doo skills, because there is a mystery to be solved.

This book is a joy. I loved the characters. Sophie and Hector are just fabulous together.
The story is well written and cleverly thought out. While the setting is stunning and a real breath of fresh air.

An absolutely cracking read with an intriguing mystery at it’s heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital arc of this title.

When Hector Munro (aka romantic novelist Hermione Minty), the owner of bookshop Hector’s House in Wendlebury Barrow, and his employee and girlfriend Sophie Sayers make a trip to Inverness to visit Sophie’s parents, little would they foresee the litany of “accidents” that would befall Hector. They don’t even make it past the services at Gretna Green before a fellow bookseller and Land Rover owner that they have just met is murdered. As Sophie shows Hector the sights of the Highlands, he has two near misses and watches another one happen. Is someone after Hector and could it be anything to do with a seemingly worthless book he has acquired?
This is a charming cosy mystery in a series involving some very likeable characters including their fellow villagers and Sophie’s parents. Recommended for an easy and engrossing read with a lovely ending.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 


HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY DEBBIE. 


Review for Murder In The Highlands' by Debbie Young. 


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Debbie Young, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources Tours. 


Publication date 15th March 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the eighth book in the 'Sophie Sayers Cosy Mystery' series. 


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Boldwood Books. I have yet to read a book published by Boldwood Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).


This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



This book is based in the Scottish Highlands, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, UK🇬🇧 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually holidayed in Scotland previously so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any areas Debbie has based her book on.


This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Sophie Sayers. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. 


This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you feeling the fresh Scottish air in your hair and listening to the water running down the water slides. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly. 


Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Well done Debbie on an absolutely addictive cosy mystery!! This may be the first book I have read by you but it most definitely won't be the last!! 


I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, hills, romance, adventure, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. I absolutely loved the fact that the main protagonists work in a tea/book shop and that the mystery is surrounded by books!! Here's being an absolutely huge book lover this is always a huge bonus for me. This was the perfect start(for me) to what is promising to be an addictive series and I cannot wait to get stuck in to previous and future books in this series!!! I was not expecting the fantastic surprise and reveal so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it! This is one of those fantastic finds that you can read absolutely anywhere from the beach to in front of a fireplace. It doesn't matter where you read it because of Debbie's evocative writing skills you are guaranteed to be swept away to the highlands in no time!!! I loved that although this book is predominantly a murder mystery it also made me laugh so many times. Its perfect when you find a book like that that even when the storyline has death in it it still makes you laugh and lightens the mood!!! 


Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!! 


Although this is the eighth book in the series I had would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.


It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.


I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Sophie, Hector and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Debbie portrayed village life, the Highlands and characters perfectly. The fact that she did her research absolutely shined through her words so congratulations Debbie!! There is little worse than an author doing little or no research in the topic or area they write about and littering their book with unnecessary mistakes which can spoil the storyline. I really clicked with both Sophie and Hector immediately who were both a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes and see if they ever end up back at Gretna Green!! They made a perfect team and I loved watching their relationship developing. I am looking forward to meeting them both again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how their friendship and relationships with each and the other characters develop especially with Sophie's parents, Kate, Ted and Carol who all left an impression on me!! I'm looking forward to seeing what all these fantastic and memorable characters  get up to in the not so distant future!!! 


Congratulations Debbie on an absolutely addictive book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂 Welcome to my favourite cosy mystery author list!!


Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!! 



Genres covered in this book include British Detective Stories, Women Sleuths, Literary Fiction, Small Town & and Rural Fiction, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Fiction Mashups, Holiday Fiction, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others. 



I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!! 

 


240 pages.


This book is just £2.84 to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 


Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 


Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews 



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This is the first book I have read in this series but it won't be the last. Yes, it may be a bit too light and frivolous for hardened thriller readers but I thoroughly enjoyed it and the setting of the Scottish Highlands was delightful.

Murder in the Highlands by Debbie Young

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Sophie and Hector are heading to the Highlands.

For Sophie it’s a trip home and for Hector it’s time to meet Sophie’s parents... Though their trip has village tongues wagging about a stop at Scotland’s notorious elopement spot, Gretna Green.

No matter what, it’ll make a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. But Sophie and Hector are barely across the border on the way to Inverness before a sinister encounter leaves them shaken.

Then comes a series of mishaps that leave poor Hector a little worse for wear. Is someone after Hector? Why is he certain the attacks are just accidents? Sophie is determined to find out.

My Opinion

I am reading this series out of order but this in no way spoils my enjoyment as these books can all be read as a standalone. The residents of Wendlebury Barrow are convinced that Sophie and Hector are eloping to Gretna Green when they become aware of the couples planned trip to Scotland.

As with the previous books in the series, there is very quickly a murder - but is this a case of mistaken identity? This was such an enjoyable read I finished the book in one sitting. Before starting this book make sure you are sitting comfortably, you may be there for a while. Debbie Young writes some great short mysteries and is fast becoming one of my go-to authors. Another highly recommended read.

Rating: 4/5

This is book 8 in the series, but it is the first in it, I have read. Sophie and Hector are charming and Sophie's parents are even more so. The Scottish setting will have you yearning for the highlands and a little Spring trip! Add in a suspicious death, a shadowy tail, and weird occurrences, make for a cozy mystery that is a quick read. You'll end up wanting to go read all the previous books in the series too!

I enjoyed this book following Sophie and Hector on their visit to her parents in the Highlands. After being on the scene of a sinister attack at Gretna there follows some very strange events where Hector appears to be being targeted. Although there were clues along the way the outcome was not obvious. I liked how the story flowed and how Sophie and Hector’s relationship developed. I thought that it was a lighthearted mystery with just the amount of crime, fun and romance. This is the latest in the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery series and although I’d not read the any of the others found that this could easily be read as a standalone. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read 5his in exchange for an honest review.

An enjoyable easy read.
Sophie and Hector are visiting Sophie’s parents but on the journey a few peculiarities arise and they continue throughout their stay .
This is a delightful cosy mystery and it does turn a little sinister , can Hector and Sophie come through it unscathed?
I enjoyed the location and the dynamics of Hector’s and Sophie’s relationship.
A sweet and entertaining read.
Looking forward to the duos next adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

A lovely ode to the Scottish highlands. Oh there's a visit to Loch Ness too and its like a love song to the area. You can tell the author loves this place and now I want to go! despite the murder aspect this is quite a jolly read and wel, it is cosy crime after all so character development is good. A real escapist read

A nice fun frivolous mystery that despite a murder felt more light and easy going than serious. I haven't read the other books but didn't feel this affected my reading of the mystery but does affect my understanding of the romance element that seemed like they needed to talk more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.