I find I cannot resist books set in Scotland, especially if they are mysteries. Happily, Death at a Scottish Wedding was a satisfying read full of interesting characters, and a castle with interesting places for intrigue. I was thoroughly entertained. I have not read the first book in this series, with this being the second, but was not lost beyond thinking, “oh, I need to go back and read that to get the backstory” of the main character’s move to the Scottish Isles and how she made such solid friendships so fast.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this intriguing mystery.

I grew up reading Agatha Christie novels, and I forgot just how much I love a good mystery. I'm so thankful to Lucy Connelly for reminding me with this wonderful story of Death at a Scottish Wedding. It feels strange referring to such a thing as 'wonderful,' and the plot of the novel is fully represented in the title.

This is the first book I've read by Lucy, and it's the second in the Scottish Isle Mystery series, and I'm already eager to go back and read the first book to fully meet this cast of characters. Emilia McRoy is a doctor from Seattle who recently moved to Sea Isle, Scotland to become both doctor and coroner for the town. In this story, she's been invited to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of her new friends in town. It was a cozy mystery with a slew of suspects (it was at a wedding, after all). And they get snowed in at a Scottish castle leading up to the wedding which makes it even more fun.

In addition to the murder mystery, Emilia has a bit of a hot and cold relationship with the constable, Ewan, which, as a romance reader, has me wondering about/hoping for a potential spark in the future. This was a fun read, and I can't wait to read more installments and get to know these characters even more!

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

Readers are invited to charming Sea Isle for a head-scratching whodunnit set against the backdrop of a glorious Scottish wedding at Morrigan’s Castle. Dr. Emilia McRoy, along with a group of friends we’d all be lucky to have, puts her life on the line to discover who killed an unwanted wedding crasher.

In her second mystery outing, Emilia—or Em—finds herself surrounded by gothic glamor as she heads to Morrigan’s Castle, owned by the town constable, Ewan Campbell. With her friend Angie’s wedding suddenly besieged by a terrible snowstorm, readers are presented with a delightfully cunning locked-room (or castle, in this instance) mystery. When Angie’s old boyfriend is found dead from antifreeze poisoning, it’s only the first of several hair-raising moments in this page-turning cozy.

As someone meeting Emilia and her friends for the first time, I was absolutely enchanted by the community of Sea Isle. As the town’s coroner, Emilia expertly inserts herself into the investigation, and her medical background helps crack many puzzling clues. I love a good wedding cozy, and this hits all the right notes by sharing fascinating insight into Scottish traditions. But what stood out for me most is the relationships Connelly develops throughout this book. The friendships in this mystery are so, so strong, and I fell in love with many of the characters. I didn’t feel lost, not having read book one, but I was so delighted by Ewan, Mara, Angie, Abagail, Jasper, and Tommy that I definitely need more Sea Isle in my life.

Lucy Connelly has earned a new fan. Death at a Scottish Wedding has everything I love in a cozy mystery: a gorgeous setting, a clever whodunnit, and a cast of characters you can’t help but fall head over heels for!

4.5 Stars

Pro:
* Prose and pacing kept me completely engaged
* Emelia’s position in the town makes her such a logical person to have access to all of the clues/derails. Almost borders on police procedural in spots.
* Classic locked room mystery
* I love Scotland
* Good exploration of a set of suspects without being obvious or eye-rolling ridiculous
* The character of Tommy and the genuine relationships, that the other characters have with him are exceptional

Con:
* “Why can’t he and I get along” gets a bit repetitive
* “Niggling at my brain” is an unnecessary tell
* Too much explanation/repetition of “Tommy doesn’t do well with direct questions”
* Reveal is just a smidge more complicated with secret information than necessary.

Thank you to Lucy Connelly, Crooked Lane books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely love the cover of this book. It immediately caught my attention and set the tone for the cozy mystery that lay inside. Now, onto my review.

In "Death at a Scottish Wedding," the second book in the Scottish Isle mystery series, author Lucy Connelly takes us on another thrilling adventure with Dr. Emilia McRoy. Set in the enchanting backdrop of Sea Isle, Scotland, this book is perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Charlene O'Connor.

Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American doctor who is finally feeling at home in Sea Isle, is invited to a wedding at Morrigan's Castle. Little does she know that this three-day celebration is about to take a dark turn. As a snowstorm hits and the castle becomes isolated, Emilia stumbles upon a dead body in one of the turrets. With no one claiming to know the victim, Emilia takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again.

What I loved most about this book was the well-written and well-paced plot. The mystery was skillfully plotted, keeping me guessing until the very end. Connelly expertly weaves together elements of suspense, romance, and humor, creating an engaging read that held my attention throughout.

The setting of a snowed-in castle in Scotland added an extra layer of charm to the story. Connelly's vivid descriptions brought the castle and its surroundings to life, making me feel like I was right there alongside Emilia, exploring the hidden secrets within its walls.

The characters in this book were another highlight for me. Emilia, as the protagonist, was relatable and likable. Her determination to uncover the truth, even with her own life at risk, made her a compelling character to follow. The supporting cast, including Constable Ewan Campbell, added depth and complexity to the story. Their interactions and relationships felt genuine, further immersing me in the narrative.

One aspect that impressed me about "Death at a Scottish Wedding" was its ability to stand alone as a book in a series. While it is the second installment in the Scottish Isle mystery series, I had no trouble following the story or connecting with the characters. Connelly provides enough background information without overwhelming readers who may be new to the series.

In conclusion, "Death at a Scottish Wedding" is a delightful cozy mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. With its well-crafted plot, charming setting, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an entertaining and engrossing mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Dr. Emilia McRoy and eagerly look forward to reading the next book in this series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

While I loved seeing the characters of Emilia and Ewan Dr/Coroner and Constable I love their banter especially when they are trying to solve a mystery . However I wasn't a big fan of the mystery for two reasons I don't like locked room mysteries and I was able to figure out who did it. Before Emilia and Ewan did. That's the trouble with locked room mysteries the suspect pool is limited. But it was still and enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Death at a Scottish Wedding was a fun cozy set in my favorite place: Scotland. Add to that a snowbound castle, good friends, a wedding, and a murder and it sounds perfect. I read the first book in the series before starting this one and I am glad I did as it explained why and how Emilia moved to Sea Isle from Seattle and how she became friends with everyone. I recommend reading #1 before this one.

I liked the setting and characters. I liked that I did not guess the killer beforehand. I did not like the repetitive mentions of how wonderful said friends are and the middle of the story was very slow I thought as everyone meets to think about what’s happened and why but very little action. And in the audiobook version the narrator changes the accent of Abigail from Scottish to British midway thru the book, very very strange and annoying!

That being said I loved the first book and liked this one enough to continue with the series.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review. I also got the audiobook from my library via Hoopla. If you love Scottish accents I recommend the audio version.

Death at a Scottish Wedding is the second book in the Scottish Isle mystery series. It is a version of the locked room mystery in that wedding guests held up in a Scottish castle for a wedding are considered suspects in a murder. I read the first book in this series so I looked forward to seeing how the main character, American doctor Emilia, would further develop. Overall, I found this book to be a great read. Since the guests of the wedding were snowed in, it provided a long list of suspects to choose from. Emilia’s relationships with Ewan (constable and owner of the castle) and her group of friends played a major role in the plot and demonstrated just how much she views those in her new home as family. Like in the first book, the setting serves as its own character and adds to the mystery at hand.

This is a book I would recommend to those who are in the mood to read a cozy mystery with a great cast of characters, a laundry list of suspects, and a setting that’s to die for (literally).

The second book following Dr. Emilia, set during a wedding at a castle. The guests get snowed in and then the mystery starts! A very good cozy mystery series.

Second in series.
DR Emilia and friends are invited to a wedding at the castle when there is a blizzard and a mystery dead guest.
Drama, twists ,murder ,new romance and mystery.
Really enjoyed the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

In this 2nd installment in the cosy mystery series, Dr Emilia, an American doctor in Scotland and her new friends get involved in another murder mystery. This time at a friend’s wedding in a castle, when the guests get snowed in, and then the violence starts happening.

This is a fun cozy mystery of the locked room variety. The the snowy Scottish countryside is fun setting for winter reading. There is even a old and huge castle to get lost in. Emilia make for a good amateur sleuth. Even though she has been in Scotland for a short time, she has developed many friends who help her solve the murder. There are plenty of suspects and it is not until Emilia's life is in danger that the villain is identified. While this is the second in a series, I felt it read well on its own. A fun winter cozy mystery read.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The second book in the Scottish Isles Mystery Series, but you don’t need to read the first book to know what’s happening. You fall in with the characters and their banter rather quickly.

This is a pretty good cozy mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something else was thrown into the mix and I had to regroup and rethink.

I wasn’t completely surprised by the ending, but the twist at the end was a nice change from the norm. Overall, this is a great book to pass the time with a snack and a warm drink.

I was so happy to see that there was going to be a second book in this series and thankfully [I have had such a bad run lately], this hit all the right notes for me and proved that excellent cozies CAN still be written. ;-)

Emilia has settled in and is doing well in Scotland. She has made excellent new friends and feels like everything is finally settling down. Her friend Angie is getting married and they all head out to one of the Laird's "lesser" castles for the festivities and of course mayhem ensues with a snowstorm [and avalanche], a former flame, angry parents, multiple step-parents, a paranoid baker and of course, murder. And attempted murder. And more murder. Nothing says "HAPPY WEDDING" like murder, mayhem and avalanches!!! LOL

I knew a lot of what was going on simply from a life experiences, and then figured out who the bad baddie was [BUT, not the why, which was C R A Z Y], but it never took away from the whole reading experience. I kept getting thrown off course by the excellent red herrings, but then something would happen and I'd remind myself that I already knew what was what [ ;-) ] and this time, I was correct. The reveal was very good and not rushed [which is always lovely] and the end just left me wishing I was just starting a "new to me series" that already has a ton of books so I could dive into the next one.

I am so glad this got me out of my serious cozy-slump; this has become a top-favorite series and I cannot wait for the next one!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lucy Connelly, and Crooked Lane Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Scottish Isle mystery series. I read the first one and loved it, so I was eager to read the next book in the series. This story did not disappoint! I think this could be read as a standalone novel, as much of the story centers around Damian and Angie’s wedding and enough back story is provided for a reader to jump right in. The characters, for me, are all people that I wish I knew in real life. The mystery was well crafted and the amount of suspense was just right.

I love the good Dr. EmiliaMcRoy and her close knit group of friends. There is just enough detail in the description of her medical practice to be interesting but not boring. I also enjoy her conflicted relationship with the laird of the land Ewan, which seems to be evolving into something more.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good mystery set in beautiful Scotland.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. The opinions here are solely mine and given freely. This is the second book in the series and a new series and author for me. Emilia (Em) is an American doctor residing in Sea Isle, Scotland. She has made amazing friends and is excited to be celebrating the nuptials of her dear friend, Angie. Angie's wedding is in an isolated castle owned by Ewan, the local constable and another friend. Oh, Em is also the de facto coroner.. All is going well until a blizzard traps them in the castle and an uninvited guest is found dead. Can Em and her friends identify the victim and the murderer before anyone else is harmed?

I enjoyed this one. The setting is neat, the bonds of friendship between the characters is heartwarming. The mystery was intriguing. I liked the first person style and the spirit of the main character. It was a fun story, and I will likely check out more inseries. ries.

This is the second book in the Scottish Isle Mystery series, but the first one I have read.

I was able to pick up the background and the relationships of the main characters quickly. It read like a standalone so if you havent read the first in the series not to worry - i will be picking up the first having enjoyed this one thoroughly

Would recommend

4 stars

I was delighted to return to Sea Isle with Dr. Em and her friends. The characters are as likeable and compelling as they were in the first book, and the friendships established previously not only remain solid but have deepened. It is always a pleasure to engage with intelligent characters who enjoy each other's company through the joyous occasion of a wedding and have each other's backs during the precarious events of a murder investigation. Not to paint too "sugary" a picture, Ewan is still his cantankerous self, though his soft side may be showing a bit more.
The mystery is well plotted with lots of twists and turns, and although I find the trope of being snowed in with no outside contact and a murderer on the loose a bit overdone, the setting at Morrigan's Castle is quite intriguing. It is a salute to Ms. Connelly's writing that I found myself feeling cold through most of the book, even when snuggled under my warmest blanket. Brrrr. The power of suggestion. I look forward to my next visit with Dr. Em, Ewan, and the others from Sea Isle.

Death at a Scottish Wedding is book #2 in the Scottish Isle Mystery series by Lucy Connelly.

A few days at a castle for a friend’s wedding. It should have been a nice mini-vacation, but finding a dead body was the first of many dangerous events. I was so pulled in that I was reading this every free moment I had because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, but I also didn’t want it to end. I want the main characters to be someone I would spend time with and Emilia, Evan, Mara, Angie, Abigail, Jasper, and Tommy fit that requirement. The setting with everyone snowed in with a killer on the loose added tension. It was challenging case because there was so much going on. There were plenty of twists and as many turns as there were in the castle hallways! This is a series I will be following.

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This novel, narrated by the protagonist in first person, past tense, starts about three months after the events in An American in Scotland, as Dr Emilia McCoy, lately of Seattle, has started to settle into her new life as general doctor in a small town in the Highlands of Scotland.

One of her new and closest friends is finally getting married–after much dithering cause by high family drama–in a real Scottish castle, so off Emilia and most of her found family go, braving the weather and the snobs, to be there for their friend.

And then a body turns up.

Beware: bad treatment of substance addiction; mention of intimate partner violence; emotionally abusive parent.

Essentially, we have a close door mystery, only there are a good forty plus people behind the closed door, all with motives to kill either the dead man, or the bride; with the cell tower down and a storm-caused avalanche further isolating them, Emilia, Evan, and the rest are basically on their own until the weather breaks.

The setting of the story is more sketched in than realized; essentially, “old place, many rooms, isolated”, so what could have been a fantastic Gothic atmosphere becomes a bit wallpaper-y. The successive introductions of the cast of characters are a bit tiresome if you remember much about the previous book; of course, with eight months between releases and half a dozen people to keep track of in the first chapter alone, some returning readers probably need the reminders.

As a returning reader myself, I was put off by the rather crude effort to retcon the ending of the first book as pertains to Emilia’s and Ethan’s obvious attraction; perhaps to align more with the usual run of cozy mysteries series, where a romantic relationship is stretched over a half a dozen titles or more.

The real problem with this is that here we have Emilia constantly telling us that they can’t stand each other, how uncomfortable they are in each other’s presence, and so on. At the same time, through Emilia’s narration, we see that Ethan is sweet on her, so obviously that everyone around her notices and hints and jokes about it.

The idea may be to show that Emilia has unresolved issues stemming from her marriage and so on, but what it does is make our good doctor seem a good deal less observant and socially adept than she was in the first novel, which in turn doesn’t inspire confidence in her crime-solving abilities.

But the biggest problem I had with this ARC is that the copy editing got consistently worse as I read on, and I can only hope this was fixed for the released book, because by the time I was halfway through, it had become a slog.

There’s some truly awkward phrasing (you don’t really ask, “How are our friends?” when referring to two out of a good half dozen, do you? Or “my sorry for (person) grew” when you perhaps mean compassion or pity?; “neural divergent” for neurodivergent; “mentally the mind”, and more); there are missing words all over the place; there is excessive repetition, often on the same page (“Abigail stocked the fridge”, then three paragraphs down, “Abigail kept the fridge full”–Chapter 5). In a couple of places, character names have been switched, and the continuity of events is murky, even though it’s all told from Emilia’s point of view.

(Don’t get me started on an USian author not getting a Scot to check their use of some expressions–“I may be a posh”, really?)

There are a few problems regarding the treatment of addiction, but on balance, there is a good mystery with a properly scary, desperate killer snowed in a castle with some forty-plus people for a number of days; truly heroic ER-style doctoring happening under very trying circumstances; solid deductive reasoning, with several credible suspects, plausible motivations and all manner of complicated relationships; and actual badassery, all buried under the editing issues.

The ARC for Death at a Scottish Wedding gets a 6.75 out of 10 (solely because of the terrible editing; if those issues are not present in the final product, it’s likely an 8.50 to 9.00 book)