Paige Shelton's The Poison Pen is a delightful blend of mystery, intrigue, and Southern charm. Set in the picturesque town of Pigeon Creek, Georgia, the novel follows the intrepid sleuth, homicide detective, and amateur baker, Maddie Hathaway.

When a series of anonymous letters threaten to expose dark secrets and cause chaos within the community, Maddie finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With her sharp wit and keen eye for detail, she delves into the heart of the mystery, uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal.

Shelton's writing style is engaging and captivating, effortlessly blending elements of cozy mystery with a touch of suspense. The well-developed characters, including the quirky residents of Pigeon Creek, add depth and warmth to the story. The author's vivid descriptions of the Southern setting create a strong sense of place.

The ninth installment in the cozy mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Delaney Nichols, set in a specialty bookshop in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I read 72 pages of this book and I’ve decided to DNF it. I’m not feeling like I want to continue reading this book.

As Delaney Nichols grows into her life in Scotland, she has become more known as an amateur sleuth than an employee of the Cracked Spine bookstore in Edinburgh. She has come a long way from the impulsive out of work Nebraskan in book 1. Now married and feeling loved by her Scottish family of the heart, she is more willing to be cautious when investigating a crime. She still has great curiosity, and loyalty. When her boss asks her to assist an old friend living in a nearby town, she immediately agrees.

This is the first of Delaney's adventures that was written after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Delaney mourns the loss of the Queen, as do most of her friends. Thus, the British Royalty carry a great deal of the story. It appears that Jolie, Edwin's friend is convinced she is the actual heir to the throne. She claims her mother had an affair with Edward VIII and she is the result. She also claims she has documents to prove this. When Delaney arrives at Jolie's home, she finds a manor in great disrepair, a home filled to the brim with hoards of dusty relics. Much worse, Jolie is a Lady under siege as she is being threatened with a competency hearing.

Delaney is on the scene when the victim is found. Unfortunately, he is one of the team planning to manipulate Jolie. Delaney, the impartial bystander, feels a need to assist Jolie. Twists and turns abound, however Shelton does play fair with the mystery. A very fun cozy, to read on a night when the wind blows cold, and a fire is warm.

Cute cozy mystery. Because it's a series, it was bit tough figuring out all of the characters in the beginning. Definitely would be helpful to have read the rest of the series first. While I love the Scottish accent, it was a bit difficult to read it at first. I enjoyed how contemporary events, such as the Queen's death, were woven into the story.

What a wonderful cast of characters I met on this journey.

I had not read any of the previous books in this series but I could easily follow. So I don’t think it was necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one.

I love anything book related.

This is a great cosy mystery and I think this whole,e series would be a great read.

Thank you to net galley for the Arc.

So sorry this is late!
This is the 9th book in the Scottish Bookshop series. I haven’t read any of the other books yet, but felt this one did well as a standalone.

There were several little mysteries to solve in this book, along with a murder. I really liked the character Jolie - there could be an entire book just about her past.

Books set in Scotland make me want to pack my bags & move there asap

This novel is part of a series but can be read as a standalone novel. If you are intrigued by a crusader’s sword and a tumble down mansion, this mystery might be just the ticket for you.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I couldn't even get through the first one of this series much less 9. So I couldn't read this book. I also think I might not be a cozy mystery girl.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

The Poison Pen is the 9th book in the Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton. Released 9th April 2024 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out late 4th quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

All of the Scottish Bookshop mysteries are self contained and as such work well enough as standalones. The characters' interrelationships have developed over the course of the books, so there will be some missing backstory, but the author is adept at giving the necessary information, so readers who choose to pick up this one first won't likely experience any problems with keeping the story straight.

For lovers of very light bookstore cozies, it will likely be a good fit. This outing sees Delaney and crew investigating crusaders, ancient history, artifacts, and the true lineage to the English throne.

All in all, it's a diverting, very light, readable cozy mystery with a whimsical ensemble cast. Some of the plot setups and developments are a bit over the top, but that's a big part of why bookshop cozies are wildly popular. A strong suspension of disbelief is required. The language and content are chaste and perfectly safe for commute or work reading.

Four stars. The author is a talented and capable storyteller, and everyone loves bookstore cozies.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I love a good cozy mystery! One that incorporates all of my favorite topics (i.e. genealogy, bookstores, libraries, cooking, painting, inn keeping, animals, etc.), throwing in some action-suspense, a who-done-it, interesting characters, and a plot that keeps me guessing, then you’ve got me hooked. I will say, I am one of those people who like to read a series from the beginning, but I often find you don’t have to… either way I highly recommend reading The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.*

Book 9 brings us the voice of the Queen, old rumors of royal shenanigans, and a historical artifact. Delaney is sent to evaluate a possible find on behalf of her employer/friend/mentor Edwin. What she finds is whole lot of stuff, and more stuff, and did I mention there is stuff all around the manor of Edwin's friend, Jolie. There is also a very old very large broadsword in need of some TLC and authentication, which is the true purpose for Delaney's visit to the manor and not the dead body that shows up shortly after. This might be the 9th book in the series but it does the stand up job of standing by itself. There are bits and pieces of Delaney's past 8 exploits. If this is your first chance to read a Scottish Bookshop Mystery, then not to worry because it is a stand-alone mystery. The overall story arc has shown how Delaney Nichols has left Iowa where she grew up on a farm and took what sounded to be an amazing opportunity working in a bookshop and archiving priceless antiques. Ah but there has been so much more since she took the job. She has found friends who are like family and a husband who looks good in a kilt (LOL). Delaney has also found murder and intrigue. One of my favorite parts of Delaney’s character are the bookish voices that talk to her when she needs encouragement or is trying to figure out how clues fit together. They often take on the voice of the author of whatever book is centrally featured in the story. As this story involves a priceless relic, a rather large sword to be exact, and it coincides with the passing of the Queen, so the voice is that of Queen Elizabeth. Who wouldn’t want a little royal advice? There are plenty of suspects and plenty of misdirection not to mention the super cool Scottish accents that I can hear in my head while reading the story. This was another great cozy from a great author.

I had been waiting to read the books in order, however, it was taking too long to find them at our local library. I skipped ahead, read the previous before this, and now the Poison Pen. The story can be a stand alone, however, I find it better knowing the back story. Delaney is asked to visit a friend of Edwin's with a possible item they may be interested in. Upon arriving, it is clear that Josie (friend) is somewhat of a hoarder, and, there are unwelcome guests in the house. While heading out to view the mystery item (a sword), they hear cries from the gardener, who has found one of the men previously in the house, murdered. Delaney sets out to prove the gardener's innocence, and learns more of the history behind the woman, the sword, and Edwin's past. A very quick read, I finished in one day. Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Shelton, and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I do enjoy this series and hope it continues.

Thank you Minotaur and NetGalley for the eARC of The Poison Pen! All opinions in this review are my own.

The ninth installment of the Scottish Bookshop series involves a historic sword and a murder.

I liked learning about the Scottish history and the Treasure Trove Unit at the National Museum. However, I felt like this mystery had a lot of pieces that didn't seem to connect until the end. While everything eventually does come together, Delaney chases after a character who gave her their phone number early on and Delaney trying to track them down could have been avoided.

While this wasn't my favorite mystery in the Scottish Bookshop series, I still love the setting of these cozy mysteries!

I loved this book and I look forward to reading more in this series. I loved the characters and the storyline. I always try to figure out the end in these books and I never can! I definitely will recommend this book.

Another fun installment in the A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. I was not able to guess who the killer was before the reveal, which is always a pleasant surprise. Paige Shelton did a great job of incorporating Scottish history into the story and I love that her characters talk about the passing of Queen Elizabeth as well.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series; when it is written and published.

Delightful as usual. Characters are always fun and it got me interested in the whole abdication rigamarole yet again. Nothing better than artifacts and a murder to figure out!

Princess Fuzzypants here: This is an enjoyable series where I always feel like I am right there in the bookshop in Edinborough. American ex-pat Delaney has grown and prospered as the books have evolved. This time she is asked to validate a newly discovered sword that may date back to the Crusades. The lady upon whose property the sword was found is eccentric to say the least. She is a hoarder who is being threatened by a lawyer who has power of attorney over her. Something just seems wrong. And when a young man is murdered and the ownership of the sword is questioned, Delaney finds herself knee deep in the mystery.

Team Delaney, which includes an Inspector, works together. There are so many lies and deceits that none of them knows who, outside of their circle, they can trust. Not only do they want to figure out the provenance of the sword and solve the murder, they must determine who has ownership in this rare find. There were no big surprises but the complicated plot is laid out in an entertaining manner. As always, I enjoyed the read.

Five purrs and two paws up.

I have loved the books in the Scottish Bookshop series. I am always excited when I discover there is a new adventure awaiting me with Delaney Nichols. The setting of a bookshop in Scotland is one that has me wanting to book a flight and spend time with Delaney, Tom, Edwin, and the rest of the characters in Edinburgh. The author does a wonderful job of creating a delightful mystery along with some historical facts. There are always twists and turns that will keep you invested in the story and have you flipping through the pages quickly to discover clues. It will be time well spent and you will enjoy the trip. While you could read this as a standalone, I strongly recommend going back to the first book so that you can get to know the characters well and how they have developed throughout the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton is a fantastic addition to a fantastic series! Reading this makes me want to hop on a plane and go to Scotland, or at least jump in my car and explore every used and new bookshop and library in driving distance.