Scotland 1835 Winter

I love historical mysteries and this one was very entertaining!

Kitty and her husband Matt are staying in a castle, just in time to celebrate the holiday traditions.
Of course when their host is murdered, the investigation begins!!

Wonderful, fun characters, magical setting and a journey to finding a killer. Well worth the read!

The fourteenth adventure for Kitty and Matt sees them travelling to the remote Finnglach Castle in the Scottish highlands. They're hired by Lord Barlas, who is in fear for his life. There've been several accidents, strange goings on and even dire warnings from the spirit world over Christmas. Now, with Hogmanay approaching, he wants them to find out who is behind it before it's too late.

This series is still going strong and I have to say this is one of my favourites so far!

I love the wintry setting and the remote castle. It gives me those classic locked in mystery vibes but still feels fresh and gripping.

As usual, there was plenty of peril for Kitty and Matt, their job was hindered by flaky witnesses, constant power outages and blizzard like weather.

I had my suspicions about who the culprit could be, but I kept guessing throughout and didn't work out whodunnit until almost the end of the book.

A perfect mystery to curl up with during these longer winter nights.

“As they drew closer to the castle entrance, Kitty noticed the ring of large grey stones standing on the loch shore not far from the castle. Snow covered and weathered they stood like ancient, silent sentinels. Something about them caused her to shiver”

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Murder at the Highland Castle’ by Helena Dixon.

This is Book 14 in the Miss Kitty Underhay series of historical cosy mysteries set in the mid-1930s. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Karen Cass.

Given that each book in the series focuses upon a central mystery they can easily be read as standalones, though as it’s a delightful series I do recommend it as a whole. Each title playfully indicates the setting of the current murder.

In December 1935 private investigators, Kitty Bryant (nee Underhay) and Capt. Matt Bryant, are hired by Lord Stephen Barlas, who is concerned that his life might be in danger. They travel with their cocker spaniel Bertie to the remote Finnglach Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Lord Barlas has invited them to celebrate Hogmanay at the castle with Matt posing as a distant cousin. Not long after the New Year is heralded in a body is found in the centre of the nearby stone circle.

As Lord Barlas is hosting a house party we are provided with an assortment of suspects. One of these is Madame Fortina, a spirit medium who is advising Lord Barlas’ second wife, Velma. The situation is further complicated by a winter storm, so they have no power or a telephone. As the police cannot be called, the Bryants keep their identities secret and begin to investigate the murder. No further details to avoid spoilers.

Helena Dixon’s mysteries always prove intriguing providing plenty of clues as to whodunnit. In addition, her attention to the period details is spot on. It’s such a pleasure to immerse myself in the latest novel as much as for the elegance of the setting as the solving of the mystery.

Overall, I found ‘Murder at the Highland Castle’ a perfect cosy mystery that honours the traditions of the Golden Age of detective fiction and provided an atmospheric mystery.

Highly recommended book and series.

Murder at the Highland Castle is the 14th book in Helena Dixon's Kitty Underhay mystery series. While I have been reading this series since book 4, you can start with this book with no problems.

I like that Matt and Kitty travel so that not all the murders happen in their town. And I really liked the setting of this book. All the snow and ice had me kind of wishing for winter so that I could cuddle up under a fuzzy blanket with a good cup of hot tea. This book would be a great accompaniment.

The mystery is a good one even though I figured out several of the pieces before Matt and Kitty did. It didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. I think this might be my favorite in the series so far.

I love Kitty and Matt - they are a great sleuthing couple. The secondary characters in this story are interesting as well. They are a unique bunch of people - a medium, a race car driver, and an actress are among them.

I wish it had been explained why they kept calling the New Year holidays Hogmanay as I've never heard of it. I liked the other Scottish traditions that were described as they were new to me as well.

If you are looking for a wintery story to read on a long, cold night, this book is sure to keep you entertained.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/11/murder-at-highland-castle-by-helena.html

Matt, Kitty and their dog Berti have all been invited to join Lord Barlas to celebrate the New Year with a Hogmanay party, but the couple are not just there for pleasure, having been asked to investigate the death threats he has also been receiving.

But finding their host dead means they must now work quicker to find out who the murderer is.

This narrative gives a fast-paced storyline full of twists and was one I could not put down. I loved the description used to highlight the celebration as well as to set the scene.

Dixon gives us several characters that kept me guessing throughout, and it was great to be back with our main characters. From what I have read of this series I feel this is the best one yet and I look forward to continuing with our main characters.

"Murder at the Highland Castle" is the 14th book in the popular Miss UnderHay series, but do not let this put you off diving right into this cosy mystery series as there is no need for any background knowledge (or any spoilers given).
Instead, there is an enjoyable romp in the Scottish highlands during the New Year as Kitty (Miss UnderHay, now Mrs Bryant and her husband) are invited by Lord Barlas to his home to investigate the threats he has received. With a whole host of mysterious and likeable characters, the tale moves at a rapid pace with plenty of danger and twists to keep the readers attention.
I particularly enjoyed learning how the Scottish traditions for Hogmanay and the slightly spooky elements that added to the overall fun of the story.

1935. Lord Barlas employs the Bryants and invites them for the New Year at his castle in Finnglash, Scotland. He is concerned because of a series of incidents and so believes that his life is in danger. On arrival the Bryants with the Barlas' guests are snowed in, some with motives to harm Barlas.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with his varied and likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas, as well as their first wedding anniversary, was just over in 1935 and Captain Matthew Bryant and his wife, Kitty Underhay received a message from Lord Barlas to say his life was in danger. Kitty's aunt Livvy had recommended them, and he had hopes they'd be able to arrive before New Year's Eve in their roles as private investigators.

Finnglach Castle was in the middle of the Scottish Highlands beside a massive loch, and the beautiful scenery was dusted with snow. But it was isolated with the nearest village some miles away. When Matt, Kitty and their dog Bertie arrived after their long journey, they were introduced as distant relatives. Hogmanay was fast approaching, and with the notes, warnings and one close shave, was it any wonder Lord Barlas was nervous. Matt was the one to find Lord Barlas' body and with the storm on them, power and telephone lines cut - he and Kitty knew they were all isolated with a killer. But could they identify the person before someone else lost their lives?

Murder at the Highland Castle is the 14th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Light and entertaining, with Kitty her usual strong and determined self, I didn't pick the killer until the reveal. An excellent read, I hope this series continues for a long time to come. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

What’s not to love in a mystery novel set at Christmas time, in an manor in the Highland, with a cast of characters that would be perfect in a Golden Age Novel, and some gothic elements?
I can find no fault and I loved this novel. I was grabbed since they arrive in the Highland and couldn’t stop reading until I read the last page in the novel.
There are secrets, twists, surprises and a lot of entertaining moments in this novel. Kitty and Matt are a great couple and I love their stories.
This one is a very good one as it’s entertaining and a page turner.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

You know you are in for a good story with a Helena Dixon Miss Underhay mystery and Murder at the Highland Castle is no exception. This time Kitty and Matt are ensconced in the titular Castle in Scotland at Hogmanay, wrapped up warm, peering out at the heavy snow, with plenty of refreshments – all of which sounds delightful, until murder comes knocking.

It was good to be reunited with Kitty and Matt and to meet the cast of characters forming the rest of this New Year house party. Kitty and Matt are present on professional grounds although pretending otherwise and, from what they observe, they are not the only ones with a secret or two. You could easily read this whodunit as a standalone but I would recommend you start at the beginning of the series.

The Castle and its icy grounds were vividly brought to life, with a fire crackling in every grate, atmospheric lanterns in every corner and a pot of tea always only the ring of a bell away. The story contains all the elements of a good Golden Age-style murder mystery, including a range of suspects, financial shenanigans, suspicious liaisons and a very inquisitive detective. Murder at the Highland Castle is perfect for snuggling up with under a blanket, hiding from the cold dark nights.

With thanks to the publishers for my copy of the book via NetGalley.

Love it! Can’t beat a Kitty Underhay Mystery especially in a cosy castle in Scotland for hogmanay!

I couldn’t put this book down and read it from start to finished in one sitting.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to review this book as I love this series and I have them all and I look forward to the next one!

One of a number in the cozy mystery genre this is cosy in a lot of ways. Scottish castle and lochs, cut off with winter snow. A group of friends invited to spend Christmas with their host. There are undercurrent’s though, many of them, and the invitation to Kitty and Matt are one of the secrets. Their host Lord Barlas, amiable to all had worries and suspicions he needed to share with a investigator. These two were his choice.

When Lord Barlas was found murdered, Matt and Kitty had their work cut out for them. alibis were watertight but motive was not from the very young widow, to the son in law to be, to the partner who he had for years and a very strange clairvoyant or spiritual advisor to add to the mix. All had strong motivations to kill and benefit from his death.

The detective work is paced out neatly and the description is vintage.

No longer working at her grandmother’s hotel, Kitty Underhay and her new husband Matt are working together as private investigators. They have been invited to a huge castle in Scotland. In an incognito fashion, Kitty, Matt and their ever faithful dog Bertie are ready for yet another adventure.

When their host is found murdered, and with the weather being inclement, their suspect pool is rather small. The weather proves effective at hiding the evidence, and the killer was just as effective at hiding the gun used in the murder. Even though there is a guest who seems to be in the know ahead of things, Kitty and Matt’s job at discovering the killer hasn’t been made any easier. With each guest proving to be likely suspects, Kitty and Matt must try and find out the truth, all while hiding the true reason for their presence.

This fourteenth book in the Miss Underhay series is yet another intriguing book in a delightful cozy mystery series. Kitty and Matt are the perfect protagonists for this series, just having been married a year. They work well together, and there is enough of the back story included to see how they are as people. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series as it will no doubt be as enjoyable as this one.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

4.5 Stars
Christmas 1935 & Matt & Kitty have just celebrated their wedding anniversary when a letter arrives from Lord Barlas asking them to travel to his castle in Scotland as he fears for his life. They arrive to find the castle nestled on the edge of a sweeping Scottish loch, Finnglach Castle looks positively magical. However just after midnight on New Year’s Eve just Lord Barlas, is shot dead, murdered in the snow. With the snow-covered castle completely cut off, and a killer in their midst, Kitty and Matt need to work fast to find the culprit before someone else ends up dead.
The fourteenth outing for Matt & Kitty & another well written engrossing murder mystery. I love both Matt & Kitty & of course Bertie, they work so well as a team. Whilst there are a limited number of suspects most seem to have a reason for wanting Stephen dead. There are twists & turns as well as the usual red herrings. I did work out part of the mystery, which I think is a first for me. I loved how the tension built until the climax of the book which of course had Kitty & Matt in the thick of it. Roll on book fifteen
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

There's no better time to immerse myself in deep snows of the Highlands of Scotland as we trample towards Christmas and where better to visit than Finnglach Castle with Kitty and Matt Bryant as they exercise their sleuthing skills to help Lord Barlas find out who is threatening him. His nerves are more jangled than Christmas bells due to the regular portents of doom issued by Madam Fortina in a psychic trance. Oh, and there are the threatening letters and near miss of being crushed. Lord Barlas's gun has gone missing (turns up in a totally fab place by the way) and the safe has been tampered with.

During Kitty and Matt investigation at the snowed in castle to find who is threatening Lord Barlas we are introduced to a host of guests who spend a lot of time at a well-stocked drinks cabinet (makes me quite thirsty) and all with a motive to do Lord Barlas harm. As the title suggests, there is a murder at the mid-point of the novel and the discover of each person's story and their motives are revealed in greater depth. It took a darkened corridor before I decided who the murderer must be.

I am a big fan of the Miss Underhay Mystery series and have loved following the investigative adventures and romance of Kitty and Matt since the beginning. I particularly enjoy the way the author drops in phrases and detail to give a feel for the historical time period (my fav in this book is 'Lynette is rather a pill'). I usually listen to the audiobook version of the books as they are fantastic light entertainment and I love all the characters voices, but I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC edition (will still listen to the audiobook too though).

I just finished reading Murder at the Highland Castle, the latest installment of the Miss Underhay series, and think it's fantastic!

This time Kitty, Matt, and Bertie are off to Scotland as Lord Barlas, owner of Finnglach Castle, has received troublesome letters and requests their assistance.

I love trying to pick out the culprit before "the big reveal," but this book kept me guessing right up to the end. The plot was exciting, with plenty of unexpected twists. I also found the characters likeable, and the the descriptions of the Scottish landscape, traditions, clothing, and folklore were fascinating.

Overall, Murder at the Highland is a wonderful read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants an enjoyable cozy mystery that's not filled with gruesome details, foul language, or sex scenes.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review---which I have given because I truly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one!

3.5 stars

The latest in the historical series featuring now-married detectives Matt and Kitty. They are referred by a friend of Kitty's family to explore possible threats to a Scottish laird at his remote castle in the Highlands. He has received warning letters and was nearly killed by falling masonry. As he is in the process of signing his newest will, it all seems more than suspicious.

They are there over Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year's holiday, with several sets of house guests: family members with financial problems, family friends with business needs, old friends who may have been dipping into the till, etc. In the classic tradition, they are all snowed in together with no contact to the outside world.

Kitty and Matt are appealing characters. They work well together and are competent and smart. Kitty is fearless and has a nose for detection and Matt tries not to be over-protective when she puts herself in harm's way. A fun series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: A Charming and Atmospheric Mystery

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars

Helena Dixon's "Murder at the Highland Castle" is a delightful and captivating mystery set in the picturesque and enchanting Scottish Highlands. The story takes place in winter, 1935, at the stunning Finnglach Castle, where Kitty Underhay, her husband Matt, and their loyal dog Bertie find themselves embroiled in a midwinter murder mystery.

The novel opens with the promise of a joyous Hogmanay party at the castle, but the festivities take a grim turn when their host, Lord Barlas, is found murdered in the snow. With the castle isolated by snow and the killer among the guests, Kitty and Matt must race against time to uncover the culprit before another tragedy strikes.

One of the highlights of "Murder at the Highland Castle" is its charming and atmospheric setting. Dixon's vivid descriptions bring the Scottish loch, the snow-covered castle, and the roaring fire to life, immersing readers in a world of old-world charm and intrigue. The author's attention to detail creates a palpable sense of time and place, making the story all the more engrossing.

The mystery itself is well-crafted and kept me guessing until the very end. The plot is skillfully executed, with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Dixon's writing is engaging and well-paced, ensuring that the story never loses momentum.

Furthermore, the characters in the novel are both likable and well-developed. Kitty Underhay is a compelling protagonist, and her interactions with the other characters add depth to the story. The supporting cast is equally engaging, each with their own secrets and motives that contribute to the overall intrigue.

In conclusion, "Murder at the Highland Castle" is a thoroughly entertaining read that stands out as a mystery novel. Helena Dixon's talent for crafting an engaging plot set in a charming and atmospheric backdrop makes this book a must-read for fans of classic whodunits. Whether you're a fan of historical mysteries or simply enjoy a well-written and compelling story, this book is sure to captivate you from beginning to end. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a fantastic read.

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

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Murder at the Highland Castle is the recent title in the now long running series featuring Miss Underhay and is set in the holiday period between Christmas and New Years. Kitty and Matt just celebrated their first anniversary on Christmas Eve and immediately head to Scotland. The pair of detectives have been engaged by Lord Barlas in Scotland after being recommended by Kitty's great-aunt. After they arrive at Finnglach Castle, Lord Barlas explains that it appears that his life may be endanger and that he has received threats to that effect in addition to warnings conveyed by Madame Fortina. The castle is somewhat isolated and remote; it has been known to suffer from power loss and a loss of phone lines with the nearest village during snowstorms. When Lord Barlas turns up dead and the castle does indeed suffer a loss of power and phone lines, Matt and Kitty find themselves trapped in a castle with a murder. There is no shortage of suspects including business partners, a younger, second wife, and Lord Barlas's daughter and future son-in-law. Kitty and Matt find themselves racing to figure out who did it while hoping they can avoid tipping off the murder before the police can arrive. I found this to be the best mystery in the series to-date and there were several interesting twists. I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to future entries.

From reading the first page it was like meeting up with an old friend. I love this series, and this latest book does not disappoint. It is a country house murder mystery, with the guests unable to leave due to the snow. I love the period details: looking up a village in the atlas, going into the hall to make a phone call, sending a telegram, when today we’d just pick up our mobile. Reading about the slower pace of life is relaxing, then the story builds to a very exciting climax in the final chapter. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!