Book Review: Murder in the Highlands by Dee MacDonald

Murder in the Highlands by Dee MacDonald is a captivating Scottish cozy mystery that delivers charm, intrigue, and a touch of humor. With its picturesque setting, lovable protagonist, and clever whodunit plot, it’s a delightful treat for fans of Agatha Christie and Faith Martin.

The story introduces us to Ally McKinley, a recent retiree running a cozy guesthouse in the tranquil village of Locharran in the Scottish Highlands. Her peaceful life takes a shocking turn when a morning walk with her adorable puppy, Flora, leads to the discovery of a mysterious woman’s body in the loch. Ally’s curiosity—and her knack for solving mysteries—soon embroils her in a web of secrets and lies.

The stakes rise when a second victim, the new bride of local earl Hamish Sinclair, is found poisoned after her wedding. With the police casting suspicion in all directions, including Ally’s, she dives headfirst into the investigation. From uncovering secrets in the earl’s turreted castle to sniffing out clues in the village’s tight-knit community, Ally proves herself a resourceful and determined amateur sleuth.

MacDonald’s writing shines in her vivid descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, bringing Locharran and its quirky residents to life. The village’s charm is beautifully juxtaposed with the dark mysteries that lurk beneath its surface. Ally herself is a delightful protagonist—clever, warm-hearted, and armed with a sharp wit that makes her a joy to follow. Her loyal dog Flora adds an extra layer of coziness to the story, while the dynamic cast of villagers provides plenty of humor and intrigue.

The mystery is well-paced and filled with twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. MacDonald expertly weaves together the two murders, crafting a satisfying puzzle that unravels with each new clue Ally uncovers. The stakes feel real, and the suspense builds as the killer’s identity comes closer to being revealed.

Murder in the Highlands is more than just a mystery; it’s also a celebration of community, resilience, and the joys of life in a small village. Fans of cozy mysteries will adore its blend of charm and suspense, and the gorgeous Scottish setting adds an extra layer of magic to the story.

Perfect for curling up with on a rainy day, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a clever mystery, a strong female lead, and the beauty of the Highlands. With its engaging plot and endearing characters, it’s sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting Ally McKinley’s next case.

This is the second in the series so characters beginning to develop. A gentle, cosy murder mystery. Two murders , days apart in a remote Scottish village - very unusual. People move there because nothing happens so it’s big news for the local gossips when things do happen. I shall look out for the next in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC Ebook

Murder at the Loch is the second cozy mystery in this series set in Scotland. I liked the main character Ally McKinley a retired TV researcher that has moved to the Scottish Highlands and opened a bed and breakfast. She has a full life and has settled into the area with her dog Flora and has a boyfriend Ross who is a retired veterinarian. Of course it isn’t long before Ally discovers a dead body that sets the story into motion and gets her involved in the investigation. And there’s another murder that hits closer to home.

This was a nice cozy in terms of setting and characters. The cast of characters in the village are very likable. The descriptions of the countryside put you there in the midst of beautiful scenery and small town living. The suspects in the case range from friends and acquaintances in the village to snobbish relatives of the second victim’s husband. Although there were things that I liked about this cozy mystery, it was a bit drawn out for me. It didn’t give a lot of clues along the way. But then I felt there was a major clue which helped me figure it out and it was quickly over from there. I had suspected the killer, but had nothing to go on until that point. Although I might have missed a clue.

I would read more from this author but feel the story could have been tightened up a bit. Many readers might not have been bothered by this. I usually have several books on the go, so it seemed too long to me.

#MurderattheLoch #NetGalley

2.5 stars

A good cozy to pass the time, but not memorable or particularly well written. Pick it up if you’re craving cozy mystery vibes, not if you’re looking for a good mystery story.

The bad: The dialogue is hard to sit through with a straight face. Rarely do I believe that a character would actually say the words coming out of their mouth, nor does any of it feel natural. The mystery was also a bit of a let down; the setup was intriguing, but the solving process was lackluster and the culprit clear long before Ally put the pieces together.

The good: The dogs steal the show and are delightful. The murder itself was an improvement over the last book’s. I also still really enjoy the side characters in Ally’s little village, even if they’re more caricature than character at times. The more they deviate from the ‘tiny town, nosy, provincially close-minded’ stock cozy mystery character fare, they more interesting they get.

I read the first book in this series, and JUMPED it my seat when I saw book 2 was here. I love this series so much, It's like reading all of the worlds best female detectives rolled into one unstoppable force of a woman, and I am HERE for it. Dee MacDonald is such a talented writer, she writes with so much heart and wit, and it made my cozy-crime loving heart dance. This book is even better than the first, and I loved every second of it, Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I am ready for number three!

The second in what is turning into a good series.
Two visitors to Locharran are dead
Both are women, both connected romantically to local men
Ally does her usual observations and sets out to find the killer(s)

I’m really enjoying this cozy murder mystery series, set in the Highlands of Scotland. Murder at the Loch is the second book in the series which follows Ally McKinley, a local b&b owner who gets caught up in murders that happen in her village.

Ally takes it upon herself to investigate and find the murderer(s) and solve the crime. What ensues is a fun and entertaining book as she identifies suspects and tries to interview them without appearing to be suspicious of them.

I think these books are cute and funny. There is suspense, humor, mystery and even some romance. All in all, a very enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an advanced copy of this book.

This is the second Ally McKinley book and promoted as being “an absolutely unputdownable Scottish cosy mystery novel”. It certainly lived up to expectations.

Ally is the proud owner of the Olde Malthouse B&B. Hamish Sinclair, the septuagenarian Earl of Locharran, a widower of many years and with a reputation as a lothario, announces his engagement to 32 year old Elena. The speed of the engagement and the discovery of the body of another young woman in the loch provides lots of scope for the local gossips. The local police inspector also ominously predicts that “there’s something funny going on round here”. His prediction comes true with two suspicious deaths in 10 days.

The story has good pace with some interesting twists and turns as Ally investigates the murders and gradually works through her lists of suspects for each murder. The characters are nicely developed and there is a good balance of humour especially with the earls cousin and family.

A real page turner with a satisfying conclusion. Looking forward to Ally’s next adventure.

Retired ex-TV Researcher Ally McKinley has had a good summer in her newly restored Malthouse which she is now running as a B&B in the Scottish Highlands. Her relationship with handsome part-time vet Ross has deepened and she is very much enjoying his company and she’s starting to feel at home in the village.

Enjoying a quiet walk by the loch with her Labrador puppy Flora, she spots something floating on the surface moving towards her. When the Earl, Hamish Sinclair, fishes it out from his rowboat, they discover it to be the body of a young woman. When a second young woman dies, Ally is once again thrust into the role of amateur sleuth as she knows if he can work out why the women were killed, she will find the killer or killers.

This is another good cosy murder mystery in this series. I’m enjoying the scenery and getting to know the characters. I especially like that she has a good relationship with police officer Rigby who actually listens to her ideas and information. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this delightful series.

After reading "Murder at the Loch", Dee MacDonald has another new loyal reader for life! Our cozy Scottish detective, Ally McKinley, showcases some of the best of highland living (anyone else craving shortbread and a wee dram of whisky?) - balancing managing her bed & breakfast responsibilities with helping the local police solve the murders of two brides. The local characters (and goodest dogs) are colourful and make you want the story to keep going just to get to know them better. A perfect beach (or ski lodge) read! Thanks to #NetGalley for gifting this book so I had the chance to read #MurderattheLoch months before it comes out!

I had an absolute blast being back in Locharran with Ally and her friends. Dee has once again written a lovely mystery where the clever Ally tries to solve a double murder and get to the bottom of the case while the gossiping villagers are more interested in the latest news and the local earl is again in the spotlight.
If you want to travel to a small village in the Scottish highlands and try your hand at uncovering a murder there is none better for company than Ally and her charming friends.
Stay a night at the b&b, have a walk along the loch and discuss the latest gossip while having a cuppa and trying to sort out the puzzle of the murders on Ally’s makeshift pinboard since the police are stumped as usual

Murder At The Loch is the second book in the Alley McKinley mysteries by D McDonald. Allie is settling into her Highland home and while out walking flora, she once again find a dead body this time floating in the loch. they soon learn it was Christina, Ivan‘s bride to be, and detective inspector Rigby scrambles to find the murderer. soon, however, a more high profile victim is found dead on her wedding day. It is up to Allie to find the murderer in this time Officer Rigby is listening.)) OK this isn’t the best review but when I say this cozy mystery has the most mic dropping ending or an OMG moment ending I am not exaggerating. What makes a great ending is when there’s so many great suspects and it’s hard to tell who did what and why and I think anyone who has read the last book in this book will be shocked by the ending and totally satisfied with the great mystery. I have recently become a cozy mystery fan to where I follow the series and this is one of my definite top three series I like to follow. The ending of a book can determine whether I like it or love it and it’s like the test of the book and this one totally passes. This is only the second book and while… Wow, I really love this series.#NetGalley, #DMcDonald, #MurderAtTheLoch, #AnAllyMcKinleyMystery,

It was definitely fun to go back and visit with Ally, her new fur baby Flora and the usual quirky neighbors, friends, and love interest. Ally is prepared for the slow season as the holidays approach, and while out walking her pup, she sees something floating in the local loch. When that something turns out to be a body well, the mysteries start to pile up. Who would want to kill the fiancé of the local barman, someone no one in the area had ever met? When another new bride shows up dead just hours after the wedding, can Ally help the police figure out what is going on? This was a good mystery, and while I had a thought, the motive was something totally different. This was definitely a good read. My only complaint is that it wrapped up rather quickly! Many thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for an opportunity to read! #MurderattheLoch #AllyMcKinleyMystery #DeeMacDonald #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

New B&B owner Ally McKinlay has begun to feel more at home in the beautiful village of Locharran. Unfortunately, discovering a body while out on a relaxing walk with her Labrador Flora puts Ally back into the spotlight, and that's before the Earl's new bride is found dead the day after her wedding!  Searching for a link between the two women, Ally and new beau, Ross, begin an investigation. With no suspects allowed to leave the village, Ally finds herself accommodating the guests from hell! Can she put up with them long enough to work out who is responsible or is she in danger of becoming victim number three?

I thoroughly enjoyed book one in Dee McDonald's new series and this is even better. The characters specific to this storyline were great, especially the family staying at Ally’s B&B, who engendered sympathy and amazement in equal measure. I will definitely be on the lookout for book three in this new series later in the year.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. It's probably best to read these books in order but that's no problem as they are both great.

When two women get murdered a week apart from each other in the very scenic small village of Locharran Ally (Allison) McKinley is ready to
investigate these new deaths. Who would have thought that there would be so much murder and mayhem in this small spot in the Scottish Highlands? Certainly not DI Bob Rigby who exchanged his job in the city for what he thought would be a few quiet years before retirement in a quiet little village.
When Ally is walking her pup Flora in the neighbourhood of a lovely little lake she meets Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran, with whom has has become friends in the previous book. The earl tells her that he is going to get married. When Ally is recovering from the shock that this septuagenarian womanizer is getting married to a woman more than half his age, they see a body floating in the lake towards them. This is the start of another interesting cosy mystery, if you can call a mystery with a couple murders cosy, with a lot of village gossip, walks on the moors and and high teas. Off course we see a lot of returning characters from the first book, apart from Hamish there are the village gossip Queennie and her always silent sister, the owner of the local hotel, Linda the caterer and of-course Allisons love interest Ross Patterson, the (semi) retired vet.

Hamish's nasty relatives make for an interesting read, they are the type of people you really love to hate. So there is enough to amuse the reader while Ally pieces together all the clues that in the end lead to the discovery of the real murder. Lots of Labradors in this book.
Looking forward to the next book in this series

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Another amazing Ally McKinley murder mystery. It had me gripped from the very beginning.

Thank you Dee McDonald, Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dee MacDonald for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Loch coming out March 3, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the second book in the series. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries and I especially love the Scotland setting. It’s a beautiful place. Ally is a really interesting character who has retired but runs her B&B. think there was a lot more character development in this one. I loved the mystery. I’m excited to see what’s next.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Scottish mysteries!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder at the Loch" in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Ally McKinley series. The reader will always know that a story by Ms. MacDonald will be well written, have interesting characters that you want to know more about, and that her stories will leave you guessing to the very last page.

Ally McKinley is the 68 year old owner of The Auld Malthouse B & B, she is also a part-time sleuth and has proven to solve cases before DI Bob Rigby. he moved from Birmingham to Locharran, Scotland because he was sure nothing would ever happen there and he could ease into retirement. Well he was very wrong!

Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran is in his 70's and has announced that he is getting married to a 32 year old. His cousin's wife is a very ambitious lady and she wants her husband to inherit and she can be the Countess of Locharran. Would she do everything in her power to make that happen?

Ally and her young lab Flora enjoy taking long walks and it's on one of these walks that she discovers a body floating in the Loch. We learn that she was coming to Locharran to marry her fiancée, Ivan the barman at the Craignmonie Hotel bar.

The morning after the wedding of Hamish and Elena, Ally sees and ambulance and police heading up to the castle. There has been another murder. Who is killing the brides of Locharran? Could the lady in the Loch have been a mistaken identity?

Of course, Ally's children are once again nagging her to leave Locharran, because they never wanted her to move there and to buy The Malthouse - what was she thinking at her age? Ally is a wonderful character, very bright, independent and very capable. She and Ross Patterson, the retired vet have a relationship but both value their independence as well as their time together. Ally pieces together all the clues and thinks through the suspects carefully. She is a loyal friend to those she feels are wrongly accused. The story ends in several dramatic events and I can't wait for the next story in the series to see what Ally gets involved with next.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a reivew.

This is the second in the Ally McKinley series but you don't have to have read #1 to enjoy this one.

An enjoyable read and look forward to more.

Murder at the Loch is only the second book in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, but already I feel like I know Ally, Ross and her other friends. In this second book, two seemingly unconnected young brides are murdered and Ally wants to know who could be behind it.
The storyline heavily features local Earl Hamish, who has always had an eye of the ladies. Despite his advancing years, he hasn't let this slow him down on the romance front and that is certainly tied up in this lastest outbreak of murder.
The setting for these books is the beautiful highlands and Ally's guest house that I would love to go and stay in. It all sounds so lovely. Maybe not if people are going to keep getting themselves murdered up there though!
I was a little ahead of Ally on this one at every step, although only just ahead if I'm honest. I really enjoyed this read and I'm looking forward to heading north again soon and joining Ally, Ross and Flora the dog again in the near future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.