Delaney and Tom receive an invitation to sculptor Ryory Bennigan's studio. The artist is very private so they're intrigued.by the invite. The man they meet has red hair and is covered with blue tattoos reflecting his interest in the Picts. Picts didn't leave much behind except stones with symbols and those are rare. As they arrive for their visit they meet Dr. Pace, an American paleontologist who claims to have discovered a Pict stone that he hopes Ryory will buy, When Pace is found dead Delaney decides to look into the fellow American who taught at her alma mater in Kansas. What she finds exposes a dark side to the professor. He has approached other Edinburgh museums with shady offers of dinosaur bones . The mystery is interesting but doesn't really live up to the initial interest. The guilty party is fairly easy to identify early on and the motivation is weak. Still, it's always fun to catch up with the Cracked Spine characters but I did miss Elias.
Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC.

I came into this series out of order, and sometimes it means you miss things. The author did a great job creating a stand-alone mystery while still keeping the nuance of a series. I could tell there is a back story behind the main character and her husband, and I'm eager to learn more about her inner thought dialogue and how it came about. The mystery is written so well you could create your own murder board and follow along with the main character but not want to scream "get on with it already!". I will be adding the other books to my TBR list. Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Paige Shelton for letting me read this early.

One of the best things about Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop mysteries is the sense of setting. The descriptions of Edinburgh make me feel as if I'm there, and for days after finishing a book I find myself saying, "Aye, lass" when wondering if I should have another cup of tea. (I know Delaney isn't a tea fan, but I am.) Shelton also does a great job of including historical perspective into the stories in a relevant and entertaining way, so I learn a good deal about the history of Scotland and Edinburgh. In this book, I learned about the Picts, a group I knew nothing about previously.

Of course, the mysteries are as fun to read as the descriptions and Written in Stone has a great mystery at its core. A visiting professor from Delaney's alma mater in Kansas is visiting Edinburgh, but is murdered shortly after he and Delaney meet. They were both visiting a local artist, and the professor's death opens the door to questions about the legitimacy of historical artifacts, art, and, of all things, dinosaur bones.

Delaney, as always, doggedly searches for clues while interviewing everyone she can find, aided by her friends at the bookshop, her husband, and even the police inspector she's sort of befriended. The solution to the murder rings true at the end, and the various other crimes uncovered throughout the story are all tied neatly to the murder.

This is yet another excellent cozy mystery set in beautiful and historic Edinburgh. If you're wondering if you should pick this up, the answer is "Aye, lass/lad."

Great read and a solid 4 stars for this book. I love the setting and all the characters - they are well defined and so much fun to follow. As a fellow Kansan, I appreciated the nod to KU and Delaney's references to her home and alma mater. The history woven in was intriguing and so neat to learn about that I would like to learn more! A bit scary to learn about the applications of 3-D printing and how it can be used for nefarious reasons - but cool technology for sure. I cannot wait for another Delaney book and others by this Author! I appreciated an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review - many thanks to the publisher, Author, and NetGalley for this opportunity.

Next in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, another adventure with Delaney at The Cracked Spine Bookshop in Edinburgh. This is a good cozy mystery series with likable characters set in a bookshop in Scotland.

Book Review: Written In Stone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Paige Shelton @paigebooks
Publisher: Minotaure Books @minotaur_books @stmartinspress
Thank you @netgalley for my ARC.

Review: Written in Stone

The 10th installment in Paige Shelton’s Scottish Bookshop Mystery series delivers everything cozy mystery fans love—bookish intrigue, fascinating history, and a clever amateur sleuth.

Delaney Nichols, now happily settled in Edinburgh with her husband, is invited to a rare studio viewing of reclusive artist Ryory Bennigan, whose work is inspired by the ancient Picts. But when a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, is found dead after trying to sell a mysterious artifact, Delaney’s natural curiosity leads her into a tangled web of deception, fake artifacts, and a dangerous killer who may strike again.

The mix of historical lore, contemporary tech (3D printing and fraud schemes!), and a richly atmospheric Edinburgh setting make this mystery both engaging and immersive. The pacing is brisk, and the quirky bookshop crew adds humor and warmth. I also appreciated how Delaney’s investigative skills are recognized by the police, making for a refreshing change from the usual “stay out of it” trope.

With its blend of mystery, history, and bookish charm, Written in Stone is a delightful page-turner. Fans of the series will love this latest installment, and new readers can jump in without feeling lost. Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers!

#CozyMystery #ScottishBookshopMystery #BookishReads #MurderInEdinburgh #HistoricalMystery #PaigeShelton #WrittenInStone #Whodunit #MysteryLovers #readers #read #books #ReadingCommunity #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #readreadread #readersgonnaread #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #readmorebooks #bookshelf

The tenth Scottish Bookshop Mystery has Delaney attending a Hidden Door Festival with her husband Tom. She has received an invitation to meet reclusive artist Ryory Bennigan and tour his studio. She is very curious about her fellow redhead and his interest in the Picts.

When she and Tom arrive, their appointment is delayed by the presence of Dr. Adam Pace who is a visiting paleontologist from her alma mater in Kansas. After he leaves, the tour precedes until Ryory's assistant Ani is taken suddenly ill.

The next day she learns that Dr. Pace has been found murdered. She begins to look into the case and soon finds herself involved in dinosaur bones and bogus Pictish artifacts. It seems Dr. Pace was not always working on the right side of the law.

This was an engaging episode in this long-running series. I enjoy Delaney and the other staff at the bookstore including her enigmatic boss. Delaney's wide acquaintanceship in Edinburgh combined with Edwin's means that she has a chance to interview a wide variety of people, tour various museums, and learn about Dr. Pace's recent activities.

Fans of the series will enjoy this latest episode.

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton is the tenth in the Scottish Bookshop Series. Although it is clear that these characters have history together the story is fine as a standalone. It was the first that I have read, and I plan to go back and read the others.

After moving to Scotland to work at the Cracked Spine bookstore and marrying a handsome Scot, in this adventure, Delaney becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding an artist who specialized in Pictish designs, and a professor from her home state of Kansas.

I enjoyed getting to know Delaney’s coworkers and loved the setting in Edinburgh.
Although I was reasonably certain about the killer early on, I didn’t know why, and there were a good number of suspects to consider. I felt like a couple of threads with the artist’s assistant were not wrapped up well, but overall, the story was fun and kept my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

Delaney and Tom receive an invitation to speak to a reclusive artist in Edinburgh who specializes in Pict culture, even tattooing his body in blue Pict designs. Delaney runs into an American professor there and discovers he is from the university she attended. The professor is soon found dead and a murder investigation is underway. Delaney learns through friends at her old university that the professor, though well-liked, was involved in a scandal involving 3-D printed dinosaur bones being passed off as real. The professor was now touting that he had found a Pict stone to translate their long-forgotten language. What was he up to here in Scotland? Delaney and the crew are pulled into the mystery.
It’s love The Cracked Spine and the friends who work there. The mystery kept me guessing until the end and was a fun read.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Edinburgh, Scotland - Present Day

Delaney and her husband Tom have won an invitation at the Hidden Door Festival to a private visit at artist Ryory Bennigan's studio. Ryory is rarely seen in the city, and lives a quiet life away from the public. So it's a treat especially for Delaney to get the opportunity to not only meet the man, but to see his studio. Ry is fascinated by the ancient Picts of Scotland, and even has the blue toned tattoos they were known to have on their bodies. When Delaney and Tom arrive at the studio, they meet another person who is leaving, a paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, who is, ironically, from the same Kansas university that Delaney attended. He, too, admits to an interest in the Picts.

Ryory is proud to show his studio and discuss his artwork with Delaney and Tom, and it is revealed that Dr. Pace has offered an artifact supposedly from the Picts to Ry. But within days, Dr. Pace is found dead, apparently murdered, and there seem to be a few people who might be suspects. After Delaney contacts a friend at the university in Kansas, she is surprised to find out that Dr. Pace had made some poor decisions there, and that his move to Edinburgh was to avoid further problems. As Delaney digs further into Pace's local involvement, she begins to discover that he was making some odd arrangements with different people.

WRITTEN IN STONE is book ten in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery books, and it's going to be difficult for not only Delaney, but the Edinburgh police to find out why Dr. Pace was killed. There are a few people that he may have angered, but were there more? And what was his ultimate goal? And how real were the artifacts he was peddling?

Don't miss WRITTEN IN STONE with its intriguing story set in beautiful and mysterious Edinburgh.

3.5

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I hadn't realized it was book 10 in the series but I was able to follow along and had no issues keeping up. I had a good time reading this one. The lingo took me a minute to get used to since this is based out if Scotland and I did struggle to get into it but once I did I was here for the ride. It was interesting, kept me engaged once I got the first few chapters done, and kept me guessing on who did it. All in all I it was a good read and a fun cozy mystery.

Another interesting mystery with Delaney and the crew from the Cracked Spine. A chance encounter outside of an artist event drags Delaney, Tom, and company into another mysterious murder. When an American professor is found dead, shortly after a chance meeting with Delaney, he was from the Kansas University where she got her degrees, and an artist with history questions, the crew is going to be dragged in. What I always enjoy about this series is the weaving of art, history, and books, the chance to learn a little something while spending a little more time in Scotland. The other plus is the lovely circle of characters and that everyone has something to contribute. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy spending more time with the crew in various bookstores and museums all over the city. Thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for an opportunity to catch up! #WritteninStone #AScottishBookstoreMystery #PaigeShelton #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Written in Stone by Paige Shelton is an engaging cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with a gripping storyline. The novel follows the protagonist, Beth, as she uncovers secrets hidden in an old stone quarry. Shelton’s writing is immersive, with well-developed characters and a setting that feels alive. The plot moves at a steady pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate the intriguing mystery and the warm, inviting atmosphere Shelton creates. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a mix of suspense and heart.

5/5 stars: This is the tenth entry in Shelton's Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, which is a British Paranormal Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Scotland and follows an American woman trained as a museum preservationist and archivist who works for an eccentric Scottish book and rare manuscript shop owner as his collections manager and hears “bookish” voices. After a visiting American paleontologist attempting to sell a Pictish artifact to a famous reclusive artist is murdered, she finds herself turning sleuth. When her research turns up the professor's shady background, she'll have to work fast to uncover the truth… or risk becoming a pile of bones herself. With plenty of twists and turns, Shelton has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Shelton's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Delaney, her friends and colleagues (Rose, Hamlet and her boss: Edwin) at The Cracked Spine and the folks of the Grassmarket area of Old Town Edinburgh. Additionally, I adore seeing Delaney and pub owner and Scotsman Tom's marriage still going strong. And of course, one mustn't forget Rose's oh so adorable miniature Yorkie, Hector. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Cracked Spine. Shelton's a favorite author and I love this series; highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Delaney finds a visiting professor from Kansas at an artist's loft, but when the professor ends up dead the questions begin. It takes all the bookshop people to help figure out who the murderer could be. A twisty plot that keeps you guessing. Great characters who feel like old friends. It felt like this may be the last book in the series, but it was a joy to read. I loved the connection between Delaney and her university in Kansas, some ties are always there! Well written.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

history-of-Picts, family-business, local-law-enforcement, Edinburgh Scotland, family-dynamics, ex-pat, amateur-sleuth, bookseller, bookshop, cozy-mystery, famous-persons, poisons, murder-investigation, relics, unputdownable, artifact*****
An invitation won to visit with famous but rather reclusive Pict-obsessed artist, a professor from Delaney's alma mater in Kansas, a museum-worthy artifact, and murder. I really enjoyed this latest addition to a series that always has a good investigation combined with Scottish history lessons. I didn't know that the Picts just simply disappeared!
I requested and received an uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Apr 01, 2025
#WrittenInStone by @paigebooks Paige Shelton #ScottishBookshopMysteriesBk10 @stmartinspress
@minotaur_books #cozymystery #NetGalley #cozymystery #edinburgh @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #bookseller #poison #fakebones #pictishHistory #academicfraud #paleofraud

This is the 10th book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series by Paige Shelton.
Delaney and her husband are taking part in the Hidden Door Festival. They received an invitation to tour the studio of Ryory Bennigan a reclusive artist.
When Dr. Adam Pace is murdered Delaney assists the police by using her skills to solve the mystery.
What I love about this series is being immersed into the culture and I get the chance to go back to Edinburgh without leaving home.
Scandals, secrets, fakes, frauds, Picts, twists and more.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Title: Written in Stone
Series: A Scottish Bookstore Mystery #10
Author: Paige Shelton
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
My Rating: 3.4.Stars
Pages: 297


Although Delaney Nichols is a Kansas native she runs a specialty bookshop in Edinburgh called ‘The Cracked Spine’. Married to pub owner Tom for nearly a year, Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to the studio of artist Ryory Bennigan. She and Tom aren’t sure what to expect. They are aware reclusive artist, Ryory Bennigan, is a talented sculptor; however when they meet him he is covered in blue inked tattoos as well as vibrant red hair similar to those of the Picts people. (Certainly wasn’t what I was expecting!)

I have read other Paige Shelton’s stories so knew it was going to be enjoyable.
I am a cozy mystery fan and assume since you are reading this you are as well. As you know many end with recipes of food served. In this case, there is the situation with poisonous fish; which made it laugh- true I know that is serious but I laughed as I knew there certainly wouldn’t be a recipe provided.

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 1. 2025.

To Dig or not to Dig?

This cozy mystery by Paige Shelton is the 10th installment to the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series. I have always loved this series and have been an avid reader since the first book. I can’t help but be nostalgic when a new one comes out.

But onto the story! This one is about a reclusive artist who has an obsession with the Picts. It’s definitely a whodunit with a great start up. Lots of interesting twists and turns. I’ve always loved the way Shelton intertwines history and mystery. It makes for an educational and entertaining read.

I love the last line of the book. It’s been a great ride and can’t wait to see where it goes.

Thank you to Minotaur Books & Netgalley for allowing me to receive an advanced copy of Written in Stone.

Loved it,
Anxiously waiting for the next,
x Sarah - Anneoftucson Reviews

I would do anything to be part of the team at The Cracked Spine. Shelton delivers another wonderful installment of this cozy mystery series. I like that Tom is included more in this book, however I don’t feel like we got a lot of his personality. I did like the mystery though I felt there were a lot of characters and not as much development. I love this series so much and will happily await the next book!