A Scottish Country Escape

Finished March 17

A Scottish Country Escape by Julie Shackman

This is the fourth book in the Scottish Escapes series, where each book is a standalone story. Here the main character is Elle Cassidy, and it is almost a year since her parents died in an accident. Since then, she moved back into their home where her grandmother has a suite to herself. Now she is ready to tackle her mother's newsagent shop, deciding to reopen it as a stationery shop, carrying a range of fine stationery as well as stationery items for children. As she is beginning her renovations to the shop, she has an encounter with a newcomer to the town, famous mystery author Dexter Grayling. He has ignored the signs indicating the narrow street is pedestrian only and not only nearly hit her and another local woman, but also had a condescending attitude that didn't include recognition of the situation or any apologies.

When the local woman, Linda Carlucci, has a strange reaction, muttering at him with her hand on her necklace, she doesn't think much of it until he returns soon after looking for Linda as he is sure that she laid a curse on him. Elle doesn't believe it, but her grandmother does, and urges her to help him.

As she spends time with Dexter, she changes her feelings about him, and an attraction is formed.

As Elle is dealing with the logistics of her work around the shop, and becomes involved in the fight to save their local forest trail, she does help Dexter. But the questions lead her into not only past events in their small town, but also into her family's past. 

This book has a mystery element, a paranormal element regarding the curse, and a romantic plot line for Elle. I really got a feel for the setting, and Elle's home and shop. I enjoyed the read, which is the second book I've read in the series. 

A Bookshop to Die For

Finished March 15

A Bookshop to Die For by M.P. Black

This is the first book in the series A Wonderland Books Cozy Mystery. As it begins, a woman in a bridal gown runs down the street and into a bookstore. It is Alice Hartford and she's run to a place that represents home and comfort, the bookstore that her mother ran when she was a child. Her mother sold it when she became ill, and later passed away from her illness. Alice has kept her love of bookstores, and currently works in a London store, and was supposed to be marrying the owner of the store, until she ran away.  

In the store she had a special place, and she wonders if it is still there. It was a reading nook, built into an old wardrobe. She finds it, and carefully gets into it. While in there thinking, she hears a loud noise and hears someone running past. When she comes out, she finds a man who'd been doing work on the building dead. Was it an accident, or deliberate.

Alice is convinced it was a deliberate act, and is determined to find out, but the authorities seem quick to rule it an accident and close the shop until it is deemed safe. Alice gets a room at the local hotel and finds herself, and her mother, remembered by the owner and other locals. When she finds out the current owner is determined to sell, and the only likely buyer is a developer, she sets her sights on saving the shop but her suspicions and investigations may lead to a different answer for her and the store. 

I liked the small town atmosphere, and the local community spirit. There are a few quirky little things that are fun, and the love of books is strong in the town.