I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Scottish Highlands and I love a good mystery, so I knew I was going to love this book.

Ally is living the dream in her recently converted B&B The Auld Malthouse ( even if her children don’t approve and think she’s too old).

Ally is enjoying having paying guests finally until something goes terribly wrong, her first guest has been murdered!.

What an absolute riot this book was, it had me smiling and laughing all the way through.

I just loved everything about it, the setting was breathtaking and the mystery kept me on my toes and the cast of characters kept the story entertaining until the end.

It’s a cozy read that will leave you wanting more.

Ultimately I'm leaning more towards cozy books and this cozy mystery has fallen into this marathon, and what I loved the most is that it is inspired by one of the countries that I like the most and that is on my list of dream destinations.

Our protagonist has moved to the Scottish Highlands after her retirement in order to have a peaceful life and open a small B&B, but this is short lived when someone is found murdered after opening, now Ally (our protagonist) must solve the mystery in order to continue with her business.

I loved it because it had a great humor throughout the story and how she gets to know the different people who can help her but can also be suspects.

Although it is a predictable mystery I loved following this new amateur sleuth in the Higlanders.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love a cozy mystery and one that is set in a part of the world that my heart longs to see, it’s an immediate yes for me.
Ally is a recently retired widow and has decided to relocate to the Scottish Highlands to convert and old malt house into a B& B. However, she finds her dream of a peaceful life in the country quickly shattered when a guest at the inn is found murdered soon after opening.
Ally then finds herself an amateur sleuth trying to figure out “whodunnit” along with the help of the eccentric people of the town, some of which are, of course, suspects, and she also finds herself with a potential love interest along the way.
This was filled with loads of good natured humor and characters that you feel like you’ve met before, which is a good feeling for ones that are to be part of a series. It’s comforting and relaxing. There were moments that it dragged and thr murderer was fairly easy to predict, but overall this ticked the cozy mystery boxes for me and I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Murder in the Scottish Highlands is the first book in the new Ally McKinley mystery series from Dee MacDonald. This contemporary cozy mystery is set in Locharran, a small village in the Scottish Highlands.

The sleuth, Ally McKinley, is a 68-year-old widow who has retired from her job in television research. To the surprise of her adult children, she moved to the Scottish Highlands and converted an old malthouse into a bed and breakfast. Ally is kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and curious.

The first body drops very quickly at the start of the book. The American victim is one of Ally's guests. She finds him on her B&B property with a knife in the back. Ally is curious by nature and is worried about the murder damaging the reputation of her new business. She starts sleuthing on her own and even creates a "murder board" on the back of a painting in her kitchen. This board helps her (and the reader) keep track of the suspects.

Ally chats up many locals, including an earl at a nearby castle. The earl likes the ladies and quickly tries to woo Ally. But he isn't the only gentleman giving her some attention. The romance is light and sweet in this book and stays in the background so that the murder mystery can take center stage. The romance subplot, while not the main focus, adds depth to Ally's character and provides a welcome break from the intensity of the murder investigation.

Dee MacDonald's expertise as a mystery writer shines in this book as she carefully lays out clues and red herrings, keeping the reader engaged and guessing. I managed to solve the murder shortly before the sleuth, which is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a compelling mystery.

Two additional things that I really liked:

1.) The cover is excellent. This is a prime example of how to do a simple, eye-catching design that hints at the theme. I liked the tartan teapot (which screams Scotland) and the tiny bit of tea being spilled (an excellent metaphor for the local gossip that helps fuel the investigation).

2.) The setting is wonderfully described. The author's use of literary dialect to convey the flavor of the characters' speech adds a charming authenticity to the Scottish theme and locale.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Scottish Highlands and look forward to the next installment. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a good whodunit set in a picturesque location.

Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A book that makes you feel as if you're walking through a Hallmark Murder Mystery!

Meet Ally - a widow of several years who decided it was finally time to live for herself, so naturally she bought an old malthouse that she found while traveling and turned it into a sort of bed and breakfast. Fast forward to the completion of renovations and Ally has welcomed her first guests, unfortunately Ally finds her self in the midst of a whodunnit murder mystery when one of her guests is murdered just outside the backdoor. Between getting accustomed to her new home, meeting the locals and knowing that the murder victim was trying to upend the current Earl, her list of suspects is plenty long. The question is, who killed the American making claims to the earldom? And how can Ally help detectives narrow down the suspect list without making all of her new neighbors dislike her for thinking they may be capable of murder.

Murder in the Scottish Highlands is a perfect start to the fall weather, a cozy murder mystery that has the reader working right alongside Ally urging her to ask the questions we're all wondering. A detective who doesn't seem to be doing much detecting, an Earl who has everything to lose but who's charisma makes no one believe him capable of murder. This book does have quite a bit of what is referred to in fantasy as world-building, meaning that it is heavily driven by the setting and includes much of the daily lives of the characters which is what gives it the cozy feel rather than feelings of suspense, I really enjoyed this first book in the new Ally McKinley series by Dee MacDonald, and am curious what other shenanigans Ally and her new friends will be getting into in the next books!

I'd recommend this book to lovers of Hallmark murder mysteries, and people looking for mystery without looking for the suspense and gore, the Scottish Highland setting also gives a nice feeling of getting-away, especially with Ally's new inn.

Review submitted at Target, Amazon and Barnes and Noble (will upload link as soon as it's available)

Ally McKinley’s hopes for a quiet life running a guest house in the Highlands are soon shattered when a body is found in her yard. An amateur genealogist researching his family tree ends up with a dagger in his back. As he was one of Ally’s guests, she feels compelled to investigate. Especially since the police don’t seem to have a clue. Why would anyone kill an American tourist? Did he find out something that would threaten any of the locals? It’s baffling, but Ally isn’t going to give up. Can she solve the case before anyone else is hurt?

I love cosy mysteries and especially those with interesting settings. ‘Murder in the Scottish Highlands’ ticks all the boxes for me. Ally is easy to like, and I found myself keen to spend time with her as she settled into her new home. She was an outsider and as she found out about the area, we did too. Were any of her neighbours likely suspects? She has no preconceived ideas about them, so was the ideal person to find out.

I loved the genealogy aspect too. I found it fascinating and could see how long buried secrets could cause problems in the present day. Ally’s investigating put her in danger, but it also brought her into contact with some very interesting new people in the community. I enjoyed finding out about them too.

Dee MacDonald sets the scene well, with a compelling writing style. I loved it.

This is the first book in a new series which introduces us to Ally McKinley, recently retired and now starting up her own business in the Scottish Highlands. She has decided to put all her funds into converting an old Scottish malthouse into a B&B and has just started taking guests when one of them is found dead in the courtyard.

When it is discovered that the victim has been murdered Ally decides to help solve the crime as quickly as possible before local gossip ruins her chances of success with the B&B. There are lots of red herrings and many well written and interesting characters. Ally is smart and sensible and she already has a potential romantic interest in the form of a local vet. A brand new labrador puppy called Flora completes the picture.

An excellent start to the series and I will be happy to read more.

A cute cozy mystery with an older leading lady detective. I loved the setting of the small town in Scotland and the B&B Ally had opened for business ; maybe a ghost … oh and a cute 🐶 There are a lot of interesting side characters in the town that will I’m sure lead to some great stories in the future

A wonderful start to a series, full of lovely and classic cozy murder mystery characters. The mystery itself wasn't actually all that compelling, as MacDonald spends so much time introducing the cast (and the case was easy to solve if you paid attention to who was getting "page time"), but I think this was in service to setting up a fun and engaging series, and I anticipate the blend will change as we settle in. Ally is instantly a fun protagonist, and I look forward to reading more about this sweet little town.

Ally has realised her dream of opening a small bed and breakfast inn in a small town. She looks forward to her guests but her introduction to the hospitality world was brutal. Her first guest was found brutally murdered in her backyard.

The arrival of first the brother of the deceased followed by the fiancée of the diseased causes confusion to the local police who seem confused enough as it is. The late Wilbur antagonised the entire village by laying claim to the title of Earl plus the extensive acreage he owned. The American wanted to convert the grounds into a pleasure park and practically the entire village would be homeless. It kept the field open for any number of suspects. When the driver of the Earl also dies in a car crash, where his brakes had been cut one feels the tension build up in the village. Ally herself has started her investigation and leans towards different suspects.

The actual plan and suspects were surprising. Ally sorted it out eventually. Detection was slow and any progress was minuscule on the part of the police. The atmosphere, attitude and gossipy nature of the villagers added interest to the story.

A very nice cozy.

A guest house in the Scottish Highlands is her dream
Now it is reality - or a nightmare - it would seem.
For Ally McKinley has opened and has guests staying now
And she's making friends with the locals anyhow.

However, when a guest is discovered decidedly dead
She decides she also needs to investigate instead.
She's determined to discover who the killer might be
And soon finds lots of suspects as readers soon see.

With gallant gentlemen and gossiping locals, too,
She's determined to uncover every vital clue.
New friends, strange discoveries and a new pup, too,
Ally will certainly had a lot to do!

A fun read with characters who are great
In this close knit community - but for whom is it too late?
I really enjoyed this cosy crime thriller
As Ally endeavoured to identify the killer.

I'm so glad this is the start of a series that's new
And don't hesitate to recommend you read this book, too!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Murder in the Scottish Highland is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery following an older main character named Ally who bought an old building in Scotland and turned it into an adorable bed and breakfast. Not long after opening one of her guests is found murdered..
The Detective assigned to the case seems like he might not know what he's doing, leading Ally to look into the murder herself.
With the help of some of the locals, and a couple of her guests Ally is on the case, and she won't stop until she solves it.

I really enjoyed Ally as our main character, the setting was beautiful, and a lot of the side characters were really interesting and I can't wait to learn more about them and Ally. With the mystery, you get the vibes of who the killer could be pretty quickly, although the reasons why and how it all played out were a surprise.
I think this is a great start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.

Ally McKinley a retired TV researcher fell in love with the tiny village of Locharran, so took the plunge bought the old malthouse, had it restored & now is the proud owner of the Auld Malthouse guest house. Before long she is making friends with the locals, including Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran a womanise who owns the nearby castle. But things take an unexpected turn when her first paying guest, American tourist Wilbur Carrington, is found sprawled across her cobblestoned courtyard with a dagger in his back. With the police baffled, Ally’s instincts get the better of her, and she can’t resist launching her own investigation. In no time at all she and her new Labrador puppy Flora are on the case, making enquiries over tea and excellent shortbread.
The start of a new series & a very well written cosy mystery. The author did a very good job of setting the scene for hopefully a long series, the descriptions of the area had me easily visualising it, the characters were a good mix from the down to earth Ally, the womanising Earl, the very appealing semi retired vet, the feisty cleaner, the blue eyed hotel owner, to the gossiping shopkeeper. I also enjoyed the murder mystery & was left guessing as to who the villain was. I must admit the murder seemed to take second place to getting to know the inhabitants of Locharran, which I didn’t mind at all it just made me want more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald barely gets started when Ally McKinley, who has just opened The Auld Malthouse Bed and Breakfast, finds one of her guests dead. I like the fact that Ally is an older protagonist as well as a number of the villagers. Ally shows that it is never too late in life to begin a new venture. The mystery was straightforward. The detective in charge of the case comes across as incompetent, which is why Ally began looking into the case. She does not want the murder to derail her business just as it was getting started. Ally asks questions and searches for clues. I like how Ally kept track of the details regarding the case. The particulars of the whodunit are repeated several times (which left me bored and skimming forward). The mystery was a cinch to solve. Unfortunately, the mystery took a backseat to Ally’s potential romantic interest (who had beautiful blue eyes like Paul Newman’s). The dialogue takes a little getting used to. I believe the author was trying to capture the way people speak in small Scottish towns. Murder in the Scottish Highlands is a nice story, but it was not my cup of tea.

I unfortunately DNFed this book. I didn’t love the writing style or the characters. I feel as though it might be better suited for someone that is new to the mystery genre!

A very cosy murder mystery in an idyllic setting. I found the book completely engrossing and did not guess who did it! The characters are engaging and colourful set against a background of Scottish village life. I really hope there is more to be added to this series. Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

Murder in the Scottish Highland is a very cozy mystery. The supporting characters are what made this book even if they are pretty standard in any small town/village. You have the newly arrived widow looking to start over, handsome lord, even more handsome vet, and a whole menagerie of colorful villagers.

I liked that Ally’s backstory was that she was a researcher for television, but I wish we had gotten to see more of her skills. It felt more like she just stumbled into the revelations rather than use any investigating expertise.

If you are looking for a quick easy read then you will probably enjoy this book.

Ally Mc Kinley has lived in Edinburgh for a long time but now she is retired she decides it is time for a change. Having fallen in love with an old malthouse in Locharran she decides it is the perfect place to open a B & B. It does not start well when one of her first guests is found stabbed in the back outside. He had been in the area looking for his ancestors & seems to have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. As it happened on her patch & not being impressed by how the local police seem to be dealing with it she decides to investigate.

Being a great fan of the Kate Palmer books I was delighted to see the start of a new series set in the Scottish Highlands (always a plus for a book!) Maybe it was because I loved the Kate Palmer books so much that this one was a bit of a let down for me. It was an easy read but as yet the characters have not really made much impact- although I did like Ally & am hoping the series will grow on me. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

I quite like the books by Dee MacDonald that I have read previously. She doesn't go in for the cliche young supermodel protagonist but makes her characters more mature, homely and with a decent appetite too.

The community that she has created is quirky and very much like a Highland village in their ways. The gossips and the rumourmongers, the dotty clergymen and the somewhat old fashioned and sexist roles in and around the community.

She has started the series well, introducing her characters with room to grow and each with little foibles of their own. I'd like to see where this series goes next!

The writing was smooth and descriptive. The plot lost steam in the middle unfortunately and it got a tad samey for a while. The climax came and I found the killer easy to guess.

A good little cosy to curl up with! My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Dee MacDonald for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions are my own.

A cosy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. Had me thinking of Hamish Macbeth and rugged scenery. Also had me thinking eccentric characters, small towns that love gossip and hate incomers, and many mentions of cups of tea. Basically everything I imagined ended up in the pages of this book.

Dee MacDonald has certainly gone all out on the cosy elements in this book. There's a great cast of characters and they do have that Scottish Highlands feel. By the end of this book, you will feel like you've known many of the characters for years. A good sign, especially if we expect to see more books in this series. The book is also filled with good-natured humour and believable characters, giving this story a truly comfortable vibe that is immediately relaxing.

The mystery was fine. I was happy following protagonist, Ally, as she donned her amateur sleuth hat to solve the crime. One part of this did not make sense to me, that Ally would welcome the help of two guests in her B&B in the investigation. I'm trying to understand how it would be a good idea - given the feeling the locals have towards incomers and that the guests were so closely linked to victim. It felt a strange addition to the plot, and not something that made the plot stronger.

Still, this ticks a lot of cosy mystery boxes for me. And I'm wondering what will be in store for Ally next.