I liked this better than the first one as it was a little more land-based (her sailing descriptions are great but I support the RNLI to spare me from traumas like hers). The first one was also a touch too edgy for happy reading - her main character had so many chips on her shoulders she was as prickly as a hedgehog, but there was plenty in it to make me want to read this one, and I'm glad I did. I love the crofting kilted Detective Inspector, and the characters of Rat and Cat. Started the next one within fifteen minutes of finishing this one, which is a good sign! ( )

I liked the "Trowie Mound Murders" as much as "Death on a Longship", the first in the Shetland mystery series. It's a nicely done narrative, and the characters and setting that I liked in the first book are present in this one. There are nice twists in the mystery to keep one speculating about possible villains, as well as the obligatory unnecessary risks taken by the protagonist that all mysteries seem compelled to have. But I suppose if everyone acted wisely and logically all the time, particularly in fiction, it would be a very dull world indeed.

It's not necessary to have read "Death on a Longship", the first in the Cass Lynch series to follow the plot of this one (the second). You get enough background in context to understand the relationships, but will likely have a better appreciation of subtleties if you do read them in order. There seems to be a romance budding up slowly, but not mutually acknowledged yet. I prefer that to sudden attractions and the plot disruptions to accommodate them, so was very happy with the restraint and even-handling. If Cass went silly for Gavin, the police inspector up from the Highlands, so soon after the events of the first book, I'd think she was an implausible ninny at best and a cardboard character at worst. But I do like Gavin very much, and am quite fine with a feeling of friendship, affection, love, whatever growing between them over time in the series if they wish. And if she doesn't like him after time in the series, I'll be tempted to call her a ninny anyway.

I was absorbed enough in the Trowie Mound world to feel a loss at a particular unexpected death, though the rescue of a kitty or two helped a little. And if a baby cat and a full-grown pet rat could have a strong friendship in the small confines of a boat, surely there's hope for the world. All in all, a good book and recommended for all those who like a mystery with believable likeable characters. I've already bought the next in the series ("A Handful of Ash"), but will use it as an incentive and a reward for finishing other books and tasks waiting for me. ( )