Hayley and Nathan head to Scotland on their honeymoon...along with Miss Gloria. Staying with Nathan's sister, the newlyweds are soon separated as Nathan is dragged to a golf tournament by his brother-in-law and Hayley accompanies her sister-in-law on a tour of "thin places". True to form, Hayley gets pulled into a murder investigation that ties to her SIL's troublesome book partners. The change of scenery from Key West brought a delicious change to the series, and it was fun to see Hayley operating out of her normal sphere. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a digital arc via NetGalley.

The Key West food critic takes on Scotland in the eleventh book of the series and the setting out shown the storyline. Nothing about the mystery itself captured my attention. There was no reason to be invested as it involved friends of Hayley’s new husband’s sister who really were just background noise. The real mystery I was interested in, what was happening back in Key West, was barely a side note tacked on at the end. As always Miss Gloria was a hoot and I when Hayley contemplated how little time we’d have left with the octogenarian my heart broke with her. ( )

Review of eBook

Newlyweds Hayley Snow and Nathan Bransford are off to Scotland for their long-delayed honeymoon . . . with Nathan’s mother Helen, his sister, Vera, and his brother-in-law William. And accompanied by their octogenarian neighbor, the venerable Miss Gloria.

Vera’s welcoming dinner party includes her friends-since-college, Ainsley, her husband, Dougal, and Glenda, with her husband, Gavin. All are involved in Vera’s book project, a situation that has created some tension and discomfort for them. A claim of poisoning at the dinner party causes some anxious moments, but with the guest’s recovery, the group of friends continues with their plans. Nathan and William are off to play in a multi-day golf tournament; the rest of the group takes a whirlwind tour of some of Scotland’s emblematic “thin” places, research for the forthcoming book.

A tourist’s tragic fall from the Falkirk Wheel leaves everyone shaken; although Vera, Glenda, and Ainsley claim not to know the victim, Hayley believes their reactions say otherwise. What secrets are they keeping?

Faced with a possible poisoning and a suspicious death, Hayley can’t help but wonder if there will be another murder. Will she find the answers or will tragedy forever mar the memories of her Scottish honeymoon?

Eleventh in the Key West food critic mystery series, “A Scone of Contention” finds Hayley Snow caught up in mysteries at home and in Scotland. There’s enough backstory here for readers new to the series; taking the story [for the most part] out of Key West gives readers an opportunity to see Hayley in a different setting. Despite the change of scene, the story retains its ineffable charm.

Well-drawn, believable characters populate the narrative; many are like old friends and all of the expected characters in the series are in place. The characters are realistic, the mystery is compelling; readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of the tale from the first page.

Scotland comes to life with the unfolding of this captivating story; a strong sense of place anchors the intriguing mystery. Unexpected events keep the suspense building and readers will find it difficult to set this book aside before turning the final page. Don’t miss this scrumptious story.

Several recipes for dishes mentioned in the story are included in the book. [The scones are delicious!]

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley
#ASconeofContention #NetGalley ( )