When I decided . . . wait, I’m not sure I should call it a real decision. I answered the ad and then the offer impulsively – does that mean it was a choice or a gut instinct that I followed? Either way, I didn’t put much thought into what it would mean for me to pick up my Kansas life and move to Edinburgh, Scotland, to work for a delightful but mysterious man at his bookshop.
So, here I am in this new place that’s a half a country and an Atlantic Ocean away from where I lived all my almost thirty years. Believe me, Edinburgh is very different from Kansas. I’ve thought about the old axiom more than once – I’m definitely not in Kansas anymore.
I always wanted to be bold and this was the perfect chance to see if I had what it took to spread my wings and not turn around and fly right back home to the safety of my parent’s farm. I get to try life in a different world, or maybe it’s the different way of living that’s appealing.
Surprisingly, things are going very well. Well, except for the murder, of course. That part’s been rough on everyone, most of all Edwin MacAlister, my boss. He’s a man with more layers than I could have ever predicted based on the phone interview, more layers than I’ll ever be able to peel away during the time I spend in this beautiful country.
Though I’ve tried to look at this adventure through a lens of destiny, I still have moments when I’m a little thrown by the fortuitous events. Outside of the airport, only moments after the plane landed, I approached a cab driver because his kind eyes reminded me of my Uncle Maury back in Topeka. He and his wife became my landlords before I could even look at one apartment . . . I mean flat. The sense of family I feel with Elias and Aggie and at the bookshop is real and deep, despite not knowing anyone all that well yet and still having moments that make me wonder about everyone’s honesty. But no one’s completely honest. Are they?
It’s a little too soon to talk about the pub owner I met and how amazing he looks in a kilt. Or his eyes. Yes, they are . . . well, I don’t want to jinx whatever that might turn into but I’m excited to see what happens. I’m also excited to get to know this city; its history, architectural beauty, and, of course, its ghost stories. Maybe especially its ghost stories.
I welcome any visitors. Come on over any time, and we’ll be bold together.
The Cracked Spine is the first book in the NEW Scottish Bookshop mystery series, published by Minotaur Books, March 2016.
Wanted: A bold adventurer who wants to travel the world from a comfortable and safe spot behind a desk that has seen the likes of kings and queens, paupers and princes. A humble book and rare manuscript shop seeks a keenly intelligent investigator to assist us in our search for things thought lost, and in our quest to return lost items to their rightful owners.
Never an adventurer, no one was more surprised than Delaney Nichols when she packed her bags and moved halfway across the world to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a job at The Cracked Spine, a bookshop located in the heart of the city. Her new boss, Edwin MacAlister, has given her the opportunity of a lifetime, albeit a cryptic one, and Delaney can’t wait to take her spot behind the desk.
The Cracked Spine is filled with everything a book lover could want, each item as eclectic as the people who work there; the spirited and lovable Rosie, who always has tiny dog Hector in tow; Hamlet, a nineteen-year-old thespian with a colored past and bright future; and Edwin, who is just as enigmatic and mysterious as Delaney expected. An extra bonus is Tom the bartender from across the street, with his cobalt eyes, and a gentle brogue―and it doesn’t hurt that he looks awfully good in a kilt.
But before she can settle into her new life, a precious artifact goes missing, and Edwin’s sister is brutally murdered. Never did Delaney think that searching for things lost could mean a killer, but if she’s to keep her job, and protect her new friends, she’ll need to learn the truth behind this Scottish tragedy.
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About the author
Paige had a nomadic childhood as her father’s job as a football coach took the family to seven different towns before she was even twelve years old. After college at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, she moved to Salt Lake City where she thought she’d only stay a couple years, but she fell in love with the mountains and a great guy who became her husband. After many decades in Utah, she and her family recently moved to Arizona. You can connect with Paige at www.paigeshelton.com.
Giveaway: Leave comment below for your chance to win a print copy of The Cracked Spine. US entries only, please. The giveaway will end April 4, 2016 at 12 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
All comments are welcomed.
Thanks for the chance to win. As always, you did a great review. I have this on my TBR list and can’t wait to read it.
Oh my goodness! This sounds like a wonderful start to a new series! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Can’t wait to read it whether I win or buy it!
What a great review! I just wanted to keep reading & see what happened. I just knew this would be a good series. I am totally enamored with Great Britain. I’d love to visit Scotland, but I can’t imagine answering an ad & then just picking up & moving across the world. I can’t wait to read this!!
I have read an arc of the book and would love to own a finished copy for my library.
wow…I love the sound of this synopsis and put me down to enter. Scotland and that cover look divine…
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Kilts, and bookstores. It sounds like a fantastic combination. On my tbr list, but it would be lovely to win it.
Sounds like a good book. And a first in a series too!!!
I love the cover it caught my attention right away. I will have to read this book after reading the article. Thanks for the chance to win
Have visited Scotland and would love to read a book about a book store located there.
This looks fabulous!!
Sounds like an interesting adventure! Thanks for a chance to enter.
Sounds like a book I would really like!
Sounds good to me – bookstore!
As a book lover myself, this story is intriguing. And I love guys with brogues and dreamy eyes. I hope there are many more mysteries in this series!
I’m a fan of her other series so I’m looking forward to her latest – and it sounds really good!~!
I love the sounds of this book and I can’t wait. I love Paige’s books and am very excited to read this. thank you for the change to win Dru!
I can’t wait to read this book, it sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Ohhhh my, don’t ever borrow a book from my daughter and return it with a cracked spine, you will be in BIG trouble, lol. Love the title!
wfnren at aol dot com
This sounds great. Thanks for the chance to win.
What a great premise and title. On my list of TBR books. 😀
Looking forward to this book. I have really enjoyed her writings, and think this new premise is a winner.
Can’t wait to read this book. Paige’s book are always wonderful.
Thanks Dru Ann for introducing this new series. England, Ireland and Scotland are on my bucket list to visit. Since it isn’t feasible presently, I’ll use books to get me there. Thanks for the giveaway. robeader53@yahoo.com
I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway.
kpowers784@yahoo.com
Thanks for introducing us to Delaney and her adventure. I’ve had this one on my wish list for quite a while now. Thanks for the giveaway.
This book sounds captivating and fascinating. Thanks.
Okay! Mystery, books, Scotland – what more could one ask for. ..
Wow! An adventurer! This will be an amazing cozy main character. Would love to go to Scotland!
CaroNWong(at)aol(dot)com
A bookshop and Scotland, two of my favorite things written by a author I enjoy reading. Would love to win this book.
This sounds so interesting! I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of The Cracked Spine.
This sounds so exciting and to be allowed to follow her through this time in her life is truly a great opportunity. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am so looking forward to this new series and a trip back to Scotland!
Great voice, great location, great premise. I’m looking forward to it.
I so want to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
That would be a great adventure indeed, Edinburgh is wonderful! The toughest part for me was negotiating that Scottish accent. Sounds easy but it’s not. Thanks for the chance to win this new book.
Sounds like a great new series!
This sure does sound like a really awesome and exciting mystery! Love, love, love the beautiful cover with the sweet doggie! I get so excited when a new series comes out and can’t wait to read this one. Thanks so much dear Dru for the chance to win this new book!!! God bless you and feel better!!!!
Love the sound of the book.
I love her writing style and am anxiously looking forward to this new series.
Scotland, a murder,a bookstore and a pub– intriguing! Cracked Spine has definitely piqued my interest and is on my TBR list. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
This review is so intriguing. This book seems to have everything! Cozy, mystery, adventurous woman, and beautiful Scotland. Thanks so much for a chance to win a copy.
Wow, love what I read, how different going to a diffeernt county and than to a bookstore. Love, love love the idea, and would love to read this book, ty
I love books, bookstores, and mysteries (and kilts!) and I’d be very happy to win a copy of this book!
This would be a great book to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
This author has never failed to entertain me. Looking forward to new series from her.
I always enjoy books with a bookstore in the storyline. Great review, can’t wait to read the book. Adding to my TBR list. Thanks for a great giveaway.
What a marvelous idea. That is a great ad. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.
I’m excited to enjoy the adventure!
I cannot wait to read The Cracked Spine! It looks like it will be delightful. Thank you for a chance to win.
Sounds like a fun read!
I have heard it’s amazing! Thank you.
This sounds like a fantastic book. It’s on my tbr list. I can’t wait to read it.
Sounds like lots of things to satisfy a mystery reader. Now, if it only had a cat…
A friend of mine received a copy of this book, and absolutely loved it. I am so anxious to read Delaney’s (love the name) adventure in The Cracked Spine.
Thank you so much for the giveaway.
debrapuksar@ymail.com
Wow how did I miss that this was already out. For some reason I thought it was coming out in May. I enjoy Paige Shelton’s writing styles. This would be a great one to win!! Thanks for the chance
This sounds like a great way to be introduced to the city of Edinburgh and Scotland which I will be visiting next spring, with a mystery and a bookshop included!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy
Can’t wait to read this book! It sounds like it is right up my alley.
Sounds like a amazing storyline ! So want to read 💟 Thank you for the chance to win a Awesome book 👍👍👍 A bookshop and mystery together Wow my kind of book 👍👍
Sounds fabulous!
I enjoy reading Paige’s other cozy series – Farmers’ Market, Cooking School and A Dangerous Type – looking forward to reading the first in her new series.
I can’t wait to read it!!
I don’t know this author, but the book sounds awesome..I could curl up with it on my couch..lol would love to win a copy and maybe even find a new author to follow because of it..thanks for the chance
This looks like a fantastic book! Thanks!!!
I love all of your reviews. This book is no exception — hope I win it!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Sounds very interesting and fun! Love Paige Shelton’s mysteries so I’m game for a new series, and, set in Edinburgh. More than fun. Time to curl up with a good read – I hope!
I adore the cover of this book.
Of coarse, I also want to read it too.
Hope I win this one.
Who hasn’t felt like doing something like that at one point, esp. those of us who love to read! Thanks for the intro and chance to win a great book!
What a great idea for a new series! Paige Shelton has yet to write anything less than a winner, so I’m excited about a new world to visit. Thanks for the chance to win, DruAnn.
J have to get thisbook. Thanks for the chance
Ooh, I would love to win!
Love books about book shops!
One of my favorite authors with a new book and series about a book store. I am so excited, Hope I can win. Thanks for the chance.
Sounds like a great read, and the cover is adorable. Thank you for the giveaway.
I can’t wait to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win
Sounds good. I have one of the Scottish mysteries by Hannah Reed so I’d like to try this new series. I have other books by Paige Shelton, including her latest one, To Helvetica and Back.
I wish I had the guts to pick up and more to a place like Scotland—what a great setting for a book. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
A must-read for me!!! My 1st book win was a book written by Paige, so her books are special to me…
Thank you for the giveaway….
Love learning about new series and this one sounds great. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway.