Visitors to town this week could easily mistake Apple Station for a Scottish hamlet at the height of tourist season. With all the St. Andrew’s Cross flags flying and tartan swishing, you’d think you’d landed in Glasgow, not in a small town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. But with the Highland Games just up the road, everything and everyone has turned Scottish to celebrate.
Many of the family clans coming in for the Games are staying at the Apple Station Inn, and I’ve never seen so many muscular men in kilts. Not that I’m complaining. It’s very Outlander chic. Every day there are demonstrations on the town lawn, from bagpipes to swordplay. Yesterday, I caught part of a mock battle while waiting outside the clinic for my next patient. One lumberjack lookalike swung a claymore nearly as long as a canoe paddle, while his opponent defended himself with a hatchet and a shield the size of a side-salad plate.
Tonight, the inn is hosting a whisky tasting. I’d love to go, but my mom and grandmother are commandeering my kitchen after work to bake for Sunday’s playground dedication. My PT clinic used to be a bakery, and when my friend A.J. renovated it, he kept part of the kitchen intact. Now my family treats it like a community bake shop whenever they need to churn out sweets for half the town. My bestie Olivia is coming to help, so at least there’ll be plenty of laughs to go with all the mixing, kneading, and baking.
I’m so excited about the new inclusive playground. It’s something I’ve dreamed of for years, and A.J. made it possible by donating land. Now our town has a place where kids of all abilities can play together. Sunday’s celebration will be huge. That’s where the baking comes in. We have to start early because Abuela insists on making everything in small batches. No shortcuts allowed. Tonight, with her in charge, Liv and I will mostly be there to follow orders and keep out of her way.
Speaking of Liv, I need to talk to her about the “A.J. situation.” He and I have been sort of … dating. She hasn’t said a word, but she must already suspect. After all, she’s an advice columnist, and sharing her thoughts is what she gets paid to do. She and A.J. grew up next door to each other, so he’s basically like her brother. It’s an awkward subject to raise, but I think she’s fine with it. I hope.
I definitely haven’t told Abuela yet. She’s forever pressuring me to get married and have kids, but with Liv serious about Preston, most of the attention is off me for once. Abuela is happily distracted making a wedding cake for a friend and dreaming up more. Liv once swore she’d never give up her membership in the Spinster’s Club, but you can see where this is headed. Preston is the one.
I’m thrilled for her. Moving back to Apple Station hadn’t been in her plans. She’s had a challenging year, somehow landing in the middle of four murder investigations. Don’t get the wrong idea: our town’s as safe as ever. Call it a bizarre statistical blip that crimes cropped up the moment Liv returned. With luck, things have settled down for her now.
Some troubling news surfaced this week, though. A neighborhood app reported that a woman was found dead in her home last night. My mom knew her, and I met her once. Folks online claimed there were gunshots and a heavy police presence at the house. It’s awful. Liv doesn’t have any connection to her that I know of, so maybe, just maybe, she can steer clear of this trouble.
Giveaway: Kathleen has generously offered to give away one print copy of WITHOUT A SHADOW OF DOUBT. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends November 12, 2025. Good luck everyone!
WITHOUT A SHADOW OF DOUBT — An “Olivia Penn” Mystery, Book 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: November 2025
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
Find the cat. Crack the case.
The Highland Games have arrived just outside Apple Station, Virginia, bringing bagpipes, kilts, and a tide of tartan-clad tourists to the cozy small town. Advice columnist Olivia Penn is ready for a weekend of fun now that her life has finally settled into a quiet, steady rhythm. But when a local turns up dead in one of the town’s most iconic homes, a cryptic message from a friend draws her into a tangled mystery.
As Olivia investigates, family secrets and surprising motives surface, linking three brooches, an antique cross, and a 17th-century Scottish Bible. Clues connect seven suspects to the crime, and each has something to hide. When her friend can’t be found and the police start asking questions, the mystery hits closer to home and runs deeper than she ever imagined.
After an unlikely witness makes a shocking revelation, Olivia enlists her friends and a heroic search and rescue golden retriever to help her follow the trail before it goes cold. The man she loves is caught in the crosshairs, and to protect him, she’ll have to risk everything. Justice hinges on a missing cat, a chase through the woods, and a stare-down with a mama bear.
About the author
Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. A former pediatric physical therapist, Kathleen now lives in Virginia with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When not writing, she can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime. Visit her online at kathleenbaileyauthor.com.
This sounds like a great story. Can’t wait to read this one.
Thanks so much, Cindy! I’m thrilled the book caught your eye!
A new to me series and author. It sounds good, I’m especially interested in how all the antiques factor into the mystery.
Thanks so much, Alicia! I’m delighted the book caught your interest. The antiques play a fun role in the mystery with little clues, bits of hidden history, and a few surprises along the way. I hope you enjoy seeing how it all comes together.
I’m not familiar with this series. But a golden retriever, a cat, and a bear? Intriguing for an animal lover like me.
Thank you for stopping by, Sharon. The furry crew definitely keeps things lively. I hope you have a chance to get to know them.
don’t know about this series. but sounds intriguing. would loved to find out more about this book and series. happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Linda! I’m delighted the series sounds intriguing to you. I hope you get the chance to explore it. Warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!
A mystery with a missing cat? count me in!
Lalita, you’re speaking my language. I have a feeling we could have a lot of fun sleuthing together. Thank you for stopping by!
So grateful to you, Dru, for featuring and sharing my new release today!
Congratulations on the new book! It sounds wonderful: Highland Games, inclusive playground, baking. And Amazon says there’s a beagle and a cat. I love books with pets.
Thanks so much for checking out my new release! Pets add so much personality to cozies. There’s always room for just one more in my stories.
I look forward to reading it.
Yay, Jean! I’m thrilled to hear it grabbed your attention. Thank you for coming by today and saying hi!
This sounds like a great story
Thank you, Donna! It makes me smile knowing it sounds like a fun read to you!
I suppose I should start with the first book, but this one is so inviting that I am tempted. Of course, I happen to be in the middle of a course of PT and I am an Abuela.
Thank you for being here and for your kind words, Maren. Start wherever your curiosity takes you. There is an overall arc to the series, but I wrote each book so it can be enjoyed on its own. I hope your PT goes well and that you have some cozy reads to bring a bit of cheer to your day.
A captivating and intriguing mystery that would be extremely enjoyable to read.
Thanks so much, Anne! I’m delighted the mystery sounds intriguing to you.
This sounds amazing. I would love to read it
Michelle, thank you so much for checking out my new release. I’m glad to hear it sounds right up your alley.
Sounds like something I would love to read.
Thank you for coming by, Lisa! I appreciate it! I hope you have a chance to check it out.
I love cozy mysteries and this book sounds intriguing and entertaining. I’d love to read it and write and post my review. Thank you for the chance.
Thanks for this opportunity. I love cozy mysteries.
Hi Carol! I’m delighted you stopped by to check out my new release! I hope it finds its way to your TBR!
Thank you for checking out my new release, Jeanne! I’m so glad the book piques your interest.
Sounds like a great read! I don’t get out much, because I am a caregiver to an elderly parent, so books are a big part of my life.
I’m so glad the book sounds appealing to you, Lisa. Cozies can give that gentle break just when we need it. 💛
Love the cover! Sounds like a book I would really enjoy reading. Adding to my TBR list.
Thank you for your kind words, Dianne! I’m thrilled the book has made your TBR! 🐈
Book sounds great. Can’t wait to read.
Thank you for coming by today, Karen! I hope the story brings you a cozy escape.
An escape that sounds extremely unique and very special. Wonderful cozy.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Ellie. I hope you get the chance to check it out.
Book sounds great, would love to win it to read!
Thank you, Rita! I’d love for you to have a chance to check it out too!
I would love to read this. Mystery that has humor, mom, and grandma. best friend. Main character with family.
Thank you for checking out my new release, Dora!
sounds like an exciting and intriguing series. look forward to reading it. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you, Julue! I’m happy the series sounds intriguing to you. If you dive in, feel free to drop me a line and let me know how it goes!
This sounds like an interesting mystery story! I especially like the appearance of the cover of the book.
Thanks so much for dropping by and saying hello, Patti. My cover designers did a great job capturing the spirit of the book. I’m delighted to hear it caught your eye!
I’d love to read this. Thank you for the chance.
Thank you, Janis. I’m happy to hear you’d like to read it. Hope it finds its way to your TBR soon.
What a fun read, and men in kilts? Oh yes, count me in!
Thank you, Marcia! Men in kilts definitely keep things interesting.😀 Hope you enjoy the read.
This. Hold be a possible choice for our library’s mystery book club.
This COULD be
Thanks so much, Nadine! I’m tickled it might be a fit for your library’s mystery club.
Thanks for the chance to win your book. I love reading cozy mysteries. I love reading about Scottish themes as we have been to Scotland and fell in love with the country.
The book sounds very interesting. I hope I get to read it!
Thanks, Wendy! I hope you have a chance to read it too!
Thank you for the chance I have not read any of your books but this looks good hope I am the winner
Hi Nicole! Thanks for checking out my new release! I hope our paths cross again in the pages of the book.
What a fun premise! It sounds like a great read for a crisp fall day!
Thanks, Tracy. It’s definitely time to cozy up with some good reads for the fall. I hope my book makes its way onto your TBR!
Men in Kilts, I’m there….
Diane, you crack me up! I’m with you, because what’s more entertaining than men in kilts throwing heavy things around? 🤣
Thank you for dropping by, Faith. There is something enchanting about cozies with a Scottish flavor. Scotland has such beauty and charm, and I wanted to capture a little bit of that spirit in this book. I hope the story brings you back to a place you loved.
Another great Olivia Penn mystery. I am looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us next!
Hi Tracy! Thanks so much for your very kind words and for supporting the series and my writing. I can’t wait to share what’s coming next. 😀
I read all your other books and met you at the Mechanicsburg Mystery
Bookshop Cozy Con so would love to read your new one. Thanks for the chance.
Hi Sally! It’s wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for all your support, and it means so much that you’ve read every book. I hope to see you again at another Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop event.
You got me with this one when you started with the Highland Games!!! One of my favorite places to go as I am Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English!!! I love mysteries maybe because of my family men who are retired from the being Police Officers in various counties of California. I enjoy reading anything mystery and trying to figure out the culprit before finishing the story. Your Characters are interesting and like that there are a black cat, a beagle and surprised by the Bear (who obviously came down the mountain to see all the fun in the valley!). Hopefully the jinks of the murders will wear off of Olivia and her love will propose before the end! I love a great story!!!
Linda, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I love your enthusiasm, and it’s wonderful to hear you enjoy the Highland Games and mysteries as much as I do. The pets and the bear add plenty of fun to the story, and I hope you enjoy seeing where everything leads for Olivia.
This story sounds interesting.
Thanks for checking out my new release, Jean! I’m so glad it interests you!
this looks like a read i would love try a mystery a scottish one sounds fun hope you an your family have blessed an wonderful holidays.
Thanks, Lorie! Scottish-themed mysteries are such fun, and I hope this one ends up being a story you’ll really enjoy. Wishing you and your family a blessed and wonderful holiday season.
This sounds like an immersive storyline to lose myself in. How wonderful!
Thank you, Shelby! I’m delighted the story sounds like something you could get wrapped up in. I certainly did when I wrote it!
This sounds like a great read!
Thank you, Desiree! I hope you get a chance to check it out!
This sounds like a great book!
Thank you for visiting, Annie! Sending you all the happiest reading vibes.
I’m unfamiliar with this book but intrigued by the mystery and suspense it appears to have within its pages. Hope the cat gets found! 🙂
Thanks so much for checking it out, Tammy! Fingers crossed the missing cat keeps you turning the pages. 🐱
This sounds like a doozy of a cozy; it should be fun to read! Thanks for running the giveaway.
Happy to hear it sounds like a fun, lively cozy, Mary! Thanks so much for coming by and saying hi.
I love books. And finding new authors. Thank you for the email that led me here. This books looks amazing. 💕💕💕
So happy you found your way here, Sheri! Delighted the book caught your eye, and I hope it finds a cozy spot on your TBR. 💕💕💕
The blurb is quite fascinating and it looks like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the opportunity to possibly win a copy of the book.
Thanks, Laura! I’m so glad the blurb drew you in, and I hope the story ends up being just your kind of read. Thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like a great story! Great cover too!
Thank you, Cherie! I’m so glad you like the cover. My design team did a wonderful job bringing the vision to life.
great intro
it doesn’t seem like one i can guess the ending
Thanks for checking out my new release, Terrie! I hope it keeps you guessing until the end.
This author and the series are new to me but this book sounds like a great story!
I’m delighted you stopped by, Sharon! I’m so glad the book sounds like a fun read to you!
I have not read your series before but the book sounds interesting. I am going to try and see if I can locate your first book on this series.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Sherrie! Where the Light Shines Through is the first book in the series, and it’s available everywhere, including libraries. If you get a chance to dive in, I’d love to hear what you think, so feel free to drop me a line!