Hiya—I’m Paislee Shaw, owner of Cashmere Crush, a specialty yarn and sweater shop. Grandpa and I are early at Ramsey Castle for the annual bagpiping competition to meet the dowager countess and stock my bespoke cashmere items in the brand-new gift shop. The castle is expanding to increase revenue as operating the property isn’t cheap. The DC and I commiserate over rising costs of living as she takes us on a personal tour of the property which borders a forest of bamboo used for the chanter reed in the bagpipes. Wallace chases a sassy red squirrel among a plethora of wild mushrooms. Squirrels are immune to the poisonous ones, but not so pups and she warns us to take care. Brody doesn’t like any kind of mushroom at all but I love them. Gran made a wild mushroom soup that makes my mouth water even now.
Beyond the normal clan rivalry is a grudge match as last year’s winner came from nowhere to beat Robert Grant, the prior champion. After the competition there will be a barbecue to celebrate all participants as well as the winner. There isn’t a big purse, but side bets can bring in thousands or more. As a single mum, I didn’t waste money betting. Grandpa’s put a wee wager on Clan Campbell and even the DC placed a bet on her team, Clan Grant.
Me, I’m happy to enjoy the music, glad Brody is old enough that I didn’t have to worry about him falling from the bleachers, as he’s making friends and playing football, with Wallace on guard.
I’m swept up in the music until the final rounds, with each band better and better. There is no way anybody will be able to beat Robert and Clan Grant, not even last year’s winner, Jory Baxter. The applause at the end of the set is so intense we’re all standing and clapping, stomping our feet. It takes the judges some time to quiet everyone for the last clan to play.
Nobody is more shocked than myself when their chief bagpiper falls to the grass mid-note, his kilt baring more than it should. The competition screeches to a halt and Jory Baxter is hauled to hospital amid chaos. DI Mack Zeffer arrives later while everyone is feasting on venison, the competitors wondering if there will be a rematch—especially with the tragic news that the piper is dead.
Giveaway: Traci has offered to give away one print copy of Murder At A Scottish Castle to two lucky commenters. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends January 26, 2024. Good luck everyone!
Murder At A Scottish Castle, A Scottish Shire Mystery Book #5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: January 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
Sweater shop owner Paislee Shaw never feels more at home in Scotland than when she hears the bagpipes. But a murderer is about to introduce a sour note . . .
With the summer days getting shorter in the seaside village of Nairn, the annual bagpiping competition at Ramsey Castle promises to be quite the end-of-season blowout. Paisley has snagged a special invitation from the dowager countess, who wants to showcase her cashmere goods in the castle gift shop, and she’s brought her son Brody, Grandpa, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace.
There’s a fierce rivalry between Robert Grant, the Earl of Lyon, and last year’s winner Jory Baxter, with Grant loudly vowing to show up the blowhard Baxter and claim clan bragging rights. But the reigning champion has barely put the reed to his lips when he turns red and collapses, soon to take his dying breath. DI Zeffer suspects foul play.
With a possible murderer in their midst, the rest of Nairn won’t breathe easy until Paisley applies her sleuthing skills to make sure justice is served and the killer pays the piper . . .
About the author
From cozy mysteries to seaside romance, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall writes stories that captivate her readers. As a hybrid author with over sixty published works, Ms. Hall has a favorite tale for everyone.
Mystery lovers, check out her Scottish Shire series, set in the seaside town of Nairn, or the Salem B&B Mystery series, co-written as Traci Wilton. Her latest project is an Irish Castle cozy as Ellie Brannigan. Whether it’s her ever-popular By the Sea romances, an Appletree Cove sweet romance, or a fun who-done-it, Traci finds her inspiration in sunny South Florida, living right near the ocean. Traci wants to hear from you! Connect with her at her website at tracihall.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter/X at @tracihallauthor.
I am not familiar with this series, but the setting is intriguing. Can this be read as a standalone, or do you have to read the books in order?
The mystery is standalone, for sure. The Scottish Shire setting is part of each book. Good luck!
Thank you!
Hi Sharon! The mystery is a standalone–the setting of the shire is part of each book.
Like the castle in Scotland setting. Sounds like a book I would really like reading. Adding to my TBR list.
This is an excellent series. It’s one series I buy instead of waiting for the library to get it in. I received my copy last Saturday. I finished it yesterday. This book was as good as the others. I was not disappointed at all
Janice, thank you so much…that means the world.
That means the world, Janice, thank you very much!
Love the castle setting! So magical and mysterious.
Thank you!
Castles are magical for sure!
Congratulations on another book! It sounds so good and I love the cover.
Thank you Carol–Kensington does a terrific job with the covers!
Kensington does such a wonderful job with the covers–thank you!
Thank you Dru Ann for hosting!
Thank you so much!
This series sounds captivating and wonderful.
Thank you, Anne!
This mystery and the locale interest me. Unique and intriguing.
I love it too–have you ever been to Scotland? It’s on my list!
There’s nothing like the sound of bagpipes. It sends chills down my spine. Good chills!
I agree!
Love the series!
Thank you!
Congratulations on the new release. I love the setting and it sounds like a great story.
Thank you so much!
I apologize for the double comments earlier! My computer forgot to play nice with the blog lol
Pat Dupuy, you are my winner for an autographed copy of Murder at a Scottish Castle!!
Congratulations to Dianne Casey and Sharon Marchisello who won a copy of Murder at a Scottish Castle