Happy publication day to Murder at the Highland Castle by Helena Dixon, which is published by Bookouture today, 17 November 2023.
A majestic castle by a Scottish loch, a glass of whisky by a roaring fire, stockings hung by the chimney… and a body? It’s a midwinter murder for Kitty Underhay!
Winter, 1935. Lightly dusted with snow and nestled on the edge of a sweeping Scottish loch, Finnglach Castle looks positively magical. Kitty Underhay, her husband Matt and their beloved dog Bertie are delighted to be celebrating the new year with a Hogmanay party, but just after midnight, a shot rings out across the grounds…
Their host, Lord Barlas, is dead, murdered in the snow. The killer’s footprints have vanished and the gun is missing. With the snow-covered castle completely cut off, and a killer in their midst, Kitty and Matt need to work fast to find the culprit before someone else ends up as dead.
As the weather worsens, the guests begin discussing dark Highland stories about evil spirits. But with an anxious daughter, a new wife set to inherit a fortune and a suspicious spiritual adviser, Kitty is sure the killer is close at hand. Can she, Matt and Bertie sniff out the treacherous culprit in time for haggis and whisky or will they find themselves skating on dangerously thin ice?
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You know you are in for a good story with a Helena Dixon Miss Underhay mystery and Murder at the Highland Castle is no exception. This time Kitty and Matt are ensconced in the titular Castle in Scotland at Hogmanay, wrapped up warm, peering out at the heavy snow, with plenty of refreshments – all of which sounds delightful, until murder comes knocking.
It was good to be reunited with Kitty and Matt and to meet the cast of characters forming the rest of this New Year house party. Kitty and Matt are present on professional grounds although pretending otherwise and, from what they observe, they are not the only ones with a secret or two. You could easily read this whodunit as a standalone but I would recommend you start at the beginning of the series.
The Castle and its icy grounds were vividly brought to life, with a fire crackling in every grate, atmospheric lanterns in every corner and a pot of tea always only the ring of a bell away. The story contains all the elements of a good Golden Age-style murder mystery, including a range of suspects, financial shenanigans, suspicious liaisons and a very inquisitive detective. Murder at the Highland Castle is perfect for snuggling up with under a blanket, hiding from the cold dark nights.
With thanks to the publishers for my copy of the book via NetGalley.
If you enjoyed my review, please consider liking and/or sharing and, of course, buying the book:
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