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Murder at Castle Traprain

Jackie Baldwin

Genre:

Mystery, Thriller



Series: Book 2 of 2  A Detective Grace McKenna Scottish Murder Mystery

Publisher: Storm

Date Published: 2023

Book Length:  336

Format:  E Book supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend


About Book: Grace McKenna sits at the café with her faithful dog Harvey at her feet, gazing out to sea, the sun on her face. She sneaks Harvey a piece of sausage and he scoffs it happily. Life doesn’t get much better than this, she thinks. But in the shadowy corridors of nearby Castle Traprain, a remorseless killer is preparing to strike…Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s been one thing after another for Detective Grace McKenna and her team at the fledgling Portobello Detective Agency, and she’s finally enjoying some peace as the leaves turn and autumn beckons. But when a wealthy, local, landowner contacts her about a case so sensitive he can’t even discuss it over the phone, Grace is instantly intrigued.Russian collector Sacha Komorov lives out of the public eye, despite his immense wealth and marriage to a famous ex-prima ballerina. As Grace gazes at the ominous silhouette of his Scottish estate, Castle Traprain, with its high walls and thrusting turrets, a shiver runs down her spine. Komorov himself is just as forbidding as he discloses the disappearance of a priceless rose-diamond Fabergé egg from his collection. It's an inside job, and he needs Grace to uncover the traitor within his own household. As Grace dives into the case, her team goes undercover at Castle Traprain to win the trust of the staff. But things take an unexpected turn when Komorov's beautiful and troubled wife, Katya, begs for Grace's help to catch a disturbing stalker. Are the two cases connected? And why does Katya want to keep her husband in the dark about hiring Grace?The plot thickens when one of the potential suspects is found murdered in the Housekeeper's quarters. It seems this is no ordinary jewel thief. The killer lurking within Castle Traprain will do anything to achieve their ends and, as the tension mounts, Grace and her team find themselves ultimately becoming targets in an increasingly deadly game…


My Thoughts: Murder at Castle Traprain" by Jackie Baldwin is a delightful addition to the world of Scottish crime mystery thrillers. Set in the backdrop of Castle Traprain, this novel offers readers a captivating blend of intrigue, quirky characters, and a murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The story follows the sharp-witted, Grace Mckenna, who finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and murder. Baldwin masterfully crafts the characters, each with their own quirks and secrets, making them feel like old friends you can't help but root for Grace’s tenacity and wit make her a compelling protagonist, and her interactions with the other characters are compelling. The plot is intricate and well-paced. As the story unfolds, you'll find yourself drawn deeper into this Scottish Crime Novel, eagerly trying to solve it alongside Grace McKenna. The setting of Castle Traprain is described with such detail that it becomes a character in itself, adding to the book's charm and atmosphere. What sets "Murder at Castle Traprain" apart from other cosy mysteries is the author's ability to seamlessly weave social issues into the narrative. Baldwin touches on themes like class differences and the impact of the past on the present, adding depth and complexity to the story without overshadowing the mystery. In summary, "Murder at Castle Traprain" is a delightful mystery thriller that combines a charming setting, well-crafted characters, and a compelling mystery. Jackie Baldwin's storytelling prowess shines through in this novel, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. It's a mystery that will keep you entertained and guessing until the final page, and it's certainly a worthy addition to your reading list.


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