Hannah Reed (1)Critiques

Pretty good. Lots of explanatory stuff, but this is first in a series. Might read the rest of the series.

This cosy lets you pretend that you are in Scotland. It is a quick and enjoyable read. Eden Elliot has been nursing her mother who passed away and her husband got jealous of all the attention, so he divorced her.

Eden's best friend buys her a round-trip ticket to Scotland to try to cheer her up. The only thing is that she put the return for six weeks later. She thought about backing out but her friend gave her enough push to get there.

On the flight, she met Vickie Mc Bride who was returning to her childhood home, bringing her two Westie terriers with her. She was quite chatty and Eden really wanted to be alone but Vickie asked her to be her friend and she agreed.

Eden rented a car and found that it is very difficult to rent an automatic so she had to take a stick shift which scared her to death. I learned how to drive on a stick shift and it was not a pleasant experience, the teacher scolded me for being timid all the time. Eden sets out to go to the village that her friend loves, Glenkillen, and has a disaster driving. A handsome Scot stopped to help her. She decided to trust him because he had a very cute Border Collie with him.

Her new friend, Vickie happens to be going to the same town, and a local sheep shearer is found dead. The town suspects Vickie and Eden is determined to prove them wrong.

We learn about local food, some that I would never want to eat and others that sound delicious, and hear a little of the Scottish dialect and sayings.

I liked this cozy very much, it was direct and entertaining.

Scotland, inheritance, writers, romantic, murder, murder-investigation, attempted-murder, law-enforcement, family-business, family-drama, family-dynamics, rural, sheep, wool, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth*****

Two women whose lives are in turmoil meet on a plane and become involved in murders. The Highlands of Scotland are beautiful, but the villagers reactions to each of them is far from welcoming. There is danger, suspense, major plot twists, some intriguing red herrings, and a hint of romance (it started with a lesson in driving stick and on the unusual side of the roads). Loved this one and plan to hunt up more in this series!
I bought the audio on sale and Angela Dawe is one of my favorite narrators.

Another cozy mystery series. I mostly liked it. I did find it a little bit long and somewhat overly involved for a cozy mystery. I hated the bullet point lists - I understood the point but I felt like it disrupted the flow - it was like I was always jarred out of the story at that point. I liked the inclusion of the newsletter at the end. The romance was a little odd - kind of just appeared out of nowhere. I didn't entirely love Story but she grew on me as the story went on and as there was less of Clay. But I liked Holly and Grams. I hated Holly's text speech. It didn't make sense and it was annoying af. No one over the age of eighteen speaks like that. Ever.
I don't know, it didn't feel as light and connected if that makes sense - as normal cozy mysteries do. Felt like it lacked some sort of spark, warmth of characters. That being said the beekeeping was an interesting inclusion and the information about bees was fascinating. I'll continue the series for sure.

Simply superb. Delightful.

Not reading any more of these, too many stereotype Scots and there were a lot of times where the plot did not move and the atuhor couldn't decide whether it was a cheezy romance or a cozy mystery. I'll take Hamish MacBeth any day over this.

A quick cozy mystery set in Scotland and starring a likable American named Eden, who is "just on holiday" to work on her romance novel. Of course things get off to a rocky start. Vicky, the woman she sat by on a plane was going back to the village to bury her father and happens to be embroiled in a family feud as her father left her everything and her half siblings nothing. As Vicky never really lived in this village (her parents having split when she was younger), the whole town sides with her half siblings (who actually lived in the village), leaving Vicky friendless. Thank god she met Eden on the plane! The two hit it off and are as thick as thieves. But then they discover a body and they're both suspects. Did Vicky do it? Or did her angry half siblings commit the murder and try to pin it on her? Slightly predictable, with some twists and turns, lots of Scottish food and tea, and beautiful scenery. Everything you want out of a nice cozy mystery. This is the first in a series.

This book was such a nice surprise! It was the first book that I read by this author. I am going to be reading more of her books. It was a nice mix of suspense and humor. I did figure out quite early on who the baddie was, but I enjoyed the book so much it did not matter.

This tightly plotted mystery introduces readers to something that they should not miss while they are in the Highlands: the whisky distillery. Whisky is big business, and there are tours that will take you from one distillery to another, although there's no need to do that here with one right in the book.

Besides whisky, we also have samples of a truly cringeworthy Ugly American, and the fine art of writing romance novels-- which is why Eden went there in the first place. In order to solve the murder, Eden is forced to delve into her own family history whether she wants to or not, and Inspector Jamieson appears to be relying on her more and more as the series progresses. Which brings me to my sticking point.

I still can't buy into the idea that a newly-arrived American who's completely unfamiliar with Scottish law would be made a constable in the police force. Yes, it's a tiny village. Yes, she is just a Special Constable... but I just can't buy into it. However, that does not mean I can't recognize well-developed characters and finely crafted mysteries when I see them, and Hannah Reed's Scottish Highlands series is both enjoyable and well-written.½

Dressed to Kilt by Hannah Reed is the third book in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series. Eden Elliott is in Glenkillen, Scotland (in the Scottish Highlands) to work on her Highlands Desire Series (new romance series). Her friend, Ami Penderson, convinced her to go to Scotland and work to add authenticity to her books. Eden has been staying in a cottage on MacBride Farm. Eden met Vicki MacBride on the airplane from London. Eden’s six-month tourist visa is getting ready to expire (but Eden really does not want to leave), so she has little time left spend with friends and explore the area. Leith Cameron is a local barley supplier and Eden’s romantic interest. Leith invites Eden to a whiskey tasting at Glenkillen Distillery. It is a special event for a select few hosted by Bridie Dougal, the owner of Glenkillen Distillery (and chieftain of the Dougal clan). Eden is getting a tour of the distillery when she sees an arm sticking out of a washback. Eden rushes over to see if she can help. Eden finds Henrietta dead. Henrietta McCloud is Bridie’s long-time companion. Detective Inspector Kevin Jamieson soon arrives on the scene along with Sean Stevens. Who would want to hurt Henrietta and why did she want to speak with Eden (asked to meet with her after the whiskey tasting event)? Eden assists with the case as the local Special Constable (a volunteer position). It turns out that Bridie knew Eden’s grandfather and father. Eden has not heard from her father since she was six years old (when he went to Scotland to attend his father’s funeral). Being in Scotland is Eden’s chance to find out about her family and what happened to her father, but Eden has resisted. It looks like the door to the past has swung open and Eden has no choice but to enter. Join Eden as she sets out to find Henrietta’s killer and why her father never returned to his family.

Dressed to Kilt may be the third book in the series, but you can read it alone (I have not had a chance to read the other books in the series yet). The book is nicely written and easy to read (has a good pace for the most part). I had some trouble liking Eden (I will probably warm up to her). I thought Eden spent too much time thinking and analyzing (and complaining). We are subject to her rambling thoughts (pages and pages of them). I wish the writer had provided more clues to the mystery (instead of complaints about Eden’s father which dominated the story). The mystery was twisty and curvy which was enjoyable. Some of the characters speak with a Scottish accent (of course), but it is difficult to read (comprehend). I give Dressed to Kilt 4 out of 5 stars (the mystery improved the rating). I will be reading the next book in the series. I believe Eden will improve (I hope) now that her daddy issues have been resolved.

I received a complimentary copy of Dressed to Kilt from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.

Dressed To Kilt is the third book in the A Scottish Highlands Mystery series.

Once again Hannah Reed brings the Scottish Highlands alive for the readers with a very exciting and interesting story of life in the “snow globe” of Glenkillen.

Eden Elliott has only a couple of weeks left on her visitors Visa and must return to the States. Amidst the worse snow storms in decades, Eden has received an invitation to a private whisky tasting at Glenkillen Distillery. She soon finds out that Leith has also gotten an invitation, which isn't that surprising as he supplies the barley to the distillery, but the odd thing is that they were from each other. Then Eden gets a call from Bridie Dougal, the matriarch of the distillery family, asking Eden to tea the afternoon of the tasting. Bridie feels she has some information of Eden's long lost father. This is information that is best left in the past, Eden feels.

As the small gathering is enjoying the enjoying the tasting, Eden is given a tour of the warehouse of the distillery by Gordon Martin, who works at the distillery and is Bridie's housekeeper's son. As Martin is explaining the use of barrels and the vats on the floor is front of the barrels, they find the body of Henrietta, Martin's aunt, drowned in whisky.

As a Special Constable, Eden begins working with DI Kevin Jamison to find the killer. An anonymous letter had threatening death had been received a week of so earlier, but with no name given, no one knew for sure who the intended victim might have been. Henrietta tended to be quite short when dealing with people, but it wasn't felt that it was enough for someone to murder her. As Eden begins to gather information it appears that her long lost father, might, in some way be involved. She doesn't want to have any contact with her father, but she does want to get the case solved before having to leave Scotland and return to Chicago.

Definitely, will be looking forward to another visit to Glenkillen.

This was a really fun cozy mystery, and that's coming from someone who is petrified of bees.

The main character, Story Fischer, absolutely loves bees. She is an apprentice beekeeper, a very recent divorcee, and the owner of the local grocery store in her small town. Things seem to be looking up--until her beekeeper mentor is found dead and everyone in town begins to panic and blame his bees.

What I especially liked about this book was that the mystery stayed front and center. The beekeeping and honey-making aspects were definitely important and frequently referenced, but it was the mystery that was the focus.

What I didn't love about the book was the author's insistence on putting in character quirks that, to me at least, felt not only unnecessary, but off putting in some instances. Story has a thing for men's feet that comes up multiple times in the beginning, serves no purpose in the story, and is then never talked about again (thank goodness). Story's sister also talks in irritating internet slang abbreviations, which Reed then has to translate for the readers.These strange details are not necessary-the characters are more than strong enough to stand on their own.

The setting for this series can' t be beat - right in the middle of the Scottish highlands. And this book is set in the summer which I'm sure is a very beautiful time in this area. Eden Elliot has left her life back in Chicago because a dear friend has given her the gift of a six month stay in tiny little Glenkillen. Eden has lost her husband to divorce and her mother to the debilitating disease of MS. She is at loose ends in her life after devoting so much time to taking care of her ill mother. In Glenkillen she finds lots to distract her - new friends, and enemies, murder and two interesting men. She soon finds herself in hot water and danger while she is trying to learn how to drive a manual shift car in the steep roads and byroads in and around Glenkillen, and while she is trying to learn who to trust and who not to. I love the setting, and even though I have some reservations about the Eden's character, I will read more in this series.

Thanks to Goodreads for sending this First Reads book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

This is what's considered a cozy mystery - a story wherein (usually) a woman "accidentally" becomes an amateur sleuth and solves a murder. The writing style is such that "sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community." Light, simple, not a lot of depth necessarily. Still, I was expecting a tad bit more to this book but kept thinking Reed's writing seemed as amateur as her crime solver. The story is very basic, the plot is thin. Basically while touring the sleuth's bee hives, one of the guests is found dead. Then we enter drama revolving around her boyfriend (with constant references to his looks and sexiness, referring to him as "my man" which feels so juvenile) and peppered in is drama around her relationship with her mother. The sleuth "becomes a prime suspect when the carrot juice she brought with the breakfast fixings is found to contain poison." Predictable, really.

I can point out the flaws - some already mentioned above - including her use of bullet points which were distracting/annoying, and the fact that she has factual errors (acronyms vs initials, carbon dioxide vs carbon monoxide), but I can't really hone in on the great points of the book. I didn't find any.

I did finish it, I found it remotely entertaining, but surely would not recommend or keep a copy of my own.

There is a lot to like about Off Kilter, a new first in series cozy. The characters are varied in personality, with warm, quirky, and easy to like among them. The location is nice and is well described without going overboard.
The mystery is quite good, although I would have liked to have felt a bit more danger lurking.
Hannah Reed has done well at starting this series off. I am well invested and can't wait for more.

From the back cover - It’s September – national Honey Month – in Moraine, Wisconsin, and things are looking up for Story Fischer. Her messy divorce is final, the honey from her beekeeping business has been harvested and the market she owns is thriving. Life seems pretty sweet … until Manny, her mentor in the honey business, is found stung to death in his apiary. Story is still trying to explain to the panicked locals that her honeybees had nothing to do with Manny’s death, when another body is found floating in the Oconomowoc River. This time the evidence points to Story’s ex. Sure, he’s a womanizer – but a murderer? Desperate to save her bees and her business, it’s up to Story to find a way out of a very sticky situation.

My reactions
This has all the hallmarks of a successful cozy mystery: a likeable main character, a budding romance, an interesting backstory (beekeeping), and a plausible reason for our amateur detective to get involved. On the other hand, Reed uses several devices that completely irritated me. Story’s need to put everything into bullet-points made me think only that Reed couldn’t figure out a way to turn her outline into prose. The book includes the stereotypical incredibly wealthy sidekick (in this case Story’s younger sister, Holly), who speaks in text-speak. That little quirk was cute the first time Holly uttered a sentence, but quickly GA (got annoying). I had identified the killer early on, despite the many suspects Reed included.
I did like that the budding romance with K-9 handler Hunter Wallace is nice and slow, leaving lots of room for future plot developments.

While I liked the basic premise for this series, the irritations in the dialogue and style tipped the scales and I’m giving it only 2 stars.

I really enjoy Hannah Reed's Scottish Highlands cozy series, particularly for the setting. In Hooked on Ewe, Reed gives us a good look at a staple in the Highlands: sheep dog trials. Having seen them myself in the beautiful little village of Luss, I appreciated Reed's description. We're also treated to a bit of knitting, and Eden climbs aboard a boat and goes out into the Moray Firth.

The mystery is a good one, involving quite a chase around the suspect list, and Reed applies a strong dash of humor-- especially in the relationship between Inspector Jamieson and Constable Stevens. Jamieson prefers working solo, and since Stevens annoys the stuffing out of him, Jamieson is always dreaming up busy work for the constable to get him out of his hair. Constable Stevens is coming into his own a bit because he has a particularly funny scene all his own.

There's an added bonus in this series. Since Eden is an aspiring author, readers are treated to some of the creative as well as the nuts-and-bolts publishing processes in writing. However, as much as I enjoyed Hooked on Ewe, I did have a few problems with it. First of all, I cannot believe that any police force in Scotland would agree to give someone special constable status when she's on a six-month tourist visa that's half over. I was also a bit puzzled over the motivations of the dead woman, but I can't say any more because I'd have to divulge too much of the plot.

The third thing that bugged me was a point of geography, which won't bother readers who haven't traveled extensively in Scotland. I have, so when I read that a character's sister, who was returning to Glasgow from a holiday on the Isle of Skye, decided to swing past Glenkillen to pick up her Skein-of-the-Month package, it just didn't add up. People in the UK don't tend to drive long distances. If you had to pay what they do for gasoline, you'd understand why. The drive between Glasgow and Skye is long enough on its own-- and Glenkillen is in the exact opposite direction by more than just a few miles. I know. I'm being picky!

Geography aside, I enjoy the mysteries and the characters in this series. I look forward to my next visit.½

Hooked On Ewe is the second book in A Scottish Highlands Mystery series.

This another enjoyable visit to Glenkillen, Scotland and the Sheepish Expression Yarn and Wool Shop.

Eden Elliott is beginning to settle in in this quaint little Scottish village. She has finished her novel and it has been sent off to her best friend, and she is taking some time to get to know the locals. She has volunteered to help with a sheep dog trial that is being held to benefit the local hospice center. Much to the displeasure of Kirstine MacBride-Derby, her half-sister Vicki is getting ready the first of her skein of the month deliveries. Eden, after taking as much as she could stand of Isla Lindsey and having helped get the booth set up heads off to meet up with DI Kevin Jamieson. At this meeting, Jamieson offers Eden the position of Special Constable, a position in name only, but she does get a warrant card. As the dog trials are winding down, it seems that Isla has been missing a while. Soon her body is found in Harry Taggert's van, with the yarn from one of Vicki' skein of the month packages tightly around her neck.

With her newly acquired warrant card and can of pepper spray, Eden sets off to help DI Jamieson with the investigation. Isla has alienated just about every one in the village, so it will be no easy task.

In addition to finding the murderer, they need to find the packages of the skein of the month that were supposedly mailed by Kirstine.

Another wonderful story from Hannah Reed and a wonderful cast of characters.

Definitely will be watching for the next book in the book to see what happens next with Eden and the residents of Glenkillen.

I didn’t read the first book in this series, OFF KILTER, but I am a fan of Hannah Reed’s Queen Bee Mysteries, so, when I was offered the chance to read this book, I was excited to read it, although I wasn’t sure I could get into a story set in the Scottish Highlands, but I found it to be a fun and refreshing change. It really showed that author Hannah Reed did her research into Scottland, something I’m sure she enjoyed as much as I did reading about it.

I liked protagonist, Eden Elliot right away. She’s a very dynamic character. I enjoyed getting to know the Chicago transplant as she herself was still adjusting to her new life in Glenkillen Scottland. I will be purchasing book one in this series, OFF KILTER, so I can read more about her move to a new country. I also quite liked the supporting cast of characters and look forward to learning more about them in future books.

This was an excellent mystery that captured my interest quickly and kept me turning page after page to eagerly read more. I was sorry to get to the end of the book. I can’t wait for the next exciting installment!

Off Kilter is the first book in the A Scottish Highlands Mystery series.

Eden Elliott has recently gone through a divorce and her mother's passing. when her BFF, Ami has given her a tickets to Scotland. Hopefully this will help Eden to put the past behind and get on with , her writing career. On the flight to Glenkillen she meets Vivki MacBride who is returning to the village for her father's funereal and to take over her father' sheep farm. When Eden decides to attend the wake at the local pub, she soon finds out that Vicki's step brother and step sister are beside themselves for being left out of their father's will, with everything going to Vicki. After the wake Eden and Vicki take a walk, and end stopping by Gavin Mitchell's, family friend and sheep shearer, but when they get to his house they find he has been stabbed with his own shears. Then when a mysterious fire breaks out at the B&B where Eden is staying, suspicion falls on them for the murder of Mitchell. then Eden and Vicki start begin to ask question to try and clear their names. They also get help from Leith, a handsome hunk that she met driving to Glenkillen, and he might just be the inspiration she needs to get material for her book. When they both have mysterious driving accidents, they know they are getting close to the murderer. They just need to get it worked out before the murderer strikes again.

A wonderfully descriptive story of Scotland and some information on sheep farming and the gathering of wool. I hope this will be expanded on in future books, as I love learning something while reading my books.

I highly recommend this book.

Beeline To Trouble is the fourth book in the Queen Bee Mystery series. And a honey of a book, too.

Story Fischer and Hunter Wallace have decided to go ahead and move in together, now just to decide whose house. With this major step much on her mind, Story sister, Holly, shows up to rope Story into helping, well helping isn't quite correct. Holly's husband has three of his flavorists staying at his home and Holly wants Story to handle all the meals for them. As much as she would like to refuse, she can't. The first thing on the schedule, after breakfast, is to visit Story at her home a take a tour of her beehives and packaging area. No sooner than they arrive, Nova Campbell one of the flavorists excuses herself from the other guests. A short time later she is found face down on the bank of the river at the back of Story's property.

Suspicion really begins to fall on Holly and Story when it is learned that Nova was poisoned by drinking some bottled carrot juice that came from Story's store. But then there are Holly's housekeeper and handyman. The housekeeper seems to be hiding something and the gardener is forever disappearing.

Then again, there is Patti Dwyre, Story's neighbor and sometime sleuthing helper, whose ex-husband was also married to Nova and makes an appearance in town.

So it is touch and go for a bit, but the mystery gets solved. And Story and Hunter weather their first sleuthing living under the same roof.

Johnny Jay, the police chief continues to be a thorn in Story's side and her mom is her old irritable self.

An enjoyable light and humorous series.

Beewitched is the fifth book in the A Queen Bee Mystery series.

It's always enjoyable to visit the folks in Moraine, WI.

Patti Dwyer is up in arms as a witch has moved in on the other side of Story and is sure the neighborhood will go to hell in a handbasket.

On the morning after the witches hold a ritual in the backyard, next to Story, one of the witches has been found dead from a stabbing at the Country Delight Farm, where they had been camping.

So, Story with on again, off again help of Patti, she starts try and unravel the mystery of who the killer might. She feels confident that now one from Country Delight Farm is involved, even though the murdered witch was the estranged sister of farm's owner.

On the lighter side, Story's mom's wedding is will be happening soon. Story is upset that her mother hasn't asked her to help in the planning, only her overly efficient sister. But this will give her more time to pursue the killer.

As always, the banter between Story and Cammo Patti Dwyer is an experience by itself.

Looking forward to book six

Fun first book in a new series by Hannah Reed.

Eden has had a terrible year. Her mother, who she had nursed, recently passed away plus her husband left her. Her best friend Ami is a romance author and helps her to get a contract to write romance novels, and pays for her to go to Scotland for 2 weeks minimum up to 6 months max as research for her book and a fresh start. She succumbs to Ami's plans and on the plane trip makes friends with Vicki MacBride who is going to the same small town. Vicki's estranged father left Vicki his country estate and she is going to the funeral and deal with her inheritance.

Eden's rental car breaks down and she gets a ride with a local land owner, Leith Cameron, who she decides is perfect to base her book's romantic hero upon. Her first night she goes to the wake at the pub for Vicki's father, and later Vicki and her stumble over the body of the town's sheep shearer Gavin Mitchell, murdered—clipped with his own shears. The locals suspect Vicki MacBride and even Eden since they are the strangers in town. Eden can't believe the friendly and sad heiress is a murderer, but can she be of any help when she doesn't even understand the local police investigation techniques?

Eden Elliot is a refreshing 38 year old divorcee who is intelligent, level-headed, and compassionate. Her character is delightful as a woman who is reinventing herself and learning to live life a little. Ami Pederson, Eden's BFF is the bestselling romance author, who even on another continent is checking in and giving input. Vicki MacBride could be as she appears, a genuinely nice person, or a manipulative murderer as the town's people believe. Leith Cameron will satisfy Outlander fans with his masculine good looks and kilts. The gruff and serious Detective Inspector Jamieson is one of the few policemen that would have worked as a jaded romantic interest. Special Constable Sean Stevens provides some comic relief in his bumbling, but well meaning ways.

The highlands, featuring the Whistling Inn B&B in Glenkillen and the MacBride Farm, are more than a setting for the story. Any book set in Scotland has a hefty job to meet reader's expectations, but this novel portrays a strong working knowledge of the land and its unique personality. The plot is a good standard whodunit for a cozy. The pace a few sections that raised interested until the next section that slowed too much, making it feel like a stop-and-start loop at times in the story.

The climax was a great killer reveal that had danger and desperation. The follow up was full of promise for a much longer stay in Scotland for Eden.

This debut novel for a new series packs a lot into it: the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, an American woman getting a new start in a foreign land and making friends while thrown into the middle of murder. The requisite highlander love interest is supplied and is more than eye-candy in his kilt. A great setting, characters you want to spend more time with, and a murder plot that engages all make this a very enjoyable story and great start to a new series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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A "shearly" delightful first book in a promising new series by mystery-writer, Hannah Reed. The characters are engaging, quirky and their emotions are close to the surface. I did not want to put this book down.