Goodness, I really enjoy this series! I love the setting in Scotland but I also love the mysteries Paige Shelton creates in each installment. It's always a delight to visit Delaney again and learn about the projects she is working on for the bookshop. It can be hard to believe she ever gets any work done when she is traipsing all over Scotland attempting to solve the mysteries, but I just laugh and put that aside as I am entertained by the stories. The Poison Pen gives us a very interesting character and setting for the murder in Jolie and her centuries old estate. The author always weaves some bit of Scottish history into the stories and it just ups the sense of place for the book. I'll keep reading this series to learn more and read about more murders!

Thank you Minotaur Books and Netgalley for my e-arc! The Poison Pen came out April 9th so you can grab it now! It is the 9th in the series but I started mid-series and you can too!

Opening a new Paige Shelton book is like reconnecting with friends, or meeting new friends if this is a reader's first Scottish Bookshop Mystery. This 9th in the series can be read either way – as a series continuation or as a standalone. As always, Delaney and her coworkers from The Cracked Spine bookshop are the kind of warm, thoughtful people anyone would be happy to have as friends. This time around, her retired taxi-driving friend, Elias, and her doting husband, Tom, play active roles in the investigation. Rosa, one of Delaney's bookstore colleagues, and Edwin, the owner of the bookstore, also step out from their usual behind-the-scenes position and into the limelight.

As Delaney, a restorer and cataloger of the vast collection of objects Edwin has amassed over the years, takes on the task of identifying a potentially historically valuable sword, she enters the strange world of Jolie Lannister. Jolie is a hoarder, whose mansion is filled with piles of everything imaginable. She also has a past with Edwin and has made a name for herself by making a claim to the throne. Shelton imbues Delaney with a sense of humor as Delaney attempts to avoid saying the word "hoarder" and as she works through the ties between the various players in the mystery of the sword's origin and significance. Involved, in addition to Jolie and Edwin, are a lawyer, a groundskeeper, a museum director, an auctioneer, and the police. There is some buffoonery, and a bit of keystone cop running about, but overall the pieces of the puzzle end up fitting together and the resolution to the mystery is satisfying.

Although there is not a great deal of depth to the characters, Delaney and her cohorts are well enough and sympathetically drawn so that we care about them as much as they care about each other (which is quite a bit). The overall sense of kindness in this book is so positive and upbeat that it trumps any lack in nuance. The Edinburgh setting is well incorporated into the story and provides character and interest. The bookstore, and books in general, take a backseat in this book, and Delaney ruminates several times about starting a private investigation team with Elias and Tom, so it will be interesting to see if Shelton takes the series in that direction or if this is just a one-off.

All in all, THE POISON PEN was a very pleasant diversion that has me looking forward to the 10th in the series.

Part of series.
This time Delaney is asked by Edwin to go check on a old Crusader sword and see if it is a authentic and a possible mystery envoling the Queen.
Good characters,drama,suspense,mystery.
Like reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

It was delightful to return to the warm friends of The Crooked Spine bookshop in Charlotte and meet them once again as they get involved in yet another surprising investigation.

Description:
The ninth installment in the cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton and featuring amateur sleuth Delaney Nichols, set in a specialty bookshop in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

Bookseller Delaney Nichols's boss's Edwin comes to her with an unusual assignment. An old friend of his, living in an estate in the village of Roslin, has found what could be a priceless relic on her property, and Delaney is tasked with investigating. Could Jolie possibly have in her possession, as she believes, a Crusader Sword? But when Delaney arrives at Jolie's estate, she is greeted by a legal team with a vested interest in the property. Delaney and Jolie manage to remove the intruders, but as they're examining the antique sword, they hear a scream, and meet a much less welcome a body.

As Delaney digs deeper, she discovers Jolie's own fascinating history. Jolie's mother had long claimed that her daughter was the rightful heir to the throne, not Elizabeth II, because of an affair she claimed to have with King Edward VIII. The only evidence, however, is in the form of a journal that one of Edward’s secretaries kept. The puzzles become more confusing when a connection is uncovered between this far-fetched story and the murdered man. And shortly thereafter, the journal goes missing. Delaney will have to read between the lines to put together the pieces...or become history herself.

My Thoughts:
The Scottish locale is charming and so are the bookshop friends. It's always fun to return to the friends in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, they seem like such a warm and welcoming group. I found the background of the Crusader sword interesting. Those swords are priceless items. Then there is a murder before Delaney is finished checking out the sword. Of course Delaney ends up investigating. There are multiple suspects and the lots of avenues to pursue. I was surprised at the result.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Another unique cozy mystery. And it takes place in a bookshop in Edinburgh. When Delaney is sent to look at a priceless sword at an estate, little did she expect to find a team of legal folk, nor did she expect to find a body. Between researching the sword, investigating the death, and discovering the estate owner’s history, you’re taken on a mystery with Delaney.

This was an interesting novel, and I appreciated the overall story. I did find it to be a little slower and had trouble connecting with the characters. But, this could also be because it is in the middle of a series and I needed to read the first few books to really gain an understanding of the backstories. It’s not a book I would necessarily jump into mid-series.

It was different, and the mystery itself was intriguing. I enjoyed the use of history and relic throughout the story. And the mystery itself kept me intrigued.

All in all, it was an interesting novel. I may even go back and read the first few, too! I’m interested about how it all started.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from the publisher and author through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

When I accepted this one, I did not realize it was a part of a series. I am usually particular about reading a series in order, but I figured I'd just jump in and see how it went. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed meeting Delaney and this cozy case was interesting. I decided to listen to the audio to keep reading between ebook sessions and to my surprise, the narrator is my top favorite, Susan Ericksen. She brought these characters alive and made the story more enjoyable than it already was. I think I may go back to beginning to see how the series started.

Pro
* It’s good to return to the Cracked Spine and the crew
* Very well-paced and designed puzzle/mystery
* Elias & Aggie
* Well-developed and complex new characters
* Perfectly timed choice of historical element in this one
* Delany’s genuine connections to the people in her new homeland

Con
* Overuse of a handful of Scottish words becomes bit gimmicky
* I don’t buy the “bumbling police” trope in this one
* Delany is still over the line intrusive sometimes

Thank you to Paige Shelton, Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This 9th book in the series does not disappoint. Delaney works at a bookshop in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine. She is an amateur who “helps” the police with local investigations. It’s a fun cast of characters and a good cozy mystery series. After all, it’s set in a book warehouse in Scotland.

The ninth installment in the cozy mystery series by Paige Shelton and featuring amateur sleuth Delaney Nichols, set in a specialty bookshop in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine.

Bookseller Delaney Nichols's boss's Edwin comes to her with an unusual assignment. An old friend of his, living in an estate in the village of Roslin, has found what could be a priceless relic on her property, and Delaney is tasked with investigating. Could Jolie possibly have in her possession, as she believes, a Crusader Sword? But when Delaney arrives at Jolie's estate, she is greeted by a legal team with a vested interest in the property. Delaney and Jolie manage to remove the intruders, but as they're examining the antique sword, they hear a scream, and meet a much less welcome a body.

As Delaney digs deeper, she discovers Jolie's own fascinating history. Jolie's mother had long claimed that her daughter was the rightful heir to the throne, not Elizabeth II, because of an affair she claimed to have with King Edward VIII. The only evidence, however, is in the form of a journal that one of Edward’s secretaries kept. The puzzles become more confusing when a connection is uncovered between this far-fetched story and the murdered man. And shortly thereafter, the journal goes missing. Delaney will have to read between the lines to put together the pieces...or become history herself. (GoodReads synopsis)

I love this series. I love Scotland and its rich history. I love that Delaney is immersed in it so much and has such great friends and now family. The crew at The Cracked Spine are a wonderful group, and I wish that I had real life persons like them.

The mystery here was great! I didn’t know the killer but suspected someone else. I also suspected that something about the someone else might have been possible. I was ecstatic to see that I was right.

Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

The Poison Pen is Paige Shelton's ninth mystery featuring expat Delaney Nichols and the Cracked Spine bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's set shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and emotions are still heightened. Even Delaney's " bookish voices" are channeling the late queen. This mystery starts with Delaney acting on her employer's behalf, traveling to a home outside of Edinburgh in search of a reputed treasure found buried on the premises. Populated with characters who are not who they seem to be, and a treasure worth killing for. Oh, and Delaney does her first solo driving in Scotland. All in all, a very satisfying mystery.

I have loved this series from book 1 and I always look forward to a new book because it is like getting to go to Scotland, hang out in an excellent bookshop with some of my most favorite book friends [seriously, who would NOT want to hang out with Elias and Aggie??] and just soak up all that Edinburgh has to offer [minus the murder pleaseandthankyou! ;-) ]

This outing finds Delaney doing an errand for Edwin in regards to a sword; she takes Elias with her and one of the coolest parts of the story is that he reconnects with an old friend. That was just lovely. The sword however, is not [lovely], and it leads all the key players down a bunny trail of deception, questionable ethical practices, blackmail and of course, murder.

I was pretty sure I knew who was involved pretty quickly, but that never took away from one second of this book. There is just so much more going on than just the sword [though THAT story is...interesting] and the murder; Jolie Lannister's story alone could have been a whole book [it will help if you know even the basics about Edward and Wallis, but if you don't, Google is your friends. It will really open your eyes to just how close the world was to having a much different WW2], and I hope that we see her [and Homer and Trudie] again in a future book. Delaney [and therefore all of us readers as well] gets a new bookish voice and it was a lovely tribute to a great lady who is still greatly mourned.

This was a really excellent read and I highly recommend this series to all who love books about books, a little magical realism, a good mystery, and some of the best book characters out there right now.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Shelton, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the blurb for The Poison Pen and saw that a) it was a mystery and b) it was set in Scotland, I knew I needed to read it. I have a love of all things Scottish. That figured into my acceptance of St. Martin’s Press’s widget, and I am glad I did. I enjoyed reading this book.

The Poison Pen is the ninth book in the A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. Technically, it could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first eight books before this one. Some references to previous storylines and characters confused me, but those references are also explained.

The main storyline in The Poison Pen follows Delaney as she recovers what could be a Crusader sword from the estate of an eccentric heiress and attempts to solve the murder of a young man. Several more minor storylines supplement the main storyline. I found all the storylines to be engaging. They didn’t lose my interest and kept me reading the book.

The primary storyline centers around Delaney, the sword, and the young man’s murder. The author has an interesting way of writing this storyline. The suspect and motive were identified right away. However, the author holds back on some details and introduces a secondary suspect and motive towards the end of the book. I liked Delaney’s investigation and was fascinated by her job.

As I mentioned above, there were several secondary storylines. A good portion of them fleshed out the main storyline. But the storyline with Jolie and her claims was very interesting. I liked how the author wove Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson into that storyline. What I enjoyed most was that the author intentionally left it unanswered.

The mystery in The Poison Pen is two-pronged. It separated into the mystery of the Crusader sword and the mystery of the young man’s murder. I couldn’t figure out how or why they were related until Delaney cracked the sword mystery. Then, everything came into place for the young man’s murder. Who was behind everything didn’t surprise me; I felt that person was involved. The reasons also didn’t surprise me- greed makes people do stupid things. But it was the secondary person involved and their reason that surprised me. I should have seen that twist coming, but I didn’t.

Hoarding and the reasons behind it are showcased in this book. Jolie’s situation was not as extreme as cases that I have heard about (she didn’t hoard food/urine/trash); it was still pretty bad. I did feel that Jolie’s recovery was a little fast, but then again, if I had people in and out of my house (and it looked like hers), I would have started cleaning too. Thankfully, Jolie seems to have a sound support system with her staff (who genuinely care for her). I am interested in seeing if she will appear in upcoming books.

The end of The Poison Pen was interesting. The author wrapped up the main storyline in a way that I liked. She also left me wondering if there will be a book 10.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, NetGalley, and Paige Shelton for allowing me to read and review this ARC of The Poison Pen. All opinions stated in this book are mine.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Edwin MacAlister, owner of The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh Scotland has a special assignment for his employee, Delaney Nichols. An old friend, Jolie Lannister has found what she thinks could be a valuable artifact on her estate in Roslin. Edwin wants Delaney to take a look at it and investigate its provenance. She asks her friend Elias to drive her as she is still learning to drive on the other side of the road.

Delaney and Elias arrive to find Jolie along with her legal counsel and two men she has brought to do a full inventory of everything in and on the estate. While Jolie does appear to have a hoarding problem she feels the attorney has overstepped her bounds and asks them to leave. Jolie had instructed her groundkeeper to put the priceless item in an unusual place. Before Delaney can even get a good look at it they hear a scream. A scream that leads to a dead body.

Delaney starts to dig into Jolie's history and she finds that her mother had made the astounding claim that she had an affair with King Edward VIII and that Jolie was the real heir to the throne instead of Elizabeth II. The only proof is a supposed journal kept by one of Edward's secretaries. Could that be a tie to the man who was murdered? Delaney is pulling out all the stops to find out.

___

The people of Edinburgh and all over the UK, the commonwealths and several of us in America are still mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I love that Ms. Shelton included that in this story along with some royal tea about the womanising Edward VIII. It also appears that Delaney is hearing a very special new voice.

All our favorite characters return and continue to grow in logical ways. Delaney and Tom's relationship is so sweet. She has even started borrowing his car as long as she isn't going too far. Her responsibilities are growing in her work for Edwin. He trusts her completely. Hamlet and Rosie along with miniature Yorkie, Hector keep the bookshop running. Rosie even takes a trip with Delaney as they work to make clues fit together. Elias and Aggie are a wonderful couple too. I am happy they are part of Delaney's life.

We meet Jolie Lannister, her right-hand woman Trudie, and her friend and groundskeeper Homer, who happens to be an old friend of Elias. These characters are well-crafted and likable even though they are not fully truthful at first.

The mystery is complex with a lot of twists and turns and Delaney follows each clue while developing and discarding different theories. She is a smart amateur sleuth assisted by some wise words only she hears. Is the artifact real? Who is the true owner? Why was it found now? And why did a man have to die? There are several different viewpoints. I do enjoy that Delaney keeps her friend Inspector Winters abreast of everything she finds and learns. I also like the way Tom gets caught up in her investigation.

The title A Poison Pen is a bit puzzling. I ran a search and the word "pen" is not mentioned in the book other than in the title, and "poison" was only mentioned once. That being said I got totally caught up in the story and had a very short personal suspect list. I was flabbergasted that one of those names was correct.

A Poison Pen is the 9th book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery and is a compelling read with well-developed engaging characters in a unique setting. Jolie's West Rosebud House was quite a place and she was a very interesting character. I hope this isn't the last we see of her, Trudie, and Homer.

Because I get through so many books a year, I keep a journal with a summary of the story in each one I read. This one started out well but the conclusion seemed overly complex and muddy; it was tough summing it up succinctly enough to fit in my journal. I am glad it was all spelled out in the end because I was having difficulty piecing it all together with all the different characters involved. Other than that, I enjoyed my visit with Delaney and her friends. The writing flowed smoothly, as usual, and drew me into the story from the very beginning. I look forward to the next installment.

With each installment, I seem to have a new favorite in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series and The Poison Pen is no exception.

One thing I really liked is that Delaney interacted with different side characters, so we got to see a bit more of Elias and Rosie in this book.

The plot surrounding a mysterious relic was very fun and meeting a handful of new interesting characters is always a treat.

This series has been a favorite since I read book one and it just keeps getting better!

Well done, Paige!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Another excellent addition to this cozy mystery series that I LOVE! I can't get enough of Delany and the gang at the Cracked Spine. I'm sad I binged this and will have to wait another year for the next installment. 😔

"The Poison Pen" by Paige Shelton is a captivating mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh. Set against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth II's recent passing, the novel follows bookseller Delaney Nichols as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a priceless relic and a centuries-old family secret.

Shelton masterfully blends elements of Scottish history, royal intrigue, and murder mystery to create a narrative that is both atmospheric and engrossing. From the picturesque village of Roslin to the grand estate where the relic is discovered, the author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of Scotland, immersing them in its rich cultural heritage.

At the center of the story is Delaney Nichols, a charming and resourceful protagonist whose passion for books and penchant for solving mysteries make her a delight to follow. As she delves deeper into the secrets of Jolie's family history, Delaney uncovers layers of deception, betrayal, and long-buried truths that keep the pages turning.

What sets "The Poison Pen" apart is its cleverly crafted plot, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Shelton keeps readers guessing until the very end, skillfully weaving together multiple storylines and tying up loose ends in a satisfying conclusion.

In addition to its captivating mystery, the novel also explores themes of identity, inheritance, and the power of storytelling. Through Jolie's fascinating family history and the tantalizing possibility of royal lineage, Shelton raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of truth and the legacy of the past.

Overall, "The Poison Pen" is a gripping and atmospheric read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and amateur sleuths alike. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, Paige Shelton's latest novel is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary adventure.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Poison Pen is my introduction to the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. Despite being unfamiliar with the series, I was able to enjoy reading The Poison Pen without feeling lost or confused. The story is a very interesting one, and I just loved the fact that it was in Scotland, with a nice array of characters. The pace was nice, I enjoy when things are not rushed. The mystery is solid and written in an intelligent manner. It definitely got me interested into reading the previous books in the series.

The Poison Pen by Paige Shelton takes us back to the Cracked Spine bookshop in Edinburgh and Delaney, an American transplant. Her boss, Edwin, the owner of the Cracked Spine, has asked her to visit an old friend of his and bring home an object that was found on the grounds of her home. Elias drives her as she is still not comfortable with driving on the other side of the read. As they arrive, they meet an old friend of Elias’, Homer, who is the groundskeeper. The grounds look wonderful, but the “mansion” is nearly in ruins. When they enter they find the lair of a hoarder, the mistress and Edwin’s friend, Jolie Lannister. They can barely make there way through the small aisles created between all the stuff. Just leaving is her lawyer and some folks from an auction house, apparently not invited. Shortly, they get her to take them out to the shed, where they have been storing their find. It is astonishing and must be taken to Edwin immediately, as he is the expert. It quickly turns into a tiff between them and people at the museum over ownership. It get interesting.

Delaney is a good character. She has found love in Scotland and is married to Tom who is only peripherally involved in her investigations. She has Aggie and Elias, with whom she lived when she first arrived; as well as Rosie at the bookshop, who is a font of information, both about Scotland and about Edwin, since she has known him forever. There are more characters, all as well-written as they need to be, all interesting. The mystery is a good one, and Delaney sets about discovering exactly what is going on, which is not easy as so many people have things to hide. Shelton always gives us a touch of Scottish history, which adds to the character of the book. It is a good read, one of an excellent series. Thanks, Paige, for creating Delaney and the Cracked Spine!

I was invited to read The Poison Pen by St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #PaigeShelton #ThePoisonPen

I've only read one other installment of the Scottish Bookshop series ("Fateful Words"), but Edwin played a much bigger role in that story than this one. It almost seemed as if he was trying to fade into the background in "The Poison Pen." As a result, Delaney becomes the featured character.

While I enjoyed the story, it didn't capture my attention as much as "Fateful Words" did. Perhaps it was because there seemed to be less danger involved and a lot more running around trying to track down leads. I'm not certain what it was, but it just didn't draw me in as well.

Regardless, it was a good story and I don't have any specific complaints. I'm hoping the next book brings more of the Cracked Spine team back into the story, especially Edwin, who is such a quirky character.

Thank you to Paige Shelton, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance review copy.