THE LOCH NESS PAPERS, the fourth book in the Scottish Book Shop Mystery series by Paige Shelton, transports the reader to a land full of mystical intrigue! I’ve always been fascinated by myths and legends of other countries and loved the way the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) is central to this tale. Ms. Shelton weaves in information on some “historical” sightings making me think just perhaps this mythical beast might actually exist… the hallmark of a great storyteller! She also captures the charming atmosphere of Scotland and the Scottish people. I love how she imbues her characters with brogues, providing authenticity to the setting. Between the Cracked Spine Book Shop, Edinburgh, and Loch Ness, the reader will feel like they are on a delightful vacation. I was especially drawn to her description of the protagonist’s visit to Urquhart Castle situated next to Loch Ness, since I had the pleasure of visiting the location many years ago. It brings back fond memories of watching a bagpiper climb the castle ruins and play his haunting music!

Protagonist Delaney Nichols is an American transplant to Edinburgh, Scotland and is preparing for her wedding to pub owner, Tom. She connects with Norval Fraiser, an elderly Nessie enthusiast, who has devoted his life to researching the Loch Ness monster. Delaney gets pulled into researching the death of his great-nephew after Norval is accused of murder. Ms. Shelton’s portrayal of the obsessive/compulsive elderly man is treated with sensitivity and she pulls the reader in as she peels back of the layers of the man’s life to figure out his obsession. The subplots intertwined with the main murder mystery contribute to a page turner that, at times, had me on the edge of my seat. With plenty of suspects mixed in with twists and turns, I was breathless as I read the exciting conclusion. Ms. Shelton has once again proven she can bring exciting suspense to a charming setting with delightful results!

I've liked all the books in this series and I liked Loch Ness papers. Since the series' setting is Scotland and Loch Ness (and Nessie) is so well known, I thought using it as the basis for a story in this series was a great idea. I did have some reservations.

It seemed to me that there was a bit of a leap. Perhaps I didn't remember book 3 that well, but Delaney and Tom were just beginning to date and now they're on the way to the alter (in a couple of weeks?!?)? We finally get to meet Delaney's family and I thought they were vastly underused and there was a definitely lack of interaction between them and Delaney. She goes off to investigate and there's no questioning about priorities, the wedding, etc.?? They might as well have not even been in the book.

I give this a 3.75 out of 5, more than an OK but just short of a full like. I got my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this was a relaxing, and a quickly- read cozy mystery. I was interested in the plot regarding Delaney’s quest into the existence or the myth of the elusive Loch Ness monster. Delaney works in a book, artifact and curiosity shop in Scotland. She is romantically attached to the devastatingly handsome Tom, a man who is also kind and supportive. Their wedding is approaching and her happy family arrives from Kansas for the ceremony.

Complications arise when the inquisitive Delaney’s minister for the wedding dies, her wedding dress goes missing and she meets an elderly gentleman Norval, which interrupts her preparations for her upcoming marriage with a mystery she feels compelled to solve.

Norval is obsessed with the Loch Ness monster and has years of research on the subject. He wants to leave his vast collection of papers and photos in Delaney’s care and for her to carry on his work. His nephew who seems to want the research and is found murdered. Suspicion of murder falls on Norval and Delaney is determined to prove his innocence. Back at the bookshop, a mysterious Texan has arrived with a valuable, antique book about King Arthur and has a suspicious story of how it was obtained.

I regret that I didn’t find the plot more compelling. The characters were easy to like but I found them dull. The story failed to draw me in and I felt it didn’t convey a sense of suspense and failed to thrill me. I did enjoy the search for the truth about the mythical Loch Ness creature. I thought that when the nephew’s killer was revealed his ending made little sense. All ended happily with the marriage ceremony which gave the story an overly sweet ending.
Despite my reservations on this book, I think many readers w.ill love it, and should not be dissuaded by my criticisms. Thanks to NetGalley And St. Martin’s Press for an advanced reader’s copy of this cozy mystery

I stumbled on Paige Shelton’s first book in the Scottish Bookshop series purely by accident. I was looking for authors like Kate Carlisle and Shelton’s name came up. I was hooked from the first page and have devoured each entry in the series.

In book 4, we find Delaney working hard to manage her upcoming wedding to Tom, including introducing her Kansas family to her Edinburgh family. While tracking down a reverend to officiate at the wedding, Delaney meets yet another interesting person. This time, it’s Norval Fraser and he draws her deep into a mystery involving the Loch Ness Monster, a missing father, and a murdered nephew.

As usual, Delaney and all her Edinburgh friends are charming, the story is fun and engaging, and there are interesting developments in the personal lives of the characters. I’m begining to think, though, that it’s time to let go of the books talking to Delaney. In the first book, the convention worked well, but here it felt kind of forced. Delaney is interesting enough on her own.

If you can't take a trip to Scotland, being there with Delaney Nichols is the next best thing. American Delaney has been working at The Cracked Spine, antiquarian and rare book shop, and is planning her wedding to Tom. When she goes to meet with a potential officiant, Reverend Nisa, she runs into Norval Fraser, an elderly man who is a Loch Ness monster enthusiast. Norval is immediately taken with Delaney, hoping that she will take his papers and continue his work. When Norval is arrested for the murder of his nephew Gavin, Delaney is sure he could not have committed the crime and is anxious to work to clear his name. This is delightful mystery with interesting characters, wonderful descriptions of Scotland, insertions of the Scottish dialect that make you feel as if you were really there, and of course the Loch Ness monster. I highly recommend it.

It is always a joy to see a new book out in this series. This is the 4th entry and is just as fun as the first 3. As usual we get a murder to solve but this time we also get a wedding and an appearance by Nessie! Or do we? I love the cast and wish I could be part of the Cracked Spine family. Be warned though that by the time you finish you can't help but want to speak in a Scottish brogue!

A great addition to a charming series! I love how seamlessly the author has the character progression going from book to book in the series. It makes the transition from book to book so effortless. The setting, as always, is perfection through words, as is the plot. A well executed mystery that will leave you wanting more.