This is a 3.5 star review. I liked the book. Kate, an antique dealer from Ohio has arrived on a Scottish Island to help her sister in law. She has not spoken to her sister in law or been to the island since her husband died there years ago. The island has gathered for a Tartan Ball at the Manor House/Inn to celebrate the island and best selling book based on a long ago unsolved crime. When her sister in law is found dead she sets out to solve the mystery, both the old and the new. I really enjoyed the Island setting and the Scottish setting. I liked a lot of the eccentric characters living in the village and working at the hotel. I did not warm up to Kate and the romance with a policeman working on the case felt forced. Even though there is a killer on the island she still sets out by herself to interview suspects. The old mystery was far more interesting than the current one. There were not a lot of antiques in the story. The book did drag and parts were repetitious. I will give the second one a try since I enjoy Antique Cozies and maybe this one suffered from first in the series syndrome.

I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a free electronic ARC of this book, via Netgalley. The decision to read this book is my choice and any reviews given are obligation free.

So here I am finally leaving a review, almost a year after reading it… but don’t worry, I took notes. Plus my neuro divergent nature means I remember things I’ve read for a long time, it’s like I read it yesterday.

And what can I say about “A Dream of Death”‽ Well, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! Harsh to say I know.

The thing is, I have read some pretty dull stories about American widows heading to the United Kingdom and the magical, murderous mysteries they then have. You know? Those cookie cutter books where everything is perfect, the protagonist is perfect, there is romance, and so on… And, from the blurb I was half expecting this book to be like that. Thankfully I was woefully incorrect.

“A Dream of Death” may appear to be like this, until you begin to read. There are a lot more details, emotions, history and depth in it than said dull books. It fits more closely to the true Crime genre than to the cosy crime genre one would expect. And, as I happen to enjoy a bit of the True Crime genre, I loved the storyline.

The flow of the Story was smooth, easy to follow (even the excerpts into the past), and the characters a good mix of gritty realism and uniqueness that made them easy to tell apart and relate to.

What I mean by that is, sometimes, books of this genre have characters so poorly described, or not described at all, that you often forget who they are and get them mixed up with each other. Not the case with Ms Berry’s writing! Clear, well defined individuals all caught up in the story together. And I don’t mean that there is a page long bio/ introduction to each character. No, I mean Ms Berry is skilled enough to weave together an interesting tale made up of people, places, past and present. Try saying that five times fast!


From the book nerd side of things I found the story well edited, already perfectly formatted, and all the usual high standards I expect from this publisher were met. It may have been sent as an ARC, but it was already good enough to go live.

All in all, I enjoyed “A Dream of Death” so much, found the two main characters so engaging, that I went out and bought the next few books in the series! I can’t really give a higher praise than that. I’m a frugal reader and rarely buy books when I get so many for free. To buy the next in the series just shows you how much I truly enjoyed this first book of the series.

Lovers of crime fiction – I highly recommend this book. It’s more a true crime/ historical crime fiction hybrid. . . But I feel that’s what makes it so appealing.

Until next time,
Janis.

A Dream of Death is an engaging mystery, featuring an amiable amateur sleuth, a suitably unlikeable victim and a little middle-aged romance on the side. Its setting in a grand country house hotel off the western Scottish coast, and the intertwining of a long ago crime, add to the intrigue.
Ohio antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is intrigued by an urgent summons from her somewhat frosty sister-in-law, Elenor Spurgeon, the owner-proprietor of plush Glenroth House Hotel. However, it's with some reservations that she makes the trip to Scotland - Kate hasn't visited the island of Glenroth since the sudden death of her beloved husband Bill there, three years before.
Her arrival comes amidst frantic final preparations for the island's Tartan Ball, a glittering social function which the hotel hosts each year. Kate barely has time to greet her sister in law, let alone elucidate the reason for Elenor's need to consult with her, before the festivities are underway. Feelings run high at the ball, as Elenor unexpectedly announces that she's agreed to the sale of the hotel to a Swiss chain and her own engagement to local historian, Dr. Hugh Guthrie. Unable to rouse Elenor in her suite after the ball, Kate returns to her own quarters and begins reading Dr. Guthrie's recently-published book, a copy of which Elenor had pressed upon her to read. The book consists of the fictionalised diary of Flora Arnott, the teenage bride of a former owner of Glenroth House, who was brutally murdered alongside her maidservant in the early 19th century. Kate's imagination is piqued by the story, elements of which she's heard before via her late husband, who grew up at Glenroth.
Curiosity and mild annoyance at Elenor's mysterious behaviour turn to horror the following morning, when Kate is told that her sister-in-law's body has been found, partially hidden in a snowdrift, and that she has died in circumstances eerily similar to those of Flora Arnott's murder 200 years earlier. Local police and Inspector Rob Devlin of Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team (MIT) arrive on Glenroth to investigate and, as luck would have it, English Detective Inspector Tom Mallory is a fellow guest of Kate's at Glenroth House. Kate is unable to resist putting her natural curiosity and tenacity to use in determining what's been going on at Glenroth House, and who may have had a motive to kill Elenor. She's also intent on protecting vulnerable local man Bo Duff, a lifelong friend of her late husband's, who's facing suspicion and rather aggressive questioning from the police.
There's often an uneasy relationship between a "nosy" amateur sleuth and the police in cosy mysteries, and that's certainly the case here, but the effect is lessened somewhat by the presence of an "off duty" police character, in the person of Tom Mallory. As Kate and Tom compare notes, and he cautions her against putting herself in danger by asking too many questions of potential suspects, their rapport grows, bringing some romance into Kate's life for the first time since her husband's death.
In a thrilling conclusion, Kate finds the final missing pieces of the puzzle and confronts the killer in a dramatic scene. After tying up some loose ends at Glenroth, the reader is left with the tantalising possibility of burgeoning romance and a future meeting for Kate and Tom in his native Suffolk.
I'll admit I have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cosy mystery sub-genre, but I found that A Dream of Death fell on the right side of the line for me, with it's balance of Kate's amateur sleuthing set within the context of a genuine police investigation. The intertwining of the historical mystery surrounding Flora Arnott's death added an extra dimension of intrigue and the romantic sub-plot was an enjoyable foil for the criminal investigation, without ever becoming distracting or overly sentimental. Kate makes a feisty and sympathetic heroine, combining curiosity and attention to detail with intuition and a keen sense of human psychology.
I particularly enjoyed Connie Berry's setting of her book on the (fictional) island of Glenroth in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, located somewhere between the (real) isles of Skye to the north, and Rùm and Eigg to the south. With her descriptions of "turrets and crenellated battlements", I had Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rùm in mind, although that building dates from at least 100 years later than the fictional Glenroth House. Berry's descriptions of the western Scottish landscape, in combination with the inclement weather, created an evocatively mysterious and oppressive atmosphere, despite the protagonists' fairly regular ferry trips back and forth to the nearby mainland.
I'm pleased to see that this is the first in a series of books featuring Kate Hamilton, and look forward to reading the subsequent books.
I'd highly recommend A Dream of Death to any reader who enjoys well-plotted traditional and/or "cosy" mysteries, particularly those with unusual and interesting settings.
My thanks to the author, Connie Berry, publisher Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Description
On a remote Scottish island, American antiques dealer Kate Hamilton wrestles with her own past while sleuthing a brutal killing, staged to recreate a two-hundred-year-old unsolved murder. Autumn has come and gone on Scotland’s Isle of Glenroth, and the islanders gather for the Tartan Ball, the annual end-of-tourist-season gala. Spirits are high. A recently published novel about island history has brought hordes of tourists to the small Hebridean resort community. On the guest list is American antiques dealer Kate Hamilton. Kate returns reluctantly to the island where her husband died, determined to repair her relationship with his sister, proprietor of the island’s luxe country house hotel, famous for its connection with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Kate has hardly unpacked when the next morning a body is found, murdered in a reenactment of an infamous unsolved murder described in the novel—and the only clue to the killer’s identity lies in a curiously embellished antique casket. The Scottish police discount the historical connection, but when a much-loved local handyman is arrested, Kate teams up with a vacationing detective inspector from Suffolk, England, to unmask a killer determined to rewrite island history—and Kate’s future.

My Review
A Dream of Death is a well written novel set on a remote Scottish Island. It is the first book in the Kate Hamilton Mystery Series.

The premise has Kate an American antiques dealer trying to solve a murder. The characters are well-crafted and the story is engrossing.

Kate, a widower has returned to her late husband's childhood home at the request of her sister-in-law. But of course nothing is that simple. and when Elenor is found murdered Kate decides to get involved and solve the mystery behind the murder.

This is one book that you must read. I give this a definite 5 Star. Can't wait for book 2

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2020 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2020/01/2020-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Kate Hamilton returns to Scotland’s Isle of Rothsay after three years. The Isle holds bad memories for Kate as it was the location for her husband’s death. She is returning to honor a promise she made her husband she is to help his sister run the Glenroth House Hotel. Unfortunately shortly after she returns Kate finds herself right in the middle of a murder investigation.

This is an entertaining start to a new series. Kate is strong and intelligent and the secondary characters are quirky and interesting. The setting is full of small-town Scottish charm. The mystery is well-plotted with several red-herrings to keep the reader guessing. I look forward to seeing how the series progresses.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.

Engaging mystery set in the Highlands featuring likeable protagonist, Antique Dealer- and.soon to be amateur sleuth - Kate Hamilton. A well crafted plot and convincing characters made for a very enjoyable read and a promising start to a new series.

Kate Hamilton, antiques whisperer, and widower has returned to her late husband's childhood home in Scotland at the request of his distraught sister and just in time for the Tartan Ball and big news. It has been 3 years since Kate's husband died of a heart attack while sailing. Memories and ghosts seem to haunt her with a promise to look after a sister in law who hasn't spoken to her since that fateful day. The same sister in law who is found dead with an arrow through her throat just like a historic figure and possible ghost of the manor. Kate finds herself drawn to this mystery and there is the promise she made her late husband to watch after his sister. Kate also finds herself drawn to the handsome Chief Inspector Tom Mallory from England, staying at the hotel on holiday (he too is a surviving  spouse). Plenty of motive in this one from claims of ancestral rights to loss of livelihood by the workers of the hotel upon learning of the impending sale to a Swedish  company of all things. The least likely suspect, simple and naive  Bo is taken in for questioning which spurns Kate on to finding the killer and solving not only her sister in laws murder but also the historic unsolved crime based on a local legendary hero. Great read, characters were developed nicely and had I not already read the second installment first I would have been questioning the motives of a few of the characters. Great descriptions that elicited an emotional response. Be sure to read my next entry to see where Kate ends up for Christmas.

A Dream of Death
Author: Connie Berry
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
5 Stars

Kate Hamilton had a strained relationship with her sister-in-law Elenor Spurgeon. Among other things, Elenor blamed Kate for her brother’s (Kate’s husband’s) death. Yet when Elenor called to say she was in trouble and had no one else to turn to, Kate decided to help her. She left the antique shop she ran in Ohio in her mother’s hands and traveled to Glenroth, Scotland. It was a tough trip for Kate because being in Glenroth again brought back harrowing memories as that is where her husband had died. When Kate gets there, Elenor didn’t seem overly concerned and said she would explain everything after the Tartan Ball she was throwing. Before Elenor had a chance to fill Kate in, however, Elenor winds up dead. Kate finds herself immersed in this investigation as she feels a duty to find out what happened to Elenor, but also to clear the name of a dear friend who is the prime suspect. As the investigation progresses, its seems more and more like Elenor’s death is tied to a two hundred year old murder mystery. Can Kate find the link to the past and the present before it is too late?

When I read some of the first lines in this book, I knew I would enjoy the writing. “Three years had passed since Bill’s death, and the veneer of coping I’d laid over my grief was as thin as eggshell porcelain and every bit as breakable.” What beautiful and descriptive writing! The rest of the book is filled with many other magnificently descriptive passages. The writing was superb and made reading the book a real delight.

The author’s writing style is also accompanied by a first-rate mystery. I was engrossed from beginning to end. I loved how the author weaved together the two hundred year old story into the present day murder. This connection opened the field of suspects and left me guessing all the way until the pivotal reveal.

The cast of characters was just as good as the plot itself. I found myself enamored with Kate, cheering for some, concerned about others, and suspicious of many.

This was a great first in a series book, and I absolutely can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks #ADreamOfDeath

A DREAM OF DEATH is the first book in the 'Kate Hamilton Mystery' series by Connie Berry. This traditional mystery début was very appealing to me in many ways. There were elements of history surrounding an unsolved murder, a large bunch of colourful characters, a whisper of romance and a fantastic setting in Scotland.

This was a 'whodunnit' mystery containing many red herrings that threw me off the scent. Connie Berry's knowledge of antiques was admirable and she clearly knew her subject matter very well. I found that this novel was suspenseful enough to keep my level of interest high and I wanted to keep scrolling on my e-reader.

All in all, A DREAM OF DEATH was a brilliant start to a new series and I am already looking forward to reading the next instalment.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I started this book last night and the minute I got through the first chapter I told myself that this was a cozy mystery done right. It had the power to make it about more than the murder that occurs, more than just mere curiosity that drives the lead protagonist. There are also the credentials that the protagonist carries as a badge that plays a vital role in the case itself. 

If you have noticed my recent reviews of a lot of cozy mysteries, you will notice that I markedly enjoy fewer than most of the other audience. It is mostly because I like a certain style of narration and emotional investment. I am not saying all the ones I did not like were of the same ilk but you know when a writers personal style suits your temperament. The only reason I gave this book four stars out of five is that I have already queued up the second book to read and I want to set the bar higher.

Kate Hamilton has flown all the way from the US at the behest of her estranged sister-in-law. She promised her late husband that she would always take care of her and now she has to live up to the promise. It is hard to follow through, mostly because Elenor is not liked by anyone on their small island. Kate is the only one who sees a pattern in what happens next. It has a lot of similarity to an unsolved mystery involving a local legend, and although it happened two hundred years ago, the shadow seems to stretch a long way. There are enough clues dropped our way to ensure both of the following

We are not taken aback by the culprit
at the same time are constantly ending up with red herrings.
This pleasing combination of the two conditions and the characters, as well as the fact that the end is not all wrapped up in the usual standard model but more realistically makes it a pretty good read. I look forward to spending some quality time with the next installment.

This was such a good, classic mystery and introduction to what I hope will be a long series with Kate Hamilton. Kate's late husband Bill had implored Kate to always help his sister, so when Elenor calls, Kate leaves her home in Ohio to return to the small Isle of Glenroth in Scotland.She arrives near the end of the regular tourist season, just in time for the Tartan Ball. With missing luggage and a helpful housekeeper, Kate is well dressed and ready to see Elenor and others she hasn't connected with after her husband's death on the isle three years ago. The country house that seems like a castle, stories of Jacobites, Culloden and Bonnie Prince Charlie--thank goodness I have read Outlander to be on top of Scottish history! A murder is discovered after the ball, and mimics the murder of a young bride named Flora 200 years earlier The isle is full of suspects and there is no shortage of atmosphere. I can't wait to turn the next page with Kate in another story.

This is the debut book in the new mystery series entitled " Kate Hamilton Mystery Series" by author Connie Berry. This is a fabulous start to the series and a wonderful read that has all the elements of the perfect cozy mystery. I read this book cover to cover and highly recommend this book.

Kate Hamilton got a call she was always dreading from her estranged sister-in-law to come back to the Scottish isle where her husband died just three years earlier. When she arrives she finds that Elenor is no easier to get along with and has sold the family home to turn it into a hotel. Elenor and Kate are at odds but before they can discuss family business or the reason for her visit she's murdered . Kate finds out that Elenor was afraid before her death and that may be why she asked Kate to visit . Kate decides to investigate on her own.

What I loved about this sleuth is it has many dimensional aspects with quite a cast of clues and suspects that kept me guessing. . Kate is a smart savvy likeable protagonist. I like that she is portrayed as a real person .

Connie Berry has written this series with history included as well as the present. She weaves the two times together perfectly

This is a wonderful cozy series with promise for a long successful series . This was the perfect start to a promising series and I cannot wait until the next in series. I love the history, the location descriptions, the well crafted sleuth and the characters. Very well done to the author ! Thank you for the ARC that does not influence my review. My opinions are my own. I so enjoyed this fabulous book and highly recommend this book for all that enjoy a good mystery, a dose of Scottish history and a fabulous cast of characters.

Phew! What a superb opening book to what I hope will be a lengthy series, I love the premise that two people who are non-native can team together to help solve a crime (or few!)

Kate Hamilton does not have the best re-introduction to the Isle, her luggage has gone missing (and she is supposed to be gussied up for a ball that night!), she nearly ran into a car, oh and she is dreading meeting her sister in law (Elanor) again (who has ignored her pretty much all the time, but now wants something). One bright spot is meeting Bo again, her late husband's friend and the man who tried to save him when he had a heart attack and drowned. When she arrives at the hotel, Elanor gives no reason for her summons, only to say she will find out after the ball (and Kate is lucky that the fantastic cook for the hotel has a daughter who wears pretty much the same size and so she isn't turning up in travel worn clothes!)

After the ball she discovers that someone has searched her cottage and then she finds out that someone has killed Elanor, the problem is that Bo seems to be the one the local police are fixated on, Kate has some back up in the form of the man she almost ran into, a man called Tom who is a visiting English police officer, the problem is everyone seems to be hiding something and the only things she are sure about is that she didn't kill Elanor and neither did Bo, but that leaves the field well and truly open!

Are old Scottish murders being redone?
A Dream of Death by Connie Berry is a remarkable book that takes place in Scotland. The scenes are amazing the way that Ms. Berry has written them, so I felt as if I was actually there.

What I liked
• Kate's sense of family loyalty despite that she didn't like her sister-in-law all that much.
• That the book was written in the first-person narrative was done so well, and I think it works fabulously with the story.
• The relationship that Kate has with Elenor's staff at her hotel and Tom.
• Kate's budding relationship with Tom is perfect.
• The different mysteries that were woven into the central mystery.

What I disliked
I didn't like how Elenor treated a bunch of people and the way she acted like she was better than everyone. Another person that I didn't like was Penny Arnott because she was rude and didn't want anything to with Kate or Elenor since Elenor's family stole her families castle. The last thing that I didn't like was the tons red herrings because I fell into thinking that it was them. Well except one.

Five Stars
I am giving A Dream of Death by Connie Berry a five-star review and recommending it to all my mystery lovers who also happen to like antiques, the Scottish countryside, and a mystery that lasted over 200 years in the making.

Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
Karen the Baroness.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you would like to read more reviews like this one please go to baronessbooktrove.com

As a debut to a new series, this book was worth the read. Many times it is hard to find a new cozy series that will stand out from others, but I think this series and book has potential to standout on the shelf and in a reader’s mind. Having read this book, reminds me that I really enjoy mysteries with their own unique style and charm.

A Dream of Death is a Kate Hamilton mystery and it is well written with good characters. I would read more by this author.

This book reminded me of the old gothic romances I used to get from my Nannie, minus the romance.

Kate is asked to return to Glenroth, the site of her husband's death, at the urging of her sister in law. There is to be a ball and she needs Kate to be there. But the morning after the ball her sister in law is dead and there are questions to be asked, and answered.

I loved the characters and the setting for this story, I would love to go and see this Isle. I can't wait to see what happens to Kate next, does she stay on Glenroth, does she follow the lovely DI? I predict there will be many adventures ahead for the both of them.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this story.

A DREAM OF DEATH by Connie Berry
The First Kate Hamilton Mystery

Kate Hamilton never intended to return to Glenroth, but a call for help from her estranged sister-in-law brings Kate back to the Scottish isle where her husband was not only born, but died just three years earlier. Now she's faced with a best selling novel about a two hundred year old unsolved murder, a surprise engagement, and news that Elenor has sold the family home, now a posh hotel. But before Elenor can tell Kate the reason for her call, she's murdered in the same manner of young Flora Arnott in 1810. What was Elenor afraid of? Did it have something to do with the ornate antique casket? Or did she push the wrong person too far? As Kate finds herself in the midst of the investigation she'll have to use all her wits else she become the murderer's next target.

I loved just about everything in this first Kate Hamilton Mystery. There is a strong cast of characters, deeply developed and multi dimensional. Kate is an engaging and likeable protagonist with a good head on her shoulders. Not only is she forced to deal with a murder, but she has to relive her husband's last days and deal with feelings she's starting to develop for a man for the first time since she became a widow.

Connie Berry ingeniously entwines history with a contemporary plot. It was fascinating to read from Flora Arnott's diary and I was as invested in her murder as I was in Elenor's! The attention to detail brought crisp imagery and almost made it seem as if I was watching a film.

A DREAM OF DEATH is a fantastic start to what looks to be an amazing series. There's action, suspense, and a hint of romance. Combined with an atmospheric backdrop, authentic characters, and historical depth, A DREAM OF DEATH is a standout.

Three years after the death of her husband in an accident on the island, Kate Hamilton returns to Glenroth. The island off the coast of Scotland has a sparse population of only 238 people once the tourist season is over. Kate returns to fulfill a promise she made to her husband to help her sister-in-law, Elenor Spurgeon. Elenor runs the Glenroth House Hotel. She contacted Kate requesting her help. Initially all Elenor will tell her is that something is happening on the island that worries her and shows Kate a small carved box. Elenor says everything that is occurring relates to the box. Unfortunately, Elenor is murdered before she can elaborate. Kate finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Who killed Elenor? And how does it all tie in with the intricately carved wooden box and another murder that happened 200 years in the past?

A Dream of Death is the first book in the Kate Hamilton series. I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the plot. I will definitely be reading more of this series! I like Kate as a main character. She is strong, intelligent, and driven to protect her friends and family. The side characters are all small town quirky, which adds to the charm and magic of this story.

A great start to a new cozy series! It made for a very enjoyable afternoon of reading! I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

Connie Berry also writes the Davis Way Crime Caper series.

**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**