“Written in Stone” is the interesting tenth book in Paige Shelton’s Scottish Bookshop Cozy Mystery series. I did think the book got off to a bit of a slow start but it picked up a few chapters in. I do love my visits to The Cracked Spine Bookstore and those that work there – Delaney, Rosie, Hamlet, owner Edwin, and of course Hector the dog. The mystery is a good one although we barely get to know the victim before the murder although we do learn more as the book goes along – at first I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing but it ultimately worked out. I liked learning something knew when reading a book and this time I learned quite a bit about the Picts and may do some more research on them. The mystery is well done with just the right amount of suspects – there were a few things that I thought were left hanging and could have been tied up better but all in all it was an enjoyable mystery and a pleasant way to spend a few hours reading.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols meeting a new artist, delving into the history of the Picts, and digging into a new mystery. It was great to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Hector, and the rest of The Cracked Spine crew. I found the artist Ryory Bennigan fascinating. I wish we had learned more about this mysterious artist (maybe in a future book). I enjoyed hearing about the local history and about the Picts (what little we know about them) plus there are beautiful descriptions of the local architecture (Delaney is so lucky). The mystery was the weak link in the story. It was not at the forefront. I felt that the motive was shoved into the shadows and the author hoped that no one would notice that the killer’s intent was not fully addressed. The ending was abrupt and left me with lingering questions. Written in Stone is the tenth A Scottish Bookshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. While I liked parts of Written in Stone, it is my least favorite book in the series. I loved the special gift Delaney received from her boss. I am quite envious. Written in Stone is a Scottish cozy mystery with a reclusive artist, colorful tattoos, a sick assistant, Pict history, a curious crime, an exceptional present, a printing production, and a special bookstore.

This is book 10 in the Scottish Bookshop series and it's a wonderful addition. Delaney is a winner of a tour and she's excited to see the gallery. This is book 2 in the Antique Hunter's guide to murder series. C.L. Miller does a good job of catching you up from book 1 in Chapter 1. When a painting vanishes from a maritime museum and a dead body is found nearby, the newly established Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency, Freya Lockwood and her Aunt Carole, are called to investigate.
Following a lead that takes them aboard a glamorous antiques cruise sailing toward the Red Sea in Jordan, they quickly discover that the ships art gallery is filled with stolen antiquities. Each antique is also listed in Freya’s late mentor’s journals that detail unsolved cases. In chasing a murderer with a stolen painting, they may have found something more sinister than they could’ve imagined…
Their hunt soon turns deadly when they learn the enigmatic and dangerous art trafficker named The Collector could be on board. But on a ship full of antiques enthusiasts—plus some unexpected familiar faces—will Freya and Carole be able to discover the Collector’s identity and stop his murderous plans

When Delaney wins an exclusive invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio during the Hidden Door Festival, she has no idea the adventure that awaits.
What begins as a cultural treat quickly spirals into a thrilling mystery filled with unexpected twists. Delaney, visiting from Kansas, crosses paths with Dr. Pace—an old acquaintance from her college days—who turns out to be involved in shady dealings, attempting to pass off fraudulent artifacts. When Dr. Pace is found murdered, suspicion falls on Ryory.
Determined to clear his name, Delaney teams up with her loyal bookshop crew to uncover the truth.
I absolutely loved this installment and the entire series. The characters, setting, and fast-paced plot kept me hooked from beginning to end!

#WritteninStone#NetGalley

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton
Review by Sarah Erwin

Written in Stone is book 10 in Paige Shelton’s entertaining Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series. Readers who enjoy armchair travel should be sure to dip into this series for a trip to Edinburgh. While this is book 10 it works as a standalone for readers new to the series. Delaney Nichols is living a lovely life working in a specialty bookstore in Edinburgh called The Cracked Spine and enjoying her marriage to pub owner Tom Shannon.

Delaney is excited to win a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Rory Bennigan’s studio. Rory is obsessed with the Picts (an ancient people who inhabited what is now Northern Scotland. They are known for many things, including elaborate carved stones, which are discussed in this mystery.)

While on the tour, Delaney and Tom also meet visiting paleontologist Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas, attempting to sell an artifact. Only days later Pace is found dead and no one is sure of the details. Was it an accident? Never one to sit idly by when there is information to be gathered, Delaney begins investigating Pace’s background and learns it’s a shady one. Delaney then dives into an investigation of his death, putting herself in some dangerous situations.

Delaney is a wonderful main character – thoughtful and curious, with a deep love of learning. As a result, readers learn a lot on a variety of topics. Delaney is an expert researcher, but I never felt bogged down by facts. Paige blends interesting historical information into the story seamlessly. I did not know anything about the Picts and always enjoy when I can come away from a book with a little extra knowledge.

Delaney does make me nervous sometimes, as she’s so determined to uncover the truth she often puts herself in tricky, dangerous spots. That’s the life of an amateur sleuth. I’m glad she’s surrounded by friends that support her and look out for her. I did guess the ending of this mystery, but Paige’s writing style is so engaging, that guessing the end did not take away any of my reading enjoyment.

Another charming aspect of this series is the setting of Edinburgh and the descriptive details of the place and The Cracked Spine. It’s truly an immersive reading experience for which I am grateful as I know I won’t be traveling to Scotland anytime soon.

An enjoyable entry into a long-running series!

So nice to continue reading this series with familiar characters and settings. Topic was one I was unfamiliar with, but author did good job of explaining important points that were relevant to the mystery. Thanks to # NetGalley and #WrittenInStone for advanced digital copy.

Written in Stone is the 10th book in Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop. I haven't read all of them but it isn't really a problem. There is enough backstory provided for the new reader without feeling like it is repeating everything for the long-time fans.

Bookish cozy mysteries are always fun, but I like that this one deals with more than just books. The bookshop Delaney works in deals in rare and old books (as well as newer books), plus we usually get to learn a little about Scottish culture or history. There's usually a trip to the museum.

In this book, we learn a little bit about the Pics, an Iron Age people who lived in the area, as well as stone carving. The mystery takes us deeper into the history of the Pics and touches on paleontology.

The mystery is intriguing and there are a number of coincidences that may or may not be a coincidence.

We get to spend some time with all the characters that fans have come to love, but we also get a lot of time with characters who are specific to this book so new readers can easily pick up this book.

It is an entertaining, quick read.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/04/written-in-stone-by-paige-shelton-review.html

Delaney wins a special invitation to an artists studio and she isn't sure what to expect from the upcoming experience. Upon arriving at the studio she meets a man obsessed with Picts and a paleontologist. The paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, is trying to sell an artifact that is suppose to explain what the Picts language really sounds like. Dr Pace's deal seems to go wrong and he ends up dead. The police don't seem to be in a hurry to figure out who killed the man so Delaney jumps.in to investigate herself. Follow along and see if she can do what the police don't seem to be able to do. Will she find a killer or will the mystery not get solved?

Delaney Nichols has been living in Edinburgh for many years, long enough to get settled in to a good job at The Cracked Spine, a specialty bookstore. She’s been there long enough to fall in love and get married. But she still remembers where she came from, Lawrence, Kansas. She got her education at the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk, Jayhawk!). So when a fellow Kansan shows up in Edinburgh, Delaney is looking forward to talking about her alma mater.

She meets him for a minute as he was leaving artist Ryory Bennigan’s studio. As part of the annual Hidden Door Festival, Delaney and her husband Tom had gotten a rare invitation to visit the studio and see how Ry made his art, most notably his sculptures. Dr. Adam Pace was just leaving. Delaney invited him to drop by her bookstore, but he never makes it.

Delaney finds out that she and Dr. Pace had some friends in common, so she starts asking around. She wants to know why he was in Edinburgh, to try to figure out who would have a motive to kill him. Talking to old friends back in Kansas and newer friends in town, she finds out that he may have been trying to sell some dinosaur bones that he didn’t have the proper provenance for. He was also doing research on the Picts, a lost Scottish population of warriors. They left behind stones carved with symbols which scientists have been trying to decode.

As Delaney reaches out to her friends in town, going to other bookstores and tracking down a tattoo artist, she learns more about the paleontologist from Kansas. But she also learns about a couple of suspicious illnesses. Is it possible that the killer is not done yet? And is Delaney putting herself right in the killer’s sights?

Written in Stone is book ten in Paige Shelton’s Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. Delaney uses her contacts in Edinburgh and in Kansas to investigate the murder in this compelling cozy mystery. I liked this book a lot, feeling like I was there in Scotland. I especially loved the information about the Picts, and I was impressed at how Shelton folded the information into the story. Written in Stone was a fun read, with lots of interesting surprises and smart twists.

Egalleys for Written in Stone were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.

Paige Shelton is one of my go-to cozy mystery authors, and her Scottish Bookshops series a favorite. This latest entry in that series is another winner.

One of the things I love about the series is that Shelton makes every story a mini-lesson in history. Past books have included plots involving Mary, Queen of Scots for example. Here, we learn about the Picts, perhaps the most mysterious of the Celtic peoples. It’s not a deep dive into history, but enough to make me want to know more. Add that to inventive plots and colorful characters and you have a successful series.

What’s better than a cozy mystery set in Edinburgh Scotland? A cozy mystery set in Edinburgh Scotland with an American protagonist! The author makes each and every entry absolutely fascinating and engaging. I have a hard time putting the book down until I turned the last page and then I’m disappointed because I have to wait until the next one’s released. Yeah, it’s that good!

When I picked this up I wasn't aware that it was the 10th book in the series. I didn't find it hard to follow and did feel like I missed anything except maybe the growth of the relationships. I found the main characters lovely. I liked how Delaney was curious and went along with her own investigation but still seemed to maintain the respect of Inspector Winters. All the others that worked in the shop were different and quirky and it sounded like a delightful place to work.

When Delaney and Tom meet Tom at an artist's house she discovers that both have ties to Kansas and the university so when he is found dead she is naturally curious. I found the mystery itself kind of blah and slow and there was no heart pounding ending but still I was surprised. I'm not sure if I will read the back list but this was a fun ride.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a digital copy.

I love this series for the setting and the sheer amounts of knowledge I get from it; this time, I learned about the Picts and the smallest dinosaur. I enjoyed all my visits with Delaney and her friends in Edinburgh and found this particular mystery interesting, though the conclusion was a little sad. The writing flowed so well that it swept me up in the story and while I figured out who the guilty party was early on, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it. Highly recommend this series for the descriptions of Scotland and its people but start from the beginning to really get immersed into it.

This is a great cozy mystery - it’s fast paced and fun to read. I loved Delany and the other quirky characters at the bookshop. Delany is so excited to get an invite to visit a reclusive artist. She quickly finds herself investigating a murder.

This is the 10th book in the series and while I recommend reading the other books, you can read this as a standalone. I love how these books always have some history woven into the story!

✨What To Expect:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland Bookshop Setting
🔍Cozy Murder Mystery
🌪️Twists and Turns
🦴Fake Dinosaur Bones?
⁉️Questionable Artifacts
🖌️Great Side Characters

Author Paige Shelton once again allows me to enjoy Edinburgh, Scotland as I travel along with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Hamlet and Edwin. I am always fascinated with Ms. Shelton's in-depth research into Scottish history and how she brings it to life as Delaney investigates.

The murder of a shady American professor from Kansas has Delaney immediately intrigued and on the hunt for clues to help Inspector Winters. The popular reclusive but socially awkward artist and his protective assistant added to the intrigue in this one. With a limited pool of suspects, the professor's attempts at selling a variety of questionable artifacts to Edinburgh's museums, a quickly paced plot that never slowed down and multiple twists and red herrings, that often led me astray, this book kept me turning the pages until the dramatic reveal.

Paige Shelton takes readers back to Edinburgh, Scotland in the tenth book in the Scottish Bookshop cozy mystery series, Written in Stone. It features Delaney Nichols who loves her life working at The Cracked Spine Bookshop and marriage to pub owner Tom Shannon.

Delaney wins a special festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan’s studio. She and Tom aren’t sure what to expect. What she finds is an artist obsessed with the Picts to the point of having his versions of their tattoos in abundance as well as vibrant red hair. She also encounters a paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from her university in Kansas. He is attempting to sell an artifact that might explain the Picts’ language. However, before a deal is struct with Ryory, Dr. Pace is found dead. As usual, Delaney inserts herself into his murder investigation and finds Dr. Pace has a shady background.

Shelton does a great job of letting readers get to know Delaney. She’s bold, intense, curious, organized, and likes learning new things. She also loves museums and bookstores and seems to easily make friends. However, her safety isn’t always at the top of her concerns. The other characters come to life as well through their opinions, actions, reactions, and mannerisms. It was great catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

I enjoyed the historical tie-ins with the Picts as well as the information on dinosaurs. The plot was multi-layered and complex with some twists and turns. However, the killer was a little too easy to discern. The narrative transported this reader to Edinburgh.

I wonder how police Inspector Winters really feels about all of Delaney’s calls and texts. She seems to work with him on every case to some degree or another. While there was an action-packed ending, there weren’t a lot of surprises. However, there are multiple crimes that are brought to a closure, but a more specific closure around an artist’s assistant would have provided some additional clarification. It blends mystery and history well, but I expected more literary references. Themes include death, family, friendship, secrets, and much more. Great world-building details, good characterization, and a solid mystery made this an enjoyable read.

Overall, this is an engaging and delightful novel that was a fast read. If you’re looking for an entertaining cozy mystery where you are likely to learn something new, I highly recommend this series. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Paige Shelton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for April 01, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

I enjoyed visiting the The Cracked Spine and being in the company of Delaney and her friends.
The cast of characters are very interesting, likable and well-developed.
The author’s writing enables the reader to have vivid images of Edinburgh
Shelton does an excellent job of storytelling.
She does a phenomenal job of describing Scotland with such ease. Her words make it so easy to imagine each and every place her words take us.
The pace of the mystery was spot-on and there were enough suspects to keep me guessing as I turned the pages faster and faster.
I was captivated from the first page to the last. As soon as I turned the final page I was already missing these characters.
It is filled with mystery, suspense, and some of my absolute favorite characters of all time.

Paige Shelton pens such lovely cozy mysteries that I grab them each time I see a new one. This is the tenth book in the A Scottish Bookshop series.

Description:
When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn’t sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts—complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair—recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.

Or at least that’s what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.

With the police dragging their feet in the investigation, Delaney takes it upon herself to dig into Dr. Pace's past. Her research goes murky as she quickly discovers Pace’s shady background—selling fake dinosaur bones and running into some 3D-printing trouble back in Kansas. Could his past have come back to bite him in Edinburgh? And what does his questionable background mean for the mysterious Pictish artifact he was trying to sell to Ryory? Delaney will have to dust off her magnifying glass to uncover the truth behind this case… or risk becoming a pile of bones herself.

My Thoughts:
I love the setting of the bookshop The Cracked Spine. Delaney stumbles into another murder situation and she and her co-workers get involved in the investigation - as usual. A visiting paleontologiest is murdered and there are some suspicious activities surrounding his demise. I enjoyed the interesting and reclusive artist, Ryory Bennigan, who is fasciated with the art of the Picts from Scottish history. This was another engrossing read form Shelton and anyone who enjoys cozies will love it.

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

Written in Stone by Paige Shelton is a Scottish Bookstore mystery featuring Delaney our favorite cataloger, who had come from the United States to work in a bookshop, sort of, was like returning home to friends (minus Elias and Agnes). Delaney and Tom were off to visit an artist who was known to be very private, never had showings, and had only one subject: the Picts. They had been chosen at random to visit him and were excited. It started off strangely when Delaney met a professor from her college in Kansas. Somewhat unlikely, but there it was. Ryory Bennigan, Ry for short. It was thrilling. All the stones-she though that was all his art, but it turns out there was so much more. He didn’t know Edwin, but he did know the Cracked Spine and Rosie. Good people; good characters. Of course, there was a murder. Of course, Delaney couldn’t stay out of it.

The Cracked Spine and its regulars were a family, if an odd one. It it is felt in every page. Shelton always imbues her books with Scottish history, which makes them even more fun. The Picts, as we know, were known as the blue people, mostly because of their tattoos which were all in blue and covered their bodies. Not a lot else is known about them, which makes people very curious, and easy to be taken advantage of. One believes that credentials, like that of college professor, makes one honest. Sadly, it is not the case. Also the rules about coincidences can be thrown out the window. It was an intriguing case, one which the ‘”family” all followed with great interest. Delaney’s police buddy, Inspector Winters, was interested, and unlike normal, he welcomed her input. Well done, Paige Shelton!

I was invited to read Written in Stone by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #PaigeShelton #WrittenInStone

Written in Stone, the tenth book in the Scottish Bookshop series by Paige Shelton, is a captivating and intriguing mystery set in the cozy atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Cracked Spine bookstore. Fans of the series will find themselves drawn into another exciting case, this time centered around a mysterious artifact and the secrets of the ancient Picts.

Delaney, the clever and resourceful protagonist, unexpectedly wins an invitation to the Hidden Door Festival, which leads her to the eccentric artist Ryory Bennigan’s studio. There, she meets Ryory and Dr. Adam Pace, a paleontologist with dubious intentions who is attempting to sell an artifact believed to unlock the mysteries of the Pictish language. However, before any deal can be made, Dr. Pace is found dead, sending Delaney on a path to unravel the truth.

As Delaney digs deeper into Dr. Pace’s shady past, including his involvement in selling fake dinosaur bones and 3D-printing controversies, she begins to uncover a web of deception that ties into the artifact. The pacing of the mystery is well done, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Shelton expertly blends history, suspense, and her signature cozy mystery style, making this book a page-turner for fans of the genre.

Delaney’s journey is full of sharp observations, witty moments, and plenty of tension as she works to piece together the truth. The setting of Edinburgh adds a rich, atmospheric backdrop to the story, with its historic landmarks and mysterious aura, making the city itself feel like another character in the book.

Written in Stone is a delightful addition to the Scottish Bookshop series, combining history, art, and mystery in an entertaining way. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Delaney’s adventures or new to the series, this book offers a thrilling and satisfying read. If you love a good cozy mystery with a touch of Scottish charm, Written in Stone is a must-read.