Written in Stone by Paige Shelton is the tenth in the Scottish Bookshop Series. Although it is clear that these characters have history together the story is fine as a standalone. It was the first that I have read, and I plan to go back and read the others.

After moving to Scotland to work at the Cracked Spine bookstore and marrying a handsome Scot, in this adventure, Delaney becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding an artist who specialized in Pictish designs, and a professor from her home state of Kansas.

I enjoyed getting to know Delaney’s coworkers and loved the setting in Edinburgh.
Although I was reasonably certain about the killer early on, I didn’t know why, and there were a good number of suspects to consider. I felt like a couple of threads with the artist’s assistant were not wrapped up well, but overall, the story was fun and kept my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.

Delaney and Tom receive an invitation to speak to a reclusive artist in Edinburgh who specializes in Pict culture, even tattooing his body in blue Pict designs. Delaney runs into an American professor there and discovers he is from the university she attended. The professor is soon found dead and a murder investigation is underway. Delaney learns through friends at her old university that the professor, though well-liked, was involved in a scandal involving 3-D printed dinosaur bones being passed off as real. The professor was now touting that he had found a Pict stone to translate their long-forgotten language. What was he up to here in Scotland? Delaney and the crew are pulled into the mystery.
It’s love The Cracked Spine and the friends who work there. The mystery kept me guessing until the end and was a fun read.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Edinburgh, Scotland - Present Day

Delaney and her husband Tom have won an invitation at the Hidden Door Festival to a private visit at artist Ryory Bennigan's studio. Ryory is rarely seen in the city, and lives a quiet life away from the public. So it's a treat especially for Delaney to get the opportunity to not only meet the man, but to see his studio. Ry is fascinated by the ancient Picts of Scotland, and even has the blue toned tattoos they were known to have on their bodies. When Delaney and Tom arrive at the studio, they meet another person who is leaving, a paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, who is, ironically, from the same Kansas university that Delaney attended. He, too, admits to an interest in the Picts.

Ryory is proud to show his studio and discuss his artwork with Delaney and Tom, and it is revealed that Dr. Pace has offered an artifact supposedly from the Picts to Ry. But within days, Dr. Pace is found dead, apparently murdered, and there seem to be a few people who might be suspects. After Delaney contacts a friend at the university in Kansas, she is surprised to find out that Dr. Pace had made some poor decisions there, and that his move to Edinburgh was to avoid further problems. As Delaney digs further into Pace's local involvement, she begins to discover that he was making some odd arrangements with different people.

WRITTEN IN STONE is book ten in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery books, and it's going to be difficult for not only Delaney, but the Edinburgh police to find out why Dr. Pace was killed. There are a few people that he may have angered, but were there more? And what was his ultimate goal? And how real were the artifacts he was peddling?

Don't miss WRITTEN IN STONE with its intriguing story set in beautiful and mysterious Edinburgh.

3.5

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I hadn't realized it was book 10 in the series but I was able to follow along and had no issues keeping up. I had a good time reading this one. The lingo took me a minute to get used to since this is based out if Scotland and I did struggle to get into it but once I did I was here for the ride. It was interesting, kept me engaged once I got the first few chapters done, and kept me guessing on who did it. All in all I it was a good read and a fun cozy mystery.

Another interesting mystery with Delaney and the crew from the Cracked Spine. A chance encounter outside of an artist event drags Delaney, Tom, and company into another mysterious murder. When an American professor is found dead, shortly after a chance meeting with Delaney, he was from the Kansas University where she got her degrees, and an artist with history questions, the crew is going to be dragged in. What I always enjoy about this series is the weaving of art, history, and books, the chance to learn a little something while spending a little more time in Scotland. The other plus is the lovely circle of characters and that everyone has something to contribute. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy spending more time with the crew in various bookstores and museums all over the city. Thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for an opportunity to catch up! #WritteninStone #AScottishBookstoreMystery #PaigeShelton #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Written in Stone by Paige Shelton is an engaging cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with a gripping storyline. The novel follows the protagonist, Beth, as she uncovers secrets hidden in an old stone quarry. Shelton’s writing is immersive, with well-developed characters and a setting that feels alive. The plot moves at a steady pace, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate the intriguing mystery and the warm, inviting atmosphere Shelton creates. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a mix of suspense and heart.

5/5 stars: This is the tenth entry in Shelton's Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, which is a British Paranormal Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in Scotland and follows an American woman trained as a museum preservationist and archivist who works for an eccentric Scottish book and rare manuscript shop owner as his collections manager and hears “bookish” voices. After a visiting American paleontologist attempting to sell a Pictish artifact to a famous reclusive artist is murdered, she finds herself turning sleuth. When her research turns up the professor's shady background, she'll have to work fast to uncover the truth… or risk becoming a pile of bones herself. With plenty of twists and turns, Shelton has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Shelton's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Delaney, her friends and colleagues (Rose, Hamlet and her boss: Edwin) at The Cracked Spine and the folks of the Grassmarket area of Old Town Edinburgh. Additionally, I adore seeing Delaney and pub owner and Scotsman Tom's marriage still going strong. And of course, one mustn't forget Rose's oh so adorable miniature Yorkie, Hector. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Cracked Spine. Shelton's a favorite author and I love this series; highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Delaney finds a visiting professor from Kansas at an artist's loft, but when the professor ends up dead the questions begin. It takes all the bookshop people to help figure out who the murderer could be. A twisty plot that keeps you guessing. Great characters who feel like old friends. It felt like this may be the last book in the series, but it was a joy to read. I loved the connection between Delaney and her university in Kansas, some ties are always there! Well written.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

history-of-Picts, family-business, local-law-enforcement, Edinburgh Scotland, family-dynamics, ex-pat, amateur-sleuth, bookseller, bookshop, cozy-mystery, famous-persons, poisons, murder-investigation, relics, unputdownable, artifact*****
An invitation won to visit with famous but rather reclusive Pict-obsessed artist, a professor from Delaney's alma mater in Kansas, a museum-worthy artifact, and murder. I really enjoyed this latest addition to a series that always has a good investigation combined with Scottish history lessons. I didn't know that the Picts just simply disappeared!
I requested and received an uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Apr 01, 2025
#WrittenInStone by @paigebooks Paige Shelton #ScottishBookshopMysteriesBk10 @stmartinspress
@minotaur_books #cozymystery #NetGalley #cozymystery #edinburgh @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #bookseller #poison #fakebones #pictishHistory #academicfraud #paleofraud

This is the 10th book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series by Paige Shelton.
Delaney and her husband are taking part in the Hidden Door Festival. They received an invitation to tour the studio of Ryory Bennigan a reclusive artist.
When Dr. Adam Pace is murdered Delaney assists the police by using her skills to solve the mystery.
What I love about this series is being immersed into the culture and I get the chance to go back to Edinburgh without leaving home.
Scandals, secrets, fakes, frauds, Picts, twists and more.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Title: Written in Stone
Series: A Scottish Bookstore Mystery #10
Author: Paige Shelton
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
My Rating: 3.4.Stars
Pages: 297


Although Delaney Nichols is a Kansas native she runs a specialty bookshop in Edinburgh called ‘The Cracked Spine’. Married to pub owner Tom for nearly a year, Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to the studio of artist Ryory Bennigan. She and Tom aren’t sure what to expect. They are aware reclusive artist, Ryory Bennigan, is a talented sculptor; however when they meet him he is covered in blue inked tattoos as well as vibrant red hair similar to those of the Picts people. (Certainly wasn’t what I was expecting!)

I have read other Paige Shelton’s stories so knew it was going to be enjoyable.
I am a cozy mystery fan and assume since you are reading this you are as well. As you know many end with recipes of food served. In this case, there is the situation with poisonous fish; which made it laugh- true I know that is serious but I laughed as I knew there certainly wouldn’t be a recipe provided.

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 1. 2025.

To Dig or not to Dig?

This cozy mystery by Paige Shelton is the 10th installment to the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series. I have always loved this series and have been an avid reader since the first book. I can’t help but be nostalgic when a new one comes out.

But onto the story! This one is about a reclusive artist who has an obsession with the Picts. It’s definitely a whodunit with a great start up. Lots of interesting twists and turns. I’ve always loved the way Shelton intertwines history and mystery. It makes for an educational and entertaining read.

I love the last line of the book. It’s been a great ride and can’t wait to see where it goes.

Thank you to Minotaur Books & Netgalley for allowing me to receive an advanced copy of Written in Stone.

Loved it,
Anxiously waiting for the next,
x Sarah - Anneoftucson Reviews

I would do anything to be part of the team at The Cracked Spine. Shelton delivers another wonderful installment of this cozy mystery series. I like that Tom is included more in this book, however I don’t feel like we got a lot of his personality. I did like the mystery though I felt there were a lot of characters and not as much development. I love this series so much and will happily await the next book!

WRITTEN IN STONE is the tenth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries by Paige Shelton. Once again, I was captivated by protagonist Delaney Nichols and the utterly charming city of Edinburgh, Scotland. Not only does the author immerse the reader in the culture and ancient buildings, but she weaves in modern day life, which thrives in the castle’s shadow perched atop Castle Rock. I simply adore the Cracked Spine Bookshop where Delaney works, and her close relationship with the other employees who have become her friends/almost family since she moved to Scotland. In this newest release, Delaney and her husband are taking part in the Hidden Door Festival and have received an invitation to visit a reclusive artist’s studio, that of Ryory Bennigan. I was fascinated by the artist’s devotion to the long-lost Picts and their art. I’d never heard of this ancient group of people, but Ms. Shelton does an admirable job intertwining some of the known history in such a creative way, it never felt like I was reading anything but fiction.

After a chance meeting with a fellow American, a paleontologist from Kansas also interested in the Picts and claiming to have found a valuable artifact, Delaney is horrified to find he was murdered shortly after their encounter. With the police not making any progress on finding the killer, Delaney and her innate curiosity, starts digging into the paleontologist’s life and past. With secrets and scandals, poisonings and Picts, fraud and fakes, the tightly plotted mystery takes the reader on a fast-paced ride. There were twists I didn’t see coming and suspects that had me second guessing myself with every turn of the page. With a heart stopping reveal, Delaney proves that she’s a brave and determined woman and I can’t wait to find out what new adventures she finds herself in!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I received a galley of this book! I have been waiting not so patiently after finishing the last book in the series. The author did not disappoint. I was so immersed in the bookstore we all missed with our favorite characters.

I had this book on my NetGalley shelf for a long while as I wasn’t in the mood to read it. It was a shame because it was really enjoyable! It was much different than I expected as k thought it was going to be a more “fluffy” cozy mystery but it wasn’t. It was cozy but had more to it than a mindless whodunit.

I also loved learning about the Picts. The author did a great job in educating about unpopular history without sounding like they were preaching to the readers. It was done in a fun and engaging way.

I actually would love to listen to this book in audio form as I think I would really enjoy it so I’ll keep an eye out for it!

I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from SMP Minotaur Books through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Delaney and her husband Tom are thrilled to have been selected to meet the Scottish artist, Ryory Bennigan, as well as tour his studio. Ryory is specialist regarding the ancient tribe of Picts and because of that he is heavily tattooed. While there, Delaney & Tom are introduced to Dr. Adam Pace, who turns out to be a professor from Delaney's alma mater in Kansas. When he is found murdered, Delaney helps the Scottish police to find who and why the murder happened.

Fun series, looking forward to more!

The tenth installment in the series and it doesn’t disappoint. Delaney wins the chance to meet a well known artist at a festival. At the meeting, she encounters an individual who is later found dead. As Delaney starts to solve the murder, she learns more about dinosaur bones and the Picts. Inevitably Demaney does learn enough to help the police solve the crime, and further embeds herself in her little community with Edinburgh.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

This is the tenth book in this mystery series set in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is readable as a standalone mystery. Ex-pat American, Delaney, is happily settled in her life and marriage to Scotsman, Tom. She loves her job at The Cracked Spine bookshop. There’s always something interesting happening either at work or in the city. This time, she’s thrilled when she scores a rare invitation to visit the workshop of reclusive artist, Ryory Bennigan. Ryory specializes in recreating Pictish stone carvings from the 2,000 year old tribes that once inhabited modern day Scotland. While at Ryory’s studio, Delaney and Tom encounter Dr. Adam Pace who teaches at Delaney’s alma mater. When Dr. Pace is discovered dead, Delaney assists the police by using her resources and skills to solve this puzzling mystery.

I learn so much when I read these books. They’re brimming with Scottish history and literary fun. This new addition wasn't any different. Delaney Nichols and the crew at The Cracked Spine are some of my favorite amateur sleuths. I can't wait to see what they get up to next.