A good cozy mystery set in Scotland. Two sisters must go to claim their inheritance, but someone doesn’t want them to succeed. Good story, but at times felt like it could have been two different stories. Still though, enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

Pepper Basham’s "The Highland Heist" delivers another delightful installment in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series, brimming with charm, wit, and heart. This fourth adventure sees Lord Frederick Astley and his irrepressible wife, Grace, swept into a whirlwind of danger and intrigue as they race from America to the Scottish Highlands to clear Grace’s sister, Lillias, of a murder accusation and claim a mysterious inheritance.

Charming, Humorous Characters
Basham’s talent for crafting endearing, humorous characters shines throughout the novel. Freddie and Grace’s dynamic sparkles with playful banter and genuine affection. Their contrasting personalities-Freddie’s reserved seriousness and Grace’s adventurous spirit-continue to create both comedic and heartfelt moments, making their partnership as sleuths both believable and entertaining. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Lillias and the resourceful Zahra, add further depth and warmth to the story. As for Blake, you'd want to set him up with your best friend or perhaps ditch your own husband for him the moment he arrives.

Freddie’s Growth as a Detective
One of the novel’s most rewarding aspects is witnessing Freddie’s evolution. Under Grace’s lively influence, Freddie emerges as a true detective, his worldview expanding beyond the rigid confines of his aristocratic upbringing. Basham skillfully shows how Grace’s relentless optimism and curiosity inspire Freddie to embrace adventure, face danger with courage, and approach mysteries with a sharper, more open mind. Their teamwork is a testament to the power of mutual growth in a loving relationship.

Lillias’s Redemption Arc
Lillias, whose introduction in the first book left readers with mixed feelings, finally gets her chance at redemption. Basham weaves Lillias’s journey with empathy and suspense, keeping readers guessing about her fate until the very end. The question of whether she can overcome her past and prove her innocence adds emotional resonance to the central mystery.

Grace’s Maternal Instincts and Zahra’s Role
A standout subplot is Grace’s evolving maternal side as Zahra, a spirited ten-year-old, becomes part of their found family. Zahra’s presence not only brings out Grace’s nurturing instincts but also injects youthful energy and mischief into the narrative. She proves to be the perfect companion for Grace’s adventurous nature, and their bond adds a tender, heartwarming layer to the story.

Conclusion
"The Highland Heist" is a sparkling blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes mystery, anchored by a cast of characters readers can’t help but adore. Basham’s deft touch with character development, especially Freddie’s growth and Lillias’s redemption, ensures this installment is both satisfying and memorable. Fans of the series-and newcomers alike-will find themselves swept up in the Astleys’ latest escapade, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their adventures.

4.5 stars! I absolutely loved being back with Frederick and Grace in this 4th installment!

I loved the first book, but to tell the truth I liked books 2 & 3 but don't remember a whole lot about them, other than they were in Egypt and Italy and they adopted Zahra.

I feel like this book brings them back home in a really good way, not just physically but also in terms of the heart of their story. They're back in America in Grace's home, dealing with an issue with her sister and a mystery with its origins in their late mother's family in Scotland. I really enjoyed the mystery!

I absolutely love the way Frederick and Grace love, heal, and support each other in these books! Everything great about their relationship was in full display here and I cannot get enough! I would love to read more books about them and their life together with Zahra, and hopefully more babies to come!

This is the first book I have read in this series, so I can definitely confirm that it can be read as a standalone. I loved the relationship between Frederick and Grace and the mystery was good too. I felt it finished a little abruptly though.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ah. My favorite little detective duo! I was so happy to go back into Freddie and Grace's world! They just make me smile. Their romance is so sweet. This book picks up shortly after the conclusion of the previous book--so while they aren't TOO connected, it wouldn't hurt to go back and start from teh beginning of the series to understand. Actually--you ESPECIALLY need book 1 before this one. Because it sort of picks up with the relationship of the sisters from that conclusion.

Grace's sister still annoys the crap out of me. LOL.

Blake is soooo much fun and I hope he gets his romance. I'd love to see Elliot again too.

I simply adore all the times that Grace gets lost in her train of thought as she's whisked away to comparisons to books she's read. And she can't ever forget her rope! ;)

I guessed the villain--and was tickled that I was correct. ;) ANNNNDDDD we got to go explore a castle in Scotland with Grace!

Very fun. Make me smile. So I will give it 5 stars.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGAlley for my ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

Five stars!

Another win for Pepper Basham! Fredrick and Grace are still as adorable as the first book. I love that Grace relies on knowledge gained from books and Fredrick loves her just the way she is and has a knack for detective work. The mystery doesn’t feel forced and Grace’s enthusiasm is contagious.

There is adventure, humor, love, mystery, and imperfect characters who just fit perfectly into the narrative. I found myself sneaking pages in any chance I could.

PG: death, kisses, married couple wanting time for themselves, peril


*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham's Freddie and Grace series has had my heart from the very beginning. It's so refreshing to read about this happily married couple as they embark on adventures around the world. The attention to detail when it comes to the locations (Scotland! Castles! ) they visit gives the book a nice atmospheric feel that really immerses you in the story. I especially appreciate that Freddie and Grace always grow in their faith and grow together when they encounter hardships and setbacks.

The witty banter, romance, mystery, and suspense that are hallmarks of the first three books bring this fourth installment to a very satisfying conclusion.

I believe I discovered Pepper Basham last year. She’s a gifted author and one of my personal favorites. I love this series about Freddie and Grace. Their growing relationship continues to proceed naturally. I loved the addition of Zahra, their adopted 10 year old daughter. She’s so spunky. This book had me laughing out loud several times. When I read a Pepoer Basham book it’s like being wrapped in a warm reading hug. The adventures and settings are always intriguing and unique. This is a series I will reread.

I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Highly recommend the entire series.

I love Freddie and Grace! They remind me of the 80s TV show Hart To Hart, but set in the early 1900s. Freddie and Grace have a fabulous marriage and I enjoy reading about their adventures. I think adding their adopted daughter Zahra made their story even better! So grab a pot of tea, your umbrella because you never know, and curl up for a fantastic adventure to the Scottish Highlands!

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. Al thought's are my own.

This is the fourth installment in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series. Whenever I see Pepper Basham’s name on a book, I know immediately that I must read it—and I almost certainly won’t be able to put it down. This charming and captivating story is no exception, filled with strong characters—some lovable, others more questionable.
As their honeymoon nears its end, Lord Astley, affectionately known to his wife Grace, surprises her with a trip to America to visit her childhood home in Virginia. Imagine their shock upon discovering the house has been sold and now has new occupants. Frederick and Grace then head to her sister’s house, where an even greater shock awaits they find her sister, Lillias hysterical, standing over a dead man, with a knife in her hand.
Grace quickly puts on her sleuthing hat, drawing on the expertise she’s gained from the multitude of mystery novels she’s read. To complicate matters further, Grace and Lillias are summoned to Scotland to claim an inheritance left to them by their late mother. While working to clear her sister’s name of murder, Grace and Frederick face additional danger and opposition once they arrive in Scotland to search an ancient castle for a hidden document that both sisters must sign within a limited timeframe.
This is a fast-paced, intriguing story that has many twists and turns, unexpected surprises that held me captive until the last page was turned. Could not put it down. Although this is part of a series, Pepper always provides bits of information about what came before, so that the reader can enjoy as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

Fantastically fabulous story of intrigue, greed, romance, mystery, and suspense. Set in multiple locations (including Scotland) with a cast of memorable characters, this book is a joy! Humorous surprises, too. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided through NetGalley for me to read. the opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

I greatly enjoyed going on another adventure with Frederick and Grace and hope we get another book about Blake's story! As always, Pepper's writing style is both humorous and heartfelt. The mystery kept me turning pages, and I loved the Scottish flair!

I raced through this fun fourth Freddie & Grace mystery; I did not want to put it down! The plot is so exciting that it truly made my jaw drop twice while reading. Sure, some things are quite outlandish or too convenient, but that's part of the fun. Furthermore, it's basically impossible not to love Grace, Frederick, and Zahra. A couple of the side characters had some (realistic) character growth, too. There's also some Christian messaging in the book: Grace always seems to get into scrapes, so it's a good thing she relies on Providence! I give this book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5, and recommend it to others who enjoy historical romance and mysteries with a bit of faith content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions. This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and will be posted on Amazon and Instagram within a week of the book's publication.

Content notes: Violence: peril, injury, death. Sad content: death; it is implied that an adopted child suffered in her previous situation. Sex & romance: kissing; a husband and wife discuss having ~alone time~ though not in any detail

A new favorite in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series! A surprise side trip to Virginia reveals family secrets that Grace had no clue about. Picking up from the end of the last book, The Juliet Code, the pair of amateur sleuths find a new mystery to solve that is more personal than ever.

I loved this book! Who doesn't love a tale with an old castle, dastardly suspects, and a good vs. evil plot? The characters have new challenges and face them with more confidence in each other, a growing faith, and grace for the difficult people they encounter. Grace shows more maturity and self-confidence as she deals with her sister's antics especially. She and Frederick are a good team!

Plenty of action, witty dialogue, romantic overtones, and a fun new family member in adopted daughter, Zahra, move this story along quickly to its exciting ending. A terrific adventure with mystery and inspirational moments.

Recommend reading this series in order to get the full benefit of this intrepid pair of amateur detectives. Hoping there will be more in the series.
5 stars!

✉️Review: The Highland Heist

🍫Rate: 5 Stars!

💗 Praise: Pepper has once again made another mystery book that had my heart galloping and literary happy! Grace and Frederick are back to help Grace's sister who is being accused of murdering her husband! Gasp!!

👍We haven't seen Grace's sister since book 1 and now she is a new mother and is very worried everybody's accusing her if something she didn't do! Grace and her sister Lil have inherited Scottish land and more! They now all have to race and find out if this is connected with her sister's husband's murder and who is going to stop at nothing to make sure the girls don't get what is rightfully theirs!

🧁 I was so happy to see all the characters back! A lot of emotional moments had me cheering for grace and frederick that they would not be easily swayed by people's emotional or physical attacks. Zahra is my little angel!! She is my favorite person in this whole book! Grace and Frederick love her so much it makes my heart sing!

💖 Characters: Every character new and old became became more enriched in faith and more bold! Sometimes being bold doesn't mean you have to stand out or shout. I learn from Pepper's books being bold with Jesus as your guide can be as quiet and as loud as a trumpets of heaven!

🍵Extra/Tropes: Pepper you are a writing mystery genius! I hope to see much much more of Frederick and Grace! I can totally see them traveling to Japan next! Or maybe Paris!! Thank you Pepper for writing!

🍪 Fourth book in a beautiful series
🍪Faith
🍪 Romantic
🍪I want more!

Frederick and Grace Mysteries continue to delight fans. Adding Scotland into the mix is a welcome addition. With several plot twists, Pepper Basham leads readers on a dangerous adventure where no one can be trusted except the smallest inner circle. Thankfully, that's just what the high suspense demands. What a treat!

I received a complimentary, advanced copy from NetGalley, without obligation. This review is my opinion.

A wonderful story that takes the reader on a very real journey through such variety of life. All very believable and an encouraging line of family and friends.

If you haven’t yet read The Mistletoe Countess, the first book in Basham’s Freddie & Grace Mystery series, you really should try to read it before this one. Books 2 and 3 aren’t as necessary to understanding this new one, although you’ll definitely want to read them at some point.

The Highland Heist starts off at a fast pace and never slows down! I was glad I had a lazy day at home to focus on reading it, because I did not want to stop! Characters are getting banged over the head, and left for dead, right and left, with Freddie and Grace dashing around trying to revive them and figure out who did it, without getting bashed themselves.

In the midst of all the mystery and mayhem, the banter between Freddie and Grace never slows down, adding hilarious breaks from the nastiness. There are plot twists galore to leave you gasping, and good reminders that only God can protect those we love.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #TheHighlandHeist #NetGalley

I couldn't wait to read this book. There's everything in it. Romance, suspense, whodunit, and a huge twist. What a read.

The Highland Heist is delightful in every way! Pepper Basham never fails to deliver a fun fantastical reading experience! 5 stars!

The Highland Heist is a charming romance with Grace and Freddie back at their sleuthing again in book four of the Freddie and Grace mystery series. They're revisiting Grace's childhood home and unexpectedly end up working to solve a murder mystery and encountering all manner of danger and mayhem.

The newlyweds are terrific characters, Grace leading the way with her sleuthing based on her knowledge found in her fictional stories and Freddie's swept up into it all as her adoring husband. I loved how the detective described Grace as having "a certain magnetism toward mishap." Truer words were never spoken.

I enjoyed the addition of little Zahra, so mysterious herself and always in the background seeing and hearing everything going on. She's experienced enough situations in her young life before being adopted to fit in perfectly as the daughter of this sleuthing couple.

My favorite inspirational line, "If the world is shifting beneath our feet, dear Frederick, then we must trust the one who holds the whole world all the more."

Pepper Basham continues to be one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to her next book. I appreciate Barbour Fiction making a copy of The Highland Heist available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.