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Member Reviews

I love this authors writing and this story didn’t disappoint. The development of Characters and story always keep me wanting to know more. I have enjoy all of books and am always waiting for the next one to come out.
Thanks for the advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher.

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I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I enjoyed the mystery and storyline of these characters continuing. While I missed a new romance side to the story the storyline still kept me intrigued.

Grace and Frederick continue their investigations when they find Mr. Dixon stabbed inside his home. The investigation even continues overseas while Grace and her sister race to claim their new inheritance.

Lots of action and mystery!

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Frederick surprises Grace with a trip home to America, but the surprise is his as it lands him smack dab in a new mystery. There are so many twists and turns to the latest Freddie and Grace mystery that you may want to be fastened into your seat.
There are so many moments - love, humor, confusion and danger.
I love how this mystery unfolds. I love the connection we get to Grace’s mother. The castle is fascinating as is Mr. Locke. He is a fine old fellow.
The only character we’ve met before who doesn’t improve on acquaintance is Lilias. Grace’s sister isn’t a nice person. Now she is not a bad person. That is saved for the villains of this story. Lilias isn’t someone I’d want in my life, so hopefully future Grace can encounter her in small doses.
I recommend this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour for the opportunity to read A Highland Heist.

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A murder, an inheritance, a castle in Scotland and the legendary Loch Ness. Grace is in for more mystery in this engaging tale of searching for a will with lots of family drama included. “She adored the thrilling pursuit of finding answers. And there were a great many unanswered questions piling up right before her.”
Ms. Basham has crafted the ultimate sleuthing duo. I cannot get enough of adorable Grace and darling Freddy. As Grace says: “ I love it when you talk sleuth.”
This time they venture to Virginia to find sister Lillias and her husband Tony and to visit their ancestral home. They are met with a crime freshly committed and a surprise inheritance for the sisters that needs to be quickly legalized. But of course complications arise and lives are in danger.
The author is a masterful storyteller and had me right there in the ancient castle, viewing the carved depictions of legendary Scottish folklore characters.
Along with the danger, the author does not forget the romance of a couple on their honeymoon nor the fact that they see everthing through spiritual lenses. “If the world is shifting beneath our feet, dear Fredrick, then we must trust in the One who holds the whole world all the more.”
I just want this series to go on and on!
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour. and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

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The Highland Heist was such a cute and cozy mystery! I can definitely see myself continuing with this series. Freddie and Grace have such a pure, enduring love that shines through in every adventure—big or small. The author does a wonderful job of helping you connect with each character, making them feel real and relatable.

I do wish Mr. Blake had been introduced earlier in the story, as he ended up being one of my favorites. There were a few moments where the pacing felt a bit slow, but overall I truly enjoyed it.

One of the things I appreciated most was how the author wove the presence of the Lord into the story so gently and thoughtfully—it felt natural and meaningful.

My only other critique (which could be a formatting issue) is that it was sometimes hard to tell when the narration switched between Grace and Freddie.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to fans of sweet mysteries with a touch of faith and romance!

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Lads and Lassies!

The mystery solving couple, Lord and Lady Astley, Grace and Frederick, are back, and this time that story begins in America and ends on the other side of the ocean.

When Grace and Frederick walk into a room, they find Lillias, Grace's sister, standing over the body of her husband Tony. While they work to prove Lillias' innocence, they fend off numerous attacks, and discover the two sisters have an unexpected inheritance. But both sisters must be together in Scotland to claim it, and there is a time limit.

In Scotland, they meet an old caretaker who remembers the sister's mother, and his words are like drops of gold for Grace. But many roadblocks and dangers try to keep Grace and Lillias from getting their inheritance--including needing to find the copy of the will in a creepy castile at night.

There are lots of twists and turns in this story, red herrings, and surprises.
The faith of the characters is part of the story, along with old hurts, and sibling rivalry between the sisters. This is a great five-star whodunit that you do not want to miss!

Thanks to Barbour Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

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The Highland Heist
Pepper Basham
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Lord Astley planned a surprise trip to America to visit Grace's family, he didn't realize the trouble they'd find. Grace's sister, Lillias, is under investigation for her husband's murder and the sisters get news of an unexpected inheritance in Scotland that they must travel to claim. Someone seems determined to keep Grace and Lillias from reaching their ancestral home and claiming it as their own.

In this fourth Freddie & Grace Mystery, things were not as hopeful as we had come to expect. The inclusion of Grace’s sister added a negative aspect that had not been present in previous novels. However, our delightful hero was just as charming and faithful as ever. The story was very imaginative but seemed a bit fanciful even by Lady Astley standards. It concluded with what appears to be only a pause in the storyline and what we hope will include a romance in store for Blake.

We received an advance copy from NetGalley. This is our honest review.

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"The desire for money was terribly powerful." I was happy to see Book 4 of A Freddie & Grace Mystery by Pepper Basham. Grace Percy is the Countess of Astley, Zahra is the adopted daughter of Grace & her husband Freddie. When her husband gives Grace a suprise visit to her family, what awaits them is murder! These characters are very endearing & so supportive of each other as a family. I love Zahras character. Together they are perfect for the plot twists, mystery & danger that await this new family! I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

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Freddie and Grace were married in the last book . Their marriage began because Grace’s sister, Lillian tried to trap Freddie into a marriage when pregnant with someone else baby. Freddie and Grace are now coming back from their honeymoon and ready to start their new life together when Grace finds out she isn’t going to get the inheritance that was promised her and Freddie . However Grace and her sister are entitled to a combined inheritance :property. All they have to do is arrive by the end of the month and collect.
They arrive at Lillias house to find her husband dead their baby crying.
Again all they have to do is arrive at the inherited prophet by the end of the month … why couldn’t it be easy to do that ?
Lillias had a rough marriage and no money.
The inheritance has more of a mystery than you’d think and others who want that house and land.
Will Freddie and Gracie survive this situation and build an even closer marriage or ….?

Well written book! Lots of mystery and romance ! I would read again.
Thanks to netgalley for a free download in exchange for an unbiased review.

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The setting captured my attention. The Scottish castle, village , and characters delivered an engaging twist to the storyline. Such a great book. The pace was excellent and the vibrant characters were brought to life in a realistic plot. I had not read previous books in this series titled the Freddie and Grace Mysteries. This novel is book #4. I was able to jump right into the series and not miss a beat. This book delivers mystery, drama, action, and some fun dialogue. I appreciate the “can-do” attitudes of the protagonists. The ups and downs of the relationship between the two sisters is spot on accurate. I like how the clues slowly helped develop and solve the mystery. This book was a pleasure to read. Thank you to NetGalley for the providing me with an ARC to review and submit my honest opinion. #TheHighlandHeist #NetGalley

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#TheHighlandHeist #NetGalley

This is the fourth book in the series. I love Freddie and grace. A trip to America to visit Grace's father proves to find the unexpected. A new family living in her childhood estate and crime scene at her sister's house, an inheritance the sisters were not expecting. There's never a dull moment with Grace and her imagination. Freddie and Grace's adopted daughter Zahra is right in the middle of it all, clever and a little invisible.

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The Highland Heist is another wonderful episode in the life of Freddie and Grace, Lord and Lady Astley, as they travel to America to visit Grace's family but surprises abound, and not all in a good way. Lillias, Grace's sister, is not having a great marriage and their father sold the family manor. Not to mention the murder of a family member. But not to fear, Grace and Freddie, and new adopted sweet little daughter Zahra, set out to find answers. A journey to Scotland rounds the adventure out with the time crunch to claim an inheritance from the girls' deceased mother before bad people can stop them and friend Lord Blake joins in with the group.. As usual, Pepper's stories are full of wit, adventure, danger, great characters, suspense, mystery, faith, smiles, and swoon worthy romance between Freddie and Grace.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

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“The words left her lips before she could second-guess them. But as they echoed in the room, Grace felt something shift. Not in Lillias—her sister’s expression was as stony as ever—but in herself. A growing sense of clarity, of purpose.”

While there were several standout quotes (including some delightfully funny ones), this one stuck with me the most. Grace lives for sleuthing, and in this installment of Pepper Basham’s historical romance series, she and her new husband, Frederick, are thrown into a murder investigation—with her sister Lillias as the prime suspect.

Grace shows such remarkable patience with Lillias! I almost wanted her to just fold her arms and watch her sister’s life unravel. But true to character, Grace remains calm and composed—only using her parasol as a weapon on other occasions.

The plot is full of twists and turns, including one midway through the book that’s as shocking as a typical climax—yes, it’s that good. I laughed out loud more than once, especially during the scene where Lillias argues that she can’t just toss her adopted daughter out the window. I’m a sucker for humor woven into action scenes, and this story delivers.

Little Zahara is so parentified, but I loved watching Grace and Frederick embrace her, love her, and model what real parenting looks like. This series continues to amaze, and if you enjoy clean or Christian historical romance with mystery and adventure, you’ll absolutely love this one too.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

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A hunt for a hidden will, a murderer to catch, and an inheritance in the Scottish highlands - there is plenty of action and drama in this book! I really enjoyed the story in this one and felt like the pacing was a bit faster and kept my interest more than the previous books in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery, and amateur detective novels. This was a fun one and I thoroughly enjoyed Frederick & Grace’s adventures. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I love Freddie and Grace!!
They’ve had lots of adventures and are finally ready to settle down and have some peaceful living.
But… they get to grace’s sister’s house in time to help solve the mystery of who murdered her husband.
And someone seems determined to do more killing.
Could it possibly have anything to do with that Scottish estates they might inherit?!
There is lots more mystery, danger, and more in this book! (Is it the final Freddie & Grace?! Please no!!)


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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The Highland Heist is another winner by Pepper Basham. This time, our favorite sleuths go to Virginia and then to Scotland. Of course, a murder and mystery are thrust upon Lord and Lady Astley, and they are bound to discover the villains while also finding Lady Astley's mother's will. I love all the characters, especially little Zahra; she will make a great sleuth one day herself. This is a romantic cozy mystery with lovable characters. I certainly hope there will be more in the series. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.

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Another great book in this series by Pepper Basham! The Highland Heist reunites us with Freddie and Grace and of course, another mystery unfolds. These two simply can’t have a quiet trip, no matter where they go. While home in America visiting Grace’s family, they are met with disappointment, danger, and death. Will they be able to make it to Scotland in time to put everything right? I guess you’ll have to read it and find out. I’m hoping for another book in this series in the future. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for letting me preview this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The Highland Heist delivers a whirlwind of mystery, history, and heartfelt moments from the first chapter. This latest installment in the Skymar series brings Grace and Frederick back into action with a case that hits closer to home—literally. Set against the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the story is rich with layers that deepen the emotional stakes while keeping the suspense sharp and engaging.

Highlights:
* The mystery is cleverly plotted and fast-paced, keeping you guessing without feeling overwhelmed. There’s so much going on in the best way!
* Visiting Grace’s childhood home adds a personal touch, allowing us to see her through the eyes of her family, especially her sister, and even get a glimpse into her mother’s childhood.
* The sibling dynamic was a standout! Emotional, honest, and full of insight into Grace’s character.

My Thoughts:

I’ve followed this cozy mystery series from the start, and it's been a joy watching Grace and Frederick evolve—not just in their relationship, but as amateur sleuths. Their investigative instincts are sharper than ever, and I love how even Frederick is beginning to embrace the thrill of the mystery life. Zahra’s involvement adds a tender layer, especially knowing her backstory, and the care shown to her by everyone warmed my heart. I also appreciated the surprise cameos from previous characters—it made the world feel even more alive and connected.

The Highland Heist is heartfelt, funny, romantic, and full of clever twists. It proves why Pepper Basham stands out in the cozy mystery + romance genre. I already can’t wait for the next adventure! It's a 4.5 ⭐️ for me.

I received an advance reader copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. My review reflects my honest and unbiased thoughts.

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Some stories feel like coming home — not because every page is what you hoped for, but because certain characters still feel like old friends. That’s how it is with Freddie and Grace.

The Highland Heist is an adventure, yes — with castle walls, shifting loyalties, and secrets cloaked in shadow. But underneath the mystery and misdirection, it’s Grace’s fierce loyalty and Frederick’s quiet steadiness that bring warmth to the page. This is a story about standing firm when the way ahead is unclear, and choosing trust before you can see the outcome.

“She and Frederick would sort it out together… God’s grace, and excellent timing.”
That line? It reminded me why I’ve followed this series from the beginning. Because even in the absurdity, chaos, and comedy, there’s a thread of trust woven deep between them — a partnership choosing love in the unknown. On the written page, it’s clear: only through the grace of God and their unity in Him does everything work together for their good and His glory.

While the spiritual thread was lighter than I hoped for, the characters themselves remain a bright spot. The wit, the wordplay, the way Grace throws herself into every twist with full-hearted abandon. And Frederick? Still the kind of literary husband who fights for her with unwavering gentleness.

The Highland Heist wasn’t the installment that impacted me most. But it stirred reflections — about family, expectations, and what remains when the storyline shifts. And while I wished for more time spent in His presence, I’m still grateful for the reminder that grace — even fictional Grace — can spark courage in the strangest places.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group . I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

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Whoa!!! I need more Freddie and Grace! These two together are just dynamic! Grace is a tenacious character! I just adore her. I love that she has the love of a good husband who doesn't tell her she can't do things and that she can't be whatever she wants to be. But he encourages her and supports and loves her. He goes with her on her adventures. His only complaint is that he doesn't want her getting hurt. I just adored the moments in this book where he was rushing headlong in to saving Grace and Zahra and kept thinking how much he loves his girls and just wants them safe.

From the ocean to America, back to the ocean and to Scotland, this book takes us on quite the adventure! And I was all in! Grace has several hard revelations about her family but she stands tall and just rolls with the hard. She leans on her husband for strength and support and comfort. Seriously they are just adorable together! I love a good, strong literary couple. They aren't perfect but they try and talk and work together through all of the ups and downs!

I loved the twists and turns. Some I wasn't expecting at all!!!! Like NOT AT ALL!!!! *Eyes bulging!!!* I had to go back and reread a page to see if I was really reading what I was reading! Seriously Best Plot Twist!!! Well played Pepper Basham!!! Well played!!!!!!!!!!

This is a series that I want to shout to everyone to read! But I know not all readers love this genre. But if you do and you haven't read any of these books yet, GO DO IT NOW!!!! You do have to start with book #1 and read them in order. But they are so delightful that they are worth it! Again, I just adore Freddie and Grace!

Content: Clean. There are some moments of mild peril but nothing overly graphic. Nothing more than some sweet kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

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