Off Scot Free: An Elle Cunningham Mackay Mystery

by Liam Ashe

How far would you go to unmask a killer hiding in plain sight?

Five years ago, handyman Duncan Scott went to prison for the brutal murder of single mother Shona Mackay. His unexpected release throws his sleepy North Carolina hometown into an uproar, and his freedom is soon cut short by a competition pitchfork stolen from the local Highland Games.

When the police set their sights on Shona’s son Daniel Mackay, researcher and historian Elle Cunningham Mackay leaps to the defense of her ex-husband. He may be a philanderer, but he’s no murderer, and Elle isn’t about to let his daughter, Paige, lose her father. As she digs into their family’s past, every clue points to an uncomfortable Duncan was innocent.

Then another suspicious death hits close to home, and it’s clear someone will go to any lengths to keep the truth buried. Can Elle expose the shocking secrets that link these murders, even if it turns the town she loves against her, or will she become the real killer’s next victim?

Follow Elle as she investigates Scottish-flavored mysteries with hints of bagpipes, kilts, and the Highlands.

256 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2023

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the pleasure of meeting this author and he signed both his books for me this past January at the Scottish Highland games. This is book #2 and I couldn't stop reading it. I was bummed because as per my normal, I didn't guess right but as the clues came in I truly thought I had the right one picked.

There are lots of working parts in this and while I did catch some of the clues I just didn't put them together well.

I loved this book and sure hope there is another one coming soon!!

[Hannah Hofstatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited for this sequel when it came out. The perfect birthday gift to myself.
This book was just as exciting. I loved getting to know all of the characters and enjoy another Elle adventure.
I figured out who did it in his first book, but this one had me guessing until the very end!
Hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next one!

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this was part cozy mystery and part whodunit. It was probably more of "whodunit" but there were aspects of it that felt "cozy" to me like the family relationships. I also feel like the writing flowed a little better than in the first book, Thou Shalt Not Kilt. I absolutely adore the play on words for both of them, and I adore the nod to Scottish culture. Will there be a 3rd????

[Stefanie Batson-Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that I felt smart for narrowing it down to a small group of people who the villian was, but the ending left me surprised as always! It was a fun ride and I was able to finish it in an afternoon which wasn't my plan, but I couldn't put it down!

[Alisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Can’t wait for a 3rd! Liam you are such a great story teller. With your detailed descriptions, I truly felt like I was there! Please write another soon!!!