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Ally McKinley Mystery #2
Murder at the Loch
Meet Ally McKinley: dog lover, guesthouse owner and accidental detective, as she tackles her next case in the beautiful Scottish Highlands!
Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2025
1385 people are currently reading
1310 people want to read
About the author
Dee MacDonald
16 books268 followersThe Runaway Wife is Dee’s first (published) novel but in fact she wrote her very first book – at around seven years of age! This was a love story which she duly illustrated before sewing all the pages together up one side. Writing was what she ‘was good at’ in school and she won several essay competitions, but then life got in the way and she didn’t pick up a pen again until after retirement.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 4, 2025
Book two in the series and my second enjoyable visit to Ally McKinley in her B&B in the Scottish Highlands.
A pleasant stroll with her dog Flora turns into a nightmare when she spots a body floating in the water of the Loch. Then the Earl's bride to be is found murdered and the local police do not know which way to turn. Not to worry - Ally is there to follow up the clues and find the killer.
Ally is a great character as is her close friend Ross the local vet. This is a well written series with enjoyable characters, a good story and lots of red herrings as we try to discover the guilty party. I am looking forward to book three!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A pleasant stroll with her dog Flora turns into a nightmare when she spots a body floating in the water of the Loch. Then the Earl's bride to be is found murdered and the local police do not know which way to turn. Not to worry - Ally is there to follow up the clues and find the killer.
Ally is a great character as is her close friend Ross the local vet. This is a well written series with enjoyable characters, a good story and lots of red herrings as we try to discover the guilty party. I am looking forward to book three!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 1, 2025
Murder at the Loch is the 2nd-book in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, which just so happens to be one of my new favorite Cozy Mystery series.
These books, set in the Scottish Highlands, follow recent-retiree, Ally McKinley, who fell in love with the village of Locharran while on a holiday. Shortly thereafter, she purchased the old malthouse to transform it into a B&B.
After a reno, the B&B is open and doing good business. Ally has adjusted to life quite well in Locharran; even taking in a sweet Labrador puppy, Flora. It's quite a change of pace for her in comparison to her old life in Edinburgh.
The mystery in this installment kicks off when Ally and Flora are taking a walk and they discover a mysterious woman, dead and floating in the Loch.
In the aftermath of the tragic find, the village is buzzing. Who was this mystery woman and how did she end up in their peaceful corner of the countryside? Dead.
That's not the only buzz though, Hamish Sinclair, the local earl, is newly engaged and his soon-to-be wife, Elena, and her sister, have just arrived from out of town.
The feathers get further flustered when it becomes common knowledge that not only is the earl's bride-to-be decades younger than him, she's not even Scottish!
The townsfolk don't need to worry about Elena for long though, as she is found poisoned the morning after their controversial wedding.
With two deaths to investigate, the local police seem overwhelmed and suspect everyone, including Ally herself.
Determined to clear her name and get to the bottom of what's going on in Locharran, Ally, along with her new beau, start their own investigation.
Murder at the Loch entertained me from the very first pages. I was so happy to be returning to this beautiful landscape and quaint village lifestyle.
This is such a fantastic Cozy series. The setting is perfection and I'm loving getting to know the cast of characters, particularly Ally, who is just such a likable protagonist.
I love how quickly MacDonald starts these mysteries. It gives you so much time to really dig deep and try to get to the bottom of what's going on.
I enjoyed the dual cases and how the deaths of these two women really amped up the drama and danger. The town was, rightly so, concerned that a very serious killer was in their mix. It could be anyone and anyone could be next.
I had a lot of different suspects over the course of the story and I loved being along for the ride as all the puzzle pieces eventually fell into place.
As expected, I have become even more attached to this cast of characters, Ally and Flora, in particular, and I'm super excited to continue on with this series.
I would highly recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fan, particularly if you enjoy stories with small town vibes and that follow slightly older protagonists.
I would also urge you to start with the 1st-book, as I feel like that initial development and set-up is important for Ally's character and the continuation of the series. Both are fantastic and I know you'll fly through them and be just like me, anticipating more!!
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have been in such a Cozy mood lately and this was exactly what I needed and wanted when I picked it up.
I'm not sure what the plans are for this series, but I am hoping to be picking them up for years to come.
These books, set in the Scottish Highlands, follow recent-retiree, Ally McKinley, who fell in love with the village of Locharran while on a holiday. Shortly thereafter, she purchased the old malthouse to transform it into a B&B.
After a reno, the B&B is open and doing good business. Ally has adjusted to life quite well in Locharran; even taking in a sweet Labrador puppy, Flora. It's quite a change of pace for her in comparison to her old life in Edinburgh.
The mystery in this installment kicks off when Ally and Flora are taking a walk and they discover a mysterious woman, dead and floating in the Loch.
In the aftermath of the tragic find, the village is buzzing. Who was this mystery woman and how did she end up in their peaceful corner of the countryside? Dead.
That's not the only buzz though, Hamish Sinclair, the local earl, is newly engaged and his soon-to-be wife, Elena, and her sister, have just arrived from out of town.
The feathers get further flustered when it becomes common knowledge that not only is the earl's bride-to-be decades younger than him, she's not even Scottish!
The townsfolk don't need to worry about Elena for long though, as she is found poisoned the morning after their controversial wedding.
With two deaths to investigate, the local police seem overwhelmed and suspect everyone, including Ally herself.
Determined to clear her name and get to the bottom of what's going on in Locharran, Ally, along with her new beau, start their own investigation.
Murder at the Loch entertained me from the very first pages. I was so happy to be returning to this beautiful landscape and quaint village lifestyle.
This is such a fantastic Cozy series. The setting is perfection and I'm loving getting to know the cast of characters, particularly Ally, who is just such a likable protagonist.
I love how quickly MacDonald starts these mysteries. It gives you so much time to really dig deep and try to get to the bottom of what's going on.
I enjoyed the dual cases and how the deaths of these two women really amped up the drama and danger. The town was, rightly so, concerned that a very serious killer was in their mix. It could be anyone and anyone could be next.
I had a lot of different suspects over the course of the story and I loved being along for the ride as all the puzzle pieces eventually fell into place.
As expected, I have become even more attached to this cast of characters, Ally and Flora, in particular, and I'm super excited to continue on with this series.
I would highly recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fan, particularly if you enjoy stories with small town vibes and that follow slightly older protagonists.
I would also urge you to start with the 1st-book, as I feel like that initial development and set-up is important for Ally's character and the continuation of the series. Both are fantastic and I know you'll fly through them and be just like me, anticipating more!!
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have been in such a Cozy mood lately and this was exactly what I needed and wanted when I picked it up.
I'm not sure what the plans are for this series, but I am hoping to be picking them up for years to come.
March 6, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Well, I must be off.' Hamish got to his feet. 'We'll expect you both for drinks at seven, dinner at eight, what-ho!'
'Hang on a minute, Hamish,' Ally said. She'd noticed that the yellow shape she'd spotted earlier had drifted closer to where they were. 'Can you see that thing in the water?'
'Could be a sheep, or even a young deer,' Hamish said dismissively. 'Happens all the time.'
Whatever it was, it was still floating in their direction, half-submerged. But as it got closer, it began to look a little less like the bag of rubbish Ally had originally thought it was.
'Hamish,' Ally said, her heart thumping, 'that does not look like an animal, unless animals have taken to wearing yellow coats.'
The earl pulled some binoculars out of his gilet pocket and looked steadily for a couple of minutes before he said, 'Alison, would you be kind enough to call the police? I fear we are indeed looking at a body.'
ABOUT 'MURDER AT THE LOCH': Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
MY THOUGHTS: Two women, both coming to the small town of Locharran to get married, both end up dying in suspicious circumstances within days of one another. Now that might seem like overkill (pun intended!) but it's not. Ally's suspicions swing back and forth as to whether the two deaths are connected or whether, heaven forbid, there are two murderers!
Before she retired, Ally was a researcher, excelling at probing and analysing. It doesn't hurt that she has a naturally nosy nature either, especially when the local police seem to be barking up the wrong tree by accusing Ally of the murders!
Ally's partner Ross, a local vet, acts as a sounding board for Ally and proposes a few theories of his own. He's a lovely man and the romance between the two is very light and very much in the background of the investigation.
There are a number of viable suspects for the murder/s and, hallelujah, for once I got it right - the person AND the motive! In all fairness, it was based purely on a gut feeling. 😂🤣
The only thing that annoyed me (really a very minor grievance) is that Ally's children only ever seem to call her when there has been a murder, and they are trying to convince her to move back 'home'.
Murder at the Loch is a well written murder-mystery with enjoyable characters. Although this is #2 in the series it is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. The author kindly provides just the right amount of backstory on all the main characters.
Please get writing, Ms MacDonald - I'm eager for #3.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MurderattheLoch #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Dee MacDonald grew up on an isolated farm in the Scottish Highlands. An only child, she’d often get fed up with reading and listening to a crackling radio, so her mother encouraged her to draw and to write ‘wee stories’, which she’d sew together into little books.
As an adult, her working life took her all over the globe as an air stewardess, into the world of TV, where she worked in Market Research and Sales, and then into hospitality, running B&Bs for over ten years.
After first finding her love of writing as a little girl, Dee became a published author of cosy crime and women’s fiction in her seventies. She lives by the sea in Cornwall with her husband and has one son and two grandsons.
DISCLSORE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Hang on a minute, Hamish,' Ally said. She'd noticed that the yellow shape she'd spotted earlier had drifted closer to where they were. 'Can you see that thing in the water?'
'Could be a sheep, or even a young deer,' Hamish said dismissively. 'Happens all the time.'
Whatever it was, it was still floating in their direction, half-submerged. But as it got closer, it began to look a little less like the bag of rubbish Ally had originally thought it was.
'Hamish,' Ally said, her heart thumping, 'that does not look like an animal, unless animals have taken to wearing yellow coats.'
The earl pulled some binoculars out of his gilet pocket and looked steadily for a couple of minutes before he said, 'Alison, would you be kind enough to call the police? I fear we are indeed looking at a body.'
ABOUT 'MURDER AT THE LOCH': Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
MY THOUGHTS: Two women, both coming to the small town of Locharran to get married, both end up dying in suspicious circumstances within days of one another. Now that might seem like overkill (pun intended!) but it's not. Ally's suspicions swing back and forth as to whether the two deaths are connected or whether, heaven forbid, there are two murderers!
Before she retired, Ally was a researcher, excelling at probing and analysing. It doesn't hurt that she has a naturally nosy nature either, especially when the local police seem to be barking up the wrong tree by accusing Ally of the murders!
Ally's partner Ross, a local vet, acts as a sounding board for Ally and proposes a few theories of his own. He's a lovely man and the romance between the two is very light and very much in the background of the investigation.
There are a number of viable suspects for the murder/s and, hallelujah, for once I got it right - the person AND the motive! In all fairness, it was based purely on a gut feeling. 😂🤣
The only thing that annoyed me (really a very minor grievance) is that Ally's children only ever seem to call her when there has been a murder, and they are trying to convince her to move back 'home'.
Murder at the Loch is a well written murder-mystery with enjoyable characters. Although this is #2 in the series it is perfectly able to be read as a stand-alone. The author kindly provides just the right amount of backstory on all the main characters.
Please get writing, Ms MacDonald - I'm eager for #3.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#MurderattheLoch #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Dee MacDonald grew up on an isolated farm in the Scottish Highlands. An only child, she’d often get fed up with reading and listening to a crackling radio, so her mother encouraged her to draw and to write ‘wee stories’, which she’d sew together into little books.
As an adult, her working life took her all over the globe as an air stewardess, into the world of TV, where she worked in Market Research and Sales, and then into hospitality, running B&Bs for over ten years.
After first finding her love of writing as a little girl, Dee became a published author of cosy crime and women’s fiction in her seventies. She lives by the sea in Cornwall with her husband and has one son and two grandsons.
DISCLSORE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 1, 2025
When Ally McKinley stopped by the loch while out for a walk with Flora (her dog), and the nearby castle's earl, Hamish Sinclair, arrived to chat, they were both shocked to see something - looking remarkably like a body - floating toward them across the loch. When they phoned the local constabulary, Rigby arrived, and all was set in motion. It turned out the young woman was the fiancé of the bartender at the local pub, arriving to be married. Ivan was shattered.
With Hamish's unexpected marriage to a woman much younger than him, announced, the village of Locharran was in shock. Elena and her sister Magda, arrived, with Elena the blushing bride. But within hours of the nuptials, Elena was dead, suspected of being poisoned. Two young women, both to be brides - who was killing these women who were happily heading into marriage? With Ally herself under suspicion, she was determined to discover the murderer/s herself, so with her good friend, vet Ross, by her side, they plotted their suspects. But would they find the killer before someone else died?
Murder at the Loch is the 2nd in An Ally McKinley Mystery by Dee MacDonald and I loved it! Set in the beautiful, scenic Scotland, with Ally settled into her B&B, a restored Scottish malthouse which Ally had lovingly worked on herself; Ross and his dog Ebony, who was Flora's sibling; the gossipy Queenie, and multiple other wonderful characters, I can't wait to settle into Ally's world once again, in book #3. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
With Hamish's unexpected marriage to a woman much younger than him, announced, the village of Locharran was in shock. Elena and her sister Magda, arrived, with Elena the blushing bride. But within hours of the nuptials, Elena was dead, suspected of being poisoned. Two young women, both to be brides - who was killing these women who were happily heading into marriage? With Ally herself under suspicion, she was determined to discover the murderer/s herself, so with her good friend, vet Ross, by her side, they plotted their suspects. But would they find the killer before someone else died?
Murder at the Loch is the 2nd in An Ally McKinley Mystery by Dee MacDonald and I loved it! Set in the beautiful, scenic Scotland, with Ally settled into her B&B, a restored Scottish malthouse which Ally had lovingly worked on herself; Ross and his dog Ebony, who was Flora's sibling; the gossipy Queenie, and multiple other wonderful characters, I can't wait to settle into Ally's world once again, in book #3. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 30, 2024
Retired ex-TV Researcher Ally McKinley has had a good summer in her newly restored Malthouse which she is now running as a B&B in the Scottish Highlands. Her relationship with handsome part-time vet Ross has deepened and she is very much enjoying his company and she’s starting to feel at home in the village.
Enjoying a quiet walk by the loch with her Labrador puppy Flora, she spots something floating on the surface moving towards her. When the Earl, Hamish Sinclair, fishes it out from his rowboat, they discover it to be the body of a young woman. When a second young woman dies, Ally is once again thrust into the role of amateur sleuth as she knows if he can work out why the women were killed, she will find the killer or killers.
This is another good cosy murder mystery in this new series. I’m enjoying the scenery and getting to know the characters. I especially like that she has a good relationship with police officer Rigby who actually listens to her ideas and information. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this delightful series.
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
Enjoying a quiet walk by the loch with her Labrador puppy Flora, she spots something floating on the surface moving towards her. When the Earl, Hamish Sinclair, fishes it out from his rowboat, they discover it to be the body of a young woman. When a second young woman dies, Ally is once again thrust into the role of amateur sleuth as she knows if he can work out why the women were killed, she will find the killer or killers.
This is another good cosy murder mystery in this new series. I’m enjoying the scenery and getting to know the characters. I especially like that she has a good relationship with police officer Rigby who actually listens to her ideas and information. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this delightful series.
With thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for a copy to read
February 23, 2025
A fav author so I know I am going to enjoy Dee Macdonald’s latest and even though this is only Book 2 in the new series the village, characters and ‘feeling’ of the series was set in Book 1 and continues…
Hamish, the ‘wandering eye’ Earl of all he can see is set to be married to Elena, however the marriage lasts literally hours and after his first wife’s demise questions are being asked, the Police are getting nowhere so of course Ally starts to investigate
The local shop owner is a wonderful gossip with many tales to tell as is Ally’s cleaner, who being the postman’s wife hears rumours first and sniffily but robustly passes them on….both wonderful characters
Along with the Earls Brother and his demanding wife the book is christmas cake
character rich and if you like this genre you will love it, if like me you love this author you will already know you are going to read it
A pleasure as always to read
Hamish, the ‘wandering eye’ Earl of all he can see is set to be married to Elena, however the marriage lasts literally hours and after his first wife’s demise questions are being asked, the Police are getting nowhere so of course Ally starts to investigate
The local shop owner is a wonderful gossip with many tales to tell as is Ally’s cleaner, who being the postman’s wife hears rumours first and sniffily but robustly passes them on….both wonderful characters
Along with the Earls Brother and his demanding wife the book is christmas cake
character rich and if you like this genre you will love it, if like me you love this author you will already know you are going to read it
A pleasure as always to read
March 3, 2025
Murder at the Loch is another fun cosy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. If you've read the first book, Murder in the Scottish Highlands, you will already know all the delightful residents of Locharran. However if you haven't, MacDonald includes plenty of backstory on everyone, so you will know exactly who is who.
Murder at the Loch involves two murders, seemingly unrelated, but when Ally finds herself on the suspect list she is determined to find out who did the killings.
Murder at the Loch is an easy read. The story mainly focuses on the quirky characters, and I loved them all. Lots of red herrings had me guessing then back tracking as a few people had plausible motives to murder the women.
The Ally McKinley Mystery series is an enjoyable series. Ally is a likeable protagonist as are all the supporting characters. I am eager for the next book.
Murder at the Loch involves two murders, seemingly unrelated, but when Ally finds herself on the suspect list she is determined to find out who did the killings.
Murder at the Loch is an easy read. The story mainly focuses on the quirky characters, and I loved them all. Lots of red herrings had me guessing then back tracking as a few people had plausible motives to murder the women.
The Ally McKinley Mystery series is an enjoyable series. Ally is a likeable protagonist as are all the supporting characters. I am eager for the next book.
March 23, 2025
An enjoyable read set in Scotland. This is a cosy mystery series where the characters are the biggest draw card for me. There are descriptions of scenery and a clever mystery, but I think Dee MacDonald writes wonderful characters, and I enjoyed meeting them again in this second book of the series.
The mystery begins almost immediately, which I think is a plus. And Ally is thrown into the thick of things, since the police consider her a possible suspect. Drawing on her past experience as a researcher, she starts to watch and listen, wondering who could be the culprit for not one, but two deaths. The author provides the reader with a cast of possible suspects, and some great red herrings. It is quite a clever mystery.
I do like the warmth you get from protagonist, Ally. She's the sort of person who can imagine in real life that would encourage people to talk and to feel comfortable. With the support characters, I sometimes get a sense of the Hamish Macbeth series, but that isn't a bad thing. It just means that both series provide well crafted and consistent, sometimes quirky, characters. And characters I look forward to reading.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery begins almost immediately, which I think is a plus. And Ally is thrown into the thick of things, since the police consider her a possible suspect. Drawing on her past experience as a researcher, she starts to watch and listen, wondering who could be the culprit for not one, but two deaths. The author provides the reader with a cast of possible suspects, and some great red herrings. It is quite a clever mystery.
I do like the warmth you get from protagonist, Ally. She's the sort of person who can imagine in real life that would encourage people to talk and to feel comfortable. With the support characters, I sometimes get a sense of the Hamish Macbeth series, but that isn't a bad thing. It just means that both series provide well crafted and consistent, sometimes quirky, characters. And characters I look forward to reading.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2024
New B&B owner Ally McKinlay has begun to feel more at home in the beautiful village of Locharran. Unfortunately, discovering a body while out on a relaxing walk with her Labrador Flora puts Ally back into the spotlight, and that's before the Earl's new bride is found dead the day after her wedding! Searching for a link between the two women, Ally and new beau, Ross, begin an investigation. With no suspects allowed to leave the village, Ally finds herself accommodating the guests from hell! Can she put up with them long enough to work out who is responsible, or is she in danger of becoming victim number three?
I thoroughly enjoyed book one in Dee McDonald's new series, and this is even better. The characters specific to this storyline were great, especially the family staying at Ally’s B&B, who engendered sympathy and amazement in equal measure. I will definitely be on the lookout for book three in this new series later in the year.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. It's probably best to read these books in order, but that's no problem as they are both great.
I thoroughly enjoyed book one in Dee McDonald's new series, and this is even better. The characters specific to this storyline were great, especially the family staying at Ally’s B&B, who engendered sympathy and amazement in equal measure. I will definitely be on the lookout for book three in this new series later in the year.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. It's probably best to read these books in order, but that's no problem as they are both great.
December 8, 2024
It was definitely fun to go back and visit with Ally, her new fur baby Flora and the usual quirky neighbors, friends, and love interest. Ally is prepared for the slow season as the holidays approach, and while out walking her pup, she sees something floating in the local loch. When that something turns out to be a body well, the mysteries start to pile up. Who would want to kill the fiancé of the local barman, someone no one in the area had ever met? When another new bride shows up dead just hours after the wedding, can Ally help the police figure out what is going on? This was a good mystery, and while I had a thought, the motive was something totally different. This was definitely a good read. My only complaint is that it wrapped up rather quickly! Many thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for an opportunity to read! #MurderattheLoch #AllyMcKinleyMystery #DeeMacDonald #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
November 10, 2025
I am so delighted that I found this cozy mystery series. Ally McKinley is darling, and the whodunnit part is wonderful. Also, LABRADORS!
February 28, 2025
Ally has bought the local mill and turned it into a cozy B & B. She also happens ta be an amateur detective in the beautiful
Scottish Highlands.
Ally goes for a walk near the Loch with her lovely pup. Flora when they find a mysterious figure floating in the water. ally puts on her (metaphorical) detective gear and gets to work trying to figure out who it is. But soon, the local Earl’s fiance turns up dead as well and Ally has to work fast to figure out whats going on before the next body comes to light. There's a few red herings to leave you guessing all the way up to the big reveal. The writing is light and breezy which makes for a great cozy mystery
I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the village of Locharran. I didn’t read the first book but it didnt stop my enjoying this one, so it can definitely be read as a standalone. You may benefit from reading the first in getting their backstory but it isnt, a must. I absolutely love the setting and the small town life where everyone is in everybody’s business
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Scottish Highlands.
Ally goes for a walk near the Loch with her lovely pup. Flora when they find a mysterious figure floating in the water. ally puts on her (metaphorical) detective gear and gets to work trying to figure out who it is. But soon, the local Earl’s fiance turns up dead as well and Ally has to work fast to figure out whats going on before the next body comes to light. There's a few red herings to leave you guessing all the way up to the big reveal. The writing is light and breezy which makes for a great cozy mystery
I enjoyed getting to know the characters of the village of Locharran. I didn’t read the first book but it didnt stop my enjoying this one, so it can definitely be read as a standalone. You may benefit from reading the first in getting their backstory but it isnt, a must. I absolutely love the setting and the small town life where everyone is in everybody’s business
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
December 17, 2024
Murder At The Loch is the second book in the Alley McKinley mysteries by D McDonald. Allie is settling into her Highland home and while out walking flora, she once again find a dead body this time floating in the loch. they soon learn it was Christina, Ivan‘s bride to be, and detective inspector Rigby scrambles to find the murderer. soon, however, a more high profile victim is found dead on her wedding day. It is up to Allie to find the murderer in this time Officer Rigby is listening.)) OK this isn’t the best review but when I say this cozy mystery has the most mic dropping ending or an OMG moment ending I am not exaggerating. What makes a great ending is when there’s so many great suspects and it’s hard to tell who did what and why and I think anyone who has read the last book in this book will be shocked by the ending and totally satisfied with the great mystery. I have recently become a cozy mystery fan to where I follow the series and this is one of my definite top three series I like to follow. The ending of a book can determine whether I like it or love it and it’s like the test of the book and this one totally passes. This is only the second book and while… Wow, I really love this series.#NetGalley, #DMcDonald, #MurderAtTheLoch, #AnAllyMcKinleyMystery,
February 10, 2025
This is the second book in the Ally McKinley mystery series by Dee MacDonald and it was so fun to read!
I was excited to pick back up with our characters from book 1 as another murder mystery unfolds! And it happens relatively quickly into the book, so you do get to spend most of the book figuring it all out!
I was definitely guessing up until the very end about who it may have been, but ultimately my hunch was right!
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with fun characters that also happens to be a quick read, I recommend giving this book (and this series) a try 💜
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was excited to pick back up with our characters from book 1 as another murder mystery unfolds! And it happens relatively quickly into the book, so you do get to spend most of the book figuring it all out!
I was definitely guessing up until the very end about who it may have been, but ultimately my hunch was right!
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with fun characters that also happens to be a quick read, I recommend giving this book (and this series) a try 💜
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 6, 2025
A great read. I completed this page-turner in two days on holiday. It was also my first electronic novel read which I found on Kindle. It is described as a ‘Scottish cosy mystery novel’, I would agree. I am now off to read more from the Ally McKinley mystery series.
October 6, 2025
This is the first that I've read by this author, and I immediately fell in love with this cozy mystery. The vivid descriptions of the loch and the town's residents drew me in, and I wanted to stay a while. The "whodunnit" aspect was kept hidden for most of the story and kept me guessing.
April 26, 2025
Charming, but not to cozy
January 14, 2025
Murder at the Loch is the second cozy mystery in this series set in Scotland. I liked the main character Ally McKinley a retired TV researcher that has moved to the Scottish Highlands and opened a bed and breakfast. She has a full life and has settled into the area with her dog Flora and has a boyfriend Ross who is a retired veterinarian. Of course it isn’t long before Ally discovers a dead body that sets the story into motion and gets her involved in the investigation. And there’s another murder that hits closer to home.
This was a nice cozy in terms of setting and characters. The cast of characters in the village are very likable. The descriptions of the countryside put you there in the midst of beautiful scenery and small town living. The suspects in the case range from friends and acquaintances in the village to snobbish relatives of the second victim’s husband. Although there were things that I liked about this cozy mystery, it was a bit drawn out for me. It didn’t give a lot of clues along the way. But then I felt there was a major clue which helped me figure it out and it was quickly over from there. I had suspected the killer, but had nothing to go on until that point. Although I might have missed a clue.
I would read more from this author but feel the story could have been tightened up a bit. Many readers might not have been bothered by this. I usually have several books on the go, so it seemed too long to me.
#MurderattheLoch #NetGalley
This was a nice cozy in terms of setting and characters. The cast of characters in the village are very likable. The descriptions of the countryside put you there in the midst of beautiful scenery and small town living. The suspects in the case range from friends and acquaintances in the village to snobbish relatives of the second victim’s husband. Although there were things that I liked about this cozy mystery, it was a bit drawn out for me. It didn’t give a lot of clues along the way. But then I felt there was a major clue which helped me figure it out and it was quickly over from there. I had suspected the killer, but had nothing to go on until that point. Although I might have missed a clue.
I would read more from this author but feel the story could have been tightened up a bit. Many readers might not have been bothered by this. I usually have several books on the go, so it seemed too long to me.
#MurderattheLoch #NetGalley
March 8, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Dee MacDonald's "Murder at the Loch", the second installment in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, is a thoroughly engaging cozy mystery that wraps readers in the charm of the Scottish Highlands while delivering a cleverly plotted whodunit. MacDonald masterfully captures the spirit of small-town Scotland, combining vivid scenery with a cast of eccentric locals who make the mystery feel as warm as a good cup of tea on a misty morning.
Ally McKinley, the sharp and ever-curious retired detective, is as delightful as ever. Drawn back into the world of crime-solving, Ally finds herself investigating the suspicious death of an archaeologist at Loch Katrine. The victim, a well-known figure leading an excavation with whispered secrets of treasure, pulls Ally into a tangled web of history, greed, and human flaws. With her dog, Niall, by her side and her wit as sharp as her observations, Ally uncovers layer after layer of intrigue in her relentless quest for the truth.
What makes "Murder at the Loch" so compelling is MacDonald’s knack for creating a narrative that is simultaneously suspenseful and charming. The mystery itself is intricately crafted, with plenty of red herrings and misdirections that keep readers guessing until the very end. At the same time, the story remains grounded in Ally’s endearing personality and her relationships with the locals, whose quirks and camaraderie bring humor and heart to the plot.
MacDonald’s descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape, which becomes as much a character in the story as Ally or the suspects she interrogates. The loch, with its mist-shrouded waters and hidden depths, serves as a perfect metaphor for the secrets Ally must uncover. The blend of atmospheric setting and cozy mystery makes this book a delightful escape.
For fans of the cozy mystery genre, "Murder at the Loch" is an absolute treat. It’s the kind of story that wraps you in a tartan of intrigue, humor, and the simple joys of life in a small village. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning reader, Ally McKinley’s latest adventure will leave you eager for the next installment. Dee MacDonald has once again proven her mastery of crafting a tale that’s as satisfying as solving the case itself.
Dee MacDonald's "Murder at the Loch", the second installment in the Ally McKinley Mystery series, is a thoroughly engaging cozy mystery that wraps readers in the charm of the Scottish Highlands while delivering a cleverly plotted whodunit. MacDonald masterfully captures the spirit of small-town Scotland, combining vivid scenery with a cast of eccentric locals who make the mystery feel as warm as a good cup of tea on a misty morning.
Ally McKinley, the sharp and ever-curious retired detective, is as delightful as ever. Drawn back into the world of crime-solving, Ally finds herself investigating the suspicious death of an archaeologist at Loch Katrine. The victim, a well-known figure leading an excavation with whispered secrets of treasure, pulls Ally into a tangled web of history, greed, and human flaws. With her dog, Niall, by her side and her wit as sharp as her observations, Ally uncovers layer after layer of intrigue in her relentless quest for the truth.
What makes "Murder at the Loch" so compelling is MacDonald’s knack for creating a narrative that is simultaneously suspenseful and charming. The mystery itself is intricately crafted, with plenty of red herrings and misdirections that keep readers guessing until the very end. At the same time, the story remains grounded in Ally’s endearing personality and her relationships with the locals, whose quirks and camaraderie bring humor and heart to the plot.
MacDonald’s descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape, which becomes as much a character in the story as Ally or the suspects she interrogates. The loch, with its mist-shrouded waters and hidden depths, serves as a perfect metaphor for the secrets Ally must uncover. The blend of atmospheric setting and cozy mystery makes this book a delightful escape.
For fans of the cozy mystery genre, "Murder at the Loch" is an absolute treat. It’s the kind of story that wraps you in a tartan of intrigue, humor, and the simple joys of life in a small village. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning reader, Ally McKinley’s latest adventure will leave you eager for the next installment. Dee MacDonald has once again proven her mastery of crafting a tale that’s as satisfying as solving the case itself.
November 17, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder at the Loch" in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the Ally McKinley series. The reader will always know that a story by Ms. MacDonald will be well written, have interesting characters that you want to know more about, and that her stories will leave you guessing to the very last page.
Ally McKinley is the 68 year old owner of The Auld Malthouse B & B, she is also a part-time sleuth and has proven to solve cases before DI Bob Rigby. he moved from Birmingham to Locharran, Scotland because he was sure nothing would ever happen there and he could ease into retirement. Well he was very wrong!
Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran is in his 70's and has announced that he is getting married to a 32 year old. His cousin's wife is a very ambitious lady and she wants her husband to inherit and she can be the Countess of Locharran. Would she do everything in her power to make that happen?
Ally and her young lab Flora enjoy taking long walks and it's on one of these walks that she discovers a body floating in the Loch. We learn that she was coming to Locharran to marry her fiancée, Ivan the barman at the Craignmonie Hotel bar.
The morning after the wedding of Hamish and Elena, Ally sees and ambulance and police heading up to the castle. There has been another murder. Who is killing the brides of Locharran? Could the lady in the Loch have been a mistaken identity?
Of course, Ally's children are once again nagging her to leave Locharran, because they never wanted her to move there and to buy The Malthouse - what was she thinking at her age? Ally is a wonderful character, very bright, independent and very capable. She and Ross Patterson, the retired vet have a relationship but both value their independence as well as their time together. Ally pieces together all the clues and thinks through the suspects carefully. She is a loyal friend to those she feels are wrongly accused. The story ends in several dramatic events and I can't wait for the next story in the series to see what Ally gets involved with next.
This is the second book in the Ally McKinley series. The reader will always know that a story by Ms. MacDonald will be well written, have interesting characters that you want to know more about, and that her stories will leave you guessing to the very last page.
Ally McKinley is the 68 year old owner of The Auld Malthouse B & B, she is also a part-time sleuth and has proven to solve cases before DI Bob Rigby. he moved from Birmingham to Locharran, Scotland because he was sure nothing would ever happen there and he could ease into retirement. Well he was very wrong!
Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran is in his 70's and has announced that he is getting married to a 32 year old. His cousin's wife is a very ambitious lady and she wants her husband to inherit and she can be the Countess of Locharran. Would she do everything in her power to make that happen?
Ally and her young lab Flora enjoy taking long walks and it's on one of these walks that she discovers a body floating in the Loch. We learn that she was coming to Locharran to marry her fiancée, Ivan the barman at the Craignmonie Hotel bar.
The morning after the wedding of Hamish and Elena, Ally sees and ambulance and police heading up to the castle. There has been another murder. Who is killing the brides of Locharran? Could the lady in the Loch have been a mistaken identity?
Of course, Ally's children are once again nagging her to leave Locharran, because they never wanted her to move there and to buy The Malthouse - what was she thinking at her age? Ally is a wonderful character, very bright, independent and very capable. She and Ross Patterson, the retired vet have a relationship but both value their independence as well as their time together. Ally pieces together all the clues and thinks through the suspects carefully. She is a loyal friend to those she feels are wrongly accused. The story ends in several dramatic events and I can't wait for the next story in the series to see what Ally gets involved with next.
November 19, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dee MacDonald for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Loch coming out March 3, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
This is the second book in the series. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries and I especially love the Scotland setting. It’s a beautiful place. Ally is a really interesting character who has retired but runs her B&B. think there was a lot more character development in this one. I loved the mystery. I’m excited to see what’s next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Scottish mysteries!
Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water…
Before she knows it, Ally finds herself wading into the middle of a new investigation. Who was the mystery woman and why was she killed? Her enquiries take her all over the village: from the corner shop and the nearby hotel to the turreted castle, home of local earl Hamish Sinclair where preparations are underway for his upcoming – and much gossiped about – wedding.
The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death the morning after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself…
Determined to uncover the truth and clear her name, Ally finds poison at the home of one of her suspects and thinks she might be on the right path to solving both murders. But with a killer on the loose in the Scottish Highlands, can Ally unravel the clues before the next person in a watery grave is her?
This is the second book in the series. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries and I especially love the Scotland setting. It’s a beautiful place. Ally is a really interesting character who has retired but runs her B&B. think there was a lot more character development in this one. I loved the mystery. I’m excited to see what’s next.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Scottish mysteries!
February 4, 2025
Murder at the Loch by Dee MacDonald is the second book in the Ally McKinley series. Ally, a 70ish retiree, runs a B&B in a small village in the Scottish Highlands. Since the move there was recent, she is now settling into her new friendships when she discovers a body in the small scenic lake. Not long after there is another similar murder.
I really enjoy these characters; they are realistic and likeable although they have their quirks and bad moods. Ally’s kids worry about their aging mother, and she ignores them. She isn’t one of the mystery protagonists that just irrationally heads off into danger by herself either, and she doesn’t present herself to be doddering while secretly smarter and healthier than everyone in the room. Her neighbor, the Earl, is entertaining, her friend Linda is warm and supportive, and her significant other is smart and funny.
The mystery itself was quite good as well. There were plenty of suspects, and it was not easy to guess the killer. Plus, there were lots of amazing settings for investigating.
There were a couple of things I did not like as much. Typically, in mysteries, the main characters will summarize their findings of motives, suspects, etc., as a way to keep themselves focused (and the reader on the same page) but Ally does this pretty frequently to the point where it gets a little annoying. Also, I didn’t love the storyline of the engagement of a much older man to a younger women (40 year age difference). She is in her 30s so clearly is capable of making her own decisions about her life, but the power dynamic because of his wealth and age didn’t sit quite right. It did make sense for the progress of the story, however.
Overall, this was a fun mystery, and I will look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.
I really enjoy these characters; they are realistic and likeable although they have their quirks and bad moods. Ally’s kids worry about their aging mother, and she ignores them. She isn’t one of the mystery protagonists that just irrationally heads off into danger by herself either, and she doesn’t present herself to be doddering while secretly smarter and healthier than everyone in the room. Her neighbor, the Earl, is entertaining, her friend Linda is warm and supportive, and her significant other is smart and funny.
The mystery itself was quite good as well. There were plenty of suspects, and it was not easy to guess the killer. Plus, there were lots of amazing settings for investigating.
There were a couple of things I did not like as much. Typically, in mysteries, the main characters will summarize their findings of motives, suspects, etc., as a way to keep themselves focused (and the reader on the same page) but Ally does this pretty frequently to the point where it gets a little annoying. Also, I didn’t love the storyline of the engagement of a much older man to a younger women (40 year age difference). She is in her 30s so clearly is capable of making her own decisions about her life, but the power dynamic because of his wealth and age didn’t sit quite right. It did make sense for the progress of the story, however.
Overall, this was a fun mystery, and I will look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.
December 5, 2024
When two women get murdered a week apart from each other in the very scenic small village of Locharran Ally (Allison) McKinley is ready to
investigate these new deaths. Who would have thought that there would be so much murder and mayhem in this small spot in the Scottish Highlands? Certainly not DI Bob Rigby who exchanged his job in the city for what he thought would be a few quiet years before retirement in a quiet little village.
When Ally is walking her pup Flora in the neighbourhood of a lovely little lake she meets Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran, with whom has has become friends in the previous book. The earl tells her that he is going to get married. When Ally is recovering from the shock that this septuagenarian womanizer is getting married to a woman more than half his age, they see a body floating in the lake towards them. This is the start of another interesting cosy mystery, if you can call a mystery with a couple murders cosy, with a lot of village gossip, walks on the moors and and high teas. Off course we see a lot of returning characters from the first book, apart from Hamish there are the village gossip Queennie and her always silent sister, the owner of the local hotel, Linda the caterer and of-course Allisons love interest Ross Patterson, the (semi) retired vet.
Hamish's nasty relatives make for an interesting read, they are the type of people you really love to hate. So there is enough to amuse the reader while Ally pieces together all the clues that in the end lead to the discovery of the real murder. Lots of Labradors in this book.
Looking forward to the next book in this series
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
investigate these new deaths. Who would have thought that there would be so much murder and mayhem in this small spot in the Scottish Highlands? Certainly not DI Bob Rigby who exchanged his job in the city for what he thought would be a few quiet years before retirement in a quiet little village.
When Ally is walking her pup Flora in the neighbourhood of a lovely little lake she meets Hamish Sinclair, the Earl of Locharran, with whom has has become friends in the previous book. The earl tells her that he is going to get married. When Ally is recovering from the shock that this septuagenarian womanizer is getting married to a woman more than half his age, they see a body floating in the lake towards them. This is the start of another interesting cosy mystery, if you can call a mystery with a couple murders cosy, with a lot of village gossip, walks on the moors and and high teas. Off course we see a lot of returning characters from the first book, apart from Hamish there are the village gossip Queennie and her always silent sister, the owner of the local hotel, Linda the caterer and of-course Allisons love interest Ross Patterson, the (semi) retired vet.
Hamish's nasty relatives make for an interesting read, they are the type of people you really love to hate. So there is enough to amuse the reader while Ally pieces together all the clues that in the end lead to the discovery of the real murder. Lots of Labradors in this book.
Looking forward to the next book in this series
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
February 7, 2025
3/5 stars: This is the second entry in MacDonald's Ally McKinley Mystery series which is a British Isles Senior Sleuth B&B Cozy Mystery set in Scotland and features a widowed recently retired Scottish TV researcher who's lovingly restored an old malthouse as a guesthouse B&B. After discovering a mystery woman's body floating in the village's loch, she puts on her sleuthing cap to uncover her identity and why she was killed. When a second woman's murdered, the local septuagenarian earl’s new decades younger bride found poisoned on her wedding day, she'll have to work fast before the next person found dead is her. With plenty of twists and turns, MacDonald has deftly crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, MacDonald's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Ally's a joy and I really enjoyed getting to know her and the folks in and around the quaint village of Locharran. I also look forward to seeing where her relationship with Ross, the semi-retired veterinarian. Oh and one mustn't forget to mention Ally's adorable Labrador puppy, Flora. 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, Murder in the Scottish Highlands.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
February 21, 2025
Dee MacDonald offers another delightful installment in her Ally McKinley series with “Murder at the Loch,” a tale that will leave you guessing until the very end.
When Ally, along with the Earl of Locharran Hamish Sinclair, discovers a body floating in Loch Soular, she’s intrigued as to who the mysterious victim is. When officials discover she’s a woman coming to marry a local barman, townsfolk all wonder who in the world would want to murder this stranger.
Soon after, Hamish announces his impending nuptials with a much-younger woman he recently met, Elena Alexandrescu. But when Elena is found dead hours after their wedding, Ally and her boyfriend, retired veterinarian Ross Patterson, decide to dig into the two deaths. Are they linked? Why were the two women killed? And can they prevent friends from being falsely accused?
MacDonald does a great job of once again creating a unique and quirky cast of characters, all while developing a plot filled with twists and turns, including drama, laugh-out-loud moments, aggravating characters and several adorable dogs.
Fans of cozy mysteries and series like Ian Moore’s “Follet Valley Mystery” series, Amanda Ashby’s “The Widows’ Detective Club” series and Peter Boland’s “Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love this, which is due out March 3.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
When Ally, along with the Earl of Locharran Hamish Sinclair, discovers a body floating in Loch Soular, she’s intrigued as to who the mysterious victim is. When officials discover she’s a woman coming to marry a local barman, townsfolk all wonder who in the world would want to murder this stranger.
Soon after, Hamish announces his impending nuptials with a much-younger woman he recently met, Elena Alexandrescu. But when Elena is found dead hours after their wedding, Ally and her boyfriend, retired veterinarian Ross Patterson, decide to dig into the two deaths. Are they linked? Why were the two women killed? And can they prevent friends from being falsely accused?
MacDonald does a great job of once again creating a unique and quirky cast of characters, all while developing a plot filled with twists and turns, including drama, laugh-out-loud moments, aggravating characters and several adorable dogs.
Fans of cozy mysteries and series like Ian Moore’s “Follet Valley Mystery” series, Amanda Ashby’s “The Widows’ Detective Club” series and Peter Boland’s “Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love this, which is due out March 3.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
February 27, 2025
Good array of characters in small-town setting🗻
4.5🌟stars
The plot provided plenty of misdirected clues and the cast of characters, especially the gossiping villagers and the clueless elderly bridegroom of one of the murder victims, made for a good cozy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. The cleaner, the postman, the grocer and countless other locals all have their prejudices and theories (and aren't afraid to share them) when two women are murdered within days of each other and the big thing connecting them is that both came to the area engaged to a local. B&B owner Ally is there to discover the first victim and she can't help herself from coming up with her own plan for identifying and investigating potential suspects..
I love that the villagers consider Ally a bit of a foreigner because she's relocated there all the way from...Edinburgh! And the grocer's firm belief that Ally, currently in a comfortable relationship with a retired local vet, has something going on with the laird. These features make the community feel come alive.
Good plot, winsome character development and the Highland landscapes made this one a really good read. Yes, I Id'ed the real culprit early on, but it was a fun journey to see how Ally worked her way there as well.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟stars
The plot provided plenty of misdirected clues and the cast of characters, especially the gossiping villagers and the clueless elderly bridegroom of one of the murder victims, made for a good cozy mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. The cleaner, the postman, the grocer and countless other locals all have their prejudices and theories (and aren't afraid to share them) when two women are murdered within days of each other and the big thing connecting them is that both came to the area engaged to a local. B&B owner Ally is there to discover the first victim and she can't help herself from coming up with her own plan for identifying and investigating potential suspects..
I love that the villagers consider Ally a bit of a foreigner because she's relocated there all the way from...Edinburgh! And the grocer's firm belief that Ally, currently in a comfortable relationship with a retired local vet, has something going on with the laird. These features make the community feel come alive.
Good plot, winsome character development and the Highland landscapes made this one a really good read. Yes, I Id'ed the real culprit early on, but it was a fun journey to see how Ally worked her way there as well.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
March 7, 2025
Amateur sleuth and bed and breakfast owner Ally McKinley is back in this second book in a new cozy mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands.
Out on a walk with her dog, Ally is stunned to see a body in the loch. The young woman was on her way into the village to marry a local bartender. Was this an accident or murder? Meanwhile, the local Earl, Hamish Sinclair, is introducing his fiancée as he announces an impromptu wedding up at the castle. A few close friends are invited to the actual ceremony, but most of the villagers show up for the after party. Even though Hamish is in his 70s and his beloved, Elena, is half his age, people are more or less pleased for him. Except perhaps for Hamish’s cousin who is in line to be the next earl bar Hamish having children with Elena. When she is dead under suspicious circumstances the morning after the wedding, the whole of Locharran is stunned and the gossips are trying to pin the murder on just about anyone in town. Are these two deaths related?
Ally is busy snooping around and asking lots of questions of the possible suspects. She’s aided by her boyfriend, Ross, as they attempt to solve the crime. I was way ahead of Ally and had the bad actor identified fairly quickly so this was quite predictable.
The story line is OK but nothing extra special and although I like that it is set in current day and Scotland, the most interesting part is that the amateur sleuth is 68 years old. Some will find this far more entertaining and engaging.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC and offering this opportunity for a blog tour.
Out on a walk with her dog, Ally is stunned to see a body in the loch. The young woman was on her way into the village to marry a local bartender. Was this an accident or murder? Meanwhile, the local Earl, Hamish Sinclair, is introducing his fiancée as he announces an impromptu wedding up at the castle. A few close friends are invited to the actual ceremony, but most of the villagers show up for the after party. Even though Hamish is in his 70s and his beloved, Elena, is half his age, people are more or less pleased for him. Except perhaps for Hamish’s cousin who is in line to be the next earl bar Hamish having children with Elena. When she is dead under suspicious circumstances the morning after the wedding, the whole of Locharran is stunned and the gossips are trying to pin the murder on just about anyone in town. Are these two deaths related?
Ally is busy snooping around and asking lots of questions of the possible suspects. She’s aided by her boyfriend, Ross, as they attempt to solve the crime. I was way ahead of Ally and had the bad actor identified fairly quickly so this was quite predictable.
The story line is OK but nothing extra special and although I like that it is set in current day and Scotland, the most interesting part is that the amateur sleuth is 68 years old. Some will find this far more entertaining and engaging.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC and offering this opportunity for a blog tour.
September 9, 2025
omg this was so bad i can't.
all that was a little off in the first installment was 10 times worse here: -the rigid gender roles (her love interests son has 5 daughters, so the protagonist wishes for a son - also the daughter in law is obviously just a stay at home mom and let's not even treat that in the context of todays discussions even the tiniest bit in the narration)
-the idea that women need to be beautiful to be loved: a nicely consumerist & problematic early 2000s make-over so the 30 something year old can have that sean connory's (the narrative's comparison, not mine - had to get some wife beater in the mix as well i guess) blue-blood heir
-gross fucking age gaps (why tf did the earl's brides need to be so young? there is no fucking reason)
and on top of everything, some new-found homophobic stereotypes. i hate it when a character's queerness is a "twist" that is revealed at some point, and then this could even well have been one of these old hollywood movies where queerness is only allowed to exist if it is the villain who's gay. all while keeping the gross-age-have-relationships-having sympathieträger as un-gay as possible.
the story-telling was slow, the sleuthing unimaginative, chaotic and repetitive.
i even started to dislike the main character.
the only thing this did okay at was the coziness. some of the characters are nice in theory and there were a few cute interactions.
did i mention this made having a dog is look far too easy?
all that was a little off in the first installment was 10 times worse here: -the rigid gender roles (her love interests son has 5 daughters, so the protagonist wishes for a son - also the daughter in law is obviously just a stay at home mom and let's not even treat that in the context of todays discussions even the tiniest bit in the narration)
-the idea that women need to be beautiful to be loved: a nicely consumerist & problematic early 2000s make-over so the 30 something year old can have that sean connory's (the narrative's comparison, not mine - had to get some wife beater in the mix as well i guess) blue-blood heir
-gross fucking age gaps (why tf did the earl's brides need to be so young? there is no fucking reason)
and on top of everything, some new-found homophobic stereotypes. i hate it when a character's queerness is a "twist" that is revealed at some point, and then this could even well have been one of these old hollywood movies where queerness is only allowed to exist if it is the villain who's gay. all while keeping the gross-age-have-relationships-having sympathieträger as un-gay as possible.
the story-telling was slow, the sleuthing unimaginative, chaotic and repetitive.
i even started to dislike the main character.
the only thing this did okay at was the coziness. some of the characters are nice in theory and there were a few cute interactions.
did i mention this made having a dog is look far too easy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Retired TV researcher Ally McKinley is back in this second mystery from Dee MacDonald. Set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, Ally is making a go of her new life. Retired and widowed, she’s moved to the highlands to start a bed and breakfast business, and getting to know her new community.
Alas, the peace and tranquility is short-lived. Taking a stroll down to the loch, she meets up with the larger than life Laird, who announces he’s to marry. His new bride is 40 years his junior, but he swears they’re both in love and happy. And on that bombshell, they spot something floating in the loch, revealed to be the body of a young woman.
The community is shocked by the death, and on top of this, the news of the upcoming wedding, to take place within a week, leaves the village reeling. Of course the wedding itself comes with its own drama, and there’s yet another death.
I’m really enjoying this gentle series with larger than life characters. Ally is such a warm and genuine character, with a core of steel. She has a wonderful way with people, standing her ground but at the same time being warm and open. All the characters are as large and vibrant as the wild Scottish landscape, with as many secrets.
It’s a wonderful cosy series that I’m completely invested in, and it’s a perfect book to curl up with under a blanket with a cuppa.
Alas, the peace and tranquility is short-lived. Taking a stroll down to the loch, she meets up with the larger than life Laird, who announces he’s to marry. His new bride is 40 years his junior, but he swears they’re both in love and happy. And on that bombshell, they spot something floating in the loch, revealed to be the body of a young woman.
The community is shocked by the death, and on top of this, the news of the upcoming wedding, to take place within a week, leaves the village reeling. Of course the wedding itself comes with its own drama, and there’s yet another death.
I’m really enjoying this gentle series with larger than life characters. Ally is such a warm and genuine character, with a core of steel. She has a wonderful way with people, standing her ground but at the same time being warm and open. All the characters are as large and vibrant as the wild Scottish landscape, with as many secrets.
It’s a wonderful cosy series that I’m completely invested in, and it’s a perfect book to curl up with under a blanket with a cuppa.
March 3, 2025
Recent retiree Ally McKinley has stepped out with her puppy Flora for a walk by the loch in the tiny village of Locharran, taking a break from running the cosiest little guesthouse in the Highlands. But Ally’s peace and quiet is sunk when she and Flora find the body of a mysterious woman floating in the water. The body in the loch soon has the rumour mills buzzing. But then Elena, the earl’s new bride, is also found poisoned to death hours after her marriage! With two deaths to investigate, the police appear to suspect almost everyone in Locharran, even Ally herself.
The second book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own the author is starting to build a close knit community with a real mix of characters. I really like Ally a mature retired woman who has left the city behind & now runs a three bedroom B & B, she’s also friends with the local Earl & in a relationship with the local retired vet. This case revolves around two murdered women, there are plenty of red herrings as well as twists & turns. The characters are well portrayed some very likeable & others horrid. I did guess who the murderer was but it was a stab in the dark & I was surprised at their motive. An engrossing cosy mystery which I found hard to put down, roll on book three
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own the author is starting to build a close knit community with a real mix of characters. I really like Ally a mature retired woman who has left the city behind & now runs a three bedroom B & B, she’s also friends with the local Earl & in a relationship with the local retired vet. This case revolves around two murdered women, there are plenty of red herrings as well as twists & turns. The characters are well portrayed some very likeable & others horrid. I did guess who the murderer was but it was a stab in the dark & I was surprised at their motive. An engrossing cosy mystery which I found hard to put down, roll on book three
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
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