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The Highland Bookshop Murders #1
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop
At The Wild Haggis Bookshop, the murder mysteries aren't just on the shelves!
Beth Cunningham thought she'd closed the book on her troubled past when she opened The Wild Haggis Bookshop in the charming Scottish town of Oban. But when her inaugural book club evening ends in real murder – the body dramatically posed amongst the party decorations – her fresh start ends in a twist she definitely didn’t see coming.
With local police detective Logan Hunter eyeing her as his prime suspect, Beth must fight to clear her name. Still, she can't help but notice his warm brown eyes and dedication to justice… even as he builds a case against her.
Determined to find the truth, Beth is shocked to discover a web of lies among her book club attendees, each one hiding secrets worthy of a bestseller. With time running out before she lands in jail, can Beth uncover the secret worth killing for?
This utterly charming Highland whodunnit will have you hooked from the first page to the last. Pour yourself a wee dram and settle in – you won't be able to put it down!
Beth Cunningham thought she'd closed the book on her troubled past when she opened The Wild Haggis Bookshop in the charming Scottish town of Oban. But when her inaugural book club evening ends in real murder – the body dramatically posed amongst the party decorations – her fresh start ends in a twist she definitely didn’t see coming.
With local police detective Logan Hunter eyeing her as his prime suspect, Beth must fight to clear her name. Still, she can't help but notice his warm brown eyes and dedication to justice… even as he builds a case against her.
Determined to find the truth, Beth is shocked to discover a web of lies among her book club attendees, each one hiding secrets worthy of a bestseller. With time running out before she lands in jail, can Beth uncover the secret worth killing for?
This utterly charming Highland whodunnit will have you hooked from the first page to the last. Pour yourself a wee dram and settle in – you won't be able to put it down!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
123 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Baldwin
16 books78 followersScottish crime writer and former criminal lawyer.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
Debut novel 'Dead Man's Prayer' published on 2nd September 2016 by Killer Reads, Harper Collins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 6, 2025
Beth Cunningham was proud of her little bookshop in the small Scottish town of Oban. The Wild Haggis Bookshop filled her heart with joy after the past she tried hard to forget, and with the first book club evening about to start, she hoped it all went well. But it was after it was over that Beth received a dreadful shock - one of the attendees was lying dead on the floor, murdered. Police detective, Logan Hunter, immediately saw Beth as his suspect, and she was grilled mercilessly. Her lawyer did his best to help, but Beth could see she would need to find the killer before she was put in prison for something she didn't do...
With Beth's staff by her side - Chloe, Morna & Lachlan - they worked out what they knew, what they suspected, and what they didn't know. Then they began their efforts to clear Beth's name. But could they discover the killer before Beth was thrown in jail?
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the 1st in the Highland Bookshop Murders series by Jackie Baldwin and I enjoyed it very much. I correctly worked out one part of it quite early, but I was wrong about the killer! The characters were good fun, especially Beth, and the bookshop was one I'd love to visit :) Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
With Beth's staff by her side - Chloe, Morna & Lachlan - they worked out what they knew, what they suspected, and what they didn't know. Then they began their efforts to clear Beth's name. But could they discover the killer before Beth was thrown in jail?
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the 1st in the Highland Bookshop Murders series by Jackie Baldwin and I enjoyed it very much. I correctly worked out one part of it quite early, but I was wrong about the killer! The characters were good fun, especially Beth, and the bookshop was one I'd love to visit :) Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
September 22, 2025
I received a free copy of, Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop, by Jackie Baldwin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Beth Cunningham's dream is finally coming true, she opened Wild Haggis Bookshop in Oban. All is going well until someone is murdered. Beth has a checkered past, but has changed, but people believe what they want to believe. This was a good read.
September 18, 2025
Loved the main characters of Beth and Logan. Beth owns the book shop and Logan is the detective. This cozy has it all: murder, other mysteries to solve, burgeoning romance and new friendships. This is the first in a new series and I’m excited to read the next one. It’s set in Scotland and that added to the fun. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The story was engaging and kept me turning the pages and staying up way too late. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC.Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC.Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
December 28, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MURDER AT THE WILD HAGGIS BOOKSHOP (The Highland Bookshop Murders Book #1) by Jackie Baldwin is an engaging and entertaining first book in a new cozy murder mystery series set in Oban, Scotland. It features the new owner of The Wild Haggis Bookshop and her three employees as they all work together to solve a murder.
Beth Cunningham is excited to be starting a new chapter of her life. She is the new owner of The Wild Haggis Bookshop in Oban. Her inaugural crime/mystery book club evening has five participants, with one being a local journalist who is excited to tell the group that she has uncovered a secret that will get her back into the national news service. When the group breaks up for the night, Beth is in the back cleaning up and when she walks back out to the main room she discovers the journalist dead in the crime scene tape decorations.
Beth has a secret in her own past which places her in the crosshairs of the local detective, but with the help of her staff, they work to discover the secrets of the other book club attendees. Can they discover who is willing to kill to keep their secret before Beth is arrested and framed for the murder?
This is an enjoyable start to a new cozy mystery series that I am looking forward to following into the future. Beth is a complex character with a tragic back story, but as she becomes more intertwined with her employees and the town, she shows her strength in starting anew. The bookshop employees are unique and interesting, and I look forward to seeing their further personal development and interactions with Beth. The mystery plot itself was full of twists and red herrings that kept me guessing between all the suspects. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, but it did tie every mystery plot thread up. The ending also left Beth’s personal life with many new possibilities for the future.
I recommend this engaging Scottish cozy mystery and look forward to more books in this series in the future.
MURDER AT THE WILD HAGGIS BOOKSHOP (The Highland Bookshop Murders Book #1) by Jackie Baldwin is an engaging and entertaining first book in a new cozy murder mystery series set in Oban, Scotland. It features the new owner of The Wild Haggis Bookshop and her three employees as they all work together to solve a murder.
Beth Cunningham is excited to be starting a new chapter of her life. She is the new owner of The Wild Haggis Bookshop in Oban. Her inaugural crime/mystery book club evening has five participants, with one being a local journalist who is excited to tell the group that she has uncovered a secret that will get her back into the national news service. When the group breaks up for the night, Beth is in the back cleaning up and when she walks back out to the main room she discovers the journalist dead in the crime scene tape decorations.
Beth has a secret in her own past which places her in the crosshairs of the local detective, but with the help of her staff, they work to discover the secrets of the other book club attendees. Can they discover who is willing to kill to keep their secret before Beth is arrested and framed for the murder?
This is an enjoyable start to a new cozy mystery series that I am looking forward to following into the future. Beth is a complex character with a tragic back story, but as she becomes more intertwined with her employees and the town, she shows her strength in starting anew. The bookshop employees are unique and interesting, and I look forward to seeing their further personal development and interactions with Beth. The mystery plot itself was full of twists and red herrings that kept me guessing between all the suspects. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed, but it did tie every mystery plot thread up. The ending also left Beth’s personal life with many new possibilities for the future.
I recommend this engaging Scottish cozy mystery and look forward to more books in this series in the future.
September 18, 2025
Really liked this book. The characters are easy to like and I enjoyed getting to know Beth.
Beth's book club participants are all hiding secrets, but is what they're hiding worth killing for?
Beth's book club participants are all hiding secrets, but is what they're hiding worth killing for?
September 5, 2025
Moving to the beautiful Scottish town of Oban and opening her own bookshop was the culmination of Beth Cunningham's dreams, and she hoped, the beginning of a new life after a horrific past. Eager to make a success of her new business, Beth is looking forward to the first meeting of her book club. Unfortunately, along with the members' varying opinions on the first chosen book, a dead body is also discovered plunging Beth into a situation she thought she had left behind. Detective Logan Hunter is certain he knows the killer’s identity, especially after he discovers their notorious past and makes no secret of his opinion. With her colleagues at the Wild Haggis Bookshop, Beth is determined to discover the real killer, but secrets abound in her new home town, so all she has to do is work out which one was worth killing for!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. There is a lot going on in the first book of Jackie Baldwin's new series, but the main protagonists work well together, and there was always something going on to take note of. I will be on the lookout for book two as this seems to be an interesting new place to visit.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. There is a lot going on in the first book of Jackie Baldwin's new series, but the main protagonists work well together, and there was always something going on to take note of. I will be on the lookout for book two as this seems to be an interesting new place to visit.
September 22, 2025
What a wonderful discovery! Many thanks to #Netgally for an opportunity to discover this author and this series. This book is the first in a new series, we meet Beth, her charming bookshop in a cozy seaside town, her quirky employees and her rescue kitty, everything is lovely until it all implodes. Beth has started a mystery book club, another initiative to update and freshen up the bookshop she has acquired. Unfortunately, after the first meeting, she returns to the front of the shop after straightening up and doing dishes to find the dead body of one of the inaugural members. Between the proximity and a secret from Beth's past, she becomes the main suspect. Is Beth going to lose everything she has worked so hard to build? Will her past come back to haunt her? Is there anyone she can depend on, or is she on her own. This is definitely a cozy mystery. It does have a bit of a sad undertone, but boy, does it deliver an amazing story. There is a lot of low-key action in this book, developing relationships and secrets, so many secrets, but an absolutely satisfying conclusion. I can't wait to come back to the Haggis Bookshop for another visit! Thanks to #Netgally, #StormPublishing, and the author for an opportunity to discover this book! #MurderattheWildHaggisBookshop #TheHighlandBookshopMurders #JackieBaldwin #bookreviews #bookideas #retiredreader
October 24, 2025
Good start to a new series. I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the residents of Oban. Beth was an interesting character with an even more interesting past, making her a little more compelling than the usual squeaky-clean main characters of other series. The mystery was multi-faceted and well-developed but overall, the story itself was just so-so; it may have been my mood or the seemingly rushed ending. I will continue with the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
-- Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop --
This was my first time reading a novel by Jackie Baldwin. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This cosy who-done-it mystery is set in sleepy Oban, Scotland and follows a murder in the Wild Haggis Bookshop. There are many characters involved who all have a deep history with one another, whereas newcomer/book store owner Beth knows little of her new town where secrets run deep.
I thought Baldwin wrote about Oban beautifully, and almost made it a character itself. I wanted to go visit after putting down the book.
I did find quite a lot of the character communication with each other disjointed, which was a bit jarring. The ending came around very quickly and it could have most definitely been expanded on, instead of slightly rushed into being one big happy family.
Overall, this was an easy weekend read in front of the fire and had me daydreaming about traveling to Scotland.
This was my first time reading a novel by Jackie Baldwin. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This cosy who-done-it mystery is set in sleepy Oban, Scotland and follows a murder in the Wild Haggis Bookshop. There are many characters involved who all have a deep history with one another, whereas newcomer/book store owner Beth knows little of her new town where secrets run deep.
I thought Baldwin wrote about Oban beautifully, and almost made it a character itself. I wanted to go visit after putting down the book.
I did find quite a lot of the character communication with each other disjointed, which was a bit jarring. The ending came around very quickly and it could have most definitely been expanded on, instead of slightly rushed into being one big happy family.
Overall, this was an easy weekend read in front of the fire and had me daydreaming about traveling to Scotland.
November 18, 2025
I 100% chose this book based on the audiobook narrator and I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the story as well! A cozy Scottish village and a bookshop and oh shucks, A MURDER! I can’t wait to read more by this author, or even better, listen to the same narrator read it.
Source: Libro.fm credit
Source: Libro.fm credit
December 1, 2025
Thank you Storm Publishing for allowing me to read and review Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop, a totally unputdownable Scottish cozy mystery novel, by Jackie Baldwin on NetGalley.
Published: 10/08/25
Stars: 4.5
I'm in and ready for book number two. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked the characters, the writing, and the Scottish setting.
This is a mature cozy.
I wholeheartedly recommend and would gift in a basket.
Published: 10/08/25
Stars: 4.5
I'm in and ready for book number two. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I liked the characters, the writing, and the Scottish setting.
This is a mature cozy.
I wholeheartedly recommend and would gift in a basket.
September 10, 2025
Bookclub. Booklovers. Bookshop. Murder. Scotland. Island. Isn't it a safe way to create a great cozy detective? It sure is!
Beth is an outsider. She moved from Glasgow to a small town, Oban, where she bought a small bookshop shortly after her mom had passed away after long years battling with MS. Beth is young, she is only 34, but her life was hard, which made her grow much faster than others.
She is starting to like it there. Her dreams come true, as she had always dreamed about her own bookshop - fellow booklovers, you get her, don't you?
She has a great team there. She loves what she does and is starting to enjoy her life.
Beth decides to open a book club based on the Wild Haggis Bookshop. As hard as it starts, the first meeting ends with drama. One of the members was found dead just 30 minutes after the discussion was closed. Moreover, they were found dead in the same bookshop. Beth is horrified. Her business will go in the shatters, but so will her life. She has a dark secret of her own and doesn't want it to be revealed. But what if it will be?
Beth is the obvious suspect, the main one. The only one? She doesn't think so and starts her own investigation with the help of her new friends. Could she trust them? She'll risk it.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It is solid 4.5/5. It is cozy, mysterious, and suspenseful. It is a great example of a "classic" detective, without unnecessary dramatic or thrilling details. Pure detective, investigation, and great atmosphere of a small Scottish city.
Yet, I have removed a few points due to the need to edit the book more; some very obvious plot twists, and some plot holes. Still, nothing crucial, and I would definitely recommend the book. I will read the next books in the series.
Beth is an outsider. She moved from Glasgow to a small town, Oban, where she bought a small bookshop shortly after her mom had passed away after long years battling with MS. Beth is young, she is only 34, but her life was hard, which made her grow much faster than others.
She is starting to like it there. Her dreams come true, as she had always dreamed about her own bookshop - fellow booklovers, you get her, don't you?
She has a great team there. She loves what she does and is starting to enjoy her life.
Beth decides to open a book club based on the Wild Haggis Bookshop. As hard as it starts, the first meeting ends with drama. One of the members was found dead just 30 minutes after the discussion was closed. Moreover, they were found dead in the same bookshop. Beth is horrified. Her business will go in the shatters, but so will her life. She has a dark secret of her own and doesn't want it to be revealed. But what if it will be?
Beth is the obvious suspect, the main one. The only one? She doesn't think so and starts her own investigation with the help of her new friends. Could she trust them? She'll risk it.
I enjoyed the book a lot. It is solid 4.5/5. It is cozy, mysterious, and suspenseful. It is a great example of a "classic" detective, without unnecessary dramatic or thrilling details. Pure detective, investigation, and great atmosphere of a small Scottish city.
Yet, I have removed a few points due to the need to edit the book more; some very obvious plot twists, and some plot holes. Still, nothing crucial, and I would definitely recommend the book. I will read the next books in the series.
September 14, 2025
Title: Murder At The Wild Haggis Bookshop
Author: Jackie Baldwin
Synopsis: Beth Cunningham thought she'd closed the book on her troubled past when she opened The Wild Haggis Bookshop in the charming Scottish town of Oban. But when her inaugural book club evening ends in real murder – the body dramatically posed amongst the party decorations – her fresh start ends in a twist she definitely didn’t see coming.
With local police detective Logan Hunter eyeing her as his prime suspect, Beth must fight to clear her name. Still, she can't help but notice his warm brown eyes and dedication to justice… even as he builds a case against her.
Determined to find the truth, Beth is shocked to discover a web of lies among her book club attendees, each one hiding secrets worthy of a bestseller. With time running out before she lands in jail, can Beth uncover the secret worth killing for?
Review: I loved how intricate these characters were they had a story behind them. Not just to be in the background there was more to them to as people! It was refreshing to read about! The mystery was so good and I was very much invested! I liked Beth as a main character she was sweet and I sympathized for her so much! She has not had an easy life! I look forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
Author: Jackie Baldwin
Synopsis: Beth Cunningham thought she'd closed the book on her troubled past when she opened The Wild Haggis Bookshop in the charming Scottish town of Oban. But when her inaugural book club evening ends in real murder – the body dramatically posed amongst the party decorations – her fresh start ends in a twist she definitely didn’t see coming.
With local police detective Logan Hunter eyeing her as his prime suspect, Beth must fight to clear her name. Still, she can't help but notice his warm brown eyes and dedication to justice… even as he builds a case against her.
Determined to find the truth, Beth is shocked to discover a web of lies among her book club attendees, each one hiding secrets worthy of a bestseller. With time running out before she lands in jail, can Beth uncover the secret worth killing for?
Review: I loved how intricate these characters were they had a story behind them. Not just to be in the background there was more to them to as people! It was refreshing to read about! The mystery was so good and I was very much invested! I liked Beth as a main character she was sweet and I sympathized for her so much! She has not had an easy life! I look forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance!
October 5, 2025
The Wild Haggis Bookshop is a delightful cosy mystery that effortlessly blends charm, suspense, and a touch of romance. Set in the enchanting Scottish town of Oban, the story immediately draws you in with Beth Cunningham’s quirky bookshop and the intriguing book club that becomes the center of a real-life murder.
The premise is both fun and engaging, and the characters are vividly drawn—each with peculiarities and secrets that make them feel real and relatable. Beth is a strong and appealing protagonist, and her interactions with Detective Logan Hunter add a flirtatious tension that complements the mystery without overshadowing it.
The plot keeps the pages turning, with clever twists and well-timed suspense. The murder investigation unfolds at a satisfying pace, balancing cosy charm with genuine stakes. The Scottish setting adds warmth and atmosphere, making Oban almost a character in itself.
While extremely enjoyable, a few plot points feel a little predictable, and some of the side characters could have been fleshed out more. Nonetheless, it’s a highly readable and entertaining mystery that hits all the right notes for cosy mystery lovers.
Overall, The Wild Haggis Bookshop is a charming, engaging, and well-paced read—perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries with a Highland twist.
The premise is both fun and engaging, and the characters are vividly drawn—each with peculiarities and secrets that make them feel real and relatable. Beth is a strong and appealing protagonist, and her interactions with Detective Logan Hunter add a flirtatious tension that complements the mystery without overshadowing it.
The plot keeps the pages turning, with clever twists and well-timed suspense. The murder investigation unfolds at a satisfying pace, balancing cosy charm with genuine stakes. The Scottish setting adds warmth and atmosphere, making Oban almost a character in itself.
While extremely enjoyable, a few plot points feel a little predictable, and some of the side characters could have been fleshed out more. Nonetheless, it’s a highly readable and entertaining mystery that hits all the right notes for cosy mystery lovers.
Overall, The Wild Haggis Bookshop is a charming, engaging, and well-paced read—perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries with a Highland twist.
November 5, 2025
Beth is trying to have a fresh start, she has opened a bookshop and is full of ideas to expand the business, including holding a crime fiction book club. However, things quickly take a dark turn when one of the book club members are murdered.
I really loved all the staff at the bookshop and how they all came together to help find the killer and prove Beth was innocent. The author really brought them all to life and I'd love to see more from them.
I liked the twists and turns and all the secrets that the book club wanted to hide and things that were revealed from Beth's own troubled past. I definitely didn't guess who it was although everyone was a suspect! I enjoyed the setting of the bookshop and the town of Oban which felt like a lovely place to live despite the twists and turns!
This was my first book by this author but I will definitely check out more of her work. Fans of cosy crime would find a lot to like with this one.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
I really loved all the staff at the bookshop and how they all came together to help find the killer and prove Beth was innocent. The author really brought them all to life and I'd love to see more from them.
I liked the twists and turns and all the secrets that the book club wanted to hide and things that were revealed from Beth's own troubled past. I definitely didn't guess who it was although everyone was a suspect! I enjoyed the setting of the bookshop and the town of Oban which felt like a lovely place to live despite the twists and turns!
This was my first book by this author but I will definitely check out more of her work. Fans of cosy crime would find a lot to like with this one.
Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
October 3, 2025
I haven’t read any books by this author so didn’t know what to expect. I found the book following quite a well trodden path of cosy murder mysteries, woman moves to new town and takes over a bookshop. This one is set on Oban and the young woman, Beth Cunningham, is determined to change the way the bookshop operates, so a book club evening is organised. At the end of the first one where sparks flew for a bit, everyone leaves, but whilst tidying up there is a body positioned within the crime scene tape she had set out for effect. The body is one of the book club attendees.
Beth doesn’t just call the police but also her lawyer who arrives first. Of course she and the policeman rub each other up straight away, and of course Beth is going to investigate.
Apart from following the usual path, it was one of the better ones and the outcome was not obvious.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Beth doesn’t just call the police but also her lawyer who arrives first. Of course she and the policeman rub each other up straight away, and of course Beth is going to investigate.
Apart from following the usual path, it was one of the better ones and the outcome was not obvious.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
October 13, 2025
if you love cozy crime mysteries, you dont want to miss this read. I instantly wanted to be friends with the FMC, Beth. Not only is she new to the town, but she also recently took over the bookshop. She is so excited to host her first bookclub, and then disaster strikes. Beth and her employees are rushing to clear Beth's name before she gets charged with murder, and a killer roams free. The way her coworkers became her friends, and rallied around her; i loved it! The charcaters were obviously likeable/made me want to move to their town, pace was perfect, and the writing flowed easily/was a quick read. This is book 1 in this cozy series, and I cant wait to see where the remainder of the story goes.
September 5, 2025
Murder at The Wild Haggis Bookshop is a fantastic start to a delightful charming new series.
Bring on Book 2!!!
Beth owns and operates the Wild Haggis Bookshop and one fateful night after book club one of the members is found dead in her shop.
The police suspect Beth but her entire staff stands behind her and take upon themselves to investigate.
The characters are perfectly written and well defined. Most you love and some you snarl at.
The town is full of secrets and secrets have a way of imploding.
Jackie Baldwin charms the reader into the book with twists , red herrings and so much more.
I would love to belong to this Book Club.
I eagerly await the next adventure at The Wild Haggis Bookshop.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this delightful read and introducing me to the books of Jackie Baldwin.
Bring on Book 2!!!
Beth owns and operates the Wild Haggis Bookshop and one fateful night after book club one of the members is found dead in her shop.
The police suspect Beth but her entire staff stands behind her and take upon themselves to investigate.
The characters are perfectly written and well defined. Most you love and some you snarl at.
The town is full of secrets and secrets have a way of imploding.
Jackie Baldwin charms the reader into the book with twists , red herrings and so much more.
I would love to belong to this Book Club.
I eagerly await the next adventure at The Wild Haggis Bookshop.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this delightful read and introducing me to the books of Jackie Baldwin.
November 7, 2025
Beth Cunningham recently moved to the town of Oban in Scotland and opened a bookshop, where she started a book club so that she could get to know the people in her town. Unfortunately, a journalist is murdered after announcing at the first meeting that she was going to reveal a secret that would scandalize someone. Between the book club members and her staff, Beth has a number of possible suspects. Along the way, we also learn a few secrets about Beth herself. This was a great start to a new series and I really liked Beth and her staff.
January 20, 2026
I enjoyed this book more than I expected it to be. The book was well written and the characters are realistic and not perfect. I also appreciated the twist at the end, however not how it came about.
Beth finally found the murderer out of the blue, without showing us any investigation or clues. There was also a clue to a different part which was mentioned but never followed up.
I am hoping Book 2 takes this into consideration.
Beth finally found the murderer out of the blue, without showing us any investigation or clues. There was also a clue to a different part which was mentioned but never followed up.
I am hoping Book 2 takes this into consideration.
September 25, 2025
This story gives cozy vibes with mystery twists set in the Scottish Highlands. It follows Beth Cunningham as she starts her new life as a bookshop owner, when a murdered customer ends up on the floor of her shop; she becomes suspect #1. Beth and her staff get to work solving the murder to clear her name.
This is a readable book. It is well written for the most part and has a good story line. However, it's not getting a higher rating from me because the pacing feels way off. More than once, going from one chapter to the next felt like whiplash. Things just happen very suddenly and feel out of the blue. The characters don't have a ton of depth. I wanted to care about Beth, but I feel like I'm lacking more details needed to bring her to life. Some of the interaction between other side characters feels forced and happens very quickly.
The ending happens, but almost completely ignores a true conclusion. The mystery is solved (which gives big Scooby-Doo vibes) but forgets to show us the bad guy getting caught by law enforcement. There were a few parts of the plot that didn't make sense or add up for me. A more thorough or drawn out ending would have gone a long way for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC.
This is a readable book. It is well written for the most part and has a good story line. However, it's not getting a higher rating from me because the pacing feels way off. More than once, going from one chapter to the next felt like whiplash. Things just happen very suddenly and feel out of the blue. The characters don't have a ton of depth. I wanted to care about Beth, but I feel like I'm lacking more details needed to bring her to life. Some of the interaction between other side characters feels forced and happens very quickly.
The ending happens, but almost completely ignores a true conclusion. The mystery is solved (which gives big Scooby-Doo vibes) but forgets to show us the bad guy getting caught by law enforcement. There were a few parts of the plot that didn't make sense or add up for me. A more thorough or drawn out ending would have gone a long way for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an ARC.
September 2, 2025
A Charming Mystery Full of Fun and Twists.
I Really enjoyed this book! From the very first chapter it pulled me in with its quirky setting and engaging characters. The mix of mystery, humor, and local color made it a refreshing read that kept me turning the pages. The plot was clever and had just enough twists to keep me guessing without being overcomplicated. A light but satisfying mystery that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit with personality and charm. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I Really enjoyed this book! From the very first chapter it pulled me in with its quirky setting and engaging characters. The mix of mystery, humor, and local color made it a refreshing read that kept me turning the pages. The plot was clever and had just enough twists to keep me guessing without being overcomplicated. A light but satisfying mystery that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit with personality and charm. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2025
We are back with one of my fave cosy crime writers Jackie Baldwin in the highlands of Scotland this time.
Beth when opening the doors to her new life & shop The Wild Haggis Bookshop thought her past was closed. Then a dead body turns up in her shop on the evening of first event. Local police detective Logan is building up a case against her using her past Beth is determined to find the truth and killer amongst her book club attendees before she ends up in jail.
I loved Beth as a character- with her past experiences it makes total sense as to why she decides to turn sleuth. Wish the same could be said about her bookshop team- all wonderful characters in their own right- but with cosy crime it’s best to ignore the logic as to why ppl turn amateur sleuth.
Going onto our antagonist detective- I felt their laser focus on Beth so early on made very little sense with no evidence.
Not one of Jackie’s strongest logically but it’s the characters and the flow of the plot that always keeps me engaged- and boy did it!
Be interesting to see if she turns this into a series- but I do hope to travel back to Oban and the Haggis bookshop team!
Beth when opening the doors to her new life & shop The Wild Haggis Bookshop thought her past was closed. Then a dead body turns up in her shop on the evening of first event. Local police detective Logan is building up a case against her using her past Beth is determined to find the truth and killer amongst her book club attendees before she ends up in jail.
I loved Beth as a character- with her past experiences it makes total sense as to why she decides to turn sleuth. Wish the same could be said about her bookshop team- all wonderful characters in their own right- but with cosy crime it’s best to ignore the logic as to why ppl turn amateur sleuth.
Going onto our antagonist detective- I felt their laser focus on Beth so early on made very little sense with no evidence.
Not one of Jackie’s strongest logically but it’s the characters and the flow of the plot that always keeps me engaged- and boy did it!
Be interesting to see if she turns this into a series- but I do hope to travel back to Oban and the Haggis bookshop team!
October 12, 2025
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop by Jackie Baldwin
Published by Storm Publishing – Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Some books are like a warm blanket and a strong cup of tea. This one? It’s a warm blanket, a strong cup of tea, and a dead body in the reading nook.
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the first in Jackie Baldwin’s new Highland Bookshop Murders series, and let me tell you—if book one is any indication, we’re in for a deliciously nosy, murder-prone, small-town Scottish treat. The story kicks off with Beth Cunningham, a woman with a past and a cat named Toby, who flees her complicated history in Glasgow to open a charming little bookshop in Oban. She hopes for peace, maybe some healing, and perhaps, one day, to host a harmless little book club that doesn’t end with one of the guests lying dead among the party snacks. Alas.
The victim? Darcie Baxter, a local journalist known more for snooping than subtlety. She dies dramatically (as all cozy murder victims should), right in the middle of the shop, leaving behind a handful of shocked book club members—each more suspicious than the last—and Beth, standing awkwardly next to the corpse with just enough personal baggage to land her on the suspect list. Enter Detective Logan Hunter: intense, brooding, possibly allergic to smiling, and convinced Beth is hiding something. He’s not wrong. But if he could tone down the piercing gazes for like five seconds, that’d be great.
Beth, of course, has no choice but to investigate—because if there’s one thing cozier than running a bookshop, it’s trying to solve a murder while dodging police suspicion and your own unresolved trauma. With help from her staff (each with their own quirks and possibly criminal tendencies), Beth begins unraveling a tangled web of secrets. And when I say secrets, I mean the kind you’d normally find in a crime novel labeled “dark pasts, small-town sins, and people who really should be in therapy.”
Baldwin strikes a perfect balance between cozy charm and genuine suspense. There’s a warmth to her prose that makes you want to settle in for a long night of reading—but don’t get too comfortable, because every chapter brings another revelation. The pacing is snappy, with just enough room to breathe, and the dialogue sparkles with that dry, slightly sarcastic British wit that makes even the most tense moments a little bit fun.
Beth herself is a relatable protagonist—smart, sarcastic, perpetually overwhelmed, and just trying to keep her head above water. She’s not an amateur sleuth because she wants to be. She’s an amateur sleuth because the universe handed her a corpse and a bunch of suspects with motive written all over their faces. The cast around her is equally compelling: we’ve got shop staff who are weirdly good at surveillance, a neighbor who definitely knows too much, and book club members who should probably be on watchlists.
What makes this book stand out isn’t just the mystery (which is solid, twisty, and satisfying), but the way Baldwin builds atmosphere. Oban is lovingly rendered, full of salty sea air, secondhand shops, and locals who know exactly what you did last summer. The Wild Haggis Bookshop itself is the kind of place readers dream about—if you can ignore the body count. The autumn setting adds just the right touch of coziness: misty mornings, warm cider, leaves crunching underfoot… and someone being quietly blackmailed on the side.
And yes, there’s a slow-burn romance simmering beneath all the mayhem, because apparently nothing gets sparks flying like mutual suspicion and near-death experiences. Beth and Logan’s dynamic is fun to watch—equal parts attraction, frustration, and “if you arrest me, I swear I’ll sue.” It’s not overplayed, which makes it more effective. Just a few lingering glances and enough tension to make you hope he stops interrogating her long enough to buy her a drink.
If you’re the type of reader who wants blood, gore, and twisted psychological horror—keep walking. But if you want your murder served with a side of scones, bookstore banter, and a protagonist who’s doing her best not to lose it entirely, this book is for you.
Quote? “In fiction, murder made for thrilling conversation. In real life, it made for ruined carpets and police interviews.”
Jackie Baldwin knows her genre well. Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop doesn’t reinvent the cozy mystery wheel—and it doesn’t need to. It delivers exactly what it promises: clever plotting, lovable oddballs, a bit of romance, and just enough grit to keep things grounded. It’s smart, funny, atmospheric, and impossible not to enjoy.
And let’s be honest: if you wouldn’t join a book club called The Armchair Detectives after reading this, we can’t be friends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
#MurderattheWildHaggisBookshop #JackieBaldwin #HighlandBookshopMurders #CozyMysterySeries #ScottishMystery #ObanBookshopMystery #BookishMurders #BookClubGoneWrong #NetGalley #StormPublishing #BooksAboutBooks #WhodunnitWithHumor #SleuthingWithSnark #AutumnReads #CozyCrimeFiction #MurderMysteryBookReview
Published by Storm Publishing – Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Some books are like a warm blanket and a strong cup of tea. This one? It’s a warm blanket, a strong cup of tea, and a dead body in the reading nook.
Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop is the first in Jackie Baldwin’s new Highland Bookshop Murders series, and let me tell you—if book one is any indication, we’re in for a deliciously nosy, murder-prone, small-town Scottish treat. The story kicks off with Beth Cunningham, a woman with a past and a cat named Toby, who flees her complicated history in Glasgow to open a charming little bookshop in Oban. She hopes for peace, maybe some healing, and perhaps, one day, to host a harmless little book club that doesn’t end with one of the guests lying dead among the party snacks. Alas.
The victim? Darcie Baxter, a local journalist known more for snooping than subtlety. She dies dramatically (as all cozy murder victims should), right in the middle of the shop, leaving behind a handful of shocked book club members—each more suspicious than the last—and Beth, standing awkwardly next to the corpse with just enough personal baggage to land her on the suspect list. Enter Detective Logan Hunter: intense, brooding, possibly allergic to smiling, and convinced Beth is hiding something. He’s not wrong. But if he could tone down the piercing gazes for like five seconds, that’d be great.
Beth, of course, has no choice but to investigate—because if there’s one thing cozier than running a bookshop, it’s trying to solve a murder while dodging police suspicion and your own unresolved trauma. With help from her staff (each with their own quirks and possibly criminal tendencies), Beth begins unraveling a tangled web of secrets. And when I say secrets, I mean the kind you’d normally find in a crime novel labeled “dark pasts, small-town sins, and people who really should be in therapy.”
Baldwin strikes a perfect balance between cozy charm and genuine suspense. There’s a warmth to her prose that makes you want to settle in for a long night of reading—but don’t get too comfortable, because every chapter brings another revelation. The pacing is snappy, with just enough room to breathe, and the dialogue sparkles with that dry, slightly sarcastic British wit that makes even the most tense moments a little bit fun.
Beth herself is a relatable protagonist—smart, sarcastic, perpetually overwhelmed, and just trying to keep her head above water. She’s not an amateur sleuth because she wants to be. She’s an amateur sleuth because the universe handed her a corpse and a bunch of suspects with motive written all over their faces. The cast around her is equally compelling: we’ve got shop staff who are weirdly good at surveillance, a neighbor who definitely knows too much, and book club members who should probably be on watchlists.
What makes this book stand out isn’t just the mystery (which is solid, twisty, and satisfying), but the way Baldwin builds atmosphere. Oban is lovingly rendered, full of salty sea air, secondhand shops, and locals who know exactly what you did last summer. The Wild Haggis Bookshop itself is the kind of place readers dream about—if you can ignore the body count. The autumn setting adds just the right touch of coziness: misty mornings, warm cider, leaves crunching underfoot… and someone being quietly blackmailed on the side.
And yes, there’s a slow-burn romance simmering beneath all the mayhem, because apparently nothing gets sparks flying like mutual suspicion and near-death experiences. Beth and Logan’s dynamic is fun to watch—equal parts attraction, frustration, and “if you arrest me, I swear I’ll sue.” It’s not overplayed, which makes it more effective. Just a few lingering glances and enough tension to make you hope he stops interrogating her long enough to buy her a drink.
If you’re the type of reader who wants blood, gore, and twisted psychological horror—keep walking. But if you want your murder served with a side of scones, bookstore banter, and a protagonist who’s doing her best not to lose it entirely, this book is for you.
Quote? “In fiction, murder made for thrilling conversation. In real life, it made for ruined carpets and police interviews.”
Jackie Baldwin knows her genre well. Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop doesn’t reinvent the cozy mystery wheel—and it doesn’t need to. It delivers exactly what it promises: clever plotting, lovable oddballs, a bit of romance, and just enough grit to keep things grounded. It’s smart, funny, atmospheric, and impossible not to enjoy.
And let’s be honest: if you wouldn’t join a book club called The Armchair Detectives after reading this, we can’t be friends.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
#MurderattheWildHaggisBookshop #JackieBaldwin #HighlandBookshopMurders #CozyMysterySeries #ScottishMystery #ObanBookshopMystery #BookishMurders #BookClubGoneWrong #NetGalley #StormPublishing #BooksAboutBooks #WhodunnitWithHumor #SleuthingWithSnark #AutumnReads #CozyCrimeFiction #MurderMysteryBookReview
October 12, 2025
"Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop (The Highland Bookshop Murders #1)" by Jackie Baldwin is an ARC cozy mystery I received from Netgalley. I don't typically preface my reviews with that information but wanted to this time because I feel that it wasn't the final version of the book that I received. That being said, despite some issues I found with the book I did enjoy the story.
Beth Cunningham has recently purchased a bookshop in a small Scottish village. She's relocating after the passing of her mother. Plus there's been some seriously bad stuff that happened to her growing up that she would like to put behind her. Unfortunately, at the first crime and mystery book club meeting there's a death. Due to Beth's own past, she's the primary suspect.
Now this book has the occasional jump in character perspective. Each of Beth's employees gets a turn at their perspective. Now this is the bit I found irrelevant to the story as those parts really didn't add to the story overall. Yes, there was one part for one of the characters that got some information but that could have been left out since it was repeated right away in a full group setting. They just pulled you out of the story rather than adding to it. Chloe's final solo bit was totally unnecessary and could have been left out entirely or her solo bit left out with just the repeated group bit being enough.
I also didn't like the initial descriptors for a couple of the characters. Why is it such a big thing about Beth not understanding social media. The way it's written and then how she refers to people only five or so years younger than her age of 34 as "young ones" makes her sound much older. I'm 37 and most social media mentioned in this book was being widely used while I was in college and was aimed at college kids. If anything her inability to use it would be due to having stopped using it for a few years and now it's changed. Or because of her deep dark secret rather than she "doesn't understand it." That's something my 80 year old grandmother says and she still tries to use social media. Plus, then another character right away says they don't use social media. This sounds more like an author issue than a character choice.
Getting past the initial character issues and occasionally odd perspective changes, it was a good story. A bit of an enemy to lovers trope wiggling in there. Also a found family situation starting too. This could be an interesting series.
Beth Cunningham has recently purchased a bookshop in a small Scottish village. She's relocating after the passing of her mother. Plus there's been some seriously bad stuff that happened to her growing up that she would like to put behind her. Unfortunately, at the first crime and mystery book club meeting there's a death. Due to Beth's own past, she's the primary suspect.
Now this book has the occasional jump in character perspective. Each of Beth's employees gets a turn at their perspective. Now this is the bit I found irrelevant to the story as those parts really didn't add to the story overall. Yes, there was one part for one of the characters that got some information but that could have been left out since it was repeated right away in a full group setting. They just pulled you out of the story rather than adding to it. Chloe's final solo bit was totally unnecessary and could have been left out entirely or her solo bit left out with just the repeated group bit being enough.
I also didn't like the initial descriptors for a couple of the characters. Why is it such a big thing about Beth not understanding social media. The way it's written and then how she refers to people only five or so years younger than her age of 34 as "young ones" makes her sound much older. I'm 37 and most social media mentioned in this book was being widely used while I was in college and was aimed at college kids. If anything her inability to use it would be due to having stopped using it for a few years and now it's changed. Or because of her deep dark secret rather than she "doesn't understand it." That's something my 80 year old grandmother says and she still tries to use social media. Plus, then another character right away says they don't use social media. This sounds more like an author issue than a character choice.
Getting past the initial character issues and occasionally odd perspective changes, it was a good story. A bit of an enemy to lovers trope wiggling in there. Also a found family situation starting too. This could be an interesting series.
September 12, 2025
As a lover of Scotland and the Highlands, but having never visited Oban I was so excited to get the chance to read this book. As soon as I saw ‘Wild Haggis…’ I was hooked. I knew it would almost certainly be right up my alley.
I found Beth charming as a main character and was very fond of her black cat Toby. I too have had dreams of opening a bookstore in the Scottish Highlands so it felt like entering a dream. Unfortunately this turned into more of a nightmare when someone is murdered!
I found the main characters interesting, particularly the bookstore crew, and was delighted to learn more about them. I did feel like there was a missed opportunity to add additional depth to them however. We see what they’re doing but their reactions didn’t hold quite enough emotion for me. I would have loved for the author to dig a bit deeper here and perhaps apply more of the showing instead of telling style to them.
This constructive feedback applies also to the suspects who I while interesting didn’t feel deep enough.
The plot was overall interesting with an extremely charming setting, and delightful terminology you would expect to find in a Scottish story. I had to look up some words and was totally enthralled. Excellent use of language to plunge the reader deeper into the story. I even spooked myself at some points and had to take breaks by only reading in the mornings.
While I enjoyed the ending, it felt too sudden for my tastes. Too much started happening without enough suspense and some of it somewhat out of nowhere which felt jarring when I had so been enjoying the book. The epilogue also felt puzzling as some of the events required the reader to imagine what might have happened after the end without much plot line evidence.
Overall I did really enjoy this, but it had a gigantic step up as I’m inclined to love anything that takes place and is about Scotland and the Scottish people. What a phenomenal place.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found Beth charming as a main character and was very fond of her black cat Toby. I too have had dreams of opening a bookstore in the Scottish Highlands so it felt like entering a dream. Unfortunately this turned into more of a nightmare when someone is murdered!
I found the main characters interesting, particularly the bookstore crew, and was delighted to learn more about them. I did feel like there was a missed opportunity to add additional depth to them however. We see what they’re doing but their reactions didn’t hold quite enough emotion for me. I would have loved for the author to dig a bit deeper here and perhaps apply more of the showing instead of telling style to them.
This constructive feedback applies also to the suspects who I while interesting didn’t feel deep enough.
The plot was overall interesting with an extremely charming setting, and delightful terminology you would expect to find in a Scottish story. I had to look up some words and was totally enthralled. Excellent use of language to plunge the reader deeper into the story. I even spooked myself at some points and had to take breaks by only reading in the mornings.
While I enjoyed the ending, it felt too sudden for my tastes. Too much started happening without enough suspense and some of it somewhat out of nowhere which felt jarring when I had so been enjoying the book. The epilogue also felt puzzling as some of the events required the reader to imagine what might have happened after the end without much plot line evidence.
Overall I did really enjoy this, but it had a gigantic step up as I’m inclined to love anything that takes place and is about Scotland and the Scottish people. What a phenomenal place.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
I have read all of Jackie Baldwins' novels from the very first one 'Dead Man's Prayer', the first in the D. I. Frank Farrell series. I've enjoyed them all and 'Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop' the first in The Highland Bookshop Murders was no exception.
Beth Cunningham owns the Wild Haggis Bookshop in the town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. She has a past that she wishes to forget and hopes to start afresh and with the first of a series of Book Club evenings about to commence, she is hoping it will go well. The people who attend have varying opinions on the chosen book and there appears to be past history between some of them. At the end of the evening, Beth is on her own tidying up, when she comes across the body of one of the Book Club participants.
The police are called and the Detective Sergeant leading the investigation, DS Logan Hunter, is certain than Beth is the killer, once he discovers that she was convicted of murder as a young girl. Beth knows that she is innocent and that the murder she was convicted of was a total miscarriage of justice but knows that if she is not to be convicted of murder again, she will have to find out herself who the real killer was.
Her small staff team, two young women Chloe and Morna and an older man Lachlan, rally to Beth’s aid and decide to help her prove her innocence. As they start to investigate it quickly becomes apparent that all of the Book Club participants have secrets they are hiding but is the secret they have dark enough to warrant the murder of the victim, an investigative journalist who was about to reveal a secret that she’d discovered, that would have propelled her into the big time again.
I’m not going to reveal any more of the plot but will say that Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop was a great read and a book I couldn’t put down. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the novel as a five star read.
Beth Cunningham owns the Wild Haggis Bookshop in the town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. She has a past that she wishes to forget and hopes to start afresh and with the first of a series of Book Club evenings about to commence, she is hoping it will go well. The people who attend have varying opinions on the chosen book and there appears to be past history between some of them. At the end of the evening, Beth is on her own tidying up, when she comes across the body of one of the Book Club participants.
The police are called and the Detective Sergeant leading the investigation, DS Logan Hunter, is certain than Beth is the killer, once he discovers that she was convicted of murder as a young girl. Beth knows that she is innocent and that the murder she was convicted of was a total miscarriage of justice but knows that if she is not to be convicted of murder again, she will have to find out herself who the real killer was.
Her small staff team, two young women Chloe and Morna and an older man Lachlan, rally to Beth’s aid and decide to help her prove her innocence. As they start to investigate it quickly becomes apparent that all of the Book Club participants have secrets they are hiding but is the secret they have dark enough to warrant the murder of the victim, an investigative journalist who was about to reveal a secret that she’d discovered, that would have propelled her into the big time again.
I’m not going to reveal any more of the plot but will say that Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop was a great read and a book I couldn’t put down. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the novel as a five star read.
October 5, 2025
3.5 stars (can't do that on here, unfortunately)
In the coastal town of Oban, Scotland, Beth Cunningham has built a new life, starting with the bookstore she bought, the Wild Haggis Bookshop. With hopes of meeting more people and helping her business grow, she starts a crime mystery book club. After everyone has left and Beth finishes cleaning up, she discovers one of the book club members murdered in her shop. Immediately, due to her past, the police focus on her as the prime suspect.
I love a good cozy mystery, and this had a lot of the elements: likeable main character, interesting side characters, a community you want to learn more about, and a shocking murder. And I did enjoy this book, but I felt like the end was rushed with little transition, much less explanation or hints of the wrap up. In fact, at one point the book changed perspective to Chloe and I went back to make sure I didn't miss a chapter. It was so abrupt and lacked foundation that I thought I missed something. When the reveal happened, it was with little clarity or explanation as it was done quickly and in a bit of a rush. That's unfortunate.
All of that said, I loved the red herrings. In fact, I was convinced I knew "whodunit" early in, only discover I was wrong. I will say there was an overabundance of red herrings, but I don't think they hurt the story. The final reveal was very clever and a surprise. I also loved the characters! Beth and her cohorts at the bookshop were delightful to get to know.
I do plan to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Thank you to Jackie Baldwin, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the digital ARC I was provided to read this book in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
In the coastal town of Oban, Scotland, Beth Cunningham has built a new life, starting with the bookstore she bought, the Wild Haggis Bookshop. With hopes of meeting more people and helping her business grow, she starts a crime mystery book club. After everyone has left and Beth finishes cleaning up, she discovers one of the book club members murdered in her shop. Immediately, due to her past, the police focus on her as the prime suspect.
I love a good cozy mystery, and this had a lot of the elements: likeable main character, interesting side characters, a community you want to learn more about, and a shocking murder. And I did enjoy this book, but I felt like the end was rushed with little transition, much less explanation or hints of the wrap up. In fact, at one point the book changed perspective to Chloe and I went back to make sure I didn't miss a chapter. It was so abrupt and lacked foundation that I thought I missed something. When the reveal happened, it was with little clarity or explanation as it was done quickly and in a bit of a rush. That's unfortunate.
All of that said, I loved the red herrings. In fact, I was convinced I knew "whodunit" early in, only discover I was wrong. I will say there was an overabundance of red herrings, but I don't think they hurt the story. The final reveal was very clever and a surprise. I also loved the characters! Beth and her cohorts at the bookshop were delightful to get to know.
I do plan to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Thank you to Jackie Baldwin, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the digital ARC I was provided to read this book in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
October 19, 2025
This was a super fun new cozy start. I loved all the characters and the warm welcoming bookshop. I thought Beth, the protagonist, was likeable and I admired her ability to rise from the ashes and start her new life. She and her shop group are exactly what I look for in a mystery: Someone I'd like to be friends with and when you come into the book with them it feels like your part of the gang.
Beth has moved to the small town of Oban, Scotland (apologies if this is not how things are reflected in the UK) to start a new life after her mother's passing. She now owns the adorably named Wild Haggis Bookshop and a small cottage to call her own. Beth is excited to revitalize the existing store into the modern era and encourages her employees to bring new ideas to the table. Beth decides to host a book group called the Armchair Detectives. Her first meeting appears to be a grand success, until someone winds up dead and she is the prime suspect.
Armed with a secret dark past, Beth is determined not to be railroaded by the police and instead she and her staff band together to find the real killer and keep Beth out of jail.
I am not up to snuff on police procedurals in Scotland as I am more familiar with US law, but some of the things seemed a tad far-fetched (I won't spoil anything). A lot of what "evidence" the police had wouldn't have held up well in a US court, flawed as they are. However, this did not detract from my enjoyment in the story at all and I was very happy to hear there is a second book already being written for this series. I look forward to more cozy table groups with Beth and her staff at the Wild Haggis in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.
Beth has moved to the small town of Oban, Scotland (apologies if this is not how things are reflected in the UK) to start a new life after her mother's passing. She now owns the adorably named Wild Haggis Bookshop and a small cottage to call her own. Beth is excited to revitalize the existing store into the modern era and encourages her employees to bring new ideas to the table. Beth decides to host a book group called the Armchair Detectives. Her first meeting appears to be a grand success, until someone winds up dead and she is the prime suspect.
Armed with a secret dark past, Beth is determined not to be railroaded by the police and instead she and her staff band together to find the real killer and keep Beth out of jail.
I am not up to snuff on police procedurals in Scotland as I am more familiar with US law, but some of the things seemed a tad far-fetched (I won't spoil anything). A lot of what "evidence" the police had wouldn't have held up well in a US court, flawed as they are. However, this did not detract from my enjoyment in the story at all and I was very happy to hear there is a second book already being written for this series. I look forward to more cozy table groups with Beth and her staff at the Wild Haggis in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC.
October 21, 2025
‘Murder at the Wild Haggis Bookshop’ is a delightful, cosy crime novel that isn't afraid to feature nuanced characters and a plot full of misdirection and red herrings. Jackie is an auto-buy author for me after reading her Grace McKenna series, and I found this series to be just as engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed the start to this new series, and the location of Oban brought back happy memories to boot.
Beth is the new owner of an indie bookshop in Oban (that's my dream!) and is keen to set up a crime fiction book club. At the first event, things seem to have been going well until Beth finds one of the members murdered, and it seems she is the prime suspect. Determined not to let history repeat itself, she begins to investigate with the shop’s staff members.
Beth and her crazy bunch of staff— Lachlan, Chloe, and Morgan— are so enjoyable to read and become friends with. Beth is a strong wee thing that has a troubled background, but it’s also pretty adorable! Although, at 34, she thinks and acts like a complete granny! She does come across as being at least 20 years older than she actually is. Everyone is completely different from one another, and it makes them an effective team with a great skillset!
The plot was instantly engrossing, and it pulls you in, and then you are hooked. I read this in one day and love every minute of it. The mystery was full of red herrings and misdirections, and it wasn't obvious who the bad guy was going to be! To be honest, it could have been anyone— including Beth herself. Everyone of them had secrets! I'm already looking forward to the next in the series.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
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