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Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries #2
Scone Cold Dead
With one solved murder case under her dance belt, Liss has no idea she’s about to spiral into another... Liss still misses the life of a professional dancer with Strathspey, the Scottish dance company she belonged to. So she arranges a reception for the troupe when they’re on tour, complete with a Scottish theme that includes a new spin on the classic Scottish Scone.
Liss soon realizes life in the group isn’t all happy jigs and fancy stepping. Victor Owens, the company manager, has been making life miserable for everyone. But she has no idea how miserable until Victor bites into one of Liss’s prized cocktail scones, collapses and dies. When the police set their sights on Liss and her best friends, it’s up to Liss to find out whodunit before this culinary killer makes an encore.
Liss soon realizes life in the group isn’t all happy jigs and fancy stepping. Victor Owens, the company manager, has been making life miserable for everyone. But she has no idea how miserable until Victor bites into one of Liss’s prized cocktail scones, collapses and dies. When the police set their sights on Liss and her best friends, it’s up to Liss to find out whodunit before this culinary killer makes an encore.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
77 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Kaitlyn Dunnett
20 books353 followersKaitlyn Dunnett is a pseudonym used by Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Mistress Jaffrey Mysteries, the Face Down Mysteries featuring Susanna Appleton, 16th century gentlewoman, herbalist, and sleuth, the Diana Spaulding 1888 Quartet, and the award-winning How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries, plus an assortment of other books.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
As Kaitlyn she writes the Liss MacCrimmon series set in Moosetookalook, Maine and the Deadly Edits series set in rural Sullivan County, New York.
She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and other professional organizations and blogs regularly with Maine Crime Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 25, 2018
I am continuing my "research" to avoid contradicting myself on details about people and places in the book (#13 in the series) I'm writing now. An aside: I shouldn't read one and two (and sometimes three) star reviews of my own books. It's depressing. Some people just don't like my protagonist. Okay. I get that. I don't like all the characters in books I read either. But I wish some of the commenters didn't have to be quite so nasty about it! Liss is what she is. I wrote her that way deliberately. As for the murderer being too obvious, well, yes, there are clues along the way that Liss misses. It's called playing fair with the reader. It's also a tactic I was trying (perhaps unsuccessfully?) to use to make readers think that person was TOO obvious to be the real villain. Personally, it doesn't bother me at what point in a mystery I figure out who dunnit. I'm more interested in following the character's journey of discovery and in seeing how she (or he) pieces the clues together (or fails to). The ending of this one is still one of my favorites--just a little bit goofy (after all, I AM writing in the "humorous cozies with eccentric characters" sub-genre) but logical in its own way.
November 4, 2020
I liked most of the story. What I didn't like is the obvious introduction of a 2nd male to interest Liss ... ugh. I wanted Hannah Swensen (main character in a series by Joanne Fluke) to make up her mind and not keep two decent guys dangling and now this author is determined to do it too. Am beginning to like Liss less because of it.
October 14, 2017
The characters were so annoying in this book, it took me way longer than it should have to finish because I was so annoyed at them I had to walk away. The dancers all seem like incredibly shallow, terrible people; Liss is acting super atrocious the entire time, and Dan doesn't get a chance to do anything but be a jealous, clueless lug. The mystery is decent, but it takes way too long for the actual authorities to unravel what should have been very simple.
September 6, 2008
The second book in the Liss MacCrimmon series wasn't as interesting as the first one. I liked the setting of a Scottish emporium in Maine and the characters were good, but the story just wasn't very interesting to me. It took a long time for me to get into a relatively short book and I figured out the killer pretty easily. I guess I'm just not a huge fan of the mystery cozy style.
August 24, 2021
A little better than the first one. If author Dunnett didn't insist on trying to write a murder mystery and a romance, her books would be much better. She writes fairly good dialog and the sections that focus on the people involved in the mystery. The romance aspects are just annoying. I set myself the task of reading the first three, so I'm off to read the next one.
December 25, 2014
It may not be award-winning literature but Kaitlyn Dunnett's storytelling and writing keep her plots trotting along evenly. Detail is never to excess, nor do we lack insight into characters. It’s best to show feelings rather than physical tedium. I don't really care what anyone's wearing nor how they look, beyond basic sketches but if I know their concerns and their personalities' essence; I am keen to follow them along and root for them.
The first mystery was much more interesting, believable, and personally poignant. It was clear why Amaryllis' elderly benefactress was killed and by whom. This plot only mattered insofar as friends being suspect. The loss of the victim mustered no major sadness but the author created another plausible reason for Amaryllis’ interest. When we discover the explanation; no one would disagree a visitor using scones at a public banquet is very far-fetched. This person could have discreetly killed anytime. However the rest of the novel was nicely done and enjoyed by me, so I give four stars.
Feedback is docked also because Amaryllis' boyfriend was written as a whiny stick-in-the-mud; an obstruction more than an aid. I liked him previously. However even bearing in mind that insecurity is reasonable when you want a relationship to surpass its status; his behaviour towards Amaryllis' Scottish troupe disgusted me. He should be thrilled and eager to meet such a big part of her past. When he had the rare chance to see her dance, the author should have written in pride and high emotions. He certainly shouldn't leap to jealousy over a mere visitor, nor begrudge houseguests who would only be there a week. An observation was made about trusting Amaryllis’ loyalty. I think that grumbling about her dance family, in place of delighting in them, spoke volumes about his.
The first mystery was much more interesting, believable, and personally poignant. It was clear why Amaryllis' elderly benefactress was killed and by whom. This plot only mattered insofar as friends being suspect. The loss of the victim mustered no major sadness but the author created another plausible reason for Amaryllis’ interest. When we discover the explanation; no one would disagree a visitor using scones at a public banquet is very far-fetched. This person could have discreetly killed anytime. However the rest of the novel was nicely done and enjoyed by me, so I give four stars.
Feedback is docked also because Amaryllis' boyfriend was written as a whiny stick-in-the-mud; an obstruction more than an aid. I liked him previously. However even bearing in mind that insecurity is reasonable when you want a relationship to surpass its status; his behaviour towards Amaryllis' Scottish troupe disgusted me. He should be thrilled and eager to meet such a big part of her past. When he had the rare chance to see her dance, the author should have written in pride and high emotions. He certainly shouldn't leap to jealousy over a mere visitor, nor begrudge houseguests who would only be there a week. An observation was made about trusting Amaryllis’ loyalty. I think that grumbling about her dance family, in place of delighting in them, spoke volumes about his.
August 2, 2011
This book gets two rather than one star for the ingenious method of escaping from a kidnapper. This is the second book in a series. I liked the setting (Scottish shop, small town Maine) so I thought I would give it another try. The main character is so selfish and unlikeable that it was hard to read. She was unkind to a small child who looks up to her, encourages a friend who works two jobs and is a single mother to give up time with her son to spend time with her and then can't figure out why the child's grandmother - who babysits the boy while the mother works two jobs - is unhappy about that, bullies another friend who is renovating an old hotel to allow the main character's old dance troupe to use the hotel's ballroom for a practice space and can't understand why he feels he needs to be there while they practice (two dancers do end up sneaking into the old hotel to spend the night so they won't have to pay for a motel room) and imposes on that same friend to house other dance troupe members in his home and they end up having a raucous party which the main character see as no problem. I can forgive a lot if I either like the characters or the plot is well drawn. This book has neither strength.
April 28, 2021
Before I say anything else, I just have to get this bit off my chest. Has the author ever actually eaten a scone? Through the entire book she describes them as "a flaky pastry" but I have never in my life eaten a flaky scone. They are dense and crumbly. Yummy, definitely. But not flaky.
Anyway....
I enjoyed the first book of this series and immediately checked this one out from the library. This one was okay, but definitely not as good as the first one. Much of what I enjoyed in the first book was the interesting bits of trivia about Scottish heritage and the Emporium, as well as the tension about things like Liss's aunt investing in the big hotel. And while all of those things got a mention in this book, honestly most of the book was Liss driving around from one hotel to another to talk to the folks she used to dance with.
The author tried to ramp up some relationship tension by adding in a couple of other potential love interests for Liss, with one in particular being the potential third in a love triangle. I hate love triangles.
Overall, though, it was a decent little mystery. Cozy mysteries are not high quality literature, and this is definitely a cozy mystery. But it was cute and light hearted and I will likely read the next one in the series.
Anyway....
I enjoyed the first book of this series and immediately checked this one out from the library. This one was okay, but definitely not as good as the first one. Much of what I enjoyed in the first book was the interesting bits of trivia about Scottish heritage and the Emporium, as well as the tension about things like Liss's aunt investing in the big hotel. And while all of those things got a mention in this book, honestly most of the book was Liss driving around from one hotel to another to talk to the folks she used to dance with.
The author tried to ramp up some relationship tension by adding in a couple of other potential love interests for Liss, with one in particular being the potential third in a love triangle. I hate love triangles.
Overall, though, it was a decent little mystery. Cozy mysteries are not high quality literature, and this is definitely a cozy mystery. But it was cute and light hearted and I will likely read the next one in the series.
March 11, 2016
It wasn't as good as the first ones I read (and yes, I did read out of order), but it's still fair.
There's no lack of really bad puns, and no lack of people to suspect as a murderer.
I got a little tired of Liss and her potential boyfriends wanting to protect her. I also didn't follow the romantic history between Dan and Liss (possibly because it was so often stressed that Dan failed to mention how he felt).
Still, it was good, and nice escape literature.
I like this series, and I didn't expect to.
There's no lack of really bad puns, and no lack of people to suspect as a murderer.
I got a little tired of Liss and her potential boyfriends wanting to protect her. I also didn't follow the romantic history between Dan and Liss (possibly because it was so often stressed that Dan failed to mention how he felt).
Still, it was good, and nice escape literature.
I like this series, and I didn't expect to.
June 2, 2017
This was not as good as the first one, nor the later one I read out of order, but I didn't hate it. I read some of the reviews and while I agreed with some of them, this series was not meant to be great literature. Lighten up! It's a lighthearted little mystery with characters that some may hate, not agree with, or hope they're the next victim, but it isn't as bad as some people thought. Or perhaps not quite as good as others rated it. It's a pleasant, cozy, not-so-mysterious mystery, with lots of stuff about Maine and some stuff about Scotland.
August 26, 2016
Exciting addition to the series
This book is just as good as the first. The story is written with so much detail, it's very easy to believe you are in Moosetookalook.
Join Liss, Sherri, Dan in this wild adventure. When the dance group comes to perform, Liss is saddened by the end of her career. Seeing old friends should bring a smile to her face, instead someone is dead and Liss is back in investigation mode.
This book is just as good as the first. The story is written with so much detail, it's very easy to believe you are in Moosetookalook.
Join Liss, Sherri, Dan in this wild adventure. When the dance group comes to perform, Liss is saddened by the end of her career. Seeing old friends should bring a smile to her face, instead someone is dead and Liss is back in investigation mode.
April 23, 2020
I didn’t care for the MC in this book at all. She was very unlikeable. If I was Dan, I would run as far away from her as possible. I have a few more of these books that I had already bought at our local used bookstore, I hope they are better.
October 21, 2012
Weird that they figured the victim was ill but never told us what medicine he was taking and thus what his illness might be. Writing was a bit sophomoric.
January 16, 2019
After reading Kilt Dead, I immediately checked out this book, hoping to cozy up some more with this small town and see where the series went. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I did the first book. Although this set of suspects should have been more interesting to me as they fill in a lot about Liss' life before the first book began, and I did enjoy them to a point, it didn't have quite the pull for me as rediscovering Liss' roots and how the town had changed in her absence. I'd say that is more of a personal taste, though, than a real comment on the story itself.
I really liked the continuation of the renovation of The Spruce Hotel, and how that gives an overarching storyline in the background, but would have liked to actually have seen Liss' aunt in the book this time around. Maybe she would be too much of a stabilizing and sensible influence on Liss to allow her to be involved, but I'm dying to hear her voice in the mix.
Now for the whodunnit portion. I read a lot of reviews where people said they knew immediately who it was and how it was so obvious. What I have to say to that is that I disagree. I think Dunnett did a good job of giving multiple options and motivations throughout the book which left me not 100% sure on anyone. I, like Liss, didn't pick up on the inconsistencies, which just goes to show that it is extremely plausible for someone not to see it, especially someone who is not a trained investigator and also has a few blinders when it comes to the people it could be. I often easily see the outcome of non-mystery books, but stick around for the ride because I want to know how it came to be. Dunnett's books, though, have had me not willing to commit to saying a particular person did it, and that says something to me and makes me enjoy the books in ways that I don't with others. I also love that she doesn't do what so many authors do and hold back crucial pieces of information that you can't solve the mystery without. She lets the readers get there if they do, giving them the tools, and shows how Liss is flawed and not the best mystery solver at the same time. I applaud that. That being said, I found the mystery more compelling and veiled in the first book.
I really liked the continuation of the renovation of The Spruce Hotel, and how that gives an overarching storyline in the background, but would have liked to actually have seen Liss' aunt in the book this time around. Maybe she would be too much of a stabilizing and sensible influence on Liss to allow her to be involved, but I'm dying to hear her voice in the mix.
Now for the whodunnit portion. I read a lot of reviews where people said they knew immediately who it was and how it was so obvious. What I have to say to that is that I disagree. I think Dunnett did a good job of giving multiple options and motivations throughout the book which left me not 100% sure on anyone. I, like Liss, didn't pick up on the inconsistencies, which just goes to show that it is extremely plausible for someone not to see it, especially someone who is not a trained investigator and also has a few blinders when it comes to the people it could be. I often easily see the outcome of non-mystery books, but stick around for the ride because I want to know how it came to be. Dunnett's books, though, have had me not willing to commit to saying a particular person did it, and that says something to me and makes me enjoy the books in ways that I don't with others. I also love that she doesn't do what so many authors do and hold back crucial pieces of information that you can't solve the mystery without. She lets the readers get there if they do, giving them the tools, and shows how Liss is flawed and not the best mystery solver at the same time. I applaud that. That being said, I found the mystery more compelling and veiled in the first book.
July 2, 2023
Do like this series.... Interesting plot. Character development. On to the next!!
With one solved murder case under her dance belt, Liss has no idea she’s about to spiral into another... Liss still misses the life of a professional dancer with Strathspey, the Scottish dance company she belonged to. So she arranges a reception for the troupe when they’re on tour, complete with a Scottish theme that includes a new spin on the classic Scottish Scone.
Liss soon realizes life in the group isn’t all happy jigs and fancy stepping. Victor Owens, the company manager, has been making life miserable for everyone. But she has no idea how miserable until Victor bites into one of Liss’s prized cocktail scones, collapses and dies. When the police set their sights on Liss and her best friends, it’s up to Liss to find out whodunit before this culinary killer makes an encore.
With one solved murder case under her dance belt, Liss has no idea she’s about to spiral into another... Liss still misses the life of a professional dancer with Strathspey, the Scottish dance company she belonged to. So she arranges a reception for the troupe when they’re on tour, complete with a Scottish theme that includes a new spin on the classic Scottish Scone.
Liss soon realizes life in the group isn’t all happy jigs and fancy stepping. Victor Owens, the company manager, has been making life miserable for everyone. But she has no idea how miserable until Victor bites into one of Liss’s prized cocktail scones, collapses and dies. When the police set their sights on Liss and her best friends, it’s up to Liss to find out whodunit before this culinary killer makes an encore.
September 21, 2022
Very cozy mystery with a fun location and quirky characters. I think it is important to read this series in order, so please get book one first so you don't have spoilers. I recommend the book--but the little things just drive me nuts. Two examples. On page 13, at the reception Liss has organized, Dan goes off to buy Liss a wine at "the cash bar"; then, on page 16 Liss wonders why she though that having "an open bar" was a good idea. In another spot, the kidnapper has a child tear off two 8-inch strips of duct tape to bind the hands of two people. (I'm shorter than Liss, and my wrists are 7 inches each.) Why didn't her proofreader or continuity reader catch these things? I tend to obsess about these things.
March 8, 2018
Another exciting adventure and mystery starring Liss MacCrimmon and Dan Ruskin in the rural Maine town of Moosetookalook.
When Liss’ former Scottish dance troupe Strarhspey comes to town and their manager is murdered, she’s bound and determined to find the killer. Of course, Liss must question the motives of all her friends. There’s lots of running around, some dancing, little smooching, and some sneezing.
You’ll enjoy the chase and the intrigue. A great cozy for a dreary winter afternoon.
When Liss’ former Scottish dance troupe Strarhspey comes to town and their manager is murdered, she’s bound and determined to find the killer. Of course, Liss must question the motives of all her friends. There’s lots of running around, some dancing, little smooching, and some sneezing.
You’ll enjoy the chase and the intrigue. A great cozy for a dreary winter afternoon.
March 10, 2019
When the dance company that Liss used to perform with comes to town for a performance, she expects to renew friendships and play hostess to her former colleagues. She does not expect to have to help solve the murder of the company's manager, who chokes to death from a mushroom allergy at the reception after the show. With the help of her friends and two males both of whom have a romantic interest in her, she finally figures out who the murderer is - but not without getting herself and another innocent person in a life-threatening situation. This is a good read for mystery lovers.
September 17, 2025
4.25 🌟
It is enjoyable to read yet another cozy mystery that doesn't make you cringe.
This one focused less on the Scottish & more on the dance troupe. I do have to say, as a dancer myself, these dancers came across as a little immature at times. I would like to think actual professional dancers would act more their age.
A book full of possible culprits...I enjoyed the way it wrapped up & it was even a little "high stakes" at the end. I'm enjoying these a lot & I am glad I am on this journey.
It is enjoyable to read yet another cozy mystery that doesn't make you cringe.
This one focused less on the Scottish & more on the dance troupe. I do have to say, as a dancer myself, these dancers came across as a little immature at times. I would like to think actual professional dancers would act more their age.
A book full of possible culprits...I enjoyed the way it wrapped up & it was even a little "high stakes" at the end. I'm enjoying these a lot & I am glad I am on this journey.
March 21, 2022
There are very dark mysteries/thrillers and they make you stop and puzzle, as the detectives figure it out. Then there the category of mysteries that are fun and light even though there is a murder. This book falls in the second category. Fun and fast, Liss's former dance troupe is in town, a death occurs at the opening, leaving the current detective to figure it out, but since it is Liss's friends that are suspect of course she has to get involved. Great mystery.
July 28, 2017
Another fun, easy read in this series! I actually read this book in one sitting when I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep. I like the central group of characters but also enjoy the new ones that are introduced in the plot. If you are looking for a more cozy mystery and an easy read, this might be for you.
July 31, 2020
This is book two and Liss gets a visit from her former dance company Strathspey.
She arranges for a reception after their performance but one of the group is murdered.
While all of the dancers are kept in town, Liss investigates their alibis and past history with the murder victim.
This is nicely written and an enjoyable read.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
She arranges for a reception after their performance but one of the group is murdered.
While all of the dancers are kept in town, Liss investigates their alibis and past history with the murder victim.
This is nicely written and an enjoyable read.
I borrowed a copy from the public library.
May 15, 2021
Wonderful listening 🔰
Due to eye damage Alexa reads to me, a will written romantic thriller mystery novel in Liss MacCrimmon Series book two. The characters are interesting and fun. The story line is about murder, relationships, romance and the Maine mountains. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy reading 📚2021🏡🐈☺
Due to eye damage Alexa reads to me, a will written romantic thriller mystery novel in Liss MacCrimmon Series book two. The characters are interesting and fun. The story line is about murder, relationships, romance and the Maine mountains. I would recommend this series to readers of mysteries. Enjoy reading 📚2021🏡🐈☺
August 9, 2017
I received this book from the Goodreads give away. This is the type of book my mom loves so I gave it to her to read first. So, this is her review. She said it was very well told and that she loved the ending! It was a fast read and interesting people. Plus a 15 lb. ball of fur!!! :)
September 3, 2018
This was a very slow read for some reason. I have read two others in this series and did not find them slow. I think partly I was frustrated that the killer was so quickly identifiable and it took the main character until the last chapter to "put it to bed"!
September 5, 2019
Truly enjoyable
I've enjoyed the Liss MacCrimmon series thus far . The first I read was X Marks the Scott having enjoyed it so much I'm now reading them from the beginning. Thankfully I didn't figure this one out until the reveal a real treat for me.
I've enjoyed the Liss MacCrimmon series thus far . The first I read was X Marks the Scott having enjoyed it so much I'm now reading them from the beginning. Thankfully I didn't figure this one out until the reveal a real treat for me.
April 12, 2020
This was a fun read, full of cheesy dialogue and puns that were groanworthy. It's not all cheese though, the plot was well crafted, and the clues were very well done. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book.
November 3, 2020
The book started out good and the mystery was puzzling. The reason for the 3 stars is totally due to the ending. I'm really afraid that I'm going to end up not liking Liss all that much. At least that's how I feel right now; hopefully I'm wrong but will have to wait and see.
September 4, 2023
While the story was interesting, the main character was quite annoying. Always ignoring anyone’s concern for her safety. Granted some people are really just like that, and that’s how the author plays her. I can’t say the read was more enjoyable because of it.
December 5, 2023
I love this series. I can never figure out the whodunit, but that's part of the fun. I love the female sleuth, she is so funny and tough. Plus, although I do love my spice, it is nice to read about a simple love triangle. Watching these two guys chase after her is hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews