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The Stolen Letter: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery

(Scottish Bookshop Mystery #5)

Paige Shelton (Goodreads Author)

4.06 · Rating details · 738 ratings · 165 reviews

New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton returns with the next installment of The Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, The Stolen Letter

Delaney Nichols is confident she’s doing what she loves—case in point, just one day after returning from her fabulous European honeymoon, she’s eager to get back to the Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she works. But as she disembark ...more

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ebook, 304 pages

Published April 7th 2020 by Minotaur Books

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Mar 25, 2020 Susan Johnson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley

It's not often you find a cozy mystery featuring Queen Mary of Scotland and both Elizabeth I and II. It's hard to get that much royalty in one place. And it turns out that our heroine, Delaney, is a look-alike to Mary Stewart. Life for a mid West USA girl transplanted to Edinburgh, Scotland doesn't get much better.

Back from her honeymoon, Delaney discovers some city council people are trying to close The Cracked Spine bookstore. She and her co-workers attempt to stop the closure. She meets a w ...more

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Apr 02, 2020 Darinda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-cozy, netgalley

This is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop mystery series. The main character, Delaney, is an American woman who relocated to Scotland to work in a unique bookshop, the Cracked Spine. Also, Delaney occasionally helps solve mysteries. She comes across a murder mystery to solve in The Stolen Letter.

I recommend starting with the first book in this series, The Cracked Spine. Each book in the series has a unique mystery, but the relationships between the characters grow throughout Delaney's time ...more

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Feb 05, 2020 Janet rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: k-e-k, zz-2020-rev-when-i-read, series-books

When it is snowy and cold outside (and my car is buried under 2ft of ❄️ ), superspeed readers like me can read 250+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. LOL

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

New York Times bestselling When it is snowy and cold outside (and my car is buried under 2ft of ❄️ ), superspeed readers like me can read 250+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. LOL

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton returns with the next instalment of The Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, The Stolen Letter

Delaney Nichols is confident she’s doing what she loves—case in point, just one day after returning from her fabulous European honeymoon, she’s eager to get back to the Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she works. But as she disembarks her bus and hurries toward the shop she and another woman collide, sending a stack of books the woman is carrying to the ground.

Delaney’s hapless victim’s name is Mary, and the two women can’t help but notice that they bear an uncanny resemblance to one another. According to Mary, they both also look like the long-beheaded Mary Queen of Scots. Even stranger, Mary believes she is the reincarnation of the Scottish queen. But peculiar as Delaney’s doppelganger is, she doesn’t have time to dwell on it: on her arrival to the bookshop, she learns the Edinburgh city council wants to close the Cracked Spine, citing code violations, and she’s determined to stop them.

But when Mary’s husband dies in a car explosion—and Delaney learns he was the very member of the city council who proposed that the city take a closer look at the bookshop’s construction—she starts to wonder if her meeting with Mary wasn’t an accident. Edinburgh has become as filled with intrigue and deception as any European court, and Delaney is determined to get to the bottom of this royal mystery.

This is a cute little cosy mystery with no 50 shades of any colour. The characters are interesting and well written and the mystery was well crafted to not let you guess who was the killer. (There was a certain very highly paid mystery Irish-American writer who I generally guessed who the killer was the moment that they are introduced! However, as she recently passed perhaps I can pass on this advice: it is the same with your daughter's books. ... lol)

I did not read the first book in the series, but if it is as good as this one was, with its Scottish Queen resemblance and seriously spooky mood, I will be going back and reading the first four books in the series as well as all books that follow.

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it some strong ☕☕☕☕

#cozyreads #cosyreads #Cozybooks #cosybooks #cozymystery #cosymystery ...more

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Mar 21, 2020 Chatting About rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-cozies-read, dog, humor, 2020-arc, pet-lovers-will-enjoy, mystery, contemporary, cozy-mystery, cozy-series

Delaney Nichols travelled from Kansas to Edinburgh, Scotland to work for wealthy, mysterious Edwin MacAlister at The Cracked Spine bookshop. She made fast friends with her landlords and fellow employees, and just married Pub owner, Tom Shannon, the love of her life.

The thrilling fifth installment of this outstanding cozy series has Delaney and her friends winding through the historical path of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a modern Mary look-a-like who believes she’s the dead Queen reincarnated. Whe ...more

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Apr 05, 2020 Kristina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, cozy-mysteries, netgalley, 2020-netgalley-books

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols heading back to work after her honeymoon with her new husband, Tom. As she heads towards The Cracked Spine, Delaney runs into a woman carrying a large number of books. After helping retrieve the volumes, Delaney introduces herself to Mary who looks remarkably like her. Delaney is to learn from Mary Stewart that they both look like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary states that she was the Queen of Scots in a past life. Mary then invites Delaney, The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton has Delaney Nichols heading back to work after her honeymoon with her new husband, Tom. As she heads towards The Cracked Spine, Delaney runs into a woman carrying a large number of books. After helping retrieve the volumes, Delaney introduces herself to Mary who looks remarkably like her. Delaney is to learn from Mary Stewart that they both look like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary states that she was the Queen of Scots in a past life. Mary then invites Delaney, Tom and Rosie to dinner that evening. Rosie has surprising news to share with Delaney once they are alone. It seems The Cracked Spine has not passed an inspection and the Edinburgh city council will be voting in a week to shut down their beloved bookstore. The next morning, they hear a BOOM and learn that Henry Stewart, Mary’s husband and a member of the city council, died in a car explosion. Delaney is astonished when she discovers that Henry was the one pushing for the vote to close The Cracked Spine. Something does not add up and Delaney intends to get answers so she can save the bookshop. The Stolen Letter is the fifth novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. It can be read alone for those new to this series. I was eager to read The Stolen Letter when I saw it involved Mary, Queen of Scots. She is one of my favorite historical figures along with Queen Elizabeth I. Delaney Nichols enjoyed her honeymoon with her new hubby, Tom Shannon, but she is eager to return to The Cracked Spine. Delaney loves her job and the people who work there. When Delaney hears that her beloved bookstore is in jeopardy, she takes action. Delaney is fierce when it comes to The Cracked Spine. I felt Edwin should play a bigger role (it is his shop) and I was happy to see that Edwin stepped up when it counted. Rosie, a shop employee, is a delight. I liked how she was involved in the investigation. I enjoyed the author’s word imagery which brings the book to life. I could envision Edinburgh with its charming shops, cobbled streets and cozy pubs. The mystery is complex with its suspicious suspects, misdirection and various clues. I just love a twisty whodunit. I bet you will be surprised when the solution is revealed. I found The Stolen Letter to be well-written with genuine, friendly characters. I could tell the author did her research on Mary, Queen of Scots. There were some details that were new to me. It was also interesting to learn about Burgess Tickets and the Freedom Casket they came in. The ending was wonderful. It was unique and surprising. The Stolen Letter is a great addition to A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The Stolen Letter is an entertaining cozy mystery with a perplexing puzzle, an insidious inspection, a remarkable reincarnation, a crafty councilor, lost links, and a determined Delaney. ...more

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Mar 25, 2020 Barbara Rogers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: xx-2020-read, mystery, iblog, netgalley

Series: Scottish Bookshop Mystery #5
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 304

I thoroughly enjoyed this complex, intricately woven, fun story. I love that there is just the tiniest tad of the paranormal in the series – not enough you’d hardly notice, but it adds a fun bit to the story. I’ve loved Delaney from the beginning when she was in the US and found the intriguing advertisement for a position at a lovely Scottish bookshop – and the series was off and running. This can certainly be read a Series: Scottish Bookshop Mystery #5
Publication Date: 4/7/20
Number of Pages: 304

I thoroughly enjoyed this complex, intricately woven, fun story. I love that there is just the tiniest tad of the paranormal in the series – not enough you’d hardly notice, but it adds a fun bit to the story. I’ve loved Delaney from the beginning when she was in the US and found the intriguing advertisement for a position at a lovely Scottish bookshop – and the series was off and running. This can certainly be read as a standalone book, but to really understand Delaney and her relationship to all of the folks in Scotland you really will want to read from the beginning.

Delaney is so very, very excited. She and Tom have just returned from their glorious two-week honeymoon on the continent and she’s headed back to the very best job at the very best place in the whole world. She adores the bookshop, The Cracked Spine, at which she works, and her co-workers are more family than not. As she’s on her way and happily anticipating seeing everyone, she bumps into an older lady – literally. But – WHOA – that lady looks exactly like an older version of Delaney – they could be mother and daughter.

Delaney, Tom, and Rosie are invited to the woman’s home for dinner – and what a dinner it is. The lady, Mary Stewart, believes that she was Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, in another life – and her home is a replica of a castle. Delaney senses some tension among Mary’s family members, but nothing really overt. When Mary’s husband, Henry, dies in an explosion the next day – well – the mystery gets started in full.

There are unhappy things going on at the bookshop as well. Can the two be related? Why would they be? Stranger things have happened though. Edwin is enigmatic as always, Tom is handsome and supportive, Rosie is sweet, Hamlet is smart, and Inspector Winters is respectful. Can this crew solve both mysteries? How will Tom’s ex-girlfriend fit into the picture? Can she and Delaney become friends? Oh – you’ll have to read the story to find all the answers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
...more

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May 19, 2020 Kate Baxter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, mystery-suspense-thriller, fiction

3.5 / 5.0 stars

This sixth book of the Scottish Book Shop mystery series, is a charming and delightful addition. The writing is solid and clever, the language clean and the corpse modestly described. What more could one ask for in a cozy?

Our stalwart Kansas born bookseller and heroine, Delaney Nichols, has just returned to Edinburgh after her honeymoon with pub owner, Tom Shannon. They're still in the process of navigating their new normal and everything is anything but. On her way to the Cracked 3.5 / 5.0 stars

This sixth book of the Scottish Book Shop mystery series, is a charming and delightful addition. The writing is solid and clever, the language clean and the corpse modestly described. What more could one ask for in a cozy?

Our stalwart Kansas born bookseller and heroine, Delaney Nichols, has just returned to Edinburgh after her honeymoon with pub owner, Tom Shannon. They're still in the process of navigating their new normal and everything is anything but. On her way to the Cracked Spine bookshop, she encounters Mary Stewart, her doppelgänger, (although a bit of an older edition), who believes that she herself, is the reincarnation of Mary, Queen of Scots. She even knows things intuitively that only the queen would know, or so she believes. Both Delaney and Mary are curious about the other and stunned at the uncanny resemblance. A burgeoning friendship begins and dinner plans are soon made. Meanwhile, Edwin MacAlister, owner of the Cracked Spine, has received a disquieting phone call stating that owing to the bookshop's unstable structural condition, a vote to demolish the store was being placed before the Council shortly. What? No notice, no advance warning, no inspection report? Surely, there's an administrative oversight here. Well the bookshop staff go into overdrive to try and get to the bottom of the problem. The voices in Delaney's head are getting riled up and trying to steer her through the quagmire. Has she mistakenly placed herself in the direct path of a killer?

If you're charmed by all things Scottish, enjoy a bit of history and are a fan of cozies, then this book is surely a good one for you. Though this book can stand on its own, the reader would do well to start at the beginning of the series with, "The Cracked Spine". As for me, I can't wait for the next book in this delightful series, "Deadly Editions", which is due out in April of 2021.

I am grateful to author Paige Shelton and publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. ...more

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May 04, 2020 Lorraine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: fans of cozies & Scottish royal history.

Shelves: architecture, british-history, favorites, series, own, mystery-cozy, history-of-royalty

Could not put it down! Paige Shelton’s The Stolen Letter (Scottish Bookshop Mystery #5) is enthralling, thwarting, and great fun. The protagonist, Delaney Nichols, returns to Edinburgh after spending two glorious weeks on her honeymoon, but she is ever so anxious to return to her job at The Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she loves her work. As Delaney rushes to work, she literally runs into her ‘doppelgänger’ with books flying everywhere, but Delaney is unaware of the massive problem she wil ...more

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Jan 23, 2021 Christi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another great entry in The Scottish Bookshop series. It was fun to visit with Delaney and the rest of the bookshop staff. Every time I read a book in this series, I want to visit Scotland.

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Apr 18, 2020 Cheryl rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mystery, cozy-celtic-mystery

Fresh from her honeymoon, Delaney Nichols returns to work at The Cracked Spine bookstore in Scotland. On her way in, she literally bumps into a woman so startling like herself, it shocks them both. That they are headed to the same shop is even more odd. But then it gets more so. This twin claims to be the reincarnated Mary, Queen of Scots.

And so the story goes. The uncanny resemblance, the soon friendships, the dinner date, then the murder. Then again, the bookstore is a connecting factor.

Retu ...more

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May 30, 2020 QNPoohBear rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: clean-romance, kisses-only, fantasy, cozy-mystery

Delaney Nichols returns from her honeymoon in a rosy glow. So far married life is going great and she looks forward to returning to her place at the Cracked Spine. On her way to work one morning, Delaney bumps into a woman who bears an uncanny likeness to herself! This woman, Mary Stewart, claims to be a reincarnated Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Um OK. Delaney doesn't NOT believe but she doesn't believe believe either. Still, she likes Mary a lot and so does Rosie, who does believe. Delaney even Delaney Nichols returns from her honeymoon in a rosy glow. So far married life is going great and she looks forward to returning to her place at the Cracked Spine. On her way to work one morning, Delaney bumps into a woman who bears an uncanny likeness to herself! This woman, Mary Stewart, claims to be a reincarnated Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Um OK. Delaney doesn't NOT believe but she doesn't believe believe either. Still, she likes Mary a lot and so does Rosie, who does believe. Delaney even likes Mary's husband, Henry, whom they meet at a dinner party that evening. Delaney is slightly suspicious though because she senses an undercurrent of tension among Mary's family. Delaney doesn't have much time to ponder what that might mean for her new friendship because Edwin has a huge bombshell to drop on everyone- the store must close! It seems that The Cracked Spine is in violation of building codes from an inspection everyone swears never took place, and the council is set to vote to close the shop in only a few days. Delaney discovers Henry Stuart may have been behind this dreadful deed and when he's murdered, the inspector on the case starts looking at Edwin and Delaney! Delaney is certain no one from the shop killed Henry but she does have a feeling his death was related to the shop somehow. Was Mary telling the truth about her belief she's the dead queen? Did her past life have something to do with Henry's death? Can Delaney put the clues together and stop the vote in time to save the shop? With Inspector Winters on vacation, Delaney has to team up with some new allies to get the job done.

First we had ghosts, then the Loch Ness Monster and now reincarnation? That's way too much crazy stuff for me. I do like how all the weird, paranormal stuff is ambiguous. Believe it if you want or not. The whole Mary, Queen of Scots thing threw me for a loop because she's such a well-documented public figure. Was she a martyred queen as the Scots in this novel believe or was she a traitor who intended to kill her cousin for the throne? This story skews heavily pro-Mary. Unlike Delaney, I thought I knew what this was about pretty early on in the story but I turned out to be totally wrong. I figured out only one small piece of the mystery. The plot is really fast-paced. I couldn't put it down until the 60% mark and only because it was 1 am and I was running out of battery power. I finished it as soon as I got up! It drove me crazy all night that I left this one unfinished. I was surprised at the revelations at the end. I never guessed. (view spoiler)

I'm happy Delaney and Tom are blissfully happy newlyweds. I hope they stay happy. She's coming to terms with his past relationship history and teams up with Grace, Tom's ex-girlfriend, a reporter, to get information to solve Henry's murder. Grace is certainly someone to admire. She's not as full of optimism and happiness as Delaney but they're both intelligent, strong women and I like seeing them become friends. I was disappointed Edwin seems to be heading into retirement mode but the shop wouldn't be in any better hands than Delaney's. Rosie becomes Delaney's sidekick for the early investigation and it was nice to get a different side of her. I like her better than ever. Hector is adorable but not super important to the story. Sadly, Hamlet is busy and hardly in the story. Elias accompanies Delaney on some of her investigations but not many. I missed him and his beloved Aggie. Delaney's new friend Joshua plays only a small role in the story too. The regulars are mostly busy behind-the-scenes trying to save the shop by finding missing paperwork and gold Mary, Queen of Scots coins.

Mary Stewart is an enigma. Does she really believe she was Mary, Queen of Scots? Does she believe it or know it? Why does Delaney look so much like her? That's a little weird. MAYBE somewhere on Delaney's family tree is a Stuart who made it to America? Mary seems to love her husband. He's devoted to her anyway but he doesn't tell her everything. She claims she has no idea he was working to close the shop or why. I'm not sure I like or trust her as much as Delaney does. Henry seems like a shady businessman to me and why would he want to close down the Cracked Spine and many other beloved local businesses? Mary's doctor, Eloise, seems nice but their relationship is a little weird as is the way they met. Eloise's partner, Gretchen, is grumpy but it's part of the plot why she's so grouchy. She's artistic and creative and may have a big clue as to why Henry was murdered. Mary's niece, Dina, seems like a good friend for Delaney. They are both passionate about antiques and Dina is a business owner, something Delaney may become some day soon. Her husband, Mikey, acts like a shifty character. Delaney swears she's seen him somewhere before but he denies it? A past life maybe? I did not like Mikey at all and I suspect he knows more about what happened and why than he lets on. Another shifty character is Lowall. He's supposedly friends with Edwin but somehow afraid of Edwin. He's involved in the past life business as well. Could he be the reincarnation of Mary's third husband?

Inspector Winters is on vacation and out of reach. Delaney has to deal with a new inspector, Inspector Buchanan, who is not friendly or kind. She's convinced someone from the shop killed Henry. The last new character is Jack, the lawyer. He's a bulldog and determined to save The Cracked Spine.

This seems like it was the last book in the series and I was sad to say goodbye, but scroll down! Paige Shelton has announced there are 3 more books planned! I am curious to see what bookish voices prod Delaney next and what else she uncovers in The Warehouse. ...more

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Apr 07, 2020 Nancy Baker rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I love how this series goes beyond fiction and causes me to delve into history and legends.

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Aug 27, 2020 Laura rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Overall the storyline as far as the plot was OK but I did not want to read a history book and that’s what it is!

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Apr 04, 2020 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2020

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Delaney Nichols has returned from her honeymoon and can’t wait to get back to work at The Cracked Spine. But she is waylaid and she collides with a woman carrying a large stack of books. As she helps the woman. Mary, pick up the books she realizes the woman could be her doppelganger. Their resemblance is remarkable and the woman was also on her way to The Cracked Spine. Mary tells Delaney that they both resemble Mary Queen of Scots and that she firmly believes she is a reinca Dollycas’s Thoughts

Delaney Nichols has returned from her honeymoon and can’t wait to get back to work at The Cracked Spine. But she is waylaid and she collides with a woman carrying a large stack of books. As she helps the woman. Mary, pick up the books she realizes the woman could be her doppelganger. Their resemblance is remarkable and the woman was also on her way to The Cracked Spine. Mary tells Delaney that they both resemble Mary Queen of Scots and that she firmly believes she is a reincarnation of the Scottish queen. Delaney is totally confused and taken aback by this but she is in for another even bigger shock when she arrives at her beloved bookshop. It seems the city council of Edinburgh is closing down the shop for unknown code violations. No one can even remember an inspector coming into the shop or receiving notification of any violations. Delaney jumps right into action trying to save the store.

She does accept a dinner invitation from Mary where she meets her husband, Henry. The next day he dies in a car explosion and Delaney finds out he was the member of the council behind the pressure to close The Cracked Spine. This leads her to believe her meeting with Mary was not coincidental at all. She is going to do everything to save the bookshop and be sure the right person is booked for murder too!

______

I do love the way Paige Shelton tells a story. They are so easy to escape right into.

This time we see Delaney get fierce when her dream job is in jeopardy, in fact, all of the characters really step up. Owner of the shop, Edwin MacAlister, is a little overwhelmed at first but does rally when Delaney makes it clear his help is truly needed and he pulls in a big gun. It was truly cool the way the story played out.

This author’s descriptive writing is just wonderful. Vivid images overtake my mind and take me right to Scotland allowing me to follow right in Delaney’s footsteps. From her amateur sleuthing to settling into to married life and getting ready to move into their new home. She is always able to give her stories a unique twist making it stand out in this genre.

The Stolen Letter is a great addition to this series. The characters are engaging and genuine. The mystery is twisty and entertaining. It checks all my cozy boxes to make it a Perfect Escape! ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 K.A. Davis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

THE STOLEN LETTER is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series by Paige Shelton. In this newest release, I love how the tragic historical figure of Mary, Queen of Scots, is woven into a current day murder mystery. It is obvious that the author did considerable research on the beheaded queen, yet the way the information is presented is anything but a dry history lesson. I was captivated with how she uses Mary Stewart, a woman claiming reincarnation of the long-ago queen, intertwined THE STOLEN LETTER is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery Series by Paige Shelton. In this newest release, I love how the tragic historical figure of Mary, Queen of Scots, is woven into a current day murder mystery. It is obvious that the author did considerable research on the beheaded queen, yet the way the information is presented is anything but a dry history lesson. I was captivated with how she uses Mary Stewart, a woman claiming reincarnation of the long-ago queen, intertwined with her doppelganger, protagonist Delaney Nichols. Ms. Shelton often includes a slight mystical element to her stories yet keeps them firmly in the “whodunit” cozy mystery category. As the layers of the story unfolds, the author’s deft skill weaves historical events into her clues, while providing intrigue with each turn of the page. A surprising Agatha Christie-style reveal wrapped the plot and subplots together into one rewarding read.

Another thing I love about this series is the setting, which is as charming as they come. Delaney works in the mysterious, yet inviting bookshop, The Cracked Spine, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Ms. Shelton’s strong descriptive voice brings life to the locations and the reader can see the ancient castle and cobbled walkways, feel the cold, damp rain, hear the brogue of the locals, and smell the time-worn books and treasures that clutter the bookshop. She also creates memorable characters that invite the reader to spend time with them. Delaney is a caring individual and, in the short year she’s been in Edinburgh, has made her co-workers and the elderly people she rents from, into a tightknit family. I’ve also enjoyed seeing her relationship with Scottish pub owner, Tom Shannon, progress throughout the series, and now that they are married, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them both. THE STOLEN LETTER combines everything I enjoy about a cozy mystery making this another fascinating addition to one of my favorite series!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
...more

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Feb 20, 2020 JoAn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mystery, arc

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton was another excellent entry into this series. Ms. Shelton's writing is so descriptive that it always makes me feel as if I am visiting Delaney, Rosie, Edwin, Hamlet and Tom in Edinburgh.

The plot in this one is complex,quickly paced with enough twists and turns to keep me totally engrossed in the story. Ms. Shelton added some indepth historical information regarding Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, which is woven into the plot as well as a character's belief in rein ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Jena Henry rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I have the pleasure of recommending a cozy mystery that is new to me, but is not new to many other readers and fans. The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series and a beguiling book it is. No worries if you are like me, and start the series with this book- it’s a charming story and easy to get in to.

All right then, to Edinburgh we go! Delaney Nichols is a sweet and good-nature young woman, but she can be plucky and persistent when she needs to be. She works at h ...more

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Aug 30, 2020 Mike rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy, scotland, audio, mystery, fiction

I've enjoyed this series and I will continue but this may be my least favorite of the series. At work we would call this a high 3 when rating the work to be done. So I have rounded up to a 4. I love the setting and the history. I've learned more about Scotland from this series than I would have otherwise. ...more

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Apr 09, 2020 Diane Hernandez rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The book successfully blends a cozy mystery plot, British royalty, and many paranormal elements like reincarnation and book characters that give advice. And it has more plot than a bushel of other cozy mysteries. Yet the author somehow makes it work. The conclusion skillful weaves all the plot threads into a fine and coherent tapestry.

American Delaney works as a manager and researcher in an old bookshop called The Crack The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. The book successfully blends a cozy mystery plot, British royalty, and many paranormal elements like reincarnation and book characters that give advice. And it has more plot than a bushel of other cozy mysteries. Yet the author somehow makes it work. The conclusion skillful weaves all the plot threads into a fine and coherent tapestry.

American Delaney works as a manager and researcher in an old bookshop called The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, Scotland. She recently returned from her honeymoon with Tom, a local pub owner. Soon after her return, Delaney literally runs into her twenty year older double, who is on her way to the bookshop. The doppelganger is named Mary Stewart. Mary is convinced she is the reincarnated Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. When told about it, Delaney laughs. However, Delaney hears the characters from books speaking directly to her in her head. In fact, the voice she hears may be Mary Stuart. Was Mary and Delaney’s meeting destined? Mary certainly thinks so,

“We might never understand it, but we were destined to meet, Delaney, I’m sure of it. Today, we might not understand why, but I suspect we will someday.”

In the meantime, The Cracked Spine is in danger of being closed and demolished by the city. To stop it, Delaney must find the old Burgess ticket that gives the owner, Edwin, the right to continue his business.

When there is a car bomb in the village, killing Mary’s husband, Henry, Delaney decides to investigate. Centuries earlier, the queen’s husband, also named Henry, was murdered by the queen’s lover in an explosion. Could history be repeating itself?

I love history. In my opinion, there can never be too many subplots as long as they are all tied up in a nice bow at the end. The Stolen Letter delivers on both fronts. I know much more about Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots. Plus I had a pleasant afternoon being immersed in modern day Edinburgh. 4 stars!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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May 11, 2020 Melanie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, bookstores-in-fiction, courtesy-of-netgalley, cozy-mysteries, comfort-reading

Delaney Nichols is returning from her honeymoon, on her way back to her dream job as as an archivist at The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, when she literally runs into herself -- or, if not herself, exactly, an older near-twin. Mary Stewart just happens to be on her way to that very bookstore to sell a pile of books about Elizabeth I.

While Rosie, Delaney's co-worker, begins to examine the boos, Delaney excuses herself to make some coffee in the ancient warehouse next to the historic bookstore. She Delaney Nichols is returning from her honeymoon, on her way back to her dream job as as an archivist at The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, when she literally runs into herself -- or, if not herself, exactly, an older near-twin. Mary Stewart just happens to be on her way to that very bookstore to sell a pile of books about Elizabeth I.

While Rosie, Delaney's co-worker, begins to examine the boos, Delaney excuses herself to make some coffee in the ancient warehouse next to the historic bookstore. She loves the warehouse, with its huge assortment of antique books, objects, and a desk that is old enough to have been used by the Tudor Queen herself. Rosie, in the meantime, gets to know Mary, and displays a palpable air of bemused disbelief. Why? Because Mary Stewart believes that she is the reincarnation of the doomed Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, martyred by Elizabeth I, and she has proof that goes beyond her dreams, memories, and uncanny resemblance to the martyred Mary. She'll show Rosie and Delaney that proof at dinner that night with her husband, Henry, and Delaney's new husband, Tom.

Before that can happen, however, Rosie has bad news to share: The Cracked Spine may need to be shut down. Permanently. The ancient buildings have been inspected and found wanting in too many intractable code violations. Owner and collector Edwin McAlister has been served notice by The Lord Provost, with whom he has tangled in the past over the destruction of ancient trees, although he has not seen the inspection report himself. He asks Delaney to locate the building's Burgess Tickets - historical papers that gave citizens the right to operate a business, vote, and take part in the community. Edwin believes those papers will save the bookstore from demolition.

To distract herself, Delaney returns to the archival work she loves, dating very old, fragile bits of a tapestry that depicts the biblical story of Abraham. As she examines the threads, dyed with extracts from insects and flora, she notices a detail that had earlier escaped her attention: a tiny depiction of a coat of arms that reads "Semper Eadam" (Always the Same) - the motto of Elizabeth I herself! Could these old threads help to secure the bookstore's future? And is Henry's subsequent death, violent and sudden, be somehow tied in as well?

If you love all of the details of English history, from the embroidery of queens both successful and doomed and the details of the plants used to dye textiles, from the doomed queen's favorite violet marmalade to a rumored cache of Elizabeth I's lost letters, this book is definitely for you. Although it has the hallmarks of a cozy (including an adorable dog and a lovable but unfocused collector), it also includes a treasure-trove of the ancient customs that govern modern-day Scotland, and the hidden-from-sight lives of others who believe they are the reincarnations of people from the notable past. It's a much richer brew than many cozies. Give it a try.

4 stars. It would have been 5 had there been fewer subplots and easily-found lost objects. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the Advanced Reading Copy for me to read and review. ...more

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May 09, 2020 Joy Gerbode rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I love this series! The characters are so endearing (made even more so by their lovely Scottish accents) and the setting is Scotland, AND a bookstore (what an amazing combination)! And I enjoy the way the author works through the mysteries, although they can sometimes be a bit far-fetched. Not sure I was quite so in love with the "former lives" aspect ... but did thoroughly enjoy being back with these friends for another mystery to solve! ...more

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May 26, 2020 Robin Loves Reading rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-april-june, 2020-books, netgalley, kindle, 2020-challenge, reading-challenge, robin-loves-reading-2020-challenge, cozy-mystery, pages

Is it possible that Delaney Nichols has a doppelganger, and more than one? In this enjoyable cozy mystery by Paige Shelton, enjoy Delaney's experiences as she seeks to discover what is really going on.

Extended review to come. ...more

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May 06, 2020 Joy Gerbode rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Scotland and books

What could be a better combination? Love the setting and the characters and she weaves a wonderful mystery as well.

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Oct 17, 2020 Amanda Wilcox rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I just can't get through these books fast enough because I love the way they are written and the characters but at the same time I wish I could show down and enjoy it even longer. This installment was another fantastic adventure with Delaney and crew. I can't recommend this series enough! ...more

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Oct 24, 2020 JJ Lehmann rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Another delightful bookshop mystery. This series is definitely brain candy and that is why I love them, plus how can you not love Scottish turns of phrase.

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Mar 17, 2020 Fred rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Stolen Letter is the fifth book in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.

Delaney and Tom have returned from their honeymoon and she is excited about being back at her dream job at The Cracked Spine Bookshop. As Delaney is about to enter the bookshop she bumps into a lady also heading for the store. Once they catch themselves, they are both surprised at how much they look like each other. Once inside, the lady introduces herself as Mary. Mary goes on to say that she feels she is the reincarnat ...more

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Apr 12, 2020 Mairy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020-netgalley-reads

A happy newlywed couple, a quaint bookshop, British royalty lookalikes, a murder, valuable antiques, castles, multiple mysteries.. all in a gorgeous Edinburgh, Scotland setting. What is it NOT to like?

I read this book in less than 24hrs, which is highly unusual for me. I adored it!

I particularly enjoyed:
1. the loving characters such as Delaney Nichols, the female lead: a strong, smart, confident, young female, with a good head on her shoulders, loves her job, loves her husband Tom Shannon, has ...more

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Feb 13, 2020 Rachel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton is the 5th installment of the truly wonderful Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. I have read, and own, every single book from this series thus far, and I truly feel that it just keeps getting better and better with each book.

Even though I have read the previous four books, I still feel that someone could jump into the series with this book alone and still enjoy the journey. (However, one should definitely not miss out on the series as a whole. It is too good to ...more

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Apr 08, 2020 Taryn rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mystery

Delaney is back from her honeymoon and excited to get back to work doing what she loves working at The Cracked Spine, a bookstore unlike others. While on her way in she runs into a woman who is the spitting image of herself, just older. She soon learns the woman's name is Mary and she just happens to be heading to the bookstore to sell off some books. The two get to chatting and Delaney soon learns that not only do the two resemble Mary Queen of Scots, but Mary actually thinks she was her in a p ...more

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May 20, 2020 Stormi (BMReviewsohmy) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

In The Stolen Letter Delaney and Tom have comeback from their honeymoon to find out that the Cracked Spine might have to close down. This upsets Delaney something fierce and she doesn't understand why anyone would want to try and shut them down. She also meets a woman who looks exactly like her but older and this lady, Mary, claims to be Mary Queen of Scots reincarnated. Mary invites Delaney and Tom along with Rosie to her house for dinner and the next day Mary's husband is killed in a car bomb. ...more

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