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Thou Shalt Not Kilt: An Elle Cunningham Mackay Mystery
For author and historian Elle Cunningham Mackay, six weeks on Cape Fear’s Roan Island is a desperately needed second chance. When her host and former flame Stuart MacUspaig invites her to his historic Aldermire estate, she jumps at the opportunity to research first-hand the disappearing Scottish clans who settled North Carolina. She soon realizes that Stuart has something more in mind and his offer comes with complicated strings. After too many questionable choices—not to mention a failed marriage, a pink slip and a criminal record—Elle knows she is running out of options. When Stuart is found brutally murdered, Elle fears that her past mistakes may finally be catching up with her. Relying only on her keen mind and mile-wide stubborn streak, Elle races to find his killer. As the body count grows, her only hope is to mend her ways and make a new start, or she risks becoming collateral damage in the extinction of Clan MacUspaig. Elle’s Scottish-flavored mysteries will immerse you in a world of the Highlands, kilts, bagpipes and haggis.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2020
15 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 5, 2021
“Thous Shalt Not Kilt” is hands down the best self/co-published book I’ve read! I got the chance to meet Mr. Ashe at a local Highland Games, and his book’s cover made me laugh out loud. Hearing him talk about puns and writing gave me high hopes for the book, and it did not disappoint.
My one piece of advice regarding “Thou Shalt Not Kilt” would be to focus on which details propel the character development of the story and skip the others. The descriptions are fantastic and consistently include the most unique, catching turns of phrase I’ve ever read. However, the volume of description impeded my ability to engage with the story at times. The very-Scottish dinner details were fun, but didn’t teach me about the characters themselves. It took until halfway through the book for me to really get hooked on the story. That said, the beginning (in fact, the first chapter,) was enough to make me want to see where the story was going.
There were two character relationships in the book that really made the book work: that of Elle and her sister, and that of Elle and Megan. “Thou Shalt Not Kilt” set up a really good foundation with those two relationships for a continuing series. I would have liked to see that depth of relationship more fully with other characters (like Jonah) and more frequently within the book.
Another thing that worked well for the book was its humor. People were dying left and right, and I was giggling at the character’s banter. Kudos to Mr. Ashe for that!
Finally, the last line of the book will rip your heart out. It was worth reading the whole book just for that one sentence twist.
My one piece of advice regarding “Thou Shalt Not Kilt” would be to focus on which details propel the character development of the story and skip the others. The descriptions are fantastic and consistently include the most unique, catching turns of phrase I’ve ever read. However, the volume of description impeded my ability to engage with the story at times. The very-Scottish dinner details were fun, but didn’t teach me about the characters themselves. It took until halfway through the book for me to really get hooked on the story. That said, the beginning (in fact, the first chapter,) was enough to make me want to see where the story was going.
There were two character relationships in the book that really made the book work: that of Elle and her sister, and that of Elle and Megan. “Thou Shalt Not Kilt” set up a really good foundation with those two relationships for a continuing series. I would have liked to see that depth of relationship more fully with other characters (like Jonah) and more frequently within the book.
Another thing that worked well for the book was its humor. People were dying left and right, and I was giggling at the character’s banter. Kudos to Mr. Ashe for that!
Finally, the last line of the book will rip your heart out. It was worth reading the whole book just for that one sentence twist.
November 13, 2023
***2.5 ⭐️***
Elle Mackay is a historian/genealogist, who gets front row seats to a murder mystery dinner theatre while compiling the history of the MacUspaig clan at Aldermire estate (located on a remote island).
What is the first thoroughly confusing aspect of this book is how a historian is the one playing detective to solve murders. Nothing in Elle's bag of tricks ever explains how she is qualified to do this. Actually, very little is even described of Elle's background, aside from a few years in her youth that were spent irresponsibly. When the police come to the estate to investigate, they lean heavily on Elle to dig into the guests' backgrounds and find out what secrets they are hiding. Again, this makes no sense; even if this were a subsequent book in a series, one would have hoped for some sort of explanation why Elle was chosen to lead the charge rather than anyone else.
Guests were all invited for dinner for apparently some reason (which was not explained), but what ended up happening was an argument or two by a couple of people, and then a murder. While there were good reasons as to why a murder was committed, unfortunately, the cast of suspects proved to be weak in their culpabilities. Everyone was eliminated for various reasons, and the reader mind as well have said a ghost did the murder for all the sense it made. Various people either had marital spats, held residual hatred from high school, or had centuries-long quibbles based on family connections. What this book could have used was a family tree to keep track of who was related to whom, rather than a map of the island in respect to the mainland!
Not a single person at the estate was either traumatized, hurt, or truly upset about the initial murder (at least, that's how it read), which happened at 19% of the book. The who-dun-it continued on until 88% when another person was murdered and, a couple pages later, a third person was found. The pacing in this book definitely left something to be desired. As well, the "dinner theatre" effect was sufficient, but then the author went and threw together a "haunted house with electricity being cut during a thunderstorm," and that was just the last straw for me.
This book was dissatisfying in that the FMC was channeling Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote) and also that the cast of characters was wholly unlikable and everyone (or no one) could have done the murders.
I wish I knew why this book is so highly rated, because I just can't see it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Elle Mackay is a historian/genealogist, who gets front row seats to a murder mystery dinner theatre while compiling the history of the MacUspaig clan at Aldermire estate (located on a remote island).
What is the first thoroughly confusing aspect of this book is how a historian is the one playing detective to solve murders. Nothing in Elle's bag of tricks ever explains how she is qualified to do this. Actually, very little is even described of Elle's background, aside from a few years in her youth that were spent irresponsibly. When the police come to the estate to investigate, they lean heavily on Elle to dig into the guests' backgrounds and find out what secrets they are hiding. Again, this makes no sense; even if this were a subsequent book in a series, one would have hoped for some sort of explanation why Elle was chosen to lead the charge rather than anyone else.
Guests were all invited for dinner for apparently some reason (which was not explained), but what ended up happening was an argument or two by a couple of people, and then a murder. While there were good reasons as to why a murder was committed, unfortunately, the cast of suspects proved to be weak in their culpabilities. Everyone was eliminated for various reasons, and the reader mind as well have said a ghost did the murder for all the sense it made. Various people either had marital spats, held residual hatred from high school, or had centuries-long quibbles based on family connections. What this book could have used was a family tree to keep track of who was related to whom, rather than a map of the island in respect to the mainland!
Not a single person at the estate was either traumatized, hurt, or truly upset about the initial murder (at least, that's how it read), which happened at 19% of the book. The who-dun-it continued on until 88% when another person was murdered and, a couple pages later, a third person was found. The pacing in this book definitely left something to be desired. As well, the "dinner theatre" effect was sufficient, but then the author went and threw together a "haunted house with electricity being cut during a thunderstorm," and that was just the last straw for me.
This book was dissatisfying in that the FMC was channeling Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote) and also that the cast of characters was wholly unlikable and everyone (or no one) could have done the murders.
I wish I knew why this book is so highly rated, because I just can't see it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
October 26, 2020
This is a story of a family living on a small island. There are several generations and a big house. Just about every character is unhappy! We arrive at the house with Elle - a historical researcher who is looking into the family’s Scottish history and American background.
This is in the flavour of the classic mystery - a set of characters are introduced, a group of people cut off from the mainland and lots of motives for murder.
There is a lot of background given to the family and many Scottish references. At first I found this muddling but once I got who was who it was fine.
Our heroine is caught up by all the arguments between the family and when there is a murder she begins investigating. Elle has a checkered past and sees this position as a way to turn her life around but she gets more than she bargained for.
Overall I found this a fun, quirky read in a traditional who-done-it style. Lots of red herrings along the way keep you guessing and I didn’t guess the ending.
I was sent a free copy but the opinions are my own.
This is in the flavour of the classic mystery - a set of characters are introduced, a group of people cut off from the mainland and lots of motives for murder.
There is a lot of background given to the family and many Scottish references. At first I found this muddling but once I got who was who it was fine.
Our heroine is caught up by all the arguments between the family and when there is a murder she begins investigating. Elle has a checkered past and sees this position as a way to turn her life around but she gets more than she bargained for.
Overall I found this a fun, quirky read in a traditional who-done-it style. Lots of red herrings along the way keep you guessing and I didn’t guess the ending.
I was sent a free copy but the opinions are my own.
January 11, 2021
An easy, cozy Sunday read, with a likeable protagonist and a set-up along the lines of a classic Agatha Christie murder mystery. Felt the estate atmosphere and Scottish heritage seep through the pages. Although my heart didn’t skip any beats over the more climactic scenes, it was a fun mystery to be solved.
My thanks to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2024
This is my first time ever reading a murder mystery *gasp*, and I have to say, I was SHOCKED at the end. I'm not a born detective, so I read this and, by the end, was thoroughly surprised who the killer was. For a self-published novel, this was really good. Lots of great detail, well written, and an intriguing story.
March 30, 2022
The book started a little slow, but once I grasped the many characters, I became more interested. If you enjoy Agatha Christie type murder mysteries, then this book is for you.
May 9, 2021
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that take place on an isolated estate, you will enjoy this one! The Aldermire estate, owned by the Clan MacUspaigs, has been situated in isolated splendor on Roan Island near Wilmington, NC for generations. Elle MacKay has been hired to research the MacUspaigs and other clans that are in danger of dying out. Unfortunately, someone wants to help the MacUspaigs along. When Stuart MacUspaig, head of the clan, is found murdered, Elle realizes that the past may be affecting the present. What follows is very reminiscent of an Agatha Christie tale.
I enjoyed many things about this book. The characters, Elle in particular, are interesting and well presented. The location is intriguing, and since I live in NC and have been to the Cape Fear area often, it is somewhat familiar. The plot moves along at a good clip, and even though I thought some of the events were somewhat implausible, it wasn't enough to make me dislike the story. I thought the inclusion of the Scottish facts about the clans, tartans, etc was interesting.
This book is a good introduction to Elle MacKay, and I look forward to seeing what other scrapes she gets into as the series progresses. Thank you to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers Only, who provided the book to me in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed many things about this book. The characters, Elle in particular, are interesting and well presented. The location is intriguing, and since I live in NC and have been to the Cape Fear area often, it is somewhat familiar. The plot moves along at a good clip, and even though I thought some of the events were somewhat implausible, it wasn't enough to make me dislike the story. I thought the inclusion of the Scottish facts about the clans, tartans, etc was interesting.
This book is a good introduction to Elle MacKay, and I look forward to seeing what other scrapes she gets into as the series progresses. Thank you to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers Only, who provided the book to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2020
Elle Cunningham MacKay, is on Rhone island doing research on Scottish clans history. She is requested to the main house for a dinner with the MacUspaig family that has owned the island since the family ancestors reached America. At dinner that night, the oldest son, Stuart announced that he and his wife were getting a divorce and he was selling the house and island. Early the following morning, Elle found his body on the terrace. He had been stabbed sometime the evening before, prior to the overnight rain. Everyone was a suspect and while most had an alibi, only Elle and Megan, Stuart's wife were unsuspected. The police asked everyone to stay on the island and keep available for more questions. Over the course of the next several days, it became clear that Lyle, the younger son and Lainie were ingaged in an affair. Lyle, as the new heir, ordered everyone to leave within the week. During a violent storm the following evening, Lyle is also murdered. Again, all had alibis. Who was killing the family? Someone in the family or an outsider? Any why were the killings happening? Did the disapearence of Stuart's first wife have something to do with these murders?
I received this book free for my review of same.
I received this book free for my review of same.
October 5, 2020
Elle Cunningham Mackay has had a bit of a checkered past. She's starting anew researching the end of the Scottish Clan MacUspaig on Roan Island in the Cape Fear River of North Carolina. She is staying in a guest cottage at Aldermire, grand home of Stuart MacUspaig, which also houses a variety of extended family and others. Aldermire is the setting for family arguments, secrets and betrayals. Elle gets herself into the middle when she discovers the first body (oh yes there will be more!) and all sorts of chaos ensues, complete with bagpipes, treacherous thunder storms, ghost stories and mention of treasure. It is a classic who-done-it where everyone is forced into isolation as a group and fearing for their lives; a great mystery romp with a Scottish flavour and interesting characters. I will be waiting for the next in the series as I love mysteries, anything Scottish and genealogy. It was certainly a page turner and kept me guessing until the end. You might want to accompany your reading with a good glass of scotch! Thanks to Voracious Readers Only for providing me a copy to review.
June 20, 2022
I really wanted to love this book. Cozy mystery! Scottish people and things! Family intrigue!
I liked the main character well enough and was hoping this would be the first in a series of cozy mysteries I would want to read with her.
I enjoyed it for about 2/3 of the book and was really excited to see how it would all unravel.
Then when we get to the part of the book that's supposed to be the most interesting as we accelerate toward a big reveal, I found it actually to be quite anti-climatic.
There were also some scenes that just didn't seem to fit the story nor were they necessary for the plot and felt like filler. A few things were wrapped in a bow I don't think should have re: certain character relationships and one thing in particular was never actually explained and it really should have been.
So like I said, I wanted to love this, but I was disappointed in the end. I'm torn on whether I should try another one. Would it be better? Would it disappoint me the same way?
I liked the main character well enough and was hoping this would be the first in a series of cozy mysteries I would want to read with her.
I enjoyed it for about 2/3 of the book and was really excited to see how it would all unravel.
Then when we get to the part of the book that's supposed to be the most interesting as we accelerate toward a big reveal, I found it actually to be quite anti-climatic.
There were also some scenes that just didn't seem to fit the story nor were they necessary for the plot and felt like filler. A few things were wrapped in a bow I don't think should have re: certain character relationships and one thing in particular was never actually explained and it really should have been.
So like I said, I wanted to love this, but I was disappointed in the end. I'm torn on whether I should try another one. Would it be better? Would it disappoint me the same way?
October 13, 2025
Family secrets, family squabbles, family murder…
Thou Shalt Not Kilt: An Elle Cunningham Mackay Mystery by William Ashe is an interesting introduction to a world of North Carolina Scotsmen (and women) and the old country troubles the carry with them…
Elle Cunningham MacKay is a historian researcher called to Roan Island, North Carolina to assist with family research.
There’s a subplot about “lost clans” ans the variations of names that might explain what happened to certain claims and how they are related…
Anyway the mains toy involves the current patriarch of an old Scot-American family that decides to disrupt the family and cut off his extended family…
It’s no surprise when he turns up dead…
With a “locked mansion mystery” where the only suspects are the extended family and the narrator herself…the family turns on eachother for answers…
It was fine but not amazing…but I liked the use of real US history to establish the family and the lead investigator…
Thou Shalt Not Kilt: An Elle Cunningham Mackay Mystery by William Ashe is an interesting introduction to a world of North Carolina Scotsmen (and women) and the old country troubles the carry with them…
Elle Cunningham MacKay is a historian researcher called to Roan Island, North Carolina to assist with family research.
There’s a subplot about “lost clans” ans the variations of names that might explain what happened to certain claims and how they are related…
Anyway the mains toy involves the current patriarch of an old Scot-American family that decides to disrupt the family and cut off his extended family…
It’s no surprise when he turns up dead…
With a “locked mansion mystery” where the only suspects are the extended family and the narrator herself…the family turns on eachother for answers…
It was fine but not amazing…but I liked the use of real US history to establish the family and the lead investigator…
May 22, 2021
I'll acknowledge up front that I received a free copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only. I was initially intrigued by the combination of a Scottish family and North Carolina because I'm a big Outlander fan. Overall it was a very enjoyable murder mystery and I will likely purchase Liam Ashe's other books for an upcoming stay-cation. It definitely seemed like higher quality writing and much more professional overall than some of the other (what I assume are) self-published books that I've read recently. I recommend it as a fun summer/beach read but I did find it dragged a bit in places and lacked details in other places. And maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't have hated a family tree sketch like some similar books have. Those are very minor nitpicks though! Really good book!
November 2, 2020
Firstly I need to clarify that I received this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. I always enjoy a good old whodunnit mystery and this definitely didn’t disappoint. The author has a thoroughly easy to read writing style and you can completely lose yourself in the story. I loved the varied array of characters and particularly liked Elle, the main character, with her backstory adding to her believability. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars was that at times it seemed a little predictable. Why on earth would they all separate out when there’s an unknown killer amongst them, but I am probably being over critical. If you enjoy a gentle Agatha Christie type story then you really should give this a dabble.
July 27, 2021
Historian Elle Cunningham Mackey has been invited to research the roots of the Scottish MacUspaig clan on their island home in North Carolina. Elle discovers the body of her former lover just after he has banished his family from the island and we are in for a classic whodunnit.
The story follows an Agatha Christie type formula with the characters isolated and knowing the murderer is one in their midst. Elle is an intriguing character and we buy into her. As the title hints, there is a decided Scottish bent and it colors the story well, as does the North Carolina Roan Island locale. A quick, pleasant and satisfying read. 4 stars.
My thanks to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows an Agatha Christie type formula with the characters isolated and knowing the murderer is one in their midst. Elle is an intriguing character and we buy into her. As the title hints, there is a decided Scottish bent and it colors the story well, as does the North Carolina Roan Island locale. A quick, pleasant and satisfying read. 4 stars.
My thanks to Liam Ashe and Voracious Readers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2021
Elle is researching the MacUspaig family near her North Carolina home for a project on disappearing clans. She is staying as a guest at Aldermire, the island estate of the diminishing clan. At a command perrformance dinner, unpleasant proclamations are made, and bodies start dropping that night. The first one makes perfect sense, and is of course someone that plenty have a reason to commit. But then... more bodies appear. Elle searches for clues or evidence from attic to basement to secret tunnels to family crypts. Police come and go, and among revelations is the fact that Elle is on first name basis with law enforcement for previous indiscretions of her own. Just might have to backtrack and read of Elle's earlier antics. A fun book with a satisfying ending.
December 11, 2021
I was gifted a copy via voracious readers, it’s not a genre I would usually read but I was caught by the punny title! I’m now turned on to cozy mystery’s and really enjoyed this book. It was a light easy read and I felt like the story flowed naturally, with the author scattering clues effortlessly and subtly into the story. The relationship of the characters develops in an organic way and I was glad to see the ladies bury the hatchet (not literally, no one is killed with a hatchet 😉)
I felt as though the setting and plot was well thought through, I wasn’t reading with the intention of figuring out the mystery, but I didn’t notice any glaringly obvious flaws. I would recommend for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
I felt as though the setting and plot was well thought through, I wasn’t reading with the intention of figuring out the mystery, but I didn’t notice any glaringly obvious flaws. I would recommend for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.
October 18, 2020
On the island of Roan In the USA Elle is invited to research the history of the McUsbaig's.
It's clear at the big dinner that there are fractures within the family and then a body is discovered.
This is a good story in the classic genre. Add in the Scottish dimensions and you've got a winner. Did wonder though if whisk(e)y should have been spelt as it was.
Was the killer a member of the family or had an outsider somehow got onto the island?
Elle is shown as flawed with her own issues so will she learn the secrets of the family.
I enjoyed this gentle book which will appeal to lovers of Agatha Christie.
I received this book for free and the views expressed are solely my own.
It's clear at the big dinner that there are fractures within the family and then a body is discovered.
This is a good story in the classic genre. Add in the Scottish dimensions and you've got a winner. Did wonder though if whisk(e)y should have been spelt as it was.
Was the killer a member of the family or had an outsider somehow got onto the island?
Elle is shown as flawed with her own issues so will she learn the secrets of the family.
I enjoyed this gentle book which will appeal to lovers of Agatha Christie.
I received this book for free and the views expressed are solely my own.
February 4, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ashe at the Central Florida Highland games last month. He graciously autographed this book it's sequel for me. I am forever grateful. He is most gracious!
I really did think I had this one figured out but never in a million years would I have guessed how this story ended. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to reading the second book as well.
I never guess the right person who is the murderer and it happened again. HA Every time I thought I had a suspect, they were usually explained in a few pages how it couldn't have been them.
I encourage you to grab this book and read it. It was a fun read.
I really did think I had this one figured out but never in a million years would I have guessed how this story ended. I enjoyed the book a lot and look forward to reading the second book as well.
I never guess the right person who is the murderer and it happened again. HA Every time I thought I had a suspect, they were usually explained in a few pages how it couldn't have been them.
I encourage you to grab this book and read it. It was a fun read.
October 15, 2020
I received a complementary copy of this book from voracious readers only.
I loved the fact that there was lots of Scottish clan history in it as my family name is Buchanan. The plot and characters are well crafted and you feel that you get to know them well over the course of the storytelling. I loved the grumpy patriarch! I did manage to work out who had carried out the murders before the big reveal but only just.
I enjoyed Liam’s writing style and would happily read another one of his books. It wasn’t too long and would make a great holiday read.
I loved the fact that there was lots of Scottish clan history in it as my family name is Buchanan. The plot and characters are well crafted and you feel that you get to know them well over the course of the storytelling. I loved the grumpy patriarch! I did manage to work out who had carried out the murders before the big reveal but only just.
I enjoyed Liam’s writing style and would happily read another one of his books. It wasn’t too long and would make a great holiday read.
October 29, 2020
I read this book courtesy of Voracious Readers Only and was not disappointed with their recommendation. Thou Shalt Not Kilt is an easy to read mystery which draws you in from the first page. Elle is researching Scottish clans which are on the verge of extinction, whilst living in the midst of the last of the dysfunctional McUstaig family. Following an announcement which rocks the various residents of Roan island Elle becomes involved in solving murders both past and present.
An excellent mystery from Liam that leaves you wanting to read more adventures of Elle Cunningham Mackay.
An excellent mystery from Liam that leaves you wanting to read more adventures of Elle Cunningham Mackay.
November 30, 2020
I received this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about a Scottish family living on Roan Island, and each of the characters seems to be unhappy with their lot in life. One of the characters, Elle, is researching the family and while she's at Aldermire strange things begin to happen. One of the other characters mysteriously ends up murdered and things take a turn after that. Its easy to follow the plot of the book, even with the twists and turns. I enjoyed the book very much, and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
The book is about a Scottish family living on Roan Island, and each of the characters seems to be unhappy with their lot in life. One of the characters, Elle, is researching the family and while she's at Aldermire strange things begin to happen. One of the other characters mysteriously ends up murdered and things take a turn after that. Its easy to follow the plot of the book, even with the twists and turns. I enjoyed the book very much, and look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
June 30, 2021
I love classic mysteries and this book fit the mold perfectly! It has a heroine with a checkered past, cast of interesting characters, a remote location, history and some bodies. It starts off with a gathering at the home of one of the central characters which introduces the reader to all of the characters and a bit about their backgrounds and inter-relationships. It moves quickly into Elle MacKay trying to discover who the murderer is. The story was well thought out and the characters were well rounded. Thanks to Voracious Readers and the author for my complimentary copy.
February 22, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this twist on a locked room mystery! If you enjoy family secrets, old Scottish history, atmosphere that could count as a character, and plenty of suspects, you’ll enjoy this novel. I couldn’t predict what was coming next and was along for the ride with a main character who is flawed in the most relatable ways. No gore, lots of spookiness, and a rollicking good time, I would definitely pick up another book by this author.
In exchange for my honest review, I did receive a copy for free from the author through Voracious Readers.
In exchange for my honest review, I did receive a copy for free from the author through Voracious Readers.
December 22, 2020
I received a copy of this from VRO for an honest review.
This is the first of a series featuring main character Elle. She is an historical researcher working at a Scottish family’s estate on an island. She is isolated with the family when she discovers a murdered body on the estate.
The story moves along at a nice pace. The characters are quirky and Elle is a smart, funny heroine. I especially like her relationship with her family. A good invitation to continue with the series.
This is the first of a series featuring main character Elle. She is an historical researcher working at a Scottish family’s estate on an island. She is isolated with the family when she discovers a murdered body on the estate.
The story moves along at a nice pace. The characters are quirky and Elle is a smart, funny heroine. I especially like her relationship with her family. A good invitation to continue with the series.
July 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this page turner.
Was really descriptive and I could fully envisage the setting which added to the enjoyment even more.
Not your predictable whodunnit thankfully and full of interesting characters to add depth to the story. Lots of side stories added to the intrigue and the drama.
While I partly figured it out the ending was quite a surprise and in a good way.
I really enjoyed this read and would highly recommend. Was a very pleasurable way to spend 2 afternoons!
Was really descriptive and I could fully envisage the setting which added to the enjoyment even more.
Not your predictable whodunnit thankfully and full of interesting characters to add depth to the story. Lots of side stories added to the intrigue and the drama.
While I partly figured it out the ending was quite a surprise and in a good way.
I really enjoyed this read and would highly recommend. Was a very pleasurable way to spend 2 afternoons!
January 23, 2022
This mystery was the perfect accompaniment to a few days off of work. It kept my mind busy and my butt stuck to the chair.
It was a nice mix of Miss Marple meets Nancy Drew with a twist of Nicholas Sparks. I found myself rooting for more than one character to not be the killer. Family dynamics is always fun to explore and exploit!
Thank-you to Voracious Readers Only for finding me another great book to read!
It was a nice mix of Miss Marple meets Nancy Drew with a twist of Nicholas Sparks. I found myself rooting for more than one character to not be the killer. Family dynamics is always fun to explore and exploit!
Thank-you to Voracious Readers Only for finding me another great book to read!
February 18, 2022
Great for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunnits, Thou Shalt not Kilt is one part family drama, one part remote location, one part murder. The plot moves along and inter-personal relationships are revealed as the weather worsens. Genealogical researcher Elle is the right woman to solve the case, aided by her local law enforcement friends, and to handle her own history with the family without causing more drama. While the ending was a little loose, overall a quick read and an enjoyable plot.
August 14, 2020
Imaginative, surprising and cozy
I could have read this book in one or two sittings but instead went through each chapter like a glass of good whisky. Savored the characters and setting and story.
The wrap up was quite satisfying and I look forward to reading more of Mr Ashe’s other stories while awaiting Elle’s next adventure.
I could have read this book in one or two sittings but instead went through each chapter like a glass of good whisky. Savored the characters and setting and story.
The wrap up was quite satisfying and I look forward to reading more of Mr Ashe’s other stories while awaiting Elle’s next adventure.
November 2, 2020
This is a very classic, Agatha Christie-style mystery. Remote location (made more remote by weather), twists and turns, amateur detective. The main character is very likable and the setting and backstory are great. Very fun read and look forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2021
I must say that I almost didn't read this book because of the title. I am glad now that I did. The beginning was slow for me but soon picked up and began the wonderful mystery that it is. I loved the imperfect strength and smarts of the female lead. You gave me twists and revelations all the way to the last page.
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