Deadly Editions: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery

Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton is the 6th novel in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. We return to Edinburgh, Scotland on a snowy day as Paige begins her day at The Cracked Spine. Delaney is surprised when she receives a missive from wealthy Shelagh O’Connor inviting her to a pub that afternoon. Delaney along with three others are invited to participate in a treasure hunt. They must decipher the clues to find a valuable copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The winner will receive Shelagh’s entire book collection and each participant also receives a cash bonus. Delaney cannot pass up this opportunity. Things take a dark turn when robberies begin happening by someone who dresses as Shelagh did in the 1970s and then Shelagh is kidnapped. It is a pleasure to catch up with Delaney, Tom, Rosie, Edwin, Aggie, Elias, and Hamlet. The characters are well-developed and friendly. We meet some new people that are involved in the treasure hunt. Shelagh is a unique character with a beautiful home and a gorgeous library (I wanted to win it). The treasure hunt was interesting. They visit various local pubs searching for unique clues. The author provided vivid descriptions that brought them alive for me as well as Edinburgh. It was great learning about Edinburgh and Robert Louis Stevenson. There are interesting facts about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The mystery was thought out. I like how everything tied together in this intricate whodunit. Delaney’s bookish voices added another level to the story. While I found the mystery complex, the solution was not. I kept hoping there would be a twist to surprise me. I also found the pacing to be a little slow at times. I liked the cozy moments with Tom and Delaney as well as her time spent with co-workers and their friends (and temporary houseguests) Aggie and Elias. I just loved Delaney’s attic library. It sounds like a cozy and special place. Deadly Editions is an intriguing cozy mystery with a tricky treasure hunt, clever clues, a large library, a valuable volume, and popular pubs.

From the first chapter to the last, this entry in the series had me riveted. It was more than just a whodunit, it was also a treasure hunt, and a look into the novel Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. So many nuances to this story, that I almost lost sleep trying to finish it! The other thing about this series that is absolutely wonderful, The Setting; it is a character as much as the protagonist. It does not just take place In Edinburgh, Scotland; the setting is essential to the plots. The author crafts it so well, you feel like you have been drinking a pint in the pub yourself. And, in this book, you will be taken on a journey to explore its depths. I have to admit to using Google Earth to see the ground myself, and was amazed at how much detail I already had in my head just from the words on the page. And, I found, my head the locations matched Google Earth. How fantastically this author described the scenes! If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you will not feel lost. The author does a wonderful job of giving enough history behind each of the main characters to let you enjoy the book without spoiling the plots of the others. However, I highly recommend that you do read the others, and if you have read the previous ones, you will be absolutely delighted with this entry. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would, as I feel this book really was a fun ride for me. In a time where I cannot go many places, this took me away on an adventure, and more.