ARC Review: An American in Scotland by Lucy Connelly

An American in Scotland
Author: Lucy Connelly
Series: A Scottish Isle Mystery
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (April 4, 2023)

Description: The small idyllic town of Sea Isle, Scotland, harbors some dark secrets, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is determined to uncover all of them—no matter what the diagnosis in this charming cozy, sure to enchant fans of Sheila Connolly and Charlene O’Connor.

Sea Isle was supposed to be the fresh start Dr. Emilia McRoy dreamed of. Far from the busy emergency room across the Atlantic in Seattle, she hoped to settle down and begin this new chapter as a small-town doctor to the quirky residents who immediately welcomed her. When she stumbles across a dead body, she starts to think that she may not be as Scot free of the drama and intrigue as she initially thought.

Emilia soon learns she has bigger issues at hand. It starts with realizing she'll work closely with the less than helpful local constable, Laird Ewan Campbell. Her luck continues when she discovers that part of her new responsibilities includes being the coroner for the very body she found. Finally, when the body goes missing before she can even begin the autopsy, Emilia must convince the townspeople that a crime did, in fact, occur. The deeper she digs into the picturesque town, the more suspicious she becomes. And then there are her sleep issues. It may be due to the ever-growing list of suspects, a number of threatening letters, or the surprise visitor who breaks into her house at night. But she’s never backed down before, and she doesn’t intend to start now.

Someone doesn’t want this doctor to treat the ailments of Sea Isle, but Emilia McRoy is determined to find the murderer before they kilt again.

My Thoughts: This cozy mystery introduces Doctor Emilia McRoy who has given up her life in a fast-paced Emergency Room in Seattle for a rural post in Scotland. She isn't even over her jet lag when she discovers the body of Smithy in an unused bothy.

When the laird lets her know that she's also the coroner, it is up to her to discover the cause of death for this unsavory character who may or may not be a blackmailer. Only the body disappears before Em can begin her autopsy.

She's convinced that there was foul play and the disappearing body seems to indicate that she's right. But the laird who is also the constable seems to be downplaying the murder leaving Em to begin her own investigation. 

The story is filled with a wide variety of interesting characters and Em quickly finds herself finding a new circle of friends and a few possible romantic possibilities too. However, she's coming off a bad relationship and isn't interested in romance. 

As the dangers mount, Em has to decide who she can trust if she wants to solve the murder and keep herself alive. 

I enjoyed the setting and enjoyed Em who is a real mystery buff in addition to being an excellent physician. 

Favorite Quote:

The fire illuminated the area. I spotted the road where Mara said Smithy lived.

I glanced around as I stepped behind the tent and into the cover of darkness. If I was quick about it, I could get down there and back with no one the wiser.

I'm going to find that book if it kills me.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.