Eden is a romance writer who came over from Chicago for inspiration. Now her six-month tourist visa has almost run its course and she's not looking forward to leaving. A certain tall Scots lad could have something to do with that. Leith Cameron is a fishing guide who looks great in a kilt, and he fits Eden's bill for romance hero. Eden has also allowed herself to be co-opted as a volunteer Special Constable, since all the locals are too busy.

Bridie Dougal, aged ninety, has told her son that she'd rather sell the family distillery now, than have him run it into the ground after she's gone. Would that have anything to do with her receiving a threatening note? She shares her concerns with Eden, who is both an outsider and vaguely related to folks from the area. I enjoyed reading about the whisky tasting, having been to a few of these myself. And yes, the room does start to tilt unexpectedly after a few wee drams! But the black tie evening ends in tragedy when a woman's body is found hidden among distillery casks. Eden has to sober up fast.

I like that modern day Scotland is firmly established, but the landscape, foods and characters are very much traditional and recognisable. Eden, tasked with taking statements, learns about alibis and motives; at the same time she is learning more about her own family than she had expected. I also enjoyed the two West Highland terriers we meet and the Scottish Fold cat Eden adopts. The tale of DRESSED TO KILT becomes tangled and will appeal to cosy mystery fans who like teasing out the threads.

Hannah Reed who has also written a series called Queen Bee Mysteries, is an American of Scots descent who enjoys visiting the Highlands to research for her books. With her accounts of snowdrifts the size of Munroes, and tasty, filling clootie pudding, she seems to research thoroughly and makes a fine job of her cozy crime.

Book Summary