Death at a Scottish Christmas

Dr. Emilia McRoy never had much time off when she worked in Seattle in the ER, but as coroner of Sea Isle, Scotland, she has the entire month of December off. She's already bored with her leisure time by December 10, so she agrees to help a friend host a famous band at her pub. Bram, the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers, is originally from Sea Isle, and everyone turns out for their show. Then Em finds Bram dead on the beach the next day, and her short-lived vacation is over. Ever the control freak, she takes over the investigation of Bram's death. Sea Isle's constable, Ewan Campbell, had a history with Bram, so the Scottish Police Authority sends in an investigator. Em juggles her loyalty to Ewan, her respect for authority, and her curiosity as she helps interview the band members about the disappearance of Bram's new music, their planned tour, and his murder. Then another band member dies, and the case has to be solved before the band leaves the island. VERDICT The investigation is slow-paced in the sequel to Death at a Scottish Wedding, but the various holiday celebrations and Em's new friends make up for the flat ending. For fans of Carlene O'Connor's County Kerry mysteries.--Lesa Holstine

The death of a rock star in his Scottish hometown brings many secrets to light. American emergency room doctor Emilia McRoy has settled into life in Sea Isle, where she was recruited by wealthy paternalistic Constable Ewan Campbell to care for the needs of the populace, even after death, as both the town's doctor and coroner. Though she's solved several murder cases, when her friend Mara asks her to help transport the U.K.-famous band Bram and the Stokers, whose van has broken down, she never suspects that handsome, charismatic Bram will be the next victim. Much as Emilia enjoys dancing with Bram after a terrific set the band plays at the pub, she can't help noticing that Ewan and Bram seem to have a problematic past. When she finds Bram dead on the beach in suspicious circumstances, Ewan has to be considered a suspect. Emilia's thorough examination reveals a puncture in Bram's brain stem, indicating that he's probably been murdered. Emilia and the entire team, including abrasive DI Bethany Thomson, who vocally suspects Ewan, focus on the band members and their manager, Davy Albright. Bram's medical records and reports of his behavior suggest that he may have had early-onset Alzheimer's, which would certainly have changed the band's plans for the future. When Davy becomes the next victim, Emilia has to combine sleuthing with her serious involvement in the town's delightful Christmas festivities and avoid a stalker who may be targeting her for death. An intricate murder mystery combines with the delights of friendship and the Christmas spirit in a charming Scottish town. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Dr. Emilia McRoy never had much time off when she worked in Seattle in the ER, but as coroner of Sea Isle, Scotland, she has the entire month of December off. She's already bored with her leisure time by December 10, so she agrees to help a friend host a famous band at her pub. Bram, the lead singer of Bram and the Stokers, is originally from Sea Isle, and everyone turns out for their show. Then Em finds Bram dead on the beach the next day, and her short-lived vacation is over. Ever the control freak, she takes over the investigation of Bram's death. Sea Isle's constable, Ewan Campbell, had a history with Bram, so the Scottish Police Authority sends in an investigator. Em juggles her loyalty to Ewan, her respect for authority, and her curiosity as she helps interview the band members about the disappearance of Bram's new music, their planned tour, and his murder. Then another band member dies, and the case has to be solved before the band leaves the island. VERDICT The investigation is slow-paced in the sequel to Death at a Scottish Wedding, but the various holiday celebrations and Em's new friends make up for the flat ending. For fans of Carlene O'Connor's County Kerry mysteries.—Lesa Holstine