I have thoroughly enjoyed the Last Ditch mystery books I’ve read – see my review of Scot Mist – so was delighted to see this festive offering pop up.
BLURB: It’s all aboard for a Campbell Clan Christmas! Lexy swaps cinnamon lattes for boiled sprouts when the Last Ditch crew travel from California to an idyllic Scottish village for the holidays, but something very unmerry is lurking below the surface . . .
Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.
But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there’s a change of plan and they’re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy – Trinity for Trouble – must solve another murder.
Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at Tesco: the Last Ditch crew won’t forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry!
REVIEW: This is huge, Christmassy fun. I’ve grown very fond of Lexy and her found family. But I would strongly advise that you don’t plunge straight into this one, if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading at least a couple of the other books in the series – preferably the first one. McPherson jumps into this offering without stopping to introduce the core cast of characters other than in a cursory manner. Which is fine, given this is a murder mystery after all, and the pace needs to be kept up. But there are nine characters in the found family – and that doesn’t include Lexy’s parents. So if you aren’t already acquainted with them, then you’re likely to flounder with the welter of names and passing character traits, designed to jog the memory of Last Ditch fans.
I didn’t have much difficulty, because the moment I opened up the book, my memory of the characters came flooding back. After all, they’re old friends. I just hoped that by the end of this adventure, I would still be as fond of them. And I was. The story had me laughing aloud, to the extent that I was struggling not to wake Himself. I’m aware that humour is highly personal, but I find McPherson’s mix of language misunderstanding – particularly now the gang have pitched up in Scotland – and her version of OTT slapstick enormously enjoyable. It’s not usually my kind of thing, but the delivery is so laconic and clever that it just draws me in.
Of course, I didn’t just pick this one up for the laughs. I like a well-plotted murder mystery and I enjoyed the sheer tongue-in-cheek genre trope of a skeleton in the cellar of a rambling country house. I thought McPherson played with reader expectations in a really enjoyable way and provided some nice twists. The Christmas aspect of the whole tale is very well done – giving us the required snow and fairy lights, which worked well with Lexy’s usual cynicism. There is a huge plot twist regarding the family’s future that comes at the end of this, which leaves me hoping the next book in this charming series isn’t too far in the future. All in all, this entertaining and very funny Christmas whodunit comes very highly recommended. While I obtained an arc of Hop Scot from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books they’ve read and share what they have got up to during the last week.
The less said about this month to date, the better… I’m still battling with my energy levels thanks to a major long covid relapse and spending more time in bed than out of it. Which is depressing and frustrating. Only I can’t be frustrated or depressed, because that just makes the general fatigue worse. I hope that I’m finally recovering, though I won’t say that too loudly, because every time I’ve done so this month – I’ve woken up feeling sick, giddy and utterly exhausted.
The pics this week were taken at Highdown Gardens in August. I haven’t been anywhere recently, so I thought it would be nice to revisit some of the lovely places I managed to get to earlier in the year and recall that slice of summer magic. I was surprised to see the wasps’ nest and I’ve no idea what those purple berries are called – but they were every bit as vivid as the pic suggests. We’re so lucky to live in such a pretty part of the country and I’m looking forward to being well enough to go for a walk along the beach again. You won’t be surprised to hear that I’ve got through a fair few books in the last fortnight, while marooned in bed. Thank goodness I’m a reader😊.
Books I’ve read this last fortnight:
Hop Scot – Book 6 of the Last Ditch Mystery series by Catriona McPherson Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible. But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there’s a change of plan and they’re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy – Trinity for Trouble – must solve another murder.
Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at Tesco: the Last Ditch crew won’t forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry! This is a joy… Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK – The Magic of Recluce – Book 1 of the Saga of Recluce series by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. Many do not survive. Lerris chooses dangergeld.
When Lerris is sent into intensive training for his quest, it soon becomes clear that he has a natural talent for magic. And he will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked. Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos. I read the printed edition back when Noah was knee-high to a hen and thoroughly enjoyed it. So I wondered if I’d like this one as much when listening to this adventure, instead. It was every bit as much fun and reminded me all over again why I became such a huge fan of the fantasy genre. 9/10
Adversary – Book 5 of the Hive Minds series by Janet Edwards Being a telepath means being a warrior. Eighteen-year-old Amber is the youngest of the five telepaths who protect the hundred million citizens of one of the great hive cities of twenty-sixth century Earth. As her city celebrates the start of a New Year, one of the other telepaths must stop work to have lifesaving surgery.
Amber is already worried how she and her unit will cope with the increased workload, but then she finds herself facing twin enemies as well. Inside her city, Keith takes advantage of his increasingly powerful position as one of only four working telepaths. Outside her city, Hive Genex sends the devious Adversary Aura to lead their defence against charges of attempting to kidnap Amber. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the Hive Mind series. Edwards’ writing always has an upbeat energy, which I’m really appreciating at present. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – Shadow Hunter – Book 1 of the Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series by B.R. Kingsolver When my magic manifested at puberty, my parents sold me to the Illuminati. They trained me as an assassin, spy, and thief. But when they sent me to steal a magical artifact that reveals Truth in all things, I discovered that I was working for the Dark and not the Light. The Illuminati trained me well, and paid the ultimate price for their deception.
Thousands of miles away, I landed a job in a quirky little bar. But the scattered remnants of the Order still strive for world domination, and no one leaves the Illuminati alive. This one popped up on the Plus Catalogue, so I decided to have a go as I’m particularly enjoying urban fantasy tales featuring plucky young women with a barbed sense of humour. And I ended up a fan of Kingsolver’s writing. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – A Fire at the Exhibition – Book 10 of the Lady Hardcastle Series by T.E. Kinsey May 1912. After the previous year’s deadly heatwave, it’s been an uneventful spring in Littleton Cotterell. Though for Lady Hardcastle and her fiercely loyal lady’s maid Flo, at least there are the provincial delights of the village’s inaugural art exhibition—and bicycle race—to look forward to. But at the exhibition opening, there’s a panicked shout of ‘Fire!’ In the confusion, the main attraction—an extremely expensive book—is stolen from under everyone’s nose, as is a valuable painting lent by Sir Hector Farley-Stroud.
Then the race, which starts as a charming day out, ends in a shocking death. And to top it all off, the Farley-Strouds reveal they’re in debt and might lose their house. The sleuthing duo soon find themselves torn between a murder investigation, an art theft mystery, and trying to help their pals. All with a suspicious figure from Flo’s past, a supercilious insurance investigator, and a pair of rather bizarre treasure hunters on the loose… I love this series, so was very cheered to see this latest addition. I was able to lose myself in a long-gone time, as Lady H and Flo try to discover what is going on. As ever, it’s the relationship between the two women that stands out for me. 9/10
Legends & Lattes – Book 1 of the Legends & Lattes series by Travis After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success—not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed. After reading and thoroughly enjoying Bookshops and Bonedust – I decided I had to tuck into this offering. And it’s every bit as charming and engrossing as the hype claims. 10/10
AUDIOBOOK – City of Bones by Martha Wells Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working on the edge of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors and to support Sagai’s family. When Khat is hired to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients’ arcane engines, they are both reluctant to become involved. But the request comes from the Warders, powerful mages who serve Charisat’s Elector.
Khat soon discovers that the deadly politics of Charisat’s upper tiers aren’t the only danger. The relics the Warders want are the key to an Ancient magic of unknown power, and, as all the inhabitants of Charisat know, no one understands the Ancients’ magic. I’m especially fond of a Sand & Sorcery tale – there’s always something bit more enthralling about magic with its sand between its toes… And this offering was no exception. Perhaps not quite as wonderfully written as the fabulous Ile-Rien series, but a cracking read nonetheless. 8/10
AUDIOBOOK – Wish List – Book 2 of the How To Be the Best Damn Faery Godmother in the World (or Die Trying) series by Helen Harper You don’t have to be mad to work at the Office of Faery Godmothers. But you do have to be magic.
Saffron Sawyer is a faery on a mission. She may no longer have the same rose-tinted spectacles about her job as she once did, but she’s still determined to be the best faery godmother that there is. And when she’s given the role as leader of a taskforce designed to hunt down the elusive trolls, she knows it’s her time to step up and be counted.
Juggling her new responsibilities while dealing with difficult clients isn’t easy, however. Danger lurks around every corner – and Jasper, the handsome and powerful Devil’s Advocate, is continually looming over her shoulder in the office.
Can Saffron prove her worth to the world of magic? Or will she make one mistake too many and find herself in mortal danger? I do love Harper’s slightly madcap heroines. And Saffron is a prime example. I hope the misunderstanding between herself and the Devil’s Advocate is quickly sorted out, though. I’m finding it a tad annoying. Other than that, a lovely listen that had me grinning. 8/10
Terminal Alliance – Book 1 of the Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse series by Jim C. Hines When the Krakau came to Earth, they planned to invite humanity into a growing alliance of sentient species. This would have worked out better for all involved if they hadn’t arrived after a mutated plague wiped out half the planet, turned the rest into shambling, near-unstoppable animals, and basically destroyed human civilization. You know—your standard apocalypse.
The Krakau’s first impulse was to turn their ships around and go home. After all, it’s hard to establish diplomatic relations with mindless savages who eat your diplomats. Their second impulse was to try to fix us. A century later, human beings might not be what they once were, but at least they’re no longer trying to eat everyone. Mostly.
Marion “Mops” Adamopoulos is surprisingly bright (for a human). As a Lieutenant on the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish, she’s in charge of the Shipboard Hygiene and Sanitation team. When a bioweapon attack by an alien race wipes out the Krakau command crew and reverts the rest of the humans to their feral state, only Mops and her team are left with their minds intact. Escaping the attacking aliens—not to mention her shambling crewmates—is only the beginning. Sure, Mops and her assortment of space janitors and plumbers can clean the ship, but flying the damn thing is another matter. As they struggle to keep the Pufferfish functioning and find a cure for their crew, they stumble onto a conspiracy that could threaten the entire alliance. I’m fussy about space opera adventures. It’s the genre I DNF more frequently than any other. And I’m a tad allergic to humorous space opera. But this is both funny and clever and I’ll definitely be reading more of this series. 9/10
AUDIOBOOK – The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley Somewhere on the outer rim of the universe, a mass of decaying world-ships known as the Legion is traveling in the seams between the stars. For generations, a war for control of the Legion has been waged, with no clear resolution. As worlds continue to die, a desperate plan is put into motion.
Zan wakes with no memory, prisoner of a people who say they are her family. She is told she is their salvation – the only person capable of boarding the Mokshi, a world-ship with the power to leave the Legion. But Zan’s new family is not the only one desperate to gain control of the prized ship. Zan finds that she must choose sides in a genocidal campaign that will take her from the edges of the Legion’s gravity well to the very belly of the world.
Zan will soon learn that she carries the seeds of the Legion’s destruction – and its possible salvation. But can she and her ragtag band of followers survive the horrors of the Legion and its people long enough to deliver it? I’ll be honest – I’d forgotten that generally me and Hurley don’t get along. But listening to this brutal and frankly gross quest adventure just made me grateful that I was in my own snuggly bed, instead of wading through stuff (don’t ask!). 8/10
Calico by Lee Goldberg There’s a saying in Barstow, California, a decaying city in the scorching Mojave desert . . .
The Interstate here only goes in one direction: Away.
But it’s the only place where ex-LAPD detective Beth McDade, after a staggering fall from grace, could get another badge . . . and a shot at redemption. Over a century ago, and just a few miles further into the bleak landscape, a desperate stranger ended up in Calico, a struggling mining town, also hoping for a second chance. His fate, all those years ago, and hers today are linked when Beth investigates an old skeleton dug up in a shallow, sandy grave . . . and also tries to identity a vagrant run-over by a distracted motorhome driver during a lightning storm.
Every disturbing clue she finds, every shocking discovery she makes, force Beth to confront her own troubled past—and a past that’s not her own—until it all smashes together in a revelation that could change the world. This was an intriguing read that I requested on the spur of the moment. Review to follow.
AUDIOBOOK – Night Stalker – Book 2 of the Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill series by B.R. Kingsolver All I want is to pay the rent and find a boyfriend. But an insane vampire thinks I hold the key to his takeover of the city, and I have a new stalker.
At least for now, I’ve dodged the Illuminati’s Hunters, but life is still a little too challenging. Rival vampire lords want to use me against each other, and the mysterious members of the Columbia Club are offering bounties for vampires and werewolves. I’m lucky that the gang at Rosie’s has my back, because I’m going to need them. I felt the need for more urban fantasy goodness in my life. After finishing listening to The Stars Are Legion the next slice of Erin’s life was calling to me. This book brought up more problems and risks for our plucky heroine to face, as well as plenty of action. 9/10
Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.
This week’s Can’t-Wait offering:
Hop Scot – Book 6 of the Last Ditch Mysteries by Catriona McPerson – release date – 5th December
#cosy murder mystery #feisty heroine #humour
BLURB:It’s all aboard for a Campbell Clan Christmas! Lexy swaps cinnamon lattes for boiled sprouts when the Last Ditch crew travel from California to an idyllic Scottish village for the holidays, but something very unmerry is lurking below the surface . . . Lexy Campbell is long overdue a trip to Scotland to see her parents, and an unexpected death in the extended Last Ditch Motel family makes Christmas in a bungalow in Dundee with nine others seem almost irresistible.
But when Lexy and the Last Ditch crew hop across the Atlantic, there’s a change of plan and they’re whisked off to Mistletoe Hall in the pretty village of Yule, where the surprises continue. The news that a man disappeared from the crumbling pile sixty years ago, along with an unsettling discovery in the bricked-up basement, means that Todd, Kathi and Lexy – Trinity for Trouble – must solve another murder. Deadly secrets, snow, berry rustlers, ornithology, skeletons and Christmas Eve in the booze aisle at Tesco: the Last Ditch crew won’t forget their Scottish holiday in a hurry!
I’ve read a couple of the previous books in this very funny series – see my review of Scot Mist. So when I saw this one was available as an arc, I requested it. It’s next on my reading list and I’m really looking forward to diving into this one. The previous reads had me laughing aloud at the confusion caused by Lexy’s broad Scottish dialect in America. So I’m intrigued to see what happens when this found family of nine end up in Scotland for Christmas.
Brainfluff 