Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Secrets of a Scottish Isle (A Jane Wunderly Mystery) on + 658 more book reviews
Dollycas's Thoughts
Jane Wunderly has been sent to the Isle of Iona to investigate the enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn, Robert Nightingale. His group which includes influential people gathers for supernatural ceremonies on the isle where the veil is said to be thin. Jane has to conceal her identity and become just a woman from the States interested in the occult and Nightingale's group. Her fiancé, Redvers, is also there but their relationship must remain a secret.
When she finds a woman who was contemplating leaving the group murdered in the moors, Jane understands leaving the group alive can be quite difficult. She would like to get justice for the woman but the people around her are in their own worlds, or on different planes of existence. Another death gives Jane some clues she needs be very careful or she could be the next victim.
___
Secrets of a Scottish Isle has a different feel than other books in this series. The tables seemed to have turned. Jane is a fearless woman taking on the bulk of this investigation and all it entails while Redvers works behind the scenes. She also put on the miles traveling the island searching for clues and meeting up with Redvers to report what she had learned. Redvers does pop up in surprising places but I really missed their banter when they work side by side, order drinks, and talk about people, places, and the case they are on. And while Jane enjoyed her break from Aunt Millie, I missed her and Lord Hughes.
Ms. Neubauer does introduce an eclectic array of new characters in this story. Jane and Redvers come into contact with several residents of the island and those who have come for the solstice rituals. Each is unique and memorable but some are pretty shady. Interestingly, with only two hotels on the island, the residents open their houses to visitors. Jane's naturally inquisitive nature had her landlady opening up easily. I did enjoy the way their relationship grew and the good that came from it. I also liked that a real-life character, poet W.B Yeats was part of the story and for more than a cameo, it was a pivotable role.
Jane's assignment was to investigate Robert Nightingale and discover as much as possible about him. Two murders were not planned for but Jane jumped in with both feet and I enjoyed tagging along with her from my recliner, wishing the virtual hiking I did around the island actually burned calories. The author does a wonderful job describing the island. I had a vivid image of every place Jane traveled and shivered at times right along with her. As for the mystery, I was a bit baffled the entire way. There were some delightful twists and turns that built up to a crazy reveal and showdown.
Ms. Neubauer adds an Author's Note at the end of the book sharing her inspiration for this story and that there are some facts within her wonderful fictional tale. I had never heard of the Isle of Iona or Order of the Golden Dawn prior to reading this book but learning that the people and happenings are loosely based in real life made me appreciate the book even more. I am sure researching this story was fascinating, especially for someone interested in the occult.Â
Secrets of a Scottish Isle is a very intriguing mystery set in an interesting setting with a variety of quirky characters. I learned some things and was totally entertained along the way. Oh, and I loved the final chapter.
Jane Wunderly has been sent to the Isle of Iona to investigate the enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn, Robert Nightingale. His group which includes influential people gathers for supernatural ceremonies on the isle where the veil is said to be thin. Jane has to conceal her identity and become just a woman from the States interested in the occult and Nightingale's group. Her fiancé, Redvers, is also there but their relationship must remain a secret.
When she finds a woman who was contemplating leaving the group murdered in the moors, Jane understands leaving the group alive can be quite difficult. She would like to get justice for the woman but the people around her are in their own worlds, or on different planes of existence. Another death gives Jane some clues she needs be very careful or she could be the next victim.
___
Secrets of a Scottish Isle has a different feel than other books in this series. The tables seemed to have turned. Jane is a fearless woman taking on the bulk of this investigation and all it entails while Redvers works behind the scenes. She also put on the miles traveling the island searching for clues and meeting up with Redvers to report what she had learned. Redvers does pop up in surprising places but I really missed their banter when they work side by side, order drinks, and talk about people, places, and the case they are on. And while Jane enjoyed her break from Aunt Millie, I missed her and Lord Hughes.
Ms. Neubauer does introduce an eclectic array of new characters in this story. Jane and Redvers come into contact with several residents of the island and those who have come for the solstice rituals. Each is unique and memorable but some are pretty shady. Interestingly, with only two hotels on the island, the residents open their houses to visitors. Jane's naturally inquisitive nature had her landlady opening up easily. I did enjoy the way their relationship grew and the good that came from it. I also liked that a real-life character, poet W.B Yeats was part of the story and for more than a cameo, it was a pivotable role.
Jane's assignment was to investigate Robert Nightingale and discover as much as possible about him. Two murders were not planned for but Jane jumped in with both feet and I enjoyed tagging along with her from my recliner, wishing the virtual hiking I did around the island actually burned calories. The author does a wonderful job describing the island. I had a vivid image of every place Jane traveled and shivered at times right along with her. As for the mystery, I was a bit baffled the entire way. There were some delightful twists and turns that built up to a crazy reveal and showdown.
Ms. Neubauer adds an Author's Note at the end of the book sharing her inspiration for this story and that there are some facts within her wonderful fictional tale. I had never heard of the Isle of Iona or Order of the Golden Dawn prior to reading this book but learning that the people and happenings are loosely based in real life made me appreciate the book even more. I am sure researching this story was fascinating, especially for someone interested in the occult.Â
Secrets of a Scottish Isle is a very intriguing mystery set in an interesting setting with a variety of quirky characters. I learned some things and was totally entertained along the way. Oh, and I loved the final chapter.
