I’m always up for this kind of book vibe. I love cozy mysteries, and if it’s a historical one, it only means an added element of interest.
The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency* is the first book in a series intending to make its mark in the ever-growing cozy crime niche.
As far as first books go, this one is pretty solid. There seem to be too many cases going on simultaneously, but they all tie up in the end (even if I do think the dog part is pointless and unnecessary – – it does give Daisy something to do, I guess), and you really can’t begrudge the two Scottish ladies a busy beginning to their business.
The two Scottish lady detectives (before you raise your feminist fist, consider the setting:1911 Edinburgh) are Maud McIntyre and her former lady’s maid-turned-friend and business partner, Daisy Ferguson. They’ve just opened their agency and are anxious to get hired.
Things start hopping soon enough. There’s a jewel thief on the loose, hitting rich homes while there’s a party going on. A duchess with an upcoming shindig invites the duo to preempt any planned theft. Nobody bargains on murder though.
Shortly after that case, clients came pouring in (not as a result of their involvement in the murder; that was a discrete matter), but from their advertising efforts.
Spoiler alert, it was a satisfying ending if you want stories to reach a conclusion and not leave you with a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers with a passion! I don’t mind teasers because they refer to the next story. A cliffhanger on the original story is just cheap, unfair manipulation. Rant over. Anyway, there’s also a budding romantic element, if you’re the kind who looks for it, like me.😁
I like that the author include different kinds many references to other mystery books and writers from that era or preceding it. She also weaves the hottest social issue of that time (votes for women, in this case) into the story to remind you of the contrasts between then and now. Some people may not be a fan of the additional trivia, but I can appreciate it.
Is the villain obvious from the get-go? To me, yes. It doesn’t keep you guessing as to whodunit, but it’s still a journey to figure out the how’s and why’s.
The book is a delightful read. I feel like it still needs a bit more tightening and polish, but it’s an entertaining story with likable main characters. The plot feels fresh enough, even if it does remind me of other books, like Murder in Postscript* by Mary Winters. That’s mostly on me though. I wish stories weren’t so predictable to me, but I suppose that’s what happens if you’ve been reading for decades. Your gut recognizes the formula even if your mind hasn’t yet or doesn’t care to be over analytical.
I don’t really like giving star ratings, but I don’t mind sharing my thoughts. Did I like it? Sure, it’s an engaging story. Will I be willing to read the succeeding* books* in the series? Sure. I’m not panting to do so, but I’m interested enough.📚✨
I posted about this book on my Instagram right after I finished reading it. Check out the answers to the QOTD.🫶
*Links with an asterisk is affiliate, which means that purchases made through those links earn me a tiny commission at no extra cost to the buyer.😊
This Small Life 