by Sandra Murphy
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of The Cracked Spine, along with a link to purchase it where a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
Delaney Nichols surprises even herself when her job at a small museum in Wichita, Kansas is the victim of budget cuts. She answers an ad for “a bold adventurer” who is willing to relocate to Scotland and work in a special bookshop. She and the owner, Edwin, hit it off on the phone, and the next thing she knows, she’s on her way.
She’s got a lucky start with the cab driver who picks her up–he gives her a bit of history and makes sure she’s delivered to the bookshop without a problem. Her hotel is within sight of the store.
Edwin isn’t in when she arrives, but Hamlet is there. Like his name implies, he’s an actor in Shakespearian plays and works part-time in the bookstore. Rosie is the other employee, along with her Yorkie, Hector. The store is overcrowded with books. 
Delaney has a secret—she hears the voices of the characters in her head…all the time. It was puzzling as a child, but they’ve become a comfort over the years. The street where the shop is located is full of small stores with offices or flats overhead.
One of her first jobs is to go to an auction with Edwin. It’s more of a club of sorts, the location not announced and the items have a unique if not entirely factual history. Edwin’s sister, Jenny, is to meet them but is a no-show.
When he can’t reach his sister, Edwin visits her flat only to find her body. Edwin is very rich, but the terms of the will specified he can’t share with Jenny. He managed to find a way to help with the rent but can’t do much more. Although Jenny is now in her fifties and has been through rehab several times, she still slips into her old drug habits now and again. The question is, is her death drug related or is it over a truly rare and expensive item Edwin gave her as a show of his trust?
Edwin confides in her about Jenny’s past and his guilt about robbery being a possible motive. Jenny was heard to argue with a man several times before her death. Once was Edwin—who were the others?
Hamlet knew her and had been to see her the day before, so he’s a suspect. The man across the hall is just weird. Other members of the auction club might have been involved as well.
In the middle of investigating, Delaney suddenly stops hearing the voices in her head. Is it temporary or a permanent thing? And which would she like it to be?
This is the first in a new series, A Scottish Bookshop Mystery, and promises to be a good one. Scotland and its history are as much of a character as the people. Tom, owner of Scotland’s smallest pub, is a delight and a romantic interest for Delaney. Hamlet, Edwin, the cabby and his wife, Rosie, and especially Hector, round out the main group, and each has a story to tell.
To enter to win a copy of The Cracked Spine, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “cracked,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 16, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.
If you use this link to purchase the book a portion will go to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
I would really like to read this book — Scotland is such a wonderful setting! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
Scotland has always been a curious place and a “Bucket List” destination I hope one day to make. Maybe till then I can start with a book 1 of this series. Thanks, Paige, for a great reading adventure! Thanks, Sandra, for the review! Thanks, KRL, for the giveaway!
Always up for a new mystery! I’d love to win this book! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999@gmail.com
Just added this to my TBR list. brichardson0056@yahoo.com
I would enjoy this bk.
From Kansas to Scotland is quite a change and should make for a very interesting read. Definitely adding to my TBR list.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Very cool new series. I can’t wait to read it. It’s fun reading mysteries set in other places that I’ve never been to. It gives me a feel for the place and the people.
Thanks for the chance to win.
scarletbegonia5858@gmail.com
Oh my goodness! Exciting! I would love to win the! Thanks for the chance!
angelhwk68@yahoo.com
I would love to read this, it sounds so interesting.
I love her writing.
Can’t wait to read this new series by a favorite author. Thanks for the chance to win.
The Cracked Spine sounds like a great mystery! I do enjoy reading a new series. Thank you for the giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Looks great, hope to get a chance to read it
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Can you imagine what a perfect new life and new job this would be? Thanks for the review.
Sorry, forgot my email address – annettena@yahoo.com
This would be a great book to add to my cozy challenge list. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. elainehroberson@gmail.com
Sounds like a great book and a great new series.
I have been reading many wonderful reviews about this new series by Paige Shelton. I am looking forward to reading it.
my email address is peggysbookshelf1@gmail.com
Thanks for the opportunity. Can’t wait to read.
Sounds like a fun read. brichardson0056@yahoo.com
At first, from the title, I thought this would be about a chiropractor – silly me.
Ah, Scotland!! Sounds like a wonderful read!!
Have yet to have the pleasure of reading this author. We have always wanted to go to Scotland. This is the next best thing. Thanks for the chance to get it sooner, rather than later
This would be a wonderful book to read for a cozy evening…Please enter me in the contest. I love anything in Scotland or England…
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Great giveaway and can’t wait to read it. brichardson0056@yahoo.com
Very excited to read start this new series with such a fun setting! Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
My boys grandma was born in Scotland and was the worlds best cookie and candy maker. She told my boys such wonderful stories and they all became members of The Campbell clan which she choose over the Armstrong clan.Would love to win this book by Paige Shelton Ruth Nixon
We have a winner!