Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Death on a Scottish Train

by Lucy Connelly

Series: Scottish Isle Mystery #4
Series Rating:
Published by Crooked Lane Books on October 14, 2025
Setting: Sea Isle, Scotland
Genres: Traditional Mystery
Pages: 232
Format: Audible Audiobook, Audio CD, Hardcover, Kindle
Source: NetGalley
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon
Also in this series: Death at a Scottish Wedding, Death at a Scottish Christmas

Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American in Scotland, has a killer in sight in the fourth installment of the Scottish Isle mystery series, perfect for fans of Paige Shelton and Connie Berry.

Summer is coming to a close on beautiful Sea Isle in Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is celebrating one year since her big move. With a weeklong festival to end the season, the town gathers for a magical ride on the newly refurbished Storyteller’s Train, but the launch’s success is dampened by an unexpected death.

What appears to be a case of deadly allergies is soon revealed as murder. As Emilia, her assistant Abigail, and the local constable Ewan McGregor unravel the mystery, the killer sets their murderous intentions on them.

If they want to survive, they will need the help of all of their friends—before they become the latest victims.

Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly is a well-written mystery with some character match-ups.

Will Emilia and Ewan figure out if it is an accident or murder?

Dr. Emilia McRoy is attending the recently remodeled vintage train evening ride with the rest of the town. However, it was discovered that one of the storytellers didn’t show up for his reading, even though he had checked in. This leads Emilia and Constable Ewan McGregor to search for the gentleman. They find him upon returning to the station, as the man never got on the train. Donald Jacks is the missing man, who they find deceased in the train station office.

Mr. Jacks is not a well-liked man. He is a local accountant and train enthusiast. Yet he doesn’t have many friends and is estranged from his sister, his only living family member. Mr. Jack’s accounting firm partner isn’t a nice man. He constantly cheats on his wife, and his mistresses aren’t all that discreet. The accounting assistant is a bit shady as well. In fact, there is no shortage of suspects. Especially, since Mr. Jacks wasn’t good at investing his clients’ money.

Emilia and the Gang

This installment brings a touch of romance to the air. Emilia and Ewan seem to be past their dislike and are moving in a different direction. Abigail and Henry seem to have found their footing. The others also seem to have a few dates happening.

I really like the dynamic of this group of sleuths. Especially the way that they take care of each other, making sure everyone is ok to move forward. It was good to see Ewan with his mother, too. He is such a wonderful gentleman.

Four Stars

My rating for Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly is four stars. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well plotted. However, I thought the reveal seemed rushed. Perhaps there should have been a bit more clues leading back to the culprit or a stronger motive. Although the motive is a tried and true one. So, well played, Ms. Connelly.

If you haven’t read the Scottish Isle Mysteries, I do recommend them. You never know what trouble an American in Scotland will find.

Scottish Isle Mysteries

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly.

Until the next time,

 

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2025 Cloak and Dagger JEN
• 2025 Goodreads RC JEN
• 2025 Medical Examiner Mystery RC JEN
• 2025 Six Shooter RC JEN

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