November 27, 2023
In Connelly’s diverting second whodunit with Dr. Emilia “Em” McRoy (after An American in Scotland), the American expat is delighted to accept an invitation to her friend Angie’s wedding at a remote Scottish castle owned by constable Ewan Campbell. Soon after she arrives, a blizzard knocks out all modes of communication, isolating the wedding party. While wandering through the castle’s turret, Em stumbles across a body: the bride’s abusive ex, who was not invited to the festivities and hasn’t been in touch with anyone in the family for years. After several more suspicious accidents and close calls, Em realizes she and the rest of the wedding party have been trapped with a killer. With no way out of the snowbound castle, and no certainty about who to trust, she teams up with Ewan to investigate. While there are a few too many repetitive conversations and instances of creeping through dark hallways alone, Connelly provides memorable characters, an immersive setting, and an exciting enough mystery to solve. It’s an enjoyable puzzle. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary.