A Scone of Contention by Lucy Burdette


 I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I have never read anything by Lucy Burdette and found myself starting with book eleven of her Key West Food Critic series. 

Hayley Snow and her new bridegroom Nathan Bransford are heading to Scotland for their honeymoon and to meet Nathan's sister, Vera. Along with them is Nathan's mother, Helen, and their Houseboat Row neighbor/friend Miss Gloria. Vera is working with college friends to complete a book about Scotland, and has a scheduled itinerary to include everything. At the Falkirk Wheel, things start to fall apart as a man falls to this death. The three friends claim to not know the man, but Haley, Helen, and Miss Gloria all suspect differently, and it soon becomes clear that the Scotland friends might not be friends after all. 

I really liked Haley and Miss Gloria. Haley was calm about all of the plans that Vera had created. I'm not sure I would have been as calm if I was on my honeymoon and was not spending time with my new husband. I also liked how she made sure to take precautions if there was even a whiff of danger. Miss Gloria was the type of older lady I aspire to be. She was fun, cautious, but very open and blunt about what she was experiencing and thinking. 

The mystery was a little slow. I was expecting more interaction with the Scotland friends but it felt so distant and aloof. It also felt a little simple. I suspected what was going on before I was halfway through the book, but was curious to see if there would be a twist of some kind. I also believe there were too many names that began with the letter "G" and it caused a bit of confusion in some parts.

I do love the addition of the recipes at the end of the novel, though. I feel that gives the book more relatability. 

Overall, I rate this novel 3 out of 5.

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