X Marks the Scot

By Kaitlyn Dunnett

The old Chadwick mansion on the edge of Moosetookalook, Maine, has been shrouded in mystery for generations. But when Scottish Emporium owner Liss MacCrimmon uncovers a treasure map at the mansion’s estate sale, she never expected her curiosity would lead to a dead body. It’s clear Liss isn’t alone on this treasure hunt. With her life in real peril and the map at risk of being stolen, she launches into full-scale investigation mode. But as she deciphers clues and inches toward the dangerous culprit, Liss quickly realizes she’s only a step away from ending up like the Chadwick clan—permanently wiped out.
 
“Full of local color, suspicious characters, and adorable fur-babies. What's not to like?”
—Kirkus Reviews on The Scottie Barked at Midnight

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781496712615

Kaitlyn Dunnett

Kaitlyn Dunnett first caught the Scottish heritage bug when her husband learned to play the bagpipes. Many Scottish festivals and parades later, and after a brief stint as bass drummer with a bagpipe band, she decided to combine her love of things Scottish with her love of writing. The Liss MacCrimmon mysteries are the result. Kaitlyn lives on a Christmas tree farm in the mountains of western Maine.

Reviews for X Marks the Scot

[joannefm2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Liss Ruskin attends an estate auction, she doesn't expect the picture she bought to be so much trouble...Liss was taken by a painting of the Piper to the Laird of Grant, and successfully bid against two others. But when she accidentally dropped it, the frame broke and revealed what appeared to be a treasure map underneath. The problem was that it had no distinctive markings, so she didn't know where or what it was actually for.All she could surmise was that it had something to do with the Chadwick family, and that there must be some sort of treasure on the estate grounds. It was her Aunt Margaret who suggested they make a trip to Canada to see if they could discover anything about the family that would lead them to find the truth. And that was her first mistake...Upon arriving at her destination, the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society in Canada, Liss and Margaret entered the building and called out for Orson Bailey, the man they were supposed to meet. And meet him they did, but not in the way they expected, for Orson was dead, underneath a table. It didn't help when she discovered their hotel room had been ransacked, yet the only two items stolen were an iPad and brooch.So when Liss eventually returned to her home in Moosetookalook, Maine, she was more curious than ever about the map, and Orson's murder. She wondered if they were connected, especially since other things were occurring - things she knew were connected to the map. And if there was a treasure involved, how many people were interested in it, and which one was interested enough to kill someone to get it?This, as always, is another enjoyable book in the Liss MacCrimmon mystery series. The author does a commendable job of keeping the plot moving along nicely, and the characters are well-drawn and vivid. It says much for a book when you want to punch a character for being smug and self-satisfied. It was an entertaining read, and the mystery itself was threaded nicely throughout, giving subtle clues along the way.Although I pretty much had the murderer figured out early (I read a lot of these), it was still quite nice to see how everything was connected, and how Liss began to put it all together. I did feel that this book probably wasn't actually suited to be read as a stand-alone since there are references to other books, it was still easy enough to read, and it will be interesting to see how the return of Liss's parents affect her life in Mooosetookalook. Recommended.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I haven't read other books in this series. It didn't seem to matter much as most of the major characters were introduced in such a way that I wasn't too confused. There do seem to be a lot of characters in this book though and by the end, I was getting a bit confused as to who was whom. I liked the idea of a store that sold only Scottish related items--though I had to wonder if it would be profitable enough to keep open--especially since, as with most cozy mysteries, the owner and proprietor seems to keep going off to investigate the mystery rather than running her business. I also liked the genealogy aspect of the mystery.But I was a little disappointed that Scotland and Scottish things had little to do with the plot. Also, we never learn why Liss's parents decide to return to Maine (I suspect that will be in book #12.)

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series. Liss MacCrimmon is attending the auction of the Chadwick mansion and purchases a painting of a Scottish bagpiper. While trying to load the painting into the car, it falls (cracks) and reveals a treasure map tucked into the back of the painting. Liss’ curiosity is peaked and Aunt Margaret suggests a trip to Chadwick, Nova Scotia to obtain details on the Chadwick family (it is on the way to the Antigonish Highland Games—they can obtain new items for the shop). They arrive for their meeting with Orson Bailey at the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society to find the place locked up. When they gain entrance, Liss finds Orson dead under the kitchen table. Who knew of their trip to Chadwick? What had Orson uncovered? While at the highland games, their motel room is broken into and ransacked. Liss returns home determined to find out where the map leads and what is hidden where X marks the spot. It seems that trouble has followed Liss home. Someone has broken into the shop and her home. What will Liss uncover in her latest investigation in Moosetookalook, Maine? X Marks the Scot is not a standalone. Some readers may find it confusing with the various characters and relationships. It becomes clearer the further you read into the book. I have read all the books in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, and X Marks the Scot is my least favorite. I knew the killer’s identity long before the murder took place. The mystery had some interesting aspects (a treasure map, hidden tunnels), but it could have done with a little tweaking. I wish the mystery had been stronger (it was light). I want to be gobsmacked! Moosetookalook is a charming Maine town with unique characters and plenty of charm. It will be interesting to see what happens now that Liss’ parents have returned to town and Liss is dreading it (she gets along better with her mother when there are a couple of states between them). I found the pace of the novel to be too slow (made the book seem long). I will read the next book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series in the hopes that the series will get back on track. I have a feeling, though, that the series has run its course.

[katebaxter_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As part of a challenge to read at least 26 books this year, each title beginning with a different letter of the alphabet, I discovered that there were very few books which began with the letter, "X". This fun cozy mystery fit the bill perfectly and I enjoyed it in the process.There were so many things in this book which appealed: a quaint small Maine town setting (Moosetookalook), a grand old mansion set for the wrecking ball, a secret "treasure" quest, a trip to Nova Scotia, a shop specializing in all things Scottish and no graphic death scenes. As a cozy, I would have enjoyed a touch more humorous banter. But over all, it was well written, had an engaging plot and a fair number of red herrings.