Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last because I loved it.
Great cast of characters and setting, a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
The author is an excellent storyteller and I couldn't put this book down.
I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

1958 and Mirabelle Bevan is now engaged to Alan. When he suggests they visit his family in northern Scotland she agrees and they travel in style. Upon arrival at the family seat they discover that a woman has been found dead in the house, a Russian-American fashion buyer. With Cold War paranoia set in throughout the country there is talk of spies and communists so when another body is found it's no surprise that Government agents are involved as well.
I love Sheridan's series set in 1950s Brighton. Mirabelle Bevan is a delightfully old-fashioned detective heroine, somewhat Upper Class, monied and middle-aged (yet glamorous). Throughout the series big issues of class, race and sexism have been addressed and here homosexuality is also included. However out of Brighton I found this novel less successful and somewhat confused, by taking an international perspective I felt the story lacked clarity. Having said that, Sheridan still knows how to write a quality novel.

Oh how I love Mirabelle Bevan! In this book she's on holiday with her fiance Superintendent Alan McGregor at his family home in the Scottish Highlands. It's 1958 and Britain is awash with Cold War anxiety. A break is just the thing they need. The Robertson's welcome them with open arms and are very hospitable.

When a body is found in the Orangery, Mirabelle is unable to stop getting involved in the case and what follows is a fast paced mystery that she's determined to solve. When another body turns up thoughts turn to those in the house making everyone anxious.

She learns some things about Alan's past, meets an old friend from her past and lays to rest anxious feelings. It was nice to see them become more intimate and trusting in this episode. As ever, I highly recommend.

I LOVE these books! Mirabelle Bevan does not disappoint in this the latest story. Off to the Scottish Highlands with her, now, fiance Macgregor, the pair soon become embroiled in a spate of murders. What is going on? Is there a Russian cold war connection? Very Christie-esque, the characters are all living on a remote estate in the midst of the Highlands, and the twists and turns in this plot just keep coming. I loved the previous books Brighton settings but was equally enthralled by the beautiful descriptions of the Scottish setting in this novel. This book will not disappoint , a brilliant read, I couldn't put it down. A full 5 stars!

In Which Mirabelle Takes A Break...
Mirabelle Bevan is taking a well deserved break, visiting Superintendent Alan McGregors family at their glamorous Highland estate. Hopes for a relaxing break are soon dashed when a body is discovered in the grounds. With a delightful protagonist, a colourful and well drawn cast of supporting characters and a gripping storyline this is another very enjoyable read and a very worthy addition to this excellent mystery series set in the 1950’s.

I have been absorbed with this series since the beginning. For fans of murder mysteries set in the past this is for you. To make it different from many other series of books out there - this has strong female characters, it is the 1950s, racism is still clearly prevalent and the memories of war are still not quite in the long forgotten past. Mainly based in and around Brighton this time we take a train journey to the Highlands. 

For Mirabelle this is a holiday with Superintendent Alan McGregor her beau and very much intellectual equal. They are to visit Alan's family home and meet some of his family, the Robertsons. 

Being embraced into a glamorous family life with big houses, servants and cocktails is a bit of a shock for Mirabelle but she finds she instantly warms to these people. 

Then a body is found in the orangery. 

No matter where Mirabelle or Alan go, crime seems to surround them. 

The body is an American fashion designer with links to Russia. As the Cold War is very much at the forefront of everyone's minds, it seems that there may be more to this murder. 

The urge to investigate and find out what happens is too much to resist and when it seems there is mysteries unsolved about the house and the Highlands, Mirabelle finds herself questioning people about the murder but also her own actions and limitations to her relationship with Alan. 

This holiday is going to be one to remember for them. 

Great to see Mirabelle and Alan's relationship flourish and there is no doubt that they are not sticking to the conventions of the time. Even the Robertsons recognise this and it was a breath of fresh air to see such things, but to also know that is was still of time of great change. 

Whilst the world changed, so did Mirabelle and Alan. The Highlands was definitely a place they could say was a turning point for them. 

A big house murder mystery, spies, servants, ghosts and secrets. Everything you want from a book and one of the best examples of this type of story. 

For me well written and constructed and probably the best of the series (so far) and whilst I always recommend starting at the beginning, this would be a good book to dip into as the main characters are away from their normal lives and surroundings. You can then have the joy of catching up with the rest of the series - lucky you!

Mirabelle Bevan returns in style in the 8th instalment of her glorious 1950s murder mystery series.

As the title suggests, this time she has travelled away from her Brighton home to far north of the border, up to the Scottish highlands where she is on holiday with her new fiancé Superintendant Alan McGregor, visiting his family.

Set in 1958 around the anxiety of the Cold War, the plucky couple are warmly greeted by their hosts, the Robertsons, but no sooner than they arrive as so does the discovery of a dead body. An American/Russian fashion buyer is found brutally murdered in the Orangery bringing chaos to the household and local village.

Of course Mirabelle, with her past history of crime investigation, cannot fail to get involved and is soon questioning anyone and everyone and testing the loyalty of the staff , the locals and McGregor’s family. Soon enough the local press are getting involved and it becomes clear that everything is not quite as it seems.

I really enjoy reading the stylish Mirabelle Bevan set of books which are all so beautifully written and usually seem to throw up a word or two that I have to look up in the dictionary! This latest episode does not disappoint and is an enjoyable romp through the wonderful Scottish Highlands with an exciting, unexpected climax. My only criticism is that Vesta, Mirabelle’s assistant from Brighton in previous novels, barely makes an appearance this time, but hopefully she will return in style for the next book.

The Daily Herald claims that “Mirabelle has a dogged tenacity to rival Poirot,” High praise indeed but certainly justifiable.