Secrets of a Scottish Isle (A Jane Wunderly Mystery #5)

Erica Ruth Neubauer

$27.00

Publication Date: March 26th, 2024

Publisher:

Kensington

ISBN:

9781496741189

Pages:

272

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(Fiction)

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Description

Spirited American Jane Wunderly must investigate a secret society on an isolated isle off the western coast of Scotland where esoteric rituals blur the line between what’s real, what’s illusion, and what’s deadly . . .

Isle of Iona, 1927: Cast away on a remote locale, Jane’s latest assignment depends on concealing her identity and blending in at an occult gathering. Not even her fiancé, Redvers, can be too close as she uncovers the truth about Robert Nightingale, enigmatic leader of the Order of the Golden Dawn—a group made up of supernatural ceremonies, influential people, and an undefinable darkness. When a woman tries to escape to the mainland only to be found murdered in the moors, the shocking scene reveals it’s easier to join the Golden Dawn than it is to leave.

Jane, set on solving the crime and catching the next ferry with Redvers, realizes she may be among the few still grasping reality. One high-ranking member searches for the killer by attempting to access otherworldly planes of existence, while others become immersed in a strange solstice ritual. Then there’s Nightingale and the rivals who discarded him to start a new temple. As a second death brings fresh clues into focus, Jane needs to navigate a frightening dilemma—playing along won’t help her crack the mystery, but revealing too much could be a fatal mistake . . .

About the Author

Erica Ruth Neubauer is the Agatha Award-winning author of the Jane Wunderly Mysteries, as well as an Anthony Award and Lefty Award finalist. She spent eleven years in the military, nearly two as a Maryland police officer, and one as a high school English teacher, before finding her way as a writer. She has been a reviewer of mysteries and crime fiction for publications such as Publishers Weekly and Mystery Scene Magazine for several years, and she’s a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Erica Ruth lives in Milwaukee, WI. Visit her at EricaRuthNeubauer.com.

Praise for Secrets of a Scottish Isle (A Jane Wunderly Mystery #5)

Praise for the Jane Wunderly Mysteries:

“A hidden gem in the trough of thrillers…this was by far a unique murder-mystery book with an unforgettable setting. Page-turning and terrific.” —The New York Post, Best Mysteries of the Year on Danger on the Atlantic

“Stunning revelations, romance, adventure, and intrigue abound in this multilayered, delightfully entertaining whodunit. Neubauer’s debut dazzles, with a smart plot, remarkable scenery, and skilled execution.” —Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW on Murder at the Mena House

“You’ll be forgiven if the music from Titanic plays in your head while you explore a gorgeous ocean liner and watch Jane and Redvers solve an intriguing mystery.” —Criminal Element on Danger on the Atlantic

“Because Jane is a modern woman, she uses her own smarts and her own skills to eventually solve the crime and nab the culprit. Jane is faced with starting to come to terms with her own past and beginning to look ahead to a future. She’s also American, so this reader is wondering if she’s headed back stateside in the next installment. I can’t wait to find out.” —Mystery Scene on Murder at Wedgefield Manor

“Neubauer’s sprightly follow-up…The country house intrigue and an unconventional chase reap rewards. Readers will look forward to further cases of the intrepid Jane and the mysterious Mr. Redvers.” —Publishers Weekly on Murder at Wedgefield Manor

“A retro whodunit with a comfy cast and a nifty solution.” —Kirkus Reviews on Murder at Wedgefield Manor

“If you're looking to escape reality, dive into this historical mystery read!” –Milwaukee’s “The Morning Blend” on WTMJ4 on Intrigue in Istanbul

“Jane is a feisty heroine, the setting is enticingly depicted, and there are several intriguing subplots. Fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy this homage.” —Booklist on Murder at the Mena House

“A roaring Twenties adventure.” —Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine on Murder at the Mena House

“A welcome vacation…Erica Ruth Neubauer could whisk you off to a swanky Egyptian resort in the 1920s with plenty of cocktails and a mysterious handsome stranger.” —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Murder at the Mena House

“Fans of Elizabeth Peter are going to want to get in on the ground floor of Erica Ruth Neubauer’s Jane Wunderly mysteries.” —Jess Lourey in CrimeReads on Murder at the Mena House

"With deft characterizations, an engaging plot, and the most compelling heroine I’ve found since Amelia Peabody, Erica Ruth Neubauer’s Murder at the Mena House is the best book you’ll read this year. I can’t wait for the next installment of this phenomenal series.” —Tasha Alexander, author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius on Murder at the Mena House

“What a refreshing surprise to be back on the Nile in this confident and accomplished debut. Neubauer pays proper homage to the Golden Age, but her crisp style and witty heroine ensure that Murder at the Mena House zips along in a thoroughly modern manner. I hope plucky Jane Wunderly has a long sleuthing future ahead; I, for one, am already looking forward to her next adventure.” —Catriona McPherson, author of Go To My Grave on Murder at the Mena House

“A thrilling new series!” —Victoria Thompson, national bestselling author of Murder on Union Square on Murder at the Mena House