Step into the misty, mysterious world of Joanne Ross, where the rugged Scottish Highlands of the 1950s come alive with secrets, courage, and a touch of rebellion! A.D. Scott’s Highland Gazette mystery series follows Joanne Ross, a resilient woman who transforms from a battered wife into a bold investigative reporter, unraveling crimes while challenging the social norms of her time. This six-book saga blends cozy mysteries with deep emotional resonance, making it a hidden gem for fans of historical fiction and strong female leads.
With its vivid portrayal of post-war Scotland and a heroine who embodies the fight for self-discovery, the series captures hearts through its atmospheric storytelling and intricate character arcs. Ready to explore Joanne’s journey? Let’s dive into her world!
How Joanne Ross Began
A.D. Scott, a pseudonym for Ann Deborah Nolan, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and her love for the region’s stark beauty and complex history inspired the Highland Gazette series. Drawing from her background in theater and magazines, Scott crafted a series that began with A Small Death in the Great Glen in 2010. Her goal was to depict the 1950s Highlands as a place of tradition and transition, with Joanne Ross as a symbol of women breaking free from societal constraints. Scott’s intimate knowledge of the area, from Inverness’s cobbled streets to the wild glens, infuses the series with authenticity.
The Heart of Joanne Ross
The series kicks off with A Small Death in the Great Glen, where Joanne, a part-time typist trapped in an abusive marriage, joins the Highland Gazette staff to investigate a boy’s murder in a canal lock. Her journey continues in A Double Death on the Black Isle, tackling dual murders tied to her friend, testing her loyalty and ambition. Beneath the Abbey Wall sees Joanne grappling with a colleague’s shocking murder, while A Kind of Grief, the final book, explores a haunting case of an artist accused of witchcraft, cementing Joanne’s growth into a confident journalist.
At its core, the series weaves themes of abuse, empowerment, and societal change. Joanne’s evolution mirrors the era’s shifting gender roles, as she defies expectations in a male-dominated world. The Highlands’ stark landscapes—loch, glen, and mountain—serve as a breathtaking backdrop, amplifying the stories’ moody, lyrical tone. Scott’s character-driven narratives, praised for their “ingenious plotting” and “terrific sense of place,” create a cozy yet gripping mystery style that feels like a fireside chat with old friends.
Why Joanne Ross Resonates
The Highland Gazette series resonates because it’s more than a mystery—it’s a portrait of a woman’s resilience and a society in flux. Joanne’s struggles with domestic abuse and self-doubt speak to universal themes, while her triumphs inspire readers. Fans on platforms like Amazon praise the series for its rich Highland atmosphere and flawed, relatable characters, with reviews calling it “a visit with an old friend.” Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ niche appeal lies in its heartfelt storytelling and historical depth, earning it a loyal following and a spot among Kirkus Reviews’ Best Mysteries of 2015 for A Kind of Grief.
- Publication Years: 2010–2015
- Number of Books: 6
- Setting: Scottish Highlands, 1950s
- Award Highlight: A Kind of Grief named among Kirkus Reviews’ Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2015
Grab A Small Death in the Great Glen and dive into Joanne Ross’s captivating world of mysteries, courage, and Highland charm!