How to Read the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries in publication order. Because the series features strong character development, ongoing relationship arcs, and evolving subplots—such as protagonist Delaney Nichols adjusting to life in Scotland and her romance with pub owner Tom Shannon—reading the books sequentially ensures you do not spoil major personal milestones.
The series consists of ten full-length novels and one holiday novella. Here is the recommended reading path:
- The Cracked Spine (2016) — Delaney Nichols relocates from Kansas to Edinburgh for a job at the antique bookshop, The Cracked Spine, only to find herself embroiled in the murder of a coworker and the theft of a rare manuscript.
- A Christmas Tartan (2016) — A cozy holiday novella (often designated as book 1.5). Delaney investigates a missing person case linked to an old copy of A Christmas Carol.
- Of Books and Bagpipes (2017) — Delaney travels to Castle Doune to retrieve a rare comic, but instead uncovers a murder victim dressed as William Wallace.
- Lost Books and Old Bones (2018) — A murder case brings Delaney into the dark history of Edinburgh's medical past and antique medical volumes.
- The Loch Ness Papers (2019) — As Delaney and Tom plan their upcoming wedding, a Nessie-obsessed man is accused of murder, and Delaney's wedding dress goes missing.
- The Stolen Letter (2020) — Newly married, Delaney investigates a murder connected to a rare, stolen letter belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Deadly Editions (2021) — The shop itself becomes a crime scene when a customer is murdered, forcing Delaney to dig into old family secrets.
- The Burning Pages (2022) — A body is discovered during a fiery Robert Burns Night celebration, leading Delaney down a path of historical secrets.
- Fateful Words (2023) — Delaney travels to a grand estate in the Scottish Highlands for a literary event, only to find a guest murdered.
- The Poison Pen (2024) — Amidst Edinburgh mourning Queen Elizabeth II, Delaney is sent to investigate a relic in Roslin and uncovers a claim to the British throne and a deadly plot.
- Written in Stone (2025) — Delaney investigates the death of a visiting paleontologist, linked to Pictish history and a mysterious artifact.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
The chronological order of the series matches the publication order exactly. The holiday novella, A Christmas Tartan, was published shortly after the first novel, The Cracked Spine, and takes place during Delaney's first winter in Edinburgh, fitting perfectly between the first and second novels. If you choose to skip the novella, you can transition directly from Book 1 to Book 2 without missing major plot points, though the short story offers a delightful dose of festive Scottish charm.
What to Know Before You Start
Written by New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton, the series is celebrated for its atmospheric portrayal of Edinburgh. Rather than generic amateur sleuth setups, the books heavily weave real Scottish history, literature (such as the works of Robert Burns and historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots), and local geography into the mysteries.
Key recurring characters include:
- Delaney Nichols: The relatable American protagonist with a special knack for finding and understanding rare books.
- Edwin MacAlister: The eccentric and wealthy owner of The Cracked Spine who acts as Delaney's mentor.
- Tom Shannon: A kilt-wearing pub owner who becomes Delaney's love interest and eventual husband.
- Hector: Delaney's faithful and beloved dog.
- Rosie and Hamlet: Delaney's colorful coworkers at the bookshop.
While the murder mysteries in each book are self-contained and resolved by the final page, the personal lives of the characters progress continuously. For this reason, starting with the first book, The Cracked Spine, is the best way to appreciate the character dynamics and Delaney's gradual transformation from a fish-out-of-water expat to a settled Edinburgh resident.