Search Results for: catriona mcpherson

‘An absolute cracker of a story!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the end’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What lies beneath the perfect marriage, the perfect village, the perfect life?

1939, Dirleton: Private detective – and sometimes society lady – Dandy Gilver hosts her husband’s sixtieth birthday party. Her close friend, Daisy, attends alone, having been stood up by her husband, Silas, who she suspects of philandering. The party is a huge success, nonetheless.

Until a phone call in the middle of the night . . .

Silas has been found murdered in a distant village, his blood spattered on an ancient louping stane. The police have their sights set on Daisy, who disappeared in the dead of night. Dandy must confront what secrets a marriage can hide – what her own friendships can hide – and confront the sinister heart of a seemingly idyllic community.

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in Scotland on the eve of WWII. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love The Witching Hour:

‘The historical details are so well described you can almost imagine you are there’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The folklore of the area is intertwined with the events of the novel, causing confusion, a spooky atmosphere and spine chilling moments – often broken by Alec’s penchant for a good feed and jolly banter!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Always look forward to a new Dandy Gilver book and this did not disappoint!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Atmospheric and intriguing . . . I thoroughly enjoyed reading this’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gripping, clever, thoroughly researched, beautifully written. One of the best crime authors since the Golden Age’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A delightful mystery’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

That’s the way to do it!

1937, Dundee: Hidden behind his striped Punch and Judy stand, a puppeteer is brutally murdered during a show. Sitting in the front row is none other than society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver. She, like the rest of the audience, doesn’t see a thing.

But Dandy is not there by chance . . .

Recently instructed by Doig’s Publishers, Dandy was to inform the puppeteer he was violating copyright and that he must desist. But it seems she was beaten to it. Before long, Dandy is flung into the cutthroat worlds of publishing, theatre and academia. But is she leading the investigation, or is someone pulling her strings?

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in 1930s Dundee. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by The Mirror Dance:

‘Catriona McPherson’s writing is wonderfully evocative of a bygone era and totally drew me in‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Clever, witty and complex plotting keeps you engaged from beginning to end’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another Dandy winner – a terrific sleigh-of-hand plot’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Explores misdirection at its vest, with the humour Catriona McPherson is so good at . . . Another fun romp’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Didn’t expect the twist at the end!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A delightful book by a very talented author’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Secrets lie beyond the veil . . .

1933, Lanarkshire: A breakout at a local psychiatric institution; a convent set aflame; and a dead Mother Superior. All in a day’s work for society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver.

But some sins are not being confessed.

What initially seems like a straightforward case reveals a deeper nest of half-truths and secrecy: who is the presence creeping through the corridors when the sun goes down? Where are the patients who are still missing from the hospital? And just whose bloodied footprints were left in the sacristy?

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in the tight-lipped convents of 1930s Scotland. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by Dandy Gilver and a Most Misleading Habit:

‘Another brilliant, witty read from Catriona McPherson . . . The characters are likeable; the setting is believable and it’s a wonderful world to be caught up in’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The best of the Dandy Gilver books to date, and that is saying a lot!‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An unusual Scottish locale in great detail. A clever plot that keeps you guessing. For fans of all the great British detective writers‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔎 ‘A delight! A plot at once playful and disturbing, and a wonderfully satisfying surprise ending. McPherson is a terrific storyteller’ ANN CLEEVES 🔎

Edinburgh, 1948. Welfare Officer Helen Crowther has enough on her plate between her hectic job, her complicated love life, and her growing reputation as a troublemaker. Last year’s scandal did nothing to help with the disapproval she already gets as a woman in her line of work.

All she wants now is to focus on doing what she loves: helping the poor of the Fountainbridge ward in the city of Edinburgh. The last thing she needs is another string of murders to distract her . . .

But when a gentleman dressed in working-man’s clothing winds up dead right under Helen’s nose, and she catches her own father in a very risky lie, Helen is propelled back into the dark world where class rules, justice is hard to come by and gruesome death is everywhere.

Helen has already learned some hard truths about her city, but this investigation is about to reveal just how deep corruption can go . . .

‘An intricately plotted mystery with wonderfully original (nasty, but not gory) murders. The rich period detail and use of local dialect immediately whisk you away to post-war Edinburgh. Hugely enjoyable!’ FIONA LEITCH

‘An intriguing and exciting entry in the Dandy family story’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Another wry, witty puzzler!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For better for worse, till death do us part.

1935, Highlands: Society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver is not thrilled at the prospect of her son marrying Mallory Ross. She is even less thrilled at the prospect of meeting Lady Lavinia, Mallory’s mother, at Lavinia’s fiftieth birthday.

But be careful what you wish for . . .

Lady Lavinia is found murdered in her famous knot garden, and before long local superstitions and Gaelic folklore abound. Stepping into her (much-preferred) role as investigator, Dandy must confront a twisted family history, and – if there’s time – show her son that he can do better.

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in the picturesque Scottish village of Applecross in the 1930s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by A Step So Grave:

‘I recommend McPherson’s books wholeheartedly, and suggest that those who enjoy well-plotted historical murder mysteries seek them out’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another rattling good tale in this excellent series. I’ve been hooked from the start‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A wonderfully written, frequently amusing, story to entertain and fascinate!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Most enjoyable! Intricate plot, fascinating characters . . . Kept me guessing right up to the reveal’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I adore the Dandy Gilver books!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My favourite mystery series’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Roll up, roll up . . .

1925, Perthshire: The Cookes’ family circus sets up in the grounds of Benachally Castle, attracting interest from far and wide, including that of society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver.

But when a member of the troupe is found dead, Dandy must abandon the fun of the fair and get to work.

Because there are dark secrets lying beneath the charms of circus life; secrets that reach beyond the high wire, curl out of the big top, and whisper from the windows of the castle itself . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in the secretive world of the travelling circus, with twists and turns aplenty. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love The Winter Ground:

‘What a great mystery setting . . . I love [Dandy’s] ruthless self-examination, her honesty, her decency, her sense of humour and duty. A brilliant mystery’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Exciting, scary and witty all at once and Dandy is a fabulously likeable heroine‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Catriona McPherson gets it right again!‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Kept me guessing right up to its poignant end’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A real treat’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I ADORE Dandy Gilver’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When the moon glows brightest, the dark stranger comes . . .

1920s, Fife: Society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver is invited to the remote village of Luckenlaw to meet members of the Scottish Rural Womens’ Institute, who are being plagued by a series of attacks.

Who is this stranger roaming the night? Why do they only strike on full moons? And most importantly, can they be stopped?

With suffragettism on the rise and allegations of witchcraft abound, all of the villagers are suspects. And as the investigation deepens, Dandy finds herself at the heart of an age-old mystery that only she can solve . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery that will transport you to the rural and mysterious countryside of 1920s Scotland. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by Bury Her Deep:

‘[Catriona McPherson] has about the finest style of writing of contemporary writers of this genre‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Read it if you like your stories to be involving, intriguing and with action right to the plot-twisting end’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Excellent characterisations, lots of red herrings, plot twists and intrigue in a well-written mystery which evokes the language, life and times and social norms of rural east coast Scotland in the 1920s’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love this series. Dandy Gilver is a wonderful character, very believable, charming, and someone I would love to have as a friend’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Authentic social history at the birth of the NHS, an intriguing murder, a strong and convincing central character, and McPherson’s wonderful story-telling skills make this a very classy mystery’ ANN CLEEVES


‘A hauntingly atmospheric weaving of social history and layered mystery, with a gutsy heroine determined to deliver justice. McPherson’s writing is compelling, moving and memorable’ SARAH YARWOOD-LOVETT

Helen leaned close enough to fog the mirror with her breath and whispered, ‘You, my girl, are a qualified medical almoner and at eight o’clock tomorrow morning you will be on the front line of the National Health Service of Scotland.’ Her eyes looked huge and scared. ‘So take a shake to yourself!”

Edinburgh, 1948. Helen Crowther leaves a crowded tenement home for her very own office in a doctor’s surgery. Upstart, ungrateful, out of your depth – the words of disapproval come at her from everywhere but she’s determined to take her chance and play her part.

She’s barely begun when she stumbles over a murder and learns that, in this most respectable of cities, no one will fight for justice at the risk of scandal. As Helen resolves to find a killer, she’s propelled into a darker world than she knew existed, hardscrabble as her own can be. Disapproval is the least of her worries now.

IN PLACE OF FEAR is a gripping new historical crime novel that is both enthralling and entertaining, and perfect for fans of AJ Pearce and Nicola Upson.

Readers love IN PLACE OF FEAR:
‘What a wonderful book this is!’
‘I loved [it] … Helen is another cracker of a heroine from McPherson and I hope to read much more of her story in future’
‘Historical crime from a talented pen. Intriguing and compelling in equal measure’
‘An excellent read’

‘I couldn’t wait for this new story. Dandy did not let me down’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love this series. Dandy is a brilliant creation’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Beware the ferrywoman of Cramond Island.

1936, Cramond: On the Firth of Forth lies a small island, home to Vesper Kemp, the ferrywoman. After a series of bizarre outbursts, most believe she has simply gone mad. Society woman – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver – wants to know her story.

But the island doesn’t reveal its secrets lightly.

When the body of a young man washes ashore, Vesper immediately claims responsibility. Dandy is not so certain and sets about the unusual task of proving that someone isn’t a murderer. But there is something strange about this small community. Something that Vesper might not even realise she knows . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in rural Scotland in the 1930s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love The Turning Tide:

‘I greatly enjoyed this book, and always anticipate with pleasure reading another episode of the adventures of Dandy’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I could visualise every place mentioned in technicolour’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The books may be regarded as cosy crime, but the plots, characterization and the evocation of the period between the wars shows serious research. The settings and interactions come alive‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I always enjoy Dandy Gilver books. I hope there will be many more’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘So brilliantly enjoyable to read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Dandy Gilver never disappoints’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this contest, every dance might be your last . . .

1932, Glasgow: In a city bewitched by dance, the Locarno Ballroom’s annual trophy is the event of the season. Even society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver is swept up. Never mind that one of last year’s entrants danced his way to an early grave.

After all, what’s the harm in a little competition.

When one of this year’s dancers, a rebellious debutante, starts receiving anonymous threats, her parents ask Dandy to investigate. But beyond the glitz and the glamour, the steps and the shine, dark forces are at play

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical locked-room mystery set in the glittering dancehalls of 1930s Glasgow. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by Dandy Gilver and the Unpleasantness in the Ballroom:

‘Appealing for Strictly fans! Another well-researched historical mystery. Kept me guessing until the end! I can’t say how much I love this series‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another cracker from Catriona McPherson. The characters were so well drawn and so funny while still involved in some dastardly deeds’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘All the glamour of a ballroom setting but with the grimy fingerprints of the Glasgow underworld. McPherson builds a really twisty, well-crafted plot . . . Great stuff’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another great Dandy story! The new Glasgow setting gives us glamour and dancing combined with threats and poisons making for a great story with twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Perfect read for a summer holiday’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Dandy’s best so far’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There’s fishy goings-on in Gardenstown . . .

1930, Banffshire: Following reports of barrels of herring contaminated with human remains, society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver is called in to investigate. First port of call: the fishing village from where the barrels originated.

But something’s astray at the bay.

Dandy is met by an eclectic cast of characters, from the strange taxidermist Searly brothers to her lodgings’ frugal landlady Euphemia Clatchie, to a confusing number of Margarets. United only by superstition and folklore, Dandy faces the oddest pool of suspects she has ever met. And when the number of victims soars, she has a real monster to catch . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in the port villages of Scotland in the 1930s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love Dandy Gilver and the Reek of Red Herrings:

‘I really, really enjoyed this – the setting is great, the characters are interesting, there’s wit and humour, and it’s all a bit macabre and twisted‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Excellent stuff and as usual Catriona McPherson teaches us so much whilst telling a jolly good yarn. The hard and unrelenting life of fisher folk is fascinating. Highly recommended‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Twists and more twists! Keeps you guessing even when you think it’s solved! Excellent read‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Couldn’t put this down’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Watch out Agatha Raisin and Miss Marple’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You won’t regret picking up this fun mystery’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.

1934, Dumfriesshire: Castle Bewer is haemorrhaging cash. In a last-ditch attempt to keep the candles lit, the Bewer family instructs a motley band of players to lay on a performance of Macbeth in the castle keep. Society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver is brought in to ensure all is not undone.

But something wicked this way comes . . .

When she arrives, Dandy is instead tasked with finding the Cut Throat – a long-lost ruby necklace that is supposedly bound by a curse. As family ties unravel the deeper Dandy digs, it isn’t long before a body is unearthed . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in a Scottish castle in the 1930s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love Dandy Gilver and a Spot of Toil and Trouble:

‘A classic Dandy – funny and keeps you guessing!‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An entertaining, twisty mystery‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Brilliant!!! I loved the characters, the twists and the humour! I cannot wait for the next Dandy Gilver book!‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Enjoyable, amusing and strong story. Entertaining and complex mystery with very likeable, eccentric characters’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The best Dandy Gilver yet. This is a tremendous book’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Pitch-perfect period piece that knocks Downton out of the water’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Relax. Take the waters. Don’t mind the ghosts . . .

1929, Perthshire: Struck down by a rash of illnesses, the Gilver household heads to the Laidlaw Hydropathic Hotel for revitalising salt rubs and galvanic wraps. But society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver has an ulterior motive.

One of the Hydro’s patients has recently checked out – permanently.

As the avaricious Laidlaws remain hellbent on keeping the doors open, Dandy cannot ignore the local superstitions – the shapes drifting across the Turkish bath; the strange circumstances of the recent death; and the nearby Gallow Hill, perhaps the final resting place of an infamous body snatcher. Unless you believe the rumours . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in remote central Scotland in the 1920s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by Dandy Gilver and a Deadly Measure of Brimstone:

‘McPherson’s writing is wonderful and her plots are intricate! I highly recommend’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Richly, gloriously, wonderfully off the wall . . . I’m immensely glad I came across this’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The period detail seems perfect, the plot is interesting. I loved this book‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘When I finished reading, the story and setting hung around me for days, the sign of a truly great book’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A ripping yarn’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Another Dandy Gilver triumph!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A wholly different sort of finishing school . . .

1920s, Portpatrick: Fleur Lipscott, the youngest of three close-knit sisters, has been unreachable since accepting a job at St. Columba’s College for Young Ladies on the Solway coast. One of her panicked siblings asks childhood friend, society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver to find Fleur and ensure she is safe.

But dark secrets line the hallways of this academy.

Teachers have been disappearing abruptly in the dead of night, a sense of terror pervades the formerly cheerful seaside town and, almost inevitably, a body washes ashore. And when Fleur confesses her involvement in the disappearances, Dandy may be too late to save her . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in a remote girls’ school in the 1920s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love Dandy Gilver and a Bothersome Number of Corpses:

‘An enjoyable romp . . . the twists and turns of the plot are so page-turning‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Reminds me of Dorothy Sayers’s style, and McPherson delivers with incredible details . . . Totally surprised me, and yet the clues were there – a great series’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Dandy is really up there with Jane Marple and Maisie Dobbs for favourite crime solving heroines‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderfully written! This is just a delicious series’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another great Dandy Gilver mystery’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I love this series!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How the other half live . . . and die

1926, Edinburgh: With the miners’ strikes roiling in the city, society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver receives a letter from acquaintance Lollie Balfour, who is convinced her husband is going to kill her. To investigate, Dandy goes undercover – and below stairs – to pose as Miss Rossiter, lady’s maid.

But soon a horrific discovery is made inside a locked room – the body of Mr Balfour.

As the tensions mount in the streets of Edinburgh, suspicion sparks paranoia in 31 Heriot Row, where the murderer is still at large, and the only person who knows Dandy’s true identity is the prime suspect . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical locked-room mystery set against the turbulence of Edinburgh in the 1920s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers are gripped by Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Bloodstains:

‘Dandy Gilver is just wonderful . . . The author captures the mood of the 1920s so well‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me guessing to the very end . . . A great read and I cannot wait to find the rest of the Dandy Gilver adventures’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I’m hooked on the Dandy Gilver books . . . The author captures the feeling and voice of the period spot-on’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I adore this mystery series . . . Catriona McPherson’s writing seems to get better and better’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A lovely cosy mystery’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Engrossing’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two households, both lacking dignity . . .

1927, Dunfermline: Two families – the Aitkens and the Hepburns – run rival department stores, warring across the high street. Society lady – and sometimes detective – Dandy Gilver arrives in town to find the youngest children of both families have gone missing, believed to have eloped.

That is, until one of the young lovers is found dead on the shop floor.

As the retail dynasties collide over the fate of the lovers, Dandy Gilver begins pulling at threads that threaten to unravel both families. For behind the window dressing lies a disturbing history. And before long, there will be more bodies . . .

A brilliantly thrilling and witty cosy historical mystery set in the cutthroat world of high street retail in the 1920s. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Richard Osman.

Readers love Dandy Gilver and an Unsuitable Day for Murder:

‘Catriona McPherson portrays the period very well. All her books have engrossing plots’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Again Catriona McPherson has given us a well-constructed whodunnit . . . One of the joys for me this Christmas was finding in my stocking the latest outing for Dandy Gilver’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Dandelion Gilver is definitely a new favourite of mine‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I always enjoy Dandy Gilver stories . . . Can’t wait for the next one’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐