The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton: Review

I love a good mystery with suspense and thrills swirling around and throughout the plot. Due to that, I checked out a new to me author whose upcoming book sounded a bit intriguing.

An interesting story for sure, and definitely one where you should read a book or two prior, just to get in the groove. For amateur sleuth lovers, here is a perfect story for you. Continue on for the full review.

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton
Publisher‏ : ‎ Minotaur Books (April 5, 2022)
ISBN-13‏ : ‎ 978-1250789488

OVERVIEW:
One winter’s night, bookseller Delaney Nichols and her coworker Hamlet are invited to a Burns Night dinner, a traditional Scottish celebration of the poet Robert Burns. She’s perplexed by the invitation, but intrigued. The dinner takes place at Burns House itself, a tiny cottage not far from the Cracked Spine bookshop but well hidden. There, it becomes clear that Delaney and Hamlet were summoned in an attempt to make amends between Edwin, Delaney’s boss, and one of the other invitees, who suspected Edwin for burning down his own bookshop twenty years ago after a professional disagreement.

But after the dinner, there’s another fire. The Burns House itself is burned to the ground, and this time there’s a body among the ruins. When Hamlet is accused of the crime, Delaney rushes to prove his innocence, only to discover that he might actually have a plausible motive…

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton Review

Have you ever opened a book, started reading, and realized you are missing bits and parts to the story? There seems to be a backstory missing or people you don’t know pop in and out?

Well… This automatically tells me this is not a completely standalone read. I think the story would be much more fulfilling with at least 1-2 other stories behind you.

Be that as it may, I did keep going and quickly realized that I kept getting images of Angela Lansbury popping into my head. This book is geared to amateur sleuth lovers and lovers of books. It’s a fun and interesting twist of plots that I seemingly dived into.

Shelton tells a whimsical story set in Scotland in the perfect setting for a Roberts Burns celebration. With the highly detailed settings and colorful imagery that carries you away, the plot is complex and winding.

I did get lost a few times as we tried to find the murderer and arsonist of several different fires over the years. There are multiple characters to keep you on your toes and I got lost in there a time or two as well.

Overall, the story is entertaining, with plenty of bends and curls to keep you guessing to the end. Shelton has a great following with this series and The Burning Pages looks to be a winner addition! Just not a favorite for me.

3 STARS!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.