Written in Stone by Paige Shelton ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

When Delaney wins a special Hidden Door Festival invitation to artist Ryory Bennigan's studio, she isn’t sure quite what to expect. What she finds is an elusive fellow obsessed with the Picts—complete with his own versions of their blue tattoos and vibrant red hair—recreating the stones they left behind. She also meets a visiting paleontologist, Dr. Adam Pace, from the University of Kansas attempting to sell an artifact that might just explain what the Picts' language really sounded like.

Or at least that’s what he claimed the artifact was for. Before the deal can close and Ryory can get a closer look at it, Dr. Pace is found dead.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

April 2025; Minotaur Books; 978-1250336613
audio, ebook, print (304 pages); cozy mystery

Written in Stone is the 10th book in Paige Shelton's Scottish Bookshop. I haven't read all of them but it isn't really a problem. There is enough backstory provided for the new reader without feeling like it is repeating everything for the long-time fans.

Bookish cozy mysteries are always fun, but I like that this one deals with more than just books. The bookshop Delaney works in deals in rare and old books (as well as newer books), plus we usually get to learn a little about Scottish culture or history. There's usually a trip to the museum. 

In this book, we learn a little bit about the Pics, an Iron Age people who lived in the area, as well as stone carving. The mystery takes us deeper into the history of the Pics and touches on paleontology. 

The mystery is intriguing and there are a number of coincidences that may or may not be a coincidence. 

We get to spend some time with all the characters that fans have come to love, but we also get a lot of time with characters who are specific to this book so new readers can easily pick up this book. 

It is an entertaining, quick read. 

Buy Written in Stone at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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