The highland mysteries
Agatha Raisin wit. Midsomer body count. Highland scenery.
Want the free prequel?
The Highlands Are Full Of Must-Sees. Shame Someone Took One.
Long before Joana and Brian were Scotland’s answer to witty crime-solving, they had to survive a field trip in 2010.
Shaggy Business is the prequel to The Highland Mysteries. Their first case, a fair bit of bickering, and the dawning realisation that, against all odds, they actually worked rather well together.
The Books
The Highland Mysteries are a series, but the books can be read in any order. Each one is a standalone.
Joana and Brian’s adventures are as much comedy as cosy crime. They form the ‘Snowfellow’ sleuthing pair who don't take themselves too seriously. Their friendship has outlasted most marriages, possibly because they can never agree on anything, though they're firmly on the same side when it matters.
Expect proper whodunits with a fast, page-turning plot and the kind of dry British humour that can bite.
And, as ever, Scotland steals the show.
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You don’t need to read every book; each works on its own. And there’s no obligation to send a review or feedback, but if you do, I’ll be grateful.
What readers are saying
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“Whimsically entertaining book in a fun cozy mystery series highlighting the sights of the Scottish countryside.”
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“This is such a fun series to read. Brian is a fun sidekick, with his desire to add to his followers and his vegan appetite. Murray, the officer with his mixed up speech, and the grumpy inspector just add to the fun.”
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“A cosy read with a heart of pure Scottishness.”
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“This series caught my attention with the mention of the “Highlands”, but it’s the characters and writing that keeps me coming back for more! I love the writing and the way the characters engage with each other.”
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”The characters are so fun and enjoyable to read as they work together to solve the case, and I didn’t want to see them go after finishing the book.”
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“It is the kind of book that reminds me why I love the cosy mystery genre. The author has a real gift for balancing a twisty plot with sharp humour and irresistible character chemistry.”
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“A delightful read from start to finish. The main characters were engaging and well developed, and I especially loved the atmospheric setting in the Scottish Hebrides, which added so much depth and charm to the story.”
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“Fun, intriguing, twisty mystery with the gorgeous backdrop of Scotland! More than a backdrop, really, Scotland is almost its own character in the book.”
Want to see more of Scotland?
Discover Scotland Photo Guide:
This is a visual travel guide to the series, with over 450 locations across Scotland. You can see where the stories unfold and perhaps find a few places you’d like to travel to.
Meet Joana sNOWDON
I live on the coast of the North Sea in North East Scotland, where the salty air and endless horizon are the perfect companions for dreaming up a cosy mystery.
In my previous life, I worked as a journalist and travelled the world. These days, you’re more likely to find me in my garden with a pen and paper than on a plane. I don't write in an old-fashioned way, but I still love to plan my plots and clues with something I can actually hold. When I head out into the Highlands, I usually bring a thermos of green tea and something vegan that is easy to pack for a picnic (I love eating!). And if this sounds familiar… well… yes. Admittedly, I am a bit like Brian. I like my drama and my snacks. But I’m also a bit like my other main character, Joana, who shares my name. I can be dry, often sarcastic, and sometimes a little annoying.
My stories are of course fiction, but they draw heavily on my real experiences in the Scottish hills. Thankfully, there aren’t nearly as many dead bodies in real life, though many of my quirkier characters are inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met.
I’ve chosen the Highland Coo as the symbol for The Highland Mysteries because, to me, there isn’t a more magnificent animal in the world. They are wild, beautiful, and never really tamed. Just like Scotland itself. (Plus their hairstyle looks pretty much like mine after a sleepless night of plotting, so they have my sympathy.)
While my books are full of secrets and the occasional corpse, I promise to skip the grisly details. I believe there’s enough gloom in the world already. My goal is to give you an escape: a clever twist, a bit of amusement, and a chance to laugh before you return to reality.
Cheers, Joana
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