X Marks the Scot (A Liss MacCrimmon Mystery)

X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series. Liss MacCrimmon is attending the auction of the Chadwick mansion and purchases a painting of a Scottish bagpiper. While trying to load the painting into the car, it falls (cracks) and reveals a treasure map tucked into the back of the painting. Liss' curiosity is peaked and Aunt Margaret suggests a trip to Chadwick, Nova Scotia to obtain details on the Chadwick family (it is on the way to the Antigonish Highland Games—they can obtain new items for the shop). They arrive for their meeting with Orson Bailey at the Chadwick Historical and Genealogical Society to find the place locked up. When they gain entrance, Liss finds Orson dead under the kitchen table. Who knew of their trip to Chadwick? What had Orson uncovered? While at the highland games, their motel room is broken into and ransacked. Liss returns home determined to find out where the map leads and what is hidden where X marks the spot. It seems that trouble has followed Liss home. Someone has broken into the shop and her home. What will Liss uncover in her latest investigation in Moosetookalook, Maine?

X Marks the Scot is not a standalone. Some readers may find it confusing with the various characters and relationships. It becomes clearer the further you read into the book. I have read all the books in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series, and X Marks the Scot is my least favorite. I knew the killer's identity long before the murder took place. The mystery had some interesting aspects (a treasure map, hidden tunnels), but it could have done with a little tweaking. I wish the mystery had been stronger (it was light). I want to be gobsmacked! Moosetookalook is a charming Maine town with unique characters and plenty of charm. It will be interesting to see what happens now that Liss' parents have returned to town and Liss is dreading it (she gets along better with her mother when there are a couple of states between them). I found the pace of the novel to be too slow (made the book seem long). I will read the next book in A Liss MacCrimmon Scottish Mystery series in the hopes that the series will get back on track. I have a feeling, though, that the series has run its course.