Mystery at Murriemuir

An Skair: Private Investigator, Book 3

By: Hilary Pugh

Narrated by: Charles Robert Fox

A twisty Scottish mystery

A sinister discovery in the garden of Murriemuir House leads Ian to a chain of weird events.

Scotland is gradually getting back to normal after lockdown. As people get out and about once more Ian finds his case load increasing and to his surprise one of his new clients is his own brother, Stewart.

Stewart and his wife have bought an old farmhouse and are planning to open a wellness centre, when they make a sinister discovery in an area set aside for forest bathing. This is followed by a series of unexplained and possibly supernatural happenings.

Is the house haunted? Or is someone trying to ruin their business by playing tricks on them?

Will Ian’s attempts to uncover the truth put lives at risk?

©2022 Hilary Pugh (P)2025 Hilary Pugh

Very good twisty turning mystery

Ian Skair is a private investigator in Scotland and his brother asks for Ian’s help at his newly acquired farmhouse property. It develops into another mystery that may be decades old. This is the 3rd book in the series and the first I’ve listened to, so it can be read as a stand-alone. The mystery resolved by the end but left a cliffhanger that I hope will be solved in the next book. The narration was outstanding and the accents were superb.

Old Secrets, New Scares, and a Mystery

Mystery at Murriemuir is another enjoyable entry in the Ian Skair series, blending classic Scottish mystery with an eerie, almost supernatural edge. This time, the case feels especially personal since Ian’s own brother, Stewart, is at the center of the trouble. What starts as an exciting plan to open a wellness retreat quickly turns unsettling after a disturbing discovery on the property, followed by a string of strange events that make you wonder if the house is truly haunted or if something far more human (and dangerous) is going on.

I really liked how the story plays out in a post-lockdown Scotland, giving the book a grounded, realistic backdrop while still leaning into the spooky atmosphere. The “is it supernatural or not?” tension is well done and kept me guessing, and the family connection added extra emotional weight to Ian’s investigation.

I listened to the audiobook, and Charles Robert Fox continues to be fantastic. He truly is the voice of Ian Skair for me now, and his narration adds depth and personality to the characters and setting. His pacing and accents bring the story to life and make it easy to stay immersed.

While a few moments felt slightly slower than earlier books, the mystery itself was engaging and satisfying overall. If you’ve been enjoying the series so far, this one is definitely worth your time, especially in audio format.

entertaining cozy mystery

The narration was very good. The story was not the most exciting but it was a good mystery with lotsvof interesting characters. It kept me entertained throughout the book.

A Clever and Atmospheric Scottish Mystery

“Mystery at Murriemuir" is a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the Ian Skair: Private Investigator series. Hilary Pugh’s storytelling is engaging and full of atmosphere, with a compelling mystery that unfolds beautifully in a richly Scottish setting. Ian Skair continues to be a sharp and resourceful protagonist, and this third installment adds depth to his character while keeping the listener intrigued from start to finish.

Charles Robert Fox’s narration is excellent—his voice work brings the story to life with clarity and nuance, perfectly complementing the tone and pacing of the book. His performance enhances the immersive experience and makes this audiobook a pleasure to listen to.

If you enjoy well-crafted mysteries with a strong sense of place and a memorable lead investigator, this series is a must. I’m already looking forward to Ian Skair’s next case!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Twisty Community Cozy Mystery

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery set in Scotland. The narrator has an excellent narrative style and Scottish accent that perfectly fits the story. I look forward to listening to more in this series.