Minotaur
Published April 1, 2025
Reviewed by Ruth Castleberry
In Paige Shelton’s tenth Scottish Bookstore mystery, Written in Stone, Delaney wins an invite to Ryory Bennigan’s studio, an artist obsessed with the Picts. (The Pictish people inhabited Scotland between 300 and 900 CE and were known for their carvings in stone and colorful tattoos. Delaney feels a relationship with the Picts because many in the original tribe boasted bright red hair, a trait Delaney shares.)
When Delaney and Tom show up for their visit, they meet Dr. Adam Pace, a paleontologist from the University of Kansas, also Delaney’s alma mater. Dr. Pace is trying to sell Ryory an artifact that might offer more insight into the Pict language.
Before Ryory can authenticate the artifact, someone murders Dr. Pace. Inspector Winters then asks Delaney to speak with the University folks for any information on Dr. Pace. She discovers that Dr. Pace has committed fraud in the past. As the investigation continues, Dr. Pace’s efforts to defraud others in Scotland come to light and subsequently increase the suspect list. Delaney also meets a fellow bookstore owner who remembers selling Dr. Pace several books on the Pictish people.
Rosie, Hamlet, Edwin, Tom, and Delaney become involved in seeking clues along with Ryory and his assistant, Ani. One of the things they uncover is that Dr. Pace created fake artifacts using a 3D printer. The team does an excellent job of narrowing suspects, but the solution is unexpected.
Written in Stone is a complex mystery involving the shared history of the Pictish people and the technical issues around creating fake artifacts. Ms. Shelton’s novel is challenging but well worth the time and effort.