Book Review: The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

Book Blurb:

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

The Highland Heist is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess, The Cairo Curse, and The Juliet Code.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Freddie and Grace’s adventures. In The Highland Heist, they once again find themselves knee-deep in murder, mystery, and this time, all things Scottish. Just as they’re returning from their honeymoon, Frederick surprises Grace by rerouting their travels to America so she can visit her father, sister Lillias, and meet her new nephew. But the happy reunion they expect quickly unravels. They arrive to find the family home sold, Lillias’s husband Tony murdered under suspicious circumstances, and a Scottish barrister seeking them out to deliver surprising news: Grace and Lillias have inherited a Scottish castle from their late mother.

When Lillias is accused of Tony’s murder, Freddie and Grace immediately step in to help clear her name. But before they can unravel the truth, Lillias—heartbroken and desperate for a fresh start—flees to Scotland to claim the inheritance and escape the pain of her past. With time running out, Freddie and Grace follow, only to be met with one obstacle after another: a murderer on their trail, rumors of a ghost, a missing will, and a deadline that keeps creeping closer.

This book drew me in from the very first page and didn’t let go. I loved watching Freddie and Grace grow—not just as sleuthing partners, but as husband and wife. Grace’s inner dialogue is always a joy to read. Her curiosity, quick thinking, and desire to solve every mystery make her a compelling and relatable heroine. And Frederick—he’s loosening up in the most charming way. Grace’s influence and his growing comfort with the unexpected have made him more rounded, more relaxed, and even more lovable.

It was such a sweet surprise to have Zahra, their adopted Egyptian daughter, along for the journey. I could clearly picture her bright, inquisitive face, and it warmed my heart to see Grace share her love of adventure with her.

Overall, this was a delightful and captivating read that left me eager for the next chapter in Freddie and Grace’s journey.

Request The Highland Heist at your local library, preorder it at most retailers, or find it for sale on Amazon.

While you can read The Highland Heist as a stand-alone book, it is most rewarding to read it after reading the first three.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Pepper Basham and Barbour Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.