Shetland is one of the places on my list of Wanting to See. Having read Marsali Taylor’s previous Shetland books, I was thrilled to see a new one has come out! And reading the blurb, I knew it would be great!
Marsali Taylor has done a great job with this one. Set in Shetland, of course, she’s on the Swan, the smaller sailing boat. With Magnie, one of my favourite characters, and Duncan, whom I couldn’t remember, a group of people have come on board for a relaxing sailing trip. On the trip, as a trainee, is Gavin, Cass’ partner, who is a policeman. There aren’t many trainees, but one stands out, Tiede.
An Imposter in Shetland starts off with Tiede arriving slightly late for the trip. Tiede is an ‘Influencer’ and dresses like a fashionista rather than a sailing trainee. I loved the character, as she stands out straight away, and it turns out, some of the others know her and there’s not much love lost between them, it seems, but how and why?
An Imposter in Shetland meanders along with the Swan to the very special island St Kilda, who apparently wasn’t a saint at all. The sailors all spend time on the small island, but when it’s time to leave, there is no sign of Tiede. The island isn’t big, but after searching with local help as well as a helicopter, there is no sign of the Influencer.
That’s where the story gets more and more intriguing. Usually, it’s Cass who stumbles into a mystery, having Gavin as backup or support, but this time, Gavin and Magnie seem to know more than Cass, whispering and sharing looks… I loved that twist, as it’s a little different, and felt sorry for Cass as there’s nothing worse than being left in the dark when there’s a mystery!
An Imposter in Shetland moves like the other books, with the rhythm and speed of a sailing vessel, making it, for me, the ideal cosy read. No rush, no fast read, but a steady pace, making you turn the pages in anticipation. Questions are picked up along the way, faster than answers, and you get to know the characters more as well.
An Imposter in Shetland has some surprising twists and turns, as is expected in the Shetland series. There is danger, there are interesting characters, like the London couple, the husband seems to get on very well with the strange influencer, but what will his wife make of that? Then there’s Tirval, who is all over Sophie. Sophie and her mother Mavis have their own problems, and they’re some of the people who knew Tiede and didn’t seem at all happy to see her.
An Imposter in Shetland has, as always, a very satisfying ending, if a little stunning! I was shocked by the revelations coming out. The best part about the ending? Sounds there’s more to come, without awful cliff hangers, but enough to know that there are options. The main characters are alive and well, so there’s that…
I received a copy via Reading Between the Lines for the book tour, but was under no pressure or obligation. I thoroughly recommend this book, as well as the others in the series.