Cozy Mysteries


Duncan Dewar Mysteries Series


MerlonMurders_mediumThe Merlon Murders (Books I&II)
Discovering the truth about who or what killed the laird of Castle Taye could be deadly for mathematician Duncan Dewar. Is gambling with a beautiful widow, eleven million pounds, an angry ghost, and his own life worth it?

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Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • This brilliant fast paced mystery set in modern day Scotland kept me reading with anticipation.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “This was a wonderful book. The history was fascinating. I could not put this book down. The characters were so clear. Enjoy.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “I have fallen in love with the main character.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Great, rich storytelling with characters that’ll stick with you.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Ms. Benchley mixes touches of humor with culinary details and adds a pinch of Scottish history into this brew of riveting suspense. I look forward to reading more books by Victoria Benchley and highly recommend this mystery.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “5 star page turner!” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Loved it!” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “The author’s rich narrative makes the reader feel present with the main character as he travels from Scotland to England to solve this gripping mystery.” – Amazon Reviewer

CrimeAtBakeryA Crime At The Bakery
Something strange is going on in the village of Taye, and Special Constable Donald Merriwether must track down the culprit while Duncan is away in Spain.

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Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “This short story was a delight to read and I enjoyed spending more time with these characters. Again, Ms. Benchley writes with rich detail that immerses the reader in the story. I can’t wait for more from this author!” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “A delightful mystery that gives the reader a chance to experience more from the villagers of Taye. The characters come off the page in this culinary tale that will satisfy your sweet tooth. 5 Star Charmer!” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “This is the second book of Victoria’s I have read, and I must say equally as enjoyable. It is a stand-alone, however contains characters included in The Merlon Murders, books 1 and 2. Not a very long story, though full of meat and potatoes when it comes to suspense, mystery and wit. It’s one of those reads you want to cozy up to a warm fire, with a glass of wine or hot chocolate, on a rainy day and become absorbed in. Bravo Victoria to another charming and entertaining read.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “A sweet little whodunit that’ll leave you with a smile and ~ warning ~ a craving for napoleons!! Nothing like a good short story with a dash of Scottish wit in the mix. It’s a great side-prequel to set up your taste buds for the Duncan Dewar mystery books and a good stand-alone read as well.” – Amazon Reviewer

cookscomeuppance (1)The Cook’s Comeuppance
Duncan branches out with his own consulting firm and takes a case in Spain, but what secrets lurk in the charming village and exclusive artists’ enclave?  Did a stove really kill a cook?

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Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “Great characters. Real people and the plot line stayed good till the end. Loved the chef and the brother. Great.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Well done mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie…a fine read.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Thoroughly enjoyable. Can’t wait for the next one.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “One of the best Kindle Unlimited Ebooks I have read.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Great series that are built on continuing character development and logical plots (that should not be confused with simple).  I will read every Duncan Dewar story that follows. Bravo!” – Amazon Reviewer

coverLaird_smallThe Laird’s Labyrinth
Is England’s Cradle of Christianity the place to discover a murder and an ancient treasure?  That’s what Scottish detective Duncan Dewar is about to find out.  Visiting Holy Island and cracking the mystery of a labyrinth could awaken Duncan’s spiritual side… or get him killed.

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Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “This tale inspired as well as surprised me. At a certain point (I do not want to reveal too much) I became very worried but “All’s well that ends well”.  I hope there will be more Duncan Dewar stories in the future !” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “The best yet” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “Dewar does it, again.  Duncan and his Family and friends are interesting. Their personalities come through clearly.” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “An excellent fourth in the Duncan Dewar mystery series!! Every one of these books is better than the last, and I had a problem putting this one down. I really liked the spiritual aspect to this story and the way the author further developed the series’ characters. Although Duncan as our main man is always interesting, I am growing very fond of Angela — and loved that we saw Harold grow. Still smiling a day later, I can highly recommend this mystery! Great writing voice and a terrific storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series!” – Amazon Reviewer

coverchristmas_smallThe Christmas Contest
Hoping for a relaxing holiday, the Dewars decide Christmas and Hogmanay in the Scottish countryside is just the ticket.  Things don’t go as planned as competitive natures take over, sending Duncan into a whirl of contests, ancient traditions, misunderstandings, romantic comedy, and local crime.

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Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “A Christmas treat” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “I feel as though I know these characters personally.  I want each of their sagas to continue ! This light-hearted, “comedy-of-errors” with mystery thrown -in was a fun read !” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “There’s plenty of humor, romance and Christmas spirit to go around in this enchanting novel!” – Amazon Reviewer
  • “I felt like I was in Scotland with the characters, enjoying Christmas & Hogmanay.” – Amazon Reviewer

coversiamesemediumThe Siamese Suicides
For Scottish detective Duncan Dewar, do bad things really come in threes?  People connected to the investigator keep dying, and he has to wonder.  Will the past drag him from the promise of a bright future?

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Offered a chance to consult with his former employer, Duncan investigates the apparent suicide of an art dealer in Edinburgh.  In a case right out of today’s headlines, he learns that the art business has its shady side.  Professionally successful once again and engaged, he’s finally ready to move on to the next chapter of his life.  However, the past has a way of haunting the Scottish detective, and things aren’t always as they seem.  Explore Old Town and see if you can solve the case of the Siamese Suicides.  This stand alone is book 6 in the Duncan Dewar Mystery Series.

Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “I just love this series and thoroughly enjoyed this installment.  Duncan and his family are such well developed characters.  The stories are entertaining and the author plays fair with the reader and gives one the information to figure out the puzzle.  I like the story arcs that progress through the successive books.  Each book is independent and comes to a conclusion but elements from past stories reappear and are developed further.  I can’t wait for the next book.”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “I thoroughly enjoyed this dynamite fast moving mystery.  It took me a few pages to pick up the Scottish dialects but it all added to the authenticity of the read.  Well done!  A 5 STAR read at its best.”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “I loved this book.  It will keep you guessing until the end to find out how this happened.  I highly recommend it.”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “Filled with a touch of humor and romance, this delicious mystery doesn’t disappoint.”  Amazon Reviewer
  • “Another winner in a fun series, this latest installment in the chronicles of the life of Duncan Dewar doesn’t disappoint.  Rich characters and cleverly woven storylines set in authentic Scottish locales make it another enjoyable read.  Although it can definitely stand alone, I liked the way it looped back to the first book and gave us hope for a better resolution in the matter of a certain femme fatale…  So glad I hooked up with these Scottish mysteries.  The unique base of family and touch of romantic comedy are just icing on the lemon custard cracker bars.”  –Amazon Reviewer

coverPerniciousSmallestThe Pernicious Pachyderm
When a boutique circus arrives in Taye, tourism is on the rise, but so is murder.  Preparing for his upcoming nuptials and refurbishing his cottage aren’t enough to keep Duncan occupied.

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A gruesome crime intrudes on the idyllic village, and as the detective becomes embroiled in the murky case, a specter from the past returns, threatening his happy ending.  Can Duncan absolve an elephant accused of killing his ringmaster?  Can he find the real killer before he or she strikes again?  Will a jealous spirit from ancient Clan Neish hinder the Scotsman’s wedding and harm his fiancée?  Suspects abound as Dewar returns, joined by the usual cast of family and friends and several newcomers in his latest mystery set in beautiful Perthshire, Scotland.

Here’s what reviewers are saying:

  • “Thank you so much for sharing you gift of spinning a story!  I love all of the Duncan Dewar Mysteries!  Your books grab me by the collar from the 1st words & pull me into the story, hook line & sinker!  They are wonderful puzzles that are not easily solved, keep you on the edge of your seat & have so many unexpected twists & turns.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, keep writing these stories!”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “Each of these Duncan Dewar mystery books somehow progress to be a little richer than the last.  The author has such a fluid writing style and voice, and the characters are authentic, diverse and well developed.  With most, I feel like they’re practically family now.  This seventh in the series is another winner — just as I’ve come to expect.  This one though truly left me with a smile and made me fall in love with a little boy and a pachyderm.  Loved it!”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “Loved this book!  The incredible descriptive language makes me feel as if I’m in Scotland and actually know each of these characters.  The plot is intelligent, fun, and sweetly satisfying.  I appreciate that Benchley maintains a respect for the characters she has created; I have experienced quite the opposite with other serial authors.  Bravo!!”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “From the very beginning chapters, Author, Victoria Benchley’s descriptive and well-written mystery grabbed me until the last page.  Sit back and enjoy another intriguing and well-plotted mystery.”  –Amazon Reviewer
  • “I love the Duncan Dewar Mysteries.  Please keep them coming. Thank you for such enjoyable reading.  Love love love them.”  –Amazon Reviewer

7 thoughts on “Cozy Mysteries

  1. I do wish you’d publish these books through KDP as paperbacks. I so want to read your stories but can’t read online after working on the screen all day. My eyes won’t take it. Consider it, okay? I want these books. LOL

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    • I’ve got that on my to-do list, Sharon. It may take another year, but I’ll try to hurry it along. Thank you for asking & I’ll try to keep you posted. You can join my preferred reader list to stay updated (I don’t send out very many messages, except around a release).

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