This book event is through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
Without a Shadow of Doubt book tour includes a giveaway and an author guest post.
Book Details
Without a Shadow of Doubt: An Olivia Penn Mystery
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Virginia
Publisher : Rhino Publishing LLC
Publication date : November 4, 2025
Print length : 344 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1956270174
ASIN : B0FQCNBQNQ
Find the cat. Crack the case.
The Highland Games have arrived just outside Apple Station, Virginia, bringing bagpipes, kilts,
and a tide of tartan-clad tourists to the cozy small town. Advice columnist Olivia Penn is ready
for a weekend of fun now that her life has finally settled into a quiet, steady rhythm. But when a
local turns up dead in one of the town’s most iconic homes, a cryptic message from a friend
draws her into a tangled mystery.
As Olivia investigates, family secrets and surprising motives surface, linking three brooches, an
antique cross, and a 17th-century Scottish Bible. Clues connect seven suspects to the crime, and
each has something to hide. When her friend can’t be found and the police start asking questions,
the mystery hits closer to home and runs deeper than she ever imagined.
After an unlikely witness makes a shocking revelation, Olivia enlists her friends and a heroic
search and rescue golden retriever to help her follow the trail before it goes cold. The man she
loves is caught in the crosshairs, and to protect him, she’ll have to risk everything. Justice hinges
on a missing cat, a chase through the woods, and a stare-down with a mama bear.
Without a Shadow of Doubt is the gripping fifth installment in the award-winning Olivia Penn
Mystery Series. This fast-paced, heartwarming cozy mystery features charming characters,
small-town intrigue, and a heroine you’ll love to root for. Perfect for fans of amateur sleuths,
cozy suspense, and clean, feel-good mysteries with lovable cats and dogs.
About Kathleen Bailey
Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes
mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. For over
twenty years, she worked as a pediatric physical therapist with children who have special needs,
drawing on degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She now writes in Virginia
with her feline assistant, who insists on supervising every draft. When she’s not writing,
Kathleen can usually be found covered in cat hair, surrounded by far too many sticky notes, and
plotting new twists to keep readers guessing. She is a member of Sisters in Crime.
Author Links
Website: https://kathleenbaileyauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozycrimewriter/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-bailey
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/kathleenbailey
Purchase Links:
Author Guest Post by Kathleen Bailey
A Sweet Taste of Scotland: Traditional Desserts Worth Celebrating
Without a Shadow of Doubt takes place in Apple Station, Virginia, in the heart of
the Shenandoah Valley. It might surprise some, but Virginia has deep Scottish
roots. Many Scots who settled in the American colonies made their homes in the
Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, bringing with them traditions that still color
the Commonwealth’s communities today.
When people think of Scotland, the first images that spring to mind are often tartan
kilts, bagpipes, and mist rolling across the lochs at dawn. And when it comes to
food, many people immediately think of haggis, neeps and tatties, or Scotch pies.
But Scotland also boasts a rich tradition of desserts. Rooted in simple ingredients
and a knack for turning the ordinary into something memorable, Scottish sweets
are a delightful way to weave a touch of Celtic charm into your next celebration.
Here are a few traditional favorites that showcase the best of Scotland’s culinary
heritage.
Shortbread
If there’s one dessert that embodies Scotland, it’s shortbread. Made with just
butter, sugar, and flour, this biscuit has been around for centuries. Its texture is
crumbly and rich, with a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Shortbread can
take many forms: fingers, rounds, or wedges. Bakers often add their own twist,
flavoring the dough with citrus zest, chocolate, or dried fruit like cranberries. It’s
the kind of sweet that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and good conversation.
Cranachan
Often called the “king of Scottish desserts,” Cranachan is a festive treat made of
whipped cream, toasted oats, honey, and raspberries, often finished with a splash
of whisky. The result is a scrumptious balance that is creamy, tart, and nutty.
Traditionally, Cranachan was served at harvest time, when raspberries were
plentiful, but today it’s a favorite at weddings and celebrations year-round.
Clootie Dumpling
This uniquely named dessert comes from the “cloot,” or cloth, in which the
pudding is boiled. Inside is a dense, spiced mixture of flour, sugar, dried fruit,
breadcrumbs, and suet. Once cooked, the dumpling is unwrapped, revealing a
brown, glossy exterior. Slices are often served with custard or cream, and it’s the
sort of comfort food that keeps you cozy and content on a winter’s day. Some
families have a tradition of tucking coins or charms into the dumpling for luck.
Tipsy Laird
Tipsy Laird is Scotland’s take on a trifle. It features layers of sponge cake, custard,
fruit, and whipped cream. For extra flavor and indulgence, many recipes call for
soaking the sponge in whisky. This eye-catching, decadent dessert is traditionally
served for festive occasions like Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), weddings, and
christenings.
What unites these desserts is their sense of comfort. They rely on simple
ingredients and traditional recipes that result in timeless desserts that families have
enjoyed for centuries. So whether you’re looking for a new baking project or just a
reason to treat yourself, why not explore the sweet side of Scotland? From the
wholesome ingredients of oats and honey to the refined flavors of cream and fruit,
there’s something here to delight every palate.
Super Simple Scottish Shortbread Recipe
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press dough into a greased 8×8-inch pan, or roll and cut into rounds.
Prick the surface with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until light golden.
Cool slightly, then cut into pieces while still warm.
Variations: For a twist, stir in chocolate chips, citrus zest, or a splash of vanilla
before baking. Or drizzle cooled shortbread with melted chocolate for a cozy
finishing touch.
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
November 4 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
November 4 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 5 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
November 5 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 6 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
November 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 8 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
November 9 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 10 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 11 – Christa Nardi Reads and Writes – REVIEW
November 12 – Angel’s Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT
November 13 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 14 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
November 15 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW
November 16 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
November 17 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
November 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Giveaway
Prize will be a paperback copy of Without a Shadow of Doubt. Giveaway is for U.S. only.
