Books
On the case after a man is wrongly executed for a murder
A Rattle of Bones is a murder mystery rooted in history. In 1752 James of the Glen was executed for the murder of government man Colin Campbell. So, when publicity comes to light claiming he was innocent and that his namesake James Stewart – who has been incarcerated for the last ten years for murder…
Read MoreA fascinating insight into the history of Lewis
Lewis: The Story of an Island is a delve into the history of a great island in the Hebrides. This book explores the history of Lewis and its people as well as the mythologies, maps, architecture and of course the Gaelic language. Despite personal roots on the island, I have sadly never had the chance…
Read MoreFirst Anne Brown Essay Prize winner revealed
Scotland’s newest literary award, the Anne Brown Essay Prize, has been won by journalist and documentary maker Dani Garavelli. Her essay, The Bequest, is a moving and honest reflection on family, belonging and her cultural heritage as an Italian Scot. Dani was one of eight finalists, with the winner being announced on Sunday during a…
Read MoreTartan Noir at its best with a link between distant murders
The Killing Tide is a gripping crime novel focussing on what seem at first to be two unrelated criminal investigations. One is in Orkney, involving the discovery of three gruesomely murdered bodies, inside a washed-up cargo ship, and one of a woman who was set on fire in Glasgow. But it soon transpires, through Orcadian…
Read MoreWigtown Book Festival opens with McCall Smith talk
Wigtown Book Festival’s opening weekend got off to a superb start with a series of sell-out shows featuring authors of every kind. One of those participation was Alexander McCall Smith who was discussing The Joy and Light Bus Company – Book 22 in his hugely successful No 1. Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The plot revolves…
Read MoreA look at Orkney by someone who now calls it home
Have you ever considered leaving the rat-race behind and moving lock, stock and barrel to a far-away island? Well, Orkney: A Special Way of Life tells the story of a man who did. The author Richard Clubley, who retired to Orkney in 2017, provides a fascinating insight into daily life on Orkney. With a highly…
Read MoreMeet the founder of the animal hospice
A woman whose compassion led her to set up the country’s first animal hospice is now concerned that too many dying humans lack the love and care they deserve. Some years ago Alexis Fleming was bedridden with a severe chronic illness and wanted to end her own life – but thanks to her beloved dog…
Read MoreWhen vampires came to Scotland in a great read
I have always been a fan of the vampire genre, but this is a first for me. This tale of blood sucking horror set in the Highlands of Scotland. Mark Campbell, historian and author, is desperate to finish his new book on the infamous Highland Clearances when his researcher mysteriously disappears. Abandoning his depressed wife…
Read MoreA new perspective on the Battle of Culloden
The Best of Enemies presents a new perspective on Culloden detailing The Hessians role in the battle. This book focuses on the interesting characters leading both sides, providing information on the men themselves as well as events on the run up to the battle and its aftermath. A refreshingly new take on a well documented…
Read MoreA wartime thriller with the action in Orkney
This is one of three fast-paced thrillers written by Ken Lussey and set in Scotland during wartime. Located in Orkney in 1942, it’s a story of war and deception, and centres around group captain Bob Sutherland and his MI11 team. Flown in to inspect the naval base in Orkney, they find that things are far…
Read More