A gripping thriller from author Craig Robertson

Loneliness is a killer and it’s Grace McGill’s job to clean up the mess when a dead body has lain undiscovered for weeks or even months. This fascinating thriller had me hooked from the first chapter. Robertson is well-kent for his crime writing, so it’s little wonder that the vivid descriptions of the scenes of…

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The perfect companion for munro baggers

Following on from his 1995 book The Munro Phenomenon, Andrew Dempster has written this updated tale of the mountains for a new generation of baggers. In doing so he brings to light the latest achievements in climbing them all and looks back to discover a little-known man who was a key player in the creation…

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Scotland in a post-viral apocalyptic future

In a dystopian UK ravaged by a virus, Scotland has closed its border. The Ardnamurchan peninsula is surrounded by a fence that protects the rest of the country from the wolves and bears that roam the mountains and woods of this rewilded big-game hunting estate. DI Rhona Ballantyne returns to her Scottish roots to investigate…

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The secret lives of plants in our society

We don’t often consider the impact that plants have had on human history, but this book shows how they have been woven into society for centuries. From medicine, through nutrition to murder and construction, there’s a story to be told for all living and growing things. I particularly enjoyed the tale of how the Scottish…

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When composer Mendelssohn came to Scotland

As was the wont of wealthy young gentlemen of the time, the composer Felix Mendelssohn went on a grand journey. This book has a subtitle of The Mendelssohns in Scotland and Italy, and tells how Felix’s journey brought him to Scotland, while his sister Fanny alighted in Italy. Using sketches, letters, paintings and captivating narrative…

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Celebrating the varied wildlife of Mull

You’re probably already well aware of the incredible biodiversity on the Isle of Mull. But if you’re looking for a book that weaves together the animals, landscapes and people of this incredible island, rather than informing you of the wingspan and preferred diet of the island’s resident white-tailed sea eagles, then this might be the…

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Be beside yourself with joy at The Deli Next Door

I’m a simple soul. That’s to say my mood depends almost entirely on the quality of food on offer. And right now, on a dreich January afternoon in Kelso, I find myself in high spirits thanks to Scott Hunter of The Deli Next Door. The name is a trifle misleading: this place is part deli,…

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A collection of stunning Scottish photography

Each year, a book is published to capture some of the most stunning photography in Scotland. Showcasing striking Scottish landscapes, creative urban views, dramatic weather, seasonal shots and rugged coasts, this year’s Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year book is truly breathtaking. Each page, curated by Stuart Low – the photographer who launched the The…

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A celebration of a Clan Chief’s magnificent seat

Finlaystone is a large country estate in Renfrewshire, near Glasgow, seat of the current Chief of the Clan MacMillan. This book, created by six members of the MacMillan family, is the illustrated story of Finlaystone House and its owners – a tale that spans an incredible 30 generations. The impressive house and grounds is one…

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A gripping read that thrills to the very end

Master of crime Denzil Meyrick transports his readers to the urban gangland of the Scottish town of Paisley and the dark underworld of London. Packed with brutal crime, dysfunctional families and dark humour, follow gangland boss Zander Finn on his quest to right his wrongs, only to learn some life decisions can’t be undone. This…

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