Tag Archives: #Scotland

Book Review: The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen

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PublishedAugust 4, 2026 by Lake Union Publishing

Australian writer Emma Callander has been recruited to complete the final historical mystery in a series by celebrated author Iris Blackburn. It’s 1964, and Iris’s memory is fading. She’s certain that only Emma can do justice to her novel about a murder on the Isle of Skye. When Emma ventures to Scotland for research, she discovers it isn’t fiction at all, but rather a true crime unsolved for more than fifty years.

It was 1904 when a couple’s suspicious drowning led to the disappearance of a mysterious young woman the locals called the Wild Girl. To this day the mystery is unforgettable, especially among the descendants of an aristocratic family who’ll do anything to keep their secrets buried. From the misty Highlands to a medieval castle, Emma and Tony Gordon, Iris’s handsome lawyer, work ever more closely to uncover them.

But while Iris may be known for her fiendishly clever twists, there’s one not even Emma could have seen coming.

*************

Emma is hired to be a ghost writer for a famous author and soon discovers that the story she is researching turns out to be an actual cold case, and as she investigates the case further, her life is put in danger. Not only that, but Emma also discovers that there is more to this mystery than meets the eye and it will change the course of her life.

Rhys Bowen is a talented storyteller. I have read her work before and was excited to pick this story up. I knew it would be good and she did not disappoint. Bowen has such a way of weaving a story that captures the reader and you become fully engaged.

Most of the setting for this story takes place in the Isle of Skye, Scottland and Bowen really captures the atmosphere and its surroundings. I was completely taken to time and place.

There is so much to this mystery, including family secrets and romance. The character development is well developed and the clever plot kept me turning the pages.

A must read!

Stephanie

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through Netgalley for an honest review.

I rated this book four stars.  

Book Review: The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley

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Publish date:  March 4, 2025 by Sourcebooks Landmark

1613:  King James – sixth of Scotland, first of England, son of Mary, Queen of Scots – has unified both countries under one crown. But the death of his eldest son, Henry, has plunged the nation into mourning, as the rumors rise the prince was poisoned.

Andrew Logan’s heard the rumors, but he’s paid them little heed. As one of the King’s Messengers he has enough secrets to guard, including his own. In these perilous times, when the merest suggestion of witchcraft can see someone tortured and hanged, men like Andrew must hide well the fact they were born with the Sight.
 
He’ll need all his gifts, though, when the king sends Andrew north to find and arrest Sir David Murray, once Prince Henry’s trusted courtier, and bring him a prisoner to London to stand trial before the dreaded Star Chamber.
 
My thoughts:

In 1613, Andrew Logan- King James’s Messenger- is given the task of arresting David Murray and bringing him back to England to stand trial.

Logan is a man of duty while holding true to a moral compass and discipline despite the pressures and opinions from his peers. I began to see this about Logan early on and was curious on how this task at the King’s demand would play out. His convictions to do right by others at his own peril had me cheering for him. Without giving too much away, I will say that Logan exemplifies the best of what a king’s messenger ought to be.

I must confess it isn’t often I read historical fiction stories that take place in the 1700s regarding King James’s – sixth of Scotland court. What do I mean by that? I have read a couple books and articles about King James and there was always something about his character and ruling I disliked or mistrusted-if you will. I was curious on how Kersley would depict him and I was surprised-in a good way-by her characterization of him. It I how I imagined him to be.

For me, the story really took off when Logan and others began their dangerous journey to arrest Sir David Murray. The interactions and growing camaraderie between the characters made the story all the more praise worthy and heart-felt in my eyes.

I must confess, I had my doubts upfront about the theme of, “Born with the Sight.” Will it overpower the story? How will it be dealt with and weaved through the story and will it be heavy handed? Kearsley’s out depiction of the Sight was balanced and well-drawn out and I was quite relieved.

What a wonderfully woven historical story with a fantastic cast of characters and a suburb historically depiction of court life, perilous duty and adventure. This is my top favorites of Kersley’s work and seeing as I have been a bit critical of her stories in the past, I’m giving The King’s Messenger five stars.   

Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end. You won’t be disappointed and you will learn a few historical details that will enhance your thoughts on the story.  

Stephanie  

I received a review copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.