The Pardoner’s Crime (Sandal Castle #1), by Keith Moray

Seven stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A great fan of Keith Moray, I was interested to try this piece, completely different from his other work. When the publisher approached me, I thought there was no better time to give it a go, hoping for the best. The year is 1322 and Sir Richard Lee has been sent to Sandal Castle by the king, Edward II. A Sergeant-at-Law, Lee will preside over the local court and determine some of their legal matters. Along the way, Lee encounters a band of outlaws, headed by one Robert Hood. Permitted to pass, Lee is warned not to cause any trouble. However, a man’s body is soon found murdered, with an arrow through the eye. Lee cannot hep but wonder if this Hood character might be involved. When other crimes occur that could be tied to the group of outlaws, Lee demands that Robert Hood be brought before him to face questioning. That may be easier said than done, in this medieval tale of law and heroism. Moray paints quite the story here, far removed from many of the pieces of his I have read before. Recommended to those who enjoy all things medieval, as well as the reader who enjoys crime fiction of a more regal nature.

This was a walk on the wild side for me, as I am not used to reading much in the medieval realm. That which I have read has left me feeling less than impressed, but I wanted to give Moray the chance to convince me. The story flowed fairly well and those who enjoy the time period would get a lot more out of it than I did. I wanted to see Moray as he used this new period to see if he could enthral me as much as he does with his Scottish mysteries. The characters find themselves in the middle of much goings-on and it served the story well to have so many different perspectives. While I found a lack of connection to any of the particular characters, I was able to follow the plot well enough to feel I can speak confidently. Moray does well spinning this tale and kept me feeling as though I were right there, at the inquest as well as at court. I am not sold into becoming a true fan of the book, the series, or even the time period, but I made it through and I hope others find it to their liking, as Keith Moray has lots to say!

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for a decent novel. I will stick to your modern Scottish work, but I hope you acquire a fan case for this piece.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Deadly Still (Torquil McKinnon #6), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

In the latest piece by Keith Moray, the reader is taken back to the rural areas of Scotland, perfect for a chilling mystery. After a night of drinking, one teenage girl wakes, unable to see. One of her companions is missing and the other appears to have aspirated on his vomit, left for dead. DI Torquil McKinnon and his team are called to investigate, juggling a missing person’s case with what appears to be alcohol poisoning. Tests reveal that the teens were drinking peatreel (illicit whisky), full of methanol, which likely caused the blindness and death by aspiration. While DI McKinnon seeks to find the missing teen, he is met with another murder of a local businessman with ties to two of the teens. When a new member of the West Uist Constabulary arrives from England, McKinnon puts DC Penny Faversham to work, allowing her to show off all her skills. With a killer hiding in plain sight, they have a potential third victim awaiting her fate. The search for the deadly alcohol must have come from a still, though none of the samples match those found at the scenes of the crimes. McKinnon must work quickly and insist on the community’s help to find a killer, before others meet a bitter end. Another great addition to the Torquil McKinnon series that will have readers wishing they, too, could visit West Uist. Recommended to fans of the series, as well as those who like police procedurals outside of the norm.

I have been devouring this series ever since they were presented to me a year ago. Keith Moray does a masterful job of painting the rural Scottish countryside in such a way that its tranquility is matched only by the uniqueness of its goings-on. Torquil McKinnon remains an effective protagonist whose personal life is balanced out with some wonderful development during yet another murder investigation. His attention to detail makes him a wonderful detective, solving crimes with ease without coming off as cocky. Others in the series, both returning characters and those introduced for this piece, work to push the story forward and keep the plot intriguing. The story was fresh—something some might find hard to believe in a small community—and the plot examined some interesting situations that might be more likely in small-town Scotland than the large city. Moray delves into the world of distilleries and how they work, educating the reader throughout the process. With numerous characters building their own sub-plots, the reader will never be without something intriguing to pique their interest. I hope this return of Torquil after a hiatus is a sign of more stories to come!

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for another wonderful piece. The story is read with such ease that new fans are sure to get hooked and binge the entire series.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Midwinter Mysteries: A Christmas Crime Anthology, by Various Authors

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, the writers in this collection, and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

With the holiday season just around the corner, I was happy to receive this collection of mysteries. Filled with short stories by a number of authors—most of whom I have never read—this was sure to be a wonderful early gift that any lover of mysteries could enjoy. I’ll jot down a brief summary of each piece and provide an overarching sentiment about the collection thereafter, for those who are interested.

Away in a Manger, by Graham Brack

Graham Brack takes readers to Prague, where Lieutenant Josef Slonský is working on Christmas Eve. Wanting to help some of the other members of his team see crime in action, Slonský convinces them to head down to the town square. While he partakes in a cup of hot wine, the others watch a short nativity play. A thief makes a grab for a woman’s wallet and the chase is on. This will be one Christmas that Slonský will not soon forget.

Footprints in the Snow, by J.C. Briggs

In this J.C. Briggs piece, Charles Dickens is stuck in a winter storm with a household and chooses to tell an impromptu story to pass the time. When his tale of a ghost appears to cause one guest to react, Dickens is surprised, but does not make much of it. However, the following morning, the same guest seems to have put himself in quite the predicament, with only a trail of footprints in the snow to explain his actions.

Lost and Found, by Keith Moray

In the small community of West Uist, Torquil McKinnon is hosting a small gathering, which includes a rag-tag group set to act as a band for the upcoming Hogmanay Dip and Nip. The following day, McKinnon learns that one of the group was found at his dining table, dead from an apparent attack of angina. Furthermore, the snuffbox in which he kept his pills was nowhere to be found. When someone commits a petty crime at the local police precinct, everyone begins to wonder if there is something to tie the death and crime together. Torquil and his fellow coppers will have to do some sleuthing before the Hogmanay Dip and Nip takes over their thoughts.

The Spirit of Christmas, by Cora Harrison

While doing some begging on the street, a young, blind boy hears his dog and minder being dragged away. Worried, Sammy tries to follow without seeing a thing and is barely saved from being killed. When his older brother, Alfie, arrives to collect him, there is much wrong with the situation. Not only is Sammy bruised, but someone has stolen a large amount of gold bullion. While Alfie processes this, he discovers a body. Alfie takes a moment to scan the scene and feels he may have an idea of what’s taken place.

The Stolen Santa Sack, by Seán Gibbons

Ben Miller enjoys driving his cab around Galway, even if he sometimes gets some odd requests. When a member of the police asks him to transport a man dressed as Santa to a hotel, he is happy to oblige. However, somewhere along the way, this Father Christmas ends up with a dagger in his chest and his sack is missing. Miller tried to stay out of it all, but cannot help sleuthing, as it seems all the coppers want is the contents of the sack. Lost in all of this is the question about what to do with the dead man in the red suit!

Will Power, by Marilyn Todd

Julia McAllister is great at her work, even if Victorian England is not ready to welcome a woman into the profession of photographer. Still, she runs her business as best she can, handling a handful of customers with a variety of requests. Julia dabbles into photography of both the living and dead, which only adds new and exciting wrinkles to her work, as well as a peppering of danger on the odd occasion. This holiday season is one of those times.

Christmas Spirits, by Gaynor Torrance

DI Jemima Huxley and her partner are on the lookout for a recently spotted murder suspect. While scanning the city, they come upon one of Cardiff’s most talked about toy stores, just in time for Huxley to ponder holiday gifts. When they find themselves being ignored by the staff, DI Huxley and her partner end up in the middle of a battle for that ‘must-have’ toy, though it is far from the scenario they might have expected. Forced to fend for themselves, DI Huxley must go above and beyond, while trying not to extinguish her holiday spark!

The Essex Nativity, by David Field

Jack Enright is in the holiday spirit, but has yet to be able to convince his mother to let him host the festivities. As Jack and Esther have come to realise, when Constance says something, you nod and go about your day. During a meal with his uncle, Percy, both coppers are called to the scene of a rural farm, where they discover a couple trying to stay warm and in the midst of delivering a baby. Percy takes up the leadership role and discovers that one of his active cases might have a new lead, forcing him to rush and make a call to Scotland Yard, while also seeking a doctor for the young couple. What follows is a feast and a touching revelation about the strength of the Christmas spirit.

Secret Santa, by Kim Fleet

Eden Grey is a hard-working private investigator with many resources at her disposal. When Eden receives an anonymous note at her office, she cannot help but begin a little surveillance effort, watching a man appear to stalk a much older woman. After confronting this mystery man, Eden learns his story, which only opens new avenues of investigation. Now, Eden must decide what to do and how to go about substantiating the claim made to her.

Stir Up Sunday, by M.J. Logue

Thankful Russell runs a popular printing shop in the 17th century. When he and his wife, Thomazine, are visited by a member of King Charles II’s Court, they agree to print a document said to be some of His Majesty’s recipes. However, it would seem someone wants the manuscript for themselves, breaking into the shop and trying to steal it. Thomazine, the brains of the family, posits that this could be more than a collection of hearty meal ideas, tied to the recent Cromwell uprising. What follows is a race to discover the truth so that Thomazine and Thankful can enjoy their Christmas together.

The Christmas Ghost, by Linda Strathman

Mina Scarletti has a way of communicating with those who have passed on and is summoned to the home of a grieving mother. Mina soon learns that the woman’s son died in a freak accident one past Christmas Eve and she hopes to be able to see her beloved boy. While Mina breaks the news that she cannot sense the boy in the house, she reveals an interesting piece of advice that might help salve the woman’s ongoing pain.

Having made my way through the collection, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with what I read. These authors do know how to put together a wonderful set of stories, impressing the reader with a vast array of settings, characters, and approaches. While I know that I have read two of the full-length series hinted at above, there are now a number of others I am interested in finding and hopefully adding to my ongoing long list of series I follow. The publisher did well in gathering these authors together with the general Christmas theme running through their writings. I hope others are dazzled as much as I have been with this collection.

Kudos, writers of this collection, for a great set of short pieces. There’s nothing like a little mystery to heighten the excitement of the holiday season.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Death in Transit (Torquil McKinnon #5), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

More fun on the Hebrides, where Keith Moray recounts another stunning Scottish police procedural that provides the reader with local lore alongside a decent mystery. West Uist awaits the transit of Mercury, when the planet crosses between the Earth and Sun. The local astrological society has chosen to put on some lectures about the phenomenon, as well as broadcasts by one of Scottish TV’s best-known programmes on heavenly events. Torquil McKinnon is ready with his handful of police staff for the obvious influx of tourists around town, though everything seems to be going well at present. When a murder shocks the community, it becomes exponentially more concerning with the sketch of the Aquarius symbol next to the body. The West Uist Chronicle runs a story about the emergence of a zodiac killer, which turns concern to all-out panic and forces Torquil to rush before things get out of hand. Another body appears soon thereafter, with another sign of the zodiac and everyone is sure that there is a killer on the loose, targeting those who have ties to the numerous astrological symbols known to all. Questions arise related to the planetary goings-on and whether the killer is trying to pass along a message to West Uist as a whole. However, Torquil McKinnon will not rest until the killer is caught, even if the clues seem obscure and no one is forthcoming with concrete leads. Moray provides readers another wonderful tale, sure to keep them enthralled until the final reveal. Those who have enjoyed this series will surely find solace in this latest instalment, as well as any reader who enjoys a mystery with a true Scottish flavour.

The publisher sought my opinions on early novels in the series, and I remain hooked through to this fifth piece. This novel took me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed with such detail throughout the literary journey. Torquil McKinnon is a character that many readers can enjoy, though he has not become too one-dimensional so as to become boring. Torquil mixes a dedication to his job as leader of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals. While he is tough on crime, he holds out a soft heart for the woman he loves and his new trusty companion. The handful of secondary characters is always changing and entertains the reader throughout. Social and personal issues weave their way into each character, providing the reader with something interesting to explore besides the central crime. There is much humour and banter for the reader to enjoy, as the characters find their niche within the dozen or so chapters of the story. The story itself is quite well crafted, keeping the narrative flowing well, with unique scenarios that foster murders and vendettas to be developed. Moray is back to his mid-length chapters, which push the reader onward in this quick adventure. The narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked throughout, making the story an easy single-day read (as it was for me). While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read more and was told that Moray is hard at work on additional novels. Alas, I now have to be patient until I can devour the next Torquil McKinnon novel.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this refreshing read. Perfect for my holiday time, as the story does not let up until the final page. I hope you’ll dazzle your fans in the very near future.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Flotsam and Jetsam (Torquil McKinnon #4), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Keith Moray returns to the Hebrides, where he recounts another Scottish police procedural/mystery full of local flavouring and helping to renew the reader’s love of Torquil McKinnon. West Uist is abuzz with the news that a Scottish antiques show has come to the island to broadcast a fortnight of programmes. Flotsam and Jetsam will launch with a local legend, Dr. Digby Dent, in hopes of shedding light on the man’s expertise in midges. When he doses himself with ‘liquid courage’ before appearing on television, things go awry and he is forced to spend some time in police custody. Upon his release, Dent attempts to make his way home, only to be found dead the following morning by one of the West Uist constables. Meanwhile, Torquil comes across a wee dog, strapped to a board while he is out piping one morning, sure that this was an attempt to rid the owner of the burden of responsibility. Incensed, Torquil will stop at nothing to find out who might have committed such a horrible act, though he is also busy with this investigation into Dr. Dent, which soon turns into an act of murder. Who might have struck down this local legend and are there others who are in danger? West Uist Police are on high alert and Torquil cannot rest until both his cases are resolved, which will be a feat unto itself, especially with his superiors barking orders. Moray brings readers another wonderful tale, sure to keep the reader enthralled until the final page-turn. Those who have enjoyed this series will surely enjoy this instalment, as well as any reader who enjoys a mystery with a true Scottish flavour.

When the publisher approached me to read and review early novels in the series, I was hooked. This novel was more of the same, taking me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed. Torquil McKinnon is a character that many readers can enjoy, though has not become too one-dimensional so as to become boring. Torquil mixes a dedication to his job as leader of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals, many of whom cross his path throughout this piece. Showing his softer side, Torquil exemplifies his connection to his canine friend and longing to be reunited with his bonnie lass. The handful of new, secondary characters proves to entertain the reader throughout this story, which presents the reader with some interesting social issues, both educational and entertaining. The various characters add humour and banter for the reader, but there is also a sinister aspect that helps propel the mystery perspective throughout. The story itself is quite well crafted, keeping the narrative flowing well, a bounce back from a less than stellar third novel. Longer chapters should not deter the reader, as the narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked throughout. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series, if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this refreshing read. Perfect for my holiday time, as the story does not let up until the final page.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Murder Solstice (Torquil McKinnon #3), by Keith Moray

Seven stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In continuing this unique series, Keith Moray leads the reader back to the Hebrides, where he recounts another Scottish police procedural/mystery full of local flavouring. When Dunshiffin Castle receives new inhabitants, West Uist is abuzz and not entirely for the right reasons. The Daisy Institute has made its presence known and recruiting for their spiritual retreat and enlightenment programme. While many flock to the group, family members have begun complaining that those who join are kept away from outside communication. The leader, the esteemed Dr. Logan Burns, has professed that a local site, the Hoolish Stones, could be part of a larger enlightenment piece, which will be revealed at the summer solstice. With a news crew in West Uist to cover the lead-up to the solstice and all that Burns can tell about his programme, a local historian is ready to debunk the entire Institute however he can. Inspector Torquil ‘Piper’ McKinnon has been running his police detachment effectively, or so he thinks, though he is always being criticised by his superior on the mainland. With all the excitement, a new face turns up in town, Sergeant Lorna Golspie, seconded by the Hebrides Constabulary to report back and clean up what has become a lax detachment. McKinnon does not take well to this and pushes back in his traditional passive aggressive ways, which only angers the mainland even more. The peace and tranquility of West Uist is broken when the aforementioned historian turns up dead, possibly from a drunken fall, but there is something that does not seem right to some of the locals. As McKinnon and his team try to investigate, the uproar with the Daisy Institute increase and tempers flare. A second death forces a complete change in efforts from indifferent acceptance to active interrogation. Tranquility and peacefulness are pushed aside in West Uist, leaving anything but a fertile foundation for enlightenment. The local journalist reminds his readers and McKinnon about the double murder/murder-suicide back at the winter solstice, not six months before. It would seem that Torquil McKinnon and his team are sitting on a powder keg yet again, with no clear means of diffusing it, while also trying to handle Sergeant Golspie and her secondment mission. Another well-paced mystery has Moray convincing me that I chose well in turning to his series. Recommended for those who love police procedural with a different take.

When the publisher approached me to read and review the first few novels in the series, I was hooked by the opening lines. This third novel was more of the same, taking me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed. Torquil McKinnon remains an interesting character, mixing a reputable career as a member of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals, some of whom have come to call him a personal friend. There is little backstory here, but McKinnon’s policing and struggles with superiors who are away from West Uist remains central, particularly with the secondment of Golspie. Her presence does impact the novel in interesting ways that the reader will discover as they delve deeper and understand some of the nuances of the plot. The story is full of strong secondary characters, many of whom are new and gain entry into the narrative, shaping it effectively. These individuals, returnees and new folk alike, add humour and banter for the reader, as well as some sinister aspects, which one can hope will return in future novels. The story itself is decent and keeps the narrative flowing well, though I admit to liking it the least of the three novels so far. Discussion of cults and isolation is nothing new, though it did serve a purpose and as a bridge to get through the solstice theme, which Moray handled nicely. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series (at five novels so far), if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this wonderful piece. I enjoyed the story and its clipped delivery, which proves a refreshing alternative to much of what I have been reading.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Deathly Wind (Inspector Torquil McKinnon #2), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In continuing this unique series, Keith Moray takes the reader deep into the Hebrides to recount another Scottish murder mystery full of local nuances. Torquil ‘Piper’ McKinnon has recently returned home to West Uist, determined to leave his job as part of the constabulary behind. However, he soon learns that his friend and colleague, Ewan McPhee, has gone missing, his catamaran found floating in a local body of water. Could he have drowned or might his superior swimming capabilities have left him stranded elsewhere? Before McKinnon can ponder that too much, he must deal with some local disturbances. Jock McArdle recently purchased Dunshiffin Castle, thereby making him the laird. He’s decided to erect a number of wind turbines around West Uist to create a more environmental community, much to the dismay of the locals. The town seems divided, voicing their opinions about this new technology in a community that prides itself on simplicity. Another environmental issue seems to be rearing its head when a number of golden eagles have started targeting some of the animal population, noted by the new veterinary doctor who is being called out at all hours. Tragedy strikes the town when a man turns up dead, his body in a pool of rocks. The mangled remains have an unusual talon-like mark across the face, leaving many to wonder if the eagles might be involved. One death can be called an accident, but when more bodies begin to emerge, McKinnon is sure that there’s a serial killer on the loose and not of the feathered variety. Laird McArdle is also being targeted when one of his prized dogs is found poisoned, demanding that action be taken, though McKinnon cannot shake that something seems off about this man and his retinue. McKinnon is unsure what to make of it all, but with a superior officer demanding results and the local journalist writing sensational stories in the local paper, he’ll need to act fast before West Uist turns into an embarrassment across all of Scotland. Moray has a wonderful way with words and spins a great tale here. Surely a series that will keep gaining momentum as readers flock in its direction. Wonderful for those who want a murder mystery with much Scottish heritage woven throughout.

When the publisher approached me to read and review the first novel in the series, I was pulled in as soon as I took the time to read the dust jacket blurb. This second novel was much the same, taking me back into Moray’s rural Scottish community and Torquil McKinnon proves to be a very interesting character, combining his reputation as a successful member of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals. While this piece is less a chance to develop a backstory, McKinnon’s policing and struggles with superiors who are away from West Uist becomes apparent and is used throughout the novel as a means of currying favour with the reader. Many of the others who appear throughout the story are well presented and have their characteristics woven into the story in an effective manner, particularly Laird McArdle, who is the newcomer. Many supporting characters gain entry into the narrative and shape it effectively, adding humour and banter for the reader. The story itself is actually quite well done and its succinct delivery and keeps the narrative flowing well, though does not leave the reader feeling shortchanged whatsoever. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series, if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this wonderful follow-up piece. I enjoyed the story and its clipped delivery, which proves a refreshing alternative to much of what I have been reading.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Gathering Murders (Torquil McKinnon #1), by Keith Moray

Seven stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray, and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In this series debut, Keith Moray takes the reader deep into the Hebrides to recount this Scottish murder mystery sure to impress with its local nuances. Torquil ‘Piper’ McKinnon heads up the West Uist Constabulary, a quiet force of three bracing for two significant events coming to the island for the weekend. The Gathering includes a bagpipe competition for which Torquil has been preparing al his life and shows off the true Highland nature of the Scottish cultural persona. The West Uist Literary Festival brights authors and book-lovers alike together to celebrate the written word in all its forms. When a Gaelic poet is found murdered, Torquil begins investigating, but cannot find many who might have wanted him dead, save for those who respect true poetry and hated his sub-par attempt. However, when author Fiona Cullen is found floating off the coast, the list of suspects is plentiful. Cullen’s novels seek to explore a thinly-veiled attack on certain people who have been involved in her life, usually causing quite a stir. Torquil must suppress the romantic relationship he had with Cullen and seek to find her killer. With an apparent serial killer on the loose in this quiet community, Torquil will have to act quickly, as suspects are soon to leave for the mainland. Trying to find a common thread between the victims, Torquil intensifies the investigation just as another body emerges. Will West Uist soon receive unwanted police presence from the Hebridean Constabulary to clean-up a mess that the locals cannot handle? Moray has a wonderful way with words and spins a decent tale here. Surely a series that will gain momentum as readers flock in its direction. Wonderful for those who want a murder mystery with much Scottish heritage woven throughout.

When the publisher approached me to read and review this piece, I was pulled in as soon as I took the time to read the dust jacket blurb. Moray transports the reader to a rural Scottish community and offers all the traditional descriptions, including a peppering of Gaelic phrasing. Torquil McKinnon proves to be a very interesting character, weighing his personal connection to the community against his desire to serve as one of its police officials. The reader will discover much of this man in the narrative, from his passion for bagpiping through to his fairly straightforward approach to policing. Added to that, the struggle to stay on the path when one of his love interests has been slain provides the story some interesting flavour. Many of the others who appear throughout the story are well presented and have their characteristics woven into the story in an effective manner. The story itself is actually quite well done, though its brevity keeps the reader from getting too far off the beaten path. Moray crafts his story in a succinct manner and keeps the story flowing well. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’d gladly read another in this series, if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this wonderful debut piece. I enjoyed the story and its brevity, which proves a refreshing alternative to much of what I have been reading.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons