The Moon's More Feeble Fire by Allan Gaw

Today I'm reviewing another of our Bloody Scotland connected reads, The Moon's More Feeble Fire, the second book in the Dr Jack Cuthbert mystery series, by Allan Gaw. My thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours for the invitation and to The publisher for my digital review copy. 

The Blurb

She was someone's daughter . . .

In 1930, the killing of a Soho prostitute is hardly a priority for Scotland Yard. But when a second, similar murder comes to light, and then a third, everything changes. Cuthbert and his team find themselves in a nightmarish world of people-trafficking, prostitution and drug use amongst the upper classes.

Using all his forensic skills, Cuthbert sets out to solve one of the most baffling cases of his career. One final question remains unanswered until a faded photograph reveals its tragic secret.

My Review

This is our second outing with pathologist Dr Jack Cuthbert - you can see my review of Allan's first book, The Silent House of Sleep, here. In The Moon's More Feeble, Cuthbert is called to examine the body of a woman, a working girl. Whilst Dr Cuthbert cares deeply about every case he works, The police don't always feel the same, especially when it comes to prostitutes. Until there is another murder in the same fashion...

Jack Cuthbert is such an interesting character. Tall, handsome, polite, well educated, deep thinking, caring and very thorough in his work. His attention to detail is second to none and the police he works alongside have grown to respect him because they know he will go The extra mile for them, and he always has something useful to contribute. But he carries a weight on his shoulders, a sadness that we, the readers, can see all too clearly. He's a very engaging character who carries the reader along with him every step of the way. What touches me is how caring and respectful he is with every victim, every body he deals with. He's the same with living people, of course - kind and respectful regardless of their background or status in society. And I love his relationships with his assistant,  Simon, his housekeeper and, particularly, with Sergeant Baker, a good policeman who wants to be a better one. 

The case is an intriguing one. The women have all been killed in a similar fashion and there are a couple of clues. But with these women servicing so many customers every day, it a huge suspect pool. With Cuthbert's help, the police do narrow down their suspect list but it's still a baffling case. I loved learning about the pathology procedures of the time - the processes the followed, the tests they  conducted, that kind of thing - it's fascinating. 

It's really well written. I love the quiet moments we share with Cuthbert, even the times when he's struggling, or is focusing on his daily ritual. He's such a deep thinker and that really came across through the writing. As does the author's knowledge of pathology and the research he's done. I think in my review of the first book I referred to it as a 'quieter' read than my usual stuff, and the same applies here. What I mean is that it's not action filled in the traditional sense. But don't misunderstand me, there is plenty going on, it's just not all action and violence. It's more considered. 

The Moon's More Feeble Fire is a worthy follow up to The Silent House of Sleep. A well written, intriguing mystery with fully fleshed out, engaging characters. It's great to have Dr Jack Cuthbert back and I look forward to catching up with him again in book three.

The Author

Allan Gaw is a Scot who lives and works near Glasgow. He studied medicine and is a pathologist by training but a writer by inclination. Having worked in the NHS and universities in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the US, he now devotes his time to writing.

Most of his published work to date is non-fiction. These include textbooks and regular magazine articles on topics as diverse as the thalidomide story, the medical challenges of space travel and the medico-legal consequences of the Hillsborough disaster.

More recently, he has been writing short stories, novels and poetry. He has won the UK Classical Association Creative Writing Competition, the International Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize, the International Globe Soup 7-day Writing Challenge and was runner-up in the Glencairn Glass/Bloody Scotland Short Crime Fiction Competition. He has also had prose published in the literary journal, From Glasgow to Saturn and anthologies from the Edinburgh Literary Salon and Clan Destine Press in Australia. His poetry has been published by Dreich, Soor Ploom Press and Black Bough Poetry. His debut poetry collection, Love & Other Diseases, was published in 2023 by Seahorse Publications.

The Moon's More Feeble Fire is the second book in the Dr Jack Cuthbert Mystery series and has been longlisted for this year's McIlvanney Prize. 

You can read more about him and his work at his website: https://researchet.wordpress.com/ .


Bloody Scotland Panel

Allan will be appearing at Bloody Scotland this year. You can book your tickets here.

We make a deep incision into the world of crime fiction and science fact as we talk forensics with three authors whose books deliver thrills, chills and blood-spattered spills.

A gangland slaying and a missing movie star are at the heart of Whispers of the Dead, the sensational new Rhona MacLeod thriller from Lin Anderson. Forensic criminologist Laughton Rees faces a race against time to stop a killer in Simon Toyne’s exhilarating new novel Dead Water. Allan Gaw’s pathologist Dr Jack Cuthbert runs the gauntlet between fascists and razor gangs in 1930s Glasgow in To the Shades Descend.

This event will be chaired by Professor James Grieve.

The Other Side of Fear by Douglas Skelton

It's my pleasure today to be sharing my review of The Other Side of Fear, the last in the series featuring young journalist Rebecca Connolly, by Douglas Skelton. Douglas will be appearing at the Bloody Scotland Crime Festival on Friday 12th September - more on that later. Many thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours for inviting me and to the publisher for my gifted copy.

 

The Blurb

There are two sides to everything, and fear isn't any different – sometimes you have to push through to the other side . . .

Someone has big plans for Stoirm, and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.

Investigative journalist Rebecca Connolly returns to the Scottish island to find out who is terrorising the locals who favour a community buyout of the estate over plans by a faceless consortium to turn it into an upmarket playground for the rich and shameless.

But before she even sets off, she is threatened by two men, men who are no strangers to inflicting pain. Rebecca being Rebecca, this only serves to heighten her curiosity, and she heads for the island, leaving behind romantic troubles and, she thinks, a young woman set on making her name in journalism.

It isn't long before threats become murder and Rebecca finds herself in mortal danger from an old adversary among the breaking waves of Thunder Bay.

My Review

Stoirm is not somewhere that holds happy memories for Rebecca, other than meeting her best friends there, but she will always chase after a story. So, when she's contacted by a couple of residents concerned about a series of incidents on the island, it seems the perfect place to escape the mess she's making of her love life. When she's approached by a couple of men, who are both very polite and threatening (and who have the best names!) it just confirms to her that there is definitely a story to chase and a few threatening words are not going to stop her. But things begin to escalate once Rebecca is on the island as  vandalism turns to murder and soon Rebecca is in very grave danger. 

Regular visitors to my little blog will know I'm a big fan of Douglas Skelton's work and, whilst I'm not up to date with all of my reviews, if you search his name you'll find several that I have written. I have followed Rebecca from the beginning and watched her develop across the books, and it's great to have her back. She's hugely likeable (to the reader, anyway, if perhaps not to all of her interviewees) determined, thorough, frustrating, headstrong, loyal, but prone to messing up her personal life, often putting work first. The books in this series are more slow burning than some of the author's other work, but no less engaging. The characterisation is brilliant - we see a few returning faces in this book, most of whom I was pleased to see. It was particularly good to see Bill and Val back and I loved the wee hint of the unknown around their relationship.

Away from the characters, place is so important. Skelton is wonderful at scene building and whilst the Isle of Stoirm isn't a real place it certainly feels like it is. Douglas's love of the Scottish countryside is clear to see, and there's a sense of coming full circle with the denouement at Thunder Bay, with waves crashing on the shore. Whilst this isn't a 'kick the door down, go in guns blazing' style of book, there is lots going on to hold the reader's interest as the plot thickens. There is plenty of tension and a palpable sense of dread, particularly in the second half of the book. 

The Other Side of Fear is the last of the Rebecca Connolly novels, and whilst I'm sad to say goodbye to this brave young woman, it's a fitting, beautifully written end to her adventures. Loved it. Douglas Skelton is a brilliant author to whom I have not done here justice in this review, and if you're not familiar with his work I urge you to check it out. This series is as good a place to start as any.


The Author

From Douglas 's social media feed

Douglas Skelton was born in Glasgow. He has been a bank clerk, tax officer, taxi driver (for two days), wine waiter (for two hours), journalist and investigator. He has written several true crime and Scottish criminal history books but now concentrates on fiction. The Other Side of Fear is his 18th novel (he has also written two novellas) Thunder Bay (longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize), The Blood Is Still, A Rattle of Bones,  Where Demons Hide, Children of the Most and The Hollow Mountain are the other novels in the bestselling Rebecca Connolly thriller series.

Bloody Scotland Panel

Douglas will be appearing at Bloody Scotland this year. You can book your tickets on the  Bloody Scotland website. 

Deadline News: Douglas Skelton, Philip Miller, Charlotte Philby Friday 12th Sept / 2-3pm / Trinity Church / £9/£8

Hot off the press: Three terrific writers, all of whom have journalists as their central protagonists, set the standard as they create page-turning thrillers perfect for these troubled times. The Other Side of Fear is the latest thrilling outing for Douglas Skelton’s investigative journalist Rebecca Connolly as murder haunts the island of Stoirm. The Hollow Tree sees the return of Philip Miller’s defiant reporter Shona Sandison in a beguiling trip into the occult. Charlotte Philby’s stylish Dirty Money introduces journalist turned private investigator Ramona Chang in a plot shimmering with menace and effortless cool. This event will be chaired by journalist and blogger Louise Fairbairn.

The Transcendent Tide by Doug Johnstone

 
It's my turn today on the blog tour for The Transcendent Tide, the final instalment in the Enceladons Trilogy, by Doug Johnstone. Thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me and to the publisher for my digital review copy. I will be buying my own paperback copy to complete the set on my shelf. 

The Blurb

It’s been eighteen months since the Enceladons escaped the clutches of an American military determined to exterminate the peaceful alien creatures.

Lennox and Vonnie have been lying low in the Scottish Highlands, Ava has been caring for her young daughter Chloe, and Heather is adjusting to her new life with Sandy and the other Enceladons in the Arctic Ocean, off the coast of Greenland. But fate is about to bring them together again for one last battle.

When Lennox and Vonnie are visited by Karl Jensen, a Norwegian billionaire intent on making contact with the Enceladons again, they are wary of subjecting the aliens to further dangers. But when word arrives that Ava’s daughter has suffered an attack and might die without urgent help, they reluctantly make the trip to Greenland, where they enlist the vital help of local woman Niviaq.

It's not long before they’re drawn into a complex web of lies, deceit and death. What is Karl’s company really up to? Why are sea creatures attacking boats? Why is Sandy acting so strangely, and why are polar bears getting involved?

Profound, ambitious and moving, The Transcendent Tide is the epic conclusion to the Enceladons Trilogy, and a final showdown between the best and worst of humanity, the

animal kingdom and the Enceladons. The future of life on earth will be changed forever, but not everyone will survive to see it…

My Review

I have been eagerly awaiting this book for some time whilst simultaneously dreading it's arrival. Eagerly awaiting it because I loved the first two books in the series, The Space Between Us and The Collapsing Wave, and dreading it because I loved the first two books in the series and this is the end of the trilogy and I'm sad to see it end. This was a series I never expected to particularly like, I don't tend to read much sci-fi or fantasy. But this series has so much to say about being human and what that means, as well as being three cracking stories, that they were easy to love. The Transcendent Tide reads fine as a standalone, but I always say with a series that I feel you'll have a richer reading experience if you start at the beginning and read in order. I definitely think that for this trilogy as so much happens along the way that I wouldn't want you to miss out on! 

At the opening of this book Lennox and Vonnie are in Oban studying marine sciences, Ava is living on the shores of Loch Duich with her daughter Chloe and her sister Freya whilst Heather is getting used to her new life with the Enceladons, together with the other humans who chose to leave with them eighteen months earlier. Meanwhile, in Greenland, Inuit woman Niviaq has been having some really strange dreams. Lennox and Vonnie are understandably nervous when they are approached by billionaire Karl Jensen who is desperate to meet the Enceladons and has traced them to the coast of Greenland. They are reluctant to help him until a call from Ava tells them Chloe is seriously unwell. The decision is made and they all head off on a journey that will change all their lives...

Oh, gosh, I don't know where to start because there is so much in this book. It was so nice to get reacquainted with the main characters, I'd missed them. Lennox and Vonnie are enjoying their studies but enjoy the opportunities to be in the water even more. And Vonnie has a secret of her  Ava worries that Chloe hasn't spoken out loud yet but is reassured by the communication they do have. It was really interesting to pick up with Heather, to see how she was adjusting to life underwater with the Enceladons, and learning how she'd changed, and just as importantly, how she hadn't changed. 

New character Niviaq is brilliant. Her strange dreams suddenly have meaning and whilst it's a lot to get her head round, she knows the right thing to do. Her small community in Tasiilaq lives off the ocean, but do so with care and respect and are wary of those who treat the sea creatures differently. There is a lovely moment later in the book when that same community find themselves connected in a way they never imagined. It's a defining moment for them. And Karl Jensen is not your stereotypical billionaire - he wants to change the world for the better after a moment of realisation. 

'This is all bullshit. Capitalism, consumerism, human exceptionalism. All of it is totally fucked. We are fucking the planet, fucking each other. There's no sense of fairness, empathy or humanity.'

Things do change, but not in the way he imagines.

As in the previous two books, we see the best and worst of humanity here. And the damage we do to the planet is perfectly illustrated here, and I loved nature's response. And, as promised, there is polar bear action. The Enceladons have changed in the time we've known them, they've become more cynical, if that's the right word, because they've had to. And that hits hard.

The Transcendent Tide, from a story point of view, zips along at a pace leading towards a hell of a denouement that is heartbreaking but with positive, celebratory even, elements - you will both cry and cheer, I did anyway. But for me it's much more about the characters, who I promise you you will care about, even the aliens, and the themes of the book. The Transcendent Tide is a book about connectedness, about how we treat others, particularly those that don't look like us, and ultimately about what it means to be human. It's just we see it from an alien octopus and a collection of polar bears. Highly recommend. 

Just before I go, I need to share this quote about Doug Johnstone from fellow author Callum McSorley, 

'Doug Johnstone has emerged as the unholy, octopoid lovechild of David Attenborough and Michael Crichton … a thrilling, action-packed adventure.'

I share this mainly because it makes me smile but also because it's pretty accurate. Doug Johnstone is a hugely skilled writer you should definitely check out. 

The Author

Doug Johnstone is the author of 18 novels, most recently Living Is a Problem (2024) and The Collapsing Wave (2024). The Big Chill (2020) was longlisted for Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, and Black Hearts was shortlisted for the same award. Three of his books, A Dark Matter (2020), Breakers (2019) and The Jump (2015), have been shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year. He’s taught creative writing and been writer in residence at various institutions over the last decade, and has been an arts journalist for over twenty years. Doug is a songwriter and musician with six albums and three EPs released, and he plays drums for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club, and has a PhD in nuclear physics. He lives in Edinburgh.

 

Moffat Crime Festival

Back to my book festival chat and there's a new kid on the block (and blog)! The Moffat Crime Festival will take place for the first time on Saturday 4th October 2025, in Moffat Town Hall, in the beautiful Scottish borders. It is being organised by Moffat Writers Ink in conjunction with Moffat Town Hall Redevelopment Trust, and will consist of four author panels and an evening dinner.

Timetable

12.00-1.00pm - Keeping it Local

Meet up with Jackie Baldwin, Ann Bloxwich and Daniel Aubrey. What makes Dumfries & Galloway the perfect place to write? 

1.30-2.30pm - Historical

Douglas Skelton, William Hussey and DV Bishop discuss their historical works and others. Moderated by Jacky Gramosi Collins.

3.00-4.00pm - Things That Go Bump

Michael J Malone, Matt Hilton and James Oswald talk to Caro Ramsay about all things dark and spooky.

 

4.30-5.30pm - From Prison To Page

MW Craven and Claire Wilson talk to Jacky Gramosi Collins about their careers from prison to page and beyond.

7.30-11.00pm - Authors' Dinner

Join your favourite authors for a delicious three-course meal, glass of wine, book and quiz. Part of the VIP ticket.

Tickets & Info

Tickets for the panels can be bought separately at just £5.00 each or all together as part of the VIP ticket. The dinner can only be purchased as part of the VIP ticket, which is £48.00.
Tickets and full details can found here.

Hope to see you there! 

Pieces of Me by Shaun Allan

Today I'm sharing my review of Pieces of Me, a collection of poetry by Shaun Allan. I love poetry and it's been a welcome change for me to read some amidst all the crime fiction (which I also love, of course!). Huge thanks to Zoé O'Farrell at Zooloo's Book Tours and to the publisher for my review copy.

 

The Blurb

Poetry is not just words. It’s emotion given form.

A place where grief, hope, love, and uncertainty intertwine. In this collection, we explore the depths of mortality, loss, and mental health, weaving personal experiences into universal reflections.

Each poem speaks to the struggles we carry, the quiet moments of solace, and the truths we wrestle with, offering recognition to those who have felt the same weight.

These words do not seek to provide answers but to remind readers that they are not alone. If you have ever searched for meaning in sorrow or comfort in shared experience, this book stands as an open hand, reaching out.

My Review

The thing I really love about poetry is how it can speak to you, sing to you, make you feel,  make you laugh, make you cry, often within the space of a few lines. Pieces of Me is a collection of poems about the individual, our feelings and emotions, our relationships, our actions, our place in the world, how we perceive ourselves and how others might perceive us. I didn't love every poem in this book, nor did I relate to all of them, and that's OK, I wasn't expecting to. But there are plenty that I liked, and several that spoke to me. And others where I appreciated the message behind the words. 

The opening poem A Song of Angels is heartbreaking, written after the sudden death of the author's mother, and there are other poems with darker themes, touching on mental health issues, loneliness, lack of self worth, although usually with a vein of hope or positivity running through them - Candle, As Time Goes, Introspection, Inside the Inside' to name a few. And if there aren't hopeful words in the poems themselves, then there are in the wee bit of text that follows each poem - the inspiration for it, the reason, the message. One of the most powerful for me was The Face of the Storm with its shocking final line, and interesting accompanying comments and questions. 

Several poems resonated with me particularly - I agreed with the author about the Sea, I breathe differently close to water. The Light, i see you, Lunar Loss, and The Chaos of Me all touched me in different ways. But I think my favourite in the collection is Icarus Wings, about the beauty and agony of love. 

Pieces of Me is a lovely collection which feels personal to the author, but with something for everyone. 

The Author

Shaun Allan is a bestselling, award winning author writing multiple genres, including psychological horror, introspective and emotive poetry, young adult and children’s. He has appeared on Sky TV to debate publishing, is a Wattpad Creator and Adim Founding Creator, and been commissioned to write companion stories for such movies as The Purge: Anarchy, Sinister II, The Boy, A Quiet Place, IT and Amazon Prime’s Panic series. He also holds writing workshops at local schools. Many of his personal experiences are woven into the points of view and senses of humour of his characters, along with the places in and around his home town. His novel Sin has been adapted into a Chapters mobile game titled Straitjacket Lover, and was optioned for television.

Shaun lives with his manic dog, Ripley (believe it or not). He works full time and, though his life feels as hyper as his dog, it probably isn't.

The Burning Stones by Antti Tuomainen (translated by David Hackston)

Today I'm delighted to be opening the blog tour celebrating the UK paperback release of The Burning Stones by Antti Tuomainen. I'm resharing my review from October 2024 when the book was first published. Thanks to Anne Cater for the invitation to join the tour again this time around.

The Blurb

Saunas, love and a ladleful of murder…

A cold-blooded killer strikes at the hottest moment: the new head of a sauna-stove company is murdered … in the sauna. Who has turned up the temperature and burned him to death?

The evidence points in the direction of Anni Korpinen – top salesperson and the victim’s successor at Steam Devil.

And as if hitting middle-age, being in a marriage that has lost its purpose, and struggling with work weren’t enough, Anni realizes that she must be quicker than both the police and the murderer to uncover who is behind it all – before it’s too late…

The Burning Stones is published by Orenda Books and the paperback is out today. 

My Review

I'm a big fan of Antti's work and absolutely loved The Rabbit Factor trilogy. Here we have a very different setting and completely different characters, but the quirkiness of the individuals is still there, and I love that. And his trademark humour is there but I do feel The Burning Stones has a darker feel than his recent books.

Steam Devil is a successful company selling sauna stoves. It's a small company with just a few staff and it's just been announced that Ilmo Räty will take over the running of the company as founder Erkki 'The Stove King' Ruusula stands down. Until Ilmo is murdered, quite creatively, I might add. Suspicions fall on the rest of the cast but particularly saleswoman Anni Korpinen, who is now most likely to succeed Erkki. The evidence too, is pointing towards Anni, and she needs to find out who the real killer is... It's potentially dangerous stuff. And Anni's carrying a secret of her own and some shared history with someone else involved in the enquiry, which kinda complicates things a little bit.

I liked Anni, although she perhaps doesn't come across as the warmest character. Maybe I was drawn to her because she's a similar age to me and I like the whole idea of middle aged women having adventures! Although I'm sure Anni isn't enjoying the particular adventure she finds herself in. She's Steam Devil's top salesperson and there is not much she doesn't know about sauna stoves, and saunas in general. She's very focused and driven in her work, and that's maybe because her home life is a bit of a mess. Husband Santeri is uncommonly obsessed with Formula One motor racing. I mean, obsessively so, pretty much to the expense of all else. I was not a Santeri fan, and spent much of the book wanting to shake some sense into him!

All the staff at Steam Devil are quirky and interesting, as Tuomainen's characters often are. Eccentric, maybe, and it was fun trying to imagine them in my head. But I think my favourite character was Steam Devil customer, Lauri Kahavouri, with whom Anni is trying to complete a big sales deal. Kahavouri becomes very interested in the murder case and subsequent investigation, maybe even a little bit obsessed and decides to undertake his own one into Ilmo Räty's death.

As more evidence comes to light (someone please tell me that bumlets are a thing!) which puts suspicion firmly on Anni, she comes into contact with policeman Janne Piirto with whom she hasn't spoken in many years and clearly has some history, so that's an interesting addition to the story and fleshes Anni out a bit more. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, whilst there is plenty of dry humour to be found here, the tone of the whole thing felt darker. Maybe it's the setting.

So let's talk about that for a moment. The Finnish countryside sounds beautiful, full of forests and lakes. But this little community does feel quite isolated, with the houses situated in woodlands, overlooking lakes. It's prime country for someone to creep about and Antti uses the setting to help increase the tension, emphasising the dark and denseness of the forest, the expanse of the lake. It works.

The storyline is great - creepy and tense in places, a little comical in others, full of interesting, eccentric characters. And Antti Tuomainen does what he does so well - takes a very ordinary person and put them in an extraordinary situation. Recently I heard him speaking at a book festival where he said The Burning Stones was about 'saunas and middle age'. He's right, of course, it is, but as the blurb says there's also a little bit of love. And death. And a whole lot of suspicion and mistrust. A cracking story which is well worth checking out.


The Author

Finnish Antti Tuomainen was an award-winning copywriter when he made his literary debut in 2007 as a suspense author. In 2011, his third novel, The Healer, was awarded the Clue Award for Best Finnish Crime Novel and shortlisted for the Glass Key Award. Tuomainen was one of the first to challenge the Scandinavian crime-genre formula, and his poignant, dark and hilarious The Man Who Died became an international bestseller, shortlisting for the Petrona and Last Laugh Awards and is now a Finnish TV series. Palm Beach Finland (2018) was an immense success, with The Times calling Tuomainen ‘the funniest writer in Europe’, and Little Siberia (2019) was shortlisted for the Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing Readers Awards, the Last Laugh Award and the CWA International Dagger, and won the Petrona Award for Best Scandinavian Crime Novel. The international bestselling Rabbit Factor trilogy is filming now for Amazon Studios, starring Steve Carrell. Antti lives in Helsinki with his wife.

Bute Noir

Life is still lifeing and time is very much not my own at the moment, so some of this week's posts are running a bit behind. But it's going to be a festival heavy week (or maybe week and a half) as I'll be talking about three different crime writing festivals - one which has just been, but dates for next year have already been announced, and two which are coming up in the next couple of months.

The weekend before last, I headed over for the beautiful Isle of Bute, one of my favourite places, somewhere I relax and breathe easy. My main reason for going was Bute Noir, held in The Glenburn Hotel in Rothesay - which has the most amazing views over the water - but as life has been so full on lately, I combined it with time away with my partner, who did his own thing whilst I was at my events.

 

View from outside The Glenburn Hotel

Bute is easy to reach from Glasgow, where I stay. There are trains that take you to the ferry terminal or it's just over an hour's drive to Wemyss Bay and a 40 minute ferry crossing to Rothesay. We couldn't get booked at the Glenburn so stayed just down the road at the Summer's Bay Hotel. Their deluxe room had a huge balcony and a gorgeous view & the hotel had a wee bar. We were made very welcome & loved our stay. I chose five sessions to go to at the festival, although there were plenty of others on offer - definitely something for everyone. Unfortunately, I missed out on tickets for the Fun Lovin' Crime Writers who sold out quickly. Fortunately, I have seen them before (they're brilliant). The session with Chris Brookmyre and Denise Mina, and the interview with Val McDermid also sold out.

View from our hotel balcony, showing the ferry leaving

After an afternoon in the sunshine and, of course, a stop at the fabulous Bute bookshop, Print Point for a quick look around and to pick up my event tickets, it was time for dinner at the Glenburn Hotel (good service) followed by my first event. The Killing Kind, featured Tariq Ashkanani, RD McLean (who I am particularly pleased is back with a new book after an eight year break) and Heidi Amsinck, ably chaired by Douglas Skelton. The Midnight King, The Friday Girl and Out of the Dark all deal with serial killers of one sort or another. I was familiar with Tariq's book, which is pretty dark and twisted, and also Russell's (RD), which also features misogyny and corruption in the Dundee police of the late 70s (still bought them both because they're brilliant), so it was good to hear about Heidi's.

 

Douglas Skelton

RD McLean, Tariq Ashkanani, Heidi Amsinck, Douglas Skelton

A slow, easy morning on Saturday meant I missed the annual putting competition for the Brookmyre Cup (which is actually a mug) & I still don't know who was triumphant this year! My first session was After Dark featuring Michael J Malone, Stuart Neville and Olivia Isaac-Henry, chaired by Alexandra Sokoloff, who started off by asking the each of panel what their particular 'weird' was. Yes, these authors all feature otherness, perhaps horror in their crime novels. I've read Stuart's Blood Like Mine, and am excited for The Howling from Michael, having read the two previous Annie Jackson stories. Olivia is a new name to me but her book Hallows Hill sounds well worth checking out. Possibly my favourite session of the weekend was the next one. Shanghai Noir featured Cai Jun and Na Duo interviewed by Craig Robertson. Neither author spoke good English so the interview was conducted via an interpreter, whose name I didn't catch, but she was brilliant. It was really interesting to hear authors from a country so different from ours, and hear their thoughts on the publishing industry in China. Both authors are prolific with many books each under their belts, but, so far, only Cai Jun, has a book published in English. The Child's Past Life sounds really interesting and I'm looking forward to reading it. From Shanghai we headed to Australia and New Zealand for my last session on Saturday. Deadly Down Under with Tom Baragwanath and Chris Hammer was chaired by Craig Sisterson. I've seen Tom before at Bloody Scotland but I'm not familiar with either author's work so it was good to learn more about them.

Alexandra Sokoloff, Olivia Isaac-Henry, Stuart Neville, Michael J Malone

 

Cai Jun, interpreter (didn't get her name), Na Duo, Craig Robertson

Tom Baragwanath, Chris Hammer, Craig Sisterton 

On Saturday evening we headed into town for food and drink. Loved the decor in The Galatea, (which also has a nice outdoor terrace for sunny days) then headed along to Bute Yard, a fairly new (maybe a couple of years), but very welcome, venue in Rothesay. Comprising a bar, kitchen, courtyard and kind of warehouse space which can be used for events, or just for tables and chairs, as it was when we were there. There was live music, people dancing and enjoying themselves, and a Jamaican team in the kitchen (it changes frequently with local businesses taking a turn in the space). My jerk chicken, rice and beans was delicious, and the place has a really nice vibe.

Artwork in The Galatea bar

Jamaican jerk chicken, rice & beans

Singing & dancing at Bute Yard

Sunday morning saw us back at Bute Yard for its monthly craft and food market. So many talented makers! I came away with a gorgeous crocheted pixie hat for me (yes, really!) and a couple of Christmas presents for folks. Well worth a visit if you're there at the right time.

 

Monthly craft & food market at Bute Yard

Then back up to The Glenburn Hotel for my final session of the weekend, although there were three more events After this one before the festival closed. Pushing Boundaries featured Doug Johnstone, Adam Oyebanji and Nina Allan, interviewed by Colin Sinclair. All three authors have included science-fiction in their novels. I don't know Nina's work so will need to look out for that. I read an early copy of Esperance, and enjoyed it, found it very interesting. So much so, I'm looking forward to a re-read! And I'm really excited for The Transcendent Tide, the third book in Doug's Enceladons Trilogy. The book wasn't out in time for the festival but I'll be picking up a copy at Bloody Scotland, if not before. In the meantime, I'm just about to start an e-copy of the book in readiness for the forthcoming blog tour.

 

Doug Johnstone, Adam Oyebanji, Nina Allan, Colin Sinclair

And just like that it was the end of our weekend away as we headed for the ferry terminal. I normally book three nights away and head home on the Monday but this time I had just booked the two nights. Which turned out to be quite fortuitous as Monday's ferries were cancelled because of Storm Floris - a hazard of island life. I want to say a huge thank you to Karen, Craig, Anne and all the organising team for all the work they fabulous weekend, and to the wonderful volunteers who help ensure things run smoothly. Next year's festival will be back at The Glenburn Hotel on 7-9th August 2026 and I'm already looking forward to it. I urge you to think about attending if you possibly can, you'll receive a really warm welcome.

My blue hued festival haul, all provided by Print Point

The Silent House of Sleep by Allan Gaw

Today I am delighted to be taking part in the tour for The Silent House of Sleep by Allan Gaw, organised by Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours, on behalf of Bloody Scotland, as Allan will be taking part in this year's festival - more on that below. I was gifted an Scooby the publisher but read from my own purchased paper copy.

 

The Blurb

Winner of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize

Death is a lonely business . . .

No one who meets Dr Jack Cuthbert forgets him. Tall, urbane, brilliant but damaged, this Scottish pathologist who works with Scotland Yard is the best the new DCI has seen. But Cuthbert is a man who lives with secrets, and he still battles demons brought back from the trenches.

When not one but two corpses are discovered in a London park in 1929, Cuthbert must use every tool at his disposal to solve the mystery of their deaths. In the end, the horrifying truth is more shocking than even he could have imagined.

My Review

The Silent House of Sleep introduces us to policing and pathology in the late 1920s. Dr Jack Cuthbert has a reputation for being careful and thorough, and he's the pathologist you want on the case. And especially this one, with the discovery of two bodies, found in the strangest pose....

I first read this last year when it was nominated for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize 2024. It went on to win, from a field of really strong entries, and I could see why. And it stood up really well for a cheeky wee re-read. It's a brilliant book and Allan's experience and knowledge shine through. He has clearly researched the history of pathology, and the flashbacks to the war feel very authentic. And haunting.

I really liked Jack. He's polite and well mannered, calm and determined, and not afraid to say what he needs to, even when it receives a less than warm welcome from the police. He is careful and precise in his work, and will not be hurried. Even the few who don't like him feel a grudging respect for him. Mostly, anyway. But he is a complex man act and struggles, privately, not only with the horror of whether saw in the war, but also with his own feelings and emotions. 

The case is satisfyingly complex, with some twists and turns along the way, and some pretty gruesome moments. This isn't a story of high drama, there is no big denouement. There is a conclusion, of course, one that involves a lot of sadness, but this is a quiet crime novel, a study of people and processes, a celebration of diligent hard work. Don't misunderstand me, it's not gentle, nor does it shy away from the horrible stuff, but it's slower, more considered. It's different from the more action based stuff that I normally read, and I welcome that change. I thoroughly enjoyed The Silent House of Sleep, and am looking forward to seeing what Dr Jack Cuthbert gets up to next.


The Author

Allan Gaw is a Scot who lives and works near Glasgow. He studied medicine and is a pathologist by training but a writer by inclination. Having worked in the NHS and universities in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the US, he now devotes his time to writing.

Most of his published work to date is non-fiction. These include textbooks and regular magazine articles on topics as diverse as the thalidomide story, the medical challenges of space travel and the medico-legal consequences of the Hillsborough disaster.

More recently, he has been writing short stories, novels and poetry. He has won the UK Classical Association Creative Writing Competition, the International Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize, the International Globe Soup 7-day Writing Challenge and was runner-up in the Glencairn Glass/Bloody Scotland Short Crime Fiction Competition. He has also had prose published in the literary journal, From Glasgow to Saturn and anthologies from the Edinburgh Literary Salon and Clan Destine Press in Australia. His poetry has been published by Dreich, Soor Ploom Press and Black Bough Poetry. His debut poetry collection, Love & Other Diseases, was published in 2023 by Seahorse Publications.

The Silent House of Sleep is his debut novel and is the first in the Dr Jack Cuthbert Mystery series.

You can read more about him and his work at his website: https://researchet.wordpress.com/ .


Bloody Scotland Panel

Allan will be appearing at Bloody Scotland this year. You can book your tickets at BloodyScotland.com

Setting the (Crime) Scene: Lin Anderson, Simon Toyne, Allan Gaw

Friday 12th September - 12:30, The Albert Halls

We make a deep incision into the world of crime fiction and science fact as we talk forensics with three authors whose books deliver thrills, chills and blood-spattered spills.

A gangland slaying and a missing movie star are at the heart of Whispers of the Dead, the sensational new Rhona MacLeod thriller from Lin Anderson. Forensic criminologist Laughton Rees faces a race against time to stop a killer in Simon Toyne’s exhilarating new novel Dead Water. Allan Gaw’s pathologist Dr Jack Cuthbert runs the gauntlet between fascists and razor gangs in 1930s Glasgow in To the Shades Descend.

This event will be chaired by Professor James Grieve.

An Evil Mind by Chris Carter #blogathon

Those of you who follow me on social media may have seen me mention some tough times. Things have been difficult in my wee world for the last while, and will likely continue to be for some time going forward. As a result my reading (amongst other things) has suffered and this poor wee blog has been severely neglected. I have tried, and occasionally failed, to keep the few commitments I had made, but didn't have the bandwidth to post anything extra. And, honestly, I still don't know if I have the capacity to do more but I'm really gonna try because this is something I love, and is a positive thing for me. So it might be a bit up and down but I'm gonna try to run with it and be more present on here. Hope you come along with me.

Right, now all of that is out of the way, welcome to today's post, which is part of our epic Chris Carter blogathon. We're up to book six, An Evil Mind. My thanks to Tracy Fenton at Compulsive Readers for the invitation. I read and reviewed from my own bought copy.

 

The Blurb

A freak accident in rural Wyoming leads the Sheriff's Department to arrest a man for a possible double homicide, but further investigations suggest a much more horrifying discovery – a serial killer who has been kidnapping, torturing and mutilating victims all over the United States for at least twenty-five years.

The suspect claims he is a pawn in a huge labyrinth of lies and deception – and he will now only speak to Detective Robert Hunter . . .

My Review


In An Evil Mind, Hunter, who was about to head off on holiday, is seconded by the FBI, and meets an old friend. But this is no warm, fuzzy reunion. Far from it. And Hunter is pushed to the limit...


Those off you who have been following my reviews of this series, or anyone who has read Carter's books will know by now that the deaths in these books are dark, twisted, horrifying and very creative. The crimes described in this book are no different. Here, though, some have taken place in the more distant past, and I found these easier to read than some of the crimes in previous books which have more immediacy about them. Is that bonkers? I don't know. Because they are no less horrific. But for whatever reason, this was a less difficult read for me than some of the earlier books in the series.


What I loved about this book was that we get loads of psychological stuff and discussions about criminal behaviour. The author's experience and knowledge clearly shine through but it's never preachy or dull - I found it all fascinating. And we learn a lot more about Robert Hunter's past, stuff that hadn't been shared previously, so that was really interesting.


Carter is a master at building tension and threat, and every denouement of his I have read has made my heart beat faster and louder. And here we were again. It's dark, scary and messy - I don't think I took a breath the entire time I was reading it!


an Evil Mind is another great entry in the series, although it works well as a standalone too. As we move on to book seven, I'm keen to see if Carlos comes back. I missed him in this one, so hoping he'll be back next time. We'll see...


The Author

Born in Brazil of Italian origin, Chris Carter studied psychology and criminal behaviour in the USA. As a member of the District Attorney's Criminal Psychology team, and working together with the Police Department in numerous cases, he interviewed and studied many criminals, including serial and multiple homicide offenders with life imprisonment convictions. He now lives in London, UK.