Reviews
A taste of Scotland from Usquabae
I was kindly invited to Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder by Frida Jarlsby to indulge in a candlelit dinner in the West End of Edinburgh. And who better to share it with than Greg Urquhart from Gleann Mor Spirits Company. Having heard a lot about their pairing menu, I couldn’t wait to sit down to…
Read MoreEmbrace the darkness with Britain at night
Dixe Wills embraces the darkness that is brought at sun-down by exploring Britain and sharing his thoughtful, and often riveting, experiences after sunset. From seeking supernatural thrills in the fables of mythical creatures to encountering the natural nocturnal habits of some of Scotland’s most spectacular wildlife, Dixe illuminates the darkness and invites us to join…
Read MoreMeeting Robert Louis Stevenson is in the timing
Featuring in his third book, Tom Afflick is Philip Caveney’s time-travelling adventurer and this time he meets famous author Robert Louis Stevenson. Can Tom persuade him to publish Treasure Island or will the Plague Doctor succeed in thwarting him? Caveney has succeeded in telling Tom’s most dangerous story yet and readers will be on the…
Read MoreCelebrating the nation’s micro-distilleries
Distillation is a sort of magic that involves taking humble grains and turning them into wonderfully intoxicating spirits. Industrialisation has sucked the magic from the trade but the micro-distiller exists to keep the dream alive. This book explores 75 artisan micro-distilleries – their history, where you can buy their produce and, most importantly, what it…
Read MoreCelebrating the Gaelic experience
A forgotten and marginalised culture, the Gaelic experience is exposed as it was, is and all it might be. Written in both English and Gaelic, Shore to Shore, is an anthology of Gaelic raps, secular poems and aphorisms artistically and vividly bringing the Gaelic world to life. Descendants of Gaels now reside in every corner…
Read MoreA historical novel that’s so intense it feels real
Rosemary Goring’s powerful sequel to her critically acclaimed debut After Flodden is set in the tumultuous borderlands of Scotland and England. Dacre’s War is a story of personal and political vengeance at the heart of the power struggle. It has been a decade since the battle at Flodden and the unrest is rife in the…
Read MoreWhen gambling debts lead to a kidnapping
Middle-class parents Victoria and Nicholas Foulkes are distraught when their children are kidnapped against Nicholas’ gambling debts. Penniless and desperate, the couple turn to crime as a way to raise the ransom. Can they save their children before time runs out? New talent Smith delivers a fast-paced page turner in this brilliant and believable debut…
Read MoreThe perfect guide to Scotland’s sacred springs
Holy Wells: Scotland is definitely one for the coffee table. This is Phil Cope’s beautifully illustrated exploration of the sacred springs, wells and spas of Scotland. Haunting photography coupled with well-researched information and opinions allow this book to be glanced and flicked through, or read cover-to-cover, with equal enjoyment. Holy Wells: Scotland, by Phil Cope,…
Read MoreThis novel treads the fine line between crime and comedy
Fast paced and compelling, Feliks Berisovic arrives from his East European homeland to bring back the great-granddaughter of the last Archduke to Scotland. With the best of intentions he rescues the wrong woman, antagonises a psychopath and shoots an undercover agent, incurring the wrath of everyone, including security forces. And there’s always a danger the…
Read MoreA party problem will make the wee ones smile
Mac and Bob and the Party Problem is a colourful and imaginative children’s book which is a fun read for little ones who appreciate the illustrations and medium-sized ones who love the tale. Even Mummy can relate to the plot, which sees Mac invited to a party only to realise that he has nothing to…
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