Reviews
Short stories and varied lives in The Way Out
The Way Out is a compilation of short stories depicting the dilemmas, desires and disappointments of men and women, young and old. Vicki Jarrett explores these people’s lives and their trials and tribulations in relationships, the economy and society. The Way Out is an impressive assemblage of heart-warming yet chilling cases, brimming with stark truths…
Read MoreThe perfect boots for riding, stable work and walks
Scottish Field tries and tests the Ariat Torridon GTX Boots. What is it: Ariat Torridon GTX Boots, RRP £330. www.ariat.com I want them because: I want my feet to be comfortable but protected while at the stables or out with the dogs. These boots are sturdy enough to take me over rough terrain with their…
Read MoreDanger and excitement with Darke matter
Action-packed and thrilling, Darke Mission follows JJ Drake, a former MI5 spy, lone parent and now apparently head-down worker in the finance sector. Caladon’s contemporary scenes are set in several places – London, Scotland and North Korea. With the British government at the brink of bankruptcy, the ex-spy is forced to lead an audacious heist…
Read MoreA fun guide to Dundee exploring hidden treasures
Dundee: A Very Peculiar History is an illustrated pocket-sized guide to the hidden treasures of Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city. It takes a light-hearted approach but does not avoid need-to-know matters – with fact boxes, glossaries, drawings and colour gatefolds throughout. A fun and informative production, good as a gift or a handy practical helper.…
Read MoreSaving the wildcats – Scotland’s Highland tiger
For someone who initially had no particular interest in wildcats, I finished this book feeling massively concerned for their welfare and vulnerability. Marianne Taylor delves into the fascinating lives of Scottish wildcats in her Highland journey, during which she hopes to catch sight of these elusive animals. They face alarming endangerment so a need for…
Read MoreAn outsider’s look at Scotland’s capital
Chiang Yee offers an insightful and refreshing view on the capital in The Silent Traveller in Edinburgh. Refusing to let the unpredictable Scottish weather hinder his expeditions, Chiang Yee always finds beauty in the dreariest of rainstorms. He employs the technique of defamiliarisation, opening his readers’ eyes to alternative perspectives of the city through astute…
Read MoreThe ideal book for the fisherman in your life
Reflections on the Loch is a wonderful hardback book, to warm the heart of any trout angler, and a perfect Christmas present. The widely-travelled Orcadian writes with passion, knowledge and experience, and is highly informative yet never dull. Not afraid to tackle issues, he is also very specific, giving tips on how to fish specific…
Read MoreFormer policeman uses his eye to write new novel
Peter Ritchie uses his past experience gained from a career as a senior police officer to write this crime fiction novel with astonishing authenticity and intrigue. The book has such character and charm that it makes the life of crime seem almost appealing, if it weren’t for the violence, illegality and constant paranoia that accompanies…
Read MoreA celebration of Stornoway in poetry
SY Story: A Portrait of Stornoway Harbour is a stunning poetry collection which explores the history of Stornoway from the Mesolithic time to its present-day life as bustling modern habour. Donald S Murray successfully brings to life the town’s triumphs and tragedies, which includes the sinking of the Iolaire and the departure of the Metagama…
Read MoreThe mystery and hunt for the fabled Blue Horse
Dark and atmospheric, this much-anticipated novel set in the art world tells the story of George Newhouse who is a newly appointed art curator at the Public Gallery in Edinburgh. His obsessive search for a missing Dutch masterpiece, the titular Blue Horse, leads him from Edinburgh to London, Venice and New York. The painting’s provenance…
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