Reviews
You can have your Cake – and read it
Refrigerator Cake is an enjoyable, humorous and contemporary collection of short stories from young Falkirk-based author, Dickson Telfer. With subject matter which guides the reader through subjects as diverse as teaching the class from hell to a 92-year-old man’s quest for peace, this is not one for the fainthearted, but Telfer’s humour will resonate with…
Read MoreA handy guide to walking Fife’s Pilgrim Way
Officially opened in July 2019, the Fife Pilgrim Way has two starting points, the first in Culross and the second in North Queensferry. From these towns the path snakes its way across Fife to the ancient city of St Andrews, following in the footsteps of our medieval predecessors. In this essential companion, Ian Bradley brings…
Read MoreThree women, their lives and relationships
Lyn Miller explores the relationship between three women as they support each other through major life challenges. Each chapter is told from the perspective of one of the central female characters – there’s Marion, a single mum and Edinburgh GP; Nyaga, a nurse missing her home in Botswana; and Rose, Marion’s daughter who recently started…
Read MoreHistoric importance of the Honours of Scotland
Dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries Scotland’s crown jewels have survived a turbulent past on their journey to the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, where they are currently on display. Now the dramatic story of the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny has been updated and revised in this attractively presented…
Read MoreWhen the Romans came to Scotland
For anyone who has an interest in classical history and literature, or in the foundations of Scotland, this book is remarkably insightful. The author describes the Roman presence in ‘Caledonia’ (as Scotland was known then) in great depth. Drawing on literary evidence from the ancient historian Tacitus, Forder works with primary sources while casting a…
Read MoreHamish Macbeth’s 30th case is another success
Hamish Macbeth has an iPad and an espresso machine . But don’t worry, he still doesn’t have a girlfriend. On his 30th outing, we find the laconic Highland detective happy as ever with his pet cat and dog in his beloved Lochdubh. But like Midsomer Murders, it is not long before the bodies begin to pile…
Read MoreAn interesting guide to Scotland and the Scots
This entry in Winn’s ‘I never knew that’ series sees the author take a tour around Scotland detailing the people that have made this great land what it is. Various luminaries are detailed alongside their achievements and legacies. He also focuses on various well-known families and we learn of notable members of these clans and…
Read MoreChanging face of life at the turn of 20th century
From Land to Rail is the memoirs of Andrew Ramage, who worked as a farm servant, dock worker, lorry driver and railwayman during the period 1854 -1917. This fascinating diary-style account of life in the Lothians and Berwickshire sheds light on the trials faced by those working and living in a rural setting. Ramage was…
Read MoreDead Girl Walking presents a new thrilling mystery
Dead Girl Walking sees the long-awaited return of Jack Parlabane. Christopher Brookmyre’s ex-journalist protagonist has fallen from grace and has an investigative job looking for the missing lead singer of a pop group. Brookmyre writes convincingly from both the perspective of Parlabane and Monica (the violinist in the group). The plot is thrilling, tense and…
Read MoreA fun tale that will keep the children amused
Still living under the impression that haggis has something to do with a sheep’s stomach? It is Christmas Eve and Acre Valley is in a state of turmoil. Not only have Horace’s woodland friends been abducted from their homes but Angus McPhee is on the hunt for a spicy Christmas starter. Horace the Haggis and…
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