Book review – Bloody Scotland, by 12 of Scotland’s best crime writers

Scotland is currently dripping with talented crime writers, and this novel brings together 12 of them under the one roof.

The writing team includes Chris Brookmyre, Lin Anderson, Gordon Brown, Ann Cleeves, Doug Johnstone, Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, Craig Robertson, Sara Sheridan, ES Thomson, Louise Welsh and Denise Mina.

They have contributed 12 short stories, with the hook of basing them around some of the country’s most famous sites and structures, including Edinburgh Castle, Bothwell Castle in Lanarkshire, and the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse in Fraserburgh.

Bloody Scotland, by 12 of the country’s top crime writers

The book was published by Historic Environment Scotland to bring together two of Scotland’s great assets, its heritage and crime writing.

From murder in an Iron Age broch and a macabre tale of revenge among the furious clamour of an eighteenth century mill, to a dark psychological thriller set within the tourist throng of Edinburgh Castle and a rivalry turning fatal in the concrete galleries of an abandoned modernist ruin, this collection uncovers the intimate – and deadly – connections between people and places.

Prepare for a dangerous journey into the dark shadows of our nation’s buildings – where passion, fury, desire and death collide.

It’s an eclectic mix, and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Bloody Scotland, published by Historic Environment Scotland, £12.99.

Scottish Field rating: *****