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Mysterious Scotland #7
Dark Sayings
People say Scotland is full of haunted houses.
Scratch at the facts and you find most of these ghosts are imagined.
Only one defies explanation, and it turns out she's a thief.
DCI George Wiley has been keeping half an eye on the “Spectral Bandit” for six months now and has realised he’s got a ghost problem. An escalating string of audacious thefts is creeping onto the newsfeeds and Wiley’s bosses need him to catch the culprit. The only evidence he holds are short snatches of CCTV. And the solitary conclusion he has reached is that the spectral figure is a woman. He needs to provoke new lines of inquiry, so reluctantly, Wiley calls in the assistance of an old ally.
Stumped by Wiley’s new case, Gill McArdle is on a ghost hunt of his own. But he’s not prioritising the detective’s pleas for help. He’s in Morayshire, where recent finds put him on the trail of the lost village of Culbin. Only after witnessing a wraithlike apparition, does Gill realise it’s time to return Wiley’s calls. Because as he unravels the mystery, he realises, this illusive phantom might be something quite tangible.
Scratch at the facts and you find most of these ghosts are imagined.
Only one defies explanation, and it turns out she's a thief.
DCI George Wiley has been keeping half an eye on the “Spectral Bandit” for six months now and has realised he’s got a ghost problem. An escalating string of audacious thefts is creeping onto the newsfeeds and Wiley’s bosses need him to catch the culprit. The only evidence he holds are short snatches of CCTV. And the solitary conclusion he has reached is that the spectral figure is a woman. He needs to provoke new lines of inquiry, so reluctantly, Wiley calls in the assistance of an old ally.
Stumped by Wiley’s new case, Gill McArdle is on a ghost hunt of his own. But he’s not prioritising the detective’s pleas for help. He’s in Morayshire, where recent finds put him on the trail of the lost village of Culbin. Only after witnessing a wraithlike apparition, does Gill realise it’s time to return Wiley’s calls. Because as he unravels the mystery, he realises, this illusive phantom might be something quite tangible.
375 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2024
About the author
Tormod Cockburn
37 books86 followersTormod is author of Shadow Castles, and the Mysterious Scotland series. He’s lived in the East Neuk of Fife for as long as he can remember, and together with his wife, forages across Scotland for inspiring places and the legends they hold.
He studied Economics in Glasgow and since then he's worked in magazines, media and marketing. These days, when he's not writing, he can be found pottering around Anstruther Harbour; mending lobster creels and baiting grumpy fishermen to tell him their stories.
He’s always loved myths and mystery but strives to see the scientific angle behind any strange happening. Writing intimately about his homeland, his writing is praised for its authenticity. ‘You don’t just see Scotland in your head’, said one reviewer. ‘You can taste and smell it too.’
So many tales about Scotland hint at the supernatural and the unexplained. Tormod reflects this in his work, incorporating a little light fantasy to season his novels. A one-time resident of Glasgow, his stories visit that old city from time to time, though most of his books are rooted in the isles and glens.
Follow him on this Amazon page, or on Facebook, to receive alerts for new books. You can receive exclusive free content by signing up to the ‘Mysterious Scotland’ Reader’s Syndicate.
He studied Economics in Glasgow and since then he's worked in magazines, media and marketing. These days, when he's not writing, he can be found pottering around Anstruther Harbour; mending lobster creels and baiting grumpy fishermen to tell him their stories.
He’s always loved myths and mystery but strives to see the scientific angle behind any strange happening. Writing intimately about his homeland, his writing is praised for its authenticity. ‘You don’t just see Scotland in your head’, said one reviewer. ‘You can taste and smell it too.’
So many tales about Scotland hint at the supernatural and the unexplained. Tormod reflects this in his work, incorporating a little light fantasy to season his novels. A one-time resident of Glasgow, his stories visit that old city from time to time, though most of his books are rooted in the isles and glens.
Follow him on this Amazon page, or on Facebook, to receive alerts for new books. You can receive exclusive free content by signing up to the ‘Mysterious Scotland’ Reader’s Syndicate.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 18, 2024
Robin Hood meets Star Trek!
From archaeology, through cryptozoology, to time travel, and now we meet a teleporting Robin Hood like "ghost." Wow, this series has everything. The latest instalment sees our archaeologist/journalist hero, Gill Mcardle, embarking upon a ghost hunt. Strangely, he has no trouble accepting the existence of angels and demons but draws the line at ghosts. Possibly, this is due to the author's overriding plotline, a Christian allegory, based upon ancient Hebrew scriptures. Not being remotely religious myself, I still find the series most enjoyable and strangely thought-provoking.
From archaeology, through cryptozoology, to time travel, and now we meet a teleporting Robin Hood like "ghost." Wow, this series has everything. The latest instalment sees our archaeologist/journalist hero, Gill Mcardle, embarking upon a ghost hunt. Strangely, he has no trouble accepting the existence of angels and demons but draws the line at ghosts. Possibly, this is due to the author's overriding plotline, a Christian allegory, based upon ancient Hebrew scriptures. Not being remotely religious myself, I still find the series most enjoyable and strangely thought-provoking.
June 20, 2024
The Road Between Good and Evil is a Rocky One
A ghost is haunting the lost settlement of Culbin, now a series of trees and sand dunes. The ghost robs from the evil rich and gives to the virtuous poor. In Gill McArdle's October edition of his magazine, MYSTERIOUS SCOTLAND, he and his staff are studying hauntings throughout Scotland. In Gill's studies, he comes upon this story that seems to have more substance than most.
Through scientific data, archeological digs, and actual sightings, he digs into this mystery and finds more than he was expecting.
This series of books by Scotsman Tormod Cockburn is more than a group of archeological mysteries, but a Christian allegory based on the scripture in Ephesians 6, that lists the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Sword of The Spirit, and feet shod with the Gospel of Peace. In the series, a number of characters, including Gill, are endowed with these gifts to fight evil and the terrifying end of he earth. This is book seven with two more to go. The story is one that encourages Christians, and may intrigue others into looking into this. It's more than just an entertaining story! A good and thought-provoking read!
A ghost is haunting the lost settlement of Culbin, now a series of trees and sand dunes. The ghost robs from the evil rich and gives to the virtuous poor. In Gill McArdle's October edition of his magazine, MYSTERIOUS SCOTLAND, he and his staff are studying hauntings throughout Scotland. In Gill's studies, he comes upon this story that seems to have more substance than most.
Through scientific data, archeological digs, and actual sightings, he digs into this mystery and finds more than he was expecting.
This series of books by Scotsman Tormod Cockburn is more than a group of archeological mysteries, but a Christian allegory based on the scripture in Ephesians 6, that lists the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Sword of The Spirit, and feet shod with the Gospel of Peace. In the series, a number of characters, including Gill, are endowed with these gifts to fight evil and the terrifying end of he earth. This is book seven with two more to go. The story is one that encourages Christians, and may intrigue others into looking into this. It's more than just an entertaining story! A good and thought-provoking read!
June 3, 2024
More mysterious scotland
Gil and company are back and are hunting ghosts. Of course, there is more to it than meets the eye. There will be rabbit trails to follow, plot twists to baffle, and the joy of meeting old and new friends, adversaries, and members of the inner group. Once again there are weighty subjects to ponder. Is magic real? Is it just science that is not yet understood? What about supernatural forces? Prepare to have your thinking challenged.
Gil and company are back and are hunting ghosts. Of course, there is more to it than meets the eye. There will be rabbit trails to follow, plot twists to baffle, and the joy of meeting old and new friends, adversaries, and members of the inner group. Once again there are weighty subjects to ponder. Is magic real? Is it just science that is not yet understood? What about supernatural forces? Prepare to have your thinking challenged.
June 24, 2024
Best one yet!
Amazing story. A mix of science, super natural and The Book. The characters are so richly detailed that they feel like real people. The world they roam is real and beautiful. Questions asked are also very real. Right and wrong, second chances, gifts beyond their wildest dreams…..how do we deal with these questions in our lives? Isn’t the purpose of a truly exceptional book to make the reader feel invested? To make them think? To possibly introduce the reader to ideas that improve their view of life? Or change it in some way? This series is just that. A bit of a different way to think about some things!
Amazing story. A mix of science, super natural and The Book. The characters are so richly detailed that they feel like real people. The world they roam is real and beautiful. Questions asked are also very real. Right and wrong, second chances, gifts beyond their wildest dreams…..how do we deal with these questions in our lives? Isn’t the purpose of a truly exceptional book to make the reader feel invested? To make them think? To possibly introduce the reader to ideas that improve their view of life? Or change it in some way? This series is just that. A bit of a different way to think about some things!
April 8, 2026
A haunting in the lost settlement of Culbin—now buried under forests and shifting dunes—pulls Gill McArdle and his Mysterious Scotland team into one of their most compelling investigations yet. This ghost isn’t malevolent; it steals from the corrupt and helps the innocent, and the deeper Gill digs, the more evidence he finds that something extraordinary is happening. Scientific data, archaeological clues, and eyewitness accounts all point to a mystery with real weight behind it.
Drawing from Ephesians 6, several characters—including Gill—are gifted with elements of the Armor of God, using them to confront rising evil and the threat of an apocalyptic reckoning. It’s a unique mix of history, faith, and supernatural suspense.
A compelling and thought‑provoking read.
Drawing from Ephesians 6, several characters—including Gill—are gifted with elements of the Armor of God, using them to confront rising evil and the threat of an apocalyptic reckoning. It’s a unique mix of history, faith, and supernatural suspense.
A compelling and thought‑provoking read.
March 19, 2026
This book took a turn. Not a bad turn, not a good or happy turn, but the turn that is needed within all of us.
I love this series.
I love this series.
January 13, 2026
Had me hooked
I liked everything about this book. How it added a few new characters in the mix while keeping on the recurring characters.
I've recommended the series to my husband and he is enjoying the books as much as I am . We have traveled to Scotland several times so most of the locations are familiar, making it much easier to picture. Honestly, if this were a TV series, I'd binge the hell out of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I liked everything about this book. How it added a few new characters in the mix while keeping on the recurring characters.
I've recommended the series to my husband and he is enjoying the books as much as I am . We have traveled to Scotland several times so most of the locations are familiar, making it much easier to picture. Honestly, if this were a TV series, I'd binge the hell out of it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 23, 2024
Ghost stories always catch the imagination, so I wasn’t surprised when the series included a ghost with a difference. Through her ‘charitable’ exploits, we also learn more about the rest of the group and catch up with characters from previous books, gaining the sense that we’re moving towards something epic. Can’t wait!
May 26, 2024
Took me longer than usual to get into this book, but I know I always enjoy these Mysterious Scotland stories, so I stuck with it. Once Gill McArdle joined the narrative it picked up. A young woman can mysteriously jump from one place to another instantly, and she's using this power to play Robin Hood. Is she the last member of the Armour group, or just a crafty vigilante?
June 14, 2024
Seven Already? Impossible!
Lucky us who get to follow Tormod and Gil around Scotland. Immersed in he myth , surrounded by a rich, full variety of authentic characters.
Unicorns in book one, time and space, a world where angels aren’t super natural, they are an active part of the created nature.
Extremely readable.
Lucky us who get to follow Tormod and Gil around Scotland. Immersed in he myth , surrounded by a rich, full variety of authentic characters.
Unicorns in book one, time and space, a world where angels aren’t super natural, they are an active part of the created nature.
Extremely readable.
June 16, 2024
Dark Sayings
The seventh link in a finely woven tale. Each story from Tormod has a unique blend of facts,history and fiction. I love how each character has become independent and we'll fleshed out . I like how you can use your own imagination along with the story. Ghost hunting this time - something most of us long to believe in - or not! Looking forward to the next "link."
The seventh link in a finely woven tale. Each story from Tormod has a unique blend of facts,history and fiction. I love how each character has become independent and we'll fleshed out . I like how you can use your own imagination along with the story. Ghost hunting this time - something most of us long to believe in - or not! Looking forward to the next "link."
August 2, 2025
This series is unique, part murder mystery, part supernatural. The characters are coming together forming a sort of supernatural army whose purpose still not clear, but more and more is being revealed. The books are well written and the pages fly by. This series must be read in order or the main direction of the characters and plot will be lost.
December 22, 2025
Mysterious Scotland
This is seventh book in the series and have throughly enjoyed the story lines. The characters themselves have brought the stories to life in a way that makes them believable. In each of the books a different character arrives on the scene and the story continues about the armour group and what their purposes are. We will have to see.
This is seventh book in the series and have throughly enjoyed the story lines. The characters themselves have brought the stories to life in a way that makes them believable. In each of the books a different character arrives on the scene and the story continues about the armour group and what their purposes are. We will have to see.
May 24, 2024
Is it a ghost? A time traveler? Someone with a transporter? Gill McArdle tackles a new phenomenon called the "Spectral Bandit" with the Armour Group. Could this entity be the newest member of their group? Lots of interesting goings on in this book. Looking forward to Book 8 this Fall!
May 25, 2024
Simply great
I've been waiting for the next instalment and it hasn't disappointed another great story and another character has been added to the cast now I'm just going to have to wait for the next book really is a great read .
I've been waiting for the next instalment and it hasn't disappointed another great story and another character has been added to the cast now I'm just going to have to wait for the next book really is a great read .
June 8, 2024
Dark sayings is a great read
Looking forward to more mysteries. The armour group will soon be complete and I'm sure there will be evil in the hearts of men to conquer. Makes me wish we had an armour group for real.
Looking forward to more mysteries. The armour group will soon be complete and I'm sure there will be evil in the hearts of men to conquer. Makes me wish we had an armour group for real.
September 20, 2024
Riveting
Tormod Cockburn manages to blend reality and the supernatural seamlessly in a thought provoking story of good against evil in modern day Scotland. Highly recommended for lovers of magic realism.
Tormod Cockburn manages to blend reality and the supernatural seamlessly in a thought provoking story of good against evil in modern day Scotland. Highly recommended for lovers of magic realism.
November 2, 2024
Entertaining and relatable
Well written and a satisfying ending, looking forward to the next story. I live near the locality of this particular ghost story so I will enjoy visiting it all the more
Well written and a satisfying ending, looking forward to the next story. I live near the locality of this particular ghost story so I will enjoy visiting it all the more
October 3, 2025
Riveting
I love how the stories build off each other and continue on. It really keeps drawing you in and makes you question what you believe and what you know. Awesome, cannot wait to read the next.
I love how the stories build off each other and continue on. It really keeps drawing you in and makes you question what you believe and what you know. Awesome, cannot wait to read the next.
May 22, 2024
Another fun romp in which Cockburn managed to include some more Scottish history
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June 7, 2024Another fabulous book in the series. Can't wait for the next.
May 28, 2024
Another one out ofthe park.
I highly recommend this series. Great characters, plots, some science and some not so science, but enjoyable, intriguing and thought provoking.
I highly recommend this series. Great characters, plots, some science and some not so science, but enjoyable, intriguing and thought provoking.
June 3, 2024
Riveting!
Having read the rest of the series I was excited for this one. It did not disappoint. I was riveted.
Having read the rest of the series I was excited for this one. It did not disappoint. I was riveted.
August 13, 2024
Dark sayings
A well written story from the start with believable carictors. I have read all the books so far and looking forward to book 8
A well written story from the start with believable carictors. I have read all the books so far and looking forward to book 8
October 5, 2024
Mr. Cockburn creates an intriguing story!
Interesting story! I enjoyed this one as much as The Bone Trap. Anxious for the next one to be done.
Interesting story! I enjoyed this one as much as The Bone Trap. Anxious for the next one to be done.
October 21, 2024
another winner! I am amazed at this writer's creativity,
December 20, 2024
Very interesting developments
May 1, 2025
not a fan of questionable morals
I enjoyed the story but thought the ending was too pat. I don’t see how the newest character fits in
I enjoyed the story but thought the ending was too pat. I don’t see how the newest character fits in
October 21, 2025
I’ve been enjoying the Mysterious Scotland series a great deal. Dark Sayings is my favorite book yet. The story is intriguing and had some fantastic twists. Looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews