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A Case of Desecration in the West
'All is secrecy. All is lies… Does anyone tell us the truth here?'
Scotland, 1691. Hooded figures have been seen in the woods and the dead have been wrenched from their resting place under the cover of darkness and their graves desecrated. A body is found floating in the River Clyde and a Duchess is determined to find answers.
John MacKenzie's latest case takes him and his loyal assistant Davie Scougall to Hamilton Palace to discover the truth behind the curious drowning of local woman Bethia Porterfield. The kirk and sheriff have pronounced a verdict of self-murder, but the Duchess is unconvinced, and every soul connected to the case is guarding secrets of their own.
Despite mounting pressure to leave the West, MacKenzie and Scougall must navigate the murky waters of the Clyde, where nothing is as it seems, to uncover the truth – was Bethia's death an accident, a suicide, or part of something much more sinister?
Scotland, 1691. Hooded figures have been seen in the woods and the dead have been wrenched from their resting place under the cover of darkness and their graves desecrated. A body is found floating in the River Clyde and a Duchess is determined to find answers.
John MacKenzie's latest case takes him and his loyal assistant Davie Scougall to Hamilton Palace to discover the truth behind the curious drowning of local woman Bethia Porterfield. The kirk and sheriff have pronounced a verdict of self-murder, but the Duchess is unconvinced, and every soul connected to the case is guarding secrets of their own.
Despite mounting pressure to leave the West, MacKenzie and Scougall must navigate the murky waters of the Clyde, where nothing is as it seems, to uncover the truth – was Bethia's death an accident, a suicide, or part of something much more sinister?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2024
6 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Watt
15 books12 followersI was born in Edinburgh in 1965 and grew up there and in Aberdeen. I have an MA and PhD in history from Edinburgh University.
I’m the author of a series of historical crime novels and a prize-winning account of Scotland’s Darien Disaster. I live in East Lothian and work as a financial writer.
I’ve loved Scottish History since reading John Prebble’s Glencoe as a teenager – the book brought the past alive for me. I’ve written six historical crime novels set in 17th century Scotland featuring investigative advocate John MacKenzie and his side-kick Davie Scougall. The books are first and foremost crime fictions but they are also journeys through the paradox of late 17th century Scotland – a time of witch hunting, religious fanaticism and blasphemy trials when the green shoots of the Scottish Enlightenment first appeared. I’m now writing the seventh book in the series.
I’m also the author of The Price of Scotland, a history of Scotland’s Darien Disaster which bankrupt the country and precipitated parliamentary Union with England in 1707. The book won the Hume Brown Senior Prize in Scottish History in 2008.
I’m the author of a series of historical crime novels and a prize-winning account of Scotland’s Darien Disaster. I live in East Lothian and work as a financial writer.
I’ve loved Scottish History since reading John Prebble’s Glencoe as a teenager – the book brought the past alive for me. I’ve written six historical crime novels set in 17th century Scotland featuring investigative advocate John MacKenzie and his side-kick Davie Scougall. The books are first and foremost crime fictions but they are also journeys through the paradox of late 17th century Scotland – a time of witch hunting, religious fanaticism and blasphemy trials when the green shoots of the Scottish Enlightenment first appeared. I’m now writing the seventh book in the series.
I’m also the author of The Price of Scotland, a history of Scotland’s Darien Disaster which bankrupt the country and precipitated parliamentary Union with England in 1707. The book won the Hume Brown Senior Prize in Scottish History in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 31, 2024
Intrigue, murder, illicit gatherings, forgery, subterfuge, and a city full of secrets, to name just a few of the ingredients that make Watt’s ‘A Case of Desecration in the West’ a read to remember. Set in late-seventeenth-century Glasgow, in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, advocate John MacKenzie and notary Davie Scougall are tasked with investigating the mysterious drowning of a young woman with close connections to the powerful Duchess. Although suicide is a possible explanation, the testimonies of a host of connected characters begin to suggest a more complicated, more gruesome story. As the body count begins to rise, the pressure is on to track down Arthur Nasymith, the betrothed of the dead girl, before it’s too late.
Watt has written in two very strong, but also extremely disparate protagonists, in the form of MacKenzie and Scougall. The alternating narrative perspective is executed brilliantly, and the two distinctive voices come through loud and clear. In many ways, the two men represent opposing outlooks on the preeminent political and religious questions of the day; MacKenzie is a proud Protestant, while Scougall is a newly initiated Freemason, and although Scougall’s business benefits from slave labour, Mackenzie is vehemently opposed to it. These disparities make their interactions fascinating, albeit somewhat fleeting. There is also a large number of minor characters who contribute a great deal to the joy and variety of this book, from the crotchety William Corse to the calm and kind-hearted gardener, Hugh Wood. Watt exposes both the light and dark that make up the human messiness of all of his characters, however briefly they appear, in such a powerful way that it makes the uncovering of the true events at the novel’s conclusion as heartbreaking as it is satisfying. There were so many twists, turns, and red herrings, that all attempts to guess what the ultimate outcome might be proved fruitless (the very best kind of murder mystery!)
The historical setting is conveyed with all the thoroughness and conviction of an author with a doctorate in Scottish History. Although I am certainly no expert in the seventeenth century, nothing felt out of place here, from the pervasive, all-encompassing religious persecution to the perilous nature of childbearing. I was utterly convinced by it, and felt transported back to an almost unimaginable world which, nonetheless, contained characters with timelessly human hopes and fears, making recognisably rash decisions and errors of judgement. Seamlessly interwoven into an already gripping murder mystery are issues of race, sexuality, and gender, which the characters engage with convincingly, these being pressing issues in their own age (albeit in completely different guises), as well as in ours.
There is very little not to love, here. As someone who doesn’t read a lot of crime/ murder mystery fiction, precisely for this reason, it could perhaps have done with a little less grisly detail around the nature and aftermath of the murders, but this is just my personal taste, and the gore was generally minimal. Although I loved the characters individually, I felt that the relationship between MacKenzie and Scougall could perhaps have been further developed, as the evolution of this bond would have made a terrific parallel story arc alongside the unfolding of the murder case. These very minor gripes aside, however, this was an absolutely gripping book. It would be too much of a cliché to say that is was “impossible to put down”, despite the truth in it, but the dog certainly had a much later walk than usual once I was absorbed in this novel! It has single-handedly convinced me to explore more crime fiction in the future, which is no mean feat at all. A masterfully written story.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Watt has written in two very strong, but also extremely disparate protagonists, in the form of MacKenzie and Scougall. The alternating narrative perspective is executed brilliantly, and the two distinctive voices come through loud and clear. In many ways, the two men represent opposing outlooks on the preeminent political and religious questions of the day; MacKenzie is a proud Protestant, while Scougall is a newly initiated Freemason, and although Scougall’s business benefits from slave labour, Mackenzie is vehemently opposed to it. These disparities make their interactions fascinating, albeit somewhat fleeting. There is also a large number of minor characters who contribute a great deal to the joy and variety of this book, from the crotchety William Corse to the calm and kind-hearted gardener, Hugh Wood. Watt exposes both the light and dark that make up the human messiness of all of his characters, however briefly they appear, in such a powerful way that it makes the uncovering of the true events at the novel’s conclusion as heartbreaking as it is satisfying. There were so many twists, turns, and red herrings, that all attempts to guess what the ultimate outcome might be proved fruitless (the very best kind of murder mystery!)
The historical setting is conveyed with all the thoroughness and conviction of an author with a doctorate in Scottish History. Although I am certainly no expert in the seventeenth century, nothing felt out of place here, from the pervasive, all-encompassing religious persecution to the perilous nature of childbearing. I was utterly convinced by it, and felt transported back to an almost unimaginable world which, nonetheless, contained characters with timelessly human hopes and fears, making recognisably rash decisions and errors of judgement. Seamlessly interwoven into an already gripping murder mystery are issues of race, sexuality, and gender, which the characters engage with convincingly, these being pressing issues in their own age (albeit in completely different guises), as well as in ours.
There is very little not to love, here. As someone who doesn’t read a lot of crime/ murder mystery fiction, precisely for this reason, it could perhaps have done with a little less grisly detail around the nature and aftermath of the murders, but this is just my personal taste, and the gore was generally minimal. Although I loved the characters individually, I felt that the relationship between MacKenzie and Scougall could perhaps have been further developed, as the evolution of this bond would have made a terrific parallel story arc alongside the unfolding of the murder case. These very minor gripes aside, however, this was an absolutely gripping book. It would be too much of a cliché to say that is was “impossible to put down”, despite the truth in it, but the dog certainly had a much later walk than usual once I was absorbed in this novel! It has single-handedly convinced me to explore more crime fiction in the future, which is no mean feat at all. A masterfully written story.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2024
Recently, I’ve been drawn to historical fiction genre and was thrilled to receive a review copy of “A Case of Desecration in the West” by Douglas Watt as my introduction to the genre.
Exceptionally well-written, this murder mystery is an intricate narrative which is interwoven with historical events of 17th century Scotland. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow, linear storytelling, with the main character uncovering a new clue in each chapter, gradually getting closer to the killer. The unexpected twist at end was also a rather delightful surprise.
Also, the fact that this story takes place in Scotland, where I’m currently living, made it even more immersive. The detailed descriptions of locations and scenes adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
So, if you’re looking for a murder mystery set in old Scotland, this is definitely the book for you.
Exceptionally well-written, this murder mystery is an intricate narrative which is interwoven with historical events of 17th century Scotland. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow, linear storytelling, with the main character uncovering a new clue in each chapter, gradually getting closer to the killer. The unexpected twist at end was also a rather delightful surprise.
Also, the fact that this story takes place in Scotland, where I’m currently living, made it even more immersive. The detailed descriptions of locations and scenes adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
So, if you’re looking for a murder mystery set in old Scotland, this is definitely the book for you.
August 5, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I have to say it took me some time to get into this book - possibly not helped by just having finished two very different books. Set in 1691 in a Scotland with very strict guidelines on how to live by an unforgiving, harsh Kirk. By the time I'd reached the 60% mark I was intrigued enough by the investigation conducted by John Mackenzie, the main character and his assistant, Davie, who appealed to me as a young man given a job a long way from home (in that time), obliged by his friend to see and do things he would really rather not have, while all the time worrying about his pregnant wife at home. What John Mackenzie uncovers is very far from decision proclaimed by the Sheriff, based on rumour, that the young, beautiful and vivacious Bethia had committed the heinous sin of suicide because she was with child.
What MacKenzie and Davie Scougall uncover is a web of lies, deceit and man's inhumanity to man. There are many unexpected twists and turns involved in the denouement of this story, the whole of which is a testimony to the author's research, imagination and ability to bring the story and characters to life. Personally, I'm extremely glad I didn't live in the 1690s Scotland!
What MacKenzie and Davie Scougall uncover is a web of lies, deceit and man's inhumanity to man. There are many unexpected twists and turns involved in the denouement of this story, the whole of which is a testimony to the author's research, imagination and ability to bring the story and characters to life. Personally, I'm extremely glad I didn't live in the 1690s Scotland!
August 6, 2024
Thank you to Luath Press and BookSirens for my free digital copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is the first novel by Douglas Watt I have read, and I enjoyed it, I read it in two days. Historical drama and whodunnit rolled into one, this novel is really well researched, evidenced as Douglas is a historian and has shared the main texts he relied on for factual information about 17th century Scotland at the end of the book.
This was an easy flowing read, in a quite classic story telling style, I liked the full descriptions of the characters and places, and the way the pertinent information came together from one investigator in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. I understand that this book is the latest in a series, but it definitely stands alone without prior knowledge of Mackenzie and Scougall needed. I always appreciate learning history from within a novel, and this taught me much about the history of Scotland and that of the slave trade. The story unfolds well at a steady pace, with a lot of red herrings and some side stories which were interesting too. It speeds up towards the end but is not rushed like too many novels are at their climax. I recommend this book and writer.
This is the first novel by Douglas Watt I have read, and I enjoyed it, I read it in two days. Historical drama and whodunnit rolled into one, this novel is really well researched, evidenced as Douglas is a historian and has shared the main texts he relied on for factual information about 17th century Scotland at the end of the book.
This was an easy flowing read, in a quite classic story telling style, I liked the full descriptions of the characters and places, and the way the pertinent information came together from one investigator in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. I understand that this book is the latest in a series, but it definitely stands alone without prior knowledge of Mackenzie and Scougall needed. I always appreciate learning history from within a novel, and this taught me much about the history of Scotland and that of the slave trade. The story unfolds well at a steady pace, with a lot of red herrings and some side stories which were interesting too. It speeds up towards the end but is not rushed like too many novels are at their climax. I recommend this book and writer.
July 10, 2024
A really good historical mystery. Set in Scotland in 1691, John MacKenzie is approached by the Duchess of Hamilton to investigate the death by drowning of a young woman who grew up in her household, which had been deemed to be suicide although the Duchess is doubtful of the ruling. John and his assistant, Davie Scougall, travel to Hamilton to delve into the case. What follows is an ever deepening mystery surrounded by lies and secrecy. It takes everything they have for John and Davie to unravel what turns out to be 3 different cases. I struggled a bit to follow some parts of the narrative involving all the political and religious fervour of the time period as I'm not familiar with it, but that narrative was was well woven into the story to create the atmosphere of unrest and disquiet of that time. Although this seems to be book 6 in the series, it's easily read as a standalone and I didn't feel I lost out on any part of the backstory not having read the previous books. Thoroughly enjoyable with a few interesting twists!
Thanks to Book Sirens, the publisher and Douglas Watt for a free ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Book Sirens, the publisher and Douglas Watt for a free ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
July 29, 2024
I really enjoy historical fiction and crime fiction. Yet, despite living in Scotland and following many Scottish authors, I had not previously come across Douglas Watt's historical crime fiction. As a result of reading A Case of Desecration in the West I am now very keen to read more of this author's work. This novel is set in late 17th century Scotland with William of Orange having just ascended to the UK throne. Watt depicts the Glasgow, Edinburgh and Hamilton settings really well, giving a good sense of how the cities were building at the time and the way of life of a diverse range of characters. The main character is John Mackenzie, an Edinburgh based lawyer, requested by the Duchess of Hamilton to investigate the alleged suicide of her beloved ward Bethia. Mackenzie's investigations uncover secrets and lies throughout the land but also develop contemporary themes related to slavery, hypocrisy, religion and language. This was a really good read which seemed to be based on sound research and I would thoroughly recommend to readers who enjoy both crime fiction and historical fiction.
I received a complimentary advance review copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
I received a complimentary advance review copy. I am writing this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2024
This well crafted book was hard to put down for a number of reasons.
To begin, the time period and location of Reformation Scotland was immensely well illustrated throughout the story. As intricate as the religious, political, and dynastic intersections were at that time, Douglas Watt brought them to an understandable level without becoming pedantic about the historical events, he let the aetting evolve through the characters and plot. Well done sir!
The characters were unique and relatable, and well developed throughout and the plot hummed along through myriad twists and turns and delightful epiphanies as the investigation of a seemingly simple death became more insidious.
I am looking forward to more from this author, especially novels in this style.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To begin, the time period and location of Reformation Scotland was immensely well illustrated throughout the story. As intricate as the religious, political, and dynastic intersections were at that time, Douglas Watt brought them to an understandable level without becoming pedantic about the historical events, he let the aetting evolve through the characters and plot. Well done sir!
The characters were unique and relatable, and well developed throughout and the plot hummed along through myriad twists and turns and delightful epiphanies as the investigation of a seemingly simple death became more insidious.
I am looking forward to more from this author, especially novels in this style.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2024
Unlike some others of this genre, this book was not at all "stuffy" - the language flowed well and was easy to understand, despite the historical time period.
The characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the dynamics of MacKenzie and Scougall working together.
However, what really made the book for me was the setting. I live about a mile away from the site of Hamilton Palace and recognise a lot of the place names mentioned in the book! I can see a public park named after the Duchess of Hamilton from my house.
Although a work of fiction, the research that must have gone into this book was fantastic - the local history of Lanarkshire and that of the Glasgow Slave Trade coming together.
I'm pleased to find the author has a back catalogue for me to discover as well!
Thanks to the author, Luath Press Ltd, and Love Books Tours for the ARC of this book.
The characters were well-written, and I enjoyed the dynamics of MacKenzie and Scougall working together.
However, what really made the book for me was the setting. I live about a mile away from the site of Hamilton Palace and recognise a lot of the place names mentioned in the book! I can see a public park named after the Duchess of Hamilton from my house.
Although a work of fiction, the research that must have gone into this book was fantastic - the local history of Lanarkshire and that of the Glasgow Slave Trade coming together.
I'm pleased to find the author has a back catalogue for me to discover as well!
Thanks to the author, Luath Press Ltd, and Love Books Tours for the ARC of this book.
August 25, 2024
This was nothing like I expected after reading the Blurb on the back of the book, to be honest I don't know what I was expecting. This was not one mystery ..... it was 4 mysteries all in one and they all involved the same cast of characters and everyone had something to hide. I think there was only 3 truly innocent characters and one of them dies (in blurb). We have to find out all of the intricacies and lies that people are telling along with McKenzie and his side kick. By the end of the novel the guilty individuals are piling up and the you realise that the guilty parties are only really guilty because of the time period .... if some of these things happened in 2024 then they would not be crimes. I have immediately gone and added the rest of the books to my wishlist.
August 5, 2024
Fans of historical mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this clever and sometimes heart-wrenching story set in late 17th century Scotland. I say heart-wrenching because the treatment of the woman whose death prompted the investigation is horrifying. This is not a "cozy" mystery but a hard-hitting and well-researched historical novel.
I had not read earlier entries in this series by Douglas Watt, but was easily able to read this as a stand-alone story. Watts is a very capable writer and the scenes and characters leapt off the pages for me. I will be looking up the earlier entries in the John MacKenzie series and adding them to my TBR pile.
I had not read earlier entries in this series by Douglas Watt, but was easily able to read this as a stand-alone story. Watts is a very capable writer and the scenes and characters leapt off the pages for me. I will be looking up the earlier entries in the John MacKenzie series and adding them to my TBR pile.
December 10, 2024
With the drowning of a young woman in Glasgow, an investigation begins to solve whether it was a suicide or a murder. While this would normally be in the realm of law enforcement, results don’t satisfy the duchess, so she hires, on the sly, a lawyer to pursue this matter for her own peace of mind. Many locals are questioned, and facts are hard to discover. John MacKenzie and his friend, Davie Scougall, visit the duchess and inquire into the death. The twists and turns will take the reader on a journey with surprises as clues are found in sundry places. Excellent study of human nature and intrigue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2024
A Case of Desecration in the West by Douglas Watt.
I did enjoy this book. This is a new author for me. It was different. I didn't know about Scottish history. I did like the cover. I liked the story. The themes , religion, and slaves. It was different. I did like the setting of endinburgh and glascow. This had intrigue, murder, and forgery. A bit of everything. I liked the writing style. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, John or Davie. Lots of twists and turns. Red herrings, which I didn't see coming. I do hope there is more to come.
I did enjoy this book. This is a new author for me. It was different. I didn't know about Scottish history. I did like the cover. I liked the story. The themes , religion, and slaves. It was different. I did like the setting of endinburgh and glascow. This had intrigue, murder, and forgery. A bit of everything. I liked the writing style. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, John or Davie. Lots of twists and turns. Red herrings, which I didn't see coming. I do hope there is more to come.
July 10, 2024
John Mackenzie was summoned by the Duchess of Hamilton as she wanted him to find the truth about the death of Bethia Porterfield who had drowned on the River Clyde. Mackenzie and his faithful assistant Scougall go about trying to find the truth and they find that there was more than what it seemed. A lot of mayhem with sinister deeds connecting to the investigation. A chilling read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
July 27, 2024
Interesting murder mystery set in Scotland in 1691. What started out as a suicide by a young lady became multiple murders by one individual. Plus a murder unrelated to the original murder, that leads to a man's freedom.
John MacKenzie is an interesting hero, whose investigative skills are impressive. Davie Scougal is a good counterpoint to MacKenzie.
The book is entertaining. I enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
John MacKenzie is an interesting hero, whose investigative skills are impressive. Davie Scougal is a good counterpoint to MacKenzie.
The book is entertaining. I enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2024
If you like historical fiction and true crime, this is the book for you. Loved the setting. Loved the storyline. It reminds me of Agatha Christie’s work. I did find the novel a little slow to start, since the investigators ask much of the same questions over the first few chapters, but as the story progressed, there were twists and turns that I did not expect. Well done!
* I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
* I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review.
October 5, 2024
Who would have guessed that a 17th century who dunnit novel could be so fascinating from start to finish?! Throw in a possible suicide, a couple of murders, and philandering earls doing what they do best, and you have a very well written book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
September 8, 2024
A well written slice of Scottish historical fiction. Watt writes in such a way that I feel like I am transported back in time.
A well-rounded mystery draped in many layers. I am already eagerly waiting the next chapter in this series.
A well-rounded mystery draped in many layers. I am already eagerly waiting the next chapter in this series.
September 17, 2024
Its a nice book though it wasn't spine chilling it was a nice story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
Scotland 1691. Ann, Duchess of Hamilton has asked advocate John MacKenzie to investigate the death of Bethia Porterfield, granddaughter of one of her ladies-in-waiting. She was judged to be a suicide. He is helped by friend Davie Scougall.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its interesting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews