SUSPENDED: The story of half-hangit Maggie, who lived, died and lived in Scotland in the early 1700s.

by Carmel McMurdo Audsley

A young woman’s life hangs in the balance when she is convicted and sentenced to die for the crime of infanticide. In 1700s Scotland, punishment was swift and brutal, but not always final. Based on a true story.

In the early 1700s in south-east Scotland, an attractive young woman lives in a fishing village and longs for excitement. When her husband goes missing, she leaves her two young daughters with a friend and sets out to find him. She enjoys a life free from the responsibilities of raising a family and being a fishwife. She becomes pregnant to a young man and tries to hide her condition for fear of the shame and punishment meted out to women who bore children out of wedlock. When the child dies, she is accused of the heinous crime of infanticide, convicted and sentenced to a public hanging. An intriguing tale about an ordinary woman who experienced a remarkable event after her execution – so remarkable that people are still talking about it 300 years later.

Sensitivity contains scenes of infant death and public execution.

Genres: Historical Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2024

Reviews

[Matt Mememaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Australian with historical ties to Scotland in this era, I naturally wanted to find out more. Suspended is exactly as it says it is on the tin. The book is not easy to read, with its unpleasant subject matter and a protagonist lacking street smarts who constantly finds herself in trouble. The novel is direct in its social commentary, but it's necessary for the story and from what I can gather, is historically accurate.
The story offered a glimpse into the daily life of a fishwife during the 1700s. The descriptions were vivid - from throwing mussel shells onto the road to create paths, to using a sturdy woven carrier strapped around their foreheads for support as they walked miles to sell fish in Edinburgh. I felt immersed in the story and Audsley certainly has an ability to tell a great one.
Definitely a recommend for Scottish history buffs or anyone curious about time pieces! Check it out.

[mjgman63 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third of the author’s books that I have read and enjoyed, but it’s much closer in subject matter and style to her Australian/Scottish epic “Conviction” than to her historical Australian whodunit “Seven Deadly Sinners”. This book, “Suspended”, is a fictionalised account of the life of Maggie (Margaret) Dickson, who was hanged in Scotland in the early eighteenth century for the crime of infanticide. This last sentence isn’t a spoiler, because the author gives us this information in her foreword (although she doesn’t reveal what happens next).

For me, the best thing about the book is its re-creation of a harsh world which is seldom portrayed in fiction. The main characters are not Scottish lairds or members of Edinburgh high society; they are ordinary fishing folk who lead lives of almost unimaginable hardship and monotony. Four times a week, Maggie and the other fishermen’s wives walk (yes, walk) to Edinburgh to sell their husbands’ catch. And it is certainly not a woman’s world: men have a right to act as they like in their own homes; women who are pregnant out of wedlock are publicly shamed in church on a Sunday; and, sadly, women are often most harshly judged by their own sex.

In the early stages of the book, I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about Maggie. From the start, it is made clear that she is an outrageous flirt, to the annoyance of her husband. A little later, after she has left home to search for her missing husband, she is prepared to deny his existence and that of her own two young daughter in order not to put off a younger man who attracts her. But as the story continues, it is impossible not to feel considerable sympathy for her ordeal. The description of her childbirth and its aftermath is very moving. And few readers will feel anything but outrage at a trial where witnesses are allowed to deliver vindictive personal attacks on Maggie’s character, cheered on by a gallery of ghoulish spectators; and, later, more outrage at a clergyman who primes Maggie to deliver what is effectively an advertisement for his services when she is on the scaffold.

At times, I did feel that the book crossed the line into being more of a historical narrative than a novel. There is quite a lot of explaining (telling) rather than showing, to coin a well-used phrase. So, to give just one example, we are told what the landlady’s reason is for handing Maggie over to the authorities, rather than having it demonstrated through words and action. But for me these were relatively minor points that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying the book. And as soon as I’d finished, I was off to look up historical references to “half-hangit [sic] Maggie”, to see how much we know about her real life (and what happened after her hanging). All in all, therefore, another good book from an author whose work I am very glad to have discovered.

[Steven Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Analysis:
Suspended by Carmel McMurdo Audsley is a historical fiction about a woman convicted of infanticide and sentenced to hanging. This is the second of Audsley’s books I have read, and just as I had praised her for Conviction, her attention to historical detail is something to be lauded. She provides a preamble to give her audience a brief history of Maggie Dickson and an epilogue which details her own investigation into the fate of Maggie after her “resurrection.”

Similar to the theme of Conviction, Suspended is a tale of the harsh injustices faced by women in the 18th century. Beyond being falsely convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, Audsley details the tedious, busy, and unfulfilling day-to-day life of a fishwife and mother in 1700s Scotland. While her husband, Patrick, was allowed the luxury of kicking his feet up and relaxing after a long day’s work, Maggie was never off the clock, having to tend to her husband, children, and bait the hooks for the next day’s journey to sea.

At the start of the story, Maggie is portrayed as an ostentatious flirt despite her husband’s displeasure. Yet, I believe Audsley did a great job in establishing her as a flawed character you still can't help but root for. In her eyes, her beauty and youth is being spurned by her neglectful husband, and she is practically seen as a maid rather than a wife. One cannot completely fault her for being unfaithful to her husband, especially after he abandons his family with no word after years of dereliction of his duties as a father and spouse (despite some of the circumstances beyond his control).

One of the themes I enjoyed in the book is the influence and importance of familial bonds. While her husband was absent during her most trying times and her father was abusive during her younger years, her brother Jamie stepped in to comfort her. It was a relief knowing there was at least one person in her corner during her trial, sentencing, and execution. 

If I had to nitpick one thing, it is that we know the ending before reading the book, but that’s how it is with historical fiction. At times, it felt more like I was reading a history lesson than a story, but you can tell that Audsley took liberties where she could to weave a unique telling of Maggie Dickinson.

Final Thoughts:
I am glad to have discovered Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s works as I am granted a sense of calmness after reading her novels. She weaves a tense story around dire circumstances, and takes her time tying off any loose ends to create a satisfying and even heartwarming conclusion. This read is just short enough to enjoy on a long plane ride and digestible enough to read when you’re trying to find a quick escape. Her words are dripping with passion for Scottish history, and her writing benefits from her enthusiasm. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction.

[Nikki Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a haunting, well-researched read. I absolutely devoured it, which hasn't happened in a while! The story follows the effervescent and flirtatious Maggie, a hardworking fishwife, as she navigates a life filled with struggle, societal judgment, and personal turmoil.
When the story starts, we get a taste of Maggie’s life in Fisherrow with her husband Patrick and their two daughters, Anna and Marjorie. Maggie works tirelessly selling fish and managing the household, while Patrick’s increasing neglect and alcohol consumption strain their marriage. Given the circumstance, it's no surprise that Maggie begins reflecting on a neglected childhood with an abusive father, a situation she escapes by marrying Patrick. Though Maggie secretly dreams of a better life, she remains devoted to her children. Nevertheless,
"it was not in her nature to be subservient or play by the rules, if she could get away with it."
When Patrick disappears, Maggie searches for him on a grueling journey (her poor feet!), but pushing through in the hopes of restoring her family. As she's searching, she comes to stay at an inn, where she takes some time to rest and finds work. She bonds with the innkeeper and engages in a flirtatious, secretive affair with Will, a worker at the inn. Eventually, Maggie becomes pregnant with Will’s child, and he refuses to take responsibility.
"The colours of the leaves in the surrounding meadows turned to red, yellow and brown as the early signs of autumn approached, and Maggie’s own body was changing."
As Maggie hides her pregnancy while continuing her work, you really start to feel sympathetic for her situation. She eventually gives birth prematurely by the river and loses the baby. Accused of concealing the pregnancy and abandoning her child, Maggie is arrested.
I won't summarize the plot any further, because what unfolds is an absolutely haunting tale that readers should uncover for themselves. Overall, the story paints a vivid picture of Maggie’s endurance and the heavy burden of societal expectations placed on women in her time. Despite the heavy subject matter, there are tidbits of strength and hope infused throughout the tale. I highly recommend this read, and after you're done, dig into the historical tales of "Half-Hangit Maggie" a bit. This was a fascinating and grounded spin on a real-life story!

[Tracey Morait · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictionalised story based on fact is always worth a read (or a watch if turned into a film or TV series), especially if that story is a compelling one. If not a true story, you would be justified in thinking SUSPENDED: the story of half-hangit Maggie, who lived, died and lived in Scotland in the early 1700s is incredulous, but it really did happen.

In 1700s Scotland, Margaret Dickson is married to Patrick, a fisherman, with two daughters, Annie and Marjorie, and lives a poor and hard life in Fisherrow, a God-fearing fishing village, caring for her children and scraping a living selling fish while her husband spends his time at sea or in the pub getting hammered. Her marriage has gone stale and she dreams of a better life without the daily drudgery of work and pious, unjust judgements of the church and community on women. When her husband goes missing, Maggie is forced to leave Annie and Marjorie in the safe care of her friend and heads, on foot, for Newcastle, to where it has been reported he might have joined a Dutch fishing fleet on the promise of more money. After a long, hard trek, Maggie finally succumbs to exhaustion and passes out in the street outside of a tavern in Edinburgh, where the landlady takes her in. When her feet have healed from their cuts, Maggie agrees to take on a job serving in the tavern, and although still wondering what’s happened to Patrick and missing her children, enjoys the freedom her new job gives her and the not unwelcome attentions of the landlady’s son, an attractive, wayward younger man called Will. Hence, Maggie fails to reveal the fact she is a married woman, but mindful of public condemnation and disgrace, she knows she is treading on dangerous ground. Her illicit liaison with Will leads to her ultimate downfall.

Whilst Maggie’s story is legendary and has left a legacy in Scotland, has been reported in the press and is all over the internet for the world to see, the author has skilfully brought it to life (no pun intended!) and has done her research well. I empathised with Maggie’s annoyance on how women are judged harshly in her lifetime while men are free to exploit them without censure (not much has changed!) and wanted to punch Will into the middle of next week!

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s Suspended is a gripping tale based on historical events. What follows is not a spoiler as it’s in the author’s cover tag and blurb. In 1700s Scotland, a young woman was convicted and sentenced to die for the crime of infanticide. She was hanged but did not die.

This riveting story is a fictionalised account of Maggie Dickson, who ‘lived, died and lived’ again in the 1720s. The characters of Maggie, her husband Patrick, their families — particularly Maggie’s brother James — and friends in the fishing village of Fisherrow are painted vividly and convincingly, as are the minutiae of life in a small community at the time. The slow burn at the start allows the reader to become familiar with these individuals without overload. We learn of the hard lives of the men who fish from small boats and, through the eyes of Maggie, of the unremitting drudgery of the ‘fishwives’, who not only catch and thread the bait of mussels, look after hearth, home and children (Maggie and Patrick have two young girls), but also walk the five miles to Edinburgh and back several times a week, carrying a creel of catch to sell.

Maggie comes across from the start as a strong and empathetic character. When her husband doesn’t return from one of his frequent drinking bouts, she gives him a few days then, leaving her daughters in the care of a local friend, sets off on foot to Newcastle, where Patrick is rumoured to have gone, to find him and bring him home to his family.

The reader follows Maggie in her journey, which is interrupted in Kelso where she stays for a while. Again as disclosed in the blurb, Maggie becomes pregnant, hides her pregnancy, and is accused and convicted of infanticide. More detail would be spoilers, but by this point the reader is fully invested in Maggie’s fate and watches with bated breath as events unfold.

This is a book to be read in one sitting. It’s hard to tear oneself away from the story, unbelievable (though rooted in fact) as it is. The ending is well done, with loose ends tied. Though the subject matter is grim in part, the story is never told salaciously or judgmentally. Thoroughly recommended.

[Charlotte Brough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s novel is based on the true story of Maggie Dickson, a young woman who was sentenced to death for killing her newborn in 1700s Scotland. A fishwife with two small daughters, Maggie longs for excitement. When her fisherman husband disappears after a night at the pub, she sets out to find him and bring him home. She leaves her daughters in the care of her friend and heads off on foot for Newcastle, however she never gets there as when she stops for respite along the way, she is offered a job in a tavern. Seizing the chance to enjoy some freedom and a different way of life while she saves some money, she takes it. However, things turn sour when she falls pregnant by a younger man. Knowing she will be shamed and punished for carrying a child out of wedlock, she tries to hide the pregnancy. When the baby arrives and dies shortly afterwards, she is accused of infanticide, taken to Edinburgh and sentenced to hang for her perceived crime.
This story is by turns both tragic and miraculous, even more so because it really happened. The author has clearly done her research, both into Maggie’s life and the traditions and daily life in eighteenth century Scotland. With her wonderfully vivid descriptions, I had no problem picturing a soggy, windswept day in the fishing village, or the filthy confines of the prison. Maggie is a complex character, but despite her flaws, I couldn’t help but sympathise with her and the no doubt countless other women who would have found themselves in similar predicaments. It really is horrifying to think of the suffering Maggie went through, but her strength and resilience even when facing death is incredibly inspiring. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with a happy, hopeful ending, and the author includes an epilogue recounting what further she was able to learn of Maggie’s life.

My one criticism was that much of the story was simply relayed to the reader, with what happened simply described rather than being ‘shown’. This made it a little difficult to truly connect with Maggie, but since the writing was so good otherwise, it wasn’t nearly as much of an issue as it could have been. A fascinating story and one I’d certainly recommend.

[Adrian Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Suspended’ is a deeply affecting novel that transports readers to the unforgiving landscapes and social realities of early 18th century Scotland. Based on the remarkable true story of Maggie Dickson, the book masterfully blends historical accuracy with immersive storytelling, offering a window into a world shaped by rigid social codes and the relentless grip of religious dogma. From the outset, the atmosphere is palpable—Audsley’s prose evokes the chill of the Scottish coast and the bustling, narrow streets of Edinburgh, painting a vivid backdrop against which Maggie’s tragic journey unfolds.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its unflinching portrayal of the era’s harshness. The daily grind of the working class is depicted with gritty authenticity, whether it’s the labour of creating paths with discarded mussel shells or the exhausting treks to market with baskets of fish strapped across their brows.

The author does not shy away from exposing the ignorance and unforgiving attitudes of both the kirk and the wider community, whose judgements and prejudices weigh heavily on Maggie and those like her. The hypocrisy of the religious authorities is laid bare, as is the stifling atmosphere that condemns women for transgressions beyond their control.

Yet, for all its grimness, ‘Suspended’ is a story suffused with humanity. Maggie’s emotional journey is rendered with empathy, making her suffering—and eventual transformation into a figure of grace and compassion—both credible and moving. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, their relationships and struggles lending depth to the narrative and underscoring the novel’s themes of endurance, love, and the capacity for hope amidst despair.

In summary, ‘Suspended’ is a beautifully crafted and well-researched tale that doesn’t flinch from the brutality of its historical setting. It captivates with its atmospheric detail, authentic characters, and its unvarnished depiction of a society marked by both ignorance and resilience. A truly memorable read.

[Todd Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit it—when I picked up Suspended, I thought, “How can a book about a woman getting hanged be anything but depressing?” But Carmel McMurdo Audsley proved me wrong. Yes, the subject matter is heavy, and yes, Maggie Dickson’s life is the kind of nightmare fuel that makes you want to hug your modern plumbing and legal rights, but wow, what a story.

Audsley doesn’t just tell Maggie’s tale—she drags you straight into the grit of 18th-century Scotland, where fishwives walk miles to Edinburgh carrying enough seafood to turn anyone into a gym rat, and women are judged for just about everything except breathing (and even that might be pushing it). The details are so rich you can practically smell the salty air and the injustice.

Maggie herself? She’s complicated. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of her. She’s a shameless flirt, a little reckless, and not exactly making great life choices—but, honestly, who among us hasn’t had a few “what was I thinking?” moments? The difference is, Maggie’s mistakes land her in a cell with a one-way ticket to the gallows. Yet, as the story unfolds, you can’t help but root for her. She’s resourceful, she’s defiant, and by the time the noose tightens, you’re gripping the book like it’s a life preserver.

And let’s talk about the historical accuracy—because Audsley clearly did her homework. The level of detail is incredible, from the daily grind of fishing villages to the absolute absurdity of a legal system that lets witnesses roast the accused like it’s an early version of reality TV. It’s both enraging and fascinating, and I found myself Googling “Half-Hangit Maggie” the moment I finished.

Bottom line? This book is gripping, immersive, and unexpectedly wry in its commentary on society’s double standards. If you like historical fiction with a side of outrage and a dash of dark humor, Suspended is absolutely worth your time. Just maybe don’t read it right before bed—unless you want to dream about 18th-century gallows.

[Aaron Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into with Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s SUSPENDED: The story of half-hangit Maggie, who lived, died and lived in Scotland in the early 1700s. I enjoy a good historical fiction, but I wasn’t clear on if this book was going to take a supernatural bend at the end. The “lived, died, and lived” tagline had me wondering. I was good either way, so it’s not like one or the other would have me disappointed. And, spoiler, no bending.

A nicely paced, character-driven drama highlighting the absolute nightmare life could be for women not too long ago. What a shame some want to drag us back there. We get to see the brutality of the past, in particular what went on in prisons at the time, while also seeing that, no matter the period, people are still people, displaying decency and human compassion for each other.

Then there is the religion. This is the antagonist, really, this driver of unimaginable brutality, mercilessness, and cruelty. I can only imagine the Stockholm syndrome taking place here, causing Maggie to embrace the very thing that condemned and brutalized her. Yet what option did she have? Like in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, you either blend in with the pod people, or get run down by an angry mob.

But don’t let my cynicism suggest I didn’t enjoy the book. I most certainly did. As a piece of fiction set in an historical context, it hit all the right notes in terms of what life must have been like for people at the time: the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly.

I highly recommend.

[Helen M Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s historical novel vividly portrays the harsh life led by ordinary people, women in particular, in early eighteenth-century Scotland. Protagonist and real-life historical heroine, ‘half hangit’ Maggie Dickinson is a fishwife living in Musselburgh. Maggie’s life consists of hard work, motherhood with little help, and servitude to a husband whose own harsh existence is cushioned by drink. This is the tale of a woman who wants more for herself but is beaten back by a church-led society that enslaves women to their marital duties and condemns them to lead a life of servitude. Any woman who strays from this path is publicly humiliated and punished most severely.
Suspended explores the society Maggie Dickinson belongs to while giving us insight into her thoughts and desires, all ahead of her time. The author portrays a fictitious narrative which surmises that Maggie was a free thinking woman whose thoughts of liberty were incomparable with the societal expectations of the time. Her spirited nature and wilfulness are not tolerated by her peers and she is given the ultimate punished for ‘crimes’ our modern society would see as desperate plight, not criminality.
Suspended also explores the early Scottish judicial system painting a disturbing picture of the grimness of prison life and the corruption in court. The fact that Maggie survived this tyranny is a miracle, but ultimately, even she is forced to slot quietly into her allotted place in society and in this way, Maggie Dickinson doesn’t survive at all.
Despite the disturbing subject matter, Suspended is a surprisingly easy read, the violence and horror stated plainly without forget embellishment. The subject matter is fascinating and the descriptions compelling. It’s a real page turner.
I’m not usually one to read historical fiction, but this book hit the spot and may well have set me in that path. I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history and women’s rights.

[Nicola McDonagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating well-researched book.

Overall, this was a well-written and easy-to-read book that held my attention throughout. Maggie’s character is engaging and fresh. She is different from the outset, which makes her all the more interesting to the reader. Maggie comes across as a strong, independent woman who can look after herself, yet is sympathetic to the problems of others, cast out and shunned by her local community. The use of some colloquial language added to the richness of the narrative, as did the descriptions of village life. The way people lived at that time gave a sense of place, exposing how the flirty Maggie was stifled in the confines of her fishwife lifestyle.

The descriptions of Maggie’s labours as a fisherman’s wife, helped to recreate the hardships of the time and the puritanical environment Maggie lived in. The pace of the book picked up when Maggie was forced to search for her errant husband, Patrick, who suddenly disappears. And so begins her harrowing journey towards her downfall.

I did find her quick willingness to abandon her search and children in favour of becoming a barmaid in Kelso somewhat strange, as she came across as a loving mother intent on finding her husband. So when she began her affair with the son of the owner, Mrs B of the bar, it seemed a little out of character. Perhaps I needed more of the couple physically interacting to make me buy into their sudden relationship, which leads to an unwanted pregnancy and Maggie’s road to ruin. But these are minor things that did not prevent me from being engrossed in this fascinating story.

I would have liked more of the characters reacting to what happens to them, rather than the author telling us, as this made the narrative feel more like a history lesson than a fictionalised account of events. However, this is a really interesting story and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction. 

[Robert Appleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The extraordinary true story of Maggie Dickson, a.k.a. ‘Half-Hangit Maggie’, a young fishwife tried and executed for infanticide in 18th Century Scotland, is the subject of this touching novel of redemption.

When her fisherman husband Patrick goes missing, Maggie sets out to try to find him, leaving her two children with a family friend. Spirited and independent-minded, she rather selfishly starts to enjoy her freedom away from the drudgery of her regular life, and takes up employment in a village many miles away, pretending she is single. It isn’t long before she has an affair with a local man and becomes pregnant. Frightened of the consequences, she hides her condition and gives birth prematurely, in private. But the child dies shortly after it’s born, and to her horror, she finds herself arrested, tried and sentenced to death for infanticide.

Infamous throughout the country (and abroad), Maggie suffers an awful incarceration before the dreaded day of her hanging. But the tale doesn’t end there, and I think Carmel McMurdo Audsley does a lovely job of describing Maggie’s spiritual journey from despair to redemption. The character is vivid and three-dimensional, a flawed but always sympathetic young woman who is in some ways ahead of her time, but ultimately finds her strength when she most needs it, by embracing God, whom she’d always taken for granted.

It’s told simply with clear, very readable prose that never calls attention to itself. The setting is vividly described and the Scottish terms are seamlessly integrated into the speech. Historical details are well-researched, as are the facts of the true story. I found it to be a moving, gripping account of tragic events, with an unexpected catharsis. I’d never heard of Half-Hangit Maggie before, but I can understand the author’s fascination with her tale. This is a quietly powerful read that I can recommend without hesitation.

[Anita Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley has once again brought history vividly to life with this fictionalisation of a young Scotswoman who lived and died – and lived again – in the early 1720s. Sound research and engaging writing gives us interesting insights into the lives of a small fishing community close to Edinburgh. Maggie Dickson's role as a fishwife was arduous, but nothing compared to almost a year incarcerated in a crowded cell on charges of concealing her pregnancy and killing her newborn baby. The author reveals how laws enacted in the 1690s criminalised illegitimate pregnancies by punishing the woman – although the man's role was not addressed. In the first part of the story Maggie was a good mother and wife, but when her husband went missing for months she left her children in the care of a friend and embarked on tracking him down. Once released from her responsibilities at home, Maggie naturally relished her new independence, and this was well conveyed in the way author Ms McMurdo Audsley brought the characters to life.

Although Maggie's time in prison was very grim for her, the author managed to illustrate the bleakness while at the same time highlighting some positive and memorable encounters. I especially appreciated the scenes with Maggie and the hangman, Jock Dalgleish. Maggie's story is thought-provoking and the astonishing climax is quite a page turner. Thanks to the author's extensive research and writing skills, we learn a fair bit about how Maggie used her experiences to change her attitude to life and impact others in a positive way, after her unexpected reprieve. This is another successful fictionalisation of life in Scotland long ago, by an author with an obvious passion for the place. I recommend 'Suspended' to historical fiction fans, who are sure to find it an illuminating read.

[Terrence Poppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspended: the Story of Half-Hangit Maggie is a compelling fictional version of the life of a spirited Scottish woman condemned in 1724 to hang for infanticide, but who survived the horrific punishment and was spared any further retribution other than gaining an unflattering moniker.

Author Carmel McMurdo Audsley skillfully creates the context that leads to the gallows for the unfortunate Maggie Dickson, beginning with the drudging life of a fisherman’s wife on the east coast of Scotland. She’s flirty, has an independent spirit, and often dreams of breaking free of the burdensome routines. In a series of quick chapters, McMurdo Audsley creates a believable series of events that lead to the accusation of infanticide, beginning after her husband Patrick has gone missing for two months.

The author had to do a great deal of research to be able to recreate the trial. It surprises in its similarities to contemporary trials, but the jurors are all male and court appointed, evidentiary rules are extremely weak, and public opinion influences the outcome. For Maggie, the verdict is inevitable. She is found guilty and is condemned to die by hanging.

One of the many strengths of the story telling lies in the author’s ability to depict the existential angst that consumes Maggie when she realizes she is about to die. You feel her terror in the fetid cell where she is held along with other condemned prisoners. It is almost unbearable to walk with her to the gallows and watch the noose tighten around her neck.

What comes after the hanging is the basis for her enduring legend. The ending is perhaps too drawn out, but it is largely about how the experience transformed her. I found it very touching, very heart warming, very upbeat.

[Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking 1700s story based on real events. I previously enjoyed reading author Carmel McMurdo Audsley’s historical novel “Conviction,” so was intrigued to read her latest novel “Suspended.” The story is set in 1700s Scotland and is based on the harrowing true story of Maggie Dickson. I was immediately drawn into the story by Ms. Audsley’s descriptions of Maggie’s life with her husband and two daughters in their small village. The amount of historical research Ms. Audsley has done shows. I was fascinated to learn about Maggie’s tough existence as a fishwife, the long hours, how she needed to haul a heavy basket of fish on her back to Edinburgh to sell several times a week. Shoes were for Sunday’s and special occasions; otherwise, Maggie went barefoot. The drudgery of her life wears on Maggie. She is annoyed that her husband Patrick can kick back with his buddies to drink in the pub when he’s done fishing, but her work as a woman never ends. She longs to see the wider world. When her husband vanishes, she feels abandoned. She decides to search for him, and there her life takes the turn that ultimately leads to her downfall. I won’t say anymore for fear of giving things away. My advice to readers: if you want to maintain the surprise, wait to read the Forward until after you’ve read the book. This well-crafted historical novel with involving characters shows that the good old days were not always good. Conditions were harsh, and modern concepts of justice and human rights were simply not there, especially for the ordinary person.

[Mae Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore books about historical figures, but it is rare for one to read like a good fiction novel, which Audsley does brilliantly. Unfamiliar with the story, I quickly became attached to Maggie and then upset at her struggles. Her desire to reach beyond her routine existence and experience a world beyond the mundane is universal. However, the harsh treatment of women was a shock for me.

While some content was disturbing, Audsley didn’t hold back, which would have sacrificed the experience. The story was a window into life as a fishwife in the 1700s. The details were rich— the custom of throwing buckets of mussel shells onto the roadway to build up the road surface, the heavy woven carrier which was held in place with a strap around the women’s foreheads to keep it in place during the miles-long trip to sell fish in Edinburgh, or following meandering old Roman roads with bare feet while carrying over 100 pounds on their backs with children. It was a harsh existence.

The story has unexpected twists. Maggie’s naive trust in people and innocent yearning for a break from a hard life made her a flawed character. I both rooted for and despaired for her. I wanted to reach into the page and stop her from making foolish but understandable choices. But there is much redemption in the story. Some had much to answer for. I couldn’t help but hope they met karma for their part in hurting Maggie.

This was a well-written and well-researched story. The pacing is good. I read it in one sitting after having surgery. It was a jewel to run across while searching Kindle.

[Henk Devos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Riveting Tale of Survival and History

I recently read this captivating book about Half-Hangit Maggie, a woman who survived hanging in Scotland. Although the story is fictional, it is based on true events and could have happened exactly as described. The author does an incredible job of bringing this historical figure to life, making her a person of flesh and blood.

The book offers a vivid insight into the daily life of a fishwife during that era. The descriptions of hardships of daily chores, and the close-knit community are so detailed that you feel transported back in time. The main character, Maggie, is compelling and resilient, and her journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

In addition to Maggie, the book features many well-developed supporting characters who add depth and realism to the story. Each character has a unique voice and contributes to the rich tapestry of the narrative. The interactions between these characters are authentic and engaging, making the story feel very real.

Even though you know how the story will end, it remains entertaining and keeps you interested until the very last page. The author’s ability to maintain suspense and emotional engagement throughout the book is truly commendable. The blend of historical facts with imaginative storytelling makes this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a strong, well-researched foundation.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to dive into a well-crafted story that brings history to life.

[Nichole Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley's Suspended opens with an incredible premise; taking real historical events and weaving them into an unforgettable tale of resilience and heartbreak. The story grips you immediately, pulling you into Maggie's world, and it doesn’t let go.

What sets this novel apart from other historical novels I’ve read is how vividly it immerses you in the story. I could practically smell the salt in the air and see the sunlight dancing on the ocean waves. Her descriptions of life in Fisherrow were so evocative that I found myself yearning to book a flight to Scotland, more than I already did ;) Audsley's attention to detail (the dialects, customs, and cultural nuances) felt like stepping back in time, fully experiencing both the beauty and the harsh realities of the era.

Maggie's journey, especially her relationship with her brother, is the beating heart of this narrative. Their bond brought tears to my eyes, leaving me deeply moved. While the focus on religion was occasionally overwhelming for me, likely due to my personal preferences, it didn’t overshadow the emotional and historical gravity of the story.

Audsley possesses an exceptional talent for reviving historical moments in a way that feels both gripping and intimate. I devoured this book in two days, staying up late because I simply couldn’t put it down. By the end, I was reluctant to leave Maggie’s world behind.

Suspended is a testament to the power of historical fiction done right, and it is equal parts enlightening and soul-stirring.

[Rachel Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t heard of the story of ‘half-hangit’ Maggie before so I was intrigued where this story would lead. Carmel has an incredible talent of immersing the reader into early 18th century Scotland from the first page. It is clear that the author has done some extensive research into the life of Maggie Dickson and the harsh lives of ‘fishwives’ in this period which creates an effortless atmosphere. I read the book in a few days as I honestly couldn’t put it down.

Maggie is a formidable woman and a likeable character who leads a life of hard work and drudgery. Her days are filled with baiting the fish hooks for her fisherman husband, walking miles to sell their catch as well as caring for their two young children and keeping the household running. She resents her husband’s seemingly more care-free life, drinking their meagre profits away with his friends. When he disappears, she embarks on a mission to find him and drag him home to his responsibilities. Her journey ends in her own apparent ruin but even the threat of the noose may not quite be her end.

The reader has to remind themselves of the tragic true story behind this narrative and the unfairness of a system that was skewed against women. The blame of pregnancy out of wedlock is unfairly placed on the woman with the man absolved of all responsibility. Carmel expertly weaves the unfairness of it all in the way she portrays Maggie’s response to what is happening around her. We are routing for her despite her transgressions.

An excellent novel, and one that I will be encouraging others to read.

[Melody Gilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was refreshing and thought-provoking, and the series of events that unfold through the story are tightly woven into an amazing, heartfelt tragedy. I picked it up during one of those rare quiet evenings after getting the kids to bed, and found myself completely absorbed in this haunting story. Audsley crafted a special narrative that gave me goosebumps multiple times throughout. The writing is so vivid and atmospheric that I could feel the weight of the protagonist's world pressing down on me as I read.

As a woman living in 2025, this book made me pause and feel genuinely grateful for the freedoms and opportunities we have today. The scientific advances, the legal protections, the basic rights we sometimes take for granted - reading about life in an earlier era puts things into perspective. Don't get me wrong, we still face judgment and scrutiny in our daily lives, but the consequences our protagonist faces are on an entirely different level. It's sobering to think about how much has changed, yet how some of the underlying themes still resonate today.

I won't spoil the ending, but prepare yourself for tears - the satisfying kind that come after an emotional journey well worth taking. This is one of those stories that will linger in my mind for years. Audley has created a beautiful tragedy that honors the struggles of women who came before us, while reminding us how precious our current freedoms truly are. Recommend this one - just maybe save it for when you have tissues handy.

[D.D Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never heard of Maggie before and I had to do some research to see if she was a real person. This book was well done, concise enough to be read easily by anyone in a day or two and very interesting.
Maggie Dickson is about a woman who would not die at the hands of the executioner for a sin or a moral episode done years ago in Scotland. Maggie was a beautiful woman, and confident woman who was married to a jealous fisherman husband in a boring relationship of domestic labor of this time. He husband goes missing and she leave home to search for him.
While away from home she gains employment in an inn and has an affair with a younger man and gets pregnant. For these times this is a sin and this moral lapse scandalizes her reputation and is big deal for her community. Afraid of the shame this would bring from others she hides the pregnancy since you can be punished brutally for having a child out of wedlock.
After giving birth the child dies soon after. She is then imprisoned and tried for infanticide and condemned to hang. The book explores the situation of the time where society it ruled by a patriarchal society and pounces women who fall outside these rules. So she is tried and condemned to hang and survives the hangman, which some interpret as a act of God and goes on to have a difficult life until she finds love again.
I enjoyed this book, and even more so when I realized its based on a true person and event. Well written, where I feel I am back in Scottish times. Well done to the author, good book.

[Joan Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley paints a grim picture of life for women in early eighteenth-century Scotland. Work was hard, especially for Scottish fisherwomen who had to sell the fish and prepare the baited lines for their fishermen husbands, in addition to their many other tasks. But woe betide any young girl who might fall pregnant outside of wedlock. The Catholic church shamed them in front of the whole parish, whilst young men went scot -free. This tale holds a chilling message indeed for twentieth century citizens world-wide, given current political movements. Ms Audsley has taken a true story about Maggie Dickinson who was hanged for the innocent death of her newborn infant, and with it she has vividly depicted life for ordinary folk in Scotland at that time. History need not only concern our kings and queens, and battles between warring groups, and this is a wonderful way to experience it. Ms Audsley does a sterling job in making it all come alive.
My only slight reservation concerns the single trajectory of the story, which centres around our main protagonist. Whilst we are encouraged to feel enormous empathy with Maggie, the story line is direct, and there are no significant complications or additions to the plot. For people seeking a more intricate plot, with intriguing twists, and exciting dialogue, as many people do nowadays, this may not be their first choice. But as a narrator of history, Ms Audsley shines bright.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

Let me start by saying that Historical Fiction is not something I typically read, however, I decided to try something different from the books that I usually tend to read (mainly thriller and romance). That decision was definitely a great one.

The author - Carmel McMurdo Audsley did an excellent job in keeping me hooked from the very beginning of the story. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue used throughout the book as this really created a sense of authenticity among the characters and the plot.

Carmel McMurdo Audsley did such a good job at creating authenticity that as I was reading this book I felt as though I could really envision everything that was going on and even hear the characters speaking! I think this book would make an excellent series or movie, although my only fear is that it may take away from the excellence of this book!

I found the journey of Maggie Dickson sad, intriguing and also relatable; we all feel stuck at times and long for more freedom, whether that be from our jobs or our everyday routines, and we all make mistakes. It just so happens that the time in which she had lived meant her mistake led to tragic consequences.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have to say that it is one of the best books I have read in a very long time! I will definitely be reading more from this author and more historical fiction in the future.

[Karla Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction lately and went into this novel blind. I found the topic very interesting. This is a deeply disturbing tale in many ways, not one for the faint hearted. Maggie’s story is, in my opinion, very tragic. The dialogue feels authentic with its Scottish dialect. The writing itself is quite good.

I can’t imagine many more tragic historical tales than this. Hopefully this isn’t too much of a “spoiler,” but Maggie’s experience giving birth after previously delivering a child alone “in the coldness of a field” is heartbreaking; her memories of her first-born son and her conviction for his murder add layers of grief to her story.

The survival of a hanging is fascinating, especially considering it actually happened. Again, a spoiler, but the epilogue provides valuable and interesting historical context. It mentions that years later, judges in Scotland changed death sentences from “hanged” to “hanged until dead” to prevent similar cases.

The included glossary of Scottish words was very helpful and worth reviewing before starting the novel. Although, you might want to avoid the epilogue just before it. I would almost lobby to move the glossary to the start of the book.

Regardless, if you enjoy historical fiction and dark tales, this is worth your time. I might read it again soon. This is an author to follow for solid historical fiction.

[Gloria Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historical novel based on fact and legend. Audsley wrote a very believable, feisty character of a young woman who wants more from life and marriage than she is getting. After eight years of everyday hard work, she is still looking for the romance of life to be something more than she has.

Her recognition of this desire for liberty, freedom, and intrigue coincides with Maggie’s husband’s sudden disappearance. Irritated by another drinking bout, she becomes worried after three days but is still confident he will be home soon. But then it’s two weeks, then months. Still thinking he made a poor choice and is off fishing with some unknowns, she decides to go after him and haul him home.

She is excited once she is away from her small village life and into the big world, where she has always wanted to be. It feels rather glamorous and gives her a sense of freedom she has never known.

I enjoyed Audsley’s consistent pacing of events that let us peek at Maggie's routines that seemed just as much work as she had been doing as a fishwife but somehow more pleasurable as “the grass is always greener.”

Audsley’s identifying the religious thoughts felt real and indeed based on the sentences handed down at the time. I won’t go further and spoil other reader’s discovery. It is well-researched and effectively presented as an 18th-century story.

[H.D. Logic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmel McMurdo Audsley's novel, "SUSPENDED: The story of half-hangit Maggie, who lived, died and lived in Scotland in the early 1700s" may not have the catchiest title in history, but it is a catchy novel routed in history. It shouldn't be hard to find well-told and well-written novels like this, but the over-saturation of the market, Artificial Intelligence, well-meaning but under-developed self-publishers, and the sheer volume of volumes makes it incredibly difficult. This is the exception. This is a good book.

SUSPENDED does a great job of weaving some legitimate history with reasonable extrapolations to flesh out the details. Maggie is a real character, not a cliche. It is also great fun to get a real sense for the life of a fishwife in the 1700s. This is not your typical historical fiction of the period, where everyone is a Duke or a Count or a Lord. This is much closer to the reality experienced by 99% of the humanity of the time.

There was a time or two when there was a bit more "telling" than "showing," and some of the ideology fits much more tidily in the 20th century than the 18th century (but that's the point, isn't it?), but these are minor quibbles. And now I'm going to go have a nice sip of scotch and thank my lucky stars I was not born 250 years earlier.

[F.E. Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale of suffering and redemption is skilfully told in a straightforward manner. From the subtitle, we know that protagonist Maggie will have a hard time. She’s a likable character but naïve and impulsive.

The author presents us with an insular fishing community in 18th century Scotland where life is hard but liveable. Working late into the night baiting hundreds of fishhooks, Maggie dreams of a more exciting existence.

Indicative of this tough life are Maggie’s long barefoot walks to Edinburgh to sell fish. The city, under the shadow of the intimidating Edinburgh castle, is a dirty and dangerous place. When Maggie makes a solo journey out into the world, it's little wonder she gets into trouble.

The author’s descriptions of an 18th century jail outdo the most extreme banged up abroad stories. And the role of the church here, both in condemning Maggie and then helping her while she’s incarcerated, made me think about the negatives and positives of Christianity.

The author adds authenticity by using just the right amount of Scottish vocab, like kirk for church and gibbet for gallows. The dialogue tends towards the functional and minor characters could be more distinctive. These are minor quibbles though, because I found Suspended engaging and thought-provoking.

[D.H. Schleicher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspended is a masterfully crafted page-turning piece of historical fiction. Author Carmel McMurdo Audsley takes an infamous piece of Scottish criminal history and local lore from the early 1700s and brings the fascinating tale of Maggie Dickson to thrilling life. This is the second book I have read from this author with the other being her Australian Outback set, Agatha Christie inspired novella, Seven Deadly Sinners. What I am growing to appreciate about her style is her meticulous attention to details of time, place, and local dialect. And while finely detailed, she doesn’t succumb to overly elaborate prose. She never lingers too long on a scene, keeping the drama moving at a brisk pace, and there is nary a wasted word to be found.

It’s impossible not to get sucked up into Maggie’s story. It’s simultaneously gritty, immersive and transfixing. You really feel like you’re there living in Scotland along with Maggie as she suffers through her tribulations on a wayward path to ultimate redemption. There are some heavy themes and grim details here, so be forewarned. Those who make it through will be richly rewarded by an unforgettable story.

I highly recommend Suspended to fans of historical fiction, especially those who have enjoyed novels by Olivia Hawker or Janet Benton.

[Morven T.H. T.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this story, I was already familiar with Maggie Dickson, a famous figure in Edinburgh's history, known for her escape from death. Unfortunately, knowing the outcome – that she survived – detracted from my reading experience. The suspense and curiosity I might have felt were diminished because I already knew she lived. For maximum enjoyment of this wonderfully written and engaging book, which is based on a true story, I recommend reading it without attempting to cross-reference historical texts or sources to understand the events. It's a truly delightful read. The writing itself is excellent. I particularly appreciated the dialogue, which authentically captures the English tone and incorporates Scottish dialect, making it understandable even with the localisms. The author's explanations of events are clear, simple, and well-executed, a style I truly enjoy in English books. In telling the story of "Half-Hangit" Maggie - hanged in Edinburgh's Grassmarket in 1724 -, the author has masterfully created an experience that makes you feel present at the true events. I won't summarize the story, only comment on the book as I did. Summary - it's well-written, with historical accuracy that immerses you in the time period and its characters. I felt truly connected to each person in the narrative. Well done.