The Crystal Armour

Mysterious Scotland #8

by Tormod Cockburn

Time is short and danger is all around.

It’s been two years since Lorna Cheyne went to prison, and tension is building in the Armour Group. While they debate if Lorna is one of them or not, DI Alex Lillico finds himself in the minority view. So, he’s happy to be shipped off to Galloway, where a collapsed sea cliff has revealed not one, but two dark mysteries in the belly of a forgotten cave. One of these challenges is urgent police work while the other tilts at an old Scottish myth that even Gill McArdle will struggle to explain.

While the team is rocked by an unforeseen crisis, Adina Mofaz is uniquely aware of a calamity just around the corner. Burdened by knowledge and sworn to secrecy, only she can finally see ahead to the moment when Scotland will need The Crystal Armour.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Scotland, Adventure

389 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Tormod 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.

Reviews

[John Morris]

A solid 4 stars!

What a well written and exciting series 'Mysterious Scotland' is. This penultimate instalment has all the hallmarks of its predecessors; ancient mythology, folklore, archaeological detective work, plus a bit of political terrorism. These stories are all part of an overarching Christian allegory and to fully understand them you need to begin with Book 1 of the series. Otherwise the major allegorical references are quite indecipherable (in my personal opinion). Each episode is full of twists and turns with plenty of bangs for your bucks. Well recommended!

[Teresa Delaney]

The Mysterious Scotland series continues to be an absolute delight—gripping, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. This installment pulls you in immediately and keeps you turning pages, all while building toward what feels like the long‑awaited final confrontation. The Crystal Armour group is finally assembled, the stakes are higher than ever, and even the Water Horses have returned to roam the landscape again.

Compared to earlier books, this one leans more toward a straightforward mystery, but that clarity works in its favor. We now have a much sharper sense of who the key protagonists will be in the final battle, and the spiritual journeys of the characters continue to deepen in thoughtful, compelling ways.

The vivid descriptions of that corner of Scotland are a highlight—wild, beautiful, and steeped in history and myth. It’s easy to feel like you’re right there alongside the characters, facing the same dangers and revelations. A strong, engaging entry in the series, and it leaves me eager for the final book.

[Anne Seastrom]

the crystal armor

Well done. This series is not one you can put down. Worth a sleepless night before work. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Harold Parrott]

Great read

I'm reading more and more to escape. This.was a great escape to a world where values and morality matter through deeds

[Jean Lindholm]

The beginning of the end

In THE CRYSTAL ARMOR, the eighth book of the 9-volume "Mysterious Scotland" series, a cache of weapons is found when a lost young girl is found in rocks on the shores of Clanyard Bay. As this discovery is investigated, some tiny human remains are found. they are deemed to be at least 300 years old. So Gill McArdle, archaeologist and editor of the " Mysterious Scotland " magazine, famous for discovering the secrets of unicorns and the Loch Ness monster, is called to look into this. As Gill investigates these remains, he discovers a whole series of caves, suggesting a civilization of very small people. This leads to the tales of evil fairies and "the little people" from ancient mythology.
In the meantime, Gill is about to become the Laird of Finlaggan, a place that is destined to be the place where the UK is torn in two, according to a prophecy received by a group of armor bearers of which Gill is a part. They are composed of the six pieces of armor that each Christian must bear according to Ephesians 6:10-18. These individuals must unite to defend their world the way God intends. This book is written as part of a long Christian allegory and should be read from book one to understand the way God works in each heart, for everyone is different. A good and intriguing read for those who enjoy Christian allegories. The next book will be the ninth and last of this series - THE TORN ISLE. Can't wait to see how it ends!

[Erica Wildwood]

Oh wow! This series has just got better and better. Tormod has really racked up the tension. He writes so well, with humour and wisdom, too. Just a couple of minor niggles: it's HORDES of people, not hoards, and in one of the historical letters it says "he ordered Richard and I" when it should be "he ordered Richard AND ME". The former is bad grammar, though it seems to have become acceptable in the past few years (but not to me!) I've read all eight books in less than a week, and I'm devastated that I'm now going to have to wait until the end of March for the climactic last installment.

[gillian]

Amazing

Oh my god these books just get better with each instalment. I love how the story along with the characters evolve from one book to the next and you just don't know what is coming next. Mr Cockburn obviously spends a lot of time researching historical Scotland and adds his own twists. I can't wait for the next and final book in this series, however gutted that it is coming to its end.

[D L LIDDICOAT]

A "diamond" read!

Book 8 The Crystal Armour, I'd kept this as my book to read over Christmas. Like all of Tormod's books there was plenty of action and so much to think about. There has been a thread deftly woven through the series since book 1, so well researched and each person's character has developed with each book - marvellous! Each book has taken something we know of have heard about, turned it on its head and made us look in a new way! Can't wait for the finale!

[shelagh milbourne]

Gripping

I have now read the whole series of these stories this one is as good as the others and I would strongly recommend anyone to read them I really can't wait to read the next one .cost up upfront of the fire and start reading they're so much better than what's on television .

[Todd]

This is the 8th and penultimate book in the Mysterious Scotland series. With Lorna being released from prison the Armour Group is finally complete and together.

Gill is called to check something in Islay. This leads to another dig and possible tie to the wee folk.

I'm finding myself disappointed to find out there is only one book remaining in this fascinating series.

[Janis Bonner]

hard to read

As the penultimate book in the series I expected more. It’s a must read to avoid overall plot holes but the magic of past books was somewhat neutralized at best by justifying inhumane mysteries.

Still well written, a great author but oppressing hopeless story element.

[Connie Morenzoni]

Good series!

I was looking for something to read, I enjoy reading paranormal and mysteries. Found this series. It spiked my interest. It was different. It's written in a way that you can't wait for the next book. Well written and helped me to get interested in history of the time and location of the story. Well done!

[Mrs Pam Stanton]

The fantasy in these books is appealing but always brings up ways of the world that are questionable. This book excels at this. Although mystery has surrounded the Fae for centuries this story provokes serious thought on how society has treated the less fortunate members of that society & how those actions have created myths & superstitions.

[Hannah Fox]

I was beginning to wonder where the crystal armour group was going but this book gathers many threads, it’s such a clever combination of folklore, history and real time challenges woven together , can’t wait for the final conclusion to this epic tale.

[Vicki Maddox]

This reads like today's news

In our own government, I see the greedy need of politicians to pit brother against brother. The little people ...we are they. Wonderful story. I'm ready for the next one.

[Patricia Moynihan]

Enjoyable read

I always look forward to reading books by Tormod Cockburn. His stories are well researched and compelling with the underlying story building in each of his books to carry me along.

[Mr W T Gomes]

Excellent story telling.

An intricate, compelling narrative. Likeable characters and nasty villains! Lovely background descriptions and full of danger and action. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense for mystery and action.

[R Grisham-Whitehouse]

not enjoying the subplot

I really am a interested in the archaeological story line, but I think the subplot is too melodramatic. I don’t feel it is any reasonable in this day and age.

[Linda Terenzo]

crystal armour

This was a great book. It combined how we treat others who look different from us, and how different myths originated. It had excitement, and many parallels in today’s society.

[Laura Poppenwimer]

Sorry this series is coming to an end. The stories are unique and full of intrigue and action. The characters mesh well together even though under ordinary circumstance they would not have crossed paths or even been friends.

[Laura]

Clever concepts and enigmatic characters

Clever concepts and enigmatic characters kept me reading this story in a sitting. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Bethany A.]

As entertaining as always

… but too short! I really enjoy this series. The imagery and plot twists keep the story hurtling forward. Fun stuff!

[PAULA RAMAGE]

Great read

Love this whole series. It is a great story that will pulls you in. Will highly recommend as a good mystery

[Lynne Webb]

Action packed

Gill and his band of misfit warriors are thrown into the middle of a fairy hunt with added extras and a ghostly piper. Brilliant from start to finish

[Faith Salvas]

Edge of my seat

I love how the stories are building off each other. I love how they make you think and the stories of each of the character's.