Beltane Massacre, The

by Ray Critch

Simultaneously a high-stakes mystery and an in-depth exploration of grief and loss, The Beltane Massacre is reminiscent of a classic spy novel with a modern twist – Rowan McRae is a different kind of hero for a different age who must learn how to move on after experiencing unthinkable tragedy.


Rowan McRae, a former Canadian Forces intelligence officer, lives in the UK with a beautiful wife and healthy baby. He’s about to finish his PhD and then take up a teaching post in London. But then the unthinkable happens at the Edinburgh Beltane Festival; his wife and son, along with dozens of other people, are killed when a bomb is tossed into the bonfire. One year later, Rowan is enlisted by MI5 to help jumpstart the foundering investigation into the bombing. In so doing, he uncovers a conspiracy touching on the highest levels of society—a conspiracy protecting the bomber.

248 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Sara Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally.... a mystery that doesn't insult the reader's intelligence with competent characters and believable circumstances! McRae, the main character was a believable young widow who was actually likeable!

I absolutely loved this read and the mix of spy, drama, humour and romance.

Ray for a debut book, this checks all the right boxes for me!