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Beltane Massacre, The
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.
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
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 15, 2025
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!
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!
April 30, 2026
A 3+
This one felt a tad slow for a big chuck of book -- but realistic too. I doubt investigations even by 'secret' police are shootouts and beatings. More routine surveillance and such which was reflected here.
Some tensions late that felt real but maybe could have been dragged out a bit more.
Could see a follow-up book quite easily.
This one felt a tad slow for a big chuck of book -- but realistic too. I doubt investigations even by 'secret' police are shootouts and beatings. More routine surveillance and such which was reflected here.
Some tensions late that felt real but maybe could have been dragged out a bit more.
Could see a follow-up book quite easily.
June 24, 2026
Was hooked by the first chapter. Loved the Edinburgh and London setting and the main character Rowan. Ray, I hope this is the beginning of a series, Rowan seems to like being a spy/investigator way more than an academic! Lots of scope for future books :)
April 4, 2026
Excellent read! A true crime/spy novel with lots of twists. I could not put it down.
June 17, 2026
A good novel mixed with loss, love and dirty politics. Old friends uncover the truth behind people who have power and try to control the outcome through manipulation.
June 17, 2026
This one kept me reading! Author is from Newfoundland & Labrador.
June 14, 2026
Crisply written, worth the read
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews