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Cauldstane
When ghostwriter Jenny Ryan is summoned to the Scottish Highlands by Sholto MacNab – retired adventurer and Laird of Cauldstane Castle – she’s prepared for travellers’ tales, but not the MacNabs’ violent and tragic history.
Lust, betrayal and murder have blighted family fortunes for generations, together with an ancient curse. As members of the family confide their sins and their secrets, Jenny learns why Cauldstane’s uncertain future divides father and sons.
But someone resents Jenny’s presence. Someone thinks she’s getting too close to Alec MacNab – swordsmith, widower and heir to Cauldstane. Someone will stop at nothing until Jenny has been driven away. Or driven mad.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Especially a dead woman.
Lust, betrayal and murder have blighted family fortunes for generations, together with an ancient curse. As members of the family confide their sins and their secrets, Jenny learns why Cauldstane’s uncertain future divides father and sons.
But someone resents Jenny’s presence. Someone thinks she’s getting too close to Alec MacNab – swordsmith, widower and heir to Cauldstane. Someone will stop at nothing until Jenny has been driven away. Or driven mad.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Especially a dead woman.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
155 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Linda Gillard
19 books284 followersLinda Gillard lives in North Lanarkshire, Scotland and has been an actress, journalist and teacher. She’s the author of ten novels, including STAR GAZING, shortlisted in 2009 for "Romantic Novel of the Year" and the Robin Jenkins Literary Award, for writing that promotes the Scottish landscape.
HOUSE OF SILENCE and THE MEMORY TREE became Kindle bestsellers.
HOUSE OF SILENCE and THE MEMORY TREE became Kindle bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 88 reviews
April 6, 2020
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did , it took me quite by surprise! I’m always a fan of anything to do with family dramas and ghosts and this book definitely has plenty of that. My only complaint is that it was FAR too long. In some spots it just rambled on so pointlessly and would have been far more enjoyable if it had been trimmed down a bit!
January 29, 2014
Wow, Linda's done it again!
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Linda's books, Star Gazing remains top of my favourite books ever list, 5 years after reading it, and I've decided there are 3 reasons for this, and Cauldstane was definitely no exception to that, if anything, I think it's her biggest triumph!
1) Her settings! With Linda's books, you don't just get a book set somewhere and it all just happens there, the setting is like one of the characters itself, and Cauldstane is probably the best of these! Within the first few chapters I was ready to pack up and head there myself, I fell for Cauldstane castle completely!!
2) Her heroines! I always love them, I always want them to be my best friend, (and even always love their best friends too, Rupert was another great example!) In Cauldstane, I not only wanted to be Jenny's friend, but had an extraordinary amount in common with her, and was completely drawn into her story, as I was able to relate so strongly to her!
3) Last but definitely not least, the heroes! Always, always, I fall in love with them, totally, all consuming, I am gutted when the book ends, in love with them! And in Cauldstane, there's no shortage of heroes to choose from! For me, it is without a doubt Alec MacNab who stole my heart away, but I did also love his brother Fergus, and father Sholto too!
All of this, and we get an amazing story too, as Jenny uncovers the tragedy and pain that has plagued Cauldstane and the reason it's lingered so long, I was enthralled throughout!
Read this book, you won't be disappointed!
It's no secret I'm a big fan of Linda's books, Star Gazing remains top of my favourite books ever list, 5 years after reading it, and I've decided there are 3 reasons for this, and Cauldstane was definitely no exception to that, if anything, I think it's her biggest triumph!
1) Her settings! With Linda's books, you don't just get a book set somewhere and it all just happens there, the setting is like one of the characters itself, and Cauldstane is probably the best of these! Within the first few chapters I was ready to pack up and head there myself, I fell for Cauldstane castle completely!!
2) Her heroines! I always love them, I always want them to be my best friend, (and even always love their best friends too, Rupert was another great example!) In Cauldstane, I not only wanted to be Jenny's friend, but had an extraordinary amount in common with her, and was completely drawn into her story, as I was able to relate so strongly to her!
3) Last but definitely not least, the heroes! Always, always, I fall in love with them, totally, all consuming, I am gutted when the book ends, in love with them! And in Cauldstane, there's no shortage of heroes to choose from! For me, it is without a doubt Alec MacNab who stole my heart away, but I did also love his brother Fergus, and father Sholto too!
All of this, and we get an amazing story too, as Jenny uncovers the tragedy and pain that has plagued Cauldstane and the reason it's lingered so long, I was enthralled throughout!
Read this book, you won't be disappointed!
February 18, 2024
Linda Gillard’s paranormal mystery novels peaked my interest awhile ago. I was unimpressed by independent authorship prior. My friend went far back enough on my wish list to choose “Cauldstane” for my birthday and I was happily surprised. This is a decent novel! I waffled between grading it with three or four stars, because it touches upon some tropes. On the other hand, an original story and writing style is a gift, thus I have decided on four stars.
I was keenly interested in the premise and am pleased with how it was crafted. Jenny Ryan is hired by Sholto MacNab, well-known travel adventurer, to write his biography. He hopes it will make the money to repair and maintain Cauldstane Castle, in the Scottish Highlands. I look for novels that portray ghosts in a serious way, without reaching the horror category. I got what I wanted in that regard too. After I finish a novel and ponder it, I often disagree with a villain’s motives. I would think Sholto’s first wife had a better, emotional reason for appearing but the angry ghost instead, leant jolting suspense and action.
Without divulging anything future readers will understand; my two major criticisms are the implausibility of household members not examining a room’s contents for information. It also struck a weak note that any household member could be clueless that the second wife had been disliked, with good reason. My minor critique goes to Jenny’s protracted denial of a haunting in front of her. Besides that and the antique environs of this setting, it was great to read a modern novel instead of a typical historic one, planted in the publishing year 2014. Jenny left the castle on occasion, had a cell phone, and used the internet. This protagonist’s personal story has depth too.
I was keenly interested in the premise and am pleased with how it was crafted. Jenny Ryan is hired by Sholto MacNab, well-known travel adventurer, to write his biography. He hopes it will make the money to repair and maintain Cauldstane Castle, in the Scottish Highlands. I look for novels that portray ghosts in a serious way, without reaching the horror category. I got what I wanted in that regard too. After I finish a novel and ponder it, I often disagree with a villain’s motives. I would think Sholto’s first wife had a better, emotional reason for appearing but the angry ghost instead, leant jolting suspense and action.
Without divulging anything future readers will understand; my two major criticisms are the implausibility of household members not examining a room’s contents for information. It also struck a weak note that any household member could be clueless that the second wife had been disliked, with good reason. My minor critique goes to Jenny’s protracted denial of a haunting in front of her. Besides that and the antique environs of this setting, it was great to read a modern novel instead of a typical historic one, planted in the publishing year 2014. Jenny left the castle on occasion, had a cell phone, and used the internet. This protagonist’s personal story has depth too.
April 6, 2014
A Ghost story about a ghostwriter, and a ghost writing. Spare me!
Read
March 9, 2021Dnf. I just wasn't liking this and finally gave up around 40% in the story.
April 13, 2014
Linda Gillard is an author I had never heard of, until I stumbled onto her fabulous gothic novel, House of Silence, a few months ago. Since then, I've read two other of her novels, purchased a fourth, and visited her beautiful and information-packed website several times.
Gillard is an author living in Scotland whose House of Silence was voted Amazon UK's "Top Ten BEST OF 2011" in the Indie Author category. Many of her previous novels are difficult to come by, but I hope that with increasing publicity, and the publication in book form of her most recent novel, that Gillard's talent will become more widely enjoyed by readers.
Cauldstane is a story set in a crumbling castle in the Highlands of Scotland. In a situation unfortunately realistic in today's world, the MacNab family, who have proudly owned Cauldstane castle for many generations, are now falling into penury. Without heirs, and without money, they are close to having to sell this place to which they are so intimately identified. Into this unhappy situation comes ghostwriter Jenny Ryan, a talented author who is commissioned by Sholto MacNab, aging mountain climber, desert trekker, and all around adventurer, to write his memoirs. Sholto hopes that publishing a book will bring in some much needed funds and allow him to retain possession of the family estate for a few more years.
When Jenny arrives at Cauldstane, she is initially enchanted by the atmospheric, if rather derelict old castle, as well as by its inhabitants. Of especial interest to her is Sholto's adult son Alec, a troubled widower with a kind heart. However, all is not as peaceful as it seems in the old castle (is it ever?!) and in short order, Jenny becomes involved in dangerous old family secrets which pose a very real threat in the present.
Cauldstane has many elements which make it a great pleasure to read. For one, it has an unimpeachable atmosphere...settings don't get much more gothic and delicious than a cursed old castle in the windblown, rain-soaked, Highlands of Scotland.
Secondly, the characters in this mystery/romance are imperfect, quirky, and eminently likeable. Author Linda Gillard has a talent for creating characters who are unique, in the way that real people are. Her characters in Cauldstane are no exception, from Jenny, who hides insecurities about her mental state, to Alex, who harbors guilt which drives him to bouts of frustration and depression. In developing her characters, Gillard shows an understanding of human psychology and motivation.
Third, Gillard knows how to write a good story; she has a lovely command of language, and writes a compelling plot.
Finally, Cauldstane is a novel with class. What I mean is that although it is NOT a cosy mystery story, instead dealing with real issues of emotional pain, loss, and healing, neither is it graphically sexual or violent. Gillard manages to convey a sense of decency and open-mindedness at the same time. Her books are the type that make me curious about the author as a person.
I think readers who enjoy this novel would enjoy visiting Gillard's website, which has additional information about her novels, her unusual and inspiring life, and other issues which interest her.
I would recommend Cauldstane to fans of The Thirteenth Tale, Rebecca, or Gillard's earlier House of Silence.
Gillard is an author living in Scotland whose House of Silence was voted Amazon UK's "Top Ten BEST OF 2011" in the Indie Author category. Many of her previous novels are difficult to come by, but I hope that with increasing publicity, and the publication in book form of her most recent novel, that Gillard's talent will become more widely enjoyed by readers.
Cauldstane is a story set in a crumbling castle in the Highlands of Scotland. In a situation unfortunately realistic in today's world, the MacNab family, who have proudly owned Cauldstane castle for many generations, are now falling into penury. Without heirs, and without money, they are close to having to sell this place to which they are so intimately identified. Into this unhappy situation comes ghostwriter Jenny Ryan, a talented author who is commissioned by Sholto MacNab, aging mountain climber, desert trekker, and all around adventurer, to write his memoirs. Sholto hopes that publishing a book will bring in some much needed funds and allow him to retain possession of the family estate for a few more years.
When Jenny arrives at Cauldstane, she is initially enchanted by the atmospheric, if rather derelict old castle, as well as by its inhabitants. Of especial interest to her is Sholto's adult son Alec, a troubled widower with a kind heart. However, all is not as peaceful as it seems in the old castle (is it ever?!) and in short order, Jenny becomes involved in dangerous old family secrets which pose a very real threat in the present.
Cauldstane has many elements which make it a great pleasure to read. For one, it has an unimpeachable atmosphere...settings don't get much more gothic and delicious than a cursed old castle in the windblown, rain-soaked, Highlands of Scotland.
Secondly, the characters in this mystery/romance are imperfect, quirky, and eminently likeable. Author Linda Gillard has a talent for creating characters who are unique, in the way that real people are. Her characters in Cauldstane are no exception, from Jenny, who hides insecurities about her mental state, to Alex, who harbors guilt which drives him to bouts of frustration and depression. In developing her characters, Gillard shows an understanding of human psychology and motivation.
Third, Gillard knows how to write a good story; she has a lovely command of language, and writes a compelling plot.
Finally, Cauldstane is a novel with class. What I mean is that although it is NOT a cosy mystery story, instead dealing with real issues of emotional pain, loss, and healing, neither is it graphically sexual or violent. Gillard manages to convey a sense of decency and open-mindedness at the same time. Her books are the type that make me curious about the author as a person.
I think readers who enjoy this novel would enjoy visiting Gillard's website, which has additional information about her novels, her unusual and inspiring life, and other issues which interest her.
I would recommend Cauldstane to fans of The Thirteenth Tale, Rebecca, or Gillard's earlier House of Silence.
November 1, 2019
This book was given to me by the author, and as was the case with her other books, I was very grateful for the read.
Despite the sometimes tragic and unsettling events described in the story, I frequently found myself chuckling at the wit of the dialogue or inner monologue of the heroine. This is about a ghost writer, in every sense of the term, and once again makes Scotland and its culture an important part of the tale. Do you believe, do you not, is there a curse or not... interesting reflections on fear and its effect on people.
I did guess at one of the revelations towards the end, and had a vague thought as to the final secret, but this did not spoil my enjoyment.
Serendipitously, I read this on Hallowe‘en and the Day of the Dead, so this continues my series of picking up books which have an eerie connection with other aspects of my life or recent reads.
Ideally I will make this book into a bookcrossing ring or ray, but as I have now read it in the home of a Scottish friend in Belgium, I do want to leave it to be read here first.
There are still a few books by Linda Gillard which I have yet to read - she remains on my virtual TBR list, if not yet my physical TBR pile!
Despite the sometimes tragic and unsettling events described in the story, I frequently found myself chuckling at the wit of the dialogue or inner monologue of the heroine. This is about a ghost writer, in every sense of the term, and once again makes Scotland and its culture an important part of the tale. Do you believe, do you not, is there a curse or not... interesting reflections on fear and its effect on people.
I did guess at one of the revelations towards the end, and had a vague thought as to the final secret, but this did not spoil my enjoyment.
Serendipitously, I read this on Hallowe‘en and the Day of the Dead, so this continues my series of picking up books which have an eerie connection with other aspects of my life or recent reads.
Ideally I will make this book into a bookcrossing ring or ray, but as I have now read it in the home of a Scottish friend in Belgium, I do want to leave it to be read here first.
There are still a few books by Linda Gillard which I have yet to read - she remains on my virtual TBR list, if not yet my physical TBR pile!
April 21, 2014
When Jenny Ryan travels to Cauldstane Castle in the Scottish Highlands to meet with the enigmatic explorer, Sholto MacNab, she expects that his aversion towards female writers will prove something of a stumbling block; however, Sholto needs someone to ghost write his memoirs and Jenny is the best there is in the business. With some trepidation on both their parts, Jenny and Sholto begin the daunting task of fleshing out the glorious details of Sholto’s life and yet malevolent forces at work within the castle are set to make sure that Jenny’s task is far from straightforward.
Running throughout the narrative like a shadowy thread is a story of a spiteful spirit whose unpleasant interference threatens the very safety of those people whose affinity for Cauldstane runs deep. But where there is darkness there is also light and a delicious assortment of characters whose very personalities infuse the story with warmth and charm. From the enigmatic and tenacious Sholto, through to the mesmerising charm of Alec, the armourer whose skill at swordplay leaves Jenny, and no doubt a few other female readers, quite breathless, this story of ancient curses, malevolent mischief and illicit desire has all the ingredients of an outstanding Gothic novel.
As a reader I have devoured books by Daphne du Maurier and Victoria Holt and there is no doubt that Linda Gillard’s rare gift for storytelling has been influenced by her own passion for this type of Gothic romance. Her uncanny ability to create pictures with words takes you on a journey into the very heart and soul of the Scottish Highlands and as the cold stone of Cauldstane Castle trembles under your fingertips, you sense the fear and feel the ingrained majesty and loneliness of this place of ancient secrets, curses and sadness.
To lose yourself in a Linda Gillard novel is like curling up on the sofa with your best friend, whose secrets are infinitely more exciting than your own, and in whose company you never fail to be mesmerised.
Highly Recommended.
Running throughout the narrative like a shadowy thread is a story of a spiteful spirit whose unpleasant interference threatens the very safety of those people whose affinity for Cauldstane runs deep. But where there is darkness there is also light and a delicious assortment of characters whose very personalities infuse the story with warmth and charm. From the enigmatic and tenacious Sholto, through to the mesmerising charm of Alec, the armourer whose skill at swordplay leaves Jenny, and no doubt a few other female readers, quite breathless, this story of ancient curses, malevolent mischief and illicit desire has all the ingredients of an outstanding Gothic novel.
As a reader I have devoured books by Daphne du Maurier and Victoria Holt and there is no doubt that Linda Gillard’s rare gift for storytelling has been influenced by her own passion for this type of Gothic romance. Her uncanny ability to create pictures with words takes you on a journey into the very heart and soul of the Scottish Highlands and as the cold stone of Cauldstane Castle trembles under your fingertips, you sense the fear and feel the ingrained majesty and loneliness of this place of ancient secrets, curses and sadness.
To lose yourself in a Linda Gillard novel is like curling up on the sofa with your best friend, whose secrets are infinitely more exciting than your own, and in whose company you never fail to be mesmerised.
Highly Recommended.
March 8, 2016
‘Hell hath no fury like a woman spurned’– especially a dead woman.
Set in a crumbling castle in the Scottish Highlands, Cauldstane steps briskly through its chilly clime, blending romance with an entertaining dose of the supernatural. Both love tale and ghost story, Gillard breathes life into modern and believable yet satisfyingly romantic characters. And there is pleasing symbolism in the novel’s well-researched background: the batty occupy the belfry while love flares in the forge. I was hoping for a few more surprises in the denouement, but this is still a satisfying read.
Set in a crumbling castle in the Scottish Highlands, Cauldstane steps briskly through its chilly clime, blending romance with an entertaining dose of the supernatural. Both love tale and ghost story, Gillard breathes life into modern and believable yet satisfyingly romantic characters. And there is pleasing symbolism in the novel’s well-researched background: the batty occupy the belfry while love flares in the forge. I was hoping for a few more surprises in the denouement, but this is still a satisfying read.
April 22, 2014
What did I think? I think all the people who gave this book 4 and 5 stars must've been paid off with gift certificates to Applebee's or something, because this was one of the most overblown, soapy, cheese fests I've ever encountered. The first half was somewhat bearable, but every page past that got worse and worse. I finished it because I'd reached its event horizon, but I'm kind of sorry I did. Those are two or three hours of my life I'll never get back.
June 20, 2014
We are proud to announce that CAULDSTANE by Linda Gillard is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 29, 2015
A 'thumping good read' that I didn't want to end.
February 9, 2014
Linda Gillard is a wonderful writer. Her books – and I’ve read them all – always have strongly drawn characters that leap off the page, great insight into thoughts and emotions and a wonderful sense of place. And they always tell an excellent story. And if you’re like me, you have to read them immediately they hit your Kindle, and not stop until you hit the very last line. If you’ve enjoyed any of her previous books, you most certainly won’t be disappointed in this one. Probably sitting somewhere between The Glass Guardian and House of Silence – although it’d be quite wrong to define the author’s books by category or genre, they’re all very different – she most definitely has another winner here. The strapline is “a gothic novel in the tradition of Daphne du Maurier and Victoria Holt”, and I think that just about hits it on the head.
Cauldstane Castle is a wonderful creation – the author’s settings are always vividly drawn, but the castle in this story lives and breathes as another character in the story, its rooms and atmosphere as real by the end as the room in which I was reading. The heroine, Jenny, has a complex background and the right intrepid spirit for a gothic novel like this: I loved her as much as I loved her friend Roger and the wonderful eccentric Sholto McNab. Alec is a perfect leading man – I’m a sucker for any man with such sensitivity and gentleness coupled with a deft touch with a claymore. The paranormal elements are exceptionally well done – gently disturbing, but I have to admit to being a bit of a wuss in that regard.
This book is a fantastic read. Buy it immediately for your Kindle – or wait a little while and it will be available as a paperback in due course. No-one I know handles a rattling good story like this as well as Linda Gillard. And while you’re at it, why not try one of her earlier books? My personal favourites are Star Gazing, House of Silence and A Lifetime Burning – but the fun will be in discovering your own.
Cauldstane Castle is a wonderful creation – the author’s settings are always vividly drawn, but the castle in this story lives and breathes as another character in the story, its rooms and atmosphere as real by the end as the room in which I was reading. The heroine, Jenny, has a complex background and the right intrepid spirit for a gothic novel like this: I loved her as much as I loved her friend Roger and the wonderful eccentric Sholto McNab. Alec is a perfect leading man – I’m a sucker for any man with such sensitivity and gentleness coupled with a deft touch with a claymore. The paranormal elements are exceptionally well done – gently disturbing, but I have to admit to being a bit of a wuss in that regard.
This book is a fantastic read. Buy it immediately for your Kindle – or wait a little while and it will be available as a paperback in due course. No-one I know handles a rattling good story like this as well as Linda Gillard. And while you’re at it, why not try one of her earlier books? My personal favourites are Star Gazing, House of Silence and A Lifetime Burning – but the fun will be in discovering your own.
April 14, 2014
A VERY WELL DESERVED 5 Stars.
In the words of two of the characters ..... ' ''It has all the right ingredients.''
''Let me guess .... Money. Class. Sex. Scandal. And a big country house?'' '
At the heart of Cauldstane are the MacNab family, consisting of Sholto, his sons Alec and Fergus and Zelda, Sholto's sister. The MacNabs have been the resident family of Cauldstane for centuries but the family are struggling to make ends meet and keep the roof above their heads. Sholto sets about employing a ghostwriter to write his memoirs, in an attempt to rise some finance. In steps Jenny Ryan, not quite the ghostwriter that Sholto was expecting.
Like other novels by Linda Gillard this one follows similar themes - secrets, romance, family relationships, a mature heroine and at the heart of it a house that comes alive and takes on a character all of it's own.
Opening one of Linda Gillard's books is like settling down into your comfiest chair, as once you get into it you know you're never going to want to leave it.
This book will appeal to people who enjoy books by Rachel Hore and Kate Morton. This author should be more well known than she is but as Publishers failed to make her fit into a specific genre, she has had to turn to self publishing to get her work out there and I'm glad that she did.
Thanks Linda Gillard for another great story and I wait longingly for the next one. This is set to be in my Top 10 of the year.
In the words of two of the characters ..... ' ''It has all the right ingredients.''
''Let me guess .... Money. Class. Sex. Scandal. And a big country house?'' '
At the heart of Cauldstane are the MacNab family, consisting of Sholto, his sons Alec and Fergus and Zelda, Sholto's sister. The MacNabs have been the resident family of Cauldstane for centuries but the family are struggling to make ends meet and keep the roof above their heads. Sholto sets about employing a ghostwriter to write his memoirs, in an attempt to rise some finance. In steps Jenny Ryan, not quite the ghostwriter that Sholto was expecting.
Like other novels by Linda Gillard this one follows similar themes - secrets, romance, family relationships, a mature heroine and at the heart of it a house that comes alive and takes on a character all of it's own.
Opening one of Linda Gillard's books is like settling down into your comfiest chair, as once you get into it you know you're never going to want to leave it.
This book will appeal to people who enjoy books by Rachel Hore and Kate Morton. This author should be more well known than she is but as Publishers failed to make her fit into a specific genre, she has had to turn to self publishing to get her work out there and I'm glad that she did.
Thanks Linda Gillard for another great story and I wait longingly for the next one. This is set to be in my Top 10 of the year.
June 3, 2015
Ghostwriting with actual ghosts
Fall in love with a good old fashioned Highland haunted castle, a family curse, a trio of swashbuckling MacNab men, and a heroine who will steal your heart. Jenny Ryan is a professional ghostwriter invited to work on the memoir of the charming elderly Sholto MacNab.
Disclaimer: I am a professional ghostwriter. Unfortunately I have yet to be invited to a spooky but charming Scottish castle to do a memoir. But the work is interesting. The description of the ghostwriting process, by the way, is superb--especially the dance a ghostwriter does with their subject, and the fact that clients often want to do a book to achieve a larger goal. On this case. To save the cursed but magnificent Cauldstane. Jenny has her work cut out for her, even with the dashing elderly Sholto MacNab spitting his stories. When Jenny begins receiving messages beyond the grave on her laptop, a deadline for the book may be the least of her worries.
I loved the romance, suspense, Highland atmosphere, lovely characters and horror as well as the sparkling dialogue. I loved this book and cheered for Alec's (Jenny's leading man) MacNab claymore and the resilience of the MacNab clan,
Fall in love with a good old fashioned Highland haunted castle, a family curse, a trio of swashbuckling MacNab men, and a heroine who will steal your heart. Jenny Ryan is a professional ghostwriter invited to work on the memoir of the charming elderly Sholto MacNab.
Disclaimer: I am a professional ghostwriter. Unfortunately I have yet to be invited to a spooky but charming Scottish castle to do a memoir. But the work is interesting. The description of the ghostwriting process, by the way, is superb--especially the dance a ghostwriter does with their subject, and the fact that clients often want to do a book to achieve a larger goal. On this case. To save the cursed but magnificent Cauldstane. Jenny has her work cut out for her, even with the dashing elderly Sholto MacNab spitting his stories. When Jenny begins receiving messages beyond the grave on her laptop, a deadline for the book may be the least of her worries.
I loved the romance, suspense, Highland atmosphere, lovely characters and horror as well as the sparkling dialogue. I loved this book and cheered for Alec's (Jenny's leading man) MacNab claymore and the resilience of the MacNab clan,
January 31, 2014
This book is described as 'A Gothic novel in the romantic suspense tradition of Daphne du Maurier and Victoria Holt.' To my shame, I've never read Victoria Holt, but I am a du Maurier fan, and I think this description is spot on. Jenny Ryan is a ghostwriter, who travels to Scotland to stay in a castle and write the memoirs of its laird, Sholto MacNab. There is a great cast of characters, all beautifully drawn, and the castle itself almost becomes a character in its own right, so richly is it described and imagined. What I love about Linda Gillard's writing is her ability to subtly manipulate the emotions of the reader - there are laughs, tears and nail-biting tension, all set within a brilliant plot and against a beautiful and haunting setting. Prior to reading this, my favourite Linda Gillard novel was House of Silence (which I also recommend) but now I'm not sure - I think it's a tie. Cauldstane is an instant classic, and I'm looking forward to the paperback version coming out so I have a good excuse to read it again.
April 27, 2015
Finally finished. I did take a while to read this one, can't pinpoint why, but I did take a break from it half way through. However once I settled down to it again I enjoyed the second half slightly more than the first. Scottish castle, family curse, romance, unexplained deaths to family members and a ghost writer who comes to write the Laird of Cauldstane memoirs. Things unfold along the way for Jenny but she is troubled by the uneasy presence but can't pinpoint why.. something is determined to make her feel this way but why? I loved the castle and it stood out as a character in its own right...not the first castle she has made a main one of the main characters...well done again Linda. Definitely gives it some atmosphere and I enjoyed imagining what it looked like.
I am open minded about the spiritual side of things so it made me uneasy at times. It was a good enough read but I have to say not my favourite of Linda's book, I have enjoyed others more.
I am open minded about the spiritual side of things so it made me uneasy at times. It was a good enough read but I have to say not my favourite of Linda's book, I have enjoyed others more.
February 9, 2014
Absolutely amazing. I loved this book and it just got better and better. It has everything in it. Intrigue, mystery, murder and best of all the supernatural ghost of a jealous wife. Cant wait to read the next one by her. Ive fell onto another fantastic writer. THANK YOU LINDA GILLARD YOU'RE BOOK ARE AMAZING.
May 18, 2014
Pure escapism. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 24, 2022
3.5 stars
A nice heartwarming ghost story with some really chilling moments and some very interesting revelations. This was a good solid read and I did wholeheartedly enjoy it. The writer did such an excellent job of setting the scene and introducing the characters that two chapters in I was taking a little peek at her body of work to see what else I might have to try. And I do have at least one more in mind to read sometime.
I loved the setting here, old Cauldstane and the MacNab family past and present were so well drawn that it didn't take me long to fall in love with all of it. It was easy to love the characters I was supposed to love and the one not meant to be loved was certainly easy to hate. The eerie parts were very eerie, the main romance sweet if perhaps a little less drawn in favor of the rest of the story. If I have any complaint it is that the ending wrapped up almost too neatly.
But in the end that too was a nice and hopeful thing to read and I will certainly have to try something else by the author sometime.
A nice heartwarming ghost story with some really chilling moments and some very interesting revelations. This was a good solid read and I did wholeheartedly enjoy it. The writer did such an excellent job of setting the scene and introducing the characters that two chapters in I was taking a little peek at her body of work to see what else I might have to try. And I do have at least one more in mind to read sometime.
I loved the setting here, old Cauldstane and the MacNab family past and present were so well drawn that it didn't take me long to fall in love with all of it. It was easy to love the characters I was supposed to love and the one not meant to be loved was certainly easy to hate. The eerie parts were very eerie, the main romance sweet if perhaps a little less drawn in favor of the rest of the story. If I have any complaint it is that the ending wrapped up almost too neatly.
But in the end that too was a nice and hopeful thing to read and I will certainly have to try something else by the author sometime.
July 23, 2020
A Scottish Family Saga
Cauldstane
I love Scotland and I love family sagas. Many times I get directed to romance novels, because I am passionate about history and historical fiction. Gillard did a nice job of intertwining her characters with suspense and mystery and didn't drench them in unnecessary romance. I was impressed! I enjoyed the book.
A few laugh out louds along with the suspense. Certainly not overly predictable. Really liked the setting and the family closeness and love shown in her well defined characters.
Too many tell the story in their reviews, sorry, you will have to pick up the book and start reading, it won't disappoint!
Cauldstane
I love Scotland and I love family sagas. Many times I get directed to romance novels, because I am passionate about history and historical fiction. Gillard did a nice job of intertwining her characters with suspense and mystery and didn't drench them in unnecessary romance. I was impressed! I enjoyed the book.
A few laugh out louds along with the suspense. Certainly not overly predictable. Really liked the setting and the family closeness and love shown in her well defined characters.
Too many tell the story in their reviews, sorry, you will have to pick up the book and start reading, it won't disappoint!
June 12, 2021
Each time I finish a Linda Gillard book I think it can't get any better. Then I read another and sure enough; "Cauldstane" was a truly unbelievably awesome story. I enjoyed every character, would love to have Jenny for a friend. The writing just flows, each word exactly the right one. Sure a bit of a predictable ghost story with a little romance but oh the fun of reading it! This story made me set it aside for a while with one chapter to go because I DID NOT want it to end! Thank you, Linda, for not writing- The End - because I can keep the folks at Cauldstane alive in my imagination .
May 24, 2021
A very enjoyable read; the package of a Scottish castle and a haunting all wrapped to Scottish tradition and family pride. The MacNab’s are an interesting family with a curse in their background that continues to effect them all. A newcomer to the castle untangles some history while she is ghost writing a book about the current owner of Cauldstane, Sholto MacNab. Satisfying story throughout and look forward to reading more by this author.
August 15, 2020
Linda Gillard has got me hooked into her characters again. I love how easy to read her novels are and how you can sit on a rainy day and get hooked.
A classic ghost story with a little romance thrown in. I have read some reviews that have said the story was obvious etc. But it is a tale of love, hate and life. Sometimes you just want to follow the characters life's. It doesn't always have to be twists and turns on every page. An enjoyable read.
A classic ghost story with a little romance thrown in. I have read some reviews that have said the story was obvious etc. But it is a tale of love, hate and life. Sometimes you just want to follow the characters life's. It doesn't always have to be twists and turns on every page. An enjoyable read.
May 29, 2021
When I started reading this novel, I thought it would be focusing on the ghost writing of the elderly Sholto and delve into his travels and stories. Then we learned of a family curse, deaths of family members and the story became a gothic ghost story. I enjoyed the book and it was quite a story, with the mystery around the castle itself and various women married into the family meeting untimely deaths.
September 11, 2022
A True ghost story
I so enjoyed this story located in an old castle in the Highlands. There's a ghost bent on revenge and our heroine who falls in love not only with the son of the Laird, but also the castle. Ms. Gillard tells this tale as interesting and proficient as her other books.
I so enjoyed this story located in an old castle in the Highlands. There's a ghost bent on revenge and our heroine who falls in love not only with the son of the Laird, but also the castle. Ms. Gillard tells this tale as interesting and proficient as her other books.
October 15, 2018
Again, Great!
I loved a House of Silence and Cauldstane did not disappoint! The author has a wonderful talent for making bumps in the night realistic as are her characters. I’m putting Linda Gillard on my favorite author list and will keep an eye out for other novels.
I loved a House of Silence and Cauldstane did not disappoint! The author has a wonderful talent for making bumps in the night realistic as are her characters. I’m putting Linda Gillard on my favorite author list and will keep an eye out for other novels.
September 9, 2019
I enjoyed this old-fashioned gothic tale -with very modern characters- a lot. Read it in my garden over a sunny weekend. A satisfying mix of a Rosamund Pilcher style take on Scotland and a (not too disturbing) romantic ghost story.
November 13, 2019
As usual with Linda's books, there is a wonderful setting, great characters and excellent writing, I have to confess though that ghost stories are not really my thing so this is not one of my favourites.
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