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The Denburn
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
John Duncan
38 books5 followersJohn Duncan is Aberdeen born and bred. Growing up in the suburb of Bucksburn his love of books came from regular visits to the library with his mum and time spent with wonderful English teachers at secondary school. He went on to be a teacher himself teaching English, Media Studies, and most recently working in Support for Learning.
Entranced by the thrills and suspense of Murder Mysteries from a young age, John always wanted to create a dark mystery world of his own – it only took him three and half decades to finally sit down and do it. Now he has started there’s no stopping as he is researching and writing with any spare time he has.
One thing his wants to get across in his books is the history of the place he calls home. The northeast of Scotland tends only to be known for three things: Grey Granite, the Oil Industry, and Fergie’s success at Aberdeen Football Club – but the rich stories and culture that run through those silver streaks of granite tell a wider and more varied history. From pirates and smugglers to witches, lands and their lairds who owned it to scandals kept quiet from the world, there's many a tale to tell.
Each street name, closed door, public space, quiet cemetery, shopping centre and piece of architecture has a story behind it. Using this as a backdrop for crime stories, John aims to tell those stories and guide you through a city you thought you knew, but from a very different angle.
A dad, step-dad, and cat-dad, with a love for live music and stand-up comedy, he lives with his better half Victoria in Aberdeen.
Entranced by the thrills and suspense of Murder Mysteries from a young age, John always wanted to create a dark mystery world of his own – it only took him three and half decades to finally sit down and do it. Now he has started there’s no stopping as he is researching and writing with any spare time he has.
One thing his wants to get across in his books is the history of the place he calls home. The northeast of Scotland tends only to be known for three things: Grey Granite, the Oil Industry, and Fergie’s success at Aberdeen Football Club – but the rich stories and culture that run through those silver streaks of granite tell a wider and more varied history. From pirates and smugglers to witches, lands and their lairds who owned it to scandals kept quiet from the world, there's many a tale to tell.
Each street name, closed door, public space, quiet cemetery, shopping centre and piece of architecture has a story behind it. Using this as a backdrop for crime stories, John aims to tell those stories and guide you through a city you thought you knew, but from a very different angle.
A dad, step-dad, and cat-dad, with a love for live music and stand-up comedy, he lives with his better half Victoria in Aberdeen.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 12, 2026
Amazing story from start to finish I thought I knew who the killer was from early on but how wrong I was. One of those couldn’t put down books can’t wait for his next one
July 9, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Denburn by John Duncan. From the very first chapter, the storyline drew me in and kept me turning the pages. The twists were clever and genuinely unexpected, making it difficult to predict what would happen next.
As a fan of crime novels, I loved the suspense and the way the mystery unfolded. It’s an exciting, well-written read with great pacing and plenty of surprises along the way. I found it hard to put down and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a gripping crime thriller.
As a fan of crime novels, I loved the suspense and the way the mystery unfolded. It’s an exciting, well-written read with great pacing and plenty of surprises along the way. I found it hard to put down and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a gripping crime thriller.
July 9, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be buying copies for friends.
As an Aberdeen resident I appreciate the respectful references to things local and I enjoyed the history of the area woven into the story.
The plot was interesting and the characters engaging. I look forward to the next book in the series.
As an Aberdeen resident I appreciate the respectful references to things local and I enjoyed the history of the area woven into the story.
The plot was interesting and the characters engaging. I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 5, 2026
Not my usual read but absolutely loved it! Being from Aberdeen really helped me visualise the areas whilst reading! Loved how there is a bit of history thrown in aswell. Looking forward to the next book 😃
July 4, 2026
Very interesting story - set in my home town. Unusual twist. Looking forward to the next book already.
July 9, 2026
A great debut novel, I enjoyed the characters and the history of Aberdeen woven between the pages.
Can’t wait to continue following the cases of Roach and Tennant.
Can’t wait to continue following the cases of Roach and Tennant.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews