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Yule is the fifth instalment of 1588: A Calendar of Crime, a collection of short stories published in step with the sixteenth century calendar.
Despite prohibitions on celebrating Yule, the old traditions still persist among the tenant farmers on Hew’s estate at Kenly Green. Hew defends a tenant against both Kirk and Crown when a violent accident befalls an unwelcome guest who has turned up uninvited to the feast.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2016
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About the author
Shirley Mckay
13 books43 followersShirley McKay was born in Tynemouth but now lives with her family in Fife. At the age of fifteen she won the Young Observer playwriting competition, her play being performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. She went on to study English and Linguistics at the University of St Andrews before attending Durham University for postgraduate study in Romantic and seventeenth century prose. She was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger. Shirley works as a freelance proofreader.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 9, 2018
The fifth and final book in the Calendar of Crime series of shorter stories about Huw Cullan, this continued the trend of being a good read and difficult to put down. The twist in the story, although I actually did manage to predict it, was well delivered and I enjoyed meeting well loved characters again and seeing how they developed. I already miss Huw - wonder what's in store next.
September 3, 2018
This was a wonderful end to the Calendar series of short books. I am fully engrossed in the world of Hew Callan and his compatriots in medieval St Andrews. It's also such a relief to read a book that is genuinely well-written as well as having a range of interesting characters and a compelling setting.
December 1, 2016
16th century Scotland brought to life.
This is a book of 5 short stories, each of which can be read independently, though each feature Hew Cullan. Set in Scotland in 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada.
They encompass the murder of a candlemaker, Spanish ghosts, false crimes and the various forces of love. Hew Cullan, a university tutor, weaves his way through each of them, together with Frances his wife and Giles Locke, a fellow tutor.
They are based on five festivals through the year: Candlemas; Whitsunday; Lammas; Martinmas and Yule. Thoughtfully, the author has provided a brief explanation of these events so that the modern reader can understand the historical significance.
The author uses colloquial Scots terms when using dialogue, which struck me as unusual at first until I got used to it. Thankfully, she has also provided a glossary of these terms at the end of the book.
Not the easiest book to read, but once you get used to the dialogue and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the times, it does become absorbing. The author certainly has a very good knowledge of 16th century Scotland.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is a book of 5 short stories, each of which can be read independently, though each feature Hew Cullan. Set in Scotland in 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada.
They encompass the murder of a candlemaker, Spanish ghosts, false crimes and the various forces of love. Hew Cullan, a university tutor, weaves his way through each of them, together with Frances his wife and Giles Locke, a fellow tutor.
They are based on five festivals through the year: Candlemas; Whitsunday; Lammas; Martinmas and Yule. Thoughtfully, the author has provided a brief explanation of these events so that the modern reader can understand the historical significance.
The author uses colloquial Scots terms when using dialogue, which struck me as unusual at first until I got used to it. Thankfully, she has also provided a glossary of these terms at the end of the book.
Not the easiest book to read, but once you get used to the dialogue and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the times, it does become absorbing. The author certainly has a very good knowledge of 16th century Scotland.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews