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The Mash House
Cullrothes, in the Scottish Highlands, where Innes hides a terrible secret from his girlfriend Alice, a gorgeous, cheating, lying schoolteacher. In the same village, Donald is the aggressive distillery owner, who floods the country with narcotics alongside his single malt; when his son goes missing, he becomes haunted by an anonymous American investor intent on purchasing the Cullrothes Distillery by any means necessary. Schoolgirl Jessie is trying to get the grades to escape to the mainland, while Grandpa counts the days left in his life.
This is a place where mountains are immense and the loch freezes in winter. A place with only one road in and out. With long storms and furious midges and a terrible phone signal. The police are compromised, the journalists are scum, and the innocent folk of Cullrothes tangle themselves in a fermenting barrel of suspicion, malice and lies.
The Mash House uses multiple narratives to weave together the parallel lives of individuals in the village. Each fractured by the fears and uncertainty in their own minds.
This is a place where mountains are immense and the loch freezes in winter. A place with only one road in and out. With long storms and furious midges and a terrible phone signal. The police are compromised, the journalists are scum, and the innocent folk of Cullrothes tangle themselves in a fermenting barrel of suspicion, malice and lies.
The Mash House uses multiple narratives to weave together the parallel lives of individuals in the village. Each fractured by the fears and uncertainty in their own minds.
- GenresCrime
423 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2021
9 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Alan Gillespie
2 books16 followersAlan Gillespie is a writer and teacher from Fife, Scotland. He has studied at the Universities of Stirling, Glasgow and Strathclyde. His articles and stories have appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Herald, Northwords Now and New Writing Scotland, and elsewhere. In 2011 he was awarded the Scottish Emerging Writer’s residency at Cove Park. The Mash House is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 25, 2021
“The villagers had whisky in their blood”
This novel is to an avid reader what a good malt is to a whisky connoisseur.
With the title as a nod to the whisky distillation process, it’s not surprising that this drink features in almost every chapter. The novel’s tagline promises secrets, death and malt whisky, all of which are delivered. The plot entangles an intricate web of illicit affairs, dodgy deals, manslaughters and murders. What begins as a missing cat and a missing son soon turns into a long list of crimes, giving you chills that only the smooth burn of whisky could cure.
If you're in search of a gripping read, you need to add The Mash House to your reading list- I'm glad I did.
This novel is to an avid reader what a good malt is to a whisky connoisseur.
With the title as a nod to the whisky distillation process, it’s not surprising that this drink features in almost every chapter. The novel’s tagline promises secrets, death and malt whisky, all of which are delivered. The plot entangles an intricate web of illicit affairs, dodgy deals, manslaughters and murders. What begins as a missing cat and a missing son soon turns into a long list of crimes, giving you chills that only the smooth burn of whisky could cure.
If you're in search of a gripping read, you need to add The Mash House to your reading list- I'm glad I did.
May 6, 2021
Rating: 0.5/5
I have great admiration for anyone who sits down, puts pen to paper and sets about fulfilling their dream of writing a novel. But there are times when that desire to write should be pursued purely for the individual's own pleasure and satisfaction rather than be published and laid open to wider scrutiny. This is one such occasion.
The warning signs are evident on the very first page of the book:
'Alice had been driving with the windows open, and when she hit the cat the sound of its bell tinkled noisily until it landed'
Apart from the fact that tinkling noisily is, by definition, a contradiction in terms, just how huge would a cat's bell need to be for someone who was driving to be able to hear it over the sound of the engine, the road noise and the wind coming in through the open car window?
I wish I could find something positive to say about this book, but it really is very shoddy. The dialogue is cringeworthy and made even worse by the fact that no speech marks are used, which makes reading the already poor discourse even more awkward for the reader to follow. I don't know whether this decision to forego this element of punctuation was deliberate on the part of the author or publisher, or whether it is an error in the Kindle edition of the book. Either way, it just makes a painful reading experience even more excruciating.
Dreadful. Don't waste your time or money on this.
I have great admiration for anyone who sits down, puts pen to paper and sets about fulfilling their dream of writing a novel. But there are times when that desire to write should be pursued purely for the individual's own pleasure and satisfaction rather than be published and laid open to wider scrutiny. This is one such occasion.
The warning signs are evident on the very first page of the book:
'Alice had been driving with the windows open, and when she hit the cat the sound of its bell tinkled noisily until it landed'
Apart from the fact that tinkling noisily is, by definition, a contradiction in terms, just how huge would a cat's bell need to be for someone who was driving to be able to hear it over the sound of the engine, the road noise and the wind coming in through the open car window?
I wish I could find something positive to say about this book, but it really is very shoddy. The dialogue is cringeworthy and made even worse by the fact that no speech marks are used, which makes reading the already poor discourse even more awkward for the reader to follow. I don't know whether this decision to forego this element of punctuation was deliberate on the part of the author or publisher, or whether it is an error in the Kindle edition of the book. Either way, it just makes a painful reading experience even more excruciating.
Dreadful. Don't waste your time or money on this.
May 6, 2021
Quick, vocal and subtly mesmerising. The Mash House is an alluring, metronomic, exploration of the odd, the passive aggressive, the mean, the fumbling, the dying, the trying and the downright murderous undercurrent flowing through a picture postcard village. The story is anchored on delicious, perfectly observed, human detail and man alive does it suck you in, bundle you up and tangle you through the lives of the people of fictional Culrothes. Each exquisite beat of the book, formed in dram-like short chapters, is a little wink, a nudge and sometimes a shove towards a whisper of flavour. Taken alone each chapter has a short story vibe and taken together it’s smooth as butter, aged to perfection and leaves you wanting more. In the end, there’s nothing subtle about the enjoyment this smasher of a debut will bring. Get it down you.
June 15, 2021
This book should be mentioned on www.doesthedogdie.com with special reference to a cat scene that I shall never be able to get out of my head. The true genius of this book lies with the magnitude of small village spite each character captures that add a tone of dread from the offset. I'd never heard of Tartan Noir until this book but what a great definition. If macabre and gut-clenching is your scene, get this book, I read most of it with my face to the side, squinting at the lines to see what came next! I'm such a wimp. I struggled a bit with the absence of dialogue markers, hence the 4 stars, but I think this is personal reading preference. For content, its a fiver, especially for a debut. Interested to see what comes next from this author.
June 24, 2021
OK, I'm being honest here, among my passions are Scottish crime fiction and single malt whisky. That being the case, the chance to review Gillespie's debut was a bit of a no-brainer for me.
The setting for the story, the (fictional) village of Cullrothes in the Scottish Highlands is a real hotbed of nastiness thanks to the people who live there. There are some glimmers of light but for the most part the locals are a dark bunch and that's probably why I enjoyed The Mash House so much.
The story flips from character to character in short chapters so you don't dwell on one point of view for too long (but the downside to this is that 'one more chapter' soon led to me reading into the small hours of the morning - ah, but I'm not complaining). There are Innes and Alice, a couple so unsuited for each other they deserve each other, the distillery owner almost hounded to sell his business, there are others of varying degrees of light and shade. This is their lives, their village, their story.
For all their nastiness though it was the darker characters that made for the more fun reading even if the prose was what some people may find a bit triggering (not me though, I loved it).
I'll give an appreciative nod to the cover art too, a really evocative piece that matched the writing and the description of the Highlands in the book.
I will certainly be watching out for what this author does next. And I'll be raising a glass of malt tonight to toast a job well done by Alan Gillespie
The setting for the story, the (fictional) village of Cullrothes in the Scottish Highlands is a real hotbed of nastiness thanks to the people who live there. There are some glimmers of light but for the most part the locals are a dark bunch and that's probably why I enjoyed The Mash House so much.
The story flips from character to character in short chapters so you don't dwell on one point of view for too long (but the downside to this is that 'one more chapter' soon led to me reading into the small hours of the morning - ah, but I'm not complaining). There are Innes and Alice, a couple so unsuited for each other they deserve each other, the distillery owner almost hounded to sell his business, there are others of varying degrees of light and shade. This is their lives, their village, their story.
For all their nastiness though it was the darker characters that made for the more fun reading even if the prose was what some people may find a bit triggering (not me though, I loved it).
I'll give an appreciative nod to the cover art too, a really evocative piece that matched the writing and the description of the Highlands in the book.
I will certainly be watching out for what this author does next. And I'll be raising a glass of malt tonight to toast a job well done by Alan Gillespie
April 18, 2021
Set in the early Noughties, "The Mash House" is an exciting debut. Alan Gillespie is a gifted writer, excelling at descriptive, cinematic prose which transports the reader. You can virtually smell the amber nectar emanating from the pages.
The book cover is stunning, and an accurate depiction of the contents within. The story centres around fictional Cullrothes, and is beautifully evocative of Scottish village life. There's something recognisable in each of the characters, authenticated by their dialogue. The book hosts quite a big cast of characters and it's interesting to discover how they all contribute to the overall plot. I particularly loved the relationship between Jessie and Grandpa. I loved to hate the absolute horror that is Alice - queen of the micro-aggression. The opening chapter will stay with me for quite some time! There's also some wicked, pitch black humour scattered throughout, plus a hilarious (and unexpected) nod to one of comedian Limmy's iconic creations. Can you spot it?
This is a book I found hard to put down as I was so drawn into the narrative. Alan Gillespie is an exciting new Scottish novelist. He perfectly portrays the isolation, and contrasting claustrophobia, of island life. "The Mash House" is as darkly addictive as village gossip. I loved it!
The book cover is stunning, and an accurate depiction of the contents within. The story centres around fictional Cullrothes, and is beautifully evocative of Scottish village life. There's something recognisable in each of the characters, authenticated by their dialogue. The book hosts quite a big cast of characters and it's interesting to discover how they all contribute to the overall plot. I particularly loved the relationship between Jessie and Grandpa. I loved to hate the absolute horror that is Alice - queen of the micro-aggression. The opening chapter will stay with me for quite some time! There's also some wicked, pitch black humour scattered throughout, plus a hilarious (and unexpected) nod to one of comedian Limmy's iconic creations. Can you spot it?
This is a book I found hard to put down as I was so drawn into the narrative. Alan Gillespie is an exciting new Scottish novelist. He perfectly portrays the isolation, and contrasting claustrophobia, of island life. "The Mash House" is as darkly addictive as village gossip. I loved it!
August 10, 2021
So before this book I was a Scottish reader that had never heard of the genre Tartan Noir (I know, I know SHAME SHAME SHAME). And to be honest crime fiction isn’t really my type. I find they are mostly repetitive, predictable and lack character depth.
None of these things can be said about The Mash House. It is unlike any other crime fiction book I’ve ever read. It had the ability to keep me on my toes, not knowing what was coming round the corner. Dark and sinister parts just coming out of nowhere after the author lulls you into a false sense of security. And the characters! WOW! Read this book for Alice alone! The most complex character I may have ever read about and I’m still not quite sure if I’ve sussed what she’s all about. What I do know is; love her or hate her Alice is super entertaining!
Surprisingly however, even in such a dark read the author has managed to include such heartfelt beautiful moments, especially between Jessie and her Grandpa. They are a stark contrast to every single other person in the book who are all pretty horrid! In all honesty if you could give me a book full of them and their stories I would 100% read it and love it!
With short and sharp chapters and horrifying characters to absolutely obsess over- The Mash House is a fantastic twisted debut novel!
With that ending though… surely there’s more to come?
None of these things can be said about The Mash House. It is unlike any other crime fiction book I’ve ever read. It had the ability to keep me on my toes, not knowing what was coming round the corner. Dark and sinister parts just coming out of nowhere after the author lulls you into a false sense of security. And the characters! WOW! Read this book for Alice alone! The most complex character I may have ever read about and I’m still not quite sure if I’ve sussed what she’s all about. What I do know is; love her or hate her Alice is super entertaining!
Surprisingly however, even in such a dark read the author has managed to include such heartfelt beautiful moments, especially between Jessie and her Grandpa. They are a stark contrast to every single other person in the book who are all pretty horrid! In all honesty if you could give me a book full of them and their stories I would 100% read it and love it!
With short and sharp chapters and horrifying characters to absolutely obsess over- The Mash House is a fantastic twisted debut novel!
With that ending though… surely there’s more to come?
May 5, 2021
As dark as an Islay malt, 'The Mash House' is a collection of intertwining characters doing terrible things or having terrible things done to them, with a wee glimmer of hope shining throughout. Gillespie's writing is poetic but taught, finding a fine balance between the lyricism of rolling hills and softly lapping lochwater and the brutality of some truly horrible events I won't mention here.
Like finding that perfect dram, 'The Mash House' absolutely hits the spot. Touching, horrifying, sad, and joyful in equal measure, it's a perfectly balanced wee nip. Pour yourself a serving immediately.
Like finding that perfect dram, 'The Mash House' absolutely hits the spot. Touching, horrifying, sad, and joyful in equal measure, it's a perfectly balanced wee nip. Pour yourself a serving immediately.
March 29, 2021
Immersive, and painterly.
Images from this book will stay with me for a long time. I will never look at BluTack in the same way again for a start!
The characters are alive from the beginning, sometimes uncomfortably so.
The narrative encompasses the full gamut of life, from true tenderness to outright nastiness.
An absolute Must Read.
Images from this book will stay with me for a long time. I will never look at BluTack in the same way again for a start!
The characters are alive from the beginning, sometimes uncomfortably so.
The narrative encompasses the full gamut of life, from true tenderness to outright nastiness.
An absolute Must Read.
May 13, 2021
Just finished this page turner. Grips you almost immediately. I feel like i know the characters personally. Brilliant read couldn't put it down. Very descriptive and well written. Highly recommend.
April 3, 2022
Uhmmm...I'm sure there was a plot there somewhere?
June 10, 2021
Can I reel you in with my favourite book review line... Small chapters!!
From the very first page I was invested. Brilliant opening chapter!
Set in Cullrothes; a small village in Scotland, you're introduced to quite a few interesting characters. Each with their own dedicated storyline carefully entwined to create this wee belter of a book!
This book reads like a soap opera, fading in and out of each narrative. There's so much going on, however the author has been careful not to let your interest slip.. in fact the opposite, you're left needing to read more.
With the chapters being so short.. you're always just going to read one more.
I loved the relationship between Jessie and her Grandpa. Two beautiful characters were like a breath of fresh air within such a dark plot.
There's a lot of quite evil males within the book, but two females really stood out to me.
Alice, I don't know where the thought for this character came from? But she's lethal. I've talked about this book quite often and like the book, she's the character I always start with. Her twisted and unnatural behaviour is brutal.. oh and she's a teacher.
Margo, the perfect wife to Donald. Behind every top man there has to be a woman that pulls his strings, Margo fits that bill perfectly. Offering to provide the flowers, as such an innocent gesture really highlights that.
Don't get me wrong there's characters I'd like to have known more about. Storylines that ending quite abruptly. Did this deter from the brilliance of the story... not at all.
I couldn't recommend this book more. Murder, abuse, deceit, drugs, alcohol, secrets and heartbreak. For a debut novel it something quite exciting, I'll be looking out for Alan Gillespie work in the future.
From the very first page I was invested. Brilliant opening chapter!
Set in Cullrothes; a small village in Scotland, you're introduced to quite a few interesting characters. Each with their own dedicated storyline carefully entwined to create this wee belter of a book!
This book reads like a soap opera, fading in and out of each narrative. There's so much going on, however the author has been careful not to let your interest slip.. in fact the opposite, you're left needing to read more.
With the chapters being so short.. you're always just going to read one more.
I loved the relationship between Jessie and her Grandpa. Two beautiful characters were like a breath of fresh air within such a dark plot.
There's a lot of quite evil males within the book, but two females really stood out to me.
Alice, I don't know where the thought for this character came from? But she's lethal. I've talked about this book quite often and like the book, she's the character I always start with. Her twisted and unnatural behaviour is brutal.. oh and she's a teacher.
Margo, the perfect wife to Donald. Behind every top man there has to be a woman that pulls his strings, Margo fits that bill perfectly. Offering to provide the flowers, as such an innocent gesture really highlights that.
Don't get me wrong there's characters I'd like to have known more about. Storylines that ending quite abruptly. Did this deter from the brilliance of the story... not at all.
I couldn't recommend this book more. Murder, abuse, deceit, drugs, alcohol, secrets and heartbreak. For a debut novel it something quite exciting, I'll be looking out for Alan Gillespie work in the future.
June 14, 2021
This is an exciting debut from a new and more importantly, talented Scottish writer. His ability to put such dark humour into a book was uncanny. For such an idyllic setting it rippled with menace, felt extremely claustrophobic and it just hit with the punches from the get go.
Cullrothes feels like the end of the world. A ferry and an hour drive from the mainland, it relies on the local distillery for it's economy and community. But when the self appointed ‘laird’ is a bad apple you find it's the whole tree that is rotten. Plus, it ain't just malt in those barrels - he uses the distillery as a front for his drug business. When his son Bobby goes missing and an American tries to buy out the business he feels as if he is losing grip.
Apart from Jessie and her Grandpa, I don't think there is anyone else who lives in the area that is not evil. God that opening chapter is going to haunt me for a long time, its cruelty set the scene for the rest of the book. I believe I have never had such a visceral reaction to a character before. She is just pure evil. Thankfully, scenes like this are counter-balanced by the love and devotion that Jessie shows her Grandpa. I also was moved by the wee memorial that takes place at the school. Basically, it just shows life. Life is a myriad of connections and stories intertwined. No one area is going to be good or bad - though I all tempted to say this fell on to the bad side of life. This was a great character-driven narrative and they are some of the most colourfully drawn I have read for a long time.
I can see this book doing very well at Bloody Scotland in September. Read it before then and you can be one of the smug ones who can go ‘well I knew about it before it won!’
Cullrothes feels like the end of the world. A ferry and an hour drive from the mainland, it relies on the local distillery for it's economy and community. But when the self appointed ‘laird’ is a bad apple you find it's the whole tree that is rotten. Plus, it ain't just malt in those barrels - he uses the distillery as a front for his drug business. When his son Bobby goes missing and an American tries to buy out the business he feels as if he is losing grip.
Apart from Jessie and her Grandpa, I don't think there is anyone else who lives in the area that is not evil. God that opening chapter is going to haunt me for a long time, its cruelty set the scene for the rest of the book. I believe I have never had such a visceral reaction to a character before. She is just pure evil. Thankfully, scenes like this are counter-balanced by the love and devotion that Jessie shows her Grandpa. I also was moved by the wee memorial that takes place at the school. Basically, it just shows life. Life is a myriad of connections and stories intertwined. No one area is going to be good or bad - though I all tempted to say this fell on to the bad side of life. This was a great character-driven narrative and they are some of the most colourfully drawn I have read for a long time.
I can see this book doing very well at Bloody Scotland in September. Read it before then and you can be one of the smug ones who can go ‘well I knew about it before it won!’
August 16, 2021
This was my first Tartan Noir book (crime fiction set in Scotland) and until this book, I didn’t even know it was called this but my lovely Scottish book club filled me in.
What I loved about this book was the fast paced, sharp snappy chapters. When I sat down to read it I found it sucked me into it so easily and with so many different character each one totally different from the next.
I have to give special mention to Alice. Although surely there must be more coming with story because I’m not satisfied with how Alice was left. In fact I did feel like there was a lot left for me to be questioning so maybe we will see more from Cullrothes in the future.
I absolutely adored Jessie and Grandpa. I just found them a beacon of light in a dark story and craved their chapters and time together.
The other thing is like to mention is the writing, Alan knows how to spin a line and his descriptions although sometimes a bit grim but came with the territory were always very well done. His writings created perfect images of the Scottish highlands and scenery that it made me crave a visit.
If you enjoy crime and gory fiction then I would say this book is for you. There is a surprise and twist waiting throughout and this book really has some messed up stuff happening throughout.
TW - Murder, Cancer, Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse.
What I loved about this book was the fast paced, sharp snappy chapters. When I sat down to read it I found it sucked me into it so easily and with so many different character each one totally different from the next.
I have to give special mention to Alice. Although surely there must be more coming with story because I’m not satisfied with how Alice was left. In fact I did feel like there was a lot left for me to be questioning so maybe we will see more from Cullrothes in the future.
I absolutely adored Jessie and Grandpa. I just found them a beacon of light in a dark story and craved their chapters and time together.
The other thing is like to mention is the writing, Alan knows how to spin a line and his descriptions although sometimes a bit grim but came with the territory were always very well done. His writings created perfect images of the Scottish highlands and scenery that it made me crave a visit.
If you enjoy crime and gory fiction then I would say this book is for you. There is a surprise and twist waiting throughout and this book really has some messed up stuff happening throughout.
TW - Murder, Cancer, Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse.
May 1, 2021
Brilliantly written. The storyline flows smoothly from one character to another, all of whom hold a secret whether it be an illicit affair, a murder/manslaughter or very unscrupulous dealings within the Whisky Distillery or a mere aspiration to better themselves in life. Once started it is hard to put this book down. Indeed your heart fair races in anticipation of what happens next. Whilst drug smuggling, murder and a somewhat sordid affair figure strongly throughout, a softer and more tender relationship between a young girl Jessie and her dying Grandpa shines through. No more giveaways - just highly recommend you read this book.
May 1, 2021
Interesting timing of introduction of this story when ‘staycations’ are being promoted alongside images of idyllic looking highland villages. The contrast of the dishonest, malevolent actions of several shady characters within such a wee highland village creates an even darker tone and an addictive story told within short pacy chapters. The brilliance of including one very warm human relationship between Jessie and her grandpa in amongst all the malice provides a subtle balance that kept me highly invested in the story.
May 7, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the very first chapter. The setting is a highland village in Scotland and the story enfolds through the lives of various characters in the community. I have to say it is not a quiet peaceful place where nothing ever happens!
Wonderful description of both the characters and the local scenery made the book come alive and I had a vivid picture in my head of every chapter I read. My favourite characters were “Grandpa” and “Jess” who shone like a bright light amid the darkness of secrets, lies and corruption.
Wonderful description of both the characters and the local scenery made the book come alive and I had a vivid picture in my head of every chapter I read. My favourite characters were “Grandpa” and “Jess” who shone like a bright light amid the darkness of secrets, lies and corruption.
May 12, 2021
I finished this book in just a few days and was drawn in by the characters and their secrets. The further into it that I got, the harder it was to put down - I had to find out what happened to everyone. There's a delicious darkness to the book and you get the impression that Alan Gillespie had a lot of fun creating this world and the people in it. Alice is probably one of the most terrifying characters I've ever read whereas the relationship between Jessie and Grandpa is tender and beautiful. A brilliant read which will leave you grateful that you don't live in Cullrothes!
June 8, 2021
#booktour
@RandomTTours
The Mash House
Alan Gillespie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fantastic debut novel by this author. It was gripping from the beginning and absolutely packed with exciting, unpredictable plot and fabulously intriguing and wickedly deceitful characters who all seem to roll through their lives, in a beautifully described remote Scottish village, by backstabbing each other and harbouring evil secrets. I couldn’t put it down!
@RandomTTours
The Mash House
Alan Gillespie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fantastic debut novel by this author. It was gripping from the beginning and absolutely packed with exciting, unpredictable plot and fabulously intriguing and wickedly deceitful characters who all seem to roll through their lives, in a beautifully described remote Scottish village, by backstabbing each other and harbouring evil secrets. I couldn’t put it down!
July 18, 2021
It is clear that the author knows this part of Scotland well. The description of the loch, especially with its changing moods and light, is very evocative and the landscape is an important part of the novel. The story is more of a snapshot of the lives of the inhabitants of one village on the shores of the loch, over a period of a few months, rather than a plot with a beginning, middle and end, but the characters are well-drawn and believable, if unpleasant and there is enough pace to keep the reader engaged.
May 1, 2021
Alan Gillespie's first book The Mash House is a really good read. With short chapters and a fast flowing narrative it is hard to put down. He very cleverly but incrementally builds each character up giving insights into them but never telling the full story.
There is a hell of a lot going on in Cullrothes so no spoilers. Read for yourself, you won't be disappointed.....but will want a bit more.
There is a hell of a lot going on in Cullrothes so no spoilers. Read for yourself, you won't be disappointed.....but will want a bit more.
May 1, 2021
Just finished this by Alan Gillespie, terrific stuff, a real page-turner. Lots of nasty things happening to lots of nasty people; if you had a sip of whisky every time something bad happens, you’d be on the floor! Well done, and well done Unbound for publishing it!
BTW, Alan's Grandad must have been a nice fellah!
BTW, Alan's Grandad must have been a nice fellah!
June 9, 2021
First, I should say I really enjoyed this book, since I did. That said, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, which is fine, because it will be others’ – as it was mine. The best way I can think of to describe it is as a mash-up between an old STV day-time soap “Take the High Road” and “The Wicker Man”. It is most definitely not “Whisky Galore”
There are a large number of characters in the book, all well drawn, but none are really “fore-grounded”. Everyone is flawed – with one possible exception – and this made The Mash House, for me, a little un-involving at first. Nevertheless, though I put the book down often, I always picked it up again, an hour or two later, as I began to want to know what would happen next.
Culrothes is not a place to visit if you intend making a trip to the Highlands and that is a compliment to Alan’s depiction of this fictional Scottish village.
This is an extremely good first novel from Alan Gillespie, I hope to read more of his work in future.
The Mash House is published by Unbound and is available on line and at all good bookshops
There are a large number of characters in the book, all well drawn, but none are really “fore-grounded”. Everyone is flawed – with one possible exception – and this made The Mash House, for me, a little un-involving at first. Nevertheless, though I put the book down often, I always picked it up again, an hour or two later, as I began to want to know what would happen next.
Culrothes is not a place to visit if you intend making a trip to the Highlands and that is a compliment to Alan’s depiction of this fictional Scottish village.
This is an extremely good first novel from Alan Gillespie, I hope to read more of his work in future.
The Mash House is published by Unbound and is available on line and at all good bookshops
May 7, 2021
This story grabbed me from the beginning. I read it so quickly because every chapter unveiled another secret and I couldn't wait to discover what happened next. Gripping stuff.
May 30, 2021
I adored this book. Beautifully written, you feel like you are right there in the Highlands.
May 31, 2021
Thé first thing I’d like to say about this book is Joe easily the dialogue flowed with with the omission of inverted commas. I found it reminiscent of Tennessee Williams’ prose. The second is the commendable job in managing the narratives of several characters with minimum confusion for thé reader (in this case, me)
I felt the essence of the highlands from thé very beginning: ‘smoking felt subversive’ and thé inclusion of the feeling of shared isolation ‘someone was always watching’.
I found myself wondering about the characters when I wasn’t reading the book but at the same time, I stressed out the reading of it and didn’t want it to end.
I have already norminated this book for a re-read by the close of the year.
I felt the essence of the highlands from thé very beginning: ‘smoking felt subversive’ and thé inclusion of the feeling of shared isolation ‘someone was always watching’.
I found myself wondering about the characters when I wasn’t reading the book but at the same time, I stressed out the reading of it and didn’t want it to end.
I have already norminated this book for a re-read by the close of the year.
June 6, 2021
A real page turner with twists and surprises throughout. The characters hook you in and make you keep reading - thoroughly enjoyed!
June 16, 2021
A great debut from a talented writer. Utterly gripping from start to finish.
June 23, 2021
I was really impressed by this book and was surprised it was a debut novel. The author has created a really dark and gripping world set in Scotland.
There are lots of different characters to get to know and I loved the diversity and all the varying relationships between them. I devoured the book in just a couple of sittings as I was hooked! The story is engaging and contains a lot of subject matter, it isn’t a light book by any means.
Scotland has always produced good authors and I think Alan Gillespie is a name that will be added to these. I look forward to reading more of his work.
There are lots of different characters to get to know and I loved the diversity and all the varying relationships between them. I devoured the book in just a couple of sittings as I was hooked! The story is engaging and contains a lot of subject matter, it isn’t a light book by any means.
Scotland has always produced good authors and I think Alan Gillespie is a name that will be added to these. I look forward to reading more of his work.
August 16, 2021
Full review to follow when I've gathered my thoughts.
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