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Hew Cullan Mystery #2
Fate & Fortune
In the sixteenth century, a girl is found dead on the beach at St Andrews, Scotland, and a young scholar of the law must play sleuth. 1581: Young St Andrews academic Hew Cullan is unhappy with his life and disillusioned with the law. After his father’s death he is invited by the advocate Richard Cunningham to complete his legal education in Edinburgh as Richard’s pupil at the bar. Among his father’s things, Hew finds a manuscript entitled “In Defence of the Law,” directed to the Edinburgh printer Christian Hall. At first, he resists its influence, but when a young girl is found dead on the beach at St Andrews, he is left unsettled and confused. He resolves to take the book to press and agrees to Richard’s offer. Embarking on his new life in the capital, he falls in love. His relationships are fraught with lies and secrets and lead to brutal murder on the borough muir. Hew suspects a link with the dead girl on the beach. As he begins his desperate search to find the killer, he finds that the truth lies closer to home, in this historical mystery by a Dagger Award finalist.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 4, 2021
‘Your greenness does you credit, I confess. I will be almost sad to see it clouded by experience. Nonetheless, you want to lose a little of that trust.’
By far McKay’s best Hew Cullen book yet. More complex plot combines with her signature deep character conflicts propels the story forward. Leavened with humor and affection.
‘Do you wish for the convolute answer, or the straight one?’ ‘Giles, you have never given a straight answer in your life.’
Unlike Books 1 and 3, Fate and Fortune highlights the prejudices and incivility of sixteenth-century Scotland. Hew’s rank and humanity are casually stripped away by officialdom and amateurs. His modern sensibilities crash into a stone wall of status quo.
‘Do not give way to bitterness. It is more vicious than the pox, and infectious to the core.’
McKay skillfully reveals the villains as Hew remains clueless. Good read.
‘He died,’ Hew whispered wretchedly, ‘and I did not know him.’ ‘And perhaps you never will,’ his friend allowed. ‘Yet we may judge a man as much by how he dies, as how he lives. And a good death, in part, is measured not by how we die, but by what we leave behind.’
By far McKay’s best Hew Cullen book yet. More complex plot combines with her signature deep character conflicts propels the story forward. Leavened with humor and affection.
‘Do you wish for the convolute answer, or the straight one?’ ‘Giles, you have never given a straight answer in your life.’
Unlike Books 1 and 3, Fate and Fortune highlights the prejudices and incivility of sixteenth-century Scotland. Hew’s rank and humanity are casually stripped away by officialdom and amateurs. His modern sensibilities crash into a stone wall of status quo.
‘Do not give way to bitterness. It is more vicious than the pox, and infectious to the core.’
McKay skillfully reveals the villains as Hew remains clueless. Good read.
‘He died,’ Hew whispered wretchedly, ‘and I did not know him.’ ‘And perhaps you never will,’ his friend allowed. ‘Yet we may judge a man as much by how he dies, as how he lives. And a good death, in part, is measured not by how we die, but by what we leave behind.’
September 28, 2015
Since being introduced to C J Sansom's Shardlake series, I've spent a quite some time trying to find more historical crime stories that were as equally enthralling. But having ploughed through many books of this genre, I'd given up hope of finding anything again that was as remotely satisfying as Shardlake, until I came across this series.
The first book (Hue & Cry) was difficult to read for the first few pages, until I familiarised myself with the style of writing (seemingly reading true to the language used in that era, but not in the least bit overwhelming). When I started this second book, now familiar with the style, I was immediately immersed in 16thC Scotland again and the continuing life journey of Hew Cullen.
Unlike most other historical crimes, the main focus isn't completely focused on a crime, but embraces the life of Cullen. This allowed for a better understanding of life in that time and place, and also engendered an emotional investment. I had worked out who the 'baddie' was half way through but it didn't matter, because there was so much more to the plot than this one (albeit significant) thread. This, I believe, is what gave it an edge against other books of this genre.
Already started to read the third book - Time & Tide - which again, is promising to be a stonking good read.
The first book (Hue & Cry) was difficult to read for the first few pages, until I familiarised myself with the style of writing (seemingly reading true to the language used in that era, but not in the least bit overwhelming). When I started this second book, now familiar with the style, I was immediately immersed in 16thC Scotland again and the continuing life journey of Hew Cullen.
Unlike most other historical crimes, the main focus isn't completely focused on a crime, but embraces the life of Cullen. This allowed for a better understanding of life in that time and place, and also engendered an emotional investment. I had worked out who the 'baddie' was half way through but it didn't matter, because there was so much more to the plot than this one (albeit significant) thread. This, I believe, is what gave it an edge against other books of this genre.
Already started to read the third book - Time & Tide - which again, is promising to be a stonking good read.
December 3, 2012
If you like historical whodunits you'll like this.
The quality of writing is far higher than most - exceptionally good descriptions of scenery, for instance.
That may not seem that thrilling, but it really made this stand out compared to most of the rather hackneyed stuff in this genre.
It's well researched, too, and about a place I don't know - St. Andrews in Scotland - and a period I find fascinating: the mid 16th century.
One of my measures of how engrossing I find a book is how much time I spend hopping onto the internet to find out more about real historical characters mentioned. In this case, a lot
As a result I have discovered that for general treachery and mayhem Scotland appears to have been as bad as Renaissance Italy.
I shall seek out her other books eagerly.
The quality of writing is far higher than most - exceptionally good descriptions of scenery, for instance.
That may not seem that thrilling, but it really made this stand out compared to most of the rather hackneyed stuff in this genre.
It's well researched, too, and about a place I don't know - St. Andrews in Scotland - and a period I find fascinating: the mid 16th century.
One of my measures of how engrossing I find a book is how much time I spend hopping onto the internet to find out more about real historical characters mentioned. In this case, a lot
As a result I have discovered that for general treachery and mayhem Scotland appears to have been as bad as Renaissance Italy.
I shall seek out her other books eagerly.
October 24, 2022
I found the resolution of the mystery implausible
August 16, 2022
Well, that was hard work!
Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it. But the first few chapters were heavy going. We met a fair few characters, the action shifted from one place to another and the storyline was far from obvious.
However, it settled down by around page 60 and from there in it was a good read. The period detail was interesting and realistic. The interplay with real historic characters was well handled. The story was pretty good - though quite what the first 40+ pages had to do with the rest of it is beyond me. But the main story was good. My only real quibble is that when we get to the big reveal there was one key fact that had not been revealed to reader earlier on and so we could not know.
if historical whodunnits are your thing, then this is a pretty good example. Once you have waded thrgouh the first few chapters.
Once I got into this book, I really enjoyed it. But the first few chapters were heavy going. We met a fair few characters, the action shifted from one place to another and the storyline was far from obvious.
However, it settled down by around page 60 and from there in it was a good read. The period detail was interesting and realistic. The interplay with real historic characters was well handled. The story was pretty good - though quite what the first 40+ pages had to do with the rest of it is beyond me. But the main story was good. My only real quibble is that when we get to the big reveal there was one key fact that had not been revealed to reader earlier on and so we could not know.
if historical whodunnits are your thing, then this is a pretty good example. Once you have waded thrgouh the first few chapters.
October 5, 2018
I found this book a struggle from the start. Being set in Scotland in 1581, I found the language of the time difficult and the names the Scots gave to certain items puzzled me. The book itself has a good storyline but I feel it is unnecessarily padded out. I did finish it but it is not a book I can recommend.
August 15, 2021
Read years ago, forgotten. Re-read, loved it. The atmosphere generated by use of period language, on top of fascinating character development and setting is brilliant. The author is relating some of her academic knowledge of the period back to us through an accessible and highly plausible, detailed and thoroughly enjoyable story.
August 3, 2022
This second in the series wasn't as good a read for me as the first. It seemed quite slow until almost 3/4 of the way through when the action picked up. There was also quite a bit more colloquial Scottish terms that made for some confusion. Still a good mystery with some different twists.
April 8, 2025
I have trouble getting into these books despite being familiar with the city of St Andrews. I don’t find Hew Cullen a particularly empathetic hero so I have difficulty caring about what happens to him. I think I’ll wait awhile before I decide whether to read the next in the series.
July 27, 2017
This second Hew Cullan mystery actually outdid my expectations after reading the first. A brilliant book, with a fascinating plot and an engaging writing style. I was captivated.
September 9, 2017
As usual a great book and one I read over the summer holidays
June 1, 2018
For me this was just an okay book, it didn't grip me enough to rate it any higher and I don't think I will bother to read any more. Shardlake is much better.
dnf
June 7, 20241581 St Andrews. Unfortunately (especially after enjoying the first book) I could not get into the story. For me there was too much Scots, and after 90 pages I had to give up.
May 4, 2025
Really loved this read. Interesting idea to do murder mysteries during the late 1500s. Definitely right up my alley, will have a look out for the rest of the series.
September 2, 2024
An engaging journey into 16th century Scotland. By following Hew Cullan on his quest to fulfill his father’s last wish, we are spun into an adventure along with him. If you like Scottish history and mysteries, you’ll really enjoy this book.
June 1, 2016
Has an unfortunate fête.
Hew Cullan has a problem. He’s spent years studying the law, encouraged by his father, Matthew, a talented lawyer who himself spent time at the court of Mary, Queen of Scots. Despite Hew’s proven ability to make his case, shown by his efforts in the previous book, Hue & Cry, to save his friend from a wrongful accusation, he is unsure of his future. He finds himself distrustful of the law and those who practise it, and has resolved not to be party to its cruelties and abuses.
Fate & Fortune opens with Hew and his friends reacting to the recent death of his father, which has left him the master of his family’s estates. Unwilling to become laird of the manor, he instead decides to take an old manuscript left to him by his father to Edinburgh, in the process tracking down a printer on his family’s payroll. Also in Edinburgh is one of his father’s former pupils, Richard Cunningham, who has an offer to make that Hew may not be able to refuse.
The capital is agog with excitement at the imminent trial of the suspected killer of Lord Darnley, father of James VI. Rumours of intrigue suffuse the city and create an appropriately claustrophobic feeling, which is heightened as Hew finds himself cast into gaol on false pretences as soon as he arrives. He quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems in Edinburgh.
Fate & Fortune is, in many respects, very similar to Hue & Cry. Much of the dialect is written to be period-appropriate, and several of the key characters from the previous book return. The central storyline is not directly linked to the previous book, and so it’s not a necessity to have read it beforehand. My central criticism of Fate & Fortune is perhaps unfair, and arises from comparisons with its predecessor. Without giving too much away, Hue & Cry gives Hew an immediate task in unpicking the central mystery, that of the death of Alexander Strachan. This desire to thwart injustice gives the reader something to connect with, and provides a clear framework that the rest of the book hangs around. By contrast, for much of Fate & Fortune, there is no central mystery, and Hew’s goals are far more personal. Although still an entertaining read, Hew playing caichpule (tennis) and trying to bed attractive women is less interesting than Hew tracking down a murderer.
Nevertheless, this is a minor complaint. Shirley McKay’s depiction of Edinburgh is memorable and engaging, from the atmosphere of oppression that threatens the printer’s shop to the petty legal jousting of the courts and the stately intrigues of the Court. Even minor characters are well-drawn, and the major characters receive important development.
Fate & Fortune is a great book, but it’s unfortunate in that it suffers when compared to its predecessor. If you enjoyed Hue & Cry, you should make sure you read this.
David
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Hew Cullan has a problem. He’s spent years studying the law, encouraged by his father, Matthew, a talented lawyer who himself spent time at the court of Mary, Queen of Scots. Despite Hew’s proven ability to make his case, shown by his efforts in the previous book, Hue & Cry, to save his friend from a wrongful accusation, he is unsure of his future. He finds himself distrustful of the law and those who practise it, and has resolved not to be party to its cruelties and abuses.
Fate & Fortune opens with Hew and his friends reacting to the recent death of his father, which has left him the master of his family’s estates. Unwilling to become laird of the manor, he instead decides to take an old manuscript left to him by his father to Edinburgh, in the process tracking down a printer on his family’s payroll. Also in Edinburgh is one of his father’s former pupils, Richard Cunningham, who has an offer to make that Hew may not be able to refuse.
The capital is agog with excitement at the imminent trial of the suspected killer of Lord Darnley, father of James VI. Rumours of intrigue suffuse the city and create an appropriately claustrophobic feeling, which is heightened as Hew finds himself cast into gaol on false pretences as soon as he arrives. He quickly discovers that nothing is as it seems in Edinburgh.
Fate & Fortune is, in many respects, very similar to Hue & Cry. Much of the dialect is written to be period-appropriate, and several of the key characters from the previous book return. The central storyline is not directly linked to the previous book, and so it’s not a necessity to have read it beforehand. My central criticism of Fate & Fortune is perhaps unfair, and arises from comparisons with its predecessor. Without giving too much away, Hue & Cry gives Hew an immediate task in unpicking the central mystery, that of the death of Alexander Strachan. This desire to thwart injustice gives the reader something to connect with, and provides a clear framework that the rest of the book hangs around. By contrast, for much of Fate & Fortune, there is no central mystery, and Hew’s goals are far more personal. Although still an entertaining read, Hew playing caichpule (tennis) and trying to bed attractive women is less interesting than Hew tracking down a murderer.
Nevertheless, this is a minor complaint. Shirley McKay’s depiction of Edinburgh is memorable and engaging, from the atmosphere of oppression that threatens the printer’s shop to the petty legal jousting of the courts and the stately intrigues of the Court. Even minor characters are well-drawn, and the major characters receive important development.
Fate & Fortune is a great book, but it’s unfortunate in that it suffers when compared to its predecessor. If you enjoyed Hue & Cry, you should make sure you read this.
David
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
August 6, 2023
“Fate and Fortune” is the 2nd in the Hew Cullan mystery series and, lo and behold, I’ve actually read the first 2 books in order. So far I find they are well written and researched historical fiction. There is a lot of Scottish words and legal terms. With that in mind, I recommend reading it in Kindle since you can select the word, which then it either gives you the definition or an option to search the web for it. It resolved my ignorance nearly every time.
Hew has a skill with the law, but his lack of respect for the medieval Scottish justice system and the manipulatntess of lawyers makes him reluctant to pursue it. But events and his innate sense of right and justice keep nudging him to take action in a couple of cases here. Ironically, the first murder he runs across as he journeys from St Andrews to Edinburgh is really not dealt with here. In fact he even remarks a couple of times as to how he could have forgotten her. But at the end of the book it is strongly hinted that he will try to seek justice for that victim. I don’t know when though since the description of the next in the series, “Time and Tide,” deals with something else entirely. Has McKay tricked me into continue reading the series until that case is solved? LOL! The series is too good that I need no trickery to read more.
Hew has a skill with the law, but his lack of respect for the medieval Scottish justice system and the manipulatntess of lawyers makes him reluctant to pursue it. But events and his innate sense of right and justice keep nudging him to take action in a couple of cases here. Ironically, the first murder he runs across as he journeys from St Andrews to Edinburgh is really not dealt with here. In fact he even remarks a couple of times as to how he could have forgotten her. But at the end of the book it is strongly hinted that he will try to seek justice for that victim. I don’t know when though since the description of the next in the series, “Time and Tide,” deals with something else entirely. Has McKay tricked me into continue reading the series until that case is solved? LOL! The series is too good that I need no trickery to read more.
October 19, 2016
This book made me feel like I was actually in Scotland. It takes place in the 16th century, but it was the place descriptions and the speech that affected me the most. There is good historical setting, including the king and other political markers, but they aren't glorified as in many books, just the background to the story. The plot is excellent, and though I could guess the perpetrator, I didn't know why or many of the details until they were revealed. Also, the romantic subplots that many mysteries include, either to entice more readers or in the belief that romance is everywhere, in this book were better written than most.
July 14, 2014
Interesting use of Scottish brogue as set in the 1580's. Refreshing, but it disappears towards the end. Cullen is the hero and has returned from France to take his place after his father's death. Great crime solver and ending is a surprise. King of Scotland is a 14 year old. Venereal disease is being spread. Printed press is changing the world.Clever dissection of language.
August 6, 2015
Very glad I purchased this second of the series of four. The main character continues to grow and can still surprise as he clearly gets closer to finding his true path. I enjoyed this book and very much look forward to reading the next book.
January 17, 2012
Excellent again. Knew who had 'dunnit' from early on but wanted to see why. The setting is superb, the research thorough but lightly carried. Bring on the next one!
October 7, 2012
Didn't carry me at all.
April 19, 2012
Took quite while to get into this book but once the plot was running I found it quite intriguing what seems so simple is oh so complicated or is it simple?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2012
loved this book-series is totally addictive!
July 16, 2014
This one wasn't as well done as the first one - 'whodunnit' was obvious quite early - the why was kind of convoluted and contrived too, but still an enjoyable read.
March 12, 2016
So disappointing compared to the first one. :(
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews