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Mysterious Scotland #2
The Ness Deception
He knows it's beautiful. He thinks it might be dangerous. When Gill McArdle looks at Loch Ness, he'd rather be anywhere else than here. Investigative journal, “Mysterious Scotland”, launched less than a year ago with a stellar first issue. Now, the magazine and everyone associated with it are under pressure. Editor Gill McArdle criss-crosses Scotland pursuing stories in an energetic attempt to halt the slide in sales. When an unusual animal carcase is discovered in Caithness his investigations lead him, reluctantly, to the banks of Loch Ness. Sceptical about the increasing sightings around the loch, Gill reopens an old archaeological site in his search for answers. Little by little, he is forced to acknowledge that danger lurks in the Great Glen’s deepest waters.
482 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2022
382 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 22, 2024
Well researched and well written!
I will admit to having doubts about this series, as I was unable to fully engage with the first instalment. However, I pressed ahead with Book 2 and really enjoyed the story. I still have doubts about Gill, our would-be 'Indiana Jones' character, but he is beginning to grow on me. The concept of an academically suspect archaeologist suddenly becoming the editor of an esoteric magazine, Mysterious Scotland, is still a bit far fetched to me. However, this story was full of thrills and spills as Nessie hunters, conspiracy theorists and murderous cryptozoologists all come together in an exciting geophysical adventure. Does the famous Loch Ness monster rear its ugly head? Read the story and find out - you won't be disappointed.
I will admit to having doubts about this series, as I was unable to fully engage with the first instalment. However, I pressed ahead with Book 2 and really enjoyed the story. I still have doubts about Gill, our would-be 'Indiana Jones' character, but he is beginning to grow on me. The concept of an academically suspect archaeologist suddenly becoming the editor of an esoteric magazine, Mysterious Scotland, is still a bit far fetched to me. However, this story was full of thrills and spills as Nessie hunters, conspiracy theorists and murderous cryptozoologists all come together in an exciting geophysical adventure. Does the famous Loch Ness monster rear its ugly head? Read the story and find out - you won't be disappointed.
September 21, 2023
My favourite part of Scotland! I have stayed at Drumnadrochit and been on the Loch...I would move up there if it weren't for the midges.
Loved this tale, Nessie is still kept alive and aurochs rule!
Loved this tale, Nessie is still kept alive and aurochs rule!
November 3, 2023
A New Exciting Twist on the Lock Ness Monster!!
I read this whole book in less than 24 hours. I was very hooked on the story plus I appreciate that its a new way to look at the legends of Nessie. Simply put its a smart, very scientific look at what Nessie may actually be.
I was quite eager to start this second book about Gill. He is now firmly working for the magazine and chasing stories. And for unknown reasons he is not eager at all to go investigate the Lock Ness Monster. Even after his great success with the unicorn I guess Nessie is too much of a "maybe" for him. You know what I mean. People have all kind of theories of what Nessie actually is ranging from boat wakes to floating sticks. And this story looks at all of those. Plus a few others as well.
I must say throughout the story there were these odd little things in the plot that kept me reading. Strange occurrences. It was baffling!
And there were several plot points, different things going on and then later they all connect together flawlessly! Its amazing!
And as for the final answer about Nessie ? The story points to something I had never considered or heard about. But I think it makes sense!
The book contains lots of action, more mystical run-ins with that weird man and I sense there is some huge incident building that will reveal itself in a future book. What that will be I have no idea yet. But I am sure it will be exciting.
And yes, there was action and danger in here. Close calls. It most definitely is a thriller...
I definitely recommend this series!
Gill is a decent guy who works hard at his somewhat unusual job, running all over the place investigating weird stuff and digging up bones.
I am off to read book #3...
I read this whole book in less than 24 hours. I was very hooked on the story plus I appreciate that its a new way to look at the legends of Nessie. Simply put its a smart, very scientific look at what Nessie may actually be.
I was quite eager to start this second book about Gill. He is now firmly working for the magazine and chasing stories. And for unknown reasons he is not eager at all to go investigate the Lock Ness Monster. Even after his great success with the unicorn I guess Nessie is too much of a "maybe" for him. You know what I mean. People have all kind of theories of what Nessie actually is ranging from boat wakes to floating sticks. And this story looks at all of those. Plus a few others as well.
I must say throughout the story there were these odd little things in the plot that kept me reading. Strange occurrences. It was baffling!
And there were several plot points, different things going on and then later they all connect together flawlessly! Its amazing!
And as for the final answer about Nessie ? The story points to something I had never considered or heard about. But I think it makes sense!
The book contains lots of action, more mystical run-ins with that weird man and I sense there is some huge incident building that will reveal itself in a future book. What that will be I have no idea yet. But I am sure it will be exciting.
And yes, there was action and danger in here. Close calls. It most definitely is a thriller...
I definitely recommend this series!
Gill is a decent guy who works hard at his somewhat unusual job, running all over the place investigating weird stuff and digging up bones.
I am off to read book #3...
February 5, 2023
Great reading
Tormod Cockburn has written another wonderful mystery. His descriptions if Scotland are vivid, the digs with Fiona are interesting. I'm glad that Fiona continues to be a part of the stories. Another great mystery; a bit of archeology, a touch of the supernatural and a little romance. Just my cuppa tea!
Tormod Cockburn has written another wonderful mystery. His descriptions if Scotland are vivid, the digs with Fiona are interesting. I'm glad that Fiona continues to be a part of the stories. Another great mystery; a bit of archeology, a touch of the supernatural and a little romance. Just my cuppa tea!
February 12, 2023
Another great story, I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t mention the dreams Salina had I could work them out snd why the story kept going back to her yet I couldn’t put the story to one side then it all fell in to place and I understood it in the end, I’m so glad I stayed with it and look forward to reading the last book and hope there are more to follow, great read
November 17, 2022
The Loch's great secret revealed; another great scientific adventure🌊
4.5🌟 stars
Tormod Cockburn did a fantastic job mixing action, suspense, science and myth in this novel. The title caught my attention right away; the stories of strange creature sightings on Loch Ness have captured the imagination and Cockburn provides a fictional solution that seems incredible but yet is it?
It took a significant number of chapters to bring the focus of the action to Loch Ness. As an editor and reporter for a Scottish mysteries monthly periodiical, Gil, the main character is always looking for a good story for his next issue. I must admit the science went over my head on occasion, but that did not detract from the thrill and a sense of impending urgency and doom for Gil and marine scientist Salina as they work together investigating anomalies currently occurring around Scotland. A mountain that's on the move, the waters off the coast churning and destroying boats, strange sea creature remains beaching ... and then there's "Lucy", Loch Ness's elusive resident monster. The search for her seems to have unleashed an obsession powerful enough to kill.
The climax is high octane excitement of the heart-in-the-throat variety . I found the story got more focused in the second half. And, though it's easily read as a standalone, there's a slight window of anticipation left open regarding Gil's personal life, with his attraction to Salina and his father Gordon's mental decline. Definitely good reasons to look for the next story in the series.
Thanks to the author, Mys.Scot Media and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book. (I bought it for my library anyway😊). This is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Tormod Cockburn did a fantastic job mixing action, suspense, science and myth in this novel. The title caught my attention right away; the stories of strange creature sightings on Loch Ness have captured the imagination and Cockburn provides a fictional solution that seems incredible but yet is it?
It took a significant number of chapters to bring the focus of the action to Loch Ness. As an editor and reporter for a Scottish mysteries monthly periodiical, Gil, the main character is always looking for a good story for his next issue. I must admit the science went over my head on occasion, but that did not detract from the thrill and a sense of impending urgency and doom for Gil and marine scientist Salina as they work together investigating anomalies currently occurring around Scotland. A mountain that's on the move, the waters off the coast churning and destroying boats, strange sea creature remains beaching ... and then there's "Lucy", Loch Ness's elusive resident monster. The search for her seems to have unleashed an obsession powerful enough to kill.
The climax is high octane excitement of the heart-in-the-throat variety . I found the story got more focused in the second half. And, though it's easily read as a standalone, there's a slight window of anticipation left open regarding Gil's personal life, with his attraction to Salina and his father Gordon's mental decline. Definitely good reasons to look for the next story in the series.
Thanks to the author, Mys.Scot Media and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book. (I bought it for my library anyway😊). This is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 29, 2024
Having read The Bone Trap, the first in this series, last month and been surprisingly totally taken with it, this one just had to follow at the earliest opportunity.
Gill, our editor of Mysterious Scotland is now around Loch Ness and of course Nessie, or Lucy as she is also known, comes into the story.
When I first heard about this series and more especially when I saw this title, I was put off. I admitted in my review of the last book that I was wrong. It was a good story, very well written and as different a mystery as I have read in a long time.
This one is even better.
Gill is now an established character with an aged father with whom he has recently been reconciled and even perhaps a love interest.
Although the thought of Loch Ness provokes an initial reaction of, 'Oh no, not again'. Don't be fooled. This story is different and is far more complex and, a bit like The Bone Trap, is so well told as to make it feel very plausible.
There are peaks of excitement liberally dotted throughout as good as you would find in any adventure yarn. There is also an interwoven account of terrifying dreams linked to a supernatural twist,only some of which has been explained so far... And still the production deadline was achieved.
As well as the main story, the author here has set the scene for further developments in the next book. I am not sure how he is going to improve on the 5* I feel this deserves but I can't wait to find out.
Unusually, I am moving straight on to it now.
Gill, our editor of Mysterious Scotland is now around Loch Ness and of course Nessie, or Lucy as she is also known, comes into the story.
When I first heard about this series and more especially when I saw this title, I was put off. I admitted in my review of the last book that I was wrong. It was a good story, very well written and as different a mystery as I have read in a long time.
This one is even better.
Gill is now an established character with an aged father with whom he has recently been reconciled and even perhaps a love interest.
Although the thought of Loch Ness provokes an initial reaction of, 'Oh no, not again'. Don't be fooled. This story is different and is far more complex and, a bit like The Bone Trap, is so well told as to make it feel very plausible.
There are peaks of excitement liberally dotted throughout as good as you would find in any adventure yarn. There is also an interwoven account of terrifying dreams linked to a supernatural twist,only some of which has been explained so far... And still the production deadline was achieved.
As well as the main story, the author here has set the scene for further developments in the next book. I am not sure how he is going to improve on the 5* I feel this deserves but I can't wait to find out.
Unusually, I am moving straight on to it now.
April 11, 2023
Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The Bone Trap, the first in this series, I was delighted to dive straight into book 2, The Ness Deception. The core team of Gill McArdle and the Mys.Scot team, along with Fiona (the archaeologist) are back, joined by the lovely Salina (marine scientist), with the focus of the action being on Loch Ness and the mysterious "Nessie" monster we all know and love. Having spent holidays in the area it was enjoyable to be able to visualise the setting as the action moved on, although I recalled the disappointment of not seeing Nessie when I stood at Urquhart Castle and gazed out across the loch, so was thoroughly absorbed in the hunt in the book for what the monster is/was. The "deception" wasn't what I expected, but I suppose I should have realised it would be something out of the ordinary from this author. His imaginative story and the devastating consequences, with its risk to Gill's own survival, had me on the edge of my seat, and I was pleased to be reacquainted with the enigmatic Raphael, even if his reappearance left me with more questions than answers! Another highly recommended read from this author and, again, I'm looking forward to book 3 in this series.
February 7, 2024
More science driven than the first book ‘The Bone Trap’ but fast moving, sneakily informative and thrilling.
Gill has embraced his new career as editor-in-chief of 'Mysterious Scotland' and the magazine has been doing surprisingly well. But, that said, he is still pretty much operating as an archaeologist 'one hole dug at a time' which is driving his publisher Tony to distraction. Hoping to see more of Gill's in-house team in further books. We pretty much only deal with his Girl Friday Cassie.
Otherwise, The Ness Deception was a fun romp thru the Great Glen and it's affiliated Lochs, primarily Loch Ness of course. Unwillingly drawn to what is in his opinion a farce, Gill is sent to find 'Lucy' otherwise known to the world as 'Nessie' . . . the Loch Ness Monster. And he thought Unicorns were farfetched!
Really enjoying this series!
Gill has embraced his new career as editor-in-chief of 'Mysterious Scotland' and the magazine has been doing surprisingly well. But, that said, he is still pretty much operating as an archaeologist 'one hole dug at a time' which is driving his publisher Tony to distraction. Hoping to see more of Gill's in-house team in further books. We pretty much only deal with his Girl Friday Cassie.
Otherwise, The Ness Deception was a fun romp thru the Great Glen and it's affiliated Lochs, primarily Loch Ness of course. Unwillingly drawn to what is in his opinion a farce, Gill is sent to find 'Lucy' otherwise known to the world as 'Nessie' . . . the Loch Ness Monster. And he thought Unicorns were farfetched!
Really enjoying this series!
March 5, 2024
The first book in this series was a hoot and I quite enjoyed it, but I wasn’t sure I’d want to read another. I’m so glad I took the plunge and read The Ness Deception. What a ride.
Gill McArdle, magazine editor and erstwhile archaeologist, finds himself sheepishly searching for Lucy (Nessie to you and me) for the next edition of Mysterious Scotland. What he discovers is that not all monsters are animals and that too many humans are monsters.
There’s a lot of science in this book. I am totally unqualified to judge whether or not it’s good science, but the author certainly writes convincingly. I loved the folklore mixed with modern technology and a mysterious man in black.
The characters are convincingly drawn and sympathetic. Apart from the bad guys, obv.
All in all, a great read. And I’ll definitely read book 3.
Gill McArdle, magazine editor and erstwhile archaeologist, finds himself sheepishly searching for Lucy (Nessie to you and me) for the next edition of Mysterious Scotland. What he discovers is that not all monsters are animals and that too many humans are monsters.
There’s a lot of science in this book. I am totally unqualified to judge whether or not it’s good science, but the author certainly writes convincingly. I loved the folklore mixed with modern technology and a mysterious man in black.
The characters are convincingly drawn and sympathetic. Apart from the bad guys, obv.
All in all, a great read. And I’ll definitely read book 3.
August 5, 2024
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, and it is one of my top read this year, but I have to admit to being disappointed by this one :-( Perhaps that is my fault because the book title led me to believe that this might be about the Loch Ness monster, but it isn't!
The pace of the book felt a bit too slow, and I found myself drifting off occasionally while listening. However I certainly did appreciate the amount of research that the author obviously did, and I love the way the author mixes Scottish folklore with modern science. I also enjoyed meeting Gillan again, and despite not enjoying this book as much as the first, I will definitely listen to book 3.
The narrator, Stewart Crank, did a great job.
The pace of the book felt a bit too slow, and I found myself drifting off occasionally while listening. However I certainly did appreciate the amount of research that the author obviously did, and I love the way the author mixes Scottish folklore with modern science. I also enjoyed meeting Gillan again, and despite not enjoying this book as much as the first, I will definitely listen to book 3.
The narrator, Stewart Crank, did a great job.
July 17, 2024
A fine second novel in a series.
I enjoyed this one too and really like spending time with Gillan - and the narrator. Top-tier narrator! My ears love these books and sorely wish they were all out as audiobooks so I could binge them. 😁
Instead I think I will save the third one for a rainy day - and gleefully wait for more to be recorded.
Keep 'em coming! ️🎧✨
I enjoyed this one too and really like spending time with Gillan - and the narrator. Top-tier narrator! My ears love these books and sorely wish they were all out as audiobooks so I could binge them. 😁
Instead I think I will save the third one for a rainy day - and gleefully wait for more to be recorded.
Keep 'em coming! ️🎧✨
March 24, 2026
The Ness Deception takes Gill in an unexpected—and wildly entertaining—direction as he settles into his new role as editor‑in‑chief of 'Mysterious Scotland'. The magazine is thriving, and so is Gill’s knack for stumbling into danger. This time, his assignment is nothing short of legendary: to track down “Lucy,” better known to the world as Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.
The story blends Scottish history, mystery, and speculative science, weaving in fascinating details about places like the Great Glen while keeping the pace brisk. True to form, someone is once again trying to kill Gill, and the threats feel sharper and more relentless than ever.
This installment also expands the series’ cast in intriguing ways. We finally learn more about the enigmatic “biker guy,” and Raphael as he brings a welcome spiritual dimension that deepens the emotional texture of the plot.
The book moves fast—multiple storylines are running at once, leaving very little downtime. It’s the kind of novel you pick up for a chapter and suddenly realize you’ve read half of it. I finished it in just two days.
The story blends Scottish history, mystery, and speculative science, weaving in fascinating details about places like the Great Glen while keeping the pace brisk. True to form, someone is once again trying to kill Gill, and the threats feel sharper and more relentless than ever.
This installment also expands the series’ cast in intriguing ways. We finally learn more about the enigmatic “biker guy,” and Raphael as he brings a welcome spiritual dimension that deepens the emotional texture of the plot.
The book moves fast—multiple storylines are running at once, leaving very little downtime. It’s the kind of novel you pick up for a chapter and suddenly realize you’ve read half of it. I finished it in just two days.
April 13, 2026
As always
This is 2nd time I've read this, these adventures get better and better. I don't know how I happened upon these but its been very rewarding. Not much of a review but its what I've got.
This is 2nd time I've read this, these adventures get better and better. I don't know how I happened upon these but its been very rewarding. Not much of a review but its what I've got.
March 28, 2026
Not Ness-esarily the monster we thought!
A good read, I thought it was a bit slow to start but it gathered pace and ended up where it should do…wanting more.
A good read, I thought it was a bit slow to start but it gathered pace and ended up where it should do…wanting more.
April 22, 2026
Loving the series
I can't wait to read the next book. I love the down to earth scientific approach. I will keep reading
I can't wait to read the next book. I love the down to earth scientific approach. I will keep reading
November 9, 2023
I have been to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle and there is something eerie and ancient and mildly terrifying about that body of water. I can totally believe in a large creature living there, seen but unproven by scientific standards. This second novel deals with the Loch, the long-standing myth and the several explanations that have been offered but never fully accepted in debunking Nessie. I am relieved that I don't have to give up that particular story about a lonely serpent forever swimming in the Loch. This was well-written, a nice tight plot line with the loose ends (usually in the form of a villain out to exploit the myth) getting his or her just come-uppance. The science is never overwhelming: it offers plausible explanation to the myth without completely obliterating the truth of the monster in the depths.
.
.
August 28, 2024
Everyone thinks they're seeing the Loch Ness Monster ... especially when an enormous conger eel corpse is discovered. Gill McArdle's "Mysterious Scotland" magazine wants to be in on it, so he arranges with some former archaeology colleagues to get into the act.
Of course, everything is more complicated than it looks, and pretty soon Gill and his friend Salina are in the sights of the bad guys who have something to hide and a lot to lose.
The action is set in Scotland's stunning Great Glen, and the towns of Drumnadrochit and Fort William. If you've been there, you know the amazing landscape.
Nothing is quite what it seems ... especially the mysterious biker dude we met in book one. Highly recommended, but difficult to review without spoilers.
Of course, everything is more complicated than it looks, and pretty soon Gill and his friend Salina are in the sights of the bad guys who have something to hide and a lot to lose.
The action is set in Scotland's stunning Great Glen, and the towns of Drumnadrochit and Fort William. If you've been there, you know the amazing landscape.
Nothing is quite what it seems ... especially the mysterious biker dude we met in book one. Highly recommended, but difficult to review without spoilers.
September 14, 2025
This is my second Tormod Cockburn novel, and I have to say I really am enjoying them. They check all the boxes for me. I like the research that goes into them. They are meatier than some of the books I generally like, and I really like that! I like when I feel like I'm actually learning something rather than just being entertained.
I enjoy the character development and the relationships between Gill and the other characters. Nothing seems forced or phoney, and the issues Gill and other lead characters seem to relate naturally to the stories. I don't know what else to say, except "well done".
I enjoy the character development and the relationships between Gill and the other characters. Nothing seems forced or phoney, and the issues Gill and other lead characters seem to relate naturally to the stories. I don't know what else to say, except "well done".
November 2, 2024
surprising and mysterious
I can’t wait to find out where this series goes next!!!
That being said, this book was okay for me. The author writes well overall, but I had a harder time with this story. It felt more disjointed to me and not as cohesive as the first book. Everything came together at the end with a nice step forward for the series, but I struggled to get there. The author presents characters, both living and nonliving, in ways that bring them to life and lets us see their motivation. The pacing of the story was decent.
I can’t wait to find out where this series goes next!!!
That being said, this book was okay for me. The author writes well overall, but I had a harder time with this story. It felt more disjointed to me and not as cohesive as the first book. Everything came together at the end with a nice step forward for the series, but I struggled to get there. The author presents characters, both living and nonliving, in ways that bring them to life and lets us see their motivation. The pacing of the story was decent.
April 19, 2025
Not exactly what I expected but moře surprising. It started slowly, again, with seemingly u related stories about a great eel, rising sea bed and si king mountain. Then it turned towards the Loch Ness and I was thinking finally! However, there was no monster. On the contrary, we learn about geology, earthquakes and tsunamis... And a dig doesn't reveal a mystery, even though it hints at a disaster... The finale is a rush. And Gill gets death threats... a bit different from the previous book. All in all, I loved it.
March 31, 2023
After Gill's top notch discovery in the first book and following article in Mysterious Scotland magazine, he finds himself the new editor.
He's scrambling for a subject for the next issue and reluctantly brings him to the mystery of Loch Ness.
A very good story, but not as compelling as the first one. It brings to light many factors about the loch and surrounding area. Excellent characters and intrigue follow in this second entry.
He's scrambling for a subject for the next issue and reluctantly brings him to the mystery of Loch Ness.
A very good story, but not as compelling as the first one. It brings to light many factors about the loch and surrounding area. Excellent characters and intrigue follow in this second entry.
May 13, 2023
This follow up novel seems like it's going to be about the Loch Ness monster, and it is....sort of! We join Gill again as he tries to build the magazine 'Mysterious Scotland' while wrangling with his father's increasing dementia. He gets involved with a woman who has a secret all her own, and we get a return of the mysterious Raphael...
The conclusion is a pretty gripping race against disaster that is almost written to be filmable, should anyone care to take this on as a tv show!
The conclusion is a pretty gripping race against disaster that is almost written to be filmable, should anyone care to take this on as a tv show!
September 27, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. It deals with scientifically determining if certain potential Loch Ness Monster theories or legends are true in a fictional story. It's good enough that I got into it, although there were a few things that jerked me back to reality every so often throughout the story. One of these days I'd love to visit Loch Ness because the Loch Ness Monster was something I was fascinated with as a child.
January 26, 2024
Whew! Crisis was not averted but people were saved
The mysterious Raphael shows up in dreams and it n person to save Salina. An obscure British Naval project resurfaces briefly leading the Mysterious Scotland staff on a mental chase. In the end it came down to the line of silt left from an ancient tsunami and the expertise of Gil, Fiona and a few others. Nessie however still remains elusive.
The mysterious Raphael shows up in dreams and it n person to save Salina. An obscure British Naval project resurfaces briefly leading the Mysterious Scotland staff on a mental chase. In the end it came down to the line of silt left from an ancient tsunami and the expertise of Gil, Fiona and a few others. Nessie however still remains elusive.
July 7, 2024
I was a little disappointed with this story. I think there were so many characters it was hard to keep track of all of them and what their role was. I also thought there would be more about the Loch Ness monster. Also I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the ending. On a positive note I did like the history of the book. Lots of research was done and it shows. Not sure I will read the next books in the series. Happy Reading:)
April 6, 2025
Nessie a.k.a. Lucy
Keep on reading. It was a slow start, but then BAM!. I couldn't put it down It was my Sunday activity.
It starts out as a feature article on the Loch Ness Monster, goes to a secret WWII naval base and settles on geological matters. Lots of smaller plots happening to tie it all together. Really interesting reading. I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't taken so long to get really active.
Keep on reading. It was a slow start, but then BAM!. I couldn't put it down It was my Sunday activity.
It starts out as a feature article on the Loch Ness Monster, goes to a secret WWII naval base and settles on geological matters. Lots of smaller plots happening to tie it all together. Really interesting reading. I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't taken so long to get really active.
May 14, 2025
Even Better than The First
This fiction series is a rare combination of hard science ranging from geology to biology while combining historical aspects with a smattering of theology and supernatural events. Throw in a murder mystery or two and a touch of romance and it becomes quite the ride. This review might make it sound like a mishmash of genres but it all hangs together pretty nicely. If, like me, you feel the allure of Scotland, you’ll enjoy this book.
This fiction series is a rare combination of hard science ranging from geology to biology while combining historical aspects with a smattering of theology and supernatural events. Throw in a murder mystery or two and a touch of romance and it becomes quite the ride. This review might make it sound like a mishmash of genres but it all hangs together pretty nicely. If, like me, you feel the allure of Scotland, you’ll enjoy this book.
July 28, 2025
I liked this book. Not as much as the first one, but I really enjoyed the story. It seemed slow to get going, but then all of sudden, you're scrambling to put the pieces together and kinda share in the urgency felt by the main character. The reason that I didn't like this one as well as the last is just a personal preference, really. I loved the characters from the first book. Certain ones here, I just can't get into.
September 26, 2025
Getting to know and love the characters even more. Nice.
I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series. I’ve never imagined a magazine editor living such an exciting life, LoL. It’s intriguing how the author reveals details about his characters. He drops tiny hints along the way, but when your suspicions are confirmed later in the story, it feels more like a warm ahh rather than an aha moment. Lovely.
I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series. I’ve never imagined a magazine editor living such an exciting life, LoL. It’s intriguing how the author reveals details about his characters. He drops tiny hints along the way, but when your suspicions are confirmed later in the story, it feels more like a warm ahh rather than an aha moment. Lovely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews