M J Bikie meets the Loch Ness Monster

by Neil Cockburn

177 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Ilaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:

M.J. Bikie is used to danger!

But it is when he is on holiday in the Scottish Highlands that he faces his greatest challenge yet. A strange old man tells him a dark secret that plunges him and his family into mortal danger. A mysterious group of monks are trying to kill him and he has no idea why?

Things quickly spiral out of control when he stumbles into the lair of the Loch Ness Monster…

What a fun, gripping read it was! I would describe M.J. Bikie Meets the Loch Ness Monster as a cosy mystery/adventure story that both children and adults (I'm in my 30s, for the record!) will enjoy, with a whole host of charismatic characters, a fast-paced, page-turning plot and smooth prose.

I bought this book at the Urquhart Castle gift shop while visiting Scotland for the first time, and it was nice to discover that the story took place not only in the castle itself, but also in other places I had visited, such as Drumnadrochit.

As Mr and Mrs Bikie seem to have had lots of adventures before this one, and more seem likely to come, can we maybe expect more stories from the author…?

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and quick read for anyone visiting the Inverness/Loch Ness area. Reminded me fondly of the goosebumps/magic tree house books I would read as a kid.

[EAB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Feels like a bit of a Dan Brown novel tbh

[Acj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. My 10 year old daughter and I read this together, and it was a nice departure from what we usually read. It had a mystery/action/adventure vibe we enjoyed. And it was fun to read the Scottish slang aloud. The story jumped around, and we wondered if it was part of a series with more context, but see that it seems to be a stand alone. We would have liked to understand more of the background of Mr and Mrs Bikie in particular, as clearly we’re meant to appreciate that this adventure is not their first rodeo. Still a fun read together.

[Hillary Brewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story overall. Picked this book up at Urquhart Castle while visiting Scotland this summer and had it signed by Neil. It was fun reading about so many places we visited on our trip.

I personally would have liked more backstory on the bike (where’d they get it, how does it work) and more Nessie encounters. I really enjoyed the chapters of the men exploring the caves.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining romp in the same vein as a Boys Own Adventure story, Tintin or the Famous Five (albeit with an adult protagonist). Bold adventurers, evil masterminds, sinister monks, ancient monsters and buried treasure abound, as well as a slight touch of magic (because "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"). Not great literature, but definitely great fun.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book whilst on holiday in Scotland which was pretty apt 😄

It’s a great little read, loved the thrill of the adventure!

Great quirky things happen, which make the book easy to read and enjoyable.

[Louise Cockburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this both for me and my kid. Thrilling adventure story, that kept us gripped from start to finish. Is there a sequel??

[Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real Nice book! Loved the thirll and the narratio. I would recommend it

[Emma Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone

[Viktoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted a fun, short read while being on holiday in scotland, and I found it in this book. It's a nice mystery/adventure story. I would've liked a little more of the Monster itself tbh. And I have no experience with elder scottish man, but do they really use the word "laddie" that often? :D

I met the author in Urquhart Castle last week, where I bought the book and got it signed. A very friendly man!

[Dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good fun, light hearted read! It reminded me of Tin Tin or the Famous Five, that kind of adventure. I met the author in the gift shop of Urquhart Castle and he seemed a sweet guy so I picked up his book. It definitely fits his personality from the short time I spoke to him. One thing I'd have liked more of though was the Loch Ness Monster!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book! Great job for a first book! My daughter purchased it from you on a recent vacation in Scotland and enjoyed talking with you. Being an author myself, I know how difficult it is to finally finish that first book!