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Gil Cunningham #3
The Merchant's Mark
Gil Cunningham and an old acquaintance, Glasgow merchant Augie Morison, report the gruesome find of a severed head instead of an expected delivery of books. At the inquest, Morison is accused of murder and imprisoned. He appeals to Gil, who sets out to identify the dead man and establish the provenance of the treasure that lay beside him. The trail leads from the court of James IV at Stirling via a cooper's yard in Linlithgow, to another murder on the bare slopes of the Pentland Hills.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2006
4 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Pat McIntosh
33 books83 followersMcIntosh was born and raised in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Having begun to write at age seven, she credits the author who inspired her to write as "probably Angus MacVicar!" She lived and worked in Glasgow for many years before moving to the west coast of Scotland. Prior to making her mark as an author, she worked as "a librarian, a receptionist for an alternative therapy centre, taught geology and palaeontology, [and] tutored for the Open University."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 9, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 3rd volume of the delightful "Gilbert Cunningham" series.
This book in once interwoven with Scots to make this mystery series as authentic as possible, and thus, at least for me, an enormous joy to read.
In this mystery, Gilbert Cunningham together with an old acquaintance of his called, Dougie Morison, are expecting a delivery of books but instead what they will discover is a severed head.
At the inquest this same Morison is accused of murder and imprisoned, but Gilbert believes in his innocence, and so sets out to find the culprit behind this gruesome find and murder.
This investigation will take Gilbert Cunningham from Glasgow to King James IV's court in Stirling, and so along to a cooper's yard in Linlithgow, towards another murder in the Pentland Hills.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Scottish mystery, in which Gilbert Cunningham will have ti face some twists and turns, before finally being able in a superbly worked plot to reveal the culprit of these murders and bring him to justice in the Scottish way.
Highly recommended, for this another excellent Scottish mystery to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Wonderful Merchant's Mark Mystery"!
This book in once interwoven with Scots to make this mystery series as authentic as possible, and thus, at least for me, an enormous joy to read.
In this mystery, Gilbert Cunningham together with an old acquaintance of his called, Dougie Morison, are expecting a delivery of books but instead what they will discover is a severed head.
At the inquest this same Morison is accused of murder and imprisoned, but Gilbert believes in his innocence, and so sets out to find the culprit behind this gruesome find and murder.
This investigation will take Gilbert Cunningham from Glasgow to King James IV's court in Stirling, and so along to a cooper's yard in Linlithgow, towards another murder in the Pentland Hills.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Scottish mystery, in which Gilbert Cunningham will have ti face some twists and turns, before finally being able in a superbly worked plot to reveal the culprit of these murders and bring him to justice in the Scottish way.
Highly recommended, for this another excellent Scottish mystery to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Wonderful Merchant's Mark Mystery"!
June 6, 2019
What can I say. I just love this series of books. Written against historical facts of the time the stories are unique and credible. The characters we meet seem real and it is good to follow their development. As a student I lived and worked in Glasgow's High St. And find the tales so enthralling. I now live in Ayrshire, there the Cunningham name is strong and Mongomerie is everywhere.
I am also familiar with Linlithgow and have visited the Knights of St John's place at Torpichan near there.
This lends added interest and gives an authentic feel to the stories.
I have strictly rationed myself to one book per month. A self imposed discipline.
I am also familiar with Linlithgow and have visited the Knights of St John's place at Torpichan near there.
This lends added interest and gives an authentic feel to the stories.
I have strictly rationed myself to one book per month. A self imposed discipline.
August 30, 2015
With each book I read in this series I like it more.
March 8, 2022
Do you love mystery mixed well with history? This series is for you.
McIntosh has a great vision of old Scotland. The language, the custom, the characters. Gil Cunningham is a forward thinking man living in a superstitious and violent time. He is a forerunner of many great detectives from the British Isles.
The story is deep and winding, the imagery multicolored! Who is guilty, why? And who is this Maidie they cannot find. Dip your toes in this exciting story, you’ll love it.
McIntosh has a great vision of old Scotland. The language, the custom, the characters. Gil Cunningham is a forward thinking man living in a superstitious and violent time. He is a forerunner of many great detectives from the British Isles.
The story is deep and winding, the imagery multicolored! Who is guilty, why? And who is this Maidie they cannot find. Dip your toes in this exciting story, you’ll love it.
April 7, 2020
From the inside cover:
"The barrel should have contained books---instead it held treasure and a severed head....
Gil Cunningham and his auld acquaintance, Glaswegian merchant Augie Morison had been expecting a delivery of books from the Low Countries, and they found the gruesome substitute. They report their find to the Provost but at the inquest the next morning Morison is accused of murder and imprisoned. To prove the merchant's innocence, Gil sets out with is friend and future father-in-law, Maistre Pierre, the French Master-Mason, to track down the treasure's owner and identify the dead man.
The trail they follow leads them from the court of James IV at Stirling, to an unexpected death on the bare slopes of the Pentland Hills"
In addition Gil's sister, Kate, & his future wife, Alys, are taking care of Augie Morison's two young daughters while at the same time doing some investigating of their own.
I like the characters, the story was interesting, but I felt it was longer in details that I could have done without & so I skipped over parts.... The Scot's dialect was difficult to understand in parts and made me pause in order to ken what was being said. Therefore - 1 star!
"The barrel should have contained books---instead it held treasure and a severed head....
Gil Cunningham and his auld acquaintance, Glaswegian merchant Augie Morison had been expecting a delivery of books from the Low Countries, and they found the gruesome substitute. They report their find to the Provost but at the inquest the next morning Morison is accused of murder and imprisoned. To prove the merchant's innocence, Gil sets out with is friend and future father-in-law, Maistre Pierre, the French Master-Mason, to track down the treasure's owner and identify the dead man.
The trail they follow leads them from the court of James IV at Stirling, to an unexpected death on the bare slopes of the Pentland Hills"
In addition Gil's sister, Kate, & his future wife, Alys, are taking care of Augie Morison's two young daughters while at the same time doing some investigating of their own.
I like the characters, the story was interesting, but I felt it was longer in details that I could have done without & so I skipped over parts.... The Scot's dialect was difficult to understand in parts and made me pause in order to ken what was being said. Therefore - 1 star!
June 6, 2019
Happily, I didn't spend any of my money on this crap.
As a story set in the fifteenth century, it fails...even if I wasn't in the middle of rereading Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle for the upteenth time (which is an excellent example of Doing It Right), I would still be disgusted with the characters anachronistic way of speech. It makes suspension of disbelief impossible, and reading it a chore...and reveals it to be exactly what Theodore Sturgeon meant in his defense of SF & F--Sturgeon's Revelation.
Is this typical of the books Constable & Robinson publish? If so, then that would explain why I'd never heard of them previously. As unpleasant as mowing my yard is to me, it's preferable to trying to read this book.
I'm off to go mow now...
As a story set in the fifteenth century, it fails...even if I wasn't in the middle of rereading Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle for the upteenth time (which is an excellent example of Doing It Right), I would still be disgusted with the characters anachronistic way of speech. It makes suspension of disbelief impossible, and reading it a chore...and reveals it to be exactly what Theodore Sturgeon meant in his defense of SF & F--Sturgeon's Revelation.
Is this typical of the books Constable & Robinson publish? If so, then that would explain why I'd never heard of them previously. As unpleasant as mowing my yard is to me, it's preferable to trying to read this book.
I'm off to go mow now...
July 27, 2022
This one starts with a very confusing storyline, possibly because I had to look up so many more terms and words, however, part of my goal in reading this series is to learn about Scotland and the time period. It is fascinating to look at the politics of the time and this book demonstrates that politics are a critical part of Gil's dilemma. In this story he must walk the tightrope between the King, the religious hierarchy as well as the "feudal" rulers in order to solve a murder (actually more than one).
He also has to carefully navigate the ownership of jewels and coins found in the process. Alys (his betrothed) and Kate (his sister) play significant roles in this one as well. I want more!!!
He also has to carefully navigate the ownership of jewels and coins found in the process. Alys (his betrothed) and Kate (his sister) play significant roles in this one as well. I want more!!!
August 2, 2020
Expecting a shipment of books from the Lowlands, Gil's cooper friend finds a head packed in brine when he opens the barrel. Gil is charged with identifying the dead man and finding his murderer. This tale moves out of Glasgow for part of the story. Gil keeps his suspects close to his chest. I was amazed at how he put everything together to find the murderer.
We meet many of his family, friends and foes, the King James VI as well. We also learn more about the customs and businesses in Scotland, 1492.
We meet many of his family, friends and foes, the King James VI as well. We also learn more about the customs and businesses in Scotland, 1492.
January 30, 2024
No, I've had enough of Gil Cunningham. I got restless every time I picked up this not so intriguing installment, and that is never a good sign. I have so many books in my to-read list that I can't be bothered with forcing myself to read a book. Perhaps I will pick up another of the stories about Cunningham, as I already have quite a few of them. It will however be long for sure.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish)
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish)
February 19, 2019
This was a very complicated mystery. At one point near the end, I felt I had to keep reading or I might lose track of the threads. The continuing story of the regular characters (and some who I hope will be recurring characters) is very satisfying. I'm glad I started the series.
July 3, 2022
A complicated mystery with a ton of characters, but the author does a good job giving enough context to keep everyone straight. I generally dislike when accents are spelled out phonetically, but it worked for me in this book.
July 13, 2017
it's been such fun reading this while we explore Glasgow and surrounding area
May 23, 2021
I love the Gil Cunningham series but this was not one of my favorites. It's just a matter of preference and I like some of the others better.
January 8, 2024
Quite enjoying these whodunits set in 15th century Scotland.
May 31, 2025
I did not enjoy this as much as the others. Too many characters for a complex plot. Also two sets of investigators - Gil and Pierre, and Kate and Alys.
Still a big fan, but this was confusing.
Still a big fan, but this was confusing.
November 26, 2016
Gilbert Cunningham, in Scotland in 1492, has himself another mystery. He and Maister Augustine Morison ("Augie") had ordered a barrel / puncheon of books from the Low Countries. When the barrel is opened, 'Mon Dieu', it is full of brine instead of books, contains a severed head / heid and some jewels / coin from James III's hoard. However, the barrel did not have a fox's head, the shipmark. The corpse also had one blue eye and one brown, which might have matched Riddoch's son, and a missing touring singer, Balthasar. Gil is chastely promised to Alys; his sister Kate, suffers from a "withered" foot as a result of an illness in childhood, and has been praying faithfully to St Mungo / Kentigern, with no healing. There's a helpful doggie, Socrates, a brainless policeman, Serjeant Anderson--aren't most policemen stupid in mysteries?--who rounds up a useless jury / assize. The 18-year-old King James even plays an interrogatory role.
Gil finds out who does what in the end, dear Kate finds a calling, and Socrates gets a steak--or the equivalent--for the time.
Gil finds out who does what in the end, dear Kate finds a calling, and Socrates gets a steak--or the equivalent--for the time.
July 18, 2015
Gil Cunningham is eagerly awaiting a shipment of books. But when the barrel that was supposed to contain literature turns out to have a human head floating in brine instead, he and his companions become enmeshed in yet another mystery.
Another great addition to the series!
There’s a bit more supernatural stuff (a ghost this time), but it’s still manageable in quantity.
I like that Gil’s station changes between the books. Each book is an isolated mystery, of course, but the character development is continuous throughout the series. I’ve really enjoyed watching Gil’s relationship with Alys grow and change – which it does in a delightfully realistic and sensible way – as well as their accumulation of companions – first a baby, then a dog. I look forward to reading the next books in the series!
Another great addition to the series!
There’s a bit more supernatural stuff (a ghost this time), but it’s still manageable in quantity.
I like that Gil’s station changes between the books. Each book is an isolated mystery, of course, but the character development is continuous throughout the series. I’ve really enjoyed watching Gil’s relationship with Alys grow and change – which it does in a delightfully realistic and sensible way – as well as their accumulation of companions – first a baby, then a dog. I look forward to reading the next books in the series!
January 27, 2013
Gil's friend Augie has ordered some books for them both from the Low Countries but when the barrel arrives it contains a severed head and the King's treasure instead. And then Augie is taken into custody for the murder due to the old superstition that a murderer is reluctant to touch a dead body as the corpse can identify its killer. Once again Gil is drawn into the solving of the crime along with his fiancee Alys, sister Kate and father in law Pierre. Good fun, not too taxing and exciting enough to hold my interest to the end.
February 17, 2016
This novel takes Gil and his soon-to-be father-in-law out of Glasgow as far as Roslin Chapel, where we find out something new about the big builder Pierre. Gil’s disabled sister, a ferocious but lovable woman, and her terrifying maid are also key characters as we learn just what travels in barrels around Scotland. Gil’s encounters with the royal court, as he rises higher in his chosen profession, are as edifying as such things usually are, and the ongoing arrangements for Gil and Alys’ marriage are entertaining and frustrating by turns.
April 17, 2010
It is impossible to not be hooked by a mystery that starts out with a severed head and a treasure found embrined in a barrel that ought to be filled with books. Despite that, I found this mystery messier than the previous books in the series (or perhaps my brain is messier). McIntosh works hard on character development and conversations and it shows - and the historical accuracy (and carefully chosen inaccuracy) continues to be the best part of this series.
February 10, 2013
Was neat to meet one of Gil's sisters. Was confused by some of the twists and turns with characters and subplots--for example, who actually saved Gil in the rafters of the church? Was it the ghost of the beheidt man? And what's Gil referring to about Alys' father having two goals for being in Scotland? Is he a spy? It's my hope that more will be explained in the next installment--as we get closer to Gil and Alys' wedding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2013
I've realised that having my phone hardy to look up the words I can't work out (and ones I can, just to make sure) helps a lot with the medieval language. Perhaps by the third book I'm getting used to it, or she was told to rein it in a little.
That being said, she certainly didn't rein in the plot, with Rosslyn Chapel and King James IV playing key roles, as well as the poor 'Maisters' trekking far and wide across Scotland beset by armed blaggards!
That being said, she certainly didn't rein in the plot, with Rosslyn Chapel and King James IV playing key roles, as well as the poor 'Maisters' trekking far and wide across Scotland beset by armed blaggards!
November 13, 2013
A good read, but the characters are not drawn as strongly as I'd like. It's easy to get muddled because there are a lot of characters, and they are not terribly well developed. Pleasant enough, but there are better series out there. This is the second one I've read. I hoped the second one in the series might develop the characters a bit more, but it didn't really. Still, the plot is complex and it's a good puzzle, satisfactorily solved.
July 7, 2014
I am enjoying this quite a bit more then the Nicholas Feast. I had trouble keeping the characters straight in that one. Not a full review, but it shares all the good qualities of the series: interesting setting, informative details about 15th century Scotland, appealing characters which are better differentiated than in the last book.
Two minor anachronisms: this is still early for knitted stockings, though possible, but it is very unlikely that anyone would have been crocheting lace.
Two minor anachronisms: this is still early for knitted stockings, though possible, but it is very unlikely that anyone would have been crocheting lace.
June 25, 2015
Three and a half stars. There are some things to like here. The setting in the middle classes such as lawyers, craftsmen and merchants, is fascinating. The two main female characters were good, although improbable for the middle ages. I also liked the portrayal of one of the female servants who goes through a traumatic event.
However, overall I found the plot contrived and the constant use of dialect distracting.
However, overall I found the plot contrived and the constant use of dialect distracting.
July 11, 2016
I like this series, set in 12th century Glasgow and environs, but this one was a special treat, because the chapel at Roslyn figures in it. I am fascinated by that stone jewel, and McIntosh uses it to good effect in the plot. I have read this one, and the #2, but have not gotten my hands on #1. I will keep trying. #4 is now waiting for me at the public library.
November 26, 2016
I really like the main characters. This story had a lot of 'extra' characters. I had a hard time keeping them straight. Also, I got the feeling about midway that the story had segued into a formula. Which is fine as long as I keep liking the H/H and the mystery is challenging. Still reading and recommending this series.
September 16, 2010
The third Gil Cunningham mystery. Fun again, and I really enjoyed the introduction of Gil's sister Kate. I also loved the fact that once again McIntosh takes the characters' faith seriously. (Aug. 2010)
November 1, 2012
The setting and language are so thorough that I found it a bit hard to read. By just skipping over what I didn't understand, I still enjoyed the book very much. Hope to read more and maybe understand more.
May 20, 2013
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. I particularly love the language and the attention to historical detail. The author is developing the main characters at a nice pace and the mystery is complex enough to keep the reader engaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews