Read Scotland 2017 discussion

Hello everyone, off to Orkney library today to try nab some Scottish literature to start off this challenge. Favourite Scottish reads last year were Gillespie and I by Jane Harris, His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet, and The Fanatic by James Robertson. Also really enjoyed The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel and saw there's a second book too.... any suggestions welcome!
PS: Only joined Goodreads a few days ago so bear with me!

Hi Ellen,
I'm in the middle of reading The Outrun by Orcadian Amy Liptrot, and really enjoying it. I haven't read a George Mackay Brown book I didn't like, but I especially like his reportage pieces like Under Brinkie's Brae.
However my favourite Scottish book over the last few months is The Panopticon by Jenni Fagan (but its admittedly not everyone's cup of tea.)

Ellen wrote: "Hello everyone, off to Orkney library today to try nab some Scottish literature to start off this challenge. Favourite Scottish reads last year were Gillespie and I by Jane Harris, His Bloody Proje..."

His Bloody Project was good! Have not read any of the Ian Frey series, will look for those.

Hi John, I'll look into those books you mentioned - I'm undecided about reading The Outrun, as we kind of know who it is written about - not well, just passing by in town - so feels a bit strange!

Peggy: His Bloody Project was up there with my favourite books last year, catch myself thinking about it now and then, how did he managed to make a murderer kind of lovable!?

I'm going to have to see if I can get my hands on "His Bloody Project". Sounds intriguing.

I got my husband His Bloody Project for Christmas, will add that to my TBR once he has finished with it.

1. The Un-Discovered Islands: An Archipelago of Myths and Mysteries, Phantoms and Fakes

Highly recommend this beautiful book. It's about the world in general, with one or two mentions of Orkney and Shetland. I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was written by a Shetlander, so I guess it counts for this! 5 stars, if only for the illustrations.

2. The Other Mrs Walker

I only realized this counted towards the Scottish reads challenge after I started reading it... The book is a historical mystery set between London and Edinburgh, and I was quite surprised to see how dire an outlook the author has towards her home city. I really don't remember Edinburgh being so bleak and depressing! All cities have poverty and flaws (especially London which was consistently written about in an all-positive light) and I'm aware of how dreich and gloomy the Scottish weather can be... But come on! An occasional kind word wouldn’t go amiss.

The story itself was odd, and a bit anti-climatic. I enjoyed the beginning of it immensely but had to soldier through other bits of the book. Or maybe by the end I was in a huff that she was so anti-Edinburgh, who knows?

3 stars, (2 stars feels a bit unfair due to all the complexities of the story).

Ellen wrote: "2. The Other Mrs Walker

I only realized this counted towards the Scottish reads challenge after I started reading it... The book is a historical mystery set between London and Edin..."

It sounds really good from the book blurb. Sorry it was disappointing.

Don't not read it on my account, Peggy! I was maybe being a bit harsh, I never really can tell. I have 0 friends who share my tastes in books, books that everyone loves - best sellers, etc - and I'm desperately trying to see it. By common consensus, I am not a good judge!

I'm with you Ellen, I often find "Best Sellers" uninspiring, but then stumble upon some little known writer and am captivated.
So dont rely on me for recommendations in the 'popular' vein.

Tim wrote: "I'm with you Ellen, I often find "Best Sellers" uninspiring, but then stumble upon some little known writer and am captivated.
So dont rely on me for recommendations in the 'popular' vein."

Me too, I spend most all my reading in old books.

3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - real life Scottish murders! I dipped into a few 'stories' I fancied, so technically haven't read the whole book - some looked a bit upsetting. It's written by a lawyer so the writing is factual, rather than say descriptive, which I suppose suits this kind of book. Lots of little details and snippets - she's obviously done a lot of research. Even had Orkney's most recent murder - strictly taboo here, so will keep quiet about that!

4. The Quarry

Apparently I started with one of Iain Banks less popular books. (I read some reviews after reading it, and avid Iain Banks fans were not too keen). So I'm going to give him another chance, and try The Wasp Factory to try and fall in love with this author.
This book (The Quarry) was odd with many angry political conversations - I felt quite lost at times and little dumb! It had a bit of an anti-climax: this might be understandable, as I now know the author was suffering with terminal cancer. One of the characters too was suffering with terminal cancer - spookily the book was started before Banks was diagnosed.
The book was intelligent, but that intelligence was antagonistic and without clear direction. I wanted to like it - can't wait to try The Wasp Factory with raving reviews.

Ellen wrote: "3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - real life Scott..."

Well, I have to get this book now!

Ellen wrote: "4. The Quarry

Apparently I started with one of Iain Banks less popular books. (I read some reviews after reading it, and avid Iain Banks fans were no..."

Not read any Banks. I did see the TV version of Crow Road and really liked it.

Ellen wrote: "3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - real life Scott..."

I ordered it, Ellen!

Cool - I'm glad Peggy! It's hard to beat a good murder!

Ellen wrote: "4. The Quarry

Apparently I started with one of Iain Banks less popular books. (I read some reviews after reading it, and avid Iain Banks fans were no..."

The Wasp Factory is superb - although my favourite of his non-Culture books is The Bridge.

Ellen wrote: "3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - real life Scott..."

Ellen wrote: "3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - real life Scott..."

Peggy wrote: "Tim wrote: "I'm with you Ellen, I often find "Best Sellers" uninspiring, but then stumble upon some little known writer and am captivated.
So dont rely on me for recommendations in the 'popular' v..."

Ellen wrote: "4. The Quarry

Apparently I started with one of Iain Banks less popular books. (I read some reviews after reading it, and avid Iain Banks fans were no..."

Thanks for the tip on this book! I read quite a bit in this genre (ended up marrying a CSI), and since my ancestors hail from Wick, I knew I had to read this book. Have ordered!

Mrs. C. wrote: "Ellen wrote: "3. Blood in the Glens: True Crimes from the Scottish Highlands

Quite a juicy read - r..."

Glad you've ordered it Mrs C! Enjoy!

5. Orkney Twilight

My friend spotted this in the library - had to give it a go. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. It's not a murder mystery - and perhaps 'thriller' would be a bit deceptive description (though it does have action moments and the shady undercover world of the police). It's full of dysfunctional characters, which I kind of liked, even if they were annoying or acting up!

The author described Orkney accurately, without romanticizing it too much, and like me obviously has a keen interest in birds! A little spookily for me, the book was set near the place I was born and in Orkney where I live now. Odd to read about Greenham Common and Waulkmill Bay in the same novel!

Good, not brilliant.

The Wasp Factory

Sorry Iain Banks fans, I couldn't finish The Wasp Factory. Not counting it towards this challenge. Here's my review:

"I abandoned this book very early on as I couldn't cope with the animal torture and cruelty. I didn't think it was fair to rate it, as what little I read was intriguing and well-written. I just wanted to warn this is a difficult book for animal lovers, portrays mental health issues in an extreme light, and have since read it contains disturbing scenes with children. This is not so much a reflection on the book but on me as a sensitive reader. As interesting and unusual the main character was, I had to respectfully put him back on the shelf."

It does tend to polarise readers, as do a few of his books. I personally loved it and have read it a few times now, but I can understand different reactions. Don't give up on Banks - try The Bridge, or one of his Culture novels.

I also started The Wasp Factory years ago. I abandoned it quickly too. How can you enjoy content like that? I've read some other Iain Banks and agree with John about The Bridge and the one Culture novel I read was very good too.

Ellen, have you ever read *Real Hard Cases: True Crime from the Streets*? It's about unsolved cases. I'm thinking about adding it to my list.

Hi Mrs C - no, I haven't read that but it sounds right up my street! Enjoy it and let me know if it's as good as it sounds :)

5. Silver Darlings

Needless to say I loved this book, and I'm still enjoying discussions in the Group Reads threads...

6. Crimespotting: An Edinburgh Crime Collection

An anthology of crime stories set in Scotland, a quick and easy read, very diverse with lots of little plot twists. This introduced me to a few Scottish authors I haven't 'met' before, and will look out for in future, as well as writers from further afield such as Margaret Atwood (who seems very popular right now). I don't read many short story collections, but thinking I should try them more often.

I'm not adding Snake Ropes to this list. It's supposed to be set on a Scottish off-the-map island, but it didn't feel very Scottish and only nodded towards a Scots folktale with a 'selkie'. Saying that, it's one of my favourite books this year, a kind of grown up fairy-tale.

Ellen wrote: "I'm not adding Snake Ropes to this list. It's supposed to be set on a Scottish off-the-map island, but it didn't feel very Scottish and only nodded ..."

Ellen, I would count it as it's set on a Scottish island.

7. Snake Ropes

As Peggy suggested to, I'm counting it!

8. The Blackhouse

Recommended by a few folk in this group, I can see why! He describes Scottish island life extremely well, and I enjoyed learning the Gaelic names and culture. I found it a tad slow to start with, and struggled at the beginning, but soon I was desperate to know more and more. I've never read a book that swapped between third character narration - following Fin - to first character narration - Fin himself. Clever, giving you snippets of information in the present, and then snippets of the past, to keep you guessing. Complex characters, good plot twists, and unbelievably Scottish!

Ellen wrote: "8. The Blackhouse

Recommended by a few folk in this group, I can see why! He describes Scottish island life extremely well, and I enjoyed learni..."

I'm so glad you loved it, Ellen! I knew you would. He is a wonderful writer.

Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century

Just finished this intriguing true crime account of the Hulme-Parker murder case. I recently found out that the murderess, Pauline Parker, now lives in Orkney. I had heard about this bizarre and shocking story before, and couldn't believe one of the girls involved now lives just a short drive away...

I enjoyed this book immensely, despite the fact the author, who is a lawyer, perhaps lacked some writing panache! It was, however, incredibly detailed which is what I want from a true crime book. The story is mostly set in New Zealand - where the murder of one of the girl's mother took place - but at the end skips to different parts of Scotland where the girls' now live.

At the end I was rewarded with a tiny detail that the now named Hilary Nathan owned 'lots of goats' in Orkney. She is elderly now, in her 80's or 90's I think, and we know she lives in Burray. Well, a few years ago, the SPCA phoned us at midnight asking us to 'babysit' three goats they had just rescued. (The babysitting quickly transformed to, oh they're settled, just keep them!) They said the lady was very old, and the animals weren't cruelly treated, just a bit neglected because she was struggling to cope. The goats came from Burray, were quite old themselves and two have since passed away, but we still have one lovely boy named Earl. Obviously there are a few folk who keep goats as pets, but I can't help wondering if I own a goat who used to live with, by all accounts, a sweet lady but one who murdered her mother! I will have to ask Earl!

Would recommend to true-crime lovers, who like the psychology aspects rather than gore.

Ellen wrote: "Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century

Just finished this intriguing true crime account of the Hulme-Parker murder c..."

How amazing that you have the goat connection here! I saw a movie about this a while back and find it a bit disturbing that Juliet shows no real remorse or culpability and went on to be so successful. Not sure if I even want to read any of her books. Haven't read this one but did just pick up The Search for Anne Perry but haven't started it yet. Fascinating tale though!

Ellen wrote: "I'm not adding Snake Ropes to this list. It's supposed to be set on a Scottish off-the-map island, but it didn't feel very Scottish and only nodded ..."

Oooh. I read this as a preview before it was published. It was the most interesting book I had read in some time. Yes, it is fantasy but still I'd count it as Scottish. :D

1O. Orkney

I automatically scored this book 4 stars, as a knee jerk reaction to how I thought I should feel about it. It's involves a lot of things I love: Orkney, folklore, selkies, a bit of mystery, poetic writing style... but a part of me just didn't love it like I really ought to. The end was also a touch predictable, but I can't really argue how else she should have ended it!

So it'll stay 4 stars, as maybe I was not in the mood.

Last point - it is obvious this is an English author writing a Scottish tale. Maybe this hit home, as I often criticise my writing and words coming up short against the beautiful way Scots write.

Good review, Ellen!

Just realised, never added a book I read about a month ago - and its my favourite yet!
11. To Be Continued

I LOVE this book! James Robertson is one of my favourite authors. I'll stick to describing this book but what I say is true of all of them I've read so far.
This is a subtly quirky book, that makes the surreal feel ordinary and right. I love the way he writes, his words, his phrases. Obviously the plot line is important, but I am just as happy to plod along with him, enjoying his writing style that explores the inner workings of his flawed characters, with their warped perception, and unreliable narrative of the world, while they sit on a bus, talking to no one. This is how this book starts.
For me at least, the many plain, unexciting moments (bus trip, garden patio, making tea) are entertaining, witty and moreish. He also brings to life a very loved Scotland, but not a romanticised one. He fondly pokes fun at his homeland, highlights its beauty and faults, and the unique breed of people that is Scottish folk. This book focuses on Edinburgh and then the remote West Highlands.

Expect the charms of everyday life, occasionally interrupted by surreal, brilliant moments, funny observations, and lovable, weird characters. I know I'm gushing...

Oh, and one more thing: I really, really, really want a talking toad called Mungo Forth Mungo in my tweed jacket pocket.

I need to update what I've been reading recently... here the first:

12. Coffin Road Peter May

I can see why Peter May is a favourite in this group - he really brings Scotland and, in particular, the Hebrides to life. This was also a fast paced and interesting plot with twists and turns that kept me guessing. It made me want to research the Flannon Isles Lighthouse mystery a little more... very eerie, I can see why it inspired the author! May writes very flawed, vivid and complex characters, like the spunky teenage Karen who I had a soft spot for. I wasn't overly keen on the main protagonist, but I don't think he wasn't written to be a lovable character. Overall, a good mystery and interesting read!

13. Paths of the Dead by Lin Anderson

It's got Orkney's Ring o Brodgar in it! Murder victims popping up in Scottish stone circles - who could resist?

I've never read a Lin Anderson book, despite her frequently visiting my beloved library and being an Orkney fan! The book was fast-paced, gritty and edgy, with some detailed looks on autopsies and forensic science. (Weird Fact I learnt from the book: Did you know you can tell if the victim last ate a MacDonalds or Burger King by how they chop the gherkins? Ew!)

I really enjoyed it, and her account of Orkney is detailed and obviously drawn from her visits. My only sceptisms was the huge drug underworld she painted for Orkney... we do have drugs problems, but not on par with a city like Glasgow, as she kind of suggested. I may be wrong, but the local paper last year reported a stolen gnome from someone's garden - we have many slow news days!

However, I would recommend this book if you want a really fast, thrilling read. I would suggest, unlike me, starting at the beginning of her series - this one is very late on, it's obvious the characters have a lot of history and there are many hints at previous books etc.

Any other Lin Anderson fans? I'd like to read more of her :)

These books I haven't read entirely, just dipped into the odd folk tale... I love ones like Whuppity Stoorie - a Scottish version of Rumplestiltskin. I've also been enjoying ghost stories that highlight Scottish histories but also are just good spooky tales!

The Penguin Book of Scottish Folktales

The Folk Tales of Scotland

Scottish Ghost Stories

These books are perfect to flick through on a cold winter's evening...

14. Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

I felt a bit disloyal reading a book based in Shetland, what with the Orkney/Shetland rivalry! (Just look at both library Twitter accounts - they're currently having a dialect battle!!) However, I very much enjoyed it, and even though it was describing another island, it definitely had familiar hints of home. I enjoyed reading about the legendary Up Helly Aa festival and island life - and of course, I love a good murder, so it ticked all the boxes. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series - from what I've seen she's written tons of books! Would highly recommend if you want a bit of Tartan Noir.