THE BEST OF SCOTTISH BOOKS

By the time she reached her fifties, Catherine Simpson and her body had gone through a lot together – from period pain, an abortion and early menopause to shaming and harassment. But there had been success, joy, love and laughter too: far more freedoms than her mother had, a fulfilling family life and career, and the promise of more gains for her daughters.So when a cancer diagnosis upends her life, Catherine is forced to reflect on her body, then and now. From having been brought up on a farm where vets were more common than doctors, and where illness was ‘a nuisance’, she finds herself faced with the nuisance of a lifetime.One Body is the candid, searing and often darkly funny story of how Catherine navigates her treatment and takes stock of the emotions and reflections it provokes, until her cancer is in remission. And how she comes to appreciate the skin she is in – to be grateful for her body and all that it does and is.

On a clear, moonlit night, DCI Kelso Strang hears the unmistakable howl of a wolf. A disturbing sound, but not the only unsettling thing about the remote town of Inverbeg, where he is taking a break with an old army friend.Sean Reynolds is obsessive about rewilding his Auchinglass estate and there are rumours that he has taken illicit steps to hurry that on, much to the anger of local farmers. There are other tensions too. An elderly lady died some months before, officially in a tragic stumble off a cliff path, but she was burdened with many secrets and her closest friend believes it was murder.When horror strikes in Inverbeg, Strang fears further retribution is at work and as he gets closer to uncovering the ugly truth, he finds himself in more danger than ever before.

The gripping new thriller in the brilliant Constance Fairchild series, from one of Scotland’s foremost crime writers.On compassionate leave following the death of her mother, Detective Constable Constance Fairchild thought renting a cottage near Aberystwyth, Wales would get her far enough from London to finally relax. But trouble always seems to find Con, and it’s not long before she is cooling off in a police station cell after defending herself from two would-be rapists.In custody she meets a young Ukrainian woman, Lila, who confides in Con that she’s been forced by her manipulative boyfriend into prostitution and running drugs. Fearing for her life, she has run away from him, only to end up in the cells.Con offers to help, but when her cottage is ransacked, and Lila subsequently disappears, she realises she’s stumbled into very dangerous company. International drug smugglers and ruthless people traffickers – those who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Out here at the end of the line, will Con find that there’s nowhere left to run?Praise for James Oswald:’The new Ian Rankin’ Daily Record’Creepy, gritty and gruesome’ Sunday Mirror’Crime fiction’s next big thing’ Sunday Telegraph

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer…Pre-order the brand new Scottish romance from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish EscapeWhen wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.Readers are falling for Julie Shackman’s escapist stories…’I loved the escape to the Scottish cottage, I truly felt like I was there!’ Maggie’A lovely book to add to your summer reading list’ Gea’Beautiful story… A new author for me and I can’t wait to read more of her books’ Karen’Good to curl up with on a rainy afternoon’ Susan’I love the Scottish setting and the characters are so fun’ Cacie’The perfect escape…Lots of secrets come out that leave you wanting to read more’ Zoe’I loved traveling to Scotland in this book and reading about the small town life’ Arletta’I honestly enjoyed this book from the first page…we all love a happy ending’ Tracy’What a lovely story. Twists and turns all the way…You just have to read it’ Rosamond

The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the greatest victory in the history of Rangers Football Club when, on 24 May 1972, Rangers won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in dramatic style in Barcelona. That evening in Spain will forever live in the hearts of Rangers fans as their greatest day.Now, in conversation with a roll call of the great and good from that glorious day, Tom Miller looks back on the campaign that culminated in Rangers winning their only major European trophy.Willie Johnston recalls the revolutionary tactics that served them well on their travels, starting against Rennes in France. JohnGreig revisits the bizarre events of the match in Lisbon when Rangers thought they had been eliminated by Sporting. AlexMacDonald claims he still has the bruises from his exertions in the quarter-final against Torino, and Derek Parlane tells of his shock at being called into the starting line-up against Bayern Munich just before his 19th birthday.And for the final itself, Peter McCloy – who played every competitive game for Rangers in that historic season – evokes that special chemistry which delivered the winning formula against Russian giants FC Dynamo Moscow.For the first time these Rangers legends share their memories together, making Barcelona an essential read on a golden era for Rangers Football Club.

In the closing decades of the nineteenth century, John and Flora Baird set up their home in Ayrshire, Scotland, and built a thriving farm and a successful family. But the story didn’t end there. Each of the Baird sons carried on the legacy of their father, meeting the challenges and opportunities of the new century in their own way.This is the story of John, who grew a burgeoning farming business and was known as a man ‘with golden hands’, and of Andrew, who took his inherited farm and bred a coveted, world-famous herd of cows and bulls. It is also the story of Hugh, who followed the promises of a land of ‘milk and honey’ in Canada, and set up his own roots there and of Gilbert, who enlisted to fight in the First World War and saw its horrors first-hand.The Sons of the Farmer is an intricately researched, warmly told narrative of the Baird family as they grew and established their own legacies in Scotland, England, and Canada, set against the tumultuous backdrop of early twentieth century history.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a collection of thirteen stories involving one of literature’s most beloved characters and an integral volume in the canon of inspiration for numerous film adaptations, is now available in a fine exclusive collector’s edition. Featuring beautiful cover art from artist Laci Fowler and distinctive interior treatments, it is ideal for fiction lovers and book collectors alike. Each collectible volume will be the perfect addition to any well-appointed library.The Return of Sherlock Holmes Pretty Books Edition:Focuses on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic and beloved detective Sherlock Holmes and his equally admired longsuffering best friend and assistant, Dr. WatsonFeatures thirteen riveting adventures, including an explanation of Holmes’s supposed demise at the hands of archvillain Dr. Moriarty in Doyle’s 1893 short story “The Final Problem”Is ideal for special-edition book collectors, fans of literary fiction and classic literature, and people who love both the book and the cinematic adaptations it inspiredWhether you’re buying this as a gift or as a self-purchase, this remarkable edition features:Beautiful hardcover with a distinctive one-of-a-kind high-end/high-treatment cover, perfect for standing out on any discerning fiction-lover’s bookshelfTrim Size: 6 x 9Beautiful decorative interior pages featuring pull quotes distributed throughoutPart of a 4-volume collection including The Great Gatsby, The Wizard of Oz, and Frankenstein.Literature’s beloved private detective returns from the grave in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Return of Sherlock Holmes, and ever-loyal physician and devoted best friend Dr. John Watson is there to welcome him back and assist him in cracking thirteen absorbing and adventurous mysteries. First published in 1905, this volume includes the stories “The Adventure of the Empty House,” “The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez,” “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist,” and ten more absorbing cases to baffle and challenge fiction’s delightfully adept and most entertaining crime-solving duo.The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Pretty Books Edition) is one of four titles available. The Pretty Books collection also includes The Great Gatsby, The Wizard of Oz, and Frankenstein.

A guide to all things Scottish Gin. Featuring the stories behind the brands, flavours, botanicals and recipes for 100 Scottish gins. A must for any ginlover – whether newbie or cocktail lounge expert!Scottish gin is undergoing a massive revival, fuelled in part by the boom in small craft distilleries which have reinvigorated and transformed the gin market.Gin can be relatively simply produced – which enables craft gin distilleries across Scotland to create a refreshing range of boutique products, many of which are making some seriously big waves both in this corner of the world and beyond.And who can forget the initiative of Scottish distilleries as they created hand sanitiser from gin in the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown? Using vats of the world’s strongest gin – along with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera – the team at Deeside Distillery were able to donate the sanitiser to local schools, foodbanks and GP surgeries.And now, as the world starts to open up again, there’s no better time to be a gin fan, to get to know Scottish gin and the intriguing stories behind it. This beautifully packaged guide will make the perfect companion for gin lovers across Scotland and the UK, as well as gin-loving visitors to Scotland. If you’re looking to add to your gin knowledge or find new gins to try, THE SCOTTISH GIN BIBLE is your perfect guide.

The Arena of the Unwell follows 22-year-old Noah as he is drawn into the co-dependent relationship of two older men in the indie music scene. In the absence of any real purpose, Noah spends his nights drifting between North London pubs and music venues, and his days sleeping off hangovers in the stock room of the floundering record shop where he works. He tries not to think about what’ll happen when his NHS-allocated therapy hours run out and he’s left alone with his mind again. Then his favourite band Smiling Politely announce a last minute set in a small venue. When the crowd turns violent Noah runs into the street, where he meets Dylan, the charming local barman he’s never quite had the courage to approach.

As Smiling Politely prepare to release their first album in five years, Noah finds himself pulled deeper into the toxic relationship between Dylan and his brooding, enigmatic friend Fraser.

Challenging the conventional interpretation of Mary of Guise as the defender of Catholicism whose regime climaxed with the Reformation Rebellion, Pamela Ritchie shows that Mary was, on the contrary, a shrewd and effective politique, whose own dynastic interests and those of her daughter took precedence over her personal and religious convictions. Dynasticism, not Catholicism, was the prime motive force behind her policy.Mary of Guise’s dynasticism, and political career as a whole, were inextricably associated with those of Mary Queen of Scots, whose Scottish sovereignty, Catholic claim to the English throne and betrothal to the Dauphin of France carried with them notions of Franco-British Imperialism. Mary of Guise’s policy in Scotland was dictated by European dynastic politics and, specifically, by the Franco-Scottish alliance of 1548-1560. Significantly more than a betrothal contract, the Treaty of Haddington established a ‘protectoral’ relationship between the ‘auld allies’ whereby Henri II was able to assume control over Scottish military affairs, diplomacy and foreign policy as the ‘protector’ of Scotland. Mary of Guise’s assumption of the regency in 1554 completed the process of establishing French power in Scotland, which was later consolidated, albeit briefly, by the marriage of Mary Stewart to Francois Valois in 1558. International considerations undermined her policies and weakened her administration, but only with her death did Mary of Guise’s regime and French power in Scotland truly collapse.

Oran the curious otter pup is visiting the big sea for the very first time. When exploring underwater he meets Camille the seal who shows him the wonders of the sea, and what to watch out for! But when Camille’s in danger, can Oran rescue his new friend?

Written in Lynne Rickards’ signature rhyme, this is a charming tale of friendship and courage with a gentle message about ocean conservation. Abigail Hookham’s dynamic illustrations of Scottish sea life and charming seascapes are full of detail and character.

From the author of best-selling Skye the Puffling and Rowan the Red Squirrel, Oran the Curious Otter is a fun and affectionate celebration of Scotland’s coast and its creatures.

‘I first heard about Solomon Wiese on a bright, blustery day on the South Bank…’

Later that evening, at the bar of the Travelodge near Waterloo Bridge, our unnamed narrator will encounter that very same Solomon Wiese.

In a conversation that lasts until morning, he will hear Solomon Wiese’s story of his spectacular fall from grace.

A story about a scandal that has shaken the literary world and an accusation of serial plagiarism.

A story about childhood encounters with nothingness and a friend’s descent into psychosis; about conspiracies and poetry cults; about a love affair with a woman carrying a signpost and the death of an old poet.

A story about a retreat to the East Anglian countryside and plans for a triumphant return to the capital, through the theft of poems, illegal war profits and faked social media accounts – plans in which our unnamed narrator discovers he is obscurely implicated…

A story that will take the entire night – and the remainder of the novel – to tell.

New boy Smithy can’t understand why everyone is so excited about a player on the football team called “Bengo”. Bengo’s been absent for the first few games of the season and starts the next game on the bench, so surely he can’t be that special?

But when Smithy finally gets a chance to see him in action, Bengo is easily the best player he’s ever seen, putting in perfect crosses and generally running the opposition ragged.

So why is Bengo left on the bench so often, and why does he seem to bottle it when any strong tackles come his way?

Victorian London, 1851. Queen Victoria is on the throne and the Great Exhibition is about to open!

Lucy Locket lives with her father, the New Mother and the New Baby. They sent away her beloved Nurse and replaced her with a horrid governess. Lucy desperately wants someone to be kind to her, and to have some fun – there’s very little of that in her house.

Kitty Fisher is a street performer who earns tin for her supper by tumbling. She has always lived on the street and on her wits, with only the kind Gaffer to help her. But now Gaffer is gone, and Kitty is all alone.

When Lucy runs away from home, Kitty shows Lucy how to survive – where to find the best picnic leftovers in the park, and which trees makes the best beds. Lucy learns quickly and shows Kitty her own skills – befriending families to get free meals and singing beautiful melodies for the crowds.

But the streets of Victorian London are dangerous and soon the girls find themselves under threat from thieves – and even worse, the Workhouse!

One for sorrow, two for joy
Edinburgh is gripped by the greatest terror it has ever known: a lone bomber is targeting victims across the city, and no one is safe.

Three for a girl, four for a boy
In their jobs, DCI Ava Turner and DI Luc Callanach deal with death every day. But when it becomes clear that every bomb is a trap designed to kill them too, the possibility of facing it themselves starts to feel all too real.

Five for silver, six for gold
With the body count rising daily and the bomber’s methods becoming ever more horrifying, Ava and Luc must race to find out who is behind the attacks – or pay the ultimate price…

Seven for a secret never to be told…

This nail-biting Glasgow-set crime thriller introduces Billie Carlson, an ex-cop turned Private Investigator.

WHEN YOU’VE LOST EVERYTHING, YOU’LL STOP AT NOTHING

Billie Carlson left the police force under a cloud. Once a promising young officer she now works as a private investigator, rooting out insurance scams and spying on cheating spouses.

One morning a distraught young woman comes into her office saying that her baby has been stolen. Her story seems unbelievable, yet something about her makes Billie want to help – Billie knows what it’s like to lose someone too.

To get to the bottom of the case Billie must rattle some dangerous cages and rely on old police friends for inside help. Soon she discovers a network of crime deeper and far more twisted than she ever could have imagined. But is she in way over her head?

No one in Lochdubh expects Dorothy to stay for long…

She is, after all, entirely unsuitable. She’s an uptown girl, used to a fancy lifestyle in the big city of Glasgow. She’ll never fit in. And how is that work-shy rogue Hamish Macbeth supposed to get anything done when his new assistant is such a distraction? The village needs a police sergeant who can get on with his job, not one who’s constantly swooning over his pretty young constable.

Yet PC Dorothy McIver quickly shows how determined she is to win over the locals, and she certainly seems to bring out the best in Macbeth. Then comes a brutal murder and the pair find themselves plunged into a tangled web of conspiracy that acquires a sinister strand when the chilling shadow of Glasgow’s underworld creeps to the Highlands and the peaceful village of Lochdubh.

Through it all, the bond between Hamish and Dorothy grows ever stronger. Has Hamish Macbeth finally found the love of his life – and can he track down the murderer before any hope he has for a blissful future is destroyed?

‘There’s a hole in my bagpipes, wee Hamish, wee Hamish,
There’s a hole in my bagpipes, wee Hamish, a hole!

Then stitch it wee Lachie, wee Lachie, wee Lachie,
Then stitch it wee Lachie, wee Lachie, stitch it!

With what shall I stitch it? wee Hamish, wee Hamish,
With what shall I stitch it? wee Hamish, with what?’

A surreal and hilarious Scottish twist on a much-loved rhyme. Wee Hamish tries to solve his bagpiping friend’s difficulties with ever-more brilliantly bizarre solutions involving a hungry stag, prickly thistles, lumpy porridge, a dirty broadsword, a nervous red squirrel and a sleepy Highland cow.

Kate McLelland, illustrator of best-selling picture book There was a Wee Lassie Who Swallowed a Midgie, brings a Highland castle and its cast of Scottish characters and animals to life in her bold and colourful style. This quirky and fun picture book, created in Scotland, is a unique adaptation of the classic rhyme There’s a Hole in my Bucket. Children from Scotland and beyond will love to sing along!

Meet Nessie, the world-famous Loch Ness Monster, in this unique novelty-shaped board book!

Nessie likes swimming but she does not like midgies. Nessie likes music but she does not like photographs.

Wee ones will love spending time with the Loch Ness Monster and her friends in this colourful and sturdy board book, which is full of bright and dynamic illustrations and lots of fun details to spot.

You get away with murder.

In a remote sea loch on the west coast of Scotland, a fisherman vanishes without trace. His remains are never found.

You make people disappear.

A young man jumps from a bridge in Glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. DS Max Craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. But if he can’t find out what cost them their lives, it won’t be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue…

You come back for revenge.

Soon cracks start to appear in the investigation, and Max’s past hurtles back to haunt him. When his loved ones are threatened, he faces a terrifying choice: let the only man he ever feared walk free, or watch his closest friend die…

Max, Janie and Ross return in the second gripping novel in this explosive Scottish crime series.