This is a collection of crime fiction stories that a friend brought back for me from Scotland this past October. The collection comprises twelve short stories, each inspired by and centering in some way around a different Scottish landmark. There's an introduction by Crawford at the begninng, and a map of all twelve locations followed by brief descriptions and visiting information for each location at the end. Finally, there are bios for each contributing author.

I enjoyed most of the stories. There were a few I didn't care for, and a few that were just okay, but more that I actively liked.

I like the concept of having each writer submit a piece inspired by a specific Scottish landmark, and that each story was prefaced with a picture. I do think it would have been even better had the pictures been in color, but I also recognize the likely practical reasons why this wasn't done. I really appreciate the map and brief information on each location at the end of the volume.

I’m not sure what the rationale was behind the order of the stories, especially the first and last, which are not among the strongest in the collection. I'm not sure that changing the order would have done anything to or for the overall effect, though, so it's mostly just idle wondering rather than a true complaint.

Overall, a good collection, and well worth reading if you can get your hands on it. ( )

An anthology of murder stories set in real buildings in Scotland. Most of the writers are new to me even though I recognise some of their names. I will definitely be reading more of their work. ( )

Anthology of short stories: crime fiction set against the background of real places in Scotland and the islands thereabout. The characters are fiction, though. I liked nearly every story, some more than others. The stories range from one involving a murder involving Vikings, through ones involving revenge, cannibalism and just plain evil, even including one of my favorites: "Sanctuary": a gothic fantasy complete with ghost. The only one I disliked: "The last siege of Bothwell Castle": Islamic State takeover of the castle, with tourists. A section after the stories tells the background of each setting.

Recommended. ( )

"Simple" murder is the least horrifying crime depicted in these short stories; the truly heinous acts include cannibalism, familial rape, fratricide, and domestic violence. Each story evokes a vivid sense of place (and, as it figures prominently in Scotland, weather). Recommended--especially if read while in Scotland, which I had the good fortune to do on vacation. ( )

This is a great collection of stories published in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland. Twelve Scottish authors each set a story at a different Scottish historical site. Of the stories in this collection, I particularly enjoyed those by Chris Brookmyre (actual first reaction: “YAY! Catherine MacLeod!”), Denise Mina, Ann Cleeves, and Craig Robertson, but all of the stories had some sort of interesting aspect about them. Of the ones I liked best, I think I was most impressed by Robertson’s, because I hadn’t known what to expect, and because his had the most interesting narrator. Pick this collection up if you’re looking to try some new-to-you Scottish writers, or if you’re looking for places to see on your next trip! ( )