The Bookseller of Inverness Paperback – July 11, 2023

This book was a great read. Clearly, the author was well-familiar with her subject and was able to weave an interesting story that held my attention. The years following the battle of Culloden were difficult for the highlanders and this fiction tale made a lot of the historical tidbits I’ve read over the years come alive in well-drawn characters the reader cares about as well as in an intriguing plot.

The book starts out a little slow; but while there are elements in it that are not flashy in a way that many historical novels today are (to my way of thinking), the plot moves inexorably forward with a steady and measured gait, like the many Jacobites moved over the moors against the English king’s troops.In Iain we find a broken man, as one can only imagine so many survivors were after Culloden uprising. But he DID survive, even though he is not always happy about it…at times wishing that he had died on the battlefield with his best friend.The reader can recognize the dedication and loyalty that the Scots demonstrated for the man they saw as their true king. In the reading, I got the sense that this loyalty was as much a part of the characters’ existence as was their breath.There are moments of true patriotism exhibited (though the “occupation“ rarely allows for such a thing), such as Iain choosing to play the traitorous anthem “Hey, Johnnie Cope, Are Ye Waking Yet?” in the midst of the British-run assembly— some supporters of the English occupation are appalled, but the spirit and pride of the Scots shines through as they tap their toes and dance in exultation while Iain defiantly fiddles the tune. And the reason that he takes such a risk speaks volumes as to the character of the man. It is again thrilling when, in the midst of the assembly, an unexpected Scots visitor arrives to turn the entire event on its ear. It was probably my favorite scene in the book.As Hector and Iain traverse the Scottish countryside, Hector stands longer than he should, as if memorizing the colors of the Scottish dawn: this is an example of how the author provides nuances of a man torn by his love for country and his loyalty to the Stuart line.The mysteries are many, as are the villains… And several of them lurk in plain sight, though the reader and the characters cannot recognize them for the traitors they are.There are several scenes of breathless suspense: for example the dilemma of how to escape from the pit; Dunnes’ soldiers close to their quarries’ hiding place; and Ishbel running for fear of her son’s safety.My only regrets are first, that the despicable British soldier Dunne never gets his comeuppance. (And the author makes it easy for the reader to intensely dislike his character.) And second, the story ends (for me) much too quickly. As the resolution takes place, I really wish that Iain had expressed his thoughts a little more fully. It feels like it ends in the blink of an eye: no savoring Iain's decision to move forward with his life.The novel is often times a slow burn, but the payoff is worth it as Iain searches for his place in a world forever changed for him after the massacre at Culloden.I highly recommend this book.

The depth and richness of the characters in this book were such a pleasure to read about. I loved the twists and turns and delving into the different aspects of each seemingly inconsequential character’s past and watching the threads of connection being revealed. The research and dedication to historical accuracy are on display throughout this book. Morag is my favorite character and you can’t change my mind!!

The title, the book cover, and the customer rating seemed promising to of a cool, sophisticated, historical mystery. Unfortunately, from the start, the reader is immediately barraged with too much dry information and too many character names without being given an emotional stake in the story. As I read on, I eventually found that there was actually a story that I could become invested in. However, I don’t feel it was worth the all effort incumbent upon me to find it. Ultimately, I think the author has significant potential, but they may require more assistance of editors in order to eliminate the dry details that detract from the overall narrative.

The Bookseller of Inverness transported me right into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where I got lost in the story of a traumatized soldier now turned bookseller. The stories of the Jacobite clans came to vibrant and detailed life as MacLean tells the story of the multigenerational war to put Bonnie Prince Charlie on the English throne!In the disappointing years after the infamous battle of Culloden, we meet Iain, marked externally with scars across his face and internally by the loss of his closest friends and relatives. Though he declares his war over, he soon finds out just how quickly he can be drawn right back in to the hope of seeing Prince Charlie stage another uprising in the Highlands when a mysterious murder takes place right in his own bookshop.Old and new friends alike are all suspect and Iain finds himself one step behind a killer seeking vengeance for Jacobites who were betrayed by their countrymen.I loved the book and the history is detailed and well written. The reason I gave it 4 stars rather than 5 is that the history dominates the story too much in my opinion. The plot is weak and I’m actually not fully sure what it was the murders aren’t really shamed since they are of betrayers. There’s plenty of tension and intrigue but it mostly surrounds another character who turns up and is on the run trying to gather information for the Prince. I’m not sure if that was to be the main plot or the murders. The dispersion of the double plot line weakened the book and confused me. There’s just too much focus on detailing lots of history that wasn’t fully integral to the story and complicated to follow.Overall though, it’s entertaining and educating and I am glad I got to read it!

I love Scotland. I love highlanders and their fierceness. And I love a good mystery. This book has it all. And although there have been numerous famous, fabulous highlander heroes who are handsome and brawny and very attentive lovers in recent literature, our hero in this book is a regular, real man. Loved this book.

I highly recommend this book, it held my attention from beginning to end and was satisfactory in every way. This is how to tell a story!