Today I am featuring a story from an anthology titled Bloody Scotland, edited by James Crawford, published in 2017.
From the book's dust jacket:
"Stellar contributors to Bloody Scotland include Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Denise Mina, Peter May, Ann Cleeves, Louise Welsh, Lin Anderson, Doug Johnstone, Craig Robertson, E. S. Thomson, Sara Sheridan and Stuart MacBride explore the thrilling potential of Scotland’s iconic sites and structures. From murder in a Hebridean blackhouse and a macabre tale of revenge among the furious clamour of an eighteenth century mill, to a dark psychological thriller set within the tourist throng of Edinburgh Castle and an ‘urbex’ rivalry turning fatal in the concrete galleries of an abandoned modernist ruin, this collection uncovers the intimate—and deadly—connections between people and places."
The short story I am covering is "The Return" by Ann Cleeves, set in Shetland, and the architectural site that is visited is Mousa Broch. Per the book, "broch's are Iron Age roundhouses that exist only in Scotland and Mousa is the best-preserved of them all."
In "The Return," Eleanor is given a book of poetry by her niece, Harriet, who has attended lectures by the author of the book, Elizabeth Blunt. The woman reads more of the author's work, and becomes very interested in her and her writing. Later, Harriet and Eleanor decide to visit the Shetlands and go to the island of Mousa where one of the author's short stories was set. Coincidentally Harriet and Eleanor run into Elizabeth on that trip and Harriet introduces her to Harriet. The three end up spending a lot of time together on the trip. Suddenly, the trip goes badly and Eleanor is left alone at the cottage where she had been staying with her niece.
That is as far as I want to go in describing the story, so as not to spoil it. The story is suspenseful, atmospheric, and has a very satisfying ending.
This is the only story I have read in the book. I will come back and read more stories in the book later.
20 comments:
That sounds like an excellent story, Tracy. There are some excellent authors listed too, will check this one out.
I agree that this story by Ann Cleeves sounds very good. And, yes, excellent authors that also contributed to the book. I've not read books by all of them, but several. Thanks for telling us about it. I'm not much of a short story reader, but occasionally.
Oh, this does sound suspenseful and atmospheric, Tracy. Ann Cleeves is so good at creating a strong sense of place and at building tension and unease in a story, and it sounds as though she does it well here.
Ann Cleeves was at the BOUCHERCON in San Diego. A lot of my friends watch VERA--a PBS series based on Cleeves's mysteries.
I've not read anything by Cleeves, but have the first in her Shetland series tagged at Libby. I'm glad you enjoyed this one and look forward to your thoughts on some of the others in the collection. I recognize several of the authors.
Cath, It was a good story, suspenseful and a lot of story in 15 or so pages.
Kay, I understand about short stories. I avoided reading them for many years, and there is a lot of variability in short stories vs. a novel.
Margot, there was a lot of unease in the story and I was very grateful for an ending that made all that worthwhile.
George, it would be great to see Ann Cleeves at that type of event. It amazes me that she has so many good mystery series. I have enjoyed the Vera Stanhope books I have read, but have only watched a couple of the episodes in the TV series.
Kelly, I have read the first four books in the Shetland series and liked them all. I have the 5th one to read sometime soon. I liked the Shetland TV series too, although it is different from the books.
I am especially interested in reading stories by these authors in the anthology: Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Denise Mina, Peter May, and Louise Welsh.
Thanks for reminding us about Ann Cleeves and you have inspired me to take the plunge. I went on libby and they have Crow Trap ready to borrow on audio. So I now have a copy and will read. I am fascinated by the Northumberland region of England.
Kathy, I loved the Crow Trap when I read it. About ten years ago, I guess. I do hope you enjoy reading the book.
I haven't tried this author yet! Maybe a nice place to start?
Emma, I would start with the first book in the Shetland series, Raven Black, or the first book in the Vera Stanhope series, The Crow Trap. I prefer the Vera series, but The Crow Trap is nearly 550 pages long. The next few books in that series are closer to 400 pages.
Sounds like a great setting in the Shetlands. I still look forward to traveling to Scotland someday ... and maybe will read Cleeves while there! I'm curious now about the ending of the story ha.
Susan, I was impressed with this story because it maintains varying levels of tension throughout and surprised me with the ending. I like several of Cleeves' series, including the first one she wrote, which had a focus on birding.
What a great collection of authors! I think you will enjoy the whole book (but it will make you want to add a lot to your TBR!).
Constance, it is a good list of authors and I hope the stories are as good as this one.
I keep thinking I should get a book by Anne Cleve for my mum. She loves watching the TV version of…. Can‘t think of the name of that female police officer…. Played by Brenda Blethyn…
Cathy, I am sure your mother would enjoy a book by Ann Cleeves. I think the book series is called the Vera Stanhope series. I have read the first three of those books and I enjoyed them a lot.
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