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stephlyon25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
sophb84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
erraticeldandil's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This book made me realize that I have fairly exacting tastes in anthologies that most of them don't meet.
This is not a bad book by any means, and the premise was quite interesting but only a couple of the stories really captured me. I often felt the tone - while generally universally on the dark side - still varied story to story which didn't make for the most cohesive reading experience.
This is not a bad book by any means, and the premise was quite interesting but only a couple of the stories really captured me. I often felt the tone - while generally universally on the dark side - still varied story to story which didn't make for the most cohesive reading experience.
reethu_ravi's review
4.0
Twelve of Scotland's best crime writers come together under one roof in Bloody Scotland to weave stories centred around the country's iconic sites and buildings. Lin Anderson, Gordon Brown, Chris Brookmyre, Ann Cleeves, Doug Johnstone, Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Craig Robertson, Sara Sheridan, E S Thomson and Louise Welsh brings forth tales that are at once gripping, stimulating and often bone-chilling.
From intense psychological thrillers to gripping tales of revenge to murder and chicanery, Bloody Scotland offers stories to please lovers of crime thrillers of varied interests in the crime/thriller genre. A brilliantly crafted book, it provides readers with an insight into Scotland's built heritage.
Being someone who lacks an interest in reading short story collections, what prompted me to take up the book was the central theme of the book- stories of crime inspired from the prominent sites and buildings of Scotland. Though the first story was just average (raising my scepticism about picking up the book), I was hooked from the very second story and thereafter found it to be unputdownable. Except for two or three stories that failed to impress me and was a bit mundane (reason for the rating of 4/5 instead of a full-fledged 5), I extremely loved the short stories. A personal favourite would be Nemo Me Impune Lacessit by Denise Mina which was a dark psychological thriller set in Edinburgh Castle. I was also completely bowled over by the writing of Val McDermid in Ancient and Modern, which is a revenge story set in Hermit's Castle.
I loved how at the end the book had descriptions of all the sites and/or buildings described in the story (that too with details on visiting times!!!) This book just made me add Scotland to my list of countries to visit ASAP!!
I absolutely loved Bloody Scotland and would highly recommend it to everyone, especially fans of crime thrillers and those who are looking for a gripping quick read. I strongly feel that this book will even help you get out of a reading slump (though I may recommend skipping the first story if that is the case).
leslies1212's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed all but one story (which was too disturbing to contemplate). I've discovered some Scots authors I want to read. So glad a map and brief description of each site was included in the book, along with a short bio of each author.
chaiwali's review against another edition
Wanderlust in books // Bloody Scotland has 12 short stories written by Scotland's finest crime writers - what really intrigued me (since I'm not one for crime fiction) is that every story uses one of Scotland's *real* iconic/historic sites to tell a thrilling fictional tale. There are pictures of the said sites, making the reading experience more visual & fun. Also, there's detailed description of the sites (along with visiting times) given towards the end of the book. SO COOL, RIGHT?
About the stories, it has a lukewarm start where classic crime/horror plots are used and since we've read so many of such plots, the book failed to keep me intrigued. Other stories however made up for the start.
Some worth mentioning are;
Come Friendly Bombs by Louise Welsh, which touches upon how war changes people & how misery brings out the darkness in even the best of the people. This was a particularly dark & grim tale that I very much enjoyed.
Sanctuary by Sara Sheridan which is about a woman who returns to the city she grew up in, to work as a caretaker of Kinneil House. We discover how from not belonging elsewhere, not being able to call a place home she finds her sanctuary in this old monumental house. It also shows how some decisions we take are spur of the moment (which kind of took me by surprise.)
All in all, it's a really good mix of stories ranging from psychological thrillers to stories of revenge/murder + more
Apart from the stories what I really enjoyed about the book was googling all the sites around which the stories were based, reading up on their history, looking up 27839393 of their images. So virtual trip to Scotland done, and my bucket list for the real trip is set! ;)
If you love visiting other countries via books or are someone who loves dark tales, this book is for you! Thank you BEE BOOKS for sending a review copy of this book.
About the stories, it has a lukewarm start where classic crime/horror plots are used and since we've read so many of such plots, the book failed to keep me intrigued. Other stories however made up for the start.
Some worth mentioning are;
Come Friendly Bombs by Louise Welsh, which touches upon how war changes people & how misery brings out the darkness in even the best of the people. This was a particularly dark & grim tale that I very much enjoyed.
Sanctuary by Sara Sheridan which is about a woman who returns to the city she grew up in, to work as a caretaker of Kinneil House. We discover how from not belonging elsewhere, not being able to call a place home she finds her sanctuary in this old monumental house. It also shows how some decisions we take are spur of the moment (which kind of took me by surprise.)
All in all, it's a really good mix of stories ranging from psychological thrillers to stories of revenge/murder + more
Apart from the stories what I really enjoyed about the book was googling all the sites around which the stories were based, reading up on their history, looking up 27839393 of their images. So virtual trip to Scotland done, and my bucket list for the real trip is set! ;)
If you love visiting other countries via books or are someone who loves dark tales, this book is for you! Thank you BEE BOOKS for sending a review copy of this book.
piab30's review
4.0
The stories in this anthology just blew my mind off. It's gory, creepy, scary, eerie but again engaging. Few stories had a little mundane beginning but the climax and ending will make you go OMG! Two stories I felt weren't as bloody as the rest were, but nevertheless one could like those pieces.
anukritimalik_'s review
4.0
Bloody Scotland , as the name suggest is a collection of 12 short crime stories by some fine writers of Scotland.
I am a die hard crime fiction lover and I absolutely loved this book. Every story begins somewhere in Scotland and with a pictorial representation which makes the story all the more interesting. I , as a reader could fairly well imagine how the whole story was taking place.
To avoid the review to be very long , I’m extensively reviewing only one of my favorite from the twelve which was hands down Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit by Denise Mina.
--> Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit by Denise Mina
Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit translates to “Cross me and Suffer”. The story revolves around the life of Jake , an eleven year old mysterious boy and his family. Jake is not normal and his family feels he is possessed or mentally ill. The CCTV cameras in the house often show him standing next to the bed of his parents in the middle of the night , staring them for hours. Once they found a hammer near the bed and on checking the recordings they found him practice-swing it at his mother Audrey’s head and laugh to himself.
The family – Jake , his mother Audrey , father Pete , six year old brother Simon and seven year old Hannah are on a visit to the Edinburgh Castle. Jake , who always acts in a weird and strange manner is rather calm and excited to visit the castle. His parents are amused at his behavior but are happy than suspicious. They enter the castle and stroll through the dungeons and suddenly Jake goes missing. His parents are on a lookout and in the blink of an eye , Simon and Hannah disappear. Where did the kids go?
The story leaves you in a fit. It gives a paranormal effect and I loved it.
Recommended for all the crime and short story lovers out there.
Orkahaugr by Lin Anderson
Ancient and Modern by Val McDermid
Kissing the Shuttle by E S Thomson
Painting the Forth Bridge by Doug Johnstone
The Last Siege of Bothwell Castle by Chris Brookmyre
Sanctuary by Sara Sheridan
Stevenson’s Candle by Stuart MacBride
History Lesson by Gordon Brown
Come Friendly Bombs by Louise Welsh
The Twa Corbies of Cardross by Craig Robertson
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit by Denise Mina
The Return by Ann Cleeves
I am a die hard crime fiction lover and I absolutely loved this book. Every story begins somewhere in Scotland and with a pictorial representation which makes the story all the more interesting. I , as a reader could fairly well imagine how the whole story was taking place.
To avoid the review to be very long , I’m extensively reviewing only one of my favorite from the twelve which was hands down Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit by Denise Mina.
--> Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit by Denise Mina
Nemo Me Inpune Lacessit translates to “Cross me and Suffer”. The story revolves around the life of Jake , an eleven year old mysterious boy and his family. Jake is not normal and his family feels he is possessed or mentally ill. The CCTV cameras in the house often show him standing next to the bed of his parents in the middle of the night , staring them for hours. Once they found a hammer near the bed and on checking the recordings they found him practice-swing it at his mother Audrey’s head and laugh to himself.
“I’m finished too , Mum.”
The family – Jake , his mother Audrey , father Pete , six year old brother Simon and seven year old Hannah are on a visit to the Edinburgh Castle. Jake , who always acts in a weird and strange manner is rather calm and excited to visit the castle. His parents are amused at his behavior but are happy than suspicious. They enter the castle and stroll through the dungeons and suddenly Jake goes missing. His parents are on a lookout and in the blink of an eye , Simon and Hannah disappear. Where did the kids go?
The story leaves you in a fit. It gives a paranormal effect and I loved it.
Recommended for all the crime and short story lovers out there.
anunande's review against another edition
Bloody Scotland, an anthology of stories by twelve of the best Scottish crime writers., was published in September 2017 by Historic Environment Scotland, and the beauty of these stories is that each writer is given one architectural structure from the country and uses the dark side of its heritage to fuel the heart of their narrative.
Overall, this collection has a high writing and storytelling standard through its twelve different styles; There was also beautiful, atmospheric writing about the Scottish landscape which makes me want to return and explore outside of Edinburgh. The stories explore a range of emotions – love, family, grief, revenge, hope – and we are introduced to a variety of characters in wide-ranging situations, whether a gripping hostage scenario, or a Nordic noir setting on the Scottish coast, or a nail-biting adventure at a lighthouse in the middle of a storm, or simply that of an estranged father trying desperately to reconnect with his daughter.
The full review here:
https://anushreenande.com/bloody-scotland-a-review
Overall, this collection has a high writing and storytelling standard through its twelve different styles; There was also beautiful, atmospheric writing about the Scottish landscape which makes me want to return and explore outside of Edinburgh. The stories explore a range of emotions – love, family, grief, revenge, hope – and we are introduced to a variety of characters in wide-ranging situations, whether a gripping hostage scenario, or a Nordic noir setting on the Scottish coast, or a nail-biting adventure at a lighthouse in the middle of a storm, or simply that of an estranged father trying desperately to reconnect with his daughter.
The full review here:
https://anushreenande.com/bloody-scotland-a-review
shelfadmirer's review against another edition
3.0
|3.5 stars|
Bloody Scotland is a collection of 12 short stories that revolve around 12 famous Scottish monuments and has a murder element in it.
While I loved a few stories, the other fell flat to my taste. It’s difficult when an author is constrained and isn’t allowed to think out of the box. That is what I believe happened to this collection.
Orkahaugr by Lin Anderson: The first story is about the curiosity of a man for the monument called Maeshowe. It talks about Norse Mythology and death.
Ancient and Modern by Val McDermid: A revenge planned around The Hermit’s Castle.
Kissing the Shuttle by E S Thomson: A plot revolving around sexual abuse in the Stanley Mills.
Painting the Forth Bridge by Doug Johnstone: A fathers love for his daughter and to be with her, no matter the costs. Set in The Forth Bridge.
The Last Siege of Bothwell Castle by Chris Brookmyre: A tale involving a siege of Bothwell Castle, staged by some local Mafia.
Sanctuary by Sara Sheridan: Involves the Kinneil House and is a horror story. Revolves around ancient paintings and murals.
Stevenson’s Candle by Stuart MacBride: A psychological thriller, well written and gripping. Set in the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
History Lesson by Gordon Brown: Talks about a father-son relationship and involves the Crookston Castle
Come Friendly Bombs by Louise Welsh: Talks about war-ridden Scotland and the solace provided by Crossraguel Abbey
The Two Corbies of Cardross by Craig Robertson: Two thieves, the ultimate goal is survival. Their favorite spot being St. Peter’s Seminary, Cardross.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit by Denise Mina: Mental illness and consequences. Set in the famous Edinburgh Castle.
The Return by Ann Cleeves: Deception and murder in the Mousa Broch.
My most favorites are Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, Stevenson’s Candle and The Return. These were exceptionally written with an impressive plot and well-written characters. The thriller in most of the stories was great, but a few felt forced, especially when drawing a connection with the monuments. A few weren’t related at all.
A short description of each monument has been provided at the end, along with the author introduction.
What overpowers everything is the fact that each monument has been described beautifully. Their grandeur and history have all been told along with the story.
This collection can be thought of as an insight into the writing style of some great Scottish authors and I have chosen a few whose work I would like to read further.)
Bloody Scotland is a collection of 12 short stories that revolve around 12 famous Scottish monuments and has a murder element in it.
While I loved a few stories, the other fell flat to my taste. It’s difficult when an author is constrained and isn’t allowed to think out of the box. That is what I believe happened to this collection.
Orkahaugr by Lin Anderson: The first story is about the curiosity of a man for the monument called Maeshowe. It talks about Norse Mythology and death.
Ancient and Modern by Val McDermid: A revenge planned around The Hermit’s Castle.
Kissing the Shuttle by E S Thomson: A plot revolving around sexual abuse in the Stanley Mills.
Painting the Forth Bridge by Doug Johnstone: A fathers love for his daughter and to be with her, no matter the costs. Set in The Forth Bridge.
The Last Siege of Bothwell Castle by Chris Brookmyre: A tale involving a siege of Bothwell Castle, staged by some local Mafia.
Sanctuary by Sara Sheridan: Involves the Kinneil House and is a horror story. Revolves around ancient paintings and murals.
Stevenson’s Candle by Stuart MacBride: A psychological thriller, well written and gripping. Set in the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
History Lesson by Gordon Brown: Talks about a father-son relationship and involves the Crookston Castle
Come Friendly Bombs by Louise Welsh: Talks about war-ridden Scotland and the solace provided by Crossraguel Abbey
The Two Corbies of Cardross by Craig Robertson: Two thieves, the ultimate goal is survival. Their favorite spot being St. Peter’s Seminary, Cardross.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit by Denise Mina: Mental illness and consequences. Set in the famous Edinburgh Castle.
The Return by Ann Cleeves: Deception and murder in the Mousa Broch.
My most favorites are Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, Stevenson’s Candle and The Return. These were exceptionally written with an impressive plot and well-written characters. The thriller in most of the stories was great, but a few felt forced, especially when drawing a connection with the monuments. A few weren’t related at all.
A short description of each monument has been provided at the end, along with the author introduction.
What overpowers everything is the fact that each monument has been described beautifully. Their grandeur and history have all been told along with the story.
This collection can be thought of as an insight into the writing style of some great Scottish authors and I have chosen a few whose work I would like to read further.)