As She Left It by Catriona McPherson Book Recommendation

When she was twelve years old, Opal Jones escaped her mother’s endless drinking. Now, returning to their small Leeds cottage after her mum’s death, Opal feels like she’s gone back in time. Nosey Mrs. Pickess is still polishing her windows to a sparkle. Fishbo, Opal’s ancient music teacher, still plays trumpet with his band. And much to Opal’s delight, her favorite neighbor, Margaret Reid, still keeps an eye on things from the walk in front of her house.

But a tragedy has struck Mote Street. Margaret’s grandson, Craig, disappeared some ten years ago, and every day he’s not found, shame and sorrow settle deeper into the neighborhood’s forgotten corners. As the door she closed on her own dark past begins to open, Opal uncovers more secrets than she can bear about the people who were once her friends.

About the Author

Catriona McPherson (California) was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is the author of the Dandy Gilver historical mystery series (Minotaur/Thomas Dunne Books), which was nominated for a Macavity Award in 2012. As She Left It is her Midnight Ink debut.

Book Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: MIDNIGHT INK; First Edition edition (June 8, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738736775
• ISBN-13: 978-0738736778

Book recommendation only and not a review by me.

 

After Flodden by Rosemary Goring Book Recommendation

 

Patrick Paniter was James IV’s right-hand man, a diplomatic genius who was in charge of the guns at the disastrous battle of Flodden in September 1513 in which the English annihilated the Scots. After the death of his king he is tormented by guilt as he relives the events that led to war. When Louise Brenier, daughter of a rogue sea trader, asks his help in finding out if her brother Benoit was killed in action, it is the least he can do to salve his conscience. Not satisfied with the news he brings, Louise sets off to find out the truth herself, and swiftly falls foul of one of the lawless clans that rule the ungovernable borderlands. After Flodden is a novel about the consequences of the battle of Flodden, as seen through the eyes of several characters who either had a hand in bringing the country to war, or were profoundly affected by the outcome. There have been very few novels about Flodden, despite its significance,and none from this perspective. It’s a racy adventure, combining political intrigue and romance, and its readership will be anyone who loves historical fiction, or is interested in the history of Scotland and the turbulent, ungovernable borderlands between Scotland and England.

Product Details Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited (May 2, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1846972728 ISBN-13: 978-1846972720