Books by authors living and working in Dumfries and Galloway, or setting their stories in the area
A superb read in a world of dark secrets
The latest crime novel by best-selling author Aline Templeton has been published by Joffe Books, the eighth in her hugely popular Detective Marjory Fleming Mysteries.
The stories are set in Galloway and Murder in Dunmore, which was previously published under the title Bad Blood, features events in a village where forty years ago, an eight-year-old boy was beaten to death in a field by a killer who was just ten years old.
Marnie Bruce returns to the area to find out what happened the night her mother disappeared but Dunmore wants her gone as she threatens to reveal old secrets.
When a woman is found murdered on the exact spot where the boy’s body was discovered, DI Fleming is called in.
It’s the one case she hoped never to face again because she knows more about the night Marnie’s mother vanished than she has ever admitted and someone in Dunmore has kept a deadly secret for forty years and is prepared to kill to ensure the truth does not come out.
It’s a brilliant set-up and the novel is Aline Templeton at her best. Her writing prompted Val McDermid to describe her as the ‘crime tzar for the Scottish small town.’
Second book in crime series to be launched in Thornhill bookshop
Exciting news from local author Sue McCormick, whose latest novel will be launched at Chapters bookshop in Thornhill at 11am on Thursday September 17.
As Sharp as any Thorn is the second title in Sue’s Holly and Ivy Mysteries.. It is 1951 and Dame Elspeth ‘Holly’ Hollanby and her no-nonsense dresser, Ivy, drive to west Wales to join a star-studded Christmas concert, a favour for a friend. At only their first rehearsal, they hear a young singer has died, one of a group of talented students nicknamed the Four Canaries. It is soon found to be poison and her’s will not be the last murder.
Holly and Ivy are equally at home with the stars at the ghostly Nanteos Mansion and the students in their seafront digs. Despite warnings from the dashing Inspector Lloyd, they know how to read between the lines with performers and can’t help asking questions. They soon find themselves in a life-or-death race for the truth.
Sue has had a varied career. She worked as an actor, director and playwright for 40 years and has had several plays produced professionally.
She has a BA Hons Drama from Aberystwyth University and an MA Creative Writing from Lancaster University.
Born and raised in Lancashire, she now lives in Dumfries and Galloway where she writes The Holly and Ivy Mysteries, published by Honno Press. The first book was Red As Any Blood, published in September 2025.
Guilty Secrets for Annan author Nick Guthrie
Annan author Nick Guthrie was thrilled to find out earlier this year that his short story, “Old Friends”, had been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association anthology Guilty Secrets, now published by Flame Tree Press.
The Crime Writers’ Association was founded in 1953 by the prolific author John Creasey, who recognised the need for a UK equivalent the Mystery Writers of America to support and promote the work of British crime fiction authors. The Association’s membership now includes most, if not all, of the big names in UK crime fiction. The CWA published its first anthology to showcase the talents of its members in 1956, and this has become one of the most prestigious – and competitive – places for British authors to have their short fiction published.
Nick’s story is about an encounter between two elderly veterans of the Cold War, and a secret long buried in their previous lives in West Berlin. Publication in Guilty Secrets is a highlight in a successful year for the author. Earlier this year, his stories have appeared in the two top American mystery magazines, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, along with other magazines and anthologies. His eighth short story publication of the year will be in the Christmas anthology Merry Murders on Bedford Square, edited by crime fiction legend Maxim Jakobowski, a former Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association.
Nick says: “2026 has been a phenomenal year for me, with short stories in some of the mystery world’s most prestigious publications, and a new novel due in November. I still have to pinch myself when I see my name listed alongside those of my writing heroes.”
The first novel in Nick’s new mystery series, The Custodian, will be published on 6th November, and it’s already been praised by top crime authors:
“A tightly woven plot line that really delivers that page-turning crucial punch. A great start to a new series.” — Michelle Kidd, author of the DI Jack MacIntosh and DI Nicki Hardcastle books.
“The Custodian by Nick Guthrie has everything: engaging characters, an intriguing mystery, vivid action sequences and a page-turning plot. You’ll have gathered I enjoyed every page.” — Heather Peck, winner of the Page Turner Award and author of the DCI Greg Geldard series.
Under other writing names, Nick is the author of more than twenty books. His work has been shortlisted for various awards, and optioned for the movies, and for his young adult work he’s been described by the Sunday Express as “The king of children’s horror”.
- More about The Custodian: https://nickguthrie.co.uk/books/
Shona Oliver is back
The seventh, and latest, book in Lynne McEwan’s popular series featuring DI Shona Oliver is due out on September 10. A Cold Harbour will be published by Canelo Crime.
In a story seeing Shona attracting the attention of the National Crime Agency, she is relocated to Galloway, where her bosses think she’ll draw less attention. She meets DI Kenneth Dalrymple, currently on compassionate leave to care for his terminally ill wife. He confides in Shona that his wife’s dying wish is to learn who killed her sister. Shona agrees to help but finds herself embroiled a situation which threaten to put her in the dock herself.
Glasgow-born Lynne McEwan is a former newspaper photographer turned crime author. She’s covered stories including the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War in addition to many high profile murder cases. Her DI Shona Oliver series is set on the beautiful Solway Firth which forms the border between Scotland and England, and where Shona is also a lifeboat volunteer.
Blizzard returns
He’s back! The latest crime novel featuring Detective Chief Inspector John Blizzard, written by Dumfries and Galloway author John Dean, will be published on September 10, 2026.
The Informer, the 27th of John’s books to be published by The Book Folks, a Joffe Books imprint, is the 13th featuring Blizzard and is set as usual in the fictional northern England city of Hafton, where a church is in flames, a housing estate is blighted by rioting, hate fills the air, the dead appear to be walking the streets, and a shadowy figure is orchestrating it all – but who? And why?
If you wish John to give a talk to your organisation about the book and his work, you can contact him on deangriss@btinternet.com
Jacaranda DUNNE, Private Investigator
Book One: SOPHIE IS STILL MISSING
First of five (with the sixth in process) by Dumfries-born crime writer Joan Fallon
My main protagonist, Jacaranda Dunne, is approaching forty. She is tough, realistic, manipulative and brave, but she has a vulnerable side to her as well. While she was serving as a detective sergeant in the Metropolitan Police, her husband, also a serving officer in the Met, was stabbed and killed in a mugging outside the police station. She is haunted by the idea that it was her fault, and that her pursuit and arrest of Thomas Steed, a notorious drug dealer, was behind her husband’s death. She abandons her career and moves to Spain to open a small detective agency in Málaga.
Jacaranda, known as JD to her friends, is the oldest daughter of a Scottish father and a Spanish mother. Although she doesn’t like it to be generally known, her mother is the Marquesa of Calderón del Bosque, in southern Spain, and one day Jacaranda will inherit the title. Despite her Spanish blood, Jacaranda is blonde and fair skinned like her father. She has inherited his careful eye for detail and his passion for golf, but she also has her mother’s rebellious streak, and fondness for good wine. She refuses to drive a car, preferring to walk or take the metro.
Jacaranda has two staff, Ignacio, known as Nacho, a young Spaniard who manages the technical side of the agency—and not always strictly within the law—and Linda, her general assistant, a tall, brash Mancunian who has lived in Spain for many years, and has made many useful contacts. Together they make a good, balanced team.
As for Jacaranda’s love life, it’s five years since Jacaranda was widowed, and although she has had a number of casual relationships since then, she doesn’t want a permanent relationship with anyone. Until she meets a captain in the Guardia Civil, that is. But even then she feels she can’t move on until she has found out who killed her husband.
You can find out more at www.joanfallonbooks.com
Latest novel is a compelling read
Crime writer Ian Robinson, who lives in Dumfries and Galloway, is back and on top of his game with Paper Murder.
The novel, published by the Book Folks, a Joffe Books imprint, is the latest in the author’s popular Nash and Moretti series, set in London.
It’s an intriguing set-up – on a rain-lashed North London estate, a man is found shot through the head, hours after a jury let him walk. Two origami angels rest in his upturned palms, their heads dipped in red. No gun. No witnesses. No one on the estate willing to say a single word. Then a second body turns up in the same posture. Then a third.
DI Pippa Nash and DS Nick Moretti realise this isn’t a gangland hit. Every victim cheated justice in the same courtroom. Every victim was made to pay for it.
The Press christen the killer the Angel of Mercy, the public start calling him a hero. And he isn’t finished.
What’s more, Nash and Moretti aren’t the only ones hunting him. Some of the dead belong to a London crime family — and they mean to reach the killer first. As ever, the fifth Nash and Moretti novel is a compelling read. It’s available on Amazon
Author signs four-book deal
Dumfries and Galloway crime writer Ian Robinson has signed a four-book deal with Joffe Books for a new series of novels set in the area. His new series brings DI Sharpe and DS Sinclair together in a series of character-led mysteries focused on a murder team based in St John’s Town of Dalry in New Galloway. The books will take the total number of his novels published by Joffe to eight.
An author inspired by Dumfries and Galloway
Visitors to our website may be interested in finding out more about the crime novels of Evelyn Hood, who was inspired by the Dumfries and Galloway landscape.
Evelyn, who died in 2023 and whose books are now managed by her son Simon, was a Sunday Times bestselling author best known for her Scottish family sagas set in her hometown of Paisley (Renfrewshire) and on the Clyde Coast, where she also lived. Throughout her distinguished career, she published more than 40 novels, numerous short stories, as well as plays, pantomimes, musicals, and poems.
Her seven-volume ‘Prior’s Ford’ series of crime novels are set in a modern-day fictitious village in Dumfries and Galloway. These books follow the lives of some of the inhabitants of the village. Although each book can be read independently of the others, Simon tells us that readers will get the most enjoyment from reading them in order of publication; ‘Secrets in Prior’s Ford’, ‘Drama Comes to Prior’s Ford’, ‘Trouble in Prior’s Ford’, ‘Scandal in Prior’s Ford’, ‘Mystery in Prior’s Ford,’ Return to Prior’s Ford’, and finally, ‘Festival in Prior’s Ford’.
Evelyn also authored “Forward by Degrees,” a commissioned history of the University of Paisley, and “Mill Memories; Interviews with Former Employees of Paisley’s Thread Mills,” which preserves the legacy of the town’s textile industry. A former journalist, Evelyn wrote under several pen names, including Eve Houston, Elizabeth A. Webster, Louise James, and Evelyn Steel.
Passionate about literature and the arts, she frequently adjudicated competitions, gave public readings, and mentored emerging writers. She was also deeply involved in amateur dramatics in Paisley, directing musicals and plays.
Evelyn passed away in Ayrshire in 2023 but the legacy of her writing continues, inspiring a generation of saga writers and touching readers hearts worldwide.
A full list of Evelyn Hood publications is available on the website, evelynhood.com.
An author inspired by Scotland’s landscape
Jackie Baldwin is an author who has long been inspired by the Scottish landscape, including Dumfries and Galloway – she set stories in locations including Dumfries legal sector and used to live in the area.
Her latest crime novels make up the Highland Bookshop Murder series published by Storm Publishing.. Book number 2 in the series is Poison at The Wild Haggis Bookshop. A deliciously twisty Highland mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of cozy crime with a bite!
Beth Cunningham’s clever book subscription service is the talk of Oban, complete with local treats and hand-picked reads. But when elderly customer Nora Kelly is found dead in her armchair, Beth’s book boxes are identified as the murder weapon. It seems a vengeful killer has the Wild Haggis Bookshop in their sights…
Detective Sergeant Logan Hunter insists on round-the-clock protection for Beth, which means close quarters with the infuriating – and increasingly attractive – officer. As spring approaches and the bookshop fills with bountiful blooms and excited children, Beth’s investigation uncovers secrets that someone has spent decades trying to bury. With time running out, Beth must untangle a twisted web of lies that stretches far beyond this quaint Highland town. But when the killer strikes again, even Logan’s protection may not be enough to save her…
The first book in the series was Murder in the Wild Haggis Bookshop.
Jackie’s books, including the ones before the Highland Bookshop series was published, are available in ebook, hardcopy and audiobook.
New look for series
Crime writer Ian Robinson, who lives in Dumfries and Galloway, has sent us this note about a new look for his books.
I’m really pleased that The Book Folks, a Joffe books company, have decided to re-issue the first four books in my Nash and Moretti series, prior to the fifth being released on 15th June. If you haven’t read any of my books, then now is a great time to start. Below is the blurb from Amazon where you can meet the detectives. The series will be released every two weeks until the 15th June. If you are on Instagram, feel free to follow me there @iprauthor or sign up to my website https://www.iprobinson.com – I’m always interested to hear of a reader’s experience with my books.
The blistering first case for London detectives Nash and Moretti. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, MJ Arlidge and Cara Hunter.
Meet the detectives
Ten years ago, Nash and Moretti were DCs together on the Borough crime squad. When she made DI and moved to Homicide, she handpicked him for her team. He nearly said no — he was worried that becoming his boss would cost her the friendship. She told him she needed his judgement more than a beer with a mate. Neither of them has had cause to regret the trade.
DI Pippa Nash is the kind of senior investigating officer her bosses would quietly prefer to manage out — if she weren’t so good at her job. Career-driven, with covert work behind her, she runs her team by three rules: assume nothing, believe no one, challenge everything. Off-duty she rides motorbikes through Scotland, listens to Motörhead, and lives alone in a top-floor flat with no television. Uncompromising on the job, fiercely loyal to her team — and ten years into a partnership with Moretti.
DS Nick Moretti keeps his world stripped back. He lives alone on a barge in a London marina, smokes a pipe when he wants to think, and forgets to charge his phone more often than is helpful. He’s currently sharing his boat with an artist neighbour whose heating has packed in — exactly the kind of complication his life seems to attract. On the job he’s instinctive, well-liked, and not above bending procedure when it suits him. Off it, he’d rather be on a beach in Corfu.
Please note, this was previously published as Latent Damage.
Theatrical sleuthing
The first book in the Holly and Ivy series by Dumfries and Galloway crime writer Sue McCormick was Red as any Blood and the second, Sharp As Any Thorn, is out in September 2026. They feature theatrical sleuths actress Dame Elspeth Hollanby (Holly) and her dresser Ivy.
A treat for Aline Templeton fans
There’s a real treat on offer for fans of bestselling Scottish crime novelist Aline Templeton, many of whose novels are based in Dumfries and Galloway.
Her new novel, Truth to Tell, is published by Allison & Busby on May 22, 2026: ‘It is a bitterly cold night, with rain falling and an edge of snow. Under the sickly yellow lighting in the lorry park, three men are looting precious cargo from the tarpaulined trailers – but the crack of a gunshot pierces the night, and everything changes.’
It is the seventh book in the DCI Kelso Strang series is set in Torridon, in north-west Scotland, where the dramatic peaks are an uncompromising backdrop as Strang contends with seismic events that will change many lives to get at the truth.
Also, Joffe Books is re-issuing titles from Aline’s hugely popular Galloway Series, starting with Murder in Galloway. ‘Death is in the air. Death is on the ground. Death is everywhere for the people of Galloway. As the catastrophic Foot and Mouth virus devastates the Scottish countryside, killing cattle and destroying lives, DI Marjory Fleming finds herself at the stormy heart of a troubled, trapped community.
A dead body, a missing girl and a mysterious family’s dangerous obsession with bull-running provides a sinister background to Fleming’s first murder investigation.
The first in the series is republished by Joffe Books and available on Kindle and in paperback. The second, Murder in Knockhaven Harbour, is also available on Kindle with paperback to follow.
A truly thought-provoking read
The debut novel by crime writer May Rinaldi, from South West Scotland, has been published – and it’s already an award-winner.
Liar Thief, which won the Black Spring Press Crime Novel 2024, is a psychological thriller with a protagonist, whose voice buries itself into your subconscious and refuses to leave. An emotional, darkly propulsive plot, and a unique storytelling format means this is a book that will be talked about for a long time.
In the novel, which can be purchased in ebook and paperback format on Amazon, Ginnie says that she is a serial killer who kills people who have wronged her but no one believes her.
Author Fiona Taylor is writing Ginnie’s memoir, The Killer Inside, trying to understand why Ginnie should still insist that she’s a killer. She recruits ex-DI, Tom O’Brien, to examine the evidence. As Ginnie’s oldest friend, Tom has his own insights into her story.
As her memoir unfolds will the decisions taken by Fiona and Tom put them and their families at risk? Is it safe to release a self-confessed serial killer back out into society, even if there is no evidence against her?
May recently retired from her consultancy job in Health and Safety and, in the past, has worked as a taxidermist, mycologist and lab technician. She is the co-founder of Moffat Crime Fest, bringing top crime authors to the Dumfries and Galloway town of Moffat. She also runs writing retreats in her secluded home where visiting authors are only disturbed by sheep, cows and the dinner gong.
Author’s first three novels tackle rural crime
It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for the first three crime novels written by David L Haigh, who lives and works in Dumfries and Galloway.
Set near Hadrian’s Wall, David’s novels aim to raise awareness of the devastating effects, both financial and mental, for the victims of rural crime. The main protagonist is DCI Jeff Spencer, who, like the author, loves growing crops on his allotment. Time spent on his plot relieves stress. His understanding of soils and plants often yields clues in the quest for justice.
In Land Kill (the first book) the victim leaves his lucrative life as a stockbroker to raise game birds in Northumberland. The book highlights the destruction of productive farmland by criminal developers with a long-standing grudge against the former City financial magnate.
Hooked by the Past, the second book, features a prize-winning vegetable growing antagonist, who is also a landlord. Several of his tenants have gone missing. He owns a factory which produces organic fertilizers.
The third novel, A Fruitless Revenge, features immigrant fruit farm workers and an evil Lord who are all targeted by the descendant of a 15th Century Border Reiver. Forensic Botany plays a crucial role in identifying one of the antagonists. In the book, the crimes extend into Cumbria and Spencer joins forces with the rugby league devotee DCI Tom Bainbridge.
The books are available on Amazon.
John Dean’s DCI Jack Harris series of crime novels have as their primary location the English North Pennines but more recent books have included locations in southern Scotland, a nod of acknowledgment to fact that he has lived near Kirkcudbright for more than eight years.
They include a gangster’s fictional house on the hills overlooking the very real westbound A75 between Dumfries and Castle Douglas (The Girl in the Meadow) and a fictional wildfowl rescue centre in the Ayrshire Hills (To Catch a Lie, both published by The Books Folks, a Joffe Books imprint).
