BOOK OF THE WEEK

Dark Hunter by Fiona Watson; Birlinn; £8.99

Berwick (upon Tweed) in 1317 is the northernmost remaining English outpost. Consisting of disaffected English knights and their retinues and Scots who have fled from Robert Bruce and taken refuge within the town walls, the garrison lives in perpetual fear of the Scots. Despite a truce, the Black Douglas continues to raid the surrounding area. Benedict Russell is an unlikely, scholarly squire to Sir Edmund Darel, who has arrived to support the garrison. Benedict had been studying at Gloucester Abbey before the death of his older brother forced him into his squire’s position. While opening accounts with the chamberlain, Benedict notices and reports some financial misdeeds, drawing the attention of the garrison’s management to his investigative ability. Consequently, when the murdered body of Alice Rydale is found, Benedict is asked to find out what happened, and who killed her. In the course of his enquiries, in conjunction with Alice’s infirm sister Lucy, the case becomes more complicated as it appears that there is a traitor (from the English perspective) in Berwick. The investigations become increasingly dangerous, with the growing threat from the Scots, and the severe lack of support from King Edward II adding to the general confusion.

Of course the cases are finally solved.

Fiona Watson is a Scottish historian, writer, and television presenter. As is to be expected from an academic author of a number of books on Scottish history, the historical background in this novel is impeccable. The book, however, is far from being a historical treatise, and is very much a medieval detective story, with the obligatory love interest thrown in. The characters are believable, and each takes his or her place in the unforgiving feudal system of the times. We meet various ranks of knight; squires; clergy (religion playing a paramount part in society); merchants and peasants. I enjoyed the descriptions of Berwick and its surrounds, and found myself turning to the internet for further information. Whatever did we do before Google?

My only real criticism of the book is that it is narrated in the present tense. For some reason I always find this irritating and keep wishing the author would revert to a more regular past tense.

Definitely worth a read – and there is an unexpected twist at the end of the book, which left me wondering

if there might be a sequel in the near future.