An island murder with political overtones
The Dead of Jura, a crime novel threaded with a political mystery that comments on the inequalities within society, will be published on September 27.
This is the second crime novel from retired teacher and university lecturer Allan Martin, which exposes the sense of entitlement, and the privilege, that the rich and powerful exploit for their own ends.
Martin’s debut novel, The Peat Dead, shortlisted for the McIlvanney/Bloody Scotland Debut Scottish Crime Award, skilfully captured the essence of Islay life and evocatively conveyed a remarkable sense of place that drew in the reader.
The Dead of Jura does the same, this time on Islay’s near neighbour. The former will also be enjoyed internationally in 2021 with translations rights having been sold to Estonian publisher Eesti Ramaat.
Allan told The Oban Times: ‘Scotland is no stranger to being used as a playground by the rich and famous, who believe its wide open spaces can hide a multitude of sins.
‘In The Dead of Jura I have woven a story that, whilst fictional, in all likelihood could have played out in a glen, or big house, somewhere in Scotland.’
Seonaid Francis, editorial director at ThunderPoint Publishing, said: ‘Allan Martin excelled himself with The Peat Dead and has followed it up in style with The Dead of Jura.
‘He has written another gripping novel, which this time draws on the scandals and arrogance of those who think they are better than the rest of us. He is an author to follow.’