Shortlisted for
Book of the Month
Ghost Story
Present Day
Edinburgh
We tend to
think of Mary, Queen of Scots as an irresponsible, scheming woman who probably
got her just desserts. But here in Kindred Spirits: Royal Mile, she is quite a
fun loving, conscientious and caring person. Or, rather, her ghost is.
Mary and her
entourage descend upon Edinburgh's Royal Mile just in time for the annual
Tattoo and ensuing Fringe performances, staying through the glorious times of
Hallowe'en, Christmas, Hogmanay and even Burns' night, enjoying the
celebrations and even taking part in them. But it is not all fun and frolics
for Mary; there is her concern for her almost reclusive father, King James V,
the lost ghost Boy, hiding in the tunnels beneath the city streets, some
troublesome Covenanters, and a burgeoning romance between her lady-in-waiting,
Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis with loyal Sir William Kircaldy. And Darnley. The
bane of her living life continues to plague her in their afterlife.
This book is
absolute fun and, although part of a series, completely stand alone. There are cameo
appearances from the likes of John Knox and William McGonagall and even
Greyfriars Bobby and his owner, John Gray. The modern language and phrases they
use do not grate as they might in a 'proper' historical novel – and I just
loved the idea of Mary deliberately 'photobombing' tourists taking selfies!
Great atmospheric descriptions of one of the best known streets in the world as
well as some histories of the people and places.
Recommended as
light-hearted relief and a darn good read to boot!
© Richard
Tearle
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