Native Shore this Christmas

Writing is a lonely, isolating experience.

That is particularly true for the novelist.

You have to enter a world populated by characters who, if you’re doing it correctly, start to speak to you.

It also involves ransacking deeply buried memories, and the entire process can take many years.

That makes any feedback from a reader particularly precious for the writer.

My publisher, Frontline Noir, believes it takes a couple of years for a book to breathe and have space of its own in the world of writing.

There isn’t any substitute for experience, and ironically, as a writer, I know little of the mechanics of how my creative output gets from keyboard to consumer.

When it comes to the publishing world, I always defer to my publisher who has decades on, well, the front line!

My last novel, Native Shore, was released in 2022.

Consequently, it’s probably been out there long enough for it to exist among those who have read it.

I’m hugely grateful to the team at Frontline Noir for collating these reviews from people who have read Native Shore and shared their opinions on my work.

 

Here they are:

 

“Was given Native Shore as a gift. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author. Could easily see this as a movie. Fast paced, subtle and very dramatic as the conclusion built up. Seemed very relevant to the Scottish political situation and challenged the Indy movement is facing.”

Anthony B, Glasgow.

 

“Native Shore features the same lead character from The Squad by Phil Mac Giolla Bhain which I had read. So I was already a fan. That said, it’s not was easy for authors to deliver the famously ‘difficult second book’. Thankfully, it delivers, party I think, due to the change of setting (from Ireland to Scotland), meaning it’s not really The Squad 2 but a riveting drama illuminating the machinations of intelligence organisations and their determination to pervert democracy. Regular readers of the author’s blog will not be surprised that this is an area that fascinates him. But it doesn’t always follow that an interest translates into a powerful and beautifully written thriller.

It’s hard to say too much without giving away spoilers. But, if you too have an interest in how Deep States subvert the democratic will of the people, then you will enjoy this book. And make you think.”

Joseph M, Stirling.

 

Native Shore was not an eye-opener for me because it’s always safe to assume the powers that be want to stop Scottish Independence. What I enjoyed about this book is that the author is clearly of the same mind and, more importantly, has written a thriller that illustrates this establishment instinct with believable characters and a rip-roaring plot.

K.L. Inverness.

 

The publisher calls Native Shore a thriller. That’s an understatement.

Janey B. Edinburgh

 

Anyone who thinks Scotland getting its independence will be respected by the UK government should read Native Shore. The UK will throw everything at the Indy movement to stop it. The author shows a proper appreciation of this.

Michael M, Glasgow

 

I had not read any other books by this author before I was given this one as a gift. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. It was fascinating to have the plot grow away in the background and then take over. It reminded me of classic spy thrillers. It would make a great movie. I’ve since looked at buying other books by the author. I hope there’s a sequel.

B McD, Broughty Ferry

 

The characters in Native Shore make the book. They are so real that they end up feeling very familiar to the reader, and you miss them when you finish it.

Colm W, Paisley

 

Native Shore is a meticulously researched thriller. Its plot is very relevant to Scotland today. The current political scene could almost be part of this book.

C.H. Greenock

 

I am a thriller reader, and it’s always a joy to find a terrific thriller set in Scotland and featuring proper Scottish people. This is definitely a 5-star book.

C McC, Ontario

 

This is a top-class thriller set in Scotland as its people plan for independence. Despite trying to follow the non-violent path, someone seems to be planning to ensure violence erupts. The question is, who?

Rick L, Chicago

 

So, dear reader, Christmas is almost upon us, and I’m unashamedly suggesting this political thriller for the person in your life who might find the following scenario believable and intriguing.

 

The Frontline Noir elves are ready to meet the seasonal challenge.

Delivery to any UK address is free, and the Christmas deadline is  Wednesday 11th December.

Republic of Ireland is Monday 9th December.

You can order a copy by clicking HERE.

If you’re in Glasgow, Calton Books, 159 London Rd, Glasgow G1 5BX, stocks copies of Native Shore.