Blogmas Day 1
As the nights draw in and the fire crackles, there’s nothing better than sinking into a good book. This Christmas, whether you’re drawn to gentle mysteries, thought‑provoking short stories, or a touch of Scottish humour, these tales promise warmth, intrigue and the perfect companion for cosy winter evenings. Here are a few stories to read by the fire this festive season.
A mischievous and gentle mystery set on the island of Barra, Constabal Murdo sees local constable P.C. Murdo investigating the disappearance of a precious golden brooch from Kisimul Castle – a piece of history as rich as it is mysterious.
Rather than lean hard on modern police thriller tropes, the novel mixes light humour, character insight and community dynamics. It’s a thoughtful, unhurried “whodunit” that feels perfect when the wind is howling outside and all you want is a cup of tea, a warm blanket and a slow‑burning question of guilt, prejudice and belonging.
One for those who like their crime understated, atmospheric and quietly humane.
A collection of twelve short stories that span time and place – from 19th‑century Scotland to present‑day cities, from the Highlands to South Africa and even the Arctic.
The beauty of Letting Go lies in its emotional textures: love, loss, memory, identity and hope weave through lives of vastly different people – a traveller, a nurse, a woodcarver, a chicken‑farm worker, to name a few.
There’s a gentle lyricism and an honesty to these tales – ideal for quiet evenings, when you want to move between landscapes and eras while staying warm and anchored in a couch‑side glow.
More a pocket‑sized gem than a novel, this collection of Scots proverbs offers wisdom, wit and a direct line into Scottish ways of seeing the world.
Perfect for slipping into your pocket or placing by the armchair – dip in when you need a hearty chuckle, a sharp piece of advice, or a gentle reminder that humour and common sense often go hand in hand.
As the nights draw in and the air bites cold, it’s just the sort of thing to lift the spirits and remind you of the warmth in Scotland’s own words.
A short‑fiction offering varied tales, moods and voices – everything from the uncanny to the everyday, from subtle twists to moments of reflection.
Stories like this can feel ideal by the fireside: you don’t need to commit to a long narrative arc, so you can read a story or two between mince pies, mulled‑wine mugs or during a late evening cuppa.
The variety keeps things interesting – perfect if you enjoy switching between tones, settings and emotional textures as you’re winding down for the day.
