A Case of Desecration in the West

About the Book: 

Book 6 in the John Mackenzie series.

‘All is secrecy. All is lies… Does anyone tell us the truth here?’

Scotland, 1691. Hooded figures have been seen in the woods and the dead have been wrenched from their resting place under the cover of darkness and their graves desecrated. A body is found floating in the River Clyde and a Duchess is determined to find answers.

John MacKenzie’s latest case takes him and his loyal assistant Davie Scougall to Hamilton Palace to discover the truth behind the curious drowning of local woman Bethia Porterfield. The kirk and sheriff have pronounced a verdict of self-murder, but the Duchess is unconvinced, and every soul connected to the case is guarding secrets of their own.

Despite mounting pressure to leave the West, MacKenzie and Scougall must navigate the murky waters of the Clyde, where nothing is as it seems, to uncover the truth – 
was Bethia’s death an accident, a suicide, or part of something much more sinister?

Reviews: 

A mysterious death, secrets, lies and a pair of dogged detectives. Throw in some impeccable history, religious fervour and a secret society and you have an intriguing read. DOUGLAS SKELTON

This book was fantastic, and I flew through it in a couple of evenings. It’s almost as if it was written for me! GRAEME_C

This is one of those books that the characters are just instantly interesting and intriguing. It’s hard to pinpoint why but right away I was invested in them. Even some of minor characters had some interesting backstories and felt fleshed out. ADAMTRIESBOOKS

Exceptionally well-written, this murder mystery is an intricate narrative which is interwoven with historical events of 17th century Scotland. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow, linear storytelling, with the main character uncovering a new clue in each chapter, gradually getting closer to the killer. ADREAMERONTHERUN

I have immediately gone and added the rest of the books to my wishlist. KATIELUVSTOREAD

A really gripping, suspenseful read! Murder mystery meets history - it was the perfect book for me! MUM_OF_BOYS_NORTHEAST

I really loved the historical element of this book. The reign of William and Mary isn't one I know much about, and I found the religious discourse between the Christian denominations particularly interesting. Douglas has clearly done his research for this series. BLUEFAIRYBUGSBOOKS

I enjoyed this book as I'm not overly familiar with Scottish history in the late 17th century, and I could picture the scenes well. JOHANNESBOOKRECCOMENDATIONS

A Case of Desecration in the West is a journey into a cesspit of dark secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat.BOOKWORMWHITLOCK86

Although a work of fiction, the research that must have gone into this book was fantastic - the local history of Lanarkshire and that of the Glasgow Slave Trade coming together. PROMISING_PAGES

This historical mystery is perfect if you’re interested in Scottish history! BOOKSTAGRAM_HANN

I love mysteries where you can follow along and try and solve the cases yourself. I won’t give any spoilers for this one but definitely a fun one. HANNAHSBOOKISHJOURNEY

Lots of twists and turns. Red herrings which I didn't see coming. SUE.WALLACE1974

Intrigue, murder, illicit gatherings, forgery, subterfuge, and a city full of secrets, to name just a few of the ingredients that make Watt’s ‘A Case of Desecration in the West’ a read to remember. FIONA BANHAM, GoodReads

There are many unexpected twists and turns involved in the denouement of this story, the whole of which is a testimony to the author's research, imagination and ability to bring the story and characters to life. JACQUELINE, GoodReads

I always appreciate learning history from within a novel, and this taught me much about the history of Scotland and that of the slave trade. The story unfolds well at a steady pace, with a lot of red herrings and some side stories which were interesting too. GILLIAN FARAGO, GoodReads

Although this seems to be book 6 in the series, it's easily read as a standalone and I didn't feel I lost out on any part of the backstory not having read the previous books. Thoroughly enjoyable with a few interesting twists! SUSANNE, GoodReads

This was a really good read which seemed to be based on sound research and I would thoroughly recommend to readers who enjoy both crime fiction and historical fiction. GERI, GoodReads

The characters were unique and relatable, and well developed throughout and the plot hummed along through myriad twists and turns and delightful epiphanies as the investigation of a seemingly simple death became more insidious. ABRAHOSKY, GoodReads

Fans of historical mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this clever and sometimes heart-wrenching story set in late 17th century Scotland. I say heart-wrenching because the treatment of the woman whose death prompted the investigation is horrifying. This is not a "cozy" mystery but a hard-hitting and well-researched historical novel. PATRICIA, GoodReads

A lot of mayhem with sinister deeds connecting to the investigation. A chilling read. SHARMANI JAYARAM, GoodReads

John MacKenzie is an interesting hero, whose investigative skills are impressive. Davie Scougal is a good counterpoint to MacKenzie. BRUCE TAMANAHA, GoodReads

If you like historical fiction and true crime, this is the book for you. JEWEL CARRIE PARKER, GoodReads

Praise for the John MacKenzie series

Move over Rebus. There’s a new – or should that be old – detective in town. MATTHEW PERREN, on Edinburgh on Death of a Chief

Watt keeps the action moving along and conjures up a convincingly dark atmosphere at this cusp of the age of reason. The Herald on The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite

About the Author:

DOUGLAS WATT was born in Edinburgh and brought up there and in Aberdeen. He was educated at Edinburgh University where he gained an MA and PhD in Scottish History. Douglas is the author of a series of historical crime novels set in late 17th century Scotland featuring investigative advocate John MacKenzie and his side-kick Davie Scougall. He is also the author of The Price of Scotland, a prize-winning history of Scotland’s Darien Disaster. He lives in Midlothian with his wife Julie.