On A Northern Shore

About the Book: 

This far north, they say the dead are with us… 

Hogmanay, the far north of Scotland. Alone on the shoreline, lobster fisherman Rob Sinclair pours a dram into the freezing waves of the North Sea. It’s a family tradition; an offering to the sea spirit, the Selkie. 

That same night, a stranger arrives in Rob’s village. A young woman, Mairi, charged by her dead mother to carry out three acts of vengeance. Bitter revenge for deeds done before Mairi was born. 

Lonely and damaged, Rob and Mairi are drawn to one another. Rob is beguiled by Mairi, but she is elusive, frustrating, her personality shapeshifting. The only certainty is that Mairi is not who she says she is…

Reviews: 

This is a wonderful book about finding friends and contentment, beautifully illustrated. Juno Magazine on The Selkie Girl

This book... fires anyone's imagination and unlocks the mysteries of the sea. Older primary and younger secondary boys will love this book. The School Library Association on Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest

This book is very exciting... I especially enjoyed learning some history while I read. I would recommend this book for boys and girls who like history. The Guardian on The Accidental Time Traveller

About the Author:

JANIS MACKAY is a Scottish author and storyteller residing in Portobello, Edinburgh. Born in the heart of the city, Janis's adventurous spirit led her to live in diverse places, including France, Palestine, Greece and the far north of Scotland. Although she trained as a journalist on Fleet Street, she soon realised her true passion lay in creative writing. After years of exploring the world, Janis returned to Scotland. She honed her storytelling skills as a drama teacher and voice coach, which enriched her writing journey. Her breakthrough came with her debut novel, Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest, which won the Kelpies Prize in 2009. Janis's love for language and storytelling stems from her childhood. Inspired by nursery rhymes and the Commonwealth Games, she became a dedicated athlete, which she credits for keeping her fit and motivated. She is pursuing a PhD that explores the intersection of self-reflective creative writing and mythology while continuing to write and engage with young readers through her novels.