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: 

Highlighted in The Scots Magazine

This is a story of love and a hauntingly good one. I found this has a gripping narrative and it makes for a great seasonal read and I highly recommend if you love atmospheric folklore. BOOKS COVERED, Blogger

This read was a proper escape into the remoteness and wilderness of rural life in Northern Scotland. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the settings and the impact the elements had in the life of the characters. HONESTPANDABOOKS, Instagram

I was hooked from the first chapter you can clearly feel how much Janis has put into each character and the story line. The way Janis brings you into the story you feel as though you are actually there and to think this is her first Adult book is astounding. It has everything from romance to mystery and all set in the beautiful Scotland what more do you need? JESS_SHELDON_READER, Instagram

There was just something magical and mythical about this book... We are pulled into a romantic, wild ride, steeped in Celtic folklore and traditions, with a stunning backdrop to help us along the way. Thoroughly enjoyed this. ANDREAHULME43, Instagram

The vivid descriptions created such an atmosphere and really created an image whilst reading. The writing in this novel takes you on a journey and it pulls you in. The characters are all equally created which match the writing perfectly. The storyline runs so smoothly and everything about it captures your attention. ITSABOOKTHING2021, Instagram

The story slowly lured me in with a magical and mythical feel. I liked the inspiration it takes from Celtic folklore. This isn't your average boy meets girl romance, the characters are real, they have lived a hard life and need the right person to help them heal in their own unique way. THE_COMMUTING_BOOKFAIRY, Instagram

This was my first time reading a book rooted in Scottish folklore and I loved it. The blend of magic, mystery, vengeance, love, and suspense was so unique — I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it before. The tension! The twists! The emotional depth! I genuinely found it hard to put down. Perfect for curling up with on a blustery autumn evening. LITTLE.PREENE.READERS, Instagram

Here we have a tale that absolutely exudes atmosphere, feeling and emotion, all three dripping from the pages as you read along. You really do believe you're right there on those blustery, turbulent Scottish shores. FATGUYREADING, Instagram

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline... An absolutely unputdownable, intriguing, unique and masterful page turner. BOOKWORMWHITLOCK86, Instagram

The writing beautifully portrays not only the pain, hope and history of the characters but also almost personifies the sea, a constant backdrop to the story. This is a truly stunning book and I will be haunted by it for a long time. JRW1904, Instagram

Rich in Scottish folklore, this story is definitely one to add to your TBR! TRIX.IESBOOKS, Instagram

On A Northern Shore is not like anything I have read for a while if ever. It is magical and a little violent, the writing is beautiful, magical and completely captivating. WHATYOUTOLKIENABOUT, Instagram

Set on the wild northern coast of Scotland, On a Northern Shore blends myth, mystery, and romance in a haunting tale. ITS.A.HARDBACK.LIFE.X, Instagram

Loved this! This book is a work of art and magic. A story that keeps you hooked from the very first page to the last. AFRAREADS, Instagram

Videos:

Blogs:

About the Author:

JANIS MACKAY is a writer, storyteller and creative writing tutor, from Edinburgh, Scotland. After careers in journalism and theatre Janis completed a Masters in Creative Writing at the University of Sussex in 2004. She won the Kelpies prize with her first novel for children; Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest and later, in 2013, won the Scottish Children's Book Awards with her novel, The Accidental Time Traveller, published by Floris Books. Her novel, Wild Song, published by Piccadilly, was nominated for a Carnegie Medal. With eleven published books for children, and one self published book for adults (The Watchmaker's Wife - a fictional story based on the life of her grandmother) On a Northern Shore is Janis's first published work for adults. Janis lives in the Borders with her partner, and teaches creative writing at Edinburgh University. Janis also runs a one year novel writing course.