A Case of Descration in the West

A dark, richly detailed historical crime mystery as John MacKenzie investigates grave desecration, secrets, and a suspicious drowning in 1691 Scotland.

Hooded figures in the woods. Graves torn open. A woman found drowned. Nothing in the West is what it seems.

About the Ebook

A Case of Desecration in the West takes investigative advocate John MacKenzie and his loyal assistant Davie Scougall into one of their most unsettling cases yet.

The year is 1691. Scotland is still reeling from political upheaval, religious division and the aftermath of Jacobite unrest. In the West, hooded figures have been seen in the woods, and graves have been desecrated under cover of darkness. When a woman’s body is found floating in the River Clyde, the local authorities declare it self‑murder — but the Duchess of Hamilton is unconvinced.

MacKenzie and Scougall are summoned to Hamilton Palace to uncover the truth behind the death of Bethia Porterfield. But every person connected to the case is hiding something, and the deeper they dig, the murkier the waters become.

Amid pressure to abandon the investigation and leave the West, MacKenzie must navigate secrets, lies, religious fervour and a community steeped in fear. Was Bethia’s death an accident, a suicide — or something far more sinister?

Meticulously researched and filled with atmosphere, this sixth instalment in the John MacKenzie series is a gripping journey into the shadows of 17th‑century Scotland.

Critical Praise

"A mysterious death, secrets, lies and a pair of dogged detectives… an intriguing read."
— Douglas Skelton

"Exceptionally well‑written… an intricate narrative interwoven with historical events."
— ADreamerOnTheRun

"A gripping, suspenseful read! Murder mystery meets history."
— Mum_of_Boys_Northeast

"A journey into a cesspit of dark secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat."
— BookwormWhitlock86

"Fans of historical mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this clever and sometimes heart‑wrenching story."
— Patricia, Goodreads

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A gripping, atmospheric mystery set in 1691 Scotland.
• MacKenzie and Scougall return for one of their most complex investigations.
• Rich historical detail including religious conflict, local politics and the Glasgow slave trade.
• A chilling blend of murder, superstition and secrecy in the West of Scotland.
• The sixth book in the acclaimed John MacKenzie series.

About the Author

Douglas Watt was born in Edinburgh and raised there and in Aberdeen. He holds an MA and PhD in Scottish History from Edinburgh University. He is the author of the John MacKenzie series of historical crime novels set in late 17th‑century Scotland, as well as The Price of Scotland, a prize‑winning history of the Darien Disaster.

He lives in Midlothian with his wife Julie.

Also in the John MacKenzie Series

Explore the full John MacKenzie historical crime series:

• Death of a Chief — Book 1
• Testament of a Witch — Book 2
• Pilgrim of Slaughter — Book 3
• The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite — Book 4
• A Killing in Van Diemen’s Land — Book 5

Or get the full series in one place:

The Complete John MacKenzie Bundle

Publication Details

Publisher: Luath Press

Publication Date: —

Print Length: — (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781804251799

Format: Ebook

Language: English / Scots

Categories: Historical Crime / Scottish Fiction / Mystery

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