A Killing in Van Diemen's Land

A richly atmospheric historical murder mystery as John MacKenzie returns from retirement to confront paranoia, politics and a killing that refuses to be simple.

Edinburgh, 1690: a city on edge, a family in fear, and a murder behind locked doors.

About the Ebook

A Killing in Van Diemen’s Land takes readers back to Edinburgh in 1690 — a city gripped by fear, suspicion and political turmoil. With King William and James Stewart preparing for battle in Ireland, Scotland is awash with paranoia, rumour and religious tension.

When wealthy merchant and church elder Jacob Kerr is found stabbed to death in his own home, the evidence points to a robbery gone wrong. But investigative advocate John MacKenzie, dragged reluctantly from retirement, senses something far more complex beneath the surface.

The family who live behind the imposing walls of Van Diemen’s Land harbour secrets of their own — secrets shaped by fear, loyalty and the shifting politics of the age. As MacKenzie and his loyal scribe Davie Scougall dig deeper, they must navigate a fog of lies, religious fervour and hidden motives.

Rich in period detail and driven by tension and intrigue, this is a gripping addition to Douglas Watt’s acclaimed historical crime series.

Critical Praise

"Watt conjures up a pungent atmosphere of darkness and period detail."
— The Herald

"A whodunnit satisfyingly rich in unfamiliar period detail."
— Morning Star

"Paints the period vividly in a gripping read."
— Edinburgh Evening News

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A richly detailed historical mystery set in a turbulent and politically charged Scotland.
• John MacKenzie returns for one of his most complex and atmospheric investigations.
• A locked‑room style murder wrapped in paranoia, politics and family secrets.
• Perfect for fans of historical crime, Scottish history and immersive period fiction.
• The fifth 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 (you are here)
• A Case of Desecration in the West — Book 6

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): 9781913025458

Format: Ebook

Language: English / Scots

Categories: Historical Crime / Scottish Fiction / Mystery

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can’t see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn’t appear, ensure you’re logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we’ll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.