The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite

A dark, atmospheric historical crime novel set amid Jacobite turmoil, secret societies and murder in 1689 Edinburgh.

MacKenzie and Scougall return as Scotland erupts in Jacobite fever — and a gruesome discovery pulls them deep into the city’s criminal underworld.

About the Ebook

The Unnatural Death of a Jacobite finds investigative advocate John MacKenzie and his loyal side‑kick Davie Scougall once again drawn into danger on the streets of late 17th‑century Edinburgh.

The year is 1689. Scotland is in the grip of Jacobite fever. Bonnie Dundee leads a Highland army determined to crush the government and restore James Stewart to the throne. While armies clash and loyalties fracture, darker forces are at work in the capital.

A gruesome discovery near the city’s quarry pulls MacKenzie and Scougall into a web of crime, clandestine clubs and hidden allegiances. As they navigate the murky underworld of Edinburgh, they must untangle political fervour from personal motives — and uncover the truth behind a death that may be anything but natural.

Rich in historical detail and crackling with tension, this instalment in Douglas Watt’s acclaimed series shines a light on a turbulent, often overlooked period in Scottish history.

Critical Praise

"The novels are first and foremost crime stories but they are also a journey through a relatively unknown period of Scottish history… a fascinating, but paradoxical, time of witch hunts, blasphemy trials and religious fanaticism, which also saw the green shoots of the Scottish Enlightenment."
— The Scotsman

"Watt keeps the action moving along and conjures up a convincingly dark atmosphere at this cusp of the age of reason."
— The Herald

"Exceptionally well written… If you’re not Scottish and live here – read it. If you’re Scottish read it anyway."
— i‑on Edinburgh, on The Price of Scotland

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A gripping historical crime mystery set during a pivotal Jacobite moment.
• MacKenzie and Scougall at their best, navigating politics, religion and the criminal underworld.
• Evocative, richly researched Edinburgh setting full of darkness and period detail.
• Perfect for fans of historical crime, Scottish history and atmospheric mysteries.
• The fourth book in the acclaimed John MacKenzie series.

About the Author

Douglas Watt was born in Edinburgh and brought up there and in Aberdeen. He studied at Edinburgh University, gaining an MA and PhD in Scottish History. He 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 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 (you are here)
• A Killing in Van Diemen’s Land — Book 5
• 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): 9781912387533

Format: Ebook

Language: English / Scots

Categories: Historical Crime / Scottish Fiction / Mystery

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