by A. D. Scott
“He was my confessor, he couldn’t turn me in. But John Morrison Bain was no longer my friend. God would be my judge he said. And now he’s gone, very conveniently for me, and you will never be able to prove any of this. I, on the other hand, could easily make a case for Father Morrison being the murderer.”
McAllister flicked on his lighter. He held up one of the photographs, one of the pictures of Tompson—hard to identify without corroboration, but it was him and a naked sniveling terrified Davy Soutar.
“Where did you get that?” Tompson lunged toward McAllister.
The passenger door opened. Jimmy McPhee reached in—a flurry of jabs, face, solar plexus, jaw again. He dragged Tompson out with the help of a brother. They suspended him between them, an arm around each of their shoulders, and with his feet dragging, for all the world like a New Year drunk, they half-marched, half-dragged the inspector along the path and onto the suspension bridge.
McAllister hurried to the policeman’s car, dropped the envelope of photographs onto the front seat, and ran to catch up with the trio making for the middle of the swaying bridge.
“No need for you here.” Jimmy had to shout above the roar from the weir not far downstream.
“Yes, there is.”
EPILOGUE
Press & Journal
Wednesday, December 17
Dogs Find Body
A man’s body was found yesterday in a snowdrift near Carrbridge in Inverness-shire. A local shepherd said his dogs located the body about a mile from the railway line.
No identification has yet been made. Detective Inspector Tompson of Inverness-shire Police said that it was still too early to speculate.
“The post mortem has yet to be performed and the body to be formally identified,” he said.
Highland Gazette
December 23
Police Identify Body in Snow
By Robert McLean
A body found in the snow near Carrbridge on December 17 has been identified as that of Father John Morrison-Bain, a well-known figure in the community. Discovered by a local shepherd who had been involved in the initial search for Father Morrison, the body had been buried in a deep drift. Identification was confirmed by a crucifix found on the body and by personal identifying features provided by the Army Chaplains unit, with whom Father Morrison had served during the war.
The man who found the body, John Blair, 56, of Auchterarder Cottages, Nethy Bridge, told the Gazette of the gruesome discovery.
“It was the dogs that found him,” said Mr Blair. “What was left of him, anyway. Unfortunately some wild creatures had got to him and his eyes had been pecked out, probably by hoodie crows.”
Hoodie crows are common in the area and are a notorious hazard at lambing time.
Highland Gazette
December 23
Obituary
Father John Morrison-Bain, 1904–1956
The interment service for Father Morrison was sparsely attended, with many friends and family unable to attend. A number of former students from the boys’ boxing clubs that Father Morrison ran for many years followed the cortege to its final resting place; most noticeably, the former Scottish bantamweight champion, Jimmy McPhee.
The career of John Morrison-Bain, or Father Morrison or Father Bain as he was also known, failed to fulfill its early promise. A foundling, he was raised in a church orphanage and began training for the priesthood straight after leaving school at the age of fourteen. At one time he was a highly regarded young sportsman and won prizes for his boxing.
His first appointment was as administrator of a boys’ club in the Gorbals, where he also acted as boxing coach for eight years. At the same time, he taught sports part-time at St. Joseph’s, where he had himself been educated. The school provides places for boys from families suffering financial difficulties, and its pupils often go on to join the church.
Soon after the outbreak of war he volunteered to serve as an army chaplain. He settled in the Highlands a few years after the war. Unfortunately no information is available as to his whereabouts in the intervening years. A church spokesman explained that many records were lost in the destruction of much of wartime Glasgow, as well as in the confusion that followed it.
A representative of the Highlands and Islands Constabulary refused to comment on an enquiry in which Father Morrison had been involved as an important witness at the time of his death. The Gazette has learnt that the case is now officially closed. Jimmy McPhee and other former students held a wake for Father Morrison at a local hotel.
Highland Gazette
January 27
Drowning Tragedy
The crew of a local fishing boat found the body of Detective Inspector Michael James Tompson in the harbour in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Inspector Tompson had been missing for two days. A fatal accident enquiry will be held, but a police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to my early readers for their generosity and support: Jock Watt, Kate de Ruty, Deborah Aronson, Don McIntyre, Taliesin Porter, Sal Nolan, Trish Waddington, Kate Dagher. Thanks to Barry Oakley for his wisdom and faith in a struggling writer. A special thanks to Trinh Huu Tuan for believing in me as an author from the very beginning; to Robert Alan Jamieson, poet, writer, teacher and dear friend.
Thanks to my agent Sheila Drummond, whose tenacity is legendary; to my U.S. agent Peter McGuigan (aka the Boy) at Foundry Media for his amazing matchmaking skills; to Anne Cherry for a superb job—copyediting Scottish is not easy. And to my editor Sarah Durand for her wisdom and insight.
And of course, Hugh.
INTRODUCTION
A young boy has been found dead in the canal, and the members of a small community in the Highlands want answers. Suspicion quickly falls on a Polish sailor who has gone missing from a Russian ship. The year is 1956, and foreigners to this small Scottish town are guilty until proven innocent. Despite a lack of evidence, the police and townsmen are ready to convict.
The staff of the town’s century-old local newspaper—including new editor in chief John McAllister—may be the only people intent on finding the real culprit. But as McAllister is about to find out, the ghosts of his past connect him with the murder more closely than he could have ever imagined. Obsessed with the case, he is determined to uncover the truth. But preserving the status quo reigns supreme in the community; corrupt town clerks quietly go about their business, battered wives tell no tales, and highly-respected figures hold dark secrets behind closed doors.
QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
1. John McAllister joins the Highland Gazette staff looking to make a change, but veteran editor Don McLeod initially refuses to go against age-old tradition. By the end of the book, Don begins to come around to McAllister’s ideas. How else does the theme of “change” triumphing over “tradition” play out in the novel?
2. Though the battles are over, the war continues to touch the lives of A. D. Scott’s characters. Select a few of the main characters and discuss the lasting effects of the war on each. Have any of the characters been impacted by the war in similar ways?
3. “I’m not his possession. I think what I like.” While Chiara clearly rejects the notion of a woman belonging to a man, Joanne finds herself hard-pressed to escape Bill’s grasp—and fist. What steps does Joanne take, physically and emotionally, toward reclaiming herself from her possessive husband?
4. Joanne repeatedly claims that she will not leave Bill for the sake of her daughters. “I must stay. For their sakes.” Discuss Joanne’s thought process in this regard. How does her staying with Bill affect the children positively? Negatively?
5. Peter Kowalski, a Polish escapee himself, never hesitates to help a fellow countryman—even if it means putting himself and the Corelli family at risk. Is he right in doing so? Why do you think he keeps these encounters a secret from Chiara, his future wife?
6. When Karel “Karl” Cieszynski nearly
fails in his self-proclaimed “mission” to bring the crucifix to Scotland, he is saddened beyond words. Why is it so important that the crucifix reaches Peter? What does this piece of jewelry represent?
7. The people of the town appear relieved when Karl is arrested for Jamie’s murder. However, few seem to question whether or not he actually committed the crime—including Joanne. Discuss why the townspeople are so eager to sweep the whole thing under the carpet. What are they trying to achieve?
8. Discuss Wee Jean’s relationship with Grandad Ross. Why does Grandad Ross have such a soft spot in his heart for his youngest granddaughter?
9. Joanne and WPC Ann McPherson are examples of women who attempt to succeed in the workplace despite the many obstacles they encounter. If the two of them sat down in Gino’s café for a cappuccino and a chat, what might their conversation sound like?
10. While blackmailing Councilor Grieg in his office, Joanne suddenly pushes for Grieg to acknowledge his daughter with Mhairi, even if only in private. Why do you think she does this?
11. Why does Annie ultimately decide to tell the truth? Do you think she fully realizes the implications of what she saw?
12. Is it a reporter’s duty to print the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Consider the information the staff members withhold from the paper; are their reasons for doing so valid?
13. Does McAllister’s personal agenda against Father Morrison hinder or help his ability to perform his duty as a reporter? In the end, which is more important to him: avenging his brother’s death or getting the story straight?
14. Do Inspector Tompson or Father Morrison show any signs of remorse for their actions in the novel, or in their pasts?
15. “We know evil exists. I try not to see it, but it is there, in big and small ways. And always balanced by good.” Mrs. McLean’s words demonstrate her eternal optimism, even after having lived through two wars and their aftermath. How do other characters in the book demonstrate optimism for the future? Have any characters completely lost all sense of hope?
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR BOOK CLUB
Chiara and Joanne enjoy some of their happiest moments while in Gino’s café. Meet with your reading group at a local café to discuss the book over a hot cup of cappuccino or some sweet ice cream.
“A newspaper was no place for a woman.” Joanne suffered for her decision to be a working woman—whether it be due to Bill’s shaken ego, the community’s glaring disapproval, or her own insecurities. Using the Internet or resources at your library, find out more about how women entering the workplace were viewed during the 1950s, both in Scotland and around the world.
Rob and Peter’s band, The Meltdown Boys, shock the glen with a style of music no one has heard before—1950s American rock ’n’ roll. Make a playlist of music from this genre, including “Rock Around the Clock” (Bill Haley and Comets) and “Tutti Frutti” (Little Richard), the only two songs The Meltdown Boys know how to play. How has American rock ’n’ roll changed since the 1950s? Why was it so shocking to the people of the Highlands?
A. D. Scott uses her words to describe the visual beauty of the Scottish Highlands; why not try using a paintbrush? Have each group member select a descriptive passage as inspiration for a piece of art. After the creation session, group members can share their passages and paintings.
A CONVERSATION WITH A D SCOTT
What first drew you to the mystery/suspense genre?
I love reading mysteries; I especially love novels that give a sense of time and place. My favorites are too many to mention but Donna Leon, Mala Nunn, Peter Robinson, Ian Rankin, Kate Atkinson, and Laura Lipman are wonderful. I love mysteries that immerse the reader in another culture so I am a fan of Scandinavian and Icelandic crime writers and the Aurelio Zen stories set in Sicily.
Is there a different process to writing a suspense novel than writing other types of fiction?
Writing a suspense novel makes the reader (and the writer) try to puzzle out what is going on, so a writer can use this curiosity to explore themes that interest them. For example, small town newspapers are a true reflection of a community, every town has at least one and they haven’t changed much in sixty years. What have changed are national newspapers and magazines—for better or worse is a matter of conjecture. So the writing process doesn’t change, but the opportunity to reflect while plotting or solving the mystery are more.
A Small Death in the Great Glen has a large cast of characters, each of whom has his or her own thoughts and feelings. Was it difficult to develop so many characters in one book?
Sitting in cafés, traveling by train or bus, watching people as they go about everyday life, I find myself constantly imaging their inner lives. I give them family and friends, but more than that, I imagine their dreams. Sometimes this habit gets me into trouble; when I am telling a story, I have to stop and think, did this really happen or was it something I made up? People, characters, everyday life is fascinating and complex, much more so than big events.
Which character in your book do you admire most, and why?
What a tough question! I think Jenny McPhee would be my choice; she is who she is, with no doubts, no questions. She is sure of her history, her family, and she can move around the country whenever the fancy takes her. I love strong women. Most of all I envy her singing voice.
Malla Nunn, author of A Beautiful Place to Die, commended you for your “intimate knowledge of the Scottish Highlands.” Besides having grown up there, did you conduct any special research to add to the authenticity of your story’s setting?
I have a detailed, large scale, contour map of the area printed in 1954. The colors are beautiful and the shades of green and brown and blue are a wonderful “aide memoire” to my childhood. Also, when I was at school we went everywhere by bicycle, often long distances, this is the best way to know and remember a place. In those days, even a nine-year-old could wander off on her own. A sense of smell is also important. Close your eyes, think of the time of year and remember what is smells like. This always works for me.
When did you first learn of “hoodie crow,” and why did you choose to reference it in your novel?
Hoodie cows were (are) scary creatures. The first time I remember encountering them was innocently watching newborn lambs cavorting in a field of snow. Then, seeing blood and a dead lamb, the farmer told us it had been attacked by hoodies. Horrible! The hooded crow, to give it its proper name, is associated with the faeries and there are numerous references to them in myths, legend, and folktales. “Twa Corbies” (Two Crows) is a famous Scottish poem or song where the crows sit on a dyke discussing dining on a slain knight lying beneath them. These are the tales and songs we grew up on.
Many characters in your novel are considered outcasts by the community, whether it be for their gender, occupation, or nationality. Can you discuss this theme and why it is so important to the book?
Another hard question—and a rather revealing one. Perhaps it is because I was one of those children who drove adults crazy, always asking questions, never content with the answer, always attracted to anything unusual, never to the safe and normal and, to me, boring town.
Which writers have had the most significant effect on your own writing? How did their work affect your own?
Robert Louis Stevenson (RSL), to us Scots, he is the novelist above all others. One of my ambitions is to visit his grave in Samoa and say “Thank You.” Coorying under the quilt on a stormy, rainy, or snowy night and reading Kidnapped or Treasure Island, scaring myself, losing myself, in warm Caribbean waters or the windswept stormy Minch, every sentence was magic to me. He also showed me a life beyond a small town in Scotland and opened up the idea of living a life of possibilities.
What’s next for the staff of the Highland Gazette?
In the next book the Highland Gazette starts to change and all I can say is that it is more of the same, but very different. As the Gazette expands, McAllister hires some outlandish new contributors, and the sce
ne is set more on the east coast than out west. The theme came to me from the hymn “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” There is one character in the new book that absolutely fascinates me and the more I explore this person the more intrigued I become. There are also new characters that touch on Scotland’s part in strange and exotic events in the Far East in the nineteenth century.
A Small Death in the Great Glen is your first published novel. Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for aspiring novelists?
Just give it a go, with no expectations other than the joy of writing, of creating. If you really want to write, write every day, a few words, a few lines, but commit to it wholeheartedly. Above all, read; read everything, anything, read voraciously, give up everything else to read, read, read.
The bruising on Joanne Ross was invisible. Like a peach with the flesh discolored around the stone, she seemed untouched. But she carried the shame her mother felt at giving birth at the age of forty-three. There was this and the shame her husband felt at marrying a woman who did not quite fit in. Joanne herself felt she was a quarter step ahead or behind the beat, all depending on the weather.
Her wide-open face, showed the bloodlines of a true Scot. In her late twenties, she was almost a beauty. But her cheekbones were on the edge of too strong, her mouth on the side of too wide, and her skin too freckled to be considered beautiful. The elegant way she held herself, her readiness to sing and dance, her husband disapproved of even that. “For heaven’s sake, grow up,” had been one of his milder comments.