Thunder Bay – Douglas Skelton
When reporter Rebecca Connolly is told of Roddie Drummond’s return to the island of Stoirm she senses a story. Fifteen years before he was charged with the murder of his lover, Mhairi. When he was found Not Proven, Roddie left the island and no one, apart from his sister, knew where he was or what he was doing. Now he has returned for his mother’s funeral – and it will spark an explosion of hatred, bitterness and violence.
Defying her editor’s wishes, Rebecca joins forces with local photographer Chazz Wymark to dig into the secrets surrounding Mhairi’s death, and her mysterious last words of Thunder Bay, the secluded spot on the west coast of the island where, according to local lore, the souls of the dead set off into the after life. When another murder takes place, and the severe weather that gives the island its name hits, she is ideally placed to uncover the truth about what happened that night fifteen years before.
My thanks to the publishers for my review copy.
I seldom mention covers when I review a book, however, I found the cover for Thunder Bay to be particularly appealing. Now that I have read the book my appreciation for the cover has increased as it is dark, stormy, atmospheric and represents the story rather well.
Not for the first time I make the observation that stories set in small towns make for the best reads. Only the best secrets remain secret for any time in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Thunder Bay takes place on the island of Stoirm and there are plenty of well kept secrets which are just about to come to light. Good timing for reporter Rebecca Connolly who is visiting Stoirm to try and interview Roddy Drummond – the isle’s infamous son.
Drummond was accused of killing his partner, Mhairi. At the trial he was found Not Proven (Scotland’s third verdict) and his innocence remains hotly disputed on the island. Returning to Stoirm for his mother’s funeral Drummond just wants to pay his respects and leave. It was never going to be that simple – trouble is not far away.
I mentioned secrets and Stoirm has more than its fair share. There are some shocking and unpleasant stories to be told and Rebecca Connolly had best be prepared to uncover more than the single truth she hoped to find when she visited the island.
I am a big fan of Douglas Skelton’s writing and I put this down to his wonderful depiction of the characters in his books. Everyone feels real, believable and the key players are well fleshed out. Conversations feel natural – from the awkward kids, the focused journalist, the lord of the manor and the country police officer – they all have a voice and they are all distinctive and appropriate for their station or maturity. It breathes life into all the characters and the book resonates with their vitality.
Thunder Bay is a terrific read, I know that my review cannot and will not do it justice. Douglas Skelton has written some cracking books but I think this may just be my favourite.
Thunder Bay is published by Polygon and is available in paperback and digital format. Order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thunder-Bay-exciting-atmospheric-thriller-ebook/dp/B07LGDW7VY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thunder+bay&qid=1553273910&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
