4.5-STAR REVIEW: THE TACKSMAN’S DAUGHTER by Donna Scott

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The Description

Publication Date: December 27th, 2021

Scotland, 1692. To escape a brutal winter storm, King William’s regiments descend on the small village of Glencoe. Caitriona Cameron, the tacksman’s daughter, cannot forget her unpleasant encounter the last time English troops appeared. She senses the army’s arrival might not be as innocent as it seems, but her warnings go unheeded. Not even MacIain, the MacDonald clan chief, listens. After twelve days of billeting in the villagers’ homes, the soldiers attack, committing one of the greatest atrocities in Highland history.

Cait escapes the assault with the help of Sergeant Edward Gage who is accused of being a traitor for not taking up arms against the MacDonalds. Edward is hunted by his debauched half-brother, Alexander, who stands to lose everything if King William attaints their father for his treasonous past deeds. With bad blood between them, Alexander sets out to capture Edward to prove his loyalty and save himself from ruin.

Cait and Edward travel to Edinburgh to confront the men they suspect are behind the attack, unaware that Alexander is headed there as well. Although Cait is convinced the chief of Clan Campbell is responsible, Edward suspects something much more sinister—that the orders came from higher up, possibly even from the king himself.

As accusations of betrayal, deceit, and treason abound, they are all trapped in a web of intrigue and danger, but not everyone will escape.

The Review

Scotland in the 17th century is fraught with turmoil between the Scots and the British. In The Tacksman’s Daughter, author Donna Scott delivers a tale of intrigue, revenge, and love.

Caitriona watches helplessly as her beloved Glencoe is brought down by the same English soldiers who had been offered refuge. Edward, while half Scot, is an English soldier who draws the line at unprovoked murder. Labeled a traitor by his fully English half-brother, Edward teams up with Cait in the aftermath to search for justice.

As a female lead character, Cait exhibits strength and bravery. Skilled with a knife, she is a solid partner for Edward. Their relationship deepens as they search for answers regarding the massacre at Glencoe. It is a time period when loyalty is a bargaining chip in the never-ending battle between the two warring groups.

True to the time period, the dialog is peppered with Scottish terminology. This enhances the impact of the story and does not interrupt the flow of conversation.

The Tacksman’s Daughter focuses on a search for justice amidst a web of deceit and treachery. Buy Links

About The Author Donna Scott is an award-winning author of 17th and 18th century historical fiction. Before embarking on a writing career, she spent her time in the world of academia. She earned her BA in English from the University of Miami and her MS and EdD (ABD) from Florida International University. She has two sons and lives in sunny South Florida with her husband. Her first novel, Shame the Devil, received the first place Chaucer Award for historical fiction and a Best Book designation from Chanticleer International Book Reviews. Her newest novel, The London Monster, was released in November 2020. To learn about new releases and special offers, please sign up for Donna’s newsletter.