Customer Reviews

Stolen Voice: A Gil Cunningham Murder Mystery

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4 star:		(3)
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Having started this series with the first book I have seen how the author has been effective in "maturing" the main character and it's impressive. The first book presented Gil as unsure of himself and throughout each book he has slowly gained confidence so, in this book you see a much more "sure of himself" character. I am so enjoying this series and can't wait for the next one to be published. I know that some readers, here in the US, will complain about the Scottish or Gaelic words used but that's what makes the book. And, for me, I can actually "hear" the sounds and accents one would expect from Scottish people. This author has definitely impressed me. I was fortunate to run across these books while searching for something else on Amazon.com UK - and am I ever thankful I did.

This sixth book in the Gil Cunningham mystery series set in medieval Scotland, takes place outside of the accustomed Glasgow, in the villages of the countryside where a Gils is ordered by the Archbishop to look into several strange events. The most strange is the return of Davie Drummond to his home in Glenbuckie. A young singer, he disappeared thirty years before but has recently returned, aged only a few years and supposedly had been living among the Fair Folk. His own mother claims he is truly her son and those in the family believe the tale. While Gil's wife Alys goes to Glenbuckie to look into that matter, Gil investigates the more recent disappearances of varous singers and one who was secretary to the Bishop of Dunkeld, who may have had access to sensitive diplomatic information.

What follows is a complex mystery of various strange events that may or may not be linked. The characters are all strong and interesting, as is the mystery plot. This is one of the best in the series so far.

Really liked this tale, but then I've liked all the books in this series. Does anyone know if the Erse/Ersche "Song of the Departing Soul" actually exists? And if so, what are the lyrics (in english)?

The song is sung for the priest Sir Duncan, and also for Bessie Drummond in the story.

This is another enjoyable mystery in the Scottish Highlands. A somewhat different approach than the last two books in the fashion the leads investigate, but the mystery is more complex this time. Pat McIntosh does a very good job in placing the reader into the feeling of the time and the cross cultural issues of the time. I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in the genre of 15th century mysteries. A side note, for most American readers, you might find the need to research some of the Scottish terms, but it is well worth the time.