Friday 26 April 2013

The Artful Readers Club April 2013

 Before I tell you all about the book I read this month, I have just realised that today is my 3rd Anniversary as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. 
I love my job and if anyone from France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands or the UK is interested in knowing more about the benefits of become a Stampin' Up! Demo then just get in touch with me at  alisonplumm@gmail.com

So on to my book.
This month I read  for the Artful Readers Club

The Redemption of Alexander Seaton by S G MacLean


I didn't really know what to expect when I started the book, I got it because it was a free book on my kindle.  But I did enjoy it quite a lot, so much so, that I have already brought the sequels.

The story is set in the 1620s in the North East of Scotland.
On a wild, stormy night in Banff, Alexander is coming home from the pub, slightly the worse for wear, when he sees Patrick Davidson struggling in the street. Alexander chooses to ignore Patrick's cries for help.
Next morning, Patrick is found dead at Alexander's desk in his classroom.

Although it is a murder mystery novel, a good half of the book sets up the scene up why Alexander Seaton needs redemption.

I loved the slow pace of the book that seems to speed up near the end as you wait to find out who the murderer is.  The characters are all well developed and you can feel the difficulties of life in the rural countryside of northern Scotland in their actions and words.


One of the main themes of the book is the strict religious ways of all the characters and how much power the town sheriff has. 
There is a Scottish glossary at the back of the book which helps with all the Scottish terms.

All in all a faboulous book.

See everyone else's reviews here

Alison xx

15 comments:

  1. Congratulations on yr 3yrs SU anniversary. A free book that's a great read, what's not to like lol. Pretty flowers Happy ARC Dxx

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  2. Must look out for these books - I live in a rural community 20 miles west of Banff! Great that you had a good read and a pretty journal page.

    Janet xx

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  3. Congratulations! SU-demonstrators seem to pop out of the ground everywhere in the Netherlands right now... I wonder how many there will be left in 3 years! :)
    Your book sounds great, and it being free makes it even better! :)

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  4. Love the purple wildflowers and sounds like the sort of book that would make a fabulous mini tv series :D XXX

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  5. Love a little history and mystery...may be something I'd add to my list...beautiful pastel flowers.

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  6. I have this book on my list to read, and may bring it forward to read soonish as a result of your review. I found your review interesting and look forwardvto reading it now.
    Your delicate flowere are so pretty and hint at the landscape that surrounds the characters in the book.

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  7. I don't own a Kindle, but I love historic mysteries. This is my kind of book. The fact you enjoyed it, makes it even more attractive. For someone who lives across the pond, so to speak, I was glad to read there is a glossary of Scottish terms. That would be very helpful for someone like myself. I apologize for taking so long to get here, but am glad I got to see the review and those fantastic flowers. Flowers always make my heart sing.

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  8. Beautiful flowers and that sounds like an interesting book. Will look it up.
    Jen x

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  9. Sounds like a great read...are those some of Scotland's common flowers? Pretty drawing!!

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  10. congrats on your 3 yrs.

    So glad you enjoyed the book, awesome when you find a series that you love.

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  11. After most of us disliking last our choices for last month, it is lovely to read that so many are liking this month's. I LOVED mine, too!

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  12. The book sounds like one I would enjoy - I like historical fiction and a good murder mystery :) I would be interested to learn how your very pretty artwork ties back to the story, but maybe that would give away too much?

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  13. A murder mystery set in Scotland at a time when life must have been very hard certainly has an appeal all of its own. A nice gentle read alongside a bit of intrigue sounds perfect. Your artwork is very pretty and gentle too and reminds me of the purple heathers I saw when I visited Scotland many years ago.

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  14. This sounds like a really interesting read. I like books about people in strict religious communities, as there is usually a lot of tension involved. I loved the colours of your art work. I have just joined ARC and I have to say I am loving the experience of reading the reviews and enjoying all the stunning art work. xxx

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  15. Great to find a free book that is good and has encouraged you to read others in the series. Great artwork too - lovely flowers. x

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