Solway Sleuth-Hounds : The First Recruit

This is a mystery and adventure story set in South-west Scotland at the time of Robert Burns.

It is fiction which has the added intention of illuminating the history of the region and making it easily accessible.

It has been carefully researched and there is a reference section at the back including comprehensive notes on the background history as well as on the main sources.

There are also sketch maps - including one of Dumfries in 1793.

Also included are several modern photographs of historic buildings in Dumfries such as the Old Bridge House.

The age range given is 12 to adult and it may be classified as young adult but it is actually for anyone interested in the history of south west Scotland.

Here are some details of the actual story. With her husband in jail, young Gretna Marshall, one of the Galloway travelling people, is feeling alone and vulnerable.

So, she is delighted when she is asked to become the first recruit to the Solway Sleuth-Hounds, the Laird of Longcrags' band of private investigators.

She is relieved to have found the protection of a powerful patron but all too soon she finds that the service of the Laird means danger. But with the help of the remarkable Sawney, the young lawyer of the future, stern Michael the leader of a tribe of tinklers, and Rooskie her little dog who brings his own individual talents to the pack, Gretna struggles on.

The story moves between the Solway shore, Dumfries and the notorious village of the Bridgend with its underground labyrinth of cellars, that hiding place for refugees and felons.

These were turbulent times and the Sleuth-Hounds find themselves involved with Solway smugglers, Robert Burns, the effects of the French Revolution, even the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 although it happened fifty years earlier.

There are also enough dogs and horses to keep any animal lover happy.

The historical background of 18th century Dumfries and Galloway has been carefully researched and there are detailed historical notes and sketch maps. "Solway Sleuth-Hounds" is more than just an exciting story.

It is also a fun way of learning history.