Taylor to launch murderous tale at library

Crime writer Marsali Taylor will launch her second novel at Shetland Library next week.

The Westside author’s latest publication, The Trowie Mound Murders combines crime with folklore and again features local heroine Cass Lynch.

It was written while Marsali was having cancer treatment and she says focusing on the book while in hospital helped her through the battle with bowel cancer.

Marsali will be joined on the launch night by members of the Westside Writers’ Group, which she is a member of, who will be sharing some of their folklore stories.

Her latest novel features an imaginary “trowie mound” Neolithic tomb, based on the Vementry tomb and the Tomb of the Eagles in Orkney. The story centres on a visiting yachting couple who go missing from Brae.

Marsali, who regularly writes in Shetland Life magazine said: “I’m really looking forward to people’s reactions to The Trowie Mound Murders – but I’m a bit nervous too. Everyone has been really positive about my first detective story, Death on a Longship, so I hope they’ll enjoy the sequel as much.

“As this is a folklore book, I’ve asked my wonderfully supportive friends in the Westside Writers’ Group to come and join me to share their best folklore tales at the launch, so it should be great night.

“This is also my ‘cancer’ book, dedicated primarily to Mr Loudon of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, who saved my life. I’ve spent the last two years coping with the various treatments for bowel cancer, and their after-effects. The book was actually started in CLAN, while I was having chemo and radiotherapy, and finished in the sick leave between radiotherapy and the operations.

“The corrections and proof-reading were done in the Gilbert Bain [Hospital], while attached to a drip. Writing the book really helped me, while I was laid up and unable to even get on board my own boat, to be doing exciting things in my imagination.”

Cass Lynch’s next adventure, which deals with modern day witches in Scalloway, has already been written, and Marsali is also starting her fourth novel.

The launch is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7th May in the Shetland Library.