This unusual book is well worth a read. Marjorie is not a particularly likeable main character, but she’s certainly unique. A few times her actions were so frustrating I nearly gave up on the book, but I’m so glad I didn’t. Interspersed with short, factual passages about witch trials centuries before, and at times I had to suspend belief, but after all, this is fiction. I found the passages describing the uses of plants and the natural surroundings particularly good.. The police detectives are credible, as is the village setting. I highly recommend this book.

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
This was an absolutely fantastic read, both atmospheric and pacy. Robertson expertly weaves a very modern world - the underworld of twitter - with a much more ancient way of life; into a deft thriller that keeps the reader on their toes with every page turn. A sincerely good read, and I’m off to look at what else they’ve written.

Atmospheric, Unexpected..
The enigma that is Marjorie Crowe… at least, that is what she is to the locals in the Scottish village in which she resides. Theories about her abound, including her age, previous professions and what exactly she does now. When a local tragedy occurs, Marjorie comes under suspicion. Is Marjorie the monster she is made out to be or has a witch-hunt begun against a wholly innocent woman? A melange of past and present in this cleverly twisted, almost gothic tale which is hugely atmospheric and well imagined. At once, both sinister and compelling.

This story was very intriguing, especially to discover the events that followed Marjorie during a time when suspicions were rife. This is the first book I have read by C.S. Robertson but it definitely won't be my last,

What an usual book but I enjoyed it. The main character was different and i found it hard to understand her. Things unfold within the story that you don't expect. Stick with it definitely worth it.
Harassment, and mob mentality to hide secrets just because Marjorie is different. Very apt in today's society.

A gothic, atmospheric and a strange kind of read from CS Robertson.

The story of Marjorie Crowe and her quirky ways in a small insular village do make for an intriguing, if somewhat slowly paced read. With Witchcraft and folklore abound, it’s a book that I never really found myself compelled by but there was enough to like Marjorie and root for her.

Almost a modern imagining of Salem witch trials, this time its Twitter and trial by social media of an old lady as the little whispers gather pace and untruths so quickly become so much more with devastating circumstance.

It’s well written and the story unfolds nicely, the finale is satisfying yet I still felt like it just missed the mark for me with the laboured pacing probably the main reason for that.

Decent though and certainly worth picking up.

A boy is seen hanging from a tree; an hour later he is seen walking around; later that day he is found hanging from the tree – definitely dead this time. The original discovery was made by the eponymous Marjorie Crowe, the local eccentric, the second sighting by Tim Dryden, the local councillor. Obviously, his version is the one the police believe, especially when backed up by CCTV. Nevertheless, the boy was found hanging where she had seen him. This may be the twenty-first century, but in Kilgoyne, a small village tucked between Loch Lomond and the Campsie Fells, there are still people who are unwilling to dismiss the idea of witchcraft. Marjorie, a woman of uncertain age, who behaves weirdly and is known to make ‘potions’ is just the sort of person who can see events before they happen, or worse, can cast a spell to make someone commit suicide. Plus, she’s only lived in the village for twenty-five years so is still a ‘newcomer’. However, it may be tragic but it is clearly a suicide, so muttering about witchcraft should fade away and Marjorie should be able to continue her life with just a hint of extra eccentricity. But then another boy disappears and the rumour mills start to churn, driven by a level of animosity far beyond reason. Is there something else going on? Is there a link to events in 1998, when a secret cult had been based around the village, and a young girl had disappeared? Marjorie seeks to resolve the mysteries, and so puts her life in danger.
This is an extremely well written story covering a few weeks but encompassing decades and ultimately, because of Scotland’s infamous history of witch burnings, centuries. At heart it is a simple enough plot, with an unconventional investigator solving mysteries occluded by strange events. Its strength lies in the detailed characterisation of Marjorie, our more than usually unconventional investigator, and the “supernatural” beliefs which underpin everyone’s actions in this tight-knit village. The reader is drawn into this atmosphere, helped by the evocative writing and descriptions of the characters. The resolution of the various threads is well executed and the finale is magic.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

Found this a bit slow and not my usual type of book especially as it referred to witch craft. Interesting story following Marjorie Crowe but not for me.

Marjorie Crowe is taking her daily walk, as she has done for the last 25 years, when she witnesses someone hanging from a tree. When the death is discovered, all hell breaks loose and it isn’t long before the finger is pointed squarely at Marjorie.

I thought Marjorie was wonderfully unconventional and refreshing character. She’s an outsider as “witch”, which you don’t often see. I felt so sorry for her when she’s accused of causing the death and the names she’s called. Witch, The Crowe, bitch. The poor woman goes through absolute hell.

She’s singled out because she’s different and people have a great fear of the things they don’t understand. In this respect, the author does a brilliant job of showing how easy it is to get caught up in falsehoods and how the unknown can terrify us in to a frenzy of mass hysteria.

Littered throughout the book are fascinating and factual tales of real life people who were executed for witchcraft. The contrast between these events and the present day are an apt reminder that whilst things change as time goes on, human nature largely stays the same.

The author writes the scenery in a wonderful way that heightens the mystery and the supernatural elements of the book. He often describes places of beauty in a chilling way which really emphasises that beneath the surface of the town lays a bedrock of lies and deciet.

The mystery is enjoyable and is a slow-burn that builds and builds but sadly falls a bit flat at the end with it being resolved within a couple of pages. With the many mysteries that eventually develop, I feel this could have been stretched out a bit longer.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for sending this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The first book by this author was one of my favourite reads of last year and this one is also a really original and interesting story. Marjorie Crowe is another character who doesn’t fit the norm and is treated with suspicion by others. Terrible events happen in this small Scottish town and with the finger of suspicion on her, Marjorie is forced to try to uncover why, who and when herself.

An isolated older woman is suspected of murder and of being a witch in the bad sense of the word vs being a healer. This is a mystery, very atmospheric at times and also a story about years of persecution of people who are different. It is well written and mostly a fast read

Marjorie Crowe is an outsider. Although she has lived in Kilgoyne for over twenty five years, she is not “one of them”. All the locals think it best just to leave her be. Seen variously as different, standoffish, witchy, and very odd, Marjorie has heard it all. Names can’t hurt her until they do.

The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill, is a favourite of mine, and I was excited to be offered this latest book from Robertson.

From the start I was drawn into Marjorie’s world, and felt the descriptive prose of the area set the scene perfectly. Off to a flying start, the book did flatten a little in the middle, but soon picked up the pace again and the ending was all a reader could hope for. A character driven story that gives a lot - murder, mystery, secrets, supernatural and intrigue, a melting pot of themes that result in an exciting read.

Beautiful writing, well drawn characters and a bewitching plot. A very enjoyable book.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton.

I love crime and thriller books however this was a little different as it had an element of witchcraft thrown in which probably detracted a little from my enjoyment however certain elements were essential to the story in fairness. Marjorie is an incredible well drawn character, she knows she’s different and owns it but telling the story from her perspective gives you a great insight into the human within. There’s also another minor unconventional character in this who is also very thoughtfully portrayed as the story progresses. The other characters are good and combined with the eerie elements of the location build up quite an atmosphere of fear and the police investigating were also actually well depicted. The crime itself was well considered and the way events spiralled out of control in the village - and on social media - built up the tension well but for me the best element of the book was Marjorie herself. 7/10

Rating: 4.0/5

I missed out on Craig Robertson's previous novel, "The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill" which received plenty of plaudits, so I was keen to make sure that I picked up his next offering - and I am so glad that I did. "The Trials of Marjorie Crowe" is a quality piece of character-driven storytelling.

Even though it is more than twenty years since Marjorie Crowe moved to Kilgoyne, she has always been treated as an outsider by the rest of the community. Apart from being a latecomer, nobody quite knows what to make of her. They don't really know how old she is or what she does, but they do know that there is something different about her - something strange. That perception is not helped by Marjorie's strict daily routine of always walking the exact same route around town at precisely the same time every day. To their way of thinking, she simply isn't normal - in fact, she is probably a witch!

Although this story has an intriguing mystery - or perhaps it would be more accurate to say mysteries, which unfold as the narrative progresses, it is the quality of the characterisation which most strongly drives the storyline. The central protagonist, Marjorie, is well-drawn as you might expect, but the supporting cast are equally well observed and depicted. This lends a real sense of depth and realism to proceedings. Stylistically, I was reminded on a number of occasions of the writing of C.J. Tudor who is also a gifted storyteller with hints of the supernatural running throughout her work.

If I were to make a criticism, then it would relate to the various witch trials that are referenced in the course of the novel. Whilst they were interesting and I could understand the author's desire to include them, I felt they hampered the overall flow of the narrative. Perhaps a different way of incorporating the references could have been found that didn't have such a disjointing effect.

Nonetheless, the overall impression made by this story is unequivocally positive. As I said at the start, I missed out on "The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill" when it was published, but based on my experience of reading this example of C.S. Robertson's work, I am going to make sure that I grab myself a copy and read it in the next few weeks.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

4+

Marjorie Crowe could be anywhere between 60 and 70, she lives in a Hansel and Gretel house in Kilgoyne, Scotland, and has been variously described as divorced, a spinster, a librarian, a pharmacist and a witch. What isn’t in dispute is that twice a day at precisely 11:30 am and 6:30 pm she takes a walk widdershins (anticlockwise) in the same loop around the village. This particular day she dresses in her usual eclectic, eccentric style and takes the route which includes straight through the Endrick Arms, Kilgoynes oldest pub, as it’s a shortcut. She arrives at Spittals Clearing and there is the Witching Tree, an ancient elm, which has broken into two sections, reinforced by iron. That’s her turning point. However, this particular warm day in April, something halts her in her tracks and makes her feel as if the world has stopped. What did she see that shakes her so much and why is it cast in such doubt at the subsequent police enquiry led by D S Tom Deacon?

This is a tale that demonstrates that nothing changes through time, although the medium of attack may differ. It shows that things can worsen and that harsh words can often lead to action. Here we have ancient and modern ignorance and prejudice that can spiral out of control.

If you’ve read The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill then you’ll know just how good CS Robertson is at creating characters who are very different, at making readers see them for who they really are rather than the perceived notions of those who don’t conform to the considered norm. Here we have Marjorie Crowe and she certainly does undergo “trials”. The way she is treated is like the wise women of yore, often tried, convicted and condemned in the court of public opinion. I grow to love her as a character, she is so misunderstood yet her intentions are nothing but good. You also have the conundrum of who is the liar - is it the ‘oddball outsider’ in Marjorie or someone whose reputation is that of an upstanding citizen. Things descend from this as a close knit village community who thinks they know everything but actually, apart from a chosen few, knows nothing. There’s sadness and extreme anger which means an inevitable collision course, there’s fear provoked by a pack mentality which is deepened by toxic social media. The situation becomes chaotic and dark, with tension that shreds the nerves creating a dangerous and nightmarish environment.

One of the strongest elements of the gripping storyline is the atmosphere the author creates. He uses the beauty of the area to great effect and it contrasts sharply with the darkness that lurks within. It’s spooky, ghostly and chilling, as well as darkly forbidding as the different energies swirl to create a strong feeling of dread. I love how the past is woven with historic cases of witchcraft to make this story feel current and fresh.

This is a powerful tale which I enjoy very much although I do feel the ending could have packed more of a punch after what precedes it but I do buy into it. Another cracking read from a talented author.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Huge expectations for this one, The Undiscovered Deaths Of Grace McGill was one of my books of last year. I've been a fan of this author ever since Murderabilia got me hooked on thrillers.

The Trials Of Marjorie Crowe is set in a small town, Marjorie Crowe is eccentric, there's some folklore and some witchery. From the start it's a challenge to win me over with these kinds of stories.

There's plenty of interesting elements, parallels between real life historical witch trials and the modern Twitter storm mob. Marjorie comes under threat for the things she believes she's seen while also being the incidental investigator for the real crimes that are being committed.

It's quite atmospheric and kept me reading, there are a few nerve-tingling moments. Not the fastest book, but it’s a brave attempt at something different.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton

This book was too slow for me- I lost interest and drifted away many a time. It is a good story with excellent detail but it wasn’t gripping enough for me.

Marjorie Crowe lives in a cottage at the end of a small village. The locals whisper behind her back; is she a witch, a spinster or just lonely? She keeps up regular routines, which the villagers know well and it is during one of these regular walks that everything changes. Teenager, Charlie McKee is found hanging but Marjorie’s accounts are impossible. Soon the village are all suspicious of Marjorie. Will she find out what is really going on?

I liked this author’s previous book so was looking forward to starting this one. After finishing it I am having a tough time with my rating as I have mixed feelings. I found it well written and an interesting storyline. The author does a good job of creating quirky characters, which reflects the character of Marjorie well, however even though she was intriguing, I found that I did not fully connect with her. I found that there were too many internal thoughts and was unable to become fully engaged in the story. The book came together well though and I enjoyed finding out what really happened. Overall, this was an interesting read, however a bit too slow paced and dragged out for how I was feeling at time of reading. I can see this being a big hit for those who like a slow burn, unusual character driven mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in return for an honest review.

The author who brought us Grace McGill has now brought us Marjorie Crowe. As characters go, these are two of the best.

I adored CS Robertson's first novel and if anyone hasn't read it, I would encourage you to go do so.

In this novel, a young boy is found hanging in the small town of Kilgoyne and all attention turns to Marjorie. Why wouldn't it? No one knows her age (between 55 and 70?), no one knows what she done (librarian, pharmacist or witch?) but everyone knows she's strange.

When Marjorie's witness testimony is called into question, it leads to more questions and Marjorie is going to need to delve into this matter herself to find out what is really going on.

As I say, I really enjoyed Robertson's first novel and couldn't wait to read this. What is clear, only two novels in, is that the author is big on main characters and, in particular, somewhat 'strange' main characters who pull the novel together. The two he has pulled out so far are impressive and I've loved both so here's to a lot more to come!

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review