Join us at Criminally Good Books on Thursday, 12 March at 7pm for a gorgeously atmospheric night of cosy crime with author Gay Marris, celebrating her new novel The Beasts of the Black Loch (RRP £18.99).

We’ll be hosting an interview with Gay, where she’ll talk about the inspiration behind the book, remote Scottish landscapes and how science, animal behaviour and murder mysteries all collide in her fiction. There’ll also be time for audience questions.

📖 About The Beasts of the Black Loch

In 10,000 acres of remote Scottish mountains and moor sits Dorcha Hall: a former hunting lodge tucked among ancient forests on the shores of the mysterious Black Loch. At night, lights glow from within, smoke curls from its chimneys and, in the forgiving murk of the gloaming, it looks almost magical. By daylight, though, the mouldering plasterwork and failing plumbing tell a far less romantic story…

Into this setting comes Dr Ava Dickins, a rigorous scientist and expert in animal behaviour, visiting her godson Andrew. Recently bereaved, Andrew has been yanked from a quiet academic life into owning Loch Dorcha, and he and his very new wife are determined to turn Dorcha Hall into a hotel. Ava isn’t at all convinced the evidence points to a happy ending.

When a hotel guest is found dead in his bed, having swallowed poisonous insect repellent instead of the whisky by his side, Ava’s specialist knowledge of the female Culicoides impunctatu, the infamous Highland midge, makes her doubt it was any kind of accident. And worse is still to come…

🎟️ On the night:

• 🥂 Refreshments for all attendees
• 📚 10% off everything additionally in-store on the night
• ✍️ The chance to get your copy of The Beasts of the Black Loch signed
• 🎤 A live interview with Gay Marris about her latest release, followed by audience Q&A

📍 Where: Criminally Good Books, 14 Colliergate, York
🕖 When: Thursday 12 March, 7pm

Perfect for fans of cosy crime, atmospheric Scottish settings and anyone who loves their murder mysteries served with a side of science, midges and a slightly crumbling country house.

Please note: Tickets are neither exchangeable nor refundable. This is a standing event, and the shop is partially accessible, so please email us at hello@criminallygoodbooks.co.uk to inform us of any requirements.