The Tacksman’s Daughter
When the town of Glencoe erupts into violence on the morning of February 13, 1692, Cait Cameron barely escapes with her life. After hiding out in the hills, she returns to the scene of the slaughter to find her family dead, but respectfully buried by Edward Gage, an English soldier who disobeyed orders during the massacre and refused to fight. Edward is now a traitor to the crown and a wanted man. Cait, a brave girl skilled with a knife, is set on a path of revenge for her murdered family, and vows to go to Edinburgh to find and kill the Campbell clan member responsible for the attack. She plans to apprise the king of the slaughter done in his name, and seek reparation. The two set off on a journey fraught with danger, and although disguised, Edward’s face is on “wanted” posters in every town they pass. One notable person seeking his capture is Edward’s lecherous and debauched brother, Alexander, who, stubbornly nursing old grudges, is relentless in his efforts to get his brother hanged.
Basing her novel on the history of the massacre at Glencoe, Donna Scott has gone to great lengths to include as much history and as many historical figures as possible, resulting in an engrossing narrative. Unfortunately, the story becomes less compelling as time goes on and doesn’t ramp up again until towards the end. I had some questions such as why Edward would shave his facial hair when it is a big part of his disguise. Cait’s best friend, Davina, is annoyingly gullible, and Alexander, a somewhat stereotypical arch-villain, has little to redeem him. But this is a romantic, high-stakes adventure of revenge, betrayal and political intrigue, and a satisfactory read.
