Allan Massie

Chris Barkley’s debut about a novelist trying to solve a murder on a Scottish island is sometimes absurd and fantastical, but always very readable, writes Allan Massie

Lesley McDowell’s new novel is an enjoyable, intelligent and at times very moving fictionalisation of an extraordinary life, writes Allan Massie

Its plot may feel improbable at times, but Philip Miller’s new novel still offers much rich entertainment, writes Allan Massie

Though he doubts the existence of God and the afterlife, Richard Holloway doesn't deny the consolations of faith, writes Allan Massie

In his third non-fiction book, Darren McGarvey looks at how we deal with trauma in the 21st century. Review by Allan Massie

The latest Robert Galbraith novel is beautifully written and plotted, but it’s the will they/won’t they tension between private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott that really brings it to life, writes Allan Massie​

Set during the persecution of the Covenanters in the 17th century, Philip Paris’s new novel is a gripping recreation of now distant historical times, writes Allan Massie

Some of Ian McEwan’s earlier novels may have been lacking in imagination, but that’s certainly not the case with his latest book, writes Allan Massie

With travel writer and secret service agent Gabriel Dax, William Boyd has created a character who is far more interesting than the heroes of most espionage novels, writes Allan Massie

Full of ideas and excitement, these were my highlights of 2025, writes Allan Massie