August 1781. Tom Boyd returns in disgrace from France to his family in
Scotland. He manages to find a job with a wealthy Ayrshire merchant, but
just as his personal and professional prospects seem to be improving,
his life is put in danger when he discovers someone in the firm is
involved in smuggling. Shortly after he intervenes to protect a young
woman who is being assaulted, he is accused of murder. With his family
and friends he must race against time to find the culprit and escape the
gallows. Alex Wright crafts a believable tale in the dialogue and
flavour of the late 18th century that will appeal to fans of the period
in this very Scottish novel.