• Latest Release

    ADFCD 3D

    A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

    Love, Betrayal, and the Courage of Barlass in 15th Century Scotland's Royal Stewart Court

    by Euan Macpherson

    This is the story of Catherine Douglas (“Kate Barlass”), the Lady-in-Waiting who found herself at the centre of a plot to assassinate King James I of Scotland. The year is 1437; everything is going well for Catherine. She has been granted a prestigious position in the Scottish court and a prosperous marriage to a wealthy merchant has been arranged for her.

    Sean Campbell, a mercenary with a reputation as a ruthless cut-throat, attends court. Catherine is attracted to him. But in the intrigues of courtly life, no one has any friends: there are only ambitious courtiers seeking advancement. So who has been promised advancement on the death of the king? Is Sean Campbell part of the king’s bodyguard or is he one of the assassins?

    It is not only the king’s life that is in danger. Catherine will learn that even the ladies-in-waiting may be sacrificed in this brutal attempt by an ambitious earl to seize the Scottish throne.

    Buy Paperback
    Buy Paperback
    Buy Kindle
    Buy Kindle
    Buy eBook
    Buy eBook

A loose thread on her sleeve caught her attention. She stared hard at it, murmuring to herself "Must remember to fix it."
A cacophony in her head of wailing voices and running feet. The priest came running down the winding stair inside the tower and out into the courtyard.
People were scattering this way and that.

Excerpt from A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

Endurance. That was her father's way. Taking a defeat and keeping on going - fighting and fighting till there was no difference between victory and defeat; fighting and fighting and keeping on fighting till the enemy grew as tired of it all as you were.

Excerpt from A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

In the corner of her eye, a tall, broad-shouldered man was walking across the courtyard. He made her feel tiny, like a small child.

His calmness came not from courage but from relief and fatigue, from the exhaustion of worn-out emotions. He was simply too tired to be afraid, too tired to care. "You are all right?" he asked.

Excerpt from A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

An orange arc blazed across the night sky as a fireball fizzed over the wall of the castle. The long arm of the trebuchet shuddered, lurching back and forth.

Creaking and groaning, it came shakily to a standstill like an overweight drunk man.

"Have you ever wondered if you joined the wrong side?"

Excerpt from A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

"Aren't knights supposed to rescue the damsel in the tower?" Campbell asked.

"As soon as I saw it..." Alan

FitzRoland shook his head. "I knew it would cause us trouble." He was craning his neck, trying to look up at the castle. "I can't see anything for the trees."

Excerpt from A Dagger for Catherine Douglas

Metal 5 Stars

"A masterful journey into the heart of 15th century Scotland, filled with intrigue and resilience.
Catherine Douglas' story is as riveting as it is inspiring. I'm already recommending to friends and family."

J. Ludlow

"I read an awful lot of historical fiction, but this was exceptional! The blend of rich narrative, authentic setting, and complex characters makes for a compelling read.

5 stars from me!"

S. Murray

"Wow, what a story! Intricately woven with suspense and historical detail, this novel brilliantly captures the essence of political and personal struggle in medieval Scotland."

W. Begbie

"A triumph in historical fiction, breathing life into the lesser-known Catherine Douglas with a narrative rich in detail and emotional depth. A very enjoyable read and I will be sure to search out more from this author."

C. Fairstow

"I loved A Dagger for Catherine Douglas. From the vivid settings to the sharp dialogue, every element of this novel is crafted to transport readers back in time. Absolutely enthralling!"

A. Wilson

More from Menzies & Wood