loved how in McDermid's take, they are not "three witches" but rather intelligent and wise women. Women who have become friends and are loyal to each other. Prehaps a reflection on how woman who are outspoken, or intelligent have been treated through the centuries. Shakespeare 's version of MacBeth and Gruoch is one that tells of a driven, power-hungry king but is manipulated by his even more hungry wife, resulting in homicides and wars a plenty. Shakespeare's MacBeth is based on the sources available to him, but seems more of a regicidal madman, than the king of historical records. MacDermid's take on the ever-popular story focuses on our beloved, villainous queen and her story. Our story is told with two timelines, - the present when Gruoch and her ladies Ligach, Either and Aife are fleeing for their lives after MacBeth's death (again, a change from Shakespeare where her death is a given after his) - and the earlier story of how Gruoch and MacBeth first met. This earlier timeline is printed in italics making it easier for the reader to quickly distinguish between the two. A particularly useful technique as the story progresses rapidly and we meet a host of familiar names. I loved how in McDermid's take, they are not "three witches" but rather intelligent and wise women - prehaps a reflection on how woman, who are outspoken, or intelligent have been treated through the centuries. We can easily draw comparisons between recent social media "witch hunts" and the hatred that grew for Gruoch - she receives the blame, she is the villain. I love how McDermid is offering a different story, one of love and loss and choices. We learn from Gruoch, Lady MacBeth herself, the exiled Queen of Scotland about meeting MacBeth for the first time, their relationship and subsequent marriage (after the death of her first husband). Switching between the past and present timelines, allows for a rapid building up of tension, with some foreshadowing aswell of upcoming events. Although a short novel (130 pages if I recall correctly), McDermid had taken the time to portray a more sympathetic version of Lady MacBeth and how she boths draws strength from her team (followers) and gives them strength in the same manner. This book is not marketed as non-fiction, or a piece of historical research, as McDermid has recreated the story & character of such a new known "villain" & in doing so, she has provided a very refreshing and exciting take on this controversial character.

Retellings, particularly with a strongly feminist focus are particularly popular at present and with so many options available, not all can live upto my (admittedly super high) expectations. However, after being disappointed by my previous reads, the great Val McDermid has come to the rescue with her, "Queen MacBeth" , a dark retelling that mixes to great effect fact, fiction and possibilities.. Shakespeare 's version of MacBeth and Gruoch is one that tells of a driven, power-hungry king but is manipulated by his even more hungry wife, resulting in homicides and wars a plenty. Shakespeare's MacBeth is based on the sources available to him, but seems more of a regicidal madman, than the king of historical records. McDermid's take on the ever-popular story focuses on our beloved, villainous queen and her story. Our story is told with two timelines, - the present when Gruoch and her ladies Ligach, Either and Aife are fleeing for their lives after MacBeth's death (again, a change from Shakespeare where her death is a given after his) - and the earlier story of how Gruoch and MacBeth first met. This earlier timeline is printed in italics making it easier for the reader to quickly distinguish between the two. A particularly useful technique as the story progresses rapidly and we meet a host of familiar names. I loved how in McDermid's take, they are not "three witches" but rather intelligent and wise women - prehaps a reflection on how woman, who are outspoken, or intelligent have been treated through the centuries. We can easily draw comparisons between recent social media "witch hunts" and the hatred that grew for Gruoch - she receives the blame, she is the villain. I love how McDermid is offering a different story, one of love and loss and choices. We learn from Gruoch, Lady MacBeth herself, the exiled Queen of Scotland about meeting MacBeth for the first time, their relationship and subsequent marriage (after the death of her first husband). Switching between the past and present timelines, allows for a rapid building up of tension, with some foreshadowing aswell of upcoming events. Although a short novel (130 pages if I recall correctly), McDermid had taken the time to portray a more sympathetic version of Lady MacBeth and how she boths draws strength from her team (followers) and gives them strength in the same manner. This book is not marketed as non-fiction, or a piece of historical research, as McDermid has recreated the story & character of such a new known "villain" & in doing so, she has provided a very refreshing and exciting take on this controversial character.

The Darkland Tales is a series written by well-known Scottish authors about events in Scottish history or legend. This novella is about Lady MacBeth, whose real name was Gruoch and who was a real person living in 10th Century Scotland. She was married to MacBeth, a clan chief who had killed the previous clan chief and taken his land and his widow. Together the couple then ruled for 17 years, before MacBeth himself was killed by Malcolm, another chieftain, who later became Malcolm III of Scotland. In this, Gruoch tells her story in two timelines – one about her life with MacBeth until he was killed, and the other as she is on the run from Malcolm. I didn't know what to expect when I picked this up, but I loved it. The writing is excellent and the story is gripping. I can't wait to get my hands on more in this series. Review by: Freyja, Oundle Crime

A beautiful book with a passionate love story. The cover looks very good on my bookshelf too.

So this was a treat to myself as I love the character of Lady Macbeth... Pleased to report that this was a superb read and is absolutely recommended.