September News
Hello from Black & White!
September has arrived, autumn is in the air, and as the days grow shorter and chillier, is there anything better than curling up on your sofa with a cup of tea and a good book? Why not take your mind off missing the tantalizingly short Scottish summer and check out the multitude of fun and fascinating Black & White titles soon to be released!
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The Italian Chapel is an enthralling novel set during World War II and based on a true story of forbidden love, lifelong friendships torn apart, despair and hope, and the creation of an astonishing symbol that has become a world famous icon. During more than three years of research, Philip Paris tracked down ex-POWs from the World War II Orkney camps as well as descendants of the key artists involved in building the chapel and those involved in running Camp 60 to create this inspirational novel. |
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Margaret Thomson Davis’s new novel is a gripping saga with plenty of twists. Double Danger tells the story of Jessica McKay, who after moving to Saudi Arabia with her husband Brian, feels threatened by terrorist attacks and decides she must return home with their twins, settling in an estate that Brian has inherited in the Campsie Hills near Glasgow. However, back in Scotland, things are not what they seem. Jessica’s children mistrust the attractive gardener, Patrick, believing his charming manner conceals sinister schemes – and when a terrible accident befalls their father on his way home to visit, they fear their worst suspicions are about to be realised. |
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Mae Stewart was brought up in Dundee in the 1940s and 50s. It was a world without television, inside toilets or electric light but full of fun, adventures and some fascinating characters. In Dae Yeh Mind Thon Time?, Mae Stewart recounts her childhood years in way we can all relate to and recalls the women who brought her up, days at the Washies, trips to the Saturday Cinema Club, holidays and the daily routines of life. |
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Barlinnie has held Glasgow’s toughest and most violent men, swept up from the city streets. Ten men died on its gallows in the infamous Hanging Shed, including serial killer Peter Manuel. It has sparked rooftop protests and cell block riots, and been home to godfathers of crime like Arthur Thompson and Walter Norval. Barlinnie was also the scene of one of the most controversial experiments in penal history, the Special Unit, where the likes of Jimmy Boyle and Hugh Collins were at the centre of a fierce battle between those who see prison as retribution and those who regard it as a step on the road to redemption, even for the most evil killers. A hundred years on, Barlinnie still makes headlines. Now, Robert Jeffrey tells its fascinating, turbulent history in The Barlinnie Story. |
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Celtic – The Supersonic 70s is a rollicking romp through a decade of triumphs and disasters both on and off the pitch, when football and fashion intertwined to the sounds of glam rock and punk and the world changed forever – from Wilson to Thatcher, from Bolan to Rotten, from The Persuaders to The Professionals, from Choppers to skateboards and from the First Division to the Premier League. Relive the story of Celtic, as Gerard McDade takes you through the Stars, the tantalising title jousts, the titanic Cup finals, the tasty European adventures and a decade that altered fashions, fads, futures and football. |
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Pittodrie Idols studies the cult figures in the rich history of Aberdeen FC, examining why 20 of the club’s most loved stars were elevated to hero status. Some were entertainers, others were destroyers. Some stood out physically, others had personality which lit up every ground. Author Paul Smith tells the irreverent, intriguing and at times poignant story of Aberdeen’s cult heroes through interviews as well as insights from esteemed media figures and supporters who helped transform players into idols. |
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In this new book Katie makes her way through the months of the year, experiencing the changing seasons and some of the key events of the calendar. James Roberston uses simple Scots words in rhyming couplets to guide the reader through the months of the year, and Katie is as cheery and inquisitive as ever. With lots of things to look at and point to in Karen Sutherland’s bright and cheery illustrations, Katie’s Year will prove just as popular as its predecessors. |
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True crime from Dundee, covering the most fascinating and shocking cases from the last century. This updated edition of The Law Killers features six new cases. Having reported on many of them first-hand, journalist Alexander McGregor has unique insight into the cases and his stories are as chilling as they are compelling. |
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A new fully revised and updated edition in mass-market format bringing the bestselling story of Paul Ferris’ life of crime bang up-to-date. In Vendetta, Paul Ferris slashes open the underbelly of Britain’s streets and exposes the dark forces that police them, as well as revealing the truth about the conspiracies and corruption that won’t leave him alone. |
Other News
Congratulations to Mrs. Margaret Mellors, winner of the Smooth Radio contest to feature as a character in Margaret Thomson Davis‘ latest novel. Proceeds from the winning bid will benefit the Marie Curie Hospice. Find Mrs. Mellors character in Double Danger, out this month from Black & White.
We’re very excited about the following reviews for our summer hits, The Familiar and Tommy McInally:
Joanna Skailes of the Press and Journal says of The Familiar:
Roddy Phillips’ collection of columns, originally printed in the Press and Journal is a delightful record of the quirky, eccentric and downright bizarre in the day-to-day commonplace.
From the shock of waking up to find a bird not only in his bedroom, but on his head, and an emergency lesson in plumbing as two toilet systems threatened to flood over the beech flooring of his steading, to seeing the ghostly and ghoulish takeover Aberdeen on Halloween, his columns offer a gentle and humorous escape from the daily grind which reminds readers to see the fun in the everyday.
The Familiar is, in essence, a series of short stories about Phillips, his wife Catriona Millar, their children and their life in the countryside. It would be a great addition to the coffee table, fun to delve into and pick one at random for a quick pick-me-up, or read as a whole, offering a comic insight into the life of one family in the north-east of Scotland.
Marie Rowan, author of Danny Doyle: The Life and Death of a Wild Rover, says of Tommy McInally:
Impeccably researched as usual, David Potter’s latest book – ‘Tommy McInally’ – is written in the author’s inimitable style where he not only entertains but fills the reader’s mind subliminally with a whole range of fascinating facts about Celtic’s wayward son, Tommy McInally. One casual glance between the covers and you are inexorably drawn into the unfolding story of the irrepressible renegade that was McInally, his world of football and his life itself as his fascinating, turbulent career and personality are revealed through David Potter’s skillfully-wrought narrative. This book leaves the reader in no doubt as to why Tommy McInally was regarded so fondly and with pride by those Celtic supporters of yore. This book is addictive so forget the posh-nosh, you’ll just have enough time left of the day to nip out for a quick fish supper while finishing off the last page in the queue.
Upcoming Events
WATERSTONE’S CRIME TIME
Featuring the cream of Scotland’s crime writers, telling stories, reading from their novels and answering your questions.
Black & White’s Harry Morris (aka Harry the Polis) will be partaking, along with fellow crime writers Denise Mina, Louise Welsh, Helen Fitzgerald, and Karen Campbell.
Eastwood Park Theatre
Sunday 13th September 2009 from 6.30-10.30PM
Tickets £8 available from Waterstone’s Newton Mearns, 0141 616 3933
Eastwood Park Theatre Box Office, 0141 577 4970
For further details visit Waterstone’s website.
DUNDEE BOOK EVENT
Black & White author Alexander McGregor (The Law Killers) in conversation with Russel D Mclean at The University of Dundee via main door in Nethergate on Thursday 24th September at 7pm.
MAE STEWART BOOK LAUNCH
Join Mae Stewart in celebrating the launch of her first book, Dae Yeh Mind Thon Time?, at Waterstone’s, 35 Commercial Street, Dundee on Thursday 17th September at 6:30pm.
Forthcoming Titles
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| What’s It All About Ralphie? The remarkable story of Ralph Milne. | For the last year, doctor and comedian Phil Hammond has been encouraging audiences to ask about what really bothers them in the medical department… including Why Does It Hurt When I Pee? |
In this volume we gather the very best tales from The Herald Diary, provingthat ordinary Scots are still the natural comedians of the world. | A unique insight into a unique footballing individual – The Quiet Assassin is a mustread for Celtic and football fans everywhere. |













