Janis Mackay: On a Northern Shore

We are delighted to be welcoming Scottish author and storyteller, Janis Mackay, to the shop on Tuesday 16th September at 7pm, as we celebrate the publication of her captivating modern gothic love story steeped in Celtic mythology, On a Northern Shore.

Set against the stark beauty of Scotland’s far north during Hogmanay, the narrative begins with lobster fisherman Rob Sinclair making a poignant offering to the sea spirit, the Selkie. That same night, the arrival of Mairi, a mysterious newcomer charged with a mission of vengeance from beyond the grave, disrupts the village’s quiet existence. As Rob and Mairi are irresistibly drawn to one another, the lines between love and revenge blur, revealing a tangled web of secrets and shifting identities.

This enthralling tale will appeal to readers of literary fiction, fans of gothic romance, those intrigued by folklore and mythology, and anyone visiting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland – especially the North Coast 500. Perfect for book clubs and individuals seeking a rich, atmospheric read,On a Northern Shorepromises to enchant readers of all ages, making it a compelling addition to any bookshelf.

Janis Mackay is a Scottish author and storyteller residing in Portobello, Edinburgh. Born in the heart of the city, Janis’s adventurous spirit led her to live in diverse places, including France, Palestine, Greece and the far north of Scotland. Although she trained as a journalist on Fleet Street, she soon realised her true passion lay in creative writing. After years of exploring the world, Janis returned to Scotland. She honed her storytelling skills as a drama teacher and voice coach, which enriched her writing journey. Her breakthrough came with her debut novel,Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest, which won the Kelpies Prize in 2009. Janis’s love for language and storytelling stems from her childhood. She is pursuing a PhD that explores the intersection of self-reflective creative writing and mythology while continuing to write and engage with readers through her novels.

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Doors: 6.30pm, event starts: 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat.

Tickets are £3 and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of On a Northern Shore.

The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event.

For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@waterstones.com