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Treasures of the Lochs
Amazon BestsellerA long-lost treasure, a deadly chase, and a magnificent beast of legends
For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? Struggling to accept what she heard, she can’t deny that the gold in her hand is real.
The allure of such a valuable cache draws evil, like the moth to a flame. No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares.
Blending historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure, Treasures of the Lochs is an exciting, powerful story of faith, friendship, and redemption.
For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? Struggling to accept what she heard, she can’t deny that the gold in her hand is real.
The allure of such a valuable cache draws evil, like the moth to a flame. No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares.
Blending historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure, Treasures of the Lochs is an exciting, powerful story of faith, friendship, and redemption.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 26, 2023
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hunter H White, Greenleaf Audiobooks and River Grove Books for an ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
4,5⭐ - This book is narrated by Laura Darrell, the tricky bit was there were too many accents in the book and the Russian accent could've been better in my opinion.
After Carter's father dies, Carter's in a very bad place and wants to numb the pain by grabbing the bottle and getting drunk, jeopardizing his job in the navy. He receives a call from his father's bank to collect his safety deposit box. What he finds in that box, brings him to Scotland.
Meanwhile in Scotland, a young girl called Hassie works part-time at the inn near the Loch Ness to support her and her ill grandfather, who's her only living relative. One evening, Hassie walks along the shore of the Loch, she's lured by a warmth surrounding her and her own voice in her head guiding her to the water. Hassie can't explain it but decides to trust this feeling.
She finds 4 golden coins and thinks by selling these coins and the money she would gain, would improve her grandfather's health. Which is a bad idea as the golden coins might be part of a long lost treasure and needs to be checked if it's the real deal.
The news of the found coins is leaked to various media outlets, who are waiting in front of the inn where Hassie works - Carter checks into the inn, sees how the paps are harassing Hassie and acts like her bodyguard. This marks the start of their adventure.
This book is a fast-paced adventure filled with a lot of action and historical facts of Scotland as well as the Loch Ness. The plot and characters are well written. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
4,5⭐ - This book is narrated by Laura Darrell, the tricky bit was there were too many accents in the book and the Russian accent could've been better in my opinion.
After Carter's father dies, Carter's in a very bad place and wants to numb the pain by grabbing the bottle and getting drunk, jeopardizing his job in the navy. He receives a call from his father's bank to collect his safety deposit box. What he finds in that box, brings him to Scotland.
Meanwhile in Scotland, a young girl called Hassie works part-time at the inn near the Loch Ness to support her and her ill grandfather, who's her only living relative. One evening, Hassie walks along the shore of the Loch, she's lured by a warmth surrounding her and her own voice in her head guiding her to the water. Hassie can't explain it but decides to trust this feeling.
She finds 4 golden coins and thinks by selling these coins and the money she would gain, would improve her grandfather's health. Which is a bad idea as the golden coins might be part of a long lost treasure and needs to be checked if it's the real deal.
The news of the found coins is leaked to various media outlets, who are waiting in front of the inn where Hassie works - Carter checks into the inn, sees how the paps are harassing Hassie and acts like her bodyguard. This marks the start of their adventure.
This book is a fast-paced adventure filled with a lot of action and historical facts of Scotland as well as the Loch Ness. The plot and characters are well written. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
October 27, 2023
I wasn't sure when I started this, how the first chapter would lead to what the synopsis described. It was very military secret mission instead of secret Scottish treasure hunt. It all came together and once all of the characters were in Scotland, everything meshed well together. It reminded me a lot of National Treasure, with all of the different clue locations and cypher letters. I did really enjoy the story and how it wrapped up. The inclusion of the Loch Ness Monster was a bit cheesy but still one of my favorite parts. I will say that the book did drag for me and felt really long at times. Another of my take aways was that the Russian accent in the audiobook narration could've been better.
I will also say that a content warning that I'd wished I'd known going in, was animal violence.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was different from the books I'd been reading here lately and it was a nice change of pace to have a Scottish adventure story filled with magic and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the audio-arc of this book!
I will also say that a content warning that I'd wished I'd known going in, was animal violence.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was different from the books I'd been reading here lately and it was a nice change of pace to have a Scottish adventure story filled with magic and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for the audio-arc of this book!
October 6, 2023
This was such a fast, and enjoyable time. I was heavily invested in these characters. I found myself rooting for them the entire way.
You are following several different POV's in this story at the beginning. One of those being Carter Porter. (Forgive my misspelling of any name, I read this via Audiobook.) Carter Porter (resides in the US) has a tragic past that has lead him to the vice of drinking. This has affected every aspect of his life. The consequence of this led him down a surprising path of adventure, mystery, and the goal of staying alive.
Hassie is a young girl the works a luxury in in Scotland. She lives with here grandfather, and enjoys taking walks along the shores of Loch Ness. One day during these strolls, something mysterious and I would consider almost magical happens, and this leads her down a path to save her family, a furry friend and even...the world.
This was a very solid 4.5 out of 5 book for me. It will tear at your heart strings.
Trigger warning should be paid attention to here. SO please check them before reading.
You are following several different POV's in this story at the beginning. One of those being Carter Porter. (Forgive my misspelling of any name, I read this via Audiobook.) Carter Porter (resides in the US) has a tragic past that has lead him to the vice of drinking. This has affected every aspect of his life. The consequence of this led him down a surprising path of adventure, mystery, and the goal of staying alive.
Hassie is a young girl the works a luxury in in Scotland. She lives with here grandfather, and enjoys taking walks along the shores of Loch Ness. One day during these strolls, something mysterious and I would consider almost magical happens, and this leads her down a path to save her family, a furry friend and even...the world.
This was a very solid 4.5 out of 5 book for me. It will tear at your heart strings.
Trigger warning should be paid attention to here. SO please check them before reading.
December 8, 2023
Thank you for another Goodreads giveaway!! If you have been to Loch Ness and enjoy Scottish lore this is a spunky action adventure. Murder, mayhem, treasure and of course Nessie.
October 24, 2023
I loved this book, kept me on my toes! I loved all the characters, was face paced! Def would recommend
October 6, 2023
This was such a fantastic historical thriller fiction with a dash of scifi/mystical aspect. Kept me entertained and taught me a lot of information of past historical figures as well as geographical landscape. You can truly imagine you are there and part of the characters journey to discovery. The action parts were explained with great entertaining detail, almost like an action movie. I did receive this as an audiobook by NetGalley for review and it was amazing.! The narrators accents as well as speed and tone through the novel was on point. Over all recommend and would love to see a film from this!
October 5, 2023
Sigh... where to begin?
First, this book took me days and days to read because I just didn't care. It wasn't offensive or otherwise distasteful so as to quit, it was just lame.
Second, the dialog was laughable. Sometimes a character would dump a load of history like a TED Talk, which was not conversational at all, just a random soliloquy to advance the plot. There was no finesse in revealing what was clearly a well-researched history. And often it was so melodramatic it felt like I was immersed in a YA book.
Thirdly, the violence from the Russians felt alien. This book should have been a charming treasure hunt and quest to solve the puzzle, with history and mythology mixed in. OR! Or it should've been an international thriller with edgier characters and less mythology. But both did not work for me.
The relationship between Mary and Porter was not believable. I get that more military expertise was needed than a disgraced alcoholic could legitimately provide for the story to continue, but this was unreal. She dropped everything, flew to Scotland, and joined the team, forgave her husband, and risked her life and freedom for this drunk and unreliable man she was divorcing, and two strangers, one being a teenager, based on a crazy bunch of clues and everyone else having this religious experience on the Loch.
Ugh, and the Loch/deity scenes were painful. Was this intended to be a metaphor? Not enough was explained about the elixir and her presence, and the characters lost their darn minds worshiping her. When they all met her, that was the absolute worst dialog in the book. It took me two days to get through that scene alone! I was rolling my eyes and exclaiming, waking away, and trying again later, over and over until I finally got through it.
I won't recommend this book because it couldn't pick a lane (YA fantasy, a romantic adventure treasure hunting, or an anti-Russian battle for artifacts in Scotland) and also, the dialog was awful. It reads like a self-published book in dire need of professionals in publishing to edit, alter, and improve the story.
Lastly, the audiobook narrator was good, gave very enthusiastic performances for all the characters, including a number of accents, and I liked her smooth voice. She might have gone over the top, though. She gave a lot more emphasis to some of the text than I would've interpreted if reading it. That might have contributed to the cheesey drama -- it was over-acted. You do need a lot of animation in adventure stories, and overall I think it was a good job. The musical interludes between chapters were ridiculous, like there were cast and set changes taking place while disjointed music plays for you. Publishers, stop this nonsense. Or will I soon be hearing laugh tracks as well?
The idea behind this book was solid but the delivery needed more work.
First, this book took me days and days to read because I just didn't care. It wasn't offensive or otherwise distasteful so as to quit, it was just lame.
Second, the dialog was laughable. Sometimes a character would dump a load of history like a TED Talk, which was not conversational at all, just a random soliloquy to advance the plot. There was no finesse in revealing what was clearly a well-researched history. And often it was so melodramatic it felt like I was immersed in a YA book.
Thirdly, the violence from the Russians felt alien. This book should have been a charming treasure hunt and quest to solve the puzzle, with history and mythology mixed in. OR! Or it should've been an international thriller with edgier characters and less mythology. But both did not work for me.
The relationship between Mary and Porter was not believable. I get that more military expertise was needed than a disgraced alcoholic could legitimately provide for the story to continue, but this was unreal. She dropped everything, flew to Scotland, and joined the team, forgave her husband, and risked her life and freedom for this drunk and unreliable man she was divorcing, and two strangers, one being a teenager, based on a crazy bunch of clues and everyone else having this religious experience on the Loch.
Ugh, and the Loch/deity scenes were painful. Was this intended to be a metaphor? Not enough was explained about the elixir and her presence, and the characters lost their darn minds worshiping her. When they all met her, that was the absolute worst dialog in the book. It took me two days to get through that scene alone! I was rolling my eyes and exclaiming, waking away, and trying again later, over and over until I finally got through it.
I won't recommend this book because it couldn't pick a lane (YA fantasy, a romantic adventure treasure hunting, or an anti-Russian battle for artifacts in Scotland) and also, the dialog was awful. It reads like a self-published book in dire need of professionals in publishing to edit, alter, and improve the story.
Lastly, the audiobook narrator was good, gave very enthusiastic performances for all the characters, including a number of accents, and I liked her smooth voice. She might have gone over the top, though. She gave a lot more emphasis to some of the text than I would've interpreted if reading it. That might have contributed to the cheesey drama -- it was over-acted. You do need a lot of animation in adventure stories, and overall I think it was a good job. The musical interludes between chapters were ridiculous, like there were cast and set changes taking place while disjointed music plays for you. Publishers, stop this nonsense. Or will I soon be hearing laugh tracks as well?
The idea behind this book was solid but the delivery needed more work.
October 18, 2023
Part blood and guts action-suspense, part whimsical fantasy, "Treasures of the Lochs" infuriated me as much as it interested me. I got the audiobook advanced reader copy. The narrator was very good with all the various voices and putting the emotion into the wide range of emotional scenes.
It was hard to get through in some parts. I feel like switching the first two chapters to introduce Hassie before introducing Carter's darker storyline would help keep readers engaged longer. I almost gave up after chapter one because he was so unlikeable. The second time I almost gave up was when Scrounge, the loyal stray, was injured. Dog violence is very NOT okay, but I was interested in the Loch Ness Monster and Jacobite treasure aspects of this book, so I pushed on.
The monster came off silly in the audiobook. After all this intense action and death, here comes basically a spirit guide/angel with magic? Maybe it was the voice the narrator used for her. It just didn't fit with the rest of this intense, dark and dramatic story.
I could've used a lot fewer innocent bystanders getting murdered as well. Trigger alerts - gun violence against humans & dog, alcohol abuse, dead child grief, loss of grandparent. There was a LOT going on in this book and maybe it needed a bit less to let the emotion sing.
It was hard to get through in some parts. I feel like switching the first two chapters to introduce Hassie before introducing Carter's darker storyline would help keep readers engaged longer. I almost gave up after chapter one because he was so unlikeable. The second time I almost gave up was when Scrounge, the loyal stray, was injured. Dog violence is very NOT okay, but I was interested in the Loch Ness Monster and Jacobite treasure aspects of this book, so I pushed on.
The monster came off silly in the audiobook. After all this intense action and death, here comes basically a spirit guide/angel with magic? Maybe it was the voice the narrator used for her. It just didn't fit with the rest of this intense, dark and dramatic story.
I could've used a lot fewer innocent bystanders getting murdered as well. Trigger alerts - gun violence against humans & dog, alcohol abuse, dead child grief, loss of grandparent. There was a LOT going on in this book and maybe it needed a bit less to let the emotion sing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Treasures of the Lochs is a very enjoyable and engaging story–a mélange of thriller, treasure hunt, fantasy, and historical fiction, all of which are pulled together by well-developed characters and beautifully described settings. One of the protagonists, Carter Porter, is deeply flawed and yet he has been created in such a manner that I found myself continuing to root for his personal redemption (which does come, albeit with a price as actions do have consequences). The other protagonist, Hassie Douglass, is an exuberant Scottish teenager who in some ways (particularly in putting the needs of her ailing grandfather above her own) seems to be the antithesis of Carter at the beginning of the story. She is responsible beyond her years, yet still filled with the enthusiasm of youth. One could easily see her as a companion of the Doctor (i.e., Doctor Who), cavorting across time and space in the TARDIS, helping others.
Initially, there are two separate storylines (Carter and Hassie), but eventually they are drawn together by the fabled Jacobite treasure. As their story develops, Hassie becomes, in many ways, a surrogate daughter to Carter, who after losing his own young daughter to SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) had spiraled into despair and alcoholism, costing him his career and potentially his marriage. Protecting her allows him to think beyond himself and puts him on the path of personal redemption (although this is, quite realistically, neither quick nor without numerous self-inflicted set backs).
The supporting characters (particularly those aligned with the protagonists, Royce and Carter’s wife, Mary) are well-developed, believable, and likeable. Their main adversary, Avery Darrow, is a very nasty piece of work, also deeply flawed, but well past the point of redemption.
The non-human characters, Scrounge and Fiogy (Nessie’s actual name), are also well-developed and become characters with whom one also becomes invested. When Scrounge is shot by the Russian henchman, it was so disturbing that I had to pause and continue the next day. I suspect that other readers/listeners may have also been deeply affected. However, this was not gratuitous violence as Scrounge’s return to health was an integral part of the narrative and would not have been as effective by a less intense situation.
The Scottish Highlands and its people are also a key part of the story. Hunter has done a outstanding job of describing the area and capturing the nuances of the land, as well as its people and their culture. When the Scottish police showed up at the castle with guns, my initial thought was “Wait a minute; police in the U.K. don’t carry guns”; however, a few lines later, it was revealed that this was an armed response unit, which is armed and deployed in situations such as a possible terrorist attack. His attention to detail (both physical and cultural) is masterly. The Author’s Note, which provided the historical facts underlying his story, was further evidence of his meticulous approach to researching and crafting this story.
As noted above, this was an enjoyable and engaging story, and is highly recommended. I hope that Hunter has another story to tell about Carter, Hassie, Mary, Royce, Scrounge, and (hopefully) Fiogy.
Initially, there are two separate storylines (Carter and Hassie), but eventually they are drawn together by the fabled Jacobite treasure. As their story develops, Hassie becomes, in many ways, a surrogate daughter to Carter, who after losing his own young daughter to SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) had spiraled into despair and alcoholism, costing him his career and potentially his marriage. Protecting her allows him to think beyond himself and puts him on the path of personal redemption (although this is, quite realistically, neither quick nor without numerous self-inflicted set backs).
The supporting characters (particularly those aligned with the protagonists, Royce and Carter’s wife, Mary) are well-developed, believable, and likeable. Their main adversary, Avery Darrow, is a very nasty piece of work, also deeply flawed, but well past the point of redemption.
The non-human characters, Scrounge and Fiogy (Nessie’s actual name), are also well-developed and become characters with whom one also becomes invested. When Scrounge is shot by the Russian henchman, it was so disturbing that I had to pause and continue the next day. I suspect that other readers/listeners may have also been deeply affected. However, this was not gratuitous violence as Scrounge’s return to health was an integral part of the narrative and would not have been as effective by a less intense situation.
The Scottish Highlands and its people are also a key part of the story. Hunter has done a outstanding job of describing the area and capturing the nuances of the land, as well as its people and their culture. When the Scottish police showed up at the castle with guns, my initial thought was “Wait a minute; police in the U.K. don’t carry guns”; however, a few lines later, it was revealed that this was an armed response unit, which is armed and deployed in situations such as a possible terrorist attack. His attention to detail (both physical and cultural) is masterly. The Author’s Note, which provided the historical facts underlying his story, was further evidence of his meticulous approach to researching and crafting this story.
As noted above, this was an enjoyable and engaging story, and is highly recommended. I hope that Hunter has another story to tell about Carter, Hassie, Mary, Royce, Scrounge, and (hopefully) Fiogy.
September 21, 2023
I enjoy historical fiction and fantasy, parts of some of my favorite genres. Folklore and mythology? Sign me up. This book promises a long-lost treasure, a deadly chase, and a magnificent beast of legends. Again, I'm in.
Told from the viewpoint of the two main characters. Carter is a United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant. Without giving spoilers I'll say that he is mourning the loss of his father, and is in a very dark place. He is drawn to Scottland by a mysterious item left by his father in a safety deposit box, Hattie is a 14-year-old girl who lives in Scottland. She is bright, and mature for her age. She finds some treasure that might be from the famed long-lost treasure of the Scottish Jacobites. She wants to use the money from selling the treasure to help her family. Before that can happen word gets out. Riches and wealth can bring out the best or the worst in people. It isn't long before Hattie and Carter are on the run and racing to solve the mystery of where the remaining treasure is and how to use it to stay alive.
Scottish history, adventure, a treasure hunt. Heartbreak, redemption, restoration. Those are some words, that I would use to describe this book. At first, I didn't know how the first chapter of the book would tie into the next chapter, then the next chapter. The story came together and it was fun. The characters are human, they make mistakes, and they have to take risks, and make hard choices.
Description
A long-lost treasure, a deadly chase, and a magnificent beast of legends
For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? Struggling to accept what she heard, she can’t deny that the gold in her hand is real.
The allure of such a valuable cache draws evil, like the moth to a flame. No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares.
Blending historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure, Treasures of the Lochs is an exciting, powerful story of faith, friendship, and redemption.
Told from the viewpoint of the two main characters. Carter is a United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant. Without giving spoilers I'll say that he is mourning the loss of his father, and is in a very dark place. He is drawn to Scottland by a mysterious item left by his father in a safety deposit box, Hattie is a 14-year-old girl who lives in Scottland. She is bright, and mature for her age. She finds some treasure that might be from the famed long-lost treasure of the Scottish Jacobites. She wants to use the money from selling the treasure to help her family. Before that can happen word gets out. Riches and wealth can bring out the best or the worst in people. It isn't long before Hattie and Carter are on the run and racing to solve the mystery of where the remaining treasure is and how to use it to stay alive.
Scottish history, adventure, a treasure hunt. Heartbreak, redemption, restoration. Those are some words, that I would use to describe this book. At first, I didn't know how the first chapter of the book would tie into the next chapter, then the next chapter. The story came together and it was fun. The characters are human, they make mistakes, and they have to take risks, and make hard choices.
Description
A long-lost treasure, a deadly chase, and a magnificent beast of legends
For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? Struggling to accept what she heard, she can’t deny that the gold in her hand is real.
The allure of such a valuable cache draws evil, like the moth to a flame. No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares.
Blending historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure, Treasures of the Lochs is an exciting, powerful story of faith, friendship, and redemption.
October 5, 2023
GOOD READS LIBRARIANS: This one needs to be added as an audiobook edition - thanks: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Treasu...
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Hunter White, the author, for the audiobook ARC. The following exciting introduction by the publisher (and my love of Scotland) is what drew me to requesting this audiobook ARC. Please see my honest review below it.
"For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest. In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares."
My review: I like thrillers - maybe love thrillers - and Scotland - so what could be better. I also love audiobooks and enjoyed the narrator, Laura Darrell's Scottish brogue. What I thought would be an espionage thriller or spy novel, turned into half thriller and half sci-fi/fantasy, with a mythical creature (wuhh?). If sci-fi/fantasy are what you love, you should absolutely get this one fast. It isn't my fave genre, but I'm glad I finished it. Note: This also reads more like a "Young-Adult" novel and perhaps should be categorized as such. Also, I think the publishing blurb should be edited to include the fantasy genre or it's misleading. The secondary characters like Porter's wife and a lad named Royce, who likes Hassie, added a lot to the story and they became part of the team fighting the Russians. Yes, bad-buy Russians.
Pros: Scottish setting, history and legend; strongly researched; strong female characters (Hassie and Porter's soon-to-be-ex-wife); US Naval base crime (would have enjoyed more focus on this); a down-on-his-luck lead character Carter Porter; a bonnie Scottish lass employed at a posh hotel; a secret-hidden journal; jet skis; more....
Cons: In parts, the Russians felt farcical. More of a Young-Adult, fantasy novel.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Hunter White, the author, for the audiobook ARC. The following exciting introduction by the publisher (and my love of Scotland) is what drew me to requesting this audiobook ARC. Please see my honest review below it.
"For almost three hundred years, people have searched for one of the greatest treasures in history—the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. Following his father’s death and a brazen late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, Lieutenant Carter Porter, his life and career in tatters, unwittingly joins the quest. In Scotland, Hassie Douglass, a spirited young employee of a luxury inn situated on the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, thinks her prayers have been answered when she stumbles across four old gold coins that may be part of the Jacobite treasure. But she can’t tell anybody how she really found them; they would think she had lost her mind. Who would believe she followed a strange, ethereal voice emanating from the loch? No sooner does Carter receive a strange bequest from his late father and Hassie’s find is publicized than a shadowy, well-armed group of mercenaries attacks each of them. Soon, Carter’s and Hassie’s fates are joined, and their survival depends on solving more than one ancient mystery while facing their worst nightmares."
My review: I like thrillers - maybe love thrillers - and Scotland - so what could be better. I also love audiobooks and enjoyed the narrator, Laura Darrell's Scottish brogue. What I thought would be an espionage thriller or spy novel, turned into half thriller and half sci-fi/fantasy, with a mythical creature (wuhh?). If sci-fi/fantasy are what you love, you should absolutely get this one fast. It isn't my fave genre, but I'm glad I finished it. Note: This also reads more like a "Young-Adult" novel and perhaps should be categorized as such. Also, I think the publishing blurb should be edited to include the fantasy genre or it's misleading. The secondary characters like Porter's wife and a lad named Royce, who likes Hassie, added a lot to the story and they became part of the team fighting the Russians. Yes, bad-buy Russians.
Pros: Scottish setting, history and legend; strongly researched; strong female characters (Hassie and Porter's soon-to-be-ex-wife); US Naval base crime (would have enjoyed more focus on this); a down-on-his-luck lead character Carter Porter; a bonnie Scottish lass employed at a posh hotel; a secret-hidden journal; jet skis; more....
Cons: In parts, the Russians felt farcical. More of a Young-Adult, fantasy novel.
June 10, 2024
Content warnings: gun violence, kidnapping, being locked in a trunk, being drugged, animal violence
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Spoiler on the dog: I get why White chose what happens to Scrounge, as it's a necessary event to move the plot along, but I wish it could have been done differently/less violently. I honestly almost DNF'd on that plot point alone.
Treasures of the Lochs starts off slow and odd, focusing on Lieutenant Carter Porter dealing with addiction and a failing marriage in the United States. I think this could have worked as a super brief prologue instead of taking up a chunk of the first chapters of the book. The plot does get more interesting once Carter arrives in Scotland, though again I think White glosses over the odd pairing of Carter (a grown man from another country) all of a sudden teaming up with a 14 year old Scottish girl. Yes, their fates are brought together by chance and he's trying to protect her from the Russian hired killers, but I wish more acknowledgement was made about how unlikely/potentially inappropriate it was. The characters and the setting could have honestly taken place anywhere - as in this didn't feel like a novel set in Scotland with a plot focusing on Loch Ness. But I've learned to expect as much from American authors setting their books in Scotland so this was a disappointment, but not a surprise.
The mystery itself was interesting and if you didn't pay too close attention to the details of the exploits, it made for a fun read. I do think this could have been a shorter novel, there was a lot of filler in it. And I wish that the sacrifice to stop the Big Bad Guy in the end didn't happen - again I get why it did for the plot but there's a lot of sacrifices being made by the animals of this book to protect the humans that doesn't sit well with me.
American narrator Laura Darrell does an ok job with the audiobook narration though their Russian and Scottish accents need work (especially the Russian one). I also thought it was an odd choice by production to throw in some music at the end of certain chapters where big plot points happen. It was a little jarring and disrupted the flow of the narrative.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and River Grove Books in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Spoiler on the dog: I get why White chose what happens to Scrounge, as it's a necessary event to move the plot along, but I wish it could have been done differently/less violently. I honestly almost DNF'd on that plot point alone.
Treasures of the Lochs starts off slow and odd, focusing on Lieutenant Carter Porter dealing with addiction and a failing marriage in the United States. I think this could have worked as a super brief prologue instead of taking up a chunk of the first chapters of the book. The plot does get more interesting once Carter arrives in Scotland, though again I think White glosses over the odd pairing of Carter (a grown man from another country) all of a sudden teaming up with a 14 year old Scottish girl. Yes, their fates are brought together by chance and he's trying to protect her from the Russian hired killers, but I wish more acknowledgement was made about how unlikely/potentially inappropriate it was. The characters and the setting could have honestly taken place anywhere - as in this didn't feel like a novel set in Scotland with a plot focusing on Loch Ness. But I've learned to expect as much from American authors setting their books in Scotland so this was a disappointment, but not a surprise.
The mystery itself was interesting and if you didn't pay too close attention to the details of the exploits, it made for a fun read. I do think this could have been a shorter novel, there was a lot of filler in it. And I wish that the sacrifice to stop the Big Bad Guy in the end didn't happen - again I get why it did for the plot but there's a lot of sacrifices being made by the animals of this book to protect the humans that doesn't sit well with me.
American narrator Laura Darrell does an ok job with the audiobook narration though their Russian and Scottish accents need work (especially the Russian one). I also thought it was an odd choice by production to throw in some music at the end of certain chapters where big plot points happen. It was a little jarring and disrupted the flow of the narrative.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and River Grove Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
Treasures of the Lochs is a tale of three strangers that come together to solve the mystery of the lost treasure hidden in the Loch. Carter is one of the protagonists with several skeletons in his closet that he’s been running from for years. He finds a journal from his deceased father describing his a trip he took to Scotland before his death to go treasure hunting. Shortly after that, he receives an anonymous offer with a first class plane ticket to Scotland. Using this as an excuse to escape his life in the U.S. for a short time, he takes the ticket. When he arrives, he is unexplainably drawn to the inn worker, Hassie. She’s had a run-in with the press after finding some gold coins that she tried to sell, and Carter helps her to get out of the inn without having to talk to the press. But in her attempt to escape, chaos ensues. Carter sees she is in trouble and won’t stop until he saves her.
I enjoyed this story. It reminded me of a Scottish version of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I knew more about Scottish history and who the Jacobites were. The story slowed down at times, but it was necessary to lay ground work for the setting and history in order for the story to move forward.
The narrator was amazing! She was able to transition between multiple accents which helped keep the characters easy to identify. Her reading and pace was easy to follow and kept the story moving, even in some of the slower parts. I enjoyed listening to her.
Content Warning: Animal Violence
Thank you @NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy for an honest review!
#NetGalley #TreasuresoftheLochs #audiobook #mystery #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
I enjoyed this story. It reminded me of a Scottish version of National Treasure and The Da Vinci Code. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I knew more about Scottish history and who the Jacobites were. The story slowed down at times, but it was necessary to lay ground work for the setting and history in order for the story to move forward.
The narrator was amazing! She was able to transition between multiple accents which helped keep the characters easy to identify. Her reading and pace was easy to follow and kept the story moving, even in some of the slower parts. I enjoyed listening to her.
Content Warning: Animal Violence
Thank you @NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy for an honest review!
#NetGalley #TreasuresoftheLochs #audiobook #mystery #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
October 13, 2023
The entertaining novel revolves around a legend known as the lost gold of the Scottish Jacobites. For centuries people have tried to solve the riddle of where it is and if it even exists.
Lieutenant Carter Porter, to say the least, is having a very bad day. He's been demoted. His father has died. And now he's found drunk on guard duty during a late night break-in at the US Naval Academy. Burglary is not the motive as nothing is missing. Porter and his fellow guards were tasered and their hands and feet were bound by the intruders who brought special cameras and other electronic equipment - but their motive remains a mystery. Porter turned to alcohol to deal with his feelings following the death of his daughter - and now he can't stop. His wife is seeking a divorce. This is his second time caught drunk while on duty and he could be thrown out of the service.
Half a world away, Hassie Douglass, an employee of a luxury inn along Loch Ness, follows a voice only she hears that leads her to four very old gold coins that might just be part of the treasure. She's overjoyed to say the least.
Back in the states, Carter has found out his dad had a lock box in a bank. Getting there, he is told that it is fine that he doesn't have a key because his name is also on the lock box. He is shocked to see his signature on the card. He signed it when he was obviously drunk as it's written quite poorly, but it's definitely his signature.
What he finds in the lock box ties him to Douglass and Scotland and neither could foresee the mystery - and the danger and monsters - that await them.
Lieutenant Carter Porter, to say the least, is having a very bad day. He's been demoted. His father has died. And now he's found drunk on guard duty during a late night break-in at the US Naval Academy. Burglary is not the motive as nothing is missing. Porter and his fellow guards were tasered and their hands and feet were bound by the intruders who brought special cameras and other electronic equipment - but their motive remains a mystery. Porter turned to alcohol to deal with his feelings following the death of his daughter - and now he can't stop. His wife is seeking a divorce. This is his second time caught drunk while on duty and he could be thrown out of the service.
Half a world away, Hassie Douglass, an employee of a luxury inn along Loch Ness, follows a voice only she hears that leads her to four very old gold coins that might just be part of the treasure. She's overjoyed to say the least.
Back in the states, Carter has found out his dad had a lock box in a bank. Getting there, he is told that it is fine that he doesn't have a key because his name is also on the lock box. He is shocked to see his signature on the card. He signed it when he was obviously drunk as it's written quite poorly, but it's definitely his signature.
What he finds in the lock box ties him to Douglass and Scotland and neither could foresee the mystery - and the danger and monsters - that await them.
October 29, 2023
I listened to audiobook version of this novel, narrated by Laura Darrell. As promoted from the publisher, it blends "historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure."
The story begins with an apparent theft at the Naval Academy archives where 19-year veteran Lieutenant Carter Porter is found drunk on the job. Having lost his 3-year old daughter to SUDC (SIDS, but in toddlers) a few years ago, he is a certified alcoholic. While awaiting his inevitable court marshaling, he receives an anonymous note to fly to Scotland to finish the research that his father started before his untimely death.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass is a young woman who works at a luxury hotel in Scotland. While walking home one evening along the shores of Loch Ness, she discovers four gold coins. When her grandfather gets admitted to the hospital, she believes the gold coins may be able to provide the funds to save him from cancer. Her plans are thwarted when she goes to coin dealer who confiscates her coins as they may be part of the lost Jacobite treasure.
Meanwhile, Russian hitmen (and their unprincipled employer) are on both Carter and Hassie's heels trying to obtain information and treasurers they may possess. Carter and Hassie join forces, and together they face several unbelievable trials and adventures, similar to those experienced in the National Treasurer movie series. With a little help from mystical powers, good overcomes evil in a very satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys a little supernatural thrown into their action adventure stories.
The story begins with an apparent theft at the Naval Academy archives where 19-year veteran Lieutenant Carter Porter is found drunk on the job. Having lost his 3-year old daughter to SUDC (SIDS, but in toddlers) a few years ago, he is a certified alcoholic. While awaiting his inevitable court marshaling, he receives an anonymous note to fly to Scotland to finish the research that his father started before his untimely death.
In Scotland, Hassie Douglass is a young woman who works at a luxury hotel in Scotland. While walking home one evening along the shores of Loch Ness, she discovers four gold coins. When her grandfather gets admitted to the hospital, she believes the gold coins may be able to provide the funds to save him from cancer. Her plans are thwarted when she goes to coin dealer who confiscates her coins as they may be part of the lost Jacobite treasure.
Meanwhile, Russian hitmen (and their unprincipled employer) are on both Carter and Hassie's heels trying to obtain information and treasurers they may possess. Carter and Hassie join forces, and together they face several unbelievable trials and adventures, similar to those experienced in the National Treasurer movie series. With a little help from mystical powers, good overcomes evil in a very satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys a little supernatural thrown into their action adventure stories.
October 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
About the story: there are some reviews comparing this story to that of National Treasure. I absolutely agree with that to an extent. Whereas I think the beauty of National Treasure was the heavy emphasis on American history and lore, this book has more of a sprinkling of history and a heavy dose of mysticism and belief. While there absolutely is history included in this book (a mixture of Scottish and American lore) the book is very much about the human spirit and overcoming loss. Christian faith, the concept of things happening for a reason, and believing in things you cannot see is very much woven throughout this story. Sometimes, it seems a little heavy handed, but it works for the story. The main character, Carter Porter, experienced a loss that I would never wish on my worst enemy and his story is ironically one of rejecting and accepting the strength offered by those around him. Overall, it was an interesting story, but I would probably give it 3/5 stars. There are some aspects of the ending that felt a little too unfinished.
Narration: for the most part, I think the narrator did a great job. I looked up to see if she was Scottish because her accent was great (she isn’t). However, her voice and accent for the British person did not quite fit. 4/5 stars for narrator.
Positive spoiler: The dog does NOT die.
About the story: there are some reviews comparing this story to that of National Treasure. I absolutely agree with that to an extent. Whereas I think the beauty of National Treasure was the heavy emphasis on American history and lore, this book has more of a sprinkling of history and a heavy dose of mysticism and belief. While there absolutely is history included in this book (a mixture of Scottish and American lore) the book is very much about the human spirit and overcoming loss. Christian faith, the concept of things happening for a reason, and believing in things you cannot see is very much woven throughout this story. Sometimes, it seems a little heavy handed, but it works for the story. The main character, Carter Porter, experienced a loss that I would never wish on my worst enemy and his story is ironically one of rejecting and accepting the strength offered by those around him. Overall, it was an interesting story, but I would probably give it 3/5 stars. There are some aspects of the ending that felt a little too unfinished.
Narration: for the most part, I think the narrator did a great job. I looked up to see if she was Scottish because her accent was great (she isn’t). However, her voice and accent for the British person did not quite fit. 4/5 stars for narrator.
Positive spoiler: The dog does NOT die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book and stayed up all night finishing it. Mr. Hunter did an excellent job of weaving historical fact and fiction with the stuff of myths to produce an intriguing, often action packed, tale that provides a compelling new twist on the so-called Loch Ness Monster, as well as the legendary Jacobite gold. The narrative seamlessly moves from the brutality of Russian mercenaries to the exhilaration of a sea cave collapse to an almost spiritual tranquility and the searing pain of loss while never losing the momentum of the story. Hassie and Royce are loveable characters, while Porter is the ubiquitous flawed hero type. Each has something to learn from "Nessie" (don't ever call her that), from each other, and from the challenges they face together and individually. Together they make an unusual but surprisingly cohesive team into which Porter's soon to be ex-wife unexpectedly but thankfully inserts herself late in the game. There are some moments when I admit I found my attention waning, but then I was suddenly reeled back into the story. Looking back, I am not sure all questions were answered satisfactorily, such as the reason for the initial break-in at the Naval base. Perhaps it was covered during one of those momentary attention lapses, but the story was such that I really don't care. I liked it and would love to see these characters in subsequent books.
October 14, 2023
In America, we are following Lieutenant Carter Porter, who seems to be always is in the wrong place at the wrong time, if we considered also his alcoholism, we'll think, as the police, that he is involved in several crimes: a late-night break-in at the United States Naval Academy, and several murders in the United States and Scotland. At some point in the story, he received a letter from a Scottish inn, discovered that someone paid off a first-class ticket to Scotland and decided to book a room at that same inn to try to figure it out how this stranger knew about his late father belongings in an unknown safe deposit box, while his career future is falling apart.
In Scotland, we are following Hassie Douglass, a teen who works in the Scottish inn from where the letter to Carter was sent and whose grandfather is very ill. In one of her usual walks at the shores of Loch Ness near the inn, she found four old gold coins in the Loch while praying for help to find a way to get her grandpa access to private care.
During this adventure story, we witness how Hassie and Carter fates join while trying to escape from a well-armed group of Russian mercenaries who are looking for the Jacobite treasure lost so many years ago.
In this book you will find a group of people trying to solve an ancient mystery against the clock, with a lovely coming of age ending, and maybe a time loop?
In Scotland, we are following Hassie Douglass, a teen who works in the Scottish inn from where the letter to Carter was sent and whose grandfather is very ill. In one of her usual walks at the shores of Loch Ness near the inn, she found four old gold coins in the Loch while praying for help to find a way to get her grandpa access to private care.
During this adventure story, we witness how Hassie and Carter fates join while trying to escape from a well-armed group of Russian mercenaries who are looking for the Jacobite treasure lost so many years ago.
In this book you will find a group of people trying to solve an ancient mystery against the clock, with a lovely coming of age ending, and maybe a time loop?
October 4, 2023
🎧3.5-3.75⭐️
I had the audiobook narrated by Laura Darrell. The accents could have been better, but it was ok.
An action adventure treasure hunt with an Indiana Jones wanna be in Scotland looking for Jacobite treasure it incorporates Scottish mythology and a hint of supernatural too.
The two main characters and POV are Hassie Douglass a Scottish teenager who found 4 old coins believed to be a part of the Jacobite treasure. The other is Carter Porter who is an American following his fathers legacy. However when Hassie’s find is publicised it draws the dodgy Russians to the scene. Another main character is Royce.
What I liked :-
📕The premise of the story piqued my interest, I enjoy a bit of mythology and supernatural
📕It gives a good feel of the history and mythology and feels well researched.
📕our 3 protagonists are likeable
What I wasn’t so keen on:-
📕cliched Russian spoken English
📕the dialogue felt a bit stilted and formal
It has plenty of action keeping me entertained. The story itself felt a bit cliched. For me it had more of a YA feel than adult. Think this one is more for the US market than the UK.
I had the audiobook narrated by Laura Darrell. The accents could have been better, but it was ok.
An action adventure treasure hunt with an Indiana Jones wanna be in Scotland looking for Jacobite treasure it incorporates Scottish mythology and a hint of supernatural too.
The two main characters and POV are Hassie Douglass a Scottish teenager who found 4 old coins believed to be a part of the Jacobite treasure. The other is Carter Porter who is an American following his fathers legacy. However when Hassie’s find is publicised it draws the dodgy Russians to the scene. Another main character is Royce.
What I liked :-
📕The premise of the story piqued my interest, I enjoy a bit of mythology and supernatural
📕It gives a good feel of the history and mythology and feels well researched.
📕our 3 protagonists are likeable
What I wasn’t so keen on:-
📕cliched Russian spoken English
📕the dialogue felt a bit stilted and formal
It has plenty of action keeping me entertained. The story itself felt a bit cliched. For me it had more of a YA feel than adult. Think this one is more for the US market than the UK.
October 10, 2023
I happened to see this book and it caught my eye seeing "loch" and sure enough it is has adventure, Scottish legends, history, a bit of Christian allegory and of course the beautiful and mysterious Loch Ness in Scotland that drew me in to read this one. In fact, I could not stop listening to this audiobook! I finished it in a day and it was quite good once I was into the storyline.
We follow Marine Carter Porter who finds himself in Scotland after his father's death and the journal he was left with from his father, trying to make sense of this and his life after losing his young daughter and his marriage is left in tatters.
Young Hassie Douglass works for a beautiful inn on Loch Ness and is led to the shores walking along it's edge and looks down to find gold coins - a historic treasure.
There is always evil lurking when treasure is involved and these two characters meet up with danger from some Russians.
Personally the cherry on top was finding out the author is an attorney in Houston - my hometown where my father was an attorney! Best wishes to my fellow Texan!
My thanks to Net Galley, River Grove Books, Greenleaf Book Group and Be Audio Limited
We follow Marine Carter Porter who finds himself in Scotland after his father's death and the journal he was left with from his father, trying to make sense of this and his life after losing his young daughter and his marriage is left in tatters.
Young Hassie Douglass works for a beautiful inn on Loch Ness and is led to the shores walking along it's edge and looks down to find gold coins - a historic treasure.
There is always evil lurking when treasure is involved and these two characters meet up with danger from some Russians.
Personally the cherry on top was finding out the author is an attorney in Houston - my hometown where my father was an attorney! Best wishes to my fellow Texan!
My thanks to Net Galley, River Grove Books, Greenleaf Book Group and Be Audio Limited
October 23, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for an advance audio copy of this book. First, the narrator is really good and she made the story really come alive. Her Russian accent wasn’t the best, FYI. Next, I haven’t really read and of White’s work so this was a new adventure for me. There was a lot of action, think Clive Cussler and your favorite NUMA book. This book is fairly fast paced. There are some God and Bible references in the book, that may turn some people off. Also, the Loch Ness Monster has a Scottish name that I can’t even begin to spell (remember, I listened to the book). The LNM also seems to be a very evolved being who likes to philosophize on many subjects. She also can produce a powerful elixir that can save lives and cure people. There aren’t too many people and the characters are ok. There got to be some mention of God and the Bible and that is sort of where the book got weird. I’m going to give this book three stars. I don’t think this would be good for Book Club. I sort of picture and older man reading this a few minutes every night before he goes to bed. If you have other things on your pile of books, you can read them first, you aren’t missing much.
October 10, 2023
Treasures of the Lochs, A Novel, by Hunter White and narrated by Laura Darrell. I picked up this ARC because I was drawn in by Scotland, treasure and action. I did not get around to reading the physical copy but was able to listen to the audiobook.
I rate this a 2.75 (3 stars).
I am very particular about my audiobooks and while I did complete it and thought Laura did well, I did find it a little over theatrical sometimes. But I think that she also did a great job at portraying the imagery the author was trying to create.
The story follows two main characters Lieutenant Carter Porter from the US and teenager Hassie Douglass from Scotland. It is a mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I would also categorize this more as a YA Fiction. I am interested to see if once I read the physical copy if that will change my rating.
Thank you, NetGalley and River Grove Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I rate this a 2.75 (3 stars).
I am very particular about my audiobooks and while I did complete it and thought Laura did well, I did find it a little over theatrical sometimes. But I think that she also did a great job at portraying the imagery the author was trying to create.
The story follows two main characters Lieutenant Carter Porter from the US and teenager Hassie Douglass from Scotland. It is a mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. I would also categorize this more as a YA Fiction. I am interested to see if once I read the physical copy if that will change my rating.
Thank you, NetGalley and River Grove Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 20, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and River Grove Books for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. The Scottish lilt in the character is always fun to hear, and the plot, character, and sense of place was all well written and described.
There is a lot of Scottish history mingled with fantastical fiction set in the scenery of the Lochs. I was enraptured the entire time and couldn’t wait to listen to more of the story to see how it resolved.
Carter is an American solider whose heartbreaking past is leading him to the bottle, and therefore many unwise decisions. His wife, Mary tried sticking with him for years, but was finally forced to file for divorce. When Carters career is in danger, someone suddenly threatens his life. He travels to Scotland and teams up with an unlikely duo. Hassie and Royce become friends, as they are thrown into dangerous situation after dangerous situation. Will they discover the secrets of the Loch before their enemy does?
I enjoyed every minute of this book. The Scottish lilt in the character is always fun to hear, and the plot, character, and sense of place was all well written and described.
There is a lot of Scottish history mingled with fantastical fiction set in the scenery of the Lochs. I was enraptured the entire time and couldn’t wait to listen to more of the story to see how it resolved.
Carter is an American solider whose heartbreaking past is leading him to the bottle, and therefore many unwise decisions. His wife, Mary tried sticking with him for years, but was finally forced to file for divorce. When Carters career is in danger, someone suddenly threatens his life. He travels to Scotland and teams up with an unlikely duo. Hassie and Royce become friends, as they are thrown into dangerous situation after dangerous situation. Will they discover the secrets of the Loch before their enemy does?
October 25, 2023
Hassie is a young girl working hard for an Inn on the shores of Loch Ness. Her grandfather has been rushed to the hospital, something they cannot afford, and is deathly sick. She thinks her stars are about to change when she finds four gold coins on the shores of the loch. But, this draws all the unsavory characters out of the woodwork and now her life is in danger.
Parts of this book are so good and parts are not. I enjoyed the story for the most part. And yes, there is a good bit of imagination and mystical element…I mean it is Loch Ness. So, Nessy does have to make an appearance. I also love the history surrounding the gold and Scotland. That being said, the dialogue between the characters is too dramatic and seems canned.
The narrator, Laura Darrell, did a pretty good job. There were a few places I felt it was overly dramatic, but that could have been the writing style, as I mentioned above.
Need a tale set in Scotland…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Parts of this book are so good and parts are not. I enjoyed the story for the most part. And yes, there is a good bit of imagination and mystical element…I mean it is Loch Ness. So, Nessy does have to make an appearance. I also love the history surrounding the gold and Scotland. That being said, the dialogue between the characters is too dramatic and seems canned.
The narrator, Laura Darrell, did a pretty good job. There were a few places I felt it was overly dramatic, but that could have been the writing style, as I mentioned above.
Need a tale set in Scotland…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
October 7, 2023
Much thanks to Hunter White, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review.
DNF 41%. When the characters began hearing the voice of god and having visions of dead loved ones, I was out. No disrespect to the dead, the grieving, or anyone's beliefs, but that's not the kind of story I want to read. The blurb undersold that aspect or I wouldn't have requested it.
As for the plot so far...meh. Not the worst thing I've read, but I was struggling to get into it. I was hoping for historical lore and mystery, for Nessie and treasure, and what I got was a bunch of legal crap and evil Russians. (Why Russians? What the heck would they have to do with Scottish lore? I guess I'll never know.) Rather more like an international espionage thriller than the quaint treasure hunt I had in mind.
Not sure why this is tagged as historical fiction, it's not. The setting is contemporary.
DNF 41%. When the characters began hearing the voice of god and having visions of dead loved ones, I was out. No disrespect to the dead, the grieving, or anyone's beliefs, but that's not the kind of story I want to read. The blurb undersold that aspect or I wouldn't have requested it.
As for the plot so far...meh. Not the worst thing I've read, but I was struggling to get into it. I was hoping for historical lore and mystery, for Nessie and treasure, and what I got was a bunch of legal crap and evil Russians. (Why Russians? What the heck would they have to do with Scottish lore? I guess I'll never know.) Rather more like an international espionage thriller than the quaint treasure hunt I had in mind.
Not sure why this is tagged as historical fiction, it's not. The setting is contemporary.
October 16, 2023
Two broken families brought together by their ancestors searching for the same treasure.
Russian assassins.
Mythical creature.
The banter between the main characters is light hearted and silly. I listened to the audiobook and loved the accents. I would highly recommend this anyone. It hit historical fiction, light fantasy, mystery, thriller, action and just a dang good story with such a sweet ending.
This was a nonstop thrilling mystery with action, laughs and heartbreak. Two families from across the world find clues in ways they cannot explain and follow the trail to find an old historical treasure. They are both chased and attacked by Russians who want the treasure for themselves. They mysteriously find each other and work together to solve the clues and hunt for the treasure to save a loved one. What they don't know is that the treasure is guarded by none other than the mythical creature known as Nessi the Loch Ness Monster (who does not appreciate that name).
Russian assassins.
Mythical creature.
The banter between the main characters is light hearted and silly. I listened to the audiobook and loved the accents. I would highly recommend this anyone. It hit historical fiction, light fantasy, mystery, thriller, action and just a dang good story with such a sweet ending.
This was a nonstop thrilling mystery with action, laughs and heartbreak. Two families from across the world find clues in ways they cannot explain and follow the trail to find an old historical treasure. They are both chased and attacked by Russians who want the treasure for themselves. They mysteriously find each other and work together to solve the clues and hunt for the treasure to save a loved one. What they don't know is that the treasure is guarded by none other than the mythical creature known as Nessi the Loch Ness Monster (who does not appreciate that name).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
I was looking for an audiobook to listen to while I crochet and this one sounded right up my alley (duh, it's a mystery set in Scotland). And it was pretty good, even the fantasy element which was kinda goofy but in a good way haha, and you can tell how much research went into this book. I absolutely loved Hassie and her dog 😌
I'm less a fan of the ending. My biggest pet peeve with this book is how the author portrayed Carter's alcoholism (which is an issue for me in the first place and I probably wouldn't have read this book if it was written somewhere in the synopsis 🤧) — first he can't go half an hour without a drink and the author is insisting a loooot on this point, and suddenly he's drinking less and less and guess what? he's just fine and doesn't suffer from any symptom of withdrawal whatsoever.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for providing me with an audio-arc!
I'm less a fan of the ending. My biggest pet peeve with this book is how the author portrayed Carter's alcoholism (which is an issue for me in the first place and I probably wouldn't have read this book if it was written somewhere in the synopsis 🤧) — first he can't go half an hour without a drink and the author is insisting a loooot on this point, and suddenly he's drinking less and less and guess what? he's just fine and doesn't suffer from any symptom of withdrawal whatsoever.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for providing me with an audio-arc!
January 8, 2024
I thank Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book.
⭐⭐⭐. 5 stars
I have to start the review by saying I really wasn't expecting this book's content and it surprised me positively. The overall chase for me was based on very interesting cues and fun to follow. The evil people were insane and so despicable I can't even put into words how hateful they were, but they reflected some people's true nature and I appreciated the book for not shying away from some of mankind's darkest evils.
I liked the reference from the monster and the ending left me hope, she might not be so dead after all. I loved the fact she requested a different name and not to be defined by how people called her. It really made me reflect on what we allow people to lable us, and how much power we allow them.
I liked the characters very much and the overall development, and also really appreciated the historical references.
Overall a really fun read I would recommend.
⭐⭐⭐. 5 stars
I have to start the review by saying I really wasn't expecting this book's content and it surprised me positively. The overall chase for me was based on very interesting cues and fun to follow. The evil people were insane and so despicable I can't even put into words how hateful they were, but they reflected some people's true nature and I appreciated the book for not shying away from some of mankind's darkest evils.
I liked the reference from the monster and the ending left me hope, she might not be so dead after all. I loved the fact she requested a different name and not to be defined by how people called her. It really made me reflect on what we allow people to lable us, and how much power we allow them.
I liked the characters very much and the overall development, and also really appreciated the historical references.
Overall a really fun read I would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Hunter White skillfully weaves mystery, adventure, legends, and spiritual elements to tell this suspenseful story. The characters are well developed as the story unfolds in the intriguing region around Loch Ness. Several of the story’s characters have deep wounds from their pasts, and the mystery of the Loch brings these human frailties and wounds to the forefront. The author’s attention to detail with historical facts and geographical descriptions enriches the story and kept me on my toes as I read of Scottish history and legends.
This is an action packed book that not only tells a dramatically engaging story about treasures, but also exposes the human failures, fears and desires that direct our decisions. The author balances this depth and detail with strategically used irony and humor. The story is engaging and enjoyable from cover to cover.
This is an action packed book that not only tells a dramatically engaging story about treasures, but also exposes the human failures, fears and desires that direct our decisions. The author balances this depth and detail with strategically used irony and humor. The story is engaging and enjoyable from cover to cover.
October 17, 2023
This review is for the audiobook which will be released October 24, 2023.
An adventure in Scotland. Lieutenant Carter Porter in the US receives his dead father’s journal and a ticket to Scotland. Hassie Douglass in Scotland finds some rare Jacobite coins. These two come together near Loch Ness as their lives intersect. They work together to outrun mercenaries who are after the treasure and save Hassie’s grandfather.
The story delivers fantasy, historical, and adventure themes. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and the various voices and accents she created for the variety of characters. The narrator brought this book to life. This was a gripping story that weaved faith, friendship, family, and redemption.
I would recommend this book! Put it on your TBR.
Thank you for the audio ARC.
An adventure in Scotland. Lieutenant Carter Porter in the US receives his dead father’s journal and a ticket to Scotland. Hassie Douglass in Scotland finds some rare Jacobite coins. These two come together near Loch Ness as their lives intersect. They work together to outrun mercenaries who are after the treasure and save Hassie’s grandfather.
The story delivers fantasy, historical, and adventure themes. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and the various voices and accents she created for the variety of characters. The narrator brought this book to life. This was a gripping story that weaved faith, friendship, family, and redemption.
I would recommend this book! Put it on your TBR.
Thank you for the audio ARC.
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