Secret Book Swap | Davidson’s Mains | No.2 | May 2025

Books We Swapped:

One by One – Freida McFadden
Claire and her husband Noah join two other couples for a weeklong getaway at a remote inn, hoping to mend relationships and unwind. However, their trip takes a dark turn when their van breaks down, forcing them to trek through dense woods without cell service. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, members of the group begin to disappear one by one. Told through alternating perspectives, including an anonymous narrator with a haunting past, McFadden's thriller delves into themes of betrayal, survival, and the darkness lurking within.
The Last Witch of Scotland – Philip Paris
Set in 1727 in the Scottish Highlands, this historical novel reimagines the harrowing true story of Janet Horne, the last person executed for witchcraft in Britain. After a tragic fire claims her father, young Aila and her mother Janet—who shows signs of dementia—relocate to the remote parish of Loth. Their arrival stirs suspicion, especially under the scrutiny of a zealous minister obsessed with rooting out evil. When a troupe of traveling entertainers brings a fleeting sense of joy, the fragile peace shatters as accusations of witchcraft arise. Paris crafts a haunting tale of love, resilience, and the devastating power of superstition in a close-knit community.
Conclave – Robert Harris
When the Pope dies unexpectedly, 118 cardinals gather in the Vatican to elect his successor in one of the world’s most secretive and tradition-bound rituals. As the conclave progresses, alliances shift and secrets are revealed—especially one that could shake the Catholic Church to its foundations. Harris masterfully blends political intrigue with spiritual reflection in this tightly woven thriller.
The Witches of Vardø – Anya Bergman
Set during the brutal 17th-century witch trials in Norway, this historical novel follows the lives of several women caught in a storm of superstition, fear, and state power. As their stories intertwine, they fight for survival, freedom, and dignity in the face of cruel persecution. Bergman paints a vivid portrait of female strength, resistance, and the cost of speaking out.
Wrong Place Wrong Time – Gillian McAllister
When Jen witnesses her teenage son commit a murder, her world implodes—but the next morning, she wakes up the day before the crime. Trapped in a mysterious loop, she continues waking further back in time, uncovering secrets she never imagined. McAllister’s genre-bending thriller combines a gripping whodunnit with a moving meditation on parenting, fate, and forgiveness.
Trespasses – Louise Kennedy
In 1970s Belfast, Cushla Lavery, a Catholic schoolteacher, begins a risky affair with a married Protestant barrister. As violence from the Troubles encroaches on every part of her life, she finds herself torn between personal desires and political realities. Kennedy’s debut novel is a powerful, beautifully written examination of love, identity, and the costs of silence.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers – Jesse Q. Sutanto
When a body turns up in her San Francisco tea shop, the indomitable Vera Wong takes it upon herself to solve the mystery, armed with her signature brews and unfiltered advice. This cozy mystery blends humor, heart, and a touch of sleuthing as Vera uncovers secrets and forges unexpected friendships.
Secret Service – Tom Bradby
MI6 agent Kate Henderson uncovers a plot suggesting a senior British politician is a Russian asset, thrusting her into a high-stakes game of espionage and betrayal. Bradby's thriller delves into the murky world of intelligence, where loyalties are tested and nothing is as it seems.
Death and Croissants – Ian Moore
Richard, a middle-aged Englishman running a B&B in the Loire Valley, finds his quiet life disrupted when a guest disappears and a bloody handprint is left behind. Teaming up with the enigmatic Valérie, he embarks on a whimsical amateur investigation filled with charm and unexpected twists.
Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Told through a series of interviews, this novel chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of a 1970s rock band and its enigmatic lead singer, Daisy Jones. Reid crafts a compelling tale of fame, passion, and the complexities of creative collaboration.

Guest Author - Allison Meldrum

We were delighted to welcome Allison to our latest Secret Book Swap at The Village Bistro in Davidson’s Mains where she talked to us about her background as a newspaper and magazine journalist, moving into writing multiple short stories and her debut novel “The Life I Owe Her” which examines two themes very close to her heart: Parenthood and Friendship.

We were absolutely thrilled to hear all about Allison’s upcoming crime thriller “Keep Me Safe” set in Kirkcaldy and due out this September, the creation of her lead character and were even treated to an exclusive reading which got us all hooked and looking forward to adding it to our to read piles when it’s published later this year.

Find out more

Pre-Order Keep Me Safe

Banned Book Reading

Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

PEN America tracks book bans and fights censorship in public schools and libraries across the US and report that in the 2023-2024 school year, they counted more than 10,000 book bans in public schools. They go on to share that “it is the books that have long fought for a place on the shelf that are being targeted. Books by authors of color, by LGBTQ+ authors, by women. Books about racism, sexuality, gender, history.”

One of the books currently removed from shelves is the Handmaid’s Tale, and If you’ve not read the book yourself you may still have seen the hugely successful TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s aclaimed novel.

I chose this book to read from following an excellent piece by Atwood in The Atlantic intitled ‘Go Ahead and Ban My Book - To those who seek to stop young people from reading The Handmaid’s Tale: Good luck with that. It’ll only make them want to read it more.’

I thoroughly recommend a read of this article as it gives great insight into the complex issues surrounding book bans and censorship. Atwood reflects on the banning of her own book in Virginia schools and the broader implications for freedom of expression. She explores the historical context of censorship and the irony that such attempts often only fuel curiosity, especially among younger readers. With references to media influence and modern platforms like BookTok, Read it here.

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