The third story in Terror Tales of the Scottish Lowlands (Telos 2021) is a short and pithy account of a treasure hunter who finds more than he bargained for. A rather unpleasant American ventures to Scotland in search of the oubliette of a ruined castle. Ostensibly this character is researching family history. But in truth, he is after the gold carried by one Malcolm MacDonald, who was cast into a dungeon to die by treacherous Covenanting cousins.
You can guess the protagonist will not fare well, simply on the basis of the low opinion he has of Scottish cuisine. The historical background of the vicious civil strife of the 17th century is nicely blended with the modern plot of a chancer closing in for the kill. And a kill there is, without giving too many spoilers. Suffice to say that it's good, bloodthirsty fun. And the related, non-fictional matter by editor Paul Finch is excellent too - a kind of prose slide-show of weird, grim locations.
Onward to the next tale, which is by Tracy Fahey and bears a somewhat ominous title.
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