Books by a Glasgow Boy

The House at Dubh Lochan

In the misty highlands of Scotland, where ancient stones whisper tales of kings and kingdoms lost, three siblings are about to uncover a truth that will shake the foundations of their family—and their nation.
When David, Evelyn, and Anne journey to the Scottish Highlands to explore their mother's mysterious past, they expect to find family stories and faded photographs. Instead, they discover their quiet, unassuming mother was involved in one of the most daring acts of political rebellion in modern British history: the theft of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey.
As they delve deeper into the secrets of 1940s wartime Scotland, they find themselves caught in a web of espionage, nationalism, and betrayal that reaches into the present day. Special Branch has never closed the case, and someone is watching their every move as they piece together the truth about the ancient coronation stone of Scottish kings.

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The Prince's Letters

When modern DNA analysis uncovers an unexpected link between two families, the Chisholms of Scotland and the Branders of America, a centuries-old secret begins to unravel. John Chisholm, a reluctant detective thrust into a web of secrets and intrigue surrounding his family's past, and Jessica Norton, an intrepid journalist, find themselves racing against a powerful corporate empire desperate to bury its past.
From the bloody battlefields of Culloden to the bourbon boardrooms of Kentucky, the story spans generations. At its heart lies a hidden letter from Bonnie Prince Charlie, a scandalous affair, and a betrayal that could change everything. As the truth emerges, loyalties are tested, and lives are put at risk.

Family histories are often a blend of fact and folklore, with stories passed down through generations, each retelling adding its own layer of interpretation. This book is my own creative interpretation of the lives of my ancestors, drawing on the facts I have uncovered through research, as well as the gaps and mysteries that remain.
As I pieced together the fragments of my family’s past, I found myself imagining the conversations I might have had with those who came before me—if only time could bend to allow such meetings. What began as a genealogical pursuit evolved into a fictional narrative, where historical truths meet the “what ifs” and “maybes” of creative speculation.

Karina: The Glasgow Girl who Conquered the Stage

Discover the fascinating life of Karina, born Caroline Packer McMurray, a talented dancer, contortionist, and actress who dazzled audiences in Britain’s music halls and theatres from the 1930s to the 1950s. Raised in Maryhill, Glasgow, Karina’s journey to stardom was shaped by two families—the McMurrays, her birth family, and the Grays, who helped raise her. Together, these families played a pivotal role in her life, guiding her into the world of live performance.
This short story chronicles Karina’s remarkable career and offers a unique glimpse into the golden age of British entertainment.

Where Were You on D-Day?

The 6th of June 1944 marked the commencement of D-Day, Operation Overlord, a full-scale Allied invasion of Normandy, France. It was the turning point in World War II, leading to the end of the war with an Allied victory the following year.
I knew my father, Walter Campbell Gray, known as Campbell by all, was a D-Day veteran, and I had grown up with some of his stories from D-Day, mainly the amusing anecdotes suitable for children. However, I never fully understood the reality behind these stories.
I asked him if he would write an article for a history magazine and web site and he agreed. That article was the first time I truly comprehended the role my father played in D-Day and the reality of his experiences. He wasn’t an officer and didn’t aspire to be one; he was one of many ordinary people who volunteered to fight in the war to bring an end to the dreadful conflict in Europe.
Unknown to me, Campbell continued to write down his memories from D-Day through to the end of the war. It was only just before his passing in 2009 that I discovered these typed pages and decided to preserve them for his descendants and future generations.
This book is the result of that decision.