Benbecula

On the 9th of July 1857, a twenty-five-year-old labourer named Angus MacPhee bludgeoned to death his parents and aunt in the crofting community on the remote Hebridean island of Benbecula.

Five years later, Angus’s older brother Malcolm recounts the events leading up to the murders while trying to keep a grip on his own sanity. Malcolm is ostracised by the community and haunted by this gruesome episode in his past, but is he as innocent as he seems?

PRAISE:

‘One of the most riveting and easily recommendable books I’ve read in 2025’ Better Read Than Dead

‘a consummate slice of alternative true crime’ Daily Mail
‘Wonderfully haunting’ Readings

‘Part psychological thriller, part socio-legal critique, Benbecula is peak Burnet. It’s a blast to read but its real genius lies between the lines.’ Bram Presser

‘Burnet goes beyond simplistic ideas of good and evil to explore the nature of madness, crime and punishment.’ Snack Magazine review by Alistair Braidwood

‘A sometimes hard-to-read testament to the banality of evil, and a heartfelt cry of despair that is well worth a day of your time.’ Scottish Field
‘a dark, psychological thriller, leavened by moments of black humour and absurdity’ We Love Stornoway

‘Modern Scottish literary fiction at its finest… it has all the same depth and integrity of characterisation that has become a hallmark of Burnet’s work.’ Fiction Fan Blog