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His Bloody Project
His Bloody Project: Documents Relating to the Case of Roderick Macrae (Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2016) | Graeme Burnet
Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2016 A brutal triple murder in a remote Scottish farming community in 1869 leads to the arrest of seventeen-year-old Roderick Macrae. There is no question that Macrae committed this terrible act. What would lead such a shy and intelligent boy down this bloody path? And will he hang for his crime? Presented as a collection of documents discovered by the author, His Bloody Project opens with a series of police statements taken from the villagers of Culdie, Ross-shire. They offer conflicting impressions of the accused; one interviewee recalls Macrae as a gentle and quiet child, while another details him as evil and wicked. Chief among the papers is Roderick Macraes own memoirs where he outlines the series of events leading up to the murder in eloquent and affectless prose. There follow medical reports, psychological evaluations, a courtroom transcript from the trial, and other documents that throw both Macraes motive and his sanity into question. Graeme Macrae Burnets multilayered narrativecentered around an unreliable narratorwill keep the reader guessing to the very end. His Bloody Project is a deeply imagined crime novel that is both thrilling and luridly entertaining from an exceptional new voice.
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review
MelHopton
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Pickpick

This was compelling reading. Eventually. I wasn't sure where we were going, and it was a bit of a slog at the beginning, through the highlands of Scotland, poverty and land-grabs. Ultimately, though, this was a courtroom drama, gradually revealing a series of violent and brutal acts in a violent, brutal context. I'm sure there is a lot more depth to it and it's worth a re-read in a few years, but the brutality was expertly developed and unleashed.

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ImperfectCJ
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Mehso-so

This one took me a while to get into, then it grabbed me, then it was over and I was left wanting. The author offered so many tantalizing clues and possibilities that didn't really add up to anything conclusive, which might be realistic, but it's not satisfying. It is definitely an interesting look at class differences and the assumptions we make about one another based on our origins, as well as the role of fate in shaping our lives and choices.

Ruthiella I felt similarly about this one. 5mo
40 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JillR
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Pickpick

An unexpectedly good book to follow Unsettled Ground; we know from the outset that Roderick Macrae has murdered a neighbour. What happened and why is then told by way of statements from neighbours, his own memoir and coverage of his trial. A novel dressed up as true crime, this is a sad story - again of rural poverty and the powers and whims of landowners, albeit this time in the 1860s. Who is telling the truth? Is Roddy insane? I enjoyed this.

Cathythoughts Great review! I enjoyed this one 2y
Cathythoughts I‘m looking forward to Unsettled Ground too 2y
52 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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LeahBergen
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My (very classy) Friday afternoon Happy Hour. 😉

MsMelissa Salt & vinegar chips don‘t go very well with white wine 😂 2y
LeahBergen @MsMelissa Yeah, a beer would‘ve been better. 🤣 Luckily it was a mini Halloween pack and I actually snarfed it down before my first sip of wine. 🤣 2y
Cathythoughts I thought this book very good 👍🏻 2y
71 likes3 comments
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Minervasbutler
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Pickpick

One of those historical novels that purports to be based on "found documents" - medical reports, newspaper transcripts and the like. The main section is a first-hand account of how Roderick, a young Highland crofter, came to murder three fellow-villagers in 1869. The description of the misery and squalor of the crofters' existence, and their near-servitude is brilliantly conveyed. Superb.

vivastory I really liked this one. If you haven't read it, the following is a bit similar 3y
emmaturi I liked it too. His new book comes out in November I think. It sounds interesting. 3y
Minervasbutler @vivastory thanks looks interesting 3y
Minervasbutler @emmaturi thanks for the headsup! 3y
59 likes1 stack add4 comments
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CaramelLunacy
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Mehso-so

A historical thriller about a triple murder in 1869 Highland Scotland told in the form of the accused's memoir, witness statements, medical reports and trial transcripts. I love the format and piecing together what happened from the bits and pieces, but ultimately I thought things dragged and rather too much was left to be inferred. I would have liked a few additional POV and less emphasis on sanity/insanity (hence M'Naghten rule, get ye gone!)

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HinaP
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Week 3: His Bloody Project

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Ms.Story
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Mehso-so

Probs not the best book to read in lockdown . . . Gah! Well written & Interesting book if you‘re interested in the topic.

89 likes1 stack add
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twohectobooks
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Just getting started on a new book.

Lucy_Anywhere Oooh - I liked this one! Hope you enjoy it 3y
twohectobooks @Lucy_Anywhere I got about 50 pages in yesterday and am liking it so far. I‘m a bit nervous about where the story may go but we‘ll see! 3y
19 likes2 comments
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Reviewsbylola
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Pickpick

Longest standing book (that I own) on my GR TBR. This is my new project—to read the books on my shelves that have been stacked the longest.

Why did I put this one off for so long?! This is the fictional account of 3 murders in the Scottish highlands in 1869. We know Roderick Macrae is the perp. Now we get to read witness testimony, Roddy‘s own memoir, and trial transcripts to find the why. If Burnet would write a series of these books with ⬇️

Reviewsbylola different criminals and crimes, I would be all over it. Utterly fantastic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3y
AlaMich This has been on my Kindle TBR for a very long time as well. I could look up when I downloaded it but I‘m afraid to know. 😅 (edited) 3y
LeahBergen Oh, good to hear! I may actually pluck it off my shelf soon. 😆 3y
BarbaraBB Great review. I enjoyed this one too 3y
Reviewsbylola I think you‘d love it! @LeahBergen definitely one of my top books of 2020! 3y
79 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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CNich
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Pickpick

His Bloody Project reminds me of an episode from a dark histories podcast. Including R. Macrae's personal account of events creates a second level of investment in the case that left me bewildered. Pictures of a hard-scrabble life and tragic loss are backdrop to some funny and pure moments. It's no fairy tale, but I enjoyed it. Artwork by Jane Holford Atkin

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Hooked_on_books
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Panpan

1869, the Scottish Highlands. A teen boy murders 3 neighbors in a tiny village. We then learn what led up to this. I just love the idea of this book and the structure of it, as though we are reading various documents. But the execution is a disappointment, as I found it dry and draggy. When I heard the author speak, he had a sly, subtle humor, but none of that is present here.

#ReadingEurope2020 Tartan noir

Megabooks Taking this off TBR. 4y
erinreads I was letdown by this as well. I was so looking forward to it and even bought it IN Scotland, but felt really meh about it. 4y
Hooked_on_books @erinreads I bought it in Scotland, too! I went to the Wigtown Book Festival in 2016, where I bought the book, heard the author speak, and had it signed. That part of the book experience was great! I‘m thinking the Booker committee and I just don‘t have the same taste, as this was shortlisted and I say no way. 4y
erinreads @Hooked_on_books Well, your story of acquiring your copy is much more interesting and cooler than mine! I got it at the Waterstones at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness while we were waiting for our rental car to be ready. 😂 4y
Texreader Just marking it to find later #Scotland 4y
36 likes5 comments
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Zwenni
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Pickpick

In the beginning I thought the book was a bit tough to read, but as the story unfolded it became more and more exciting. In the end I really loved the book. Interesting and very original way of writing!
#hisbloodyproject #graememacraeburnet #scottishlit

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AmyG
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1. The tagged book for #Booked2020
2. I got lemon kit kats. Delicious. But I like lemon.
3. Cleaning, puzzles, TV
4. It‘s something a friend told me. Be thankful for all God has given you (or universe), be thankful for all you‘ve escaped.

#ThoughtfulThursday @MoonWitch94

Cupcake12 Lemon Kit Kat‘s...Ive not seen these in the UK 😊 4y
AmyG @Cupcake12 I bought these thinking they were vanilla. The lemon was a lovely surprise! 4y
MoonWitch94 Lemon Kit Kat‘s?!?!? Omg they sound amazing! I want to try them, I love lemon. 4y
ValerieAndBooks My husband loves lemon; I‘ll have to look for those! 4y
JaclynW Lemon Kit-Kats! 🍋 4y
58 likes5 comments
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amok
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Panpan

Too much repetition of boring details, round/dynamic characters (but the way in which they are described just made me yawn), cliché literary techniques ... And most importantly: no story, while a strong plot is, according to me, the very essence of fiction.

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AmyG
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#isolationinteractions @TheKidUpstairs

I had to do page 15 as 14 is a blank page.
“My lifehas been short and of little consequence, and I have no wish to absolve myself of responsibility for the deeds which I have lately committed.”

And I tag you @TheBookHippie - my buddy during this isolation. 😘

Trashcanman 🤗👋🏼👋🏼😊 4y
AmyG @Trashcanman 😜😘 4y
87 likes2 comments
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Macnjen
Pickpick

I had to confirm this was a novel and not a true story when I began reading. It got a bit repetitive and long winded toward the end and many of the terms in the local vernacular were undefined
, it was a good read.

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Macnjen
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So this happened. Looks like I‘ve got a lot of reading time in my future since I can‘t bear weight for 8 to 12 weeks.

Mitch Oh no- hope you‘re ok! What happened? 🙀 4y
Geenie Awww so sorry 😐 4y
Macnjen Tibial plateau fracture left leg with surgical repair, broken right wrist, tear and strain of MCL right leg. All a random skiing accident. Could‘ve been worse, I‘m super lucky no one else was involved, and I have a great support system surrounding me. 4y
See All 10 Comments
maich Hope you're ok. Sending hugs❤ 4y
Megabooks Yikes! I‘m so sorry. 💕 4y
Bookzombie I‘m so sorry. I hope you heal quickly. 💕 4y
MamaGina I can completely empathize...I had tibial plateau fracture last March and had surgery on April 1. (How appropriate, I felt like a fool 😆) Mine happened while out hiking. It‘s no fun but you will get through it...thank goodness for books and Netflix! Please reach out if you need encouragement from someone who has been there, done that!🤓 4y
Macnjen @MamaGina thank you so much! How long was your recovery? 4y
MamaGina I was 3 months non weight bearing—SO frustrating—but once I was able to start putting weight on it I made good progress, felt like something was finally happening to get my mobility back! Another month and I transitioned from walker to cane, then one more month and no cane. The physical therapists will be your best friends, do everything they tell you 🤓 4y
Macnjen MamaGina thanks for the timeline! Glad you are mended! 4y
20 likes10 comments
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jessinikkip
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Mehso-so

I really wanted to like this book, but it took me util the chapter on the trial to really feel into it. I didnt hate it but i didnt love it either

#Book6of100 #Booked2020 I would consider this book as #TartanNoir
@Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage

BarbaraTheBibliophage I agree about the #tartannoir — it‘s on a few lists also. And it was just a so-so for me as well. 4y
jessinikkip Glad to know I'm not the only one who didnt love it @BarbaraTheBibliophage A friend recommended it so highly, I was disappointed to not love it 4y
Cinfhen It was a slow burn / I liked it but not sure I‘ll remember it in 6 months from now. It was my #TartanNoir too 4y
45 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Macnjen

Had to confirm this is novel since I‘m reading electronically. I wasn‘t sure if it was non-fiction when I started it. Looking forward to getting into this further; I like the concept.

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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

Engaging and compelling. We know Roddy Macrae has killed 3 people but we need to know why??? Set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1860‘s evocative and absorbing. Much bleaker than I expected but such was life then. Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Challenge prompts #TartanNoir #Booked2020 #HistoricalMystery #JennyIs30 #MashUp #MandMchallenge #Pop20 #FeaturingOneOfTheSevenDeadlySins

jenniferw88 Glad you enjoyed it! The book I recommended for classic is probably a mix of this one, Dracula and Frankenstein, so will either be a hit or a miss for you. X 4y
Cinfhen Thanks @jenniferw88 ♥️ 4y
AmyG Ooooo I can read this for #tartannoir. Thanks! (edited) 4y
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BarbaraTheBibliophage I‘m a #promptslacker to your queenliness! 😘 4y
Marni Now I know what I‘m reading for #tartannoir! I already own this book, and I‘m trying to shop my unread owned books this year. Perfect, thank you! 4y
Cinfhen I‘m on a roll @BarbaraTheBibliophage 👑 4y
Cinfhen My pleasure @Marni @AmyG I‘m trying to use books I own too!! Or books I can borrow 😁 4y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Loved this book so much that I insisted on a detour to Applecross when we were driving through Scotland a couple summers ago. Didn‘t realize it was through a scary, winding, barely-one-lane dirt road straight up a mountain and took 2 hours. 😬 Husband hadn‘t read the book yet and was like, “WHY are we doing this?!” 4y
Cathythoughts 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻You are seriously on a roll ! Very good book 👍🏻 4y
Cinfhen Hahaha!! That‘s hilarious @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I could see my hubby being less than pleased by that kind of detour 4y
Cinfhen It was very good @Cathythoughts but really sad 😢 and so bleak 4y
Kalalalatja Well, you have me convinced! #Stacked 4y
Cinfhen It‘s character driven NOT plot driven at all @Kalalalatja but I think you‘d like it for the historical elements. 4y
andrew61 I read it when it was shortlisted for the booker and really enjoyed the story both the crime and the trial. I would really like to reread it now you have reminded me. 4y
Cinfhen I‘d think this book would work well as a reread/ probably lots of little references that one may have missed on first read @andrew61 4y
BarbaraBB I really liked this one too and it fits a lot of prompts again! 4y
Mdargusch I really liked this one but it was definitely dark. 4y
Cinfhen I liked it too @Mdargusch reminded me of Burial Rites 4y
110 likes4 stack adds18 comments
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Cinfhen
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Half way point ~ poor Roddy💔This book is sadder than I was expecting. Interesting look at life in the mid 1800s Scotland. Reminds me of Burial Rites.

Hooked_on_books I‘ve heard the author speak. He has a great sense of humor. He signed my book with a “bloody” red thumbprint. Love it! I expect to read this one for this prompt as well. 4y
Cinfhen As dark and grim as this book is @Hooked_on_books there is a clever wittiness 😉 I‘m really engrossed/ I think you‘re going to be pleased too. 4y
KarenUK I really enjoyed this one.... and definitely got Burial Rites vibes too.... 4y
100 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Cinfhen
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I‘ve just started this #historicalmystery that also works as a #mashup and #TartanNoir 😊So far it‘s excellent 🙌🏻 switching between audio and print 🎧📘

Cathythoughts Oh I really liked this one 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 4y
Hollie This has been on my TBR for ages 4y
Emilymdxn Fantastic book! 4y
See All 8 Comments
Cinfhen I‘m only like 15% in but I‘m really hooked @Cathythoughts @Emilymdxn Go for it @Hollie And Happy New Year 💚 4y
LeahBergen TBR for me, too! 4y
Cinfhen I think you‘re gonna like this one @LeahBergen 😘 4y
marleed I love to switch between the two and sometimes enjoy simultaneously! 4y
Cinfhen It‘s nice to have both options @marleed 🎧📘👍🏽 4y
92 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Myhusbandhatesreading
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Pickpick

Finished this during a relaxing weekend getaway with the hubs. Not exactly a book for a romantic getaway but a decent read all in all.

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eri.reads
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Catching up on #ChillingPhotoChallenge for #Scarathlon
Day 17: #bloody

#TeamStoker +1
@TheReadingMermaid

(Pts total=419)

BeansPage 🧟‍♀️ 4y
14 likes1 comment
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Aloisi_tribe
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I‘ve had this book on my kindle for three years but haven‘t read it yet.

#chillingphotochallenge #bloody #scarathlon @Clwojick

Cathythoughts It‘s very good 👍🏻♥️ 4y
27 likes1 comment
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Tamra
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Pickpick

This is between a pick and so-so for me. I definitely enjoyed the depiction of characters and their lives in a rural Scottish Highland village circa 1869, but the last third didn‘t hold my attention as well when it turned to the “expert” criminologist examination and the trial.

The intended victim gets no sympathy from me. 👿

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Tamra
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“I have always shrunk from killing so much as a hen, and do not understand why educated men regard the killing of living creatures as sport.”

Well put!

Graywacke Cutie!! Either he (or she) completely agrees and doesn't understand this crazy world or is begging to be let outside and chase squirrels... 4y
Sace I could never resist those eyes! 4y
Leftcoastzen Awwwww! 4y
See All 6 Comments
Crazeedi What a doll baby, but I confess a preference for labs 4y
Tamra @Graywacke 😜 He wouldn‘t have a problem with sport hunting squirrels. 4y
84 likes6 comments
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Tamra
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For a fraction of a second I was dismayed until I read it again. 😧😆

GingerAntics 🤣😂🤣 that was a close one! I read that wrong the first time, too. 4y
Ruthiella Ooh me too! 😨 4y
47 likes2 comments
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Tamra
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Thrifty find today that should be seasonably appropriate! 💀

jenniferw88 This has to be one of the best covers I've seen for this book! 4y
PatriciaU That is a great cover! 4y
See All 7 Comments
LeahBergen I have this waiting on my shelf, too. I‘ll be watching to see how you like it! 4y
Cathythoughts I thought this one very good 👍🏻 4y
emmaturi I liked this one too 4y
Tamra @Cathythoughts @emmaturi @LeahBergen I‘m looking forward to it! 4y
65 likes1 stack add7 comments
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TheEllieMo
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This story unfolds through a series of found documents, including police statements, the accused‘s prison memoir newspaper reports and psychiatric reports.

#LetterEpistolaryNovel
#SelfImprovementSept
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sounds good!!! 5y
OriginalCyn620 Sounds creepy! 5y
46 likes2 comments
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ephemeralwaltz
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Yesterday, waiting to hear Graeme Macrae Burnet talk about His Bloody Project. It was a fascinating conversation and he was so lovely!

57 likes1 stack add
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Hestapleton
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Mehso-so

My last book for #booked2019 summer! I chose this for genre busting, since it‘s fiction trapped very well inside a nonfiction guise. That said, this wasn‘t my cup of tea. I don‘t think historical murders are my thing. But I liked the author‘s inventiveness and I can see why it got shortlisted for the Man Booker a few years back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cathythoughts I loved this one 👍🏻 5y
Ruthiella I would have liked it to be more suspenseful than it was. Just so so for me too.😏 5y
75 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Susanita
His Bloody Project | Graeme Macrae Burnet
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Imagine my delight when I realized Katie and Rincey were talking about MY reader suggestion/request for Scottish mysteries!

https://overcast.fm/+JNdyoPkNA

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allureofbeauty
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More books from the Dollar Tree over the last few months. Send help. If anyone has any of these and wants to buddy read let me know. I need all the help I can get, always.

#books #haul #bookhaul #dollartree #dollartreehaul #truecrime #buddyread #celebritymemoir #thriller #memoir #mystery #ya #youngadult #sendhelp

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RaimeyGallant
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Pickpick

I scooped this off of the Man Booker 2016 longlist. A psychological mystery that perhaps, seeing as it's more intriguing than suspenseful, fits better on a historical fiction shelf, if I had to find a shelf for it. Each epistolary element has a unique, engaging voice that feels authentic for the period. The account of the trial was my favorite part, both for the care taken to portray criminal psychology in its infancy and for its subtle wit.

Theaelizabet Great review. I loved it, too. 5y
emmaturi I enjoyed it too! 5y
141 likes9 stack adds2 comments
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Cartoom
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“It seems to me, said Archibald, that you have erected so many obstacles in your mind that you have quite defeated yourself before you have even begun.”

Theaelizabet I couldn‘t put this book down. A mystery, yes, but so much on class, power, etc. (edited) 5y
Cartoom ...absolutely - and tragedy as well. It‘s that kind of story that required me to pause before I picked up the next book. 5y
6 likes1 stack add2 comments
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EmmaCyrus

I'm listening to this as an audiobook and the narrator does a great job. If you can tolerate the audio form, it's well worth it.

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Coycaterpillar
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In 1869, a brutal triple murder in the remote Wester Ross village of Culduie leads to the arrest of a seventeen-year-old crofter, Roderick Macrae. There is no question of Macrae‘s guilt, but it falls to the country‘s most eminent legal and psychiatric minds to uncover what drove him to his bloody deeds. Ultimately, the young man‘s fate hinges on one key question: is he insane?

The story ingeniously unfolds through a series of found documents

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Sleepswithbooks
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Best friend visiting (currently at a potential work requirement) and I get to borrow her puppy, cuddle, and read for a bit. #perfectday

tracey38 Aww, looks like my Cooper and such a great reading buddy. 5y
jillannjohn What a cutie! 5y
38 likes2 comments
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Sleepswithbooks
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My dad had this mug made for me so he could always have coffee with me from across the miles 😂☕️

#coffeeandbooks

BookNerd9906 Aww. ❤️❤️❤️ 5y
Gissy So nice! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5y
TiredLibrarian That's so cute! 😊❤ 5y
See All 6 Comments
JoScho ❤️❤️❤️ 5y
alisiakae That‘s sweet! 5y
GripLitGrl So cute💕 5y
52 likes1 stack add6 comments
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ScorpioBookDreams
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Looking forward to this month‘s whodunnit. Thank you for the delicious sweets @jhod !!

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ElectricKatyLand
Pickpick

This novel doesn‘t feel like fiction. The historical examination of class conflict and murder in 19th century Scotland through documents, interviews, and trial transcripts is riveting.

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Babs_book_obsession
Mehso-so

It was good. I enjoyed it but I wasn't blown away. I guess I feel like I have read similar books. It was unique in the setting and it was interesting in terms of what this area of Scotland may have been like at the time. Maybe I am becoming a book snob?

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jhod
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Helen! Thank you so much, what treats!!!
The bag is so lovely and I am excited to try the Calvino - second time lucky...! Thank you, hurrah for #whodunituk 😁
@ShookBelf

Cathythoughts I really liked the tagged book 👍🏻such fab gifts 5y
96 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Sweettartlaura
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Mehso-so

2.5⭐️

Promising. But its repetition in the second half undermines the first half. And what does get raised - what exactly happened to Flora? is Roddy a secret genius or the village idiot? - is left unknowable. I also want to know more about Jetta, & about Lachlan‘s relationship with their mother.
Also, not at all spooky or creepy, so it was a disappointment on that front.