Safe Return Doubtful

Scottish Literature – published May 2026

Though the story was easy to read and frequently compelling, two days on after finishing it and it sits uncomfortably with me.

There’s little light in the book, the characters are generally miserable, and not described in the detail expected from Stuart’s previous books. I don’t see the underlying theme, and I’m cynical about the the setting and descriptions of aspects the island’s culture coming over too much like a tourist board pamphlet.

Doll’s character in particular I question; the reason he drank, and was he groomed as a younger man – too much left unanswered.

I’ll read some more reviews, and may come back to this review, but four closeted gay characters does stretch credulity.

My GoodReads score 3 / 5