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Stuart S. Laing
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A Pound Of Flesh (The Robert Young of Newbiggin Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Stuart S. Laing (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 53 ratings
Edinburgh 1745.

Deep beneath the rain soaked and wind scoured streets of the city a foul crime committed in the dark of night leaves two men lying dead in a dank cellar. A bankrupt young nobleman with an addiction to the twin vices of gambling and loose women stands accused of the horrific double murder and all the evidence seems to point towards his guilt. In desperation his lawyer turns to the one man in Edinburgh who can save him from the hangman's noose.

Robert Young of Newbiggin.

He is a young man who has earned a reputation amongst the city's legal fraternity for being the one person who can root out the truth by venturing into the capital's criminal underbelly. His investigation leads from the elegant drawing rooms of Edinburgh's high society to the city's most infamous brothel and into the grim hovels of the lowest alehouses on the Cowgate.

But as more bodies are discovered Robert Young is forced to confront the possibility that his client may actually be guilty!

Word Count - 130,000.

THIS EDITION PUBLISHED Nov 2014
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  1. Book 1 of 10
    The Robert Young of Newbiggin Mysteries
  2. Print length
    258 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
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  5. Publication date
    18 Feb. 2012
  6. File size
    2.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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Product description

About the Author

Born in 1966 and raised on the east coast of Scotland in the ancient Pictish Kingdom of Fife. Married to a wonderful woman for 19 years and we have been blessed with a beautiful daughter. I have always been fascinated by the history of Edinburgh and have spend most of my adult life studying Scottish history in all its aspects but always find myself being drawn back to the cobbled streets of the Old Town. I would urge all visitors to Scotland's ancient capital to (briefly) venture into one of the narrow alleys running down from the Royal Mile to get a flavour of how alive with mischief, mayhem, love and laughter these streets once were.

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  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

About the author

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Stuart S. Laing

Stuart S. Laing

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Born and raised on the east coast of Scotland in the ancient Pictish Kingdom of Fife Stuart grew up looking across the Firth of Forth towards the spires and turrets of the city of Edinburgh and its castle atop its volcanic eyrie.

He has always been fascinated by the history of Auld Reekie and has spend most of his life studying Scottish history in all its aspects whenever he finds the time between family, work and the thousand and one other things that seek to distract him.

Despite the vast panorama of Scotland's history he always find himself being drawn back to the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Those streets have provided the inspiration for his stories and characters.

He would urge all visitors to Scotland's ancient capital to (briefly) venture into one of the narrow closes running down from the Royal Mile to get a flavour of how alive with mischief, mayhem, love and laughter these streets once were.

Word Count of books and order of series.

A Pound of Flesh - 130,000

The Death of Innocence (a short story) 6000 words

A Capital Crime - 140,000

The Children in The Shadows - 102,000

Major Weir's Dark Legacy - 115,000

The Last Dance - 114,000

Masking The truth - 110,000

Jezebel's Chains - 104,000

The Tinker's Daughter - 132,000

The Mistress of Bedlam - 104,000

The Devil's Assembly - 110,000

The Spirit of Christmas (novella) - 30,000

To discuss the Robert Young of Newbiggin Mysteries join the group on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-Young-of-Newbiggin-Mysteries/202117643227341

Stuart S. Laing is also on Twitter and can be followed @FifeRover

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
53 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one review noting its well-thought-out plot and mystery unraveling. Moreover, the characters are believable, and customers appreciate the historical detail, particularly how the descriptions of 18th century Edinburgh ring true. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its language, with one customer highlighting the deliciously Scottish dialects, while another mentions the enjoyable imagery of mid-Eighteenth Century Edinburgh. However, several customers point out issues with spelling and punctuation.

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13 customers mention ‘Story quality’13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story, which keeps readers engaged with its loads of detail, and one customer notes that the unraveling of the mystery is first class.

"...The story runs quickly and I found myself reading far too late into the night for the satisfaction of seeing what would happen in one more chapter...." Read more

"...The characters were well-rounded and interesting to get to know, and I loved the use of Scots for their speech - it really gave the 'feel' of..." Read more

"...than that though the unraveling of the mystery is first class and really exciting. I will waste no time in beginning the next book in the series 👌..." Read more

"...to the area the novel was set in the book is well written with loads of detail to the area great charachters and a story line with more twists and..." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Readability’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an outstanding and fantastic read, with one customer describing it as particularly enthralling.

"...a good story, enough plot twists to satisfy and yet a stand alone read for those who wish. Highly recommend." Read more

"...A really fabulous book from start to finish." Read more

"...anyone who has a love of Scottish history and Edinburgh it is particularly enthralling...." Read more

"...set in the book is well written with loads of detail to the area great charachters and a story line with more twists and turns than a Gymnast on the..." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Believable characters’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book believable.

"...Likeable cast, a good story, enough plot twists to satisfy and yet a stand alone read for those who wish. Highly recommend." Read more

"...The characters were well-rounded and interesting to get to know, and I loved the use of Scots for their speech - it really gave the 'feel' of..." Read more

"...The plot was well thought through and constructed, the characters well developed and ‘real’...." Read more

"This is a well-written & clearly well-researched story - the characters are believable and descriptions of 18th century Edinburgh ring true...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Image quality’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual elements of the book, with one customer particularly enjoying the imagery of mid-Eighteenth Century Edinburgh.

"...Overall, Stuart S. Laing has produced a wonderful look back into a period and place that comes with a good smattering of drama, crime, and..." Read more

"...From the first page, I loved the atmospheric pictures it created and the wonderful use of language...." Read more

"...There is a strength and feistiness and beauty in her which personifies old Edina herself. As Stuart Laing puts it:-..." Read more

"...real empathy for and a very interesting and realistic portrayal of eighteenth century Edinburgh...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Language’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer highlighting the deliciously Scottish dialects and another noting the author's deep knowledge of Edinburgh.

"...-rounded and interesting to get to know, and I loved the use of Scots for their speech - it really gave the 'feel' of actually being there, and I..." Read more

"...page, I loved the atmospheric pictures it created and the wonderful use of language...." Read more

"...start as i could relate to the area the novel was set in the book is well written with loads of detail to the area great charachters and a story..." Read more

"It’s obvious that the author knows Edinburgh very well and has done his research on what the city was like during the time period this story is set,..." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Historical detail’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical detail in the book, noting that the descriptions of 18th century Edinburgh ring true.

"...story - the characters are believable and descriptions of 18th century Edinburgh ring true...." Read more

"Loved the book - liked the way the author describes Edinburgh in the 18th century. There was a good blend of fiction and good historical detail." Read more

"Another great book by Stuart S Laing, the history of the capital is amazing ,and story keeps you wanting more ,didnt want to put this book down ." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Spelling’0 positive4 negative

Customers report issues with the book's spelling and punctuation, and one customer mentions poor editing.

"...is that some of the book was a little difficult to read due to missing punctuation or spelling errors...." Read more

"I had difficulty reading this book due to the poor editing, punctuation and formatting but since the storyline and the vocabulary were interesting, I..." Read more

"...me from giving 5 stars is the proofing that's been carried out - typos galore like (but not limited to) "goal" for "gaol", "you're" for "your", the..." Read more

"Good enough story, spoiled by grammar, spelling and punctuation...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Eugene ONeill
    5.0 out of 5 stars A page turner, first in a wonderful series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It was my first time reading this author and would highly recommend. The novel is a must for lovers of historical mysteries and of Edinburgh itself. Laing paints a vivid picture of 18th Century Edinburgh with the horrors and the characters equally highlighted. The story runs quickly and I found myself reading far too late into the night for the satisfaction of seeing what would happen in one more chapter. Likeable cast, a good story, enough plot twists to satisfy and yet a stand alone read for those who wish. Highly recommend.
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  • SilverShadow
    4.0 out of 5 stars Travel Back In Time...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 October 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I could not put this book down. I love historicals, but I've never actually sat down with a historical that's also a crime thriller, or one where you feel so transported through the use of a local dialect. The characters were well-rounded and interesting to get to know, and I loved the use of Scots for their speech - it really gave the 'feel' of actually being there, and I think putting the speech into modern English would have taken something away. The setting was amazing as well, every twist down an alleyway and shadowy building made me feel like I was not only back in Edinburgh, but as though I was back in the 18th century to boot. There were twists and turns in the story I never saw coming either, and a few points where I was on the edge of my seat or chewing my nails.

    My only niggle (and reason for dropping a star) is that some of the book was a little difficult to read due to missing punctuation or spelling errors. It didn't pull me away from the story (the story is too good for that!) but it did mean I sometimes had to slow and re-read a couple of sentences. But, knowing this is the author's first book, I know that can happen and it won't stop me from getting and reading the rest of the series at all.

    Overall, Stuart S. Laing has produced a wonderful look back into a period and place that comes with a good smattering of drama, crime, and deliciously Scottish dialects. This is a real storyteller's work, and the story is woven so effectively, I promise you won't be able to put it down as soon as you start. A really fabulous book from start to finish.
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  • Lorraine J Bell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 January 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I would actually recommend this book to anyone, as it has a wide appeal. For anyone who has a love of Scottish history and Edinburgh it is particularly enthralling. From the first page, I loved the atmospheric pictures it created and the wonderful use of language. More than that though the unraveling of the mystery is first class and really exciting. I will waste no time in beginning the next book in the series 👌
    One person found this helpful
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  • John Somerville
    5.0 out of 5 stars gripping from start to end
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2012
    Verified Purchase
    where do you start this book had everything from murder to romance set in our capital city long before i came into this world.
    When i started to read this novel i felt like i was there along with the cast of the book which had me gripped from the start as i could relate to the area the novel was set in the book is well written with loads of detail to the area great charachters and a story line with more twists and turns than a Gymnast on the pommell horse.
    cant wait for the next installment of this great authors work hopefully catch up with robert young and captain travers on their latest adventure soon

    keep up the good work stuart excellent from start to finish
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs. J
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good story, good action
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    It’s obvious that the author knows Edinburgh very well and has done his research on what the city was like during the time period this story is set, the eighteenth century. His portrayal of life then is excellent and the reader has no problem visualising the narrow streets, and the smells almost assail the nose as if we were there. As other reviewers have pointed out that it needed a proof-read, I can only agree to that, but at the same time I have to say that it didn’t spoil my enjoyment and engagement with the story.

    The plot was well thought through and constructed, the characters well developed and ‘real’. I found myself feeling what they felt, whether that of compassion or anger at injustice and wanting the murderer to be… no spoilers in my reviews! Except to say that really I didn’t quite get why it was necessary to mutilate the bodies in the way described; again I don’t want to give any spoilers; except to say that I understand how it gave the book its title!

    Like other reviewers, there were odd times when I wondered if that expression or that object, or whatever, would have been used back then but they were such fleeting thoughts that I can’t remember what they were. All in all, I thought the story was good and I liked Robert Young; I might drop in on him again.
    One person found this helpful
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  • nanjar
    3.0 out of 5 stars A Pound of Flesh...indeed!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I had difficulty reading this book due to the poor editing, punctuation and formatting but since the storyline and the vocabulary were interesting, I'm glad that I persevered.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • VAJill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful "murder-mystery", a true GEM! Thanks, Mr. Laing!
    Reviewed in the United States on 14 October 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Both my wife and I absolutely loved this book! We had the privilege and pleasure of visiting Scotland and Edinburgh last year, and the author’s extremely vivid descriptions of the 1745 capital city are mesmerizing! We were able to recognize many of the landmarks that were described, and actually visualize the beautiful city of Edinburgh as it was in the 1700’s. Stuart S. Laing has obviously spent a considerable amount of time researching the history of the city, and through his brilliant use of language manages to convey on the pages not only the sights, but the sounds, smells and “atmosphere” of the old city. Mr. Laing masterfully weaves his story together so well that you can actually “see” the characters in front of you as you read through the tale.
    A Pound of Flesh is a wonderful “murder mystery” novel, but it is set in a time frame two and a half centuries past. Mr. Laing manages to convey to the reader all the nuances of the time frame, including political, socio-economic class differences and regional differences. His cast of wonderful characters interact together in a manner that is often amusing, and the reader will recognize the family values that are important to the main character of the story. Without giving away details, Mr. Laing’s mystery is cleverly written and will keep the reader guessing as to who the true guilty party is until the very end of the book! A true page turner, and we look forward to not only reading, but “experiencing” more of the “Robert Young of Newbiggin” mysteries soon! Thank you, Mr. Laing for a wonderful read.
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  • Frances
    2.0 out of 5 stars Needs an Editor.
    Reviewed in Canada on 13 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book started off really well but soon became tedious. Unfortunately there were many spelling/grammar errors throughout the book that were an annoying distraction.
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  • Bahram
    4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Thrilling
    Reviewed in the United States on 22 August 2013
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    A well presented book about Edinburgh in late 18 early 19 century when this mystery narrative takes place. It describe the atmosphere of life prevalent at the time and the description of the city is well researched, which add another dimension to the book. I had not read any other book by Stuart S. Laing but based on this mystery book I'd look forward to reading other books written by him.
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  • mr dead
    5.0 out of 5 stars not just a story
    Reviewed in the United States on 27 June 2012
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    what you have here is a story, but more, it is a full painting. you read this book and you can imagine the sights and sounds of Edinburgh, even the smells. little to no creative imagination is needed as all the hard work has been done for you here. it really is a gifted tale woven together as you take that tour of Edinburgh. along the way you will find some really engaging people and again you can virtually see them stand before you.
    as for the story itself, you will find yourself sinking into the mindset of another place and another time when you follow the investigation of the main character into the mystery. not just a mystery but there are also the politics of the time to take into account and a simmering rivalry in historical terms between the different factions of scotland in this period of history.
    for the quality of the writing i think it is best to sum up in words rather than describe so here goes; mesmerising, engrossing, fluid, brilliant.
    dont just read it if you like mysteries, read it if you love a great book.
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  • LMB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stuart S. Laing brings the 18th century Edinburgh to life !
    Reviewed in the United States on 26 September 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I am not really a fan of the mystery genre but I was drawn to this book due to my interest in Scottish history and my love for Edinburgh where this novel takes place. I am so happy I gave it a chance ! The author Stuart S. Laing obviously is very knowledgeable on life in 18th century Edinburgh. I loved that his story made me feel like I was there in 1745 , experiencing life at that time along with his book's characters. I was completely immersed in the story and I found it hard to put down once I started. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the rest of this author's books in the "A Robert Young Of Newbiggin Mystery" series.
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