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Mysterious Scotland #3
The Stone Cypher
The purpose of the stones has always been a mystery. Until now. Magazine editor and part-time archaeologist, Gill McArdle is getting it together. Or at least, he thinks he is, until the death of a friend throws his life into turmoil. He’s on Orkney, researching an elaborate stone carrying an ancient religious motif. But he’s perplexed as the carving long predates any previous incidence of the symbol’s first use. Either someone is tampering with Orcadian archaeology, or Gill is facing a puzzle that can’t be resolved. Complicating his investigations, a secretive teenager passes Gill a notebook, packed full of numbers. At first, unexplained and impenetrable, the analysis starts to point to a mystery among the stars. As Gill battles to unlock the truth, he realises he’s on the cusp of his most startling discovery yet.
320 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
241 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 22, 2024
Spellbinding!
An academically dubious archaeologist changes career to act as editor of a magazine that investigates mysterious phenomenon. The magazine is very popular and tries its best to rigorously hypothesis archaeological mysteries. Our journalist/archaeologist is something of an "Indiana Jones" character with a supernatural 'guardian angel' looking out for him. The series combines well researched archaeological/theological/scientific theory with edge of seat thrills and spills. This episode had high tech research into teleportation alongside Neolithic archaeology and a smidgen of Orkney islanders' spiritual beliefs. Taken all together you have a rip roaring adventure that might just have an element of conceptual fact underpinning it. "The truth is out there"!
An academically dubious archaeologist changes career to act as editor of a magazine that investigates mysterious phenomenon. The magazine is very popular and tries its best to rigorously hypothesis archaeological mysteries. Our journalist/archaeologist is something of an "Indiana Jones" character with a supernatural 'guardian angel' looking out for him. The series combines well researched archaeological/theological/scientific theory with edge of seat thrills and spills. This episode had high tech research into teleportation alongside Neolithic archaeology and a smidgen of Orkney islanders' spiritual beliefs. Taken all together you have a rip roaring adventure that might just have an element of conceptual fact underpinning it. "The truth is out there"!
November 4, 2023
A Complex Mystery!!
This was a very well written and complex mystery. It also involves a lot of science just like the previous books in this series. I don't know how I did it but I read the entire book today. And this one definitely made me think about things. A few of the minor details in here from history were very shocking!
I did figure out a part of this one but my idea was nowhere near the entire truth when it got revealed at the end. Its a very good mystery. Lots of twists and turns.
I do feel Gill was in a tad less danger in this one but with how things ended I think he may be in even more danger come the next book!
So this story was about a group of standing stones (very similar to the famous Stonehenge except this one is in Scotland) and why it was built. It certainly puts forward a fascinating idea about how it could have come to be. But that was only part of the story. The other part is around this company doing research with ion beams. Until I read this I had no idea that ion beams were even real! But apparently ions were discovered in the 1960s! Anyway the two plotlines make a very exciting story.
I will not give away the story's secrets but its a fun adventure.
I like the cover image on this one.
This was a very well written and complex mystery. It also involves a lot of science just like the previous books in this series. I don't know how I did it but I read the entire book today. And this one definitely made me think about things. A few of the minor details in here from history were very shocking!
I did figure out a part of this one but my idea was nowhere near the entire truth when it got revealed at the end. Its a very good mystery. Lots of twists and turns.
I do feel Gill was in a tad less danger in this one but with how things ended I think he may be in even more danger come the next book!
So this story was about a group of standing stones (very similar to the famous Stonehenge except this one is in Scotland) and why it was built. It certainly puts forward a fascinating idea about how it could have come to be. But that was only part of the story. The other part is around this company doing research with ion beams. Until I read this I had no idea that ion beams were even real! But apparently ions were discovered in the 1960s! Anyway the two plotlines make a very exciting story.
I will not give away the story's secrets but its a fun adventure.
I like the cover image on this one.
May 23, 2023
We move out of cryptozoology and into the realms of ancient cultures and their stone circles, once again in the company of Gill as he investigates a mystery out-of-place stone artefact and rekindles an old friendship...only to be plunged into a very modern murder mystery indeed!
This novel rattles along at a cracking pace; you can tell the author is really hitting his stride now.
This novel rattles along at a cracking pace; you can tell the author is really hitting his stride now.
March 6, 2023
All four of the books I have read by Tormod Cockburn have been exceptionally good, but this one blew me away, ever so many times I was on the edge of my seat it's a really intriguing and gripping story, that has the ability to drag you in and transport you to another place, I can't wait for the next one.
September 22, 2024
When an industrial accident takes the life of one of Gill McArdle's college friends at the same time Gill's working a project in the Orkneys, he can't help but get involved. Plus, his friend's widow is Gill's ex, which complicates things in Gill's new relationship with Salina as he sorts through his feelings.
There's mathematical code, an unexpected Christian symbol unearthed during a dig at the Ring of Brodgar, and more ... but there's also some unexpected "crisis of faith" stuff that I'm honestly not sure is up my alley. I've already purchased a few more books in the series because I enjoyed the first two so much, but I'm taking a break from it for the moment so that I can sort through that.
There's mathematical code, an unexpected Christian symbol unearthed during a dig at the Ring of Brodgar, and more ... but there's also some unexpected "crisis of faith" stuff that I'm honestly not sure is up my alley. I've already purchased a few more books in the series because I enjoyed the first two so much, but I'm taking a break from it for the moment so that I can sort through that.
January 14, 2025
I am fascinated by Orkney and its archaeology (having watched several programmes with the gorgeous Neil Oliver), so I was looking forward to the third book in this series. As in the first book, ancient history was interwoven with cutting-edge science - is this becoming a formula? - but then it swerved into christian mysticism, which for a confirmed atheist like me is just a little cringe-inducing. I will read the next book in this series as Tormod Cockburn writes so well, and I like his characters a lot, and I'm wondering where he will take it...
March 6, 2024
I loved the first book in the series
It could be such a great series. The stories are interesting and fast paced. I just am not religious and I feel like I got sucked in with the fun science and mythology and then started,getting the Bible shoved down my throat. If you are into Christianity it is for you. I am not and was sad the stories changed to hinge on it.
It could be such a great series. The stories are interesting and fast paced. I just am not religious and I feel like I got sucked in with the fun science and mythology and then started,getting the Bible shoved down my throat. If you are into Christianity it is for you. I am not and was sad the stories changed to hinge on it.
January 27, 2023
Brilliant story!
Really loved this book and the two preceeding ones. Couldn't put them down! Original, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. Don't usually write reviews but this series certainly deserved it.
Really loved this book and the two preceeding ones. Couldn't put them down! Original, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable. Don't usually write reviews but this series certainly deserved it.
March 25, 2026
An academically archaeologist turned magazine editor might sound like the setup for a quirky career change, but in this series it becomes the launchpad for some of the most exhilarating archaeological thrillers out there. Our hero Gill McArdle is and archaeologist with a search for truth that at times can lead to dangerous situations. Gill now leads a wildly popular publication dedicated to investigating mysterious phenomena with as much scientific rigor as possible. And then there is the supernatural “guardian angel,”/ "biker guy", Raphael who is there from time to time in Gill's life.
This latest installment blends high‑tech teleportation research with Neolithic archaeology and a touch of Orkney spiritual tradition. It’s an unexpected combination, yet it works beautifully. The result is a adventure that feels like it might you might start thinking Syfy is just around the corner.
Tormod Cockburn delivers another mind‑bending tale packed with twists and turns. Just when you think you’ve grasped what’s happening, the story shifts again, leaving you reeling—in the best way. The characters remain the beating heart of the narrative, and it’s easy to slip into their perspectives and feel the stakes right alongside them.
Things are definitely taking a more religious turn in this book. Normally I shy away from that, but within the context of this series it works and gives it a bit more fascination on the story plot. Watching all the threads from previous books begin to converge is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Highly recommended. I can’t wait for the next tale from Mysterious Scotland.
This latest installment blends high‑tech teleportation research with Neolithic archaeology and a touch of Orkney spiritual tradition. It’s an unexpected combination, yet it works beautifully. The result is a adventure that feels like it might you might start thinking Syfy is just around the corner.
Tormod Cockburn delivers another mind‑bending tale packed with twists and turns. Just when you think you’ve grasped what’s happening, the story shifts again, leaving you reeling—in the best way. The characters remain the beating heart of the narrative, and it’s easy to slip into their perspectives and feel the stakes right alongside them.
Things are definitely taking a more religious turn in this book. Normally I shy away from that, but within the context of this series it works and gives it a bit more fascination on the story plot. Watching all the threads from previous books begin to converge is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Highly recommended. I can’t wait for the next tale from Mysterious Scotland.
October 9, 2023
380 pages
5 stars
Archeologist Gillan “Gill” McArdle is now the editor of the small magazine “Mysterious Scotland.” He still loves to become involved in archeological digs though. He travels all over Scotland investigating mysterious occurrences. He’s got his hands full with the latest mystery on the Scottish island of Orkney.
A friend tells him about a mysterious stone/slab she found while digging a midden site. Gill goes to investigate. The stone has some impossible symbols on it. It is far too old to have these markings.
While there he also visits an installment whose scientists are involved in testing their relocation machine. The tests they are conducting are beset with problems.
He runs into an old college friend and his wife. The man works for the scientists as an engineer. The three were good friends in school. Then his friend disappears. Also he is given a notebook that was owned by a reclusive, autistic young man who then also disappears. The notebook is a dense list of computations and numbers. Gill can’t make sense of it. But one of his employees can.
The archeologist woman on Orkney who first found the odd markings on the stone wants to move her investigation to a nearby stone circle. She faces anger and sabotage when she begins the dig. Gill gets in deep trouble.
This book is chock full of twists and turns. These are several stories competing for the reader’s attention. Do these stories come together? Gill begins to doubt himself. He is devastated at the loss of his friend. He refuses to give in to what his senses tell him. He receives assistance from those we met in a previous novel. There are returning characters in the book. They enliven the story. It’s always good to revisit “old friends.”
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
5 stars
Archeologist Gillan “Gill” McArdle is now the editor of the small magazine “Mysterious Scotland.” He still loves to become involved in archeological digs though. He travels all over Scotland investigating mysterious occurrences. He’s got his hands full with the latest mystery on the Scottish island of Orkney.
A friend tells him about a mysterious stone/slab she found while digging a midden site. Gill goes to investigate. The stone has some impossible symbols on it. It is far too old to have these markings.
While there he also visits an installment whose scientists are involved in testing their relocation machine. The tests they are conducting are beset with problems.
He runs into an old college friend and his wife. The man works for the scientists as an engineer. The three were good friends in school. Then his friend disappears. Also he is given a notebook that was owned by a reclusive, autistic young man who then also disappears. The notebook is a dense list of computations and numbers. Gill can’t make sense of it. But one of his employees can.
The archeologist woman on Orkney who first found the odd markings on the stone wants to move her investigation to a nearby stone circle. She faces anger and sabotage when she begins the dig. Gill gets in deep trouble.
This book is chock full of twists and turns. These are several stories competing for the reader’s attention. Do these stories come together? Gill begins to doubt himself. He is devastated at the loss of his friend. He refuses to give in to what his senses tell him. He receives assistance from those we met in a previous novel. There are returning characters in the book. They enliven the story. It’s always good to revisit “old friends.”
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
April 11, 2023
Book 3 of the Mys.Scot series and this one blew me away! I was hooked from the off, the plethora of ancient stones in the Orkneys has always intrigued me and the addition of a scientific research company in the area attracted my technical interest. Gill's research into what the mysterious book left for him was fascinating, with Craig's skills coming into play, along with the addition of new team member Mhairi (I hope we see more of her in future books), and I hope we find out what happened to young Euan after the police investigation concluded. The human interest parts of the book (David Trevelyan, his wife Alice and their children, and Gill's father Gordon suffering dementia) are heart-breaking at times, the issue of how modern religion copes with older beliefs or no belief was interesting, whilst the reappearance of Raphael was once again a delight. Like book 2, this book kept me on the edge of my seat for much of the time, and on occasions I shed a tear or two. It raises some issues that challenge how we regard our world and suggest that, despite all our scientific advances, there are still many things we don't have the answer to. Highly recommended. I hope book 4 in the series will be out soon!
October 6, 2024
My third in the Mysterious Scotland series and although another enjoyable read, I didn't enjoy it as much as the Loch Ness Deception. Obviously this is a personal view and is one on which my wife and I differ.
I found this one more difficult to follow and one penny didn't actually drop until reading the 'Editorial comment' at the end when a bit more of the jigsaw was completed.
Or maybe it was just me being too slow.
I like the authors style in these books in taking real objects and crafting a story round them using 'scientific' facts or calculations as a basis for the fiction of the story as if it is true but without ever actually sharing enough detail with us to give us a chance to argue.
In this story past and future really collide when an archaeological dig and a hightec futuristic scientific company seem to have common factors.
May be after three of these books we could be about to be getting into the real story which has been bubbling in the background. It looks as if Gill is about to take on a new role.
This series is certainly different and a change from my Murder/Mystery diet. I look forward to seeing where the series takes us.
I found this one more difficult to follow and one penny didn't actually drop until reading the 'Editorial comment' at the end when a bit more of the jigsaw was completed.
Or maybe it was just me being too slow.
I like the authors style in these books in taking real objects and crafting a story round them using 'scientific' facts or calculations as a basis for the fiction of the story as if it is true but without ever actually sharing enough detail with us to give us a chance to argue.
In this story past and future really collide when an archaeological dig and a hightec futuristic scientific company seem to have common factors.
May be after three of these books we could be about to be getting into the real story which has been bubbling in the background. It looks as if Gill is about to take on a new role.
This series is certainly different and a change from my Murder/Mystery diet. I look forward to seeing where the series takes us.
January 1, 2024
This has to be my favourite in the series so far. It was certainly a complicated story and one I could not speed read as is my habit. I had to concentrate as the subject matter was so outside my comfort zone. However, Mr. Cockburn is an outstanding writer, and I was carried along with the astonishing build-up . The conclusion was, maybe a bit 'out there', but that's what reading fiction is all about. It allows you to dispense with how things are, and you are taken to a place where things could just be! It is 'Mysterious Scotland' after all.
I've just started the next book,'This Jagged Way,' and I'm looking forward to another brilliant read. Bravo Tormod, this book was certainly a job well done. Thank you.
I've just started the next book,'This Jagged Way,' and I'm looking forward to another brilliant read. Bravo Tormod, this book was certainly a job well done. Thank you.
February 15, 2025
This could have been a 5 star book (and excellent start to 2025) if -
IF
- only it hadn't been too predictable. 😆
I mean... I was mentally shouting "He's been!" for more than half of the book and actually broke out laughing for real when Gill said the exact same phrase in the book - only much, much later! 😂
Aside from one (really big, vital) plot-point being painfully obvious - to anyone who's been in contact with at least 2 or 3 books about time travel before - this was another really great instalment in the series. I enjoy spending time with Gill in this alternative reality that feels almost like the one I'm used to, but with so much more lurking underneath (or above).
I mean... I was mentally shouting "He's been!" for more than half of the book and actually broke out laughing for real when Gill said the exact same phrase in the book - only much, much later! 😂
Aside from one (really big, vital) plot-point being painfully obvious - to anyone who's been in contact with at least 2 or 3 books about time travel before - this was another really great instalment in the series. I enjoy spending time with Gill in this alternative reality that feels almost like the one I'm used to, but with so much more lurking underneath (or above).
October 6, 2023
Three books and counting.
I just finished the third book in the Mysterious Scotland series. I am hooked, for sure. I had never heard of Tormod Cockburn before I found book number one. Now that I know him through his work, I look forward to reading much more of his work.
His books are amazing. The writing style almost places a movie screen in front of the reader. As I read each book I could visualize each "scene" in my mind. After this third book, the characters have become like good friends. I can't wait to start book four so I can spend more time with my friends and along the way, meet a few new friends. Thanks T. C. I am having a wonderful time!
I just finished the third book in the Mysterious Scotland series. I am hooked, for sure. I had never heard of Tormod Cockburn before I found book number one. Now that I know him through his work, I look forward to reading much more of his work.
His books are amazing. The writing style almost places a movie screen in front of the reader. As I read each book I could visualize each "scene" in my mind. After this third book, the characters have become like good friends. I can't wait to start book four so I can spend more time with my friends and along the way, meet a few new friends. Thanks T. C. I am having a wonderful time!
April 20, 2024
Very interesting story. Even though it contains a great deal of technical or science information in the story I found it easy to follow along. A couple time it was easier than other explanations. A magazine publisher sets out to met an old friend on an island and is convinced he should help her with her project. He hooks up with an old college buddy and his wife. Story is full of suspense. Once I had to lay the book down and walk away until I could return and finish reading the occurrence. Very good characters. Not ones I would care to know but perfect for the story. I guessed the ending well before the end but it didn't spoil the end.
aA
aA
December 26, 2024
After going crazy over books 1 and 2, I was certainly looking forward to book 3. However, I just couldn't get into it. Not that it was Mr. Cockburn's fault; he is an excellent writer, but this story was full of numbers and hard science, things I really don't understand, making the story hard to follow.
After a while the story became more comprehensive to me, and I was able to finish it.
Don't let me stop anyone from reading this book. This is a topic I am not interested in but many others will be. He really is worth reading.
After a while the story became more comprehensive to me, and I was able to finish it.
Don't let me stop anyone from reading this book. This is a topic I am not interested in but many others will be. He really is worth reading.
December 6, 2024
Well written and meaningful
My third book and I am all in. I have wished for books without all the bad language and sexual content most of my adult life. This series meets that expectation for me. I just can’t see how all that trash adds to a good story other than to pollute our minds. The main character of these books is on a journey, a path than many have walked, including me, in their quest for a meaningful life where only Jesus is the answer to all our questions. I look forward to see where Mr. Cockburn takes us.
My third book and I am all in. I have wished for books without all the bad language and sexual content most of my adult life. This series meets that expectation for me. I just can’t see how all that trash adds to a good story other than to pollute our minds. The main character of these books is on a journey, a path than many have walked, including me, in their quest for a meaningful life where only Jesus is the answer to all our questions. I look forward to see where Mr. Cockburn takes us.
October 22, 2023
Incredibly good read!
Third in a series I fully intend to explore as long as the author contributes more, this story is emotional and scientific in ways I cannot describe. All I can say is that it packs a huge punch.
They say a live show or film is great when there is a perfect silence for a minute at the end. This story has me thinking and re-evaluating still.
Enough! Go get a copy!
Third in a series I fully intend to explore as long as the author contributes more, this story is emotional and scientific in ways I cannot describe. All I can say is that it packs a huge punch.
They say a live show or film is great when there is a perfect silence for a minute at the end. This story has me thinking and re-evaluating still.
Enough! Go get a copy!
February 18, 2024
Gill is on Orkney when a stone with a Christian symbol carved on it is found in a four thousand year old context. A nearby science facility experiences a fatal accident and the man who dies is an old friend of his. Fitting this puzzle together becomes extremely exciting - science with a lick of the supernatural/spiritual. For me this third book in the series is the best yet - but I'm already reading the fourth.
April 3, 2023
The third book of the Mysterious Scotland series really brings Gill's issues with established religion to a head. He's already been saved in each of the first two books by an "angel?"
An assignment brings Gill to the Orkney Islands where he is checking out a Neolithic site. The mystery is strong in this book
An assignment brings Gill to the Orkney Islands where he is checking out a Neolithic site. The mystery is strong in this book
June 25, 2023
Wow
So, things are getting more religious here. I generally shy away from such things, but I don't mind in the context of this series. It's actually fascinating watching everything come together over the books and I'm looking forward to more. The central mystery to this book is both terrifying and miraculous.
So, things are getting more religious here. I generally shy away from such things, but I don't mind in the context of this series. It's actually fascinating watching everything come together over the books and I'm looking forward to more. The central mystery to this book is both terrifying and miraculous.
September 12, 2023
Review of this book.
This nook was fascinating. It started with the disappearance of a man. Quite alarming by its content. It finished with an ending that was unbelievable, bit rang with absolute truth! You must read this book. It is awe inspiring! I cannot wait to.read the next book in this series.
This nook was fascinating. It started with the disappearance of a man. Quite alarming by its content. It finished with an ending that was unbelievable, bit rang with absolute truth! You must read this book. It is awe inspiring! I cannot wait to.read the next book in this series.
October 30, 2023
The Stone Cypher
This story is entirely believable. Strange mythical and historical landmarks mixed with dirty corporations and topped with soul searching and redemption. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. I recommend you begin with book one and see if you can stop reading at just one book. Bravo Thurmond Cockburn!
This story is entirely believable. Strange mythical and historical landmarks mixed with dirty corporations and topped with soul searching and redemption. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. I recommend you begin with book one and see if you can stop reading at just one book. Bravo Thurmond Cockburn!
January 15, 2024
Love Tormed books, very imaginative
This is my third book of the Mysterious Scotland series and I really get engrossed in the stories. Starting with lots of basic facts they verge in very unexpected directions and really stretch your imagination. I have the next two in the series ready to read.
This is my third book of the Mysterious Scotland series and I really get engrossed in the stories. Starting with lots of basic facts they verge in very unexpected directions and really stretch your imagination. I have the next two in the series ready to read.
March 8, 2024
Love these books
I have just finished the first three books in Tormod Cockburn’s Mysterious Scotland series. They are well written, well thought out, with great character building. What’s even better is the wonderful storytelling. I love these books and will be finishing the rest of the series.
I have just finished the first three books in Tormod Cockburn’s Mysterious Scotland series. They are well written, well thought out, with great character building. What’s even better is the wonderful storytelling. I love these books and will be finishing the rest of the series.
March 18, 2024
I’m loving these books!
I read the second one first and was so intrigued that I downloaded this one, the third book. Now, I’m going to go back to the beginning and read the first one. Like I said, I’m loving these books. The stories are thought provoking and original and they make me think!
I read the second one first and was so intrigued that I downloaded this one, the third book. Now, I’m going to go back to the beginning and read the first one. Like I said, I’m loving these books. The stories are thought provoking and original and they make me think!
April 10, 2024
Great locale, great characters, great stories!
I love these books! I am a fan of archeology, and especially the archeology of the outer Scottish isles. I have become invested in the characters and can't wait to read the next book. The author paints the places and people with skill and beauty.
I love these books! I am a fan of archeology, and especially the archeology of the outer Scottish isles. I have become invested in the characters and can't wait to read the next book. The author paints the places and people with skill and beauty.
March 25, 2023
Another fantastic read loved every bit of it was expecting David to have been alive so was a bit sad to realise he wasn’t coming back I’m so looking forward to reading the next book The Jagged way, if it’s anything like the last 3 books I no I will enjoy it as much
June 13, 2023
Just keeps getting better
Just finished third book, I'm finding myself researching names and places as I read. I thought the first book started a little wonky, but it grew on me! Lol
Just finished third book, I'm finding myself researching names and places as I read. I thought the first book started a little wonky, but it grew on me! Lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews