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All We Cannot Leave Behind
Edinburgh, 1920. Three children are missing, abducted from the poorhouses of the city.
When a body is found near the town of Liberton, Dr Thomas Stevenson, still suffering from the trauma of the First World War, finds himself drawn into the police investigation. But suspicion falls on the woman with the mysterious past who lives with Thomas. Could she be guilty of the brutal murder?
With time running out and lives at stake, Thomas must prove her innocence, but to do that he has to find the real killer and unlock the truth about her secret past. A past that casts a long, dark shadow.
When a body is found near the town of Liberton, Dr Thomas Stevenson, still suffering from the trauma of the First World War, finds himself drawn into the police investigation. But suspicion falls on the woman with the mysterious past who lives with Thomas. Could she be guilty of the brutal murder?
With time running out and lives at stake, Thomas must prove her innocence, but to do that he has to find the real killer and unlock the truth about her secret past. A past that casts a long, dark shadow.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2024
15 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Iain Kelly
9 books125 followersIain Kelly lives in Scotland, UK. His latest novel, 'Hostile City', a follow up to the crime thriller 'Full Sun', was published in January 2026. Both books feature ex-convict Cal Jackson and are set in Glasgow.
Iain is married with two children and works in the media industry as a television editor. When he is not creating stories through sound and vision, he is writing them. 'A Justified State,' published in 2018, was his first novel. It was followed by a sequel, 'State Of Denial' in September 2019 and 'State Of War' in 2020, which concluded 'The State' trilogy.
In 2022, he first partnered with The Book Guild to publish the coming-of-age mystery 'The Barra Boy', which was followed in 2024 by the historical thriller 'All We Cannot Leave Behind'.
Find out more and read more of his work at his writing blog: www.iainkellywriting.com
Iain is married with two children and works in the media industry as a television editor. When he is not creating stories through sound and vision, he is writing them. 'A Justified State,' published in 2018, was his first novel. It was followed by a sequel, 'State Of Denial' in September 2019 and 'State Of War' in 2020, which concluded 'The State' trilogy.
In 2022, he first partnered with The Book Guild to publish the coming-of-age mystery 'The Barra Boy', which was followed in 2024 by the historical thriller 'All We Cannot Leave Behind'.
Find out more and read more of his work at his writing blog: www.iainkellywriting.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 26, 2024
Atmospheric, well-researched, with particular care regarding the premise and period, this book won my heart. There is a mystery behind disappearance of children in post-WW1 Edinburgh, but there is more. Efforts to come to terms with the terror of war witnessed by Dr Stevenson, and his desire to understand who the woman he lives with really is.
I will be following Mr Kelly and hope to read more of his books.
*Many thanks to Iain Kelly, Book Guild, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I will be following Mr Kelly and hope to read more of his books.
*Many thanks to Iain Kelly, Book Guild, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
March 17, 2024
This is a top-notch piece of historical fiction. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, the story was gripping, heartfelt, and - most impressively - entirely believable. Honestly, if you're a fan of crime, mystery, or historical fiction, this is absolutely the book for you. It's just fantastic.
September 5, 2024
I can guarantee the final draft was better than the first draft. Hope those that choose to give this a go enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
February 10, 2026
I’m going against the grain here. I appreciate the research that went into this book and the attempt to make very real problems of 1920 in Scotland fuse into one storyline. However, the book seems lecturing to me and the melodrama eventually goes totally over the top. Not for me.
February 23, 2024
Iain Kelly's latest novel is an absorbing, character driven story set in 1920's Edinburgh. Dr Thomas Stevenson treats men suffering from shell shock who fought in the First World War. He suffers from nightmares of his own time in the trenches & struggles to deal with this through alcohol. Stevenson shares a house in Liberton with Louise & although they are friends neither is aware of the darkness in the past lives they have lead. However, when children go missing from poorhouses nearby & one child is found murdered they both find themselves confronting secrets that had long been buried.
All We Cannot Leave Behind is an incredibly atmospheric piece of writing. Ian Kelly's description of Edinburgh & every location throughout the novel feels authentic & his characters fit perfectly into each setting.
This is a wonderful piece of fiction & a highly recommended read for so many reasons.
All We Cannot Leave Behind is an incredibly atmospheric piece of writing. Ian Kelly's description of Edinburgh & every location throughout the novel feels authentic & his characters fit perfectly into each setting.
This is a wonderful piece of fiction & a highly recommended read for so many reasons.
August 28, 2024
Historical fiction can be a hit or a miss for me. I found out about this book after seeing a post about the author visiting a local independent bookshop near me. I was unavailable on the date, but after reading a blurb, I thought I'd buy the book and give it a go.
I'm very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were well written, the pacing was good, the story was compelling and the setting was detailed and well-researched. I've bought the rest of the author's books as well! Always happy to support a Scottish author!
I'm very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters were well written, the pacing was good, the story was compelling and the setting was detailed and well-researched. I've bought the rest of the author's books as well! Always happy to support a Scottish author!
March 3, 2024
If, like me, you turn to historical mysteries when you want a distraction from the life at hand, All We Cannot Leave Behind will provide you several hours', even a weekend's worth, of time away from the vicissitudes of daily life. Set in 1920s Edinburgh, All We Cannot Leave Behind offers an excellent pair of central characters and a satisfyingly twisted plot.
Our central characters, Thomas and Louise, are each haunted in their own way and are reluctant to open up to others. This tendency is decidedly ironic in the case of Thomas. He worked as surgeon during WWI and has taken to drinking himself to sleep in hopes of forgetting what he witnessed on the battlefield. Now that the war is over, Thomas works with British veterans suffering from shell shock using the "talking cure" in hopes of easing their return to civilian life. Despite the fact that Thomas witnesses the value of the "talking cure," he shares his wartime life with no one.
Louise has moved among different poor houses as both a resident and a worker. When the home for fallen women that she has become part of closes, Thomas offers her a room in his home—which came with his practice and is larger than he needs. There's no intention of seduction here. Just two individuals hiding from their pasts, each careful not to trespass onto the secret parts of one another's lives. Theirs is a companionship based on not knowing.
When three children disappear from Edinburgh poor houses, and one is soon found murdered, Thomas finds himself pulled into the investigation, first for his medical knowledge, and later in defense of Louise who has become a suspect. Thomas wrestles with his demons, drinks, and talks with veterans, including a new patient who is clearly lying to him and whose affect makes him deeply uneasy. Louise manages her anxiety by working as an assistant housekeeper at a local boys' school—and is dismissed the moment she comes under suspicion.
Part of the pleasure of the plotting here is that because Thomas and Louise are so determinedly closed off, the reader actually has more knowledge of these crime—and of their own lives—than either of them do. Readers can see the places where puzzle pieces might be slotted together, but aren't, and must wait anxiously for the two of them to catch up with the truth of their own lives and the truth behind these crimes.
If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly mysteries, and appreciate interesting plotting, you'll want to read All We Cannot Leave Behind.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Our central characters, Thomas and Louise, are each haunted in their own way and are reluctant to open up to others. This tendency is decidedly ironic in the case of Thomas. He worked as surgeon during WWI and has taken to drinking himself to sleep in hopes of forgetting what he witnessed on the battlefield. Now that the war is over, Thomas works with British veterans suffering from shell shock using the "talking cure" in hopes of easing their return to civilian life. Despite the fact that Thomas witnesses the value of the "talking cure," he shares his wartime life with no one.
Louise has moved among different poor houses as both a resident and a worker. When the home for fallen women that she has become part of closes, Thomas offers her a room in his home—which came with his practice and is larger than he needs. There's no intention of seduction here. Just two individuals hiding from their pasts, each careful not to trespass onto the secret parts of one another's lives. Theirs is a companionship based on not knowing.
When three children disappear from Edinburgh poor houses, and one is soon found murdered, Thomas finds himself pulled into the investigation, first for his medical knowledge, and later in defense of Louise who has become a suspect. Thomas wrestles with his demons, drinks, and talks with veterans, including a new patient who is clearly lying to him and whose affect makes him deeply uneasy. Louise manages her anxiety by working as an assistant housekeeper at a local boys' school—and is dismissed the moment she comes under suspicion.
Part of the pleasure of the plotting here is that because Thomas and Louise are so determinedly closed off, the reader actually has more knowledge of these crime—and of their own lives—than either of them do. Readers can see the places where puzzle pieces might be slotted together, but aren't, and must wait anxiously for the two of them to catch up with the truth of their own lives and the truth behind these crimes.
If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly mysteries, and appreciate interesting plotting, you'll want to read All We Cannot Leave Behind.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
March 14, 2024
A really great read! Full of suspense and suspicion, gritty with a little gore, and a well written fictionalised version of true crime. Also, love getting to read a book set in Scotland!
March 20, 2024
I previously enjoyed very much ‘The Barra Boy’ by Iain Kelly,and so was delighted to be given the opportunity of reading an advance copy of his latest book ‘All We Cannot Leave Behind’.
Set around events in 1920,and some preceding years ,the story focuses on traumatised World War One veteran,Dr. Thomas Stevenson and the mysterious woman who lives with him.Their lives are turned upside down,when the police investigation into three children from the poorhouses of Edinburgh are reported as missing.
At first I felt that I might struggle to enjoy this story due to the era it is set in,as historical fiction is not normally my preferred genre.I was very pleasantly surprised that the narrative quickly grabbed my interest .The main characters were very sympathetically drawn and I felt drawn into the unfolding events of the situations they found themselves.Ultimately an exciting,and absorbing tale,told in a incredibly compelling manner.
Set around events in 1920,and some preceding years ,the story focuses on traumatised World War One veteran,Dr. Thomas Stevenson and the mysterious woman who lives with him.Their lives are turned upside down,when the police investigation into three children from the poorhouses of Edinburgh are reported as missing.
At first I felt that I might struggle to enjoy this story due to the era it is set in,as historical fiction is not normally my preferred genre.I was very pleasantly surprised that the narrative quickly grabbed my interest .The main characters were very sympathetically drawn and I felt drawn into the unfolding events of the situations they found themselves.Ultimately an exciting,and absorbing tale,told in a incredibly compelling manner.
March 24, 2024
Iain Kelly’s best work yet!
The novel, set in Edinburgh after the First World War, is atmospheric and tense. The story leaps along with twists and turns keeping you glued to the page - It’s hard to put down. Well written, layered storytelling, along with expert plot and character building, makes it an absolute joy to read.
The novel, set in Edinburgh after the First World War, is atmospheric and tense. The story leaps along with twists and turns keeping you glued to the page - It’s hard to put down. Well written, layered storytelling, along with expert plot and character building, makes it an absolute joy to read.
April 13, 2024
A very Scottish novel based on real locations, and full of historical interest - places I know and places I now want to visit. I loved learning about Doctor W.H.R. Rivers and his “talking cure” therapy for shell shocked WW1 soldiers. Iain Kelly’s historical crime story kept me gripped and reminded me just how brutal life could be for early 20th century women.
July 30, 2024
Good Read
I enjoyed this book but even more so after reading the historical note at the end. This w in my queue too long, glad I finally read it. I look forward to the next book by Mr. Kelly.
I enjoyed this book but even more so after reading the historical note at the end. This w in my queue too long, glad I finally read it. I look forward to the next book by Mr. Kelly.
April 19, 2024
Wow! This latest offering by Iain Kelly really packs a punch!
Two protagonists, both pitiable, damaged, and yet strong.
The setting is the small suburban town of Liberton, just three miles from the centre of Edinburgh.
Dr. Thomas Stevenson is a veteran of WWI and he is deeply traumatized by the events and the suffering that he witnessed during his time as an army surgeon. Home now, he endures his days, has nightmares, and drinks to excess.
Louise is a young woman who shares Dr. Stevenson's house. They are friends only, and not in a relationship - yet they are both frowned upon for their living arrangements. It is the year 1920. A time when social mores were vastly different than they are today. Thomas and Louise have an amenable arrangement, yet they do not share their deeply troubled pasts with each other. Both of them are secretive about their former lives...
When three babies go missing from local poorhouses, Louise is put under suspicion. Fearful that her unsavory past will come to light, she flees. Thomas, intuiting that Louise must be innocent and would never harm a child, seeks to find her - and the person who is doing these terrible abductions.
Meanwhile, the reader is made privy to different snippets in the life of a young red-headed woman named Jessie. A woman who spent years living in the poorhouses of the city.
The author has accurately portrayed the patriarchal society as it was in 1920 and the years leading up to it. A time when society as a whole was run by men who had the power in all aspects of life. A time when there were no systems in place to provide for the very poor, the homeless, the destitute.
The book had a steady pace that increased near its suspense-filled denouement. The descriptive passages brought the setting and mood of the novel vividly to life.
I'm certain that readers who enjoy well-researched historical crime fiction will enjoy this title immensely.
4.5 stars rounded up
Two protagonists, both pitiable, damaged, and yet strong.
The setting is the small suburban town of Liberton, just three miles from the centre of Edinburgh.
Dr. Thomas Stevenson is a veteran of WWI and he is deeply traumatized by the events and the suffering that he witnessed during his time as an army surgeon. Home now, he endures his days, has nightmares, and drinks to excess.
Louise is a young woman who shares Dr. Stevenson's house. They are friends only, and not in a relationship - yet they are both frowned upon for their living arrangements. It is the year 1920. A time when social mores were vastly different than they are today. Thomas and Louise have an amenable arrangement, yet they do not share their deeply troubled pasts with each other. Both of them are secretive about their former lives...
When three babies go missing from local poorhouses, Louise is put under suspicion. Fearful that her unsavory past will come to light, she flees. Thomas, intuiting that Louise must be innocent and would never harm a child, seeks to find her - and the person who is doing these terrible abductions.
Meanwhile, the reader is made privy to different snippets in the life of a young red-headed woman named Jessie. A woman who spent years living in the poorhouses of the city.
The author has accurately portrayed the patriarchal society as it was in 1920 and the years leading up to it. A time when society as a whole was run by men who had the power in all aspects of life. A time when there were no systems in place to provide for the very poor, the homeless, the destitute.
The book had a steady pace that increased near its suspense-filled denouement. The descriptive passages brought the setting and mood of the novel vividly to life.
I'm certain that readers who enjoy well-researched historical crime fiction will enjoy this title immensely.
4.5 stars rounded up
July 4, 2024
Very interesting book taking place in Scotland. A Doctor that moves to a small town, invites a lone single woman (with a past she doesn't want to share) to reside in his extra room as she doesn't have much money. She begins to work at a school and then is fired. She also helps the doctor when need be. The past that he harbors, as well as the past she carries, and the disappearance of 3 children in the town makes this book a very interesting read. Can we leave behind our past? or does it catch up to us in unexpected ways?
April 2, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
In the shadowed alleys of 1920s Edinburgh, Iain Kelly weaves a haunting tapestry of mystery, trauma, and secrets in his novel, "All We Cannot Leave Behind." With a backdrop of post-war melancholy and the city's gritty underbelly, this book grips your heart and refuses to let go.
Kelly's prose is like a fog rolling in from the North Sea, enveloping the reader in the damp, cobbled streets of Edinburgh. His descriptions are vivid, painting a canvas of authenticity. You can almost smell the rain-soaked woolens and hear the distant echoes of footsteps on cobblestones. The city itself becomes a character, whispering its own secrets.
Dr. Thomas Stevenson, the haunted protagonist, is a man scarred by the horrors of World War I. His fragile psyche is tested when three children vanish from the city's poor houses. As he delves into the investigation, he uncovers layers of deception, betrayal, and a woman with a mysterious past. The enigmatic woman, living under his roof, holds the key to both the missing children and her own dark secrets.
Kelly's writing tugs at your heartstrings. The trauma of war lingers in every sentence, and the weight of loss hangs heavy. As the story unfolds, you'll feel the ache of longing, the desperation of a city scarred by conflict, and the fragile hope that redemption is possible.
The plot twists and turns like the narrow closes of Edinburgh. Suspicion shifts from one character to another, keeping you guessing until the final revelation. Kelly masterfully balances suspense with emotional depth, leaving you breathless. A riveting whodunit.
In the shadowed alleys of 1920s Edinburgh, Iain Kelly weaves a haunting tapestry of mystery, trauma, and secrets in his novel, "All We Cannot Leave Behind." With a backdrop of post-war melancholy and the city's gritty underbelly, this book grips your heart and refuses to let go.
Kelly's prose is like a fog rolling in from the North Sea, enveloping the reader in the damp, cobbled streets of Edinburgh. His descriptions are vivid, painting a canvas of authenticity. You can almost smell the rain-soaked woolens and hear the distant echoes of footsteps on cobblestones. The city itself becomes a character, whispering its own secrets.
Dr. Thomas Stevenson, the haunted protagonist, is a man scarred by the horrors of World War I. His fragile psyche is tested when three children vanish from the city's poor houses. As he delves into the investigation, he uncovers layers of deception, betrayal, and a woman with a mysterious past. The enigmatic woman, living under his roof, holds the key to both the missing children and her own dark secrets.
Kelly's writing tugs at your heartstrings. The trauma of war lingers in every sentence, and the weight of loss hangs heavy. As the story unfolds, you'll feel the ache of longing, the desperation of a city scarred by conflict, and the fragile hope that redemption is possible.
The plot twists and turns like the narrow closes of Edinburgh. Suspicion shifts from one character to another, keeping you guessing until the final revelation. Kelly masterfully balances suspense with emotional depth, leaving you breathless. A riveting whodunit.
February 28, 2024
This is an outstanding novel, written by an author who is fast becoming one of the best writers working in Scotland today.
I was hooked from the opening scenes on the canal near Castlecary, and the author's dark and skilled portrait of Edinburgh and its suburbs, in the years before and after the Great War.
I found reading the story of Louise and Thomas as touching and affecting as the acclaimed 'Human Traces' by Sebastian Faulks. Here are characters and places overwhelmed by poverty; a society lacking in charity, and the constant fight against hunger, mental illness and homelessness.
This is a moving and challenging book, highlighting the status of women in a world still trying to recover from the horrors of war. Iain Kelly follows in the esteemed footsteps of Charles Dickens by using his fiction to bring attention to the social problems of the era. He writes with a compassionate and honest voice.
I was hooked from the opening scenes on the canal near Castlecary, and the author's dark and skilled portrait of Edinburgh and its suburbs, in the years before and after the Great War.
I found reading the story of Louise and Thomas as touching and affecting as the acclaimed 'Human Traces' by Sebastian Faulks. Here are characters and places overwhelmed by poverty; a society lacking in charity, and the constant fight against hunger, mental illness and homelessness.
This is a moving and challenging book, highlighting the status of women in a world still trying to recover from the horrors of war. Iain Kelly follows in the esteemed footsteps of Charles Dickens by using his fiction to bring attention to the social problems of the era. He writes with a compassionate and honest voice.
February 28, 2024
This is an outstanding novel, written by an author who is fast becoming one of the best writers working in Scotland today.
I was hooked from the opening scenes on the canal near Castlecary, and the author's dark and skilled portrait of Edinburgh and its suburbs, in the years before and after the Great War.
I found reading the story of Louise and Thomas as touching and affecting as the acclaimed 'Human Traces' by Sebastian Faulks. Here are characters and places overwhelmed by poverty; a society lacking in charity, and the constant fight against hunger, mental illness and homelessness.
This is a moving and challenging book, highlighting the status of women in a world still trying to recover from the horrors of war. Iain Kelly follows in the esteemed footsteps of Charles Dickens by using his fiction to bring attention to the social problems of the era. He writes with a compassionate and honest voice.
I was hooked from the opening scenes on the canal near Castlecary, and the author's dark and skilled portrait of Edinburgh and its suburbs, in the years before and after the Great War.
I found reading the story of Louise and Thomas as touching and affecting as the acclaimed 'Human Traces' by Sebastian Faulks. Here are characters and places overwhelmed by poverty; a society lacking in charity, and the constant fight against hunger, mental illness and homelessness.
This is a moving and challenging book, highlighting the status of women in a world still trying to recover from the horrors of war. Iain Kelly follows in the esteemed footsteps of Charles Dickens by using his fiction to bring attention to the social problems of the era. He writes with a compassionate and honest voice.
March 13, 2024
Iain Kelly is a new author for me and I plan to read the famous Barra Boy book next. He writes beautifully. I'd describe this book as a historical literary thriller that's worth the bit of effort necessary to read. There were times when I picked up a "lighter '' book as a palate cleanser. There’s quite a bit of dark in this particular book. Dual timelines, set in Edinburgh in 1905 and 1920, it also tackles some tough topics that are still timely. We have two very interesting and extremely tortured characters that this reader fell for and part of what kept me reading was rooting for their happy ever after. I appreciated the education on early shell shock treatments and other history lessons. I thought the ending was perfectly hopefully without being exactly happy. Thanks to Net Gally, the author and publisher for the ARC and I look forward to more from this highly talented author.
March 1, 2024
All We Cannot Leave Behind by Iain Kelly is an emotive read and had my heart aching.
Two years after WWI Dr Thomas Stevenson is back in Edinburgh, suffering from shell shock and trying to rebuild his life but he is called to assist the police when a body is found and that is only the beginning of his troubles
Iain Kelly is able to draw the reader into a powerful, dark, all-encompassing narrative. Kelly writes with a brutal honesty that is all at once gritty and gentle, hard-hitting and empathetic. A very well researched and unique storyline that is truthful to the huge social divides of the era
Thank you to Netgalley, The Book Guild and the author Iain Kelly for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Two years after WWI Dr Thomas Stevenson is back in Edinburgh, suffering from shell shock and trying to rebuild his life but he is called to assist the police when a body is found and that is only the beginning of his troubles
Iain Kelly is able to draw the reader into a powerful, dark, all-encompassing narrative. Kelly writes with a brutal honesty that is all at once gritty and gentle, hard-hitting and empathetic. A very well researched and unique storyline that is truthful to the huge social divides of the era
Thank you to Netgalley, The Book Guild and the author Iain Kelly for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 14, 2024
An Atmospheric, dark and rather haunting read from Iain Kelly.
All We Cannot Leave Behind is a superb character focused historical mystery that really draws you in and holds you tight as the stories of Louise and Thomas are laid bare.
The crimes itself focus on children going missing from
The Poorhouses and the mystery is well plotted but for me the real star of the show in this book are the two main characters and how Iain Kelly allows them to grow and build through the story.
A really gripping read, a book I probably didn’t expect to enjoy quite so much as I did. And a book that will lead me to read the others from a very talented writer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All We Cannot Leave Behind is a superb character focused historical mystery that really draws you in and holds you tight as the stories of Louise and Thomas are laid bare.
The crimes itself focus on children going missing from
The Poorhouses and the mystery is well plotted but for me the real star of the show in this book are the two main characters and how Iain Kelly allows them to grow and build through the story.
A really gripping read, a book I probably didn’t expect to enjoy quite so much as I did. And a book that will lead me to read the others from a very talented writer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 20, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this historical crime fiction. Once I started reading this I couldn’t put it down. Ian has tackled many issues from that time and it’s clearly a well researched novel. It’s set in the 1920s and we come across abject poverty, the treatment of women who were sadly left with children they couldn’t bring up on their own. We are also informed of the deeply psychological impact the 1st World War had on people who came back from the trenches. I really liked the relationship between Dr Stevenson and Louise/Jessie
My goodness Duncan was despicable.
I highly recommend this historical crime thriller.
My goodness Duncan was despicable.
I highly recommend this historical crime thriller.
June 25, 2024
Recently finished reading this one for the second time and remembered that it's a great read. Already a fan of the author, I waited for this one's release in Feb. The story, the characters and the historical points never disappoint. Coming from a social service background, it was fascinating to delve into the progress -- and lack thereof -- in services available to our most vulnerable. Kelly hits the mark straight on, reminding us that even a century later things have not improved enough.
July 25, 2024
All We Cannot Leave Behind is an amazing historical fiction/crime that tells a gripping and atmospheric story set in 1920 Edinburgh. It's very well written and the story hooks you right from the beginning. It's one of those books that transports you through the pages and drops you right in the middle of the story, it feels like you're there part of it, living and breathing the story. That's how fantastic the writing is! Would highly recommend!
April 3, 2024
The inclusion of a character suffering shell shock after WWI made this a fascinating read, adding a layer of depth and emotion which made and already strong story even more engaging and moving. I enjoyed being transported back in time to the post-war era, and found both context and characters very credibly presented. It’s a really good mystery, too, and well written.
August 14, 2024
Really liked this book, living in Liberton it was bought for me as a gift and the setting being at once familiar but so drastically different was enjoyable. The characters were engaging and I particularly enjoyed the theme of mental illness around 100 years ago and the sympathetic approach the author has taken - in one way or another appearing to impact most of the characters we meet.
March 31, 2024
A gripping tale of possible murder, missing children and a kidnapping.
Iain Kelly has created a fascinating taste of the little town of Liberton on the cusp of being consumed by the big city. This tale spans a period of about fifteen years, from 1905 to 1920 and is set during and after the First World War. It focuses on individual recovery, PTSD and depression in ex-soldiers to poor and destitute women struggling to survive in a world that doesn’t want poor, desperate, single mothers to survive. It is also about two people who come together after suffering through their own horrible experiences to find friendship and perhaps a little more. More importantly they find someone to care about – to the point of saving each other’s lives. The mystery of the missing children deepens into an investigation into murder and then rockets into a race to save the life of the third missing child.
Iain Kelly has a fabulous writing style that quickly draws you into the story and into caring about the characters. I found myself unable to put the book down, drawn into the mystery and the backstory of how these characters came to be in the circumstances they found themselves to be in. The sprinkles of history and detailed descriptions of war, buildings, hospitals, inns and other locations truly brings the tale to life in a gritty, realistic way. The plot twists and turns and keeps you hooked. The drama builds beautifully into a heart pounding ending. If you like a bit of history and a lot of mystery then you will thoroughly enjoy this story.
Iain Kelly has created a fascinating taste of the little town of Liberton on the cusp of being consumed by the big city. This tale spans a period of about fifteen years, from 1905 to 1920 and is set during and after the First World War. It focuses on individual recovery, PTSD and depression in ex-soldiers to poor and destitute women struggling to survive in a world that doesn’t want poor, desperate, single mothers to survive. It is also about two people who come together after suffering through their own horrible experiences to find friendship and perhaps a little more. More importantly they find someone to care about – to the point of saving each other’s lives. The mystery of the missing children deepens into an investigation into murder and then rockets into a race to save the life of the third missing child.
Iain Kelly has a fabulous writing style that quickly draws you into the story and into caring about the characters. I found myself unable to put the book down, drawn into the mystery and the backstory of how these characters came to be in the circumstances they found themselves to be in. The sprinkles of history and detailed descriptions of war, buildings, hospitals, inns and other locations truly brings the tale to life in a gritty, realistic way. The plot twists and turns and keeps you hooked. The drama builds beautifully into a heart pounding ending. If you like a bit of history and a lot of mystery then you will thoroughly enjoy this story.
May 19, 2024
📣BOOK RECOMMENDATION.
I’ve just finished Iain Kelly’s latest release, “All We Cannot Leave Behind” and once again, it’s a page-turner! 📚✨
Having devoured all of Iain’s previous books, I can’t get enough of his captivating writing style. His vivid descriptions transport you through time, place, and emotions, igniting your imagination—everything a reader could wish for.
Set in 1920 with intriguing flashbacks, the narrative took some adjusting to, but it brilliantly immerses you into the mind and survival journey of the main characters. I struggled with the back and forward in time style at first but can see why it’s so essential to make this book another brilliant work.
⚠️ This book tackles dark themes and should be approached with caution if you're not in the best headspace. It’s a raw portrayal of an era when mental health was misunderstood (still an issue today in my opinion) and Iain navigates these issues with honesty, subtly critiquing and shaming those who lacked compassion.
Iain, thank you. The Barra Boy remains my favourite, but this book’s depth, character development, and theme exploration clearly took immense research and effort. Maximum respect. 🙌
#BookRecommendation #MustRead #HistoricalFiction #MentalHealthAwareness #LiteraryJourney #ReadingCommunity
I’ve just finished Iain Kelly’s latest release, “All We Cannot Leave Behind” and once again, it’s a page-turner! 📚✨
Having devoured all of Iain’s previous books, I can’t get enough of his captivating writing style. His vivid descriptions transport you through time, place, and emotions, igniting your imagination—everything a reader could wish for.
Set in 1920 with intriguing flashbacks, the narrative took some adjusting to, but it brilliantly immerses you into the mind and survival journey of the main characters. I struggled with the back and forward in time style at first but can see why it’s so essential to make this book another brilliant work.
⚠️ This book tackles dark themes and should be approached with caution if you're not in the best headspace. It’s a raw portrayal of an era when mental health was misunderstood (still an issue today in my opinion) and Iain navigates these issues with honesty, subtly critiquing and shaming those who lacked compassion.
Iain, thank you. The Barra Boy remains my favourite, but this book’s depth, character development, and theme exploration clearly took immense research and effort. Maximum respect. 🙌
#BookRecommendation #MustRead #HistoricalFiction #MentalHealthAwareness #LiteraryJourney #ReadingCommunity
March 12, 2024
Edinburgh 1920. The city is shaken by the abduction of three babies from local poor houses. Dr Thomas Stevenson, still suffering form his time in the trenches finds himself dragged into the investigation when a child's body is found in the quiet area of Liberton where he lives & has his small practice. Suspicion falls on Louise, the quiet woman that lives with him. Working with ex soldiers suffering from shell shock, he recognises the trauma she has suffered in the past but Thomas is convinced she is innocent of any involvement in the missing babies- but how far will he have to go to save her.
This was a well written book that captured the setting & the time well (I found it quite hard to return to the present day!) It held the interest throughout. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read or review this book.
This was a well written book that captured the setting & the time well (I found it quite hard to return to the present day!) It held the interest throughout. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read or review this book.
March 1, 2024
All We Cannot Leave Behind by Iain Kelly is an emotive read and had my heart aching.
Two years after WWI Dr Thomas Stevenson is back in Edinburgh, suffering from shell shock and trying to rebuild his life but he is called to assist the police when a body is found and that is only the beginning of his troubles
Iain Kelly is able to draw the reader into a powerful, dark, all-encompassing narrative. Kelly writes with a brutal honesty that is all at once gritty and gentle, hard-hitting and empathetic. A very well researched and unique storyline that is truthful to the huge social divides of the era
Thank you to Netgalley, The Book Guild and the author Iain Kelly for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Two years after WWI Dr Thomas Stevenson is back in Edinburgh, suffering from shell shock and trying to rebuild his life but he is called to assist the police when a body is found and that is only the beginning of his troubles
Iain Kelly is able to draw the reader into a powerful, dark, all-encompassing narrative. Kelly writes with a brutal honesty that is all at once gritty and gentle, hard-hitting and empathetic. A very well researched and unique storyline that is truthful to the huge social divides of the era
Thank you to Netgalley, The Book Guild and the author Iain Kelly for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 1, 2024
This is an emotional tale that deals with traumatic subjects with a tender but unflinching honesty.
Set in 1920s Edinburgh, and depicting the massive social inequality and prevalent attitudes towards women, the poor, and mental health with an authenticity that shines through, this is an interesting piece of work.
The characters of Thomas and Louise are well-drawn, and the reader is moved by their predicament, as well as the suffering of those in the poorhouse. Worth checking out, especially if historical novels are your jam.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Set in 1920s Edinburgh, and depicting the massive social inequality and prevalent attitudes towards women, the poor, and mental health with an authenticity that shines through, this is an interesting piece of work.
The characters of Thomas and Louise are well-drawn, and the reader is moved by their predicament, as well as the suffering of those in the poorhouse. Worth checking out, especially if historical novels are your jam.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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