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Jacobite Chronicles
Dealing in Treason
Confessing to a murder and a high risk invitation. It has been an interesting day.
When a member of a notorious smuggling gang attempts to blackmail him, Alex MacGregor has no option but to kill the man in cold blood. Being the person he is he feels honour-bound to explain the reason for his deadly action to the gang’s leader, unsure of the reaction his confession will provoke.
The last thing he expects is to be invited to take part in an illegal, dangerous but highly lucrative venture. Bored and restless in his current lifestyle, Alex agrees, but has no idea of the dramatic consequences his impulsive decision will have, both for him and his clan.
When a member of a notorious smuggling gang attempts to blackmail him, Alex MacGregor has no option but to kill the man in cold blood. Being the person he is he feels honour-bound to explain the reason for his deadly action to the gang’s leader, unsure of the reaction his confession will provoke.
The last thing he expects is to be invited to take part in an illegal, dangerous but highly lucrative venture. Bored and restless in his current lifestyle, Alex agrees, but has no idea of the dramatic consequences his impulsive decision will have, both for him and his clan.
- GenresHistoryHistorical
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2022
45 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Julia Brannan
17 books334 followersJulia has been a voracious reader since childhood, using books to escape the miseries of a turbulent adolescence. After leaving university with a degree in English Language and Literature, she spent her twenties trying to be a sensible and responsible person, even going so far as to work for the Civil Service for six years.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 25, 2025
I loved this novella - which was actually longer than some books. It addressed unanswered questions from the first book in the series (Mark of Duplicity). A really great read. If you’re thinking of reading this book, I highly recommend starting with the first in the series. That will give this book more meaningful context and you’ll meet these characters and other important ones.
August 9, 2023
Filled in the Missing Pieces
I loved this addition to the series, wish Julia keeps them coming!
The first time I read Mask of Duplicity there were definitely gaps I walked away with - such as where did he get the silk for Caroline, how did Jeannie get away with betraying the clan under Kennedy's watchful eye and how much back and forth did Duncan really travel? I got most of my answers and delighted in just reading.
While it was an easy and fast read, I kept hoping we'd get to Alex's first impressions meeting everyone in London as well. How he met Caroline and Edwin, his first glimpse of Beth and when he fell for her. Here's hoping that story is still on the way!
I loved this addition to the series, wish Julia keeps them coming!
The first time I read Mask of Duplicity there were definitely gaps I walked away with - such as where did he get the silk for Caroline, how did Jeannie get away with betraying the clan under Kennedy's watchful eye and how much back and forth did Duncan really travel? I got most of my answers and delighted in just reading.
While it was an easy and fast read, I kept hoping we'd get to Alex's first impressions meeting everyone in London as well. How he met Caroline and Edwin, his first glimpse of Beth and when he fell for her. Here's hoping that story is still on the way!
October 23, 2022
6 years ago, I read all the Jacobites Chronicles, then the "tales" as they were published. About 3 weeks ago, I discovered a new "tale", The highlander's tale: Alex, and that too was wonderful and very moving so when looking around I found Julia had written a novella with most of the much-loved characters of her previous books, I was overjoyed. Normally, I don't like novellas as they are often too short for characters to be fully developed but at 274 pages, it was longer than some full-length novels and of course, I already knew all the characters! This novella fills a gap, describing events which had only been alluded to in previous novels, in particular what happened to Jeannie, Kenneth's wife. I just love this gentle giant! It also gives us insights into the world of smugglers and takes place several years before Culloden, so the clan is still at full strength. I hope Julia continues to write about the MacGregors and the people around them whether Sassenachs or Scots.
December 26, 2022
The Jacobite Chronicles is one of my favorite series so this was a nice addition to flesh it out, tho I would not recommend reading it before the series since it would spoil some of the characters identities that are a mystery in the first book.
The beginning of this was a little slow at first but didn’t take too long to really get you invested, especially after being invested in the characters in the main series. I think what makes this all so interesting to me is the sense of intense loyalty and sacrifice the men and women of the clan had for each other and the emotional fearlessness they all had.
The writing and historical description was also so well laid out that it wasn’t laborious but painted a fantastic scene.
The beginning of this was a little slow at first but didn’t take too long to really get you invested, especially after being invested in the characters in the main series. I think what makes this all so interesting to me is the sense of intense loyalty and sacrifice the men and women of the clan had for each other and the emotional fearlessness they all had.
The writing and historical description was also so well laid out that it wasn’t laborious but painted a fantastic scene.
October 10, 2022
wonderful
A wonderful addition to Julia’s Jacobite Chronicles, filling in a gap, of one of Sir Anthony’s absences, while giving you more insight into some of minor characters of the Chronicles. As with all Julia’s books it is a page turner, leaving you wishing there was more. Julia is an exceptional historical fiction author with a gift for drawing you into the storyline and giving you a personal connection with her fabulous character. I have read all Julia’s books and have love them all.
A wonderful addition to Julia’s Jacobite Chronicles, filling in a gap, of one of Sir Anthony’s absences, while giving you more insight into some of minor characters of the Chronicles. As with all Julia’s books it is a page turner, leaving you wishing there was more. Julia is an exceptional historical fiction author with a gift for drawing you into the storyline and giving you a personal connection with her fabulous character. I have read all Julia’s books and have love them all.
May 26, 2024
Filling in the Blanks
This book relates the story of what Alex and the McGregors are about while Beth is enduring the London social scene. The story fills in a lot of gaps and provides the first real glimpse of clan life before the third book in the chronicles. As with the rest of the books, the characters leap off the page and the reader sees what they see, smells what they smell, and feels what they feel. Definitely a keeper!
This book relates the story of what Alex and the McGregors are about while Beth is enduring the London social scene. The story fills in a lot of gaps and provides the first real glimpse of clan life before the third book in the chronicles. As with the rest of the books, the characters leap off the page and the reader sees what they see, smells what they smell, and feels what they feel. Definitely a keeper!
December 25, 2022
Reading a story by Julia Brannan is an emotional ride, her writing pull you into the story line until you feel you are a part of the characters. Her book series about the MacGregor clan is exceptional, and Ihighly recommend reading every book she has written. Julia Brannan is also very good at research and so much real history is to be found on every page.
August 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella it was even longer than some full-length books! It did a great job of answering questions left from the first book in the series (Mark of Duplicity). A truly enjoyable read. If you’re planning to pick this one up, I highly recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate the context and get to know the characters better.
October 13, 2022
Another winner for Julia!!
Julia has once again penned a winner! Her ability to draw you in to another place and time and feel what the characters are going through, never ceases to amaze me.
Julia has once again penned a winner! Her ability to draw you in to another place and time and feel what the characters are going through, never ceases to amaze me.
November 13, 2022
Another excellent novella by Julia Brannan. Set in the same proof as the Jacobite chronicles it explores more of the backstories to the main characters. Throughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book!
June 23, 2023
This filled in a few of the gaps of thing referred to but not explained in the series TJC with Mask of Duplicity being the first book. I would love to know more of what was going on with different people in this series.
January 31, 2024
The story continues!
I live this series! I'm so attached to the characters! The author is the kindest person as well. I now have to pause 3/4 of the way into the book. I need for there to be another book when I read the last page.
I live this series! I'm so attached to the characters! The author is the kindest person as well. I now have to pause 3/4 of the way into the book. I need for there to be another book when I read the last page.
March 21, 2025
These books are wonderful!
Being an Out lander fan, I was drawn to these books and found they explained much, giving more breadth and depth to the Jacobite rebellion. Her characters are amazing,wishing there was more
Being an Out lander fan, I was drawn to these books and found they explained much, giving more breadth and depth to the Jacobite rebellion. Her characters are amazing,wishing there was more
July 27, 2025
another Julia Brennan winner
Having read (twice) the whole series, this book filled in some of the gaps I didn’t know I was missing. It also gives an interesting insight on the smugglers and Gabriel Foley.
Having read (twice) the whole series, this book filled in some of the gaps I didn’t know I was missing. It also gives an interesting insight on the smugglers and Gabriel Foley.
October 19, 2022
I was thoroughly drawn into this story. It was a great & poignant addition to the greater series.
October 13, 2023
Excellent!
This book is outstanding, as are all of Julia Brandan’s books! I hope she writes more historical novels, she is a talented author.
This book is outstanding, as are all of Julia Brandan’s books! I hope she writes more historical novels, she is a talented author.
February 20, 2024
Wonderful addition to the main books. Gives us more details of the smuggling episode and more about one of my favorite characters, Kenneth.
February 2, 2025
Very good read. It filled in the gaps between the books. Starting on Book 2 now. I'm sure I will love it too. Great author.
February 20, 2025
How Does She Do This? How Can They Keep Getting Better?
Some of the best writing ever. The stories so unique, so well told, so riveting! Absolutely impossible to put down.
Some of the best writing ever. The stories so unique, so well told, so riveting! Absolutely impossible to put down.
January 22, 2026
This woman can not write a bad book!
September 2, 2023
loyalty and betrayal
The only thing I hate about Julia’s tales is when they end! I kept reading, expecting but needing to know what going to happen next. I feel a part of these stories like I’m there watching things as the enfold. The dedication to the leaders is so honest and well deserved that the natural chiefs come alive. More please.
Janie Ross
The only thing I hate about Julia’s tales is when they end! I kept reading, expecting but needing to know what going to happen next. I feel a part of these stories like I’m there watching things as the enfold. The dedication to the leaders is so honest and well deserved that the natural chiefs come alive. More please.
Janie Ross
September 4, 2024
I loved it! It's a good stand-alone story, but even better if you have read the other books & especially the first book of the Jacobite Chronicles Mask of Duplicity. This Novella takes place within a few months during the first book & focuses on Alex MacGregor & his Clan & family while Beth Cunningham & the other characters were in England doing their thing. It's exciting & historical & gives you all the feels! I truly recommend the whole series and the audible versions too. The narrators are fantastic! Dealing in Treason isn't on audible...yet, but I'm sure it will be at some point. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews