Going Back Goes Forward: The Northern Hebrides

By Deryk Stronach

The late duke's lawyers tell an unsuspecting woman that she has inherited the lands and title of the Duchess of Comraich. She travels north during a storm from London with her half-brother Guido dei Angeli, in his beat-up ex-military Land Rover, to the ferry port that will take them to the duchy. Guido meets Maggie when she nearly drowns him. The ferry could not sail because of the storm, so they slept on the floor of a crowded hotel overnight.
Arriving on the main island, they are confronted by Fergus, who claims to be the duke. Believing them to be workers sent to renovate the castle, Fergus tries to ban them from the island, but Michelle points out that he is not the duke and that only the duchess has the right to say who can stay in the duchy. She does not say she is the duchess, as she wants to get the lay of the land before declaring herself.
While gathering provisions in the local store, Guido accidentally trips over Maggie's stepladder, causing flour-covered mayhem.
Michelle and Guido drive across the island to Castle Storm, where they meet Kathy and Henry, the housekeeper/cook and all-around handyman. They had worked for the late duke and wanted to stay on. Kathy is an excellent cook, and Henry knows many of the castle's secrets.
An old RAF Coastal Command seaplane base is in the bay beneath the castle, which also holds secrets Michelle will explore.
During a visit to the town, Guido is nearly beaten up due to a drunken verbal misunderstanding. Maggie deals with the situation and brings him to a safe pub, where they are introduced to some of the locals.
Michelle explores the castle, always looking for The Charter, a document confirming her right of inheritance.
Killer whales, ghosts and a shepardess who likes to spy on Guido while he takes his morning naked swim, add to the story.
Kenneth, the local florist, whom Michelle has grown fond of, helps Guido and Maggie search for The Charter and the treasure.
A luxury yacht asks for shelter in the harbour as another storm heads their way. On board are an A-list actor, a producer and a budding actress looking for film locations for a Scottish historical drama.
Without exposing herself, Michelle allows them to stay in the castle.
Kenneth, a volunteer with the RNLI, gets called to an incident at the island's main harbour.
When he leaves, Michelle goes with him not only as the duchess but as a former army bomb disposal officer.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FBMDKPB8
• ISBN13: 9798286156276
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.8"