“Dark Loch” by Keddie Hughes is a gripping novel set in St Andrews and the Scottish Highlands. The story revolves around Effie McManus, an outsider who maintains distance from others. Her life spirals into chaos when her brother, Bruno, and his girlfriend, Monika, fall critically ill after eating poisonous mushrooms, leading to Bruno’s death.

Despite official conclusions of an accident, Effie, aided by Pavel, Monika’s brother, investigates the incident as murder. Their partnership, though mismatched, uncovers compelling evidence. Effie’s relentless pursuit of truth, despite Pavel and Monika’s withdrawal from the case, leads to unexpected and dramatic consequences. This dark, witty novel is a tightly woven narrative of sibling love, justice, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.