The companions of Pickle

A meticulous detective work set against the turbulent aftermath of the Jacobite rebellions, this sequel follows a determined scholar as he re‑examines the mystery of “Pickle the Spy.” By combing through the Record Office, the British Museum and private family papers, he pieces together fresh clues that could exonerate or condemn some of Scotland’s most controversial figures. The narrative weaves together rigorous historical research with the suspense of a true‑crime investigation, inviting listeners to become part‑time archivists.

The book brings to life a vivid cast: the charismatic Earl Marischal, the conflicted Murray of Broughton, and the infamous Barisdale, each embodying the clash between loyalty and betrayal. Through vivid portraits and illustrated passages, the author also sketches the broader social upheaval that followed Culloden, hinting at how the collapse of the clan system reshaped Highland life. Listeners will be drawn into a world where personal honor, political intrigue, and the search for truth intersect in compelling, scholarly storytelling.