Doug Johnstone
About the book:
Sitting in the departure lounge of Kirkwall Airport, Finn Sullivan just wants to get off Orkney. But then he meets the mysterious and dangerous Maddie Pierce, stepping in to save her from some unwanted attention, and his life is changed forever.
Set against the brutal, unforgiving landscape of Orkney, Crash Land is a psychological thriller steeped in guilt, shame, lust, deception and murder.
My thoughts:
Doug Johnstone delivers a thrilling, atmospheric masterpiece with Crash Land, blending Scottish Noir with a gripping tale of betrayal, intrigue, and the unforgiving beauty of Orkney. As someone who has lived and traveled through Orkney, I was struck by how vividly Johnstone captures the stark, windswept landscapes, making me feel like I was right back there.
The story begins innocuously enough, with art student Finn Sullivan waiting for a delayed flight at Kirkwall Airport. But things quickly spiral when he steps in to defend the mysterious Maddie Pierce from the unwelcome advances of an oil worker. This fateful decision triggers a relentless chain of events that leads to a horrifying plane crash, murder, and a dark web of lies Finn must untangle if he hopes to survive.
Johnstone’s talent lies not just in his fast-paced plot but in the deep emotional core he gives his characters. Finn is an ordinary guy thrust into extraordinary circumstances, making poor choice after poor choice as he grapples with trust, guilt, and the intoxicating pull of Maddie.
The author masterfully explores how one moment can change everything, showing the fragility of human decisions when confronted with disaster.
The island of Orkney is more than a backdrop here—it’s a character in itself. The winter cold, isolation, and wild beauty create a claustrophobic tension that mirrors Finn’s inner turmoil.
Johnstone’s writing makes you feel the biting wind, the perilous cliffs, and the bleakness of long, dark nights. For those familiar with the islands, the detailed description of its rugged, haunting landscape adds another layer of depth to this already riveting story.
While Crash Land is a breathless ride packed with twists and turns, Johnstone never sacrifices character for plot.
A taut, heart-pounding thriller, Crash Land will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the final page. This is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone looking to get lost in the beautiful, brutal world of Orkney.
and more…
The Author, Doug Johnstone can be found online at DougJohnstone.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Threads
This book was published by Faber & Faber and can be found online at Faber.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
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