In 14th Century Scotland, amidst the wars of independence, hatred, murder and betrayal are commonplace. People are driven to extraordinary lengths to survive, whilst those with power exercise it with cruel pleasure.
Royal Prince Alexander Stewart, son of King Robert II and plagued by rumours of his illegitimacy, becomes infamous as the Wolf of Badenoch, while young Andrew Christie commits an unforgivable sin and lay Brother Brodie Affleck in the Restenneth Priory pieces together the mystery that links them all together.
From the horror of the times and the changing fortunes of the characters, the legend of the Bogeyman is born and Craig Watson cleverly weaves together the disparate lives of the characters into a compelling and gripping historical mystery that will keep you gripped throughout.
The Bogeyman Chronicles is based on genuine historical figures and events, as well as legend and folklore. It is a shadowy medieval mystery set in the period after William Wallace and Robert the Bruce and a historical reminder of Scotland's enduring constitutional struggle with itself and with England.
A scribe, a merchant, an earl, of late
A fiery star summons their fate
The mother hag will swear, forsooth
A half-blind man will see the truth
A bogle-man, a Wolf begetter
Slay a son to save a daughter
1327: 6 year old Brodie Affleck, gong scourer at Edzell Castle arrives at Restenneth priory, to become a lay brother and scribe. Arriving with nothing but a scrap of parchment bearing an enigmatic prophecy, Brodie must piece together the mysteries that link him to two of the most infamous men Scotland has ever known.
1335: young Andrew Christie watches in terror as his family and farm are torched by Andrew de Moray's soldiers. Friendless and alone, Christie and his brother must do whatever it takes to eat and stay alive - even committing an unforgivable sin.
1343: Alexander Stewart, third son of King Robert II, is born amidst persistent rumours of bastardy. Spoilt, barbaric and cruel, Stewart becomes infamous as the Wolf of Badenoch, whose savagery will touch the lives of thousands.
Over 80 years the lives of three men are inextricably entwined, and through their hatreds, murders and betrayals the legend of Christie Cleek, the bogeyman, is born.
