James Lewis Connor

An Engaging, Well-Executed Story

Reviewed: 01-12-24

Treasures of the Lochs is a very enjoyable and engaging story–a mélange of thriller, treasure hunt, fantasy, and historical fiction, all of which are pulled together by well-developed characters and beautifully described settings. One of the protagonists, Carter Porter, is deeply flawed and yet he has been created in such a manner that I found myself continuing to root for his personal redemption (which does come, albeit with a price as actions do have consequences). The other protagonist, Hassie Douglass, is an exuberant Scottish teenager who in some ways (particularly in putting the needs of her ailing grandfather above her own) seems to be the antithesis of Carter at the beginning of the story. She is responsible beyond her years, yet still filled with the enthusiasm of youth. One could easily see her as a companion of the Doctor (i.e., Doctor Who), cavorting across time and space in the TARDIS, helping others.

Initially, there are two separate storylines (Carter and Hassie), but eventually they are drawn together by the fabled Jacobite treasure. As their story develops, Hassie becomes, in many ways, a surrogate daughter to Carter, who after losing his own young daughter to SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) had spiraled into despair and alcoholism, costing him his career and potentially his marriage. Protecting her allows him to think beyond himself and puts him on the path of personal redemption (although this is, quite realistically, neither quick nor without numerous self-inflicted set backs).

The supporting characters (particularly those aligned with the protagonists, Royce and Carter’s wife, Mary) are well-developed, believable, and likeable. Their main adversary, Avery Darrow, is a very nasty piece of work, also deeply flawed, but well past the point of redemption.

The non-human characters, Scrounge and Fiogy (Nessie’s actual name), are also well-developed and become characters with whom one also becomes invested. When Scrounge is shot by the Russian henchman, it was so disturbing that I had to pause and continue the next day. I suspect that other readers/listeners may have also been deeply affected. However, this was not gratuitous violence as Scrounge’s return to health was an integral part of the narrative and would not have been as effective by a less intense situation.

The Scottish Highlands and its people are also a key part of the story. Hunter has done a outstanding job of describing the area and capturing the nuances of the land, as well as its people and their culture. When the Scottish police showed up at the castle with guns, my initial thought was “Wait a minute; police in the U.K. don’t carry guns”; however, a few lines later, it was revealed that this was an armed response unit, which is armed and deployed in situations such as a possible terrorist attack. His attention to detail (both physical and cultural) is masterly. The Author’s Note, which provided the historical facts underlying his story, was further evidence of his meticulous approach to researching and crafting this story.

As noted above, this was an enjoyable and engaging story, and is highly recommended. I hope that Hunter has another story to tell about Carter, Hassie, Mary, Royce, Scrounge, and (hopefully) Fiogy.

Laura Darrell’s narration (particularly the speech of the Scottish characters) was excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!