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49 pages 1 hour read

His Bloody Project: A Historical Thriller

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Graeme Macrae Burnet

His Bloody Project

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

300

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1860s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a historical crime novel about Roderick Macrae, a young Scottish farmer who commits a triple homicide in the mid-19th century. Presented through fictional historical documents and witness statements, the story explores contradictory perspectives on Roderick's character and motivations, as well as themes of free will, criminal behavior, and social inequality. This book contains graphic descriptions of violence and sexual assault.

Dark

Mysterious

Gritty

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

45,569 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a gripping historical crime novel that combines suspense with a deep dive into the social fabric of 19th-century Scotland. Readers commend its intricate character development and atmospheric setting. Criticisms include a slow pace and dense prose, which some found challenging. Overall, it's lauded for its originality and captivating storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read His Bloody Project?

A reader who enjoys His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet would be captivated by true crime, historical fiction, and psychological thrillers. Fans of In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood would find this book compelling for its intricate narrative and exploration of the human psyche.

4.0

45,569 ratings

73%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Roderick Macrae

A 17-year-old boy at the center of a legal trial, known for his exceptional intelligence and complex character, who narrates his perspective on events leading up to a controversial crime.

A crofter in the village of Culduie with a longstanding feud against the Macrae family, depicted as wielding authority with relish and animosity towards Roderick's father, John.

Roderick's father, described as emotionally withdrawn and obsessed with the belief that his hardships are divine punishment, struggling with the family's turmoil.

Roderick's sister, close in age and possessing a spiritual intuition, protective of Roderick and believing in predetermined destiny.

Book Details
Pages

300

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Scotland • 1860s

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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