Time to Read, Saraband Books and Lancashire Libraries are thrilled to invite you to the launch of  Donald S. Murray’s second novel, In A Veil of Mist. Donald will join us live, via Zoom from Shetland. This book launch is one of eleven literature events for the New Words Festival.

About the Author

Donald S. Murray was born in Ness in the Isle of Lewis. A teacher, author and journalist, his poetry, prose and verse has been shortlisted for both the Saltire Award and Callum Macdonald Memorial Award. Published widely, his work has also appeared in a number of national anthologies and on BBC Radio 4 and Radio Scotland. He lives and works in Shetland.

In a Veil of Mist is an exploration of the costs and fallout of warmongering and an exploration of a little-known incident – Operation Cauldron. In 1952 top-secret germ warfare experiments on monkeys and guinea pigs are taking place aboard a vessel moored off the Isle of Lewis. When a noxious cloud of plague bacteria is released into the path of a passing Fleetwood bound trawler, disaster threatens. Will a deadly pandemic be inevitable?

As the Women Lay Dreaming, Donald’s first book, is a novel of the Iolaire disaster. In the small hours of January 1st, 1919, the cruellest twist of fate changed at a stroke the lives of an entire community.

‘It is history brought to life through fiction, and when it is done in a manner as moving and beautiful as this it is invaluable.’ – Alistair Braidwood

In a Veil of Mist is published by Saraband Books on March 11th. As the Women Lay Dreaming is also published by Saraband and both books are available to buy on their website: saraband.net/books/

The New Words Festival is made possible through public funding from Arts Council England.