Fault Lines

Fault Lines by Doug Johnstone

Fault lines by Doug Johnstone is a slow burning yet intriguing thriller set in a reimagined Edinburgh, Scotland. I selected this title for the DandEreaders and Libraries at Dusk book club members for the month of May. The story was not what I expected when I chose it, but it turned out to be an interesting read.

The narrative centers around Surtsey Mackenzie, a young volcanologist, and her shocking discovery on the newly formed volcanic island of Inch. On a secret trip to meet Tom—her lover and her boss—she finds his lifeless body on the island. It’s impressive how the author takes one seemingly insignificant event (a love affair) and shows the avalanche of disaster it unleashes on everyone involved.

Fault Lines takes the reader on a vivid journey through Edinburgh, weaving together multiple storylines: the bustle of everyday life, beautiful beaches, love, loss, illness, and the tremors—both literal and emotional—caused by the volcanic island of Inch. It’s beautiful yet surreal. While I appreciated the author’s effort to recreate life through these intertwined narratives, at times it felt like there was too much going on, which detracted from the murder mystery that is the story’s focal point.

The novel features vivid portrayals of complex women, with Surtsey at the center. Although she seems to be the cause of much of the turmoil, her kindness and love for her mother reveal a more compassionate side, contrasting with the chaos she’s created in her life. The story builds to a fast-paced, thrilling conclusion. However, given the events that unfold, readers may find the final twist—the revelation of the actual culprit—quite unexpected.

All in all, I enjoyed reading Fault Lines by Doug Johnstone and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mystery/thriller with a twist.
Fault Lines by Doug Johnstone is also available as an e-book and eAudiobook through OverDrive.

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