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Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite
The Ploughman’s Harvest by Gil Waugh is a historical murder mystery that spans generations and continents. Iain MacNiven is a Cabinet Minister in Canada’s government. When his house is burned to the ground in an apparent arson attack, questions are asked. Along with the couple’s young daughter who perished in the blaze, the body of the possible arsonist was also found among the ruins. With Iain in hospital suffering from severe burns, it is left to his wife, Carole, to search through the rubble for any precious possessions that may have survived. What she discovered were three letters written to Iain’s father that had the potential to destroy the legacy of wealth and success that Iain’s grandfather had built for the family since leaving the Isle of Islay, over a hundred years earlier. The letters cry out for justice, and Carole, determined to uncover the truth behind the accusations, hires the services of the Sandalwood Investigation Agency, a successful and discreet private detective agency.

The Ploughman’s Harvest is an extraordinary novel. Gil Waugh’s use of time periods and multiple perspectives makes this story an absolute page-turner. The novel reads like a memoir in parts because the research into the historical aspects has clearly been extensive. The diverse range of characters allows readers to be fully immersed in the action and the connections between them. What impressed me most is the novel’s sheer complexity and how the author manages to seamlessly weave the connections between the various characters, story arcs, and ultimate outcomes. I also appreciated the moral dilemma Iain MacNiven faced when confronted by the truth. I read a lot of historical novels, but few have had as much impact and brought me as much enjoyment as this one. I will definitely be seeking more of Mr. Waugh’s work in the future and highly recommend this book as one of the best I have read this year.

Book review of The Ploughman’s Harvest – Readers’ Favorite: Book Reviews and Award Contest

Brian Palmer review from Bowmore, Islay, Scotland Ileach Newspaper (October 16th, 2026)

Derek Dunn – Community Voice Newspaper – Kanata, ON

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

“BLOWN. AWAY. I loved this book. I read a lot of fiction, and The Ploughman’s Harvest is truly world-class. It’s one of those rare novels that completely pull you in and never let go.”

– Mike Wetmore – Those Canadians Media Group

“I cannot recommend The Ploughman’s Harvest, or indeed any of Gil Waugh’s novels, too highly. These are books to savour, impossible to put down, and all too soon finished. I look forward with great anticipation to whatever he writes next.”

– Dr. James Skinner, FRCPC

“The Ploughman’s Harvest is a genuine page-turner with historical authenticity and emotional depth. I read it far more quickly than I anticipated, and it is among the finest recent works of historical fiction I can remember reading.”

— Ruairidh Morrison, Solicitor and Senior Associate

“The Ploughman’s Harvest cultivates a journey through generational trauma and generational triumph while the Sandalwood Investigators look for the truths behind questions of what you should do and what you would do to succeed.”

– Tim Dall, IT Project Manager