Denise Mina: Treason and Plot

Things just get better and better for Denise Mina. Her novels have twice been Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Novels of the Year, and recently The Less Dead was shortlisted for the Costa Novel of the Year. Now the Glasgow-based author has looked to a notorious event in Scottish history for inspiration. Rizzio is a deliciously dark novella that reimagines and retells the story of a friend and ‘confidant’ (AKA secret lover) of Mary Queen of Scots, David Rizzio. In the febrile rooms of Holyrood Palace in March 1566, Rizzio is murdered in front of a pregnant Mary, the victim of a plot by her husband Henry Lord Darnley. What does Darnley hope to achieve by this vicious multiple stabbing, and what consequences will it have for the monarchy? Mina’s novella is the first in a new series called Darkland Tales, books which retell myths and legends from history for a modern audience. Mina joined us live at the 2021 Edinburgh International Book Festival for the launch of her book and a conversation about her new series.