The Mysterious Case of The Stone of Destiny

The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny: A Scottish Historical Detective Whodunnit!
Author David Maule

Tippermuir Books ISBN 9781913836269

Paperback

‘A Gripping Historical Whodunnit’

‘The fate of the legendary Stone of Destiny, aka the Stone of Scone, remains one of the most abiding mysteries in Scottish history. Intrigue and controversy have surrounded this enigmatic artefact from earliest times to the modern day when this symbol of royal power was taken from Edinburgh to Westminster Abbey for Charles III’s coronation. But was that the original stone used to enthrone Scotland’s ancient kings, or a substitute? One of the points made in the book is that the original had a different shape.

Meticulously researched, The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny is a gripping historical whodunnit. David Maule leaves no stone unturned as he casts a forensic eye over the evidence. His fact-finding process – investigating its origins and background, scrutinising the witnesses and identifying possible suspects – comes to some surprising conclusions. Whether you agree with his verdict about the Stone’s final resting place, this incisive and entertaining inquiry is a must-read for those interested in Scottish history and for lovers of historical mysteries.’

David Maule has had a career in English language teaching, working in Sierra Leone, Turkey and Bosnia then Edinburgh College. During this time he wrote coursebooks and readers for learners of English. For 12 years he edited the About Language section of Modern English Teacher magazine. While working for Edinburgh colleges, for private language schools and the British Council, he gave talks and held classes on Scottish history and culture.

‘Meticulously researched, The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny reads like a gripping historical whodunnit. David Maule leaves no stone unturned as he casts a forensic eye over the evidence. His fact-finding process – investigating its origins and background, scrutinising the witnesses and identifying possible suspects – comes to some surprising conclusions. Whether or not you agree with his verdict about the Stone of Destiny’s final resting place, this incisive and entertaining inquiry is a must-read for those interested in Scottish history and for lovers of historical mysteries.’ Marie Macpherson, author The Knox Trilogy

‘The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny has been rigorously researched from both primary and secondary sources, yet it is presented in plain language as an objective and even-handed investigation, not unlike a contemporary detective novel, except that none of the characters are fictional and all of them have been dead for around 700 years. David Maule lays the case before us like an impartial advocate, leaving us, the jury, to form our own conclusions. The Mysterious Case of the Stone of Destiny is a compelling read – a page-turner – and will be enjoyed by professional historians and lay-readers alike. I loved it!’ Charles MacLean, MBE, author Spirit of Place: Whisky Distilleries of Scotland and Whiskypedia: An Introduction to Scotch Whisky