26/09/2026
Today we would like to introduce Olivia Bell Scottish Author and her debut novel, 'The Killer Case', a murder mystery set in and around Inverness. Olivia has always wanted to write a thriller based in the Highlands, having lived in the region for more than 40 years. As a former award-winning journalist, she's worked for the Highland News Group and Inverness Courier and in public relations roles. Latterly, she was a parliamentary assistant for two Highlands and Islands MSPs where she carried out case work, combined with media and research.
"I was determined to weave local politics into The Killer Case, as other books aspire to the higher echelons of government, ignoring the grass roots where, I would argue, a wealth of human interest and intrigue lies," she said. "My main character, Maggie Talbot, is ex-army intelligence and has retired to the Highlands. She becomes embroiled in the search for a missing parliamentary assistant whose belongings she discovers in a wood while walking her dog.
"Maggie is based on the women who served in the 14 Intelligence Company during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. She is strong and feisty, and I hope I have done her real-life counterparts justice."
One recent reviewer said: "This is a real page turner. It is so refreshing to read a book about the modern-day Highlands, not just kilts, heather and battles. The political aspect explores the work of a team behind a member of the Scottish Parliament and gives insight into the workings of a political party. Besides this, there is the crime element and the two combine to make a suspenseful narrative. I hope there will be a sequel."
