The Captain of the Guard

"The Captain of the Guard" by James Grant is a historical fiction set in 15th-century Scotland, where the Earl of Douglas and his family navigate a web of political schemes. The book highlights themes of allegiance, desire for power, and deception amidst a troubled Scottish kingdom, showcasing characters like Sir Patrick Gray and the captivating Murielle Douglas. As the story begins in November 1440, the Earl of Douglas faces a summons to King James II's court, unaware of the deadly trap set by figures like Sir William Crichton and Sir Alexander Livingstone. The young earl's arrogance and the strained relationships within his family are early signs of coming troubles, heightened by the eerie presence of coffins symbolizing the doom awaiting the Douglas family; the historical details and complex characters craft a captivating start to a dramatic tale.