"Deep Moat Grange" by S. R. Crockett is a captivating blend of historical fiction and Scottish literature, transporting readers to the enchanting landscapes of 19th century Scotland. Set amidst the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside, the novel unfolds within the walls of the mysterious Deep Moat Grange, a Gothic manor house teeming with family secrets and intrigue. Crockett masterfully weaves a tale of adventure and romance, as the protagonists unravel the mysteries lurking within the ancient halls of the grange. Against the backdrop of rural life, readers are drawn into a world of aristocracy and privilege, where the allure of the past collides with the promise of the future. As the plot thickens with each twist and turn, the novel delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Through Crockett's evocative prose, Scotland itself becomes a character, its rugged beauty and untamed spirit infusing the narrative with a sense of timelessness and wonder. "Deep Moat Grange" is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the rich tapestry of Scottish literature, while offering readers an immersive journey into the heart of mystery and adventure.
Samuel Rutherford Crockett was a Scottish novelist who published under the pen name "S. R. Crockett". He was born on September 24, 1859, in Little Duchrae, Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, Galloway, as the illegitimate son of dairymaid Annie Crocket. His Cameronian grandparents nurtured him on the tenanted farm until the family relocated to Cotton Street, Castle Douglas in 1867 (later fictionalized as Cairn Edward). In 1876, he obtained the Galloway bursary at Edinburgh University, where he earned an MA. He began his journalistic career in 1877 to support his bursary by writing for journals. He left the university in April 1879 without receiving a diploma. From 1879 to 1881, he traveled throughout Europe as a tutor before returning to Edinburgh's New College to prepare for the ministry. The Crocketts had four children: Maisie Rutherford, Philip Hugh Barbour, George Milner, and Margaret Douglas, all of whom appeared in his children's stories. In 1906, the family relocated from Bank House in Penicuik to Torwood House in Peebles, but Crockett spent much of the year overseas and made frequent trips back to Galloway. In 1886, he released a volume of poetry under the alias Ford Brereton, titled Dulce Cor (Latin for Sweet Heart). Dulce Cor is a ruined abbey in Galloway. In the late 1880s, he was a regular contributor to The Christian Leader magazine, edited by W.H. Wylie.
