Novel set in eighteenth century Edinburgh launches this week
A Novel set in eighteenth-century Edinburgh launches this week at St Cecilia’s Hall, with music by previously unknown female composers performed for the first time.
Article Source: Black & White Publishing
Last Updated: 26 June 2024 14:40
Lucy Ribchester’s new novel, MURDER BALLAD (Black & White Publishing, £16.99 hardback), will officially launch on Thursday this week at St Cecilia’s Hall in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with musical performances of murder ballads, and classical music by the 18th century female composer Maria Barthélemon, some of which has rarely or never been performed in over 200 years, and was unearthed by Edinburgh-born Ribchester during her research for the novel.
Singer Ailsa Dixon will perform the murder ballad The Twa Sisters (also known as Binnorie O), and journalist Marcello Mega will read from Robert Fergusson’s poem Auld Reikie. Ciaran Walker will also perform pieces on the harpsichord by Maria Barthélemon, and author Lucy Ribchester will be in conversation on stage with Caraigh McGregor, before signing copies afterwards. The launch event has been kindly sponsored by Port of Leith Distillery and The Fudge Kitchen.
The launch venue of St Cecilia’s Hall – a key part of the city’s bustling arts scene in the late-1700s, and only a stone’s throw from the renowned modern-day arts hub that is the Royal Mile during festival time – was home to the prestigious Edinburgh Musical Society, and features in the opening scenes of Ribchester’s compelling, macabre tale of friendship and betrayal.
With Isobel Duguid at its dark heart, MURDER BALLAD tells the story of a street ballad singer who has risen to be the toast of the Edinburgh Musical Society. However when the true events behind her most famous murder ballad are called into question, her tale unravels into a labyrinth of deceit as twisty as Edinburgh’s Old Town geography.
It’s a novel rooted in meticulous research, musical knowledge and historical context, but brought to life through Ribchester’s compelling characters and edge-of-the-seat narrative.
About Lucy Ribchester:
Lucy was born in Edinburgh, and Murder Ballad will be her third historical novel. Her first, The Hourglass Factory, was selected by Waterstones Edinburgh as their Book of the Year, longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown and picked by Val McDermid for her New Blood panel at Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival.
Lucy has also received a New Writers Award from the Scottish Book Trust and a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship. Her short fiction has been shortlisted for the COSTA Short Story Award and the Manchester Fiction Prize.
As well as writing fiction, Lucy is a journalist and copywriter and has contributed to The Guardian, The Times, The List and the National Trust for Scotland. She reviews dance, circus and cabaret during the Edinburgh Festival and has published two contemporary thrillers under the name Elle Connel.
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Garner Hotels Debuts in Scotland with the Opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh in Haymarket
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the opening of Garner Hotel Edinburgh - Haymarket, a 195-room flagship hotel bringing a fresh energy to the city’s West End.
READ MORE
Edinburgh pupils discover the world of beekeeping with educational day at Fort Kinnaird
Pupils from local Edinburgh primary schools swapped the classroom for beekeeping as they had the chance to visit Fort Kinnaird’s thriving beehives for a day buzzing with educational fun.
READ MORE
Magic of Christmas set to make Edinburgh sparkle this Winter
Edinburgh started to unwrap its annual Christmas present, with the announcement of this year’s festive celebration dates and a first hint of what to expect this year.
READ MORE
Nicola Benedetti brings the Edinburgh International Festival to NHS Hospital with Live Performance
Edinburgh International Festival Director and Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti performed alongside guitarist Plínio Fernandes as part of a series of NHS Festival Sessions.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
How funkiest charity shop in Edinburgh is helping homeless
The Bothy Boutique in central Edinburgh is the retail arm of The Breakfast Bothy, a small grassroots charity supporting people in the community who are experiencing homelessness.
READ MORE
Five star campsite near Edinburgh named best in Scotland
Drummohr Camping and Glamping Site at Musselburgh was named Camping Site of the Year in the 2025 Scottish Hospitality Awards.
READ MORE
Fringe Happening at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
With the Fringe Festival right on the doorstep, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is once again hosting a fantastic array of shows and activities!
READ MORE
Newtongrange Primary School ends academic year on a high with prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award
Pupils at Newtongrange Primary School have even more reason to celebrate the end of a successful academic year, having just been awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award.
READ MORE
First Look inside newly refurbished Filmhouse cinema
Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse has today revealed images of its new screens and spaces ahead of its public reopening tomorrow Friday 27 June.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh
Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.
READ MORE
Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival
Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies
This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh
Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse
Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival
A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.
READ MORE
East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund
A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.
READ MORE
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.
READ MORE
Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.
READ MORE
EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films
Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards
Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.
READ MORE
Paint the town pink this summer
Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links