When We Were Killers 🪦🖤

By C.F. Barrington.

Dark academia at its finest, When We Were Killers is an intoxicating blend of history, folklore and obsession, set against the atmospheric backdrop of Scotland’s oldest university.

With its evocative prose and deeply immersive storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery, ancient legends and the blurred line between reality and myth.

Finn Nethercott arrives at St Andrews University as an outsider, quickly realising that privilege dictates who thrives in its salt-scented quadrangles. When he is drawn into an enigmatic circle of four history scholars obsessed with Scotland’s ancient past, he is swept up in their midnight rituals, wild adventures to forgotten castles and a perilous search for a long-lost hallucinogen.

But as Finn’s grip on reality begins to slip, he must ask himself—how far will they go in pursuit of knowledge, and at what cost?

One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of spirituality and cultural traditions. Through Finn’s journey, we experience a rich tapestry of influences, from Gaelic and Viking heritage to pagan and Christian beliefs. The author weaves these elements seamlessly into the plot, infusing the story with a sense of mystery and reverence for Scotland’s past.

The setting is utterly mesmerising. Mist-shrouded lochs, crumbling fortresses and the eerie, ancient corridors of St Andrews create a world where legends feel dangerously real. The characters are just as sharply drawn—witty, frustrating and complex, each harbouring their secrets. Their dynamics simmer with tension, making for a gripping and unpredictable read.

What begins as a tale of university friendships soon deepens into a dark exploration of obsession, power and the lure of the unknown. When We Were Killers is an atmospheric and haunting read that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to Andrew at Head of Zeus for running this book tour. The book is out now and available to purchase.

Buy the book here.

Buy the Kindle book here.

Support a local and independent bookshop and buy the book here.