A BEST-selling author will present a real-life Victorian murder in Cardross next week - in a unique event that will see the audience filling the role of the jury.
Writer Mark Bridgeman takes on the role of a judge and barrister to present the facts and evidence of a real-life murder case dating from the 16th century - but the audience will decide whether or not the accused person is guilty.
Following in his historian father's footsteps, Mark wrote a collection of true crime stories based on historic and infamous crimes in Perthshire. He released his first book, The River Runs Red, after years of research in 2019.
He also enjoys hosting his Trial By Jury events across the UK and at book festivals where he is fascinated about the decisions different audiences make whilst being part of a jury.
He told the Advertiser: "I was looking for an interesting way to promote the book when it first came out. There are always lots of authors at book festivals and it had me thinking about what I could do differently.
"I came up with this idea because lots of the stories I write revolve around court cases, so I thought why not present one of these cases as a trial?
"It gives people an idea of just how difficult it is to be a jury member, particularly in the era of the death penalty, because if you got it wrong and that person has already been executed then it is too late to do anything about it.
"It adds a level of responsibility especially as all the evidence in a Victoria case is what we would describe as circumstantial now. There was no DNA or CCTV in those days. "
However, Mark, who lives in Aberfeldy, felt it was important to give his work back as a piece of entertainment rather than just a talk to his audience.
"It is a really interesting piece of entertainment for the audience. It gets them to use their brain while learning about my book. When I hold these events everyone always gets into it,", he added.
"It takes me a long time to write these cases. My books tell the stories of true crimes, but I am fascinated with the social aspect, so I try and tell the reader what life was like in that era.
"When people who are taking part in my trial by jury events, they are always looking for hidden twists and plots because we watch so much TV now and they think real-life murder cases are going to be like that.
"Real-life murder cases are a bit grittier, sadder and their personal life is more mundane.
"I look forward to seeing everyone in Cardross and hope they can solve the case."
The event will take place on Thursday, March 14 at 7pm at Cardross Golf Club.
Mark will also be the first author to present one of his books as a 'Trial by Jury' in May at the Cromarty Crime and Thrillers Weekend, which will include bestselling author Ian Rankin among its hosts.
For more information about the event email Isabel at isabel.cullen@btinternet.com
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