The Case of the Beth-el Stone

David Cairns of Finavon presents a rich and intelligently crafted historical mystery in The Case of the Beth-El Stone, the third novel in his Major Gask Mysteries series. Set in the 1860s and stretching from the colonial dynamism of Melbourne to the shadowy corners of Edinburgh, this gripping story combines historical intrigue, coded messages, and covert loyalties in a satisfying literary journey filled with atmosphere, intellect, and suspense.
Major Findo Gask, supported by his discerning associate Errol Rait, is pulled into a tangled conspiracy involving an elusive ancient relic, the Beth-El Stone. This mysterious artefact, rooted in Templar lore, carries with it the weight of secrets so powerful they could unravel the very fabric of the British monarchy. Their pursuit reveals coded texts, shifting allegiances, and a network of hidden agendas operating within secretive Masonic circles. What follows is a well-constructed, multi-layered investigation that unearths far more than either man expects.

Cairns’s grasp of historical detail is commendable. Rather than overwhelming the reader with data, he allows the period to emerge organically from the language, setting, and societal dynamics. His portrayal of religious influence, political undercurrents, and the ideological tensions of the time brings credibility and emotional weight to the plot. The blend of fact and fiction never feels forced, and his deft handling of narrative threads results in a novel that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The central figures are particularly well-drawn. Gask is neither flamboyant nor emotionally detached — instead, he’s a man of intelligence and measured insight, grounded by personal conviction. Rait provides a steady companion role, allowing for moral reflection and narrative balance. The relationship between them is marked by loyalty and mutual respect, with touches of dry humour that offer relief from the darker elements of the storyline.

Cairns also demonstrates a fine ear for language. He doesn’t simplify his vocabulary for the sake of accessibility, but rather writes in a way that respects the reader’s intelligence while crafting prose that flows cleanly and vividly. His scenes are cinematic, his descriptions precise, and his pacing confident. Each chapter opens intriguingly — with a few seemingly indiscriminate capitalised words that invite closer inspection. This choice, while unusual, adds to the novel’s sense of deliberate structure and originality.
Equally commendable is the physical production of the book. The publisher’s choice of pristine white, high-quality paper is a welcome departure from the more common cream, grainy stock, making each page feel pleasant to turn. The print size and line spacing further enhance readability, creating a more user-friendly experience. However, the decision to use grey ink rather than true black may present challenges for those with diminished eyesight — an unfortunate oversight in an otherwise well-considered design. That said, the striking and elegant cover design serves as a beautiful prelude to the mystery within, offering visual appeal before the first word is read.

Themes of secrecy, historical legacy, loyalty, and the cost of uncovering truth run through the novel. Cairns offers no simplistic resolutions; instead, he allows moral complexity and ambiguity to play out through the characters’ choices. This thoughtful undercurrent gives the story lasting resonance.

In sum, The Case of the Beth-El Stone is a sophisticated and satisfying addition to the genre. Through strong characterisation, historical insight, and elegant prose, Cairns has created a novel that is as rewarding as it is engrossing. It’s a polished, smartly packaged mystery that respects the reader on every level.

Melbourne, 1864. On the very first page of the book, Findo Gask avoids being shot by a would-be assassin by the merest fluke. It seems that Die Broederskap, a secret criminal society, has a contract out on him and his close friend, Errol Rait, a Sherlock Holmes type, to prevent them from testifying against two of their band. Gask and Rait decide to get out of harm’s way by travelling to Scotland, Gask’s homeland, accompanied by Mary Mitchell, who was also involved in an adventure that resulted in Die Broederskap’s thirst for revenge.

Their time in Scotland, however, is not a holiday, and very soon their investigative talents are put to the test when they are caught in the middle of a battle to the death between the TSD, the Topographical and Statistic Department, which was set up by the War Office to gather intelligence by fair means or foul, and the Knights Templar Lodge of the Freemasons, who have a secret they have been guarding for centuries and a promise to fulfil that would split the British Empire asunder.

The Case of the Beth-El Stone is Book 3 in the Major Gask Mysteries series but can easily be read on its own, although I intend to read books 1 and 2 (The Case of the Emigrant Niece and The Case of the Wandering Corpse) to learn how Gask and Rait came to investigate crime together.

The story is told in the first person by Gask, and although it has all the ingredients of a derring-do adventure story, Cairns has obviously done a lot of historical research and the details he includes are fascinating; it’s as if the reader is breathing the same air as Gask.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced historical thriller/adventure.