Meet the Authors: Doug Johnstone and Michael J. Malone

Doug Johnstone is the author of twenty novels, many of which have been bestsellers. The Space Between Us was chosen for BBC Two’s Between the Covers, while six of his books have been shortlisted or longlisted for the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year or the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Novel of the Year. Doug has taught creative writing or been writer in residence at universities, schools, writing retreats, festivals, prisons and a funeral directors. He’s also been an arts journalist for over twenty-five years. He is a songwriter and musician with ten albums released, and drummer for the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He’s also co-founder of the Scotland Writers Football Club. 

Follow Doug on Bluesky @dougjohnstone.bsky.social and Instagram @writerdougj, and visit his website: dougjohnstone.com.

Michael J. Malone is a prize-winning poet and author who was born and brought up in the heart of Burns’ country. He has published over 200 poems in literary magazines throughout the UK, countless articles, and sixteen novels.
His bestselling debut novel, Blood Tears won the Pitlochry Prize from the Scottish Association of Writers. 
A former Regional Sales Manager (Faber & Faber) he has also worked as an IFA and a bookseller. Michael lives in Ayr.

His next novel, The Cutting (Orenda Books) is the fourth in the critically acclaimed Annie Jackson mystery series, published in September 2026.

All welcome; however, content recommended for audiences age 14+ due to subject. No unaccompanied children under 14 years.