Edinburgh crime author Doug Johnstone has revealed he is recovering well after suffering a stroke.
The Portobello-based author has published 11 novels, the latest of which is A Dark Matter, part of the Skelfs series, a story based on three generations of women who take on the running of a family funeral business and private detective agency.
Johnstone, 49, who once designed radar and missile guidance systems, is also a musician who plays drums in the crime writers band Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. The spin-off band, which includes best-selling crime godmother Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Mark Billingham, Luca Veste and Stuart Neville played the Queen’s Hall in January and last year appeared at Glastonbury.
The father-of-two said: “Thought I should let you all know some unfortunate news – I had a stroke a week ago. Relatively minor but still a shock, as I don’t have any big risk factors. Recovery already going super well, and I’ll be taking it easy for a while, but hope to be fully fit soon enough.”
He has received hundreds of get-well messages, including encouragement from Rebus author Ian Rankin who messaged: “Stay strong Doug, hope to catch up with you soon.”
Best selling author Jenny Colgan added: “Oh Douglas! So glad to hear you’re on the mend, that’s dreadful” and Scotsman sports journalist and author Alan Pattullo, added: “Best wishes Doug, shocked to hear this. Glad the recovery is going well. Hope to see you on a football pitch somewhere soon.”
Star of the famous Scottish film Gregory’s Girl and actor turned crime author, John Gordon Sinclair, said: “Sorry to hear your news Doug. Hope you make a full and speedy recovery amigo. All the best.”
Originally from Arbroath, before his crime writing career Johnstone obtained a degree in physics and was awarded a PhD in nuclear physics. Described as “a master of the page-turning, heart-gripping, plot-driven tale” Johnstone’s 2015 book The Jump was short-listed for the McIlvanney Prize for Best Scottish Crime Novel.
Responding to the get-well messages, he said: “Thank you so much for all your love and encouragement in reply to this news. It’s been a wee bit overwhelming, to be honest, but it is so warming and truly appreciated.”
Stephen Rafferty is a former crime correspondent at The Scotsman and was a staff reporter for the Daily Record and Edinburgh Evening News. He has freelanced for many of the Scottish and UK national newspaper titles. Got a story? Get in touch - stephen@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
