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• ​★★★★★ The Case of the Beth-el Stone by David Cairns of Finavon is a gripping historical mystery that weaves together gold rush-era Australia, Victorian Edinburgh, and a centuries-old conspiracy. Major Findo Gask and his sharp-witted companion Errol Rait find themselves fleeing a vengeful secret society, only to become entangled in an even greater mystery: a hidden secret with the power to reshape the British Empire. As they navigate a perilous world of coded messages, deadly assassins, and the shadowy machinations of a powerful Freemason Lodge, they must outwit both their pursuers and the British intelligence services. Richly researched and packed with real historical figures and events, this thrilling adventure combines the intricate deductions of Sherlock Holmes with the intrigue of a Dan Brown novel. The heart-pounding climax delivers twists that will leave readers breathless, making it an unmissable entry in the Major Gask series.  Author David Cairns has a clear passion for the era in which he sets this tale, offering detail and atmosphere in a historical thriller that captures the intrigue and grit of 19th-century Scotland. I loved the pacing and the way that the clues built impressive amounts of tension and unexpected revelations, making for a gripping mix of mystery, adventure, and conspiracy that keeps readers guessing until the very end and never fails to satisfy. There’s a fantastic internal logic to the story that’s grounded in real history. The characters also felt totally of their time, yet their sharp dialogue and witticisms bring them into a relatable space for contemporary readers. There’s plenty of meticulous research mixed with the thrilling fiction, making history come alive on every page. Major Gask is a detective that mystery fans everywhere are sure to fall for. Overall, The Case of the Beth-el Stone is a recommend read perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes and historical thrillers. Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

• ​★★★★★ A Captivating Mystery with beautiful imagery.  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.  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.
  Reviewed by Leanne Caune < GLAM Adelaide