Cruel is the Snow is an account of the Massacre of Glencoe. The story is through the eyes of a fictional resident, Annella MacDonald. Though she is the only fictional character in the story, all events described are based on eye witness accounts, court transcripts, and official records. The events described actually happed, and the perpetrators were guilty of the most serious crime to the people of Scotland.

The crime of 'Murder under Trust' is committed when the killer turns, without warning, on guests or friends who have shown them deep hospitality. Those guilty can expect to be totally ostracized by their fellow country; this condemnation is handed down from generation to generation. Even today, there is little trust between the MacDonald and the Campbell Clans. 'Cruel is the Snow' is, by necessity, a violent and shocking novel which makes portions of disquieting reading, but I believe it is a history that should never be forgotten.