Set in the Scottish Borders in 1678, John Burnet of Barns is the story of two young noblemen -- John Burnet, heir to the ancient house of Barns and the last in a long line of Border reivers; and his cousin, Captain Gilbert Burnet, a dashing but ruthless soldier of fortune.
Despite their family ties, an enduring rivalry develops between them, causing them to cross swords on more than one occasion. This smouldering feud swiftly becomes a matter of life and death when John travels to the Low Countries. In his absence, Gilbert Burnet seizes the opportunity to settle things once and for all, and John returns home to discover that he has been denounced as an agent of the Covenanters, outlawed, and deprived of his rightful inheritance.
A tale of honour and loyalty, betrayal and retribution, John Burnet of Barns is also a marvellous evocation of the Border country during the 'Killing Time' of the Covenanting period.