Whereas Random, the first novel in this series focused on Detective Sergeant Rachel Narey, this one has police photographer Tony Winter in the main roWhereas Random, the first novel in this series focused on Detective Sergeant Rachel Narey, this one has police photographer Tony Winter in the main role. Rachel and Tony are romantically involved, although keep their relationship secret for professional reasons. Glasgow is being terrorised by a lone sniper and his targets are some of the city’s most infamous criminals. The media soon give him the moniker The Dark Angel and only thinly disguise their opinion that he is a hero vigilante doing what the police, so far, have failed to do. This is an investigation Rachel Narey is keen to be a part of, however, much to her chagrin, she is assigned the seemingly routine case of a murdered prostitute. However, it soon becomes obvious to her that somehow this murder is linked to the sniper case. Unbeknownst to the police, Winter is conducting his own investigation when he realises a couple of missing details in his photographs. In some ways this novel reminded me of Robert Pobi’s City Of Windows, although this novel was written several years before that. It is a well-constructed story with some memorable characters which keeps one guessing right until the end....more
The story begins with the now retired John Rebus being hired by his arch nemesis crime boss Big Ger Cafferty (now confined to a wheel chair) to find aThe story begins with the now retired John Rebus being hired by his arch nemesis crime boss Big Ger Cafferty (now confined to a wheel chair) to find a former associate Jack Oram, ostensibly to apologise, although Rebus has strong doubts about that. Meanwhile Detective Inspector Siobhan Clarke is in charge of an investigation into the corrupt goings on at Tynecastle Police Station, once ruled with an iron fist by Sergeant Alan Fleck who is now owner of a high-end used car business. In this she receives some often unwelcome assistance from Complaints Officer Malcolm Fox, who was the main protagonist in two earlier novels. In a way, this story has echoes of previous ones like Saints Of The Shadow Bible and In A House Of Lies, where Rebus’s previous associations with known criminals and dodgy police officers threaten to come back and bite him. In all it was a readable enough novel but, despite the dramatic and unresolved ending, I felt it didn’t really offer anything new. This is now the 24th novel in a series which has run for about thirty years. As the central character is now officially retired, I do feel it’s time for the series to follow suit....more
Craig Robertson’s debut novel is somewhat unusual, in that it is narrated by a serial killer. Known as “The Cutter” (the previously annoying, press-asCraig Robertson’s debut novel is somewhat unusual, in that it is narrated by a serial killer. Known as “The Cutter” (the previously annoying, press-assigned “Jock The Ripper” being abandoned), his victims seem to bear no relationship to each other; all male, but different age groups, professions, backgrounds etc. This makes it impossible for the Glasgow police to guess where he’ll strike next. For much of the book, the author manages to pull off the near impossible feat of making the narrator sympathetic. He has suffered a devastating tragedy in the past and none of his first four victims are particularly pleasant characters. This is the first novel of a series featuring Rachel Narey (here a Detective Sergeant), although for most of the novel she is just a name in newspaper reports and doesn’t appear in person until later on. The Cutter could have made a big mistake when he kills a drug dealer. The victim himself may be small time, but he has links to one of Glasgow’s biggest and most ruthless crime lords. Now The Cutter has two sets of people on his trail and the police could be the lesser of his worries. However, he could still be ahead of them all. He has obviously carefully planned things out beforehand and has a convenient fall guy in place, even before he begins his killing spree. This is a superlative effort for a debut novel and, although it ends rather sadly, that, all things considered, seems inevitable....more
This is an unusual police procedural in that the identity of the main villain – a serial rapist and murderer – is known from near the start of the novThis is an unusual police procedural in that the identity of the main villain – a serial rapist and murderer – is known from near the start of the novel. What grabs the attention is the way married couple Detective Inspector Rachel Narey and photo-journalist Tony Winter manage to independently gather enough information to attain a conviction. A near impossible task considering that the crimes date back more than twenty years. Throughout the narrative we get to share their frustrations as their attempts often result in dead ends. However, in the end, the villain’s hubris gets the better of him and a satisfying conviction is secured. I’m normally a bit dubious about novels featuring a husband and wife duo, but this seems to be one of the better ones....more
In his latest novel Chris Brookmyre manages to successfully combine two seemingly incompatible sub-genres of crime fiction: the classic English mysterIn his latest novel Chris Brookmyre manages to successfully combine two seemingly incompatible sub-genres of crime fiction: the classic English mystery of the inter war years and the modern hard-boiled L.A. Noir thriller. Miss Marple meets Harry Bosch. In this case the former is represented by Penny Coyne, a little old lady who has solved numerous crimes, much to the annoyance of local villains and embarrassment of Police Scotland. For the latter we have maverick LAPD homicide detective Johnny Hawke, always willing to bend the rules to uphold the law. In the first section of the novel, through alternating chapters, Penny manages to solve the murder of a local cake shop owner whose body was discovered in the confessional of the local church. She also receives an invitation to a posh wedding where she’s unfamiliar with both the bride and the groom. Meanwhile, in Hollywood, Johnny is attempting to solve a murder which the authorities are happy to write off as a suicide. In doing so his latest partner is killed and he only just escapes himself from a fire. He is then suspended and decides to follow his main suspect who just happens to be attending the same wedding Penny has been invited to. And that is where they eventually meet, but not before they encounter another murder disguised as a suicide. When it turns out even the police cannot be trusted, Johnny and Penny find themselves fugitives trying to solve three murders which, although two decades and continents apart bear remarkable similarities with casts of characters which seem to mirror each other. Once back in California they descend further down a rabbit hole where even their sense of reality is challenged. This was quite a long novel with a large cast of characters and numerous plot twists which strained the boundaries of the genre. However, the meticulous plotting and originality, interlaced with the author's trademark social observations and sense of humour, made it highly satisfying. Admittedly, there are several strong contenders but this could well be Chris Brookmyre’s finest novel to date. I’ll have to settle with awarding it five stars, although it deserves six....more
Marjorie has lived in the remote Scottish village of Kilgoyne for over twenty five years but is still considered an outsider. Twice every day she takeMarjorie has lived in the remote Scottish village of Kilgoyne for over twenty five years but is still considered an outsider. Twice every day she takes the same walk around the village in an anti-clockwise direction. Then, during her late morning walk she discovers local teenager Charlie McKee hanging from an old elm tree. However, when the police begin to investigate, it turns out that, although Charlie is definitely dead, someone saw him alive in the village over an hour later. When another village teenage boy goes missing, Marjorie becomes the prime suspect amongst the villagers and is subject to a tirade of abuse both in person and on social media. When Marjorie discovers the body of a teenage girl on a rock known as The Devil’s Pulpit the abuse ramps up further. We learn through flashback chapters that the deaths are somehow linked to a devil worshipping cult called Thelema and the disappearance of 17 year old Jenni Horsburgh in 1999. Somehow, Marjorie has to unravel the mystery to prove her innocence and discover the true killers. Mixing police procedural with historical accounts and supernatural elements, this is a highly original and thoroughly gripping thriller with the sort of protagonist one can root for all the way....more
After Tony McLean resigned from Police Scotland and the author began his new Constance Fairchild series, I feared it might be the end of this highly eAfter Tony McLean resigned from Police Scotland and the author began his new Constance Fairchild series, I feared it might be the end of this highly engaging series. Thankfully, that was not the case. When the bodies of three old men – all with criminal convictions and links to a local big time gangster – are found in ruined churches in different parts of Edinburgh, Tony is unofficially drafted in to assist the investigation; currently headed by Janie Harrison, who has been – temporarily, at least – promoted to Detective Inspector. As if the extra responsibility isn’t too much of a headache, Janie also has to deal with her new boss, Detective Superintendent Peter Nelson – an Aberdonian with a drink problem and wandering hands. However, she seems to have found a new ally in Cerys Powell, the latest mortuary assistant. The idea that the deaths are part of a turf war between rival gangs is thrown into doubt by some brief chapters dating from the early 1980s and cases of child abuse by – surprise, surprise – an Irish Catholic priest. It was a pleasure to get reacquainted with Tony, Janie, Madame Rose and the rest of the crew and a hint towards the end that there could be further installments made it all the more pleasureable....more
The latest adventure of DCI Karen Pirie takes place in 2020 during the first COVID lockdown. Karen is spending her confinement in boyfriend Hamish’s lThe latest adventure of DCI Karen Pirie takes place in 2020 during the first COVID lockdown. Karen is spending her confinement in boyfriend Hamish’s large penthouse flat along with colleague DS Daisy Mortimer. We could hardly expect a fast paced action thriller here when all of Edinburgh is confined to barracks, but that doesn’t stop this novel being an intriguing page turner. An archivist at the National Library notices a shocking similarity between the plot of an unfinished manuscript by a recently deceased author and the unsolved case of the disappearance of student Lara Hardie. Karen and Daisy begin reading the disturbing manuscript in an attempt to discover any clues as to Lara’s fate and whereabouts. What follows is a twisted tale of hubris and revenge, interspersed with the author’s typical cutting social observations. As well as having to solve this convoluted case amidst all the ongoing restrictions, Karen and her faithful DC Jason “Mint” Murray have pressing personal issues to deal with. Jason’s beloved Mum, Sandra has been infected with COVID and is hospitalised and put on an incubator, whilst his wayward brother Ronan is exacerbating the problems. In all, a top notch crime thriller and possibly the best in this excellent series. The Queen Of Crime still sits firmly on the throne....more
In Glasgow, Grace’s job is to clean the homes of those who’ve died and lain undiscovered for a period of time. It’s a job Grace takes very seriously aIn Glasgow, Grace’s job is to clean the homes of those who’ve died and lain undiscovered for a period of time. It’s a job Grace takes very seriously and does meticulously. With her state of the art equipment, she ensures each home is restored to a spick and span condition. However, we soon learn that Grace’s conscientiousness borders on obsession. After cleaning the homes, she constructs what she calls “dioramas”; detailed scaled models of the homes in the state in which she originally found them. She also collects “memorabilia” from each home to aid in this work. After she cleans the home of the late Thomas Agnew and attends his lonely funeral, she finds herself drawn into the mystery of the disappearance of a teenage girl on the isle of Bute over 50 years ago. However, her visit to the island to unearth more information proves not just unfruitful but also unpleasant. The whole story is narrated first person by Grace herself. Then, just over halfway through the novel, she opens up about her earlier life and we gain a totally new perspective on her actions and all that went before. The action picks up a notch as she gains a new ally and she again attempts to discover what happened on Bute. In all, this is a brilliantly unique tale with a complex, flawed yet likeable and totally unforgettable heroine. This appears to be Mr. Robertson’s first novel. If he decides to write another anywhere near as good as this, it immediately goes on my To Read list....more
The fourth novel in this highly original series finds Will Raven still assisting Dr. Simpson at Queen Street, although is wife Eugenie, heavily pregnaThe fourth novel in this highly original series finds Will Raven still assisting Dr. Simpson at Queen Street, although is wife Eugenie, heavily pregnant with their second child, is badgering him to accept a loan from her father to set up his own practice. However, being beholden to Dr. Cameron Todd is not something Will wishes to countenance. In mid 19th century Edinburgh, there has been a resurgence of interest in mesmerism, spiritualism and other unexplained phenomena. Rationalists such as Will and Simpson dismiss all of this as quackery, however, Sarah Fisher, still desperate to achieve her medical ambitions, despite being held back by her gender, sees this as an opportunity to advance her career. Various body parts are found in various locations around the city, including Surgeon’s Hall and Will finds himself in a position where he needs to prevent a scandal. However, the suspected killer is an accomplished actor and master of disguise. Much of this novel revolves around the ideas of magical trickery, sleights of hand and misdirection. The authors have also cunningly employed these effects to create an intricate and compelling plot where many shocking revelations occur in the final chapters. Another brilliant piece of writing from Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman....more
This scaringly prescient novel was actually written in 2005 but, at the time, publishers rejected it, claiming it was too “unrealistic”. UnsurprisinglThis scaringly prescient novel was actually written in 2005 but, at the time, publishers rejected it, claiming it was too “unrealistic”. Unsurprisingly, by 2020, they had to do a 180 degree turn regarding that assessment. In this instance, London is the centre of a global pandemic caused by a variant of bird flu which is even more infectious and lethal than the coronavirus proved to be. The government’s reaction is even more drastic too, and the whole city is under 24 hour curfew enforced by martial law. Any unauthorised persons wandering the streets are liable to be shot. When a bag containing a child’s bones is discovered at the site of a temporary hospital, veteran police detective Jack MacNeil is assigned to investigate on his final day before retirement. What follows is, in outline, a typical Peter May novel where a flawed yet likeable protagonist finds himself battling against a seemingly invisible and invincible enemy. But that is a hardly a bad template for an action thriller. There is a relentless cat and mouse game played across the almost deserted streets of London which culminates in a gripping finale atop the Millennium Eye. The way in which this novel parallels events 15 years after its conception is a mark of an author at the top of his game. Although justice is served in the end, it doesn't insult the reader's intelligence by tagging on an inappropriate "happy ending"....more
This is a chilling novel – both literally and metaphorically. Set in the year 2051, after decades of politicians ignoring and denying the effects of cThis is a chilling novel – both literally and metaphorically. Set in the year 2051, after decades of politicians ignoring and denying the effects of climate change, the equatorial regions are now far too hot for human habitation, whole swathes of low-lying areas are totally submerged in the sea and, because of the destruction of the Gulf Stream, Scotland now suffers winters of stormy Arctic severity. When the body of investigative journalist George Younger is discovered entombed in an ice tunnel in the Mamore Forest, veteran Glasgow detective Cameron Brodie volunteers to investigate. However, the investigation is just an ostensible reason; primarily he wishes to reconcile with the woman who discovered the body, his estranged daughter, Addie. The two haven’t spoken for over ten years, since the death of Brodie’s wife, Mel. What follows is a gripping action adventure, incorporating elements of political corruption and heart wrenching family drama, set inside a dystopian projection of the future which is scaringly credible....more
As can be guessed from the title, the second novel featuring journalist Allie Burns takes place 10 years after the first. A time when the British presAs can be guessed from the title, the second novel featuring journalist Allie Burns takes place 10 years after the first. A time when the British press have not only been digitised but dumbed-down, the HIV/Aids epidemic is at its height and the Soviet Union is on the verge of collapse. Unlike many of her colleagues, Allie has managed to keep her job at the Globe and Clarion, albeit in a reduced role. Most of her current work involves fluff pieces rather than the hard-hitting factual journalism she enjoys and is best at. When she discovers a lead to a story about pharmaceutical malpractice she takes a big risk by travelling into East Berlin and becomes unwittingly involved in an escape plan. Meanwhile, her big boss, media magnate Wallace “Ace” Lockhart and his daughter Genevieve (a couple obviously based on Robert and Ghislaine Maxwell) are looking to exploit Gorbachov’s failing regime by investing in companies in Eastern Europe which will soon become independent. With the action switching between Scotland, England, East Berlin and Poland, this is a thrilling novel set in a momentous year encompassing the Lockerbie crash, the Poll Tax, the Hillsborough disaster and culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall. A worthy successor to “1979”. The Queen Of Crime is still firmly on her throne....more
Muffin magnate, Jennifer “Jen” Dunne has decided to hold the hen party for her second wedding in a luxury villa on the remote Outer Hebridean island oMuffin magnate, Jennifer “Jen” Dunne has decided to hold the hen party for her second wedding in a luxury villa on the remote Outer Hebridean island of Clachan Geal. Some of her guests don’t know each other, others have a less than amicable history. They include two former schoolfriends: one of whom is now pop diva Mica, the other Mica’s former guitarist, Helena Eckhart. There’s also fashion guru Nicolette, tennis pro Kennedy, as well as Jen’s future sister-in-law, the garrulous Samira, and her former sister-in-law, the vengeful Beattie. They’ll all be left stranded on the island for 72 hours until the helicopter returns with only themselves for company. What could possibly go wrong? Well, actually, far more than a few drunken altercations. In fact, they’re not as alone as they think. It soon becomes evident that someone has been intending to hijack the occasion since it was in the planning stage. One of the guests is kidnapped and will die unless one of the others confesses to their guilty secret. The problem being, they all have guilty secrets. The chapters alternate between the viewpoints of each of the protagonists and, when they split up in search of the kidnapped woman, each begins to wonder if they’ve been paired with the intended target, but, at the same time, guiltily accepting the target could be them. Yet another piece of stellar writing from Chris Brookmyre, with, not only a labyrinth of plot twists that keep one guessing until the final chapters, but also a wonderful study of the nature of friendship and betrayal. Nothing less than five stars will suffice....more
Hard to believe this is the 12th book in this enjoyable and unique series featuring DI Tony McLean. Nothing new about police procedurals set in EdinbuHard to believe this is the 12th book in this enjoyable and unique series featuring DI Tony McLean. Nothing new about police procedurals set in Edinburgh, of course, but the cast of unusual characters and hints of the supernatural set this series apart, and, on the strength of this latest installment, it looks like the series is far from running out of steam. One central theme of this book is the discovery of buried bodies in unusual sites. The first dates from 700 years ago, the second from 30 years – therefore, technically a cold case – but the third discovery is uncomfortably close to home. To further add to the heavy caseload for Police Scotland, people are dying from a powerful new narcotic called “Demon’s Breath”. To make matters even worse for Tony, his boss Gail Elmwood has returned and wishes for Police Scotland to partner up with the sinister Dee Foundation, run by Tony’s arch nemesis, Mrs Saifre. Then his partner Emma collapses in front of him and goes into a coma. It seems as if the poor guy never gets a break. As investigations proceed, it soon becomes apparent that these seemingly unrelated cases are mysteriously and dangerously linked. Like Jussi Adler-Olsen and Fred Vargas, James Oswald has managed to create a highly memorable series through using a cast of colourful, almost over the top characters. As always, there are star turns by Angus Cadwallader, Grumpy Bob, Charles Duguid and, of course, Madame Rose. It was also good to see Tony’s main ally in Police Scotland, DS Janie Harrison get an enhanced role here....more
It was good to get back to the horrors of Victorian Edinburgh in this, the third in the series by husband-wife team, Chris Brookmyre and Marisa HaetzmIt was good to get back to the horrors of Victorian Edinburgh in this, the third in the series by husband-wife team, Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman. Sarah Fisher is determined to qualify as a doctor; still an almost exclusively male profession. To further her aims, she travels to Paris to meet Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who, against all odds, recently qualified. However, she comes away from the meeting feeling more disillusioned and helpless than ever. To make matters worse, when she returns to Edinburgh, she discovers Will Raven engaged to the daughter of a prominent physician. It is only when Sarah agrees to help maid Christina, who was forced to give up her daughter, and Will first discovers the body of a dead infant in Leith Harbour, then is urged by his fiancee to help acquit a man he detests, who is accused of murdering his father, that the two realise they once again need each other’s help. Another worthy addition to this highly original series. Once again, Chris and Marisa pull no punches when it comes to describing the depravities and corruptions of the time, cleverly outlining near parallels in the present day....more
The is the third novel featuring Detective Constable Constance Fairchild, who is on compassionate leave following the death of her mother, and is rentThe is the third novel featuring Detective Constable Constance Fairchild, who is on compassionate leave following the death of her mother, and is renting a cottage owned by, Lord Gareth Caernant, a friend of her aunt’s near Aberystwyth. However, far from the peace and quiet she was craving, she soon finds herself in a police cell after fending off two rapists. Also in the cell is a young Ukrainian woman, Lila Ivanova. who has escaped her 'boyfriend', a man responsible for trafficking her and pushing her into prostitution. When Con tries to help Lila she soon finds herself in dangerous territory – up against drug traffickers and people smugglers who’ll stop at nothing. Rather than recovering from her previous traumas, Con finds her health rapidly deteriorating as she struggles against Lila’s captors. James Oswald often draws on supernatural elements in his stories and here he refers to Celtic ancient myths, legends and folklore, including something called the Cauldron of Life. This was an enjoyable enough read. I always like James Oswald’s writing and find Con a very appealing protagonist. However, I did feel as if this story was covering ground which too many others have done before....more
In a gamekeeper’s cottage just outside Edinburgh the body of an elderly woman who has been savagely beaten and then burnt to death is discovered. SoonIn a gamekeeper’s cottage just outside Edinburgh the body of an elderly woman who has been savagely beaten and then burnt to death is discovered. Soon after, the bodies of several recently-divorced men are discovered in various parts of the city; all having died by mysterious means. All deaths seem somehow linked to slimy defence lawyer, Tommy Fielding and his organisation known as “Dad’s Army”. It’s always a pleasure to get re-acquainted with Detective Inspector Tony McLean (recently demoted through no fault of his own) and his team including Janie Harrison, Lofty Blaine, Grumpy Bob and ex-Superintendent Duguid. Tony’s already heavy caseload is further complicated by the advances of his new boss, Chief Superintendent Gail Elmwood, whom, it appears, has a “history” with Fielding. Once again, James Oswald has managed to produce an intricately-plotted novel which seamlessly manages to credibly blend supernatural elements into a crime thriller. The melding of the two genres is something which several other lesser authors have attempted recently with disastrous results. Here, the master shows them how it’s really done....more
This new series is set in the year of its title: the so-called “winter of discontent” with Scotland in the grip of Arctic conditions, service strikes This new series is set in the year of its title: the so-called “winter of discontent” with Scotland in the grip of Arctic conditions, service strikes and its first push for independence. Alison “Allie Burns is the only female journalist on the staff of Glasgow’s Daily Clarion” and still seeking to make her mark in the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere. In a way, this is a sort of full-circle for the author whose first series featured a female journalist, Lindsay Gordon. Val was, of course, a journalist and editor herself before turning to full-time writing. Thankfully, Allie manages to find an ally in young reporter Danny Sullivan and together they manage to scoop an exposé on a money-laundering scheme by a group of crooked Scottish businessmen. However, when they plan to do a similar exposé on a trio of would-be terrorists attempting to push the independence cause using IRA-style tactics, things start to get very dangerous indeed. Once again has Val McDermid not only managed to create a well-rounded and likeable protagonist but also vividly and accurately re-create a period of recent history....more
You don’t have to read far into this novel to realise you’re in the hands of a craftsman at the art of thriller writing. Mind you, the name on the froYou don’t have to read far into this novel to realise you’re in the hands of a craftsman at the art of thriller writing. Mind you, the name on the front cover should have been a dead giveaway. In between co-penning the excellent Ambrose Parry series with his wife, Chris Brookmyre has found time to produce this brilliant standalone. 72 year old Millicent Spark, a former make-up artist on horror films, has just been released from prison, after serving a 25 year sentence for allegedly murdering her boyfriend; a crime for which she maintains her innocence. Unable to exonerate herself and finding her new “freedom” less than appealing, Millicent is contemplating suicide until she forms an unusual alliance her new flatmate, Jerry Kelly, a talented but disaffected film student. Together, they discover information that could prove Millicent’s innocence, but also puts them both in mortal danger. The novel contains all the classic Brookmyre ingredients: a tightly-knit plot, outrageously memorable characters, acute social observations, all overlaid with his deliciously wicked sense of humour. Plus, there are some informative insights into film-making and special effects. The tension builds up to almost unbearable levels by the time Jerry has to reveal a deadly secret he’s been keeping from Millicent. Yet another classic offering from Mr. Brookmyre. My “best read of the year” list has just gained a strong contender....more
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