Marion Todd

This was a very a solid addition to the DI Clare Mackey Scottish crime procedurals. Much of the setting took place between St. Andrews and Fife and I never tire of the descriptions and dialect of that part of Scotland. The set-up to the story is clever and sneaky. Todd has incorporated some of the major players while simultaneously hiding them in plain sight. The murder mystery was tricky with so many suspects and switchbacks that I kept doubting my cutting edge powers of deduction (can you show more just seen my tongue in my cheek?)

My only criticism is more of a “How about” softening DI Mackey’s personality just a wee bit to allow herself to not have to handle every small detail personally. Sometimes it is OK to get into the office an hour later.

I totally loved the dedication - that was nothing short of brilliant.. Thank you NetGalley and Canelo Crime for a copy show less

Don’t you just love it when you open a book and bam, you are engaged on the first page?! I am not sure what it is about Todd’s writing that makes the DI Clare Mackay mysteries so easy to read. Perhaps it is because her characters are far from perfect, they make mistakes, use bad judgment which makes them real and relatable. They have relationships which are often “of the moment” leading to all sorts of interesting and sometimes messy situations. And of course, there is crime, witness show more protection, courtroom drama, murder, diabolical dealings, and a warning to trust no one. Now about the ending, - a little tease, an intake of breath and uh oh can’t even guess what comes next. What is this girl to do? What is there not to love? Exactly, get on with it and read this latest installment while I wait impatiently for the next adventure of DI Mackay.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for a copy. show less

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. Here Clare's team is part of an attempt to catch a serial killer who has travelled up from the north of England called 'The Choker'. I found this rather slow to get going, and the narrative also suffered a bit from the focus regularly switching between the Choker and other cases which cropped up. The idea that a serial killer would ask for tips on gay hookup places on the dark web seemed a bit unlikely - surely you can just show more find that information on the regular internet easily.

This is a strong series, but I'm not sure this is one of my favourites. show less

Marion Todd tightens her writing, plot and characters with each installment. A Scottish police procedural that holds your intention as all possibilities are explored and each member of the team advances individually and professionally. We get to dislike the smarmy politicians and egoists and respect the grunts doing the heavy lifting. We live their frustrations and other imposed limitations and celebrate their successes. We can admire the teamwork and the leadership that holds them show more accountable for their words and actions. Well scripted and completely believable.

Thanks to Canelo Crime and NetGalley for a copy. show less