It's DS Logan McRae's first day back on the job after a year off on the sick, and it couldn't get much worse. Four year old David Reid's body is discovered in a ditch, strangled, mutilated and a long time dead. There's a killer stalking the Granite City and the local media are baying for blood.
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It's DS Logan McRae's first day back on the job after a year off on the sick, and it couldn't get much worse. Four year old David Reid's body is discovered in a ditch, strangled, mutilated and a long time dead. There's a killer stalking the Granite City and the local media are baying for blood.
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Well, what can I say? What a book this is ... there aren't enough superlatives to say how much I enjoyed it ... just brilliant and a must-read for any fans of crime novels. This is the first in the Logan McRae series but I have read subsequent stories before this one and can confirm that it made no difference to my enjoyment of this book.
Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one.
The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end.
Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended.
I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
nerosmama
Jan 8, 2010
A GOOD READ
A bit gory and violent but overall, a good story. I look forward to reading some of his other titles.
RLCox
Apr 24, 2007
Stellar Debut!!
What could be better than a Scottish Detective! I found this author while seaching Amazon.uk.com for British Detective novels. I purchased both of McBride's books because the reviewer said MacBride would not dissappoint, and he surely did not! The details he includes in his sagas about Scotland, Scottish towns, people, police procedures and politics are so different from us Yanks. I have to stretch my imagination on Scottish idioms at times, and it is "great fun" to read. I am so hooked on this first introduction to DCI Logan McRae. I thoroughly enjoy the way his character works at solving his crimes, feeling like he is out there on that limb by himself. This book is engrossing and fast paced, yet unfolds in a manner totally different from the American style of writing. I loved reading both of MacBride's books one after the other and I eagerly await MacBride's new book coming out this summer! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did - it's a keeper!
