Member Reviews

My first Neil Lancaster and DS Max Craigie read. I was hooked, I liked the characters and loved the Scottish settings. Too many characters to mention without giving away the plot but it is a very dark, twisting story of drugs, murder and police corruption.
I will definitely be reading more.

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This was an interesting read by an author that I was not familiar with having never read their work before. I always enjoy a new to me author and I wasn’t disappointed.
I found the characters interesting and really had a depth to them with lots of details described for me to portray them in my mind and really get inside them.
The story line took me to a place I wasn’t expecting and kept me intrigued right until the end.
I would recommend to anyone interested in this genre and will be reading more.

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My first read by Neil Lancaster and loved it. This was book 2 in the series, but worked fine as a stand alone too. But I will go back and read No 1 soon!

It starts with a suicide on the Irskine Bridge, a police officer, who is terrified and alludes to corruption and blackmail within the force

But when there is another ‘suicide’, Max believes that there is more going on than meets the eye.

This was a fast paced read, great characters. Loved their camaraderie and banter too!

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DS Max Craigie and the team are back after a man jumps to his death and make links to another case where a fisherman has gone missing.
I found this instalment a bit of a slow burner, but perfectly enjoyable. The characters continue to develop, being the second book in the series,

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Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the advance copy of The Blood Tide by Neil Lancaster.

I was introduced to Max Craigie in the first book of the series, and couldn't wait to read this one. As with the first book, Neil Lancaster brings the grittiness of Max's personality to life although we see his vulnerability show when his loved ones are placed in danger.

Max ties two crimes together and we meet very unsavoury characters and one particular foe from his past.
You want to keep reading this book, and it did not disappoint. Each chapter provided the right amount of suspense and excitement.

I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series.

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Book 2 in the DS Max Craigie series. A bit of a slow start but then gripping from one page to the next ! Looking forward to the next one in the series!

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Cannot believe I've had this book on my kindle for so long.Just finished reading it and I really enjoyed the story

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Loved this book, Max Cragie is back and he is looking for more corruption within the police but who will it be this time? And what surprises are in stall for the DS?

Neil Lancaster takes you on a joyous ride with these books and even if you try to figure something out it will be something completely different

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Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

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DS Max Craigie and his team work in Scotland to investigate corrupt police officers. When he receives a call from an old friend about a man who jumped off a bridge, he struggles to understand how that links with a fisherman going missing. As his team start to investigate, they realise that the the perpetrators always seem to be one step ahead - so who in the Police Scotland is leaking sensitive information.

This is the second book in the Craigie series and although it can be read without the other, it does reference the relationship he has with his team and the rest of the police force. On this basis, its probably better to read the first book so you can follow the tensions between the team.

A great story that keeps you turning the pages

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One of my favourite reads from Netgalley!
A brilliant story, great characters, grabs you from the first page and doesn’t disappoint.
Excellent read! Thank you

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The second gripping installment in this fast-paced police procedural series set in Scotland. Great for fans of Line of Duty, featuring ex-army police officer DS Max Craigie and his colleagues fighting deep-rooted corruption in the police force.

Craigie is contacted by an old friend with a heads up that the suicide of an officer from the NCA may be linked to a recently reported missing persons case. When his friend is later found dead, the investigation finds no evidence of foul play, but Craigie is certain that there is more going on beneath the surface.

Once again, he finds himself swimming against the tide investigating police corruption, at the same time on guard against those who are holding deep grudges towards him and his interference.

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Great read. Didn't want to put this down. Brilliantly written from beginning to end. I really enjoyed this and found myself absorbed in reading.

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Neil Lancaster - brilliant writer and I can´t get enough of his books, completely hooked!

Fast paced, outstanding storyline. No spoilers with this one, but I do suggest you read the 1st book in the Max Craigie series in order to give you a better understanding of the characters.

Read it!

Re-submitting a review as my original one appears to have disappeared from the system!?

My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

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Wow, wow, wow that was great,. Great storyline. Well written. Atmospheric. Great characters. More books required please.

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A fisherman disappears without a trace. a Guy jumps off a bridge. How are these two random events linked? Something does not feel right for Hamish who tried to talk the guy down without success and he is confused with what Murdock Smith told him before he jumped. He contacts his old friend Max to look into it. When Max Craigie is on the case you better start running!

I am a huge fan of Neil Lancaster. I loved his Tom Novak novel and the Max Craigie series is as brilliant! This one did not disappoint at all. It is fast-paced and it keeps you entertained from the beginning to the end. I think it is important that you read Dead Man's Grave 1st because of the references that you might not understand if you haven't read it.

An easy 5 stars!

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The writing was very atmospheric with excellent characterization.
Many thanks to HQ Digital and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Gritty, well written story with a fantastic ending. I really enjoyed this book and Will definitely read more books from this author

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In Neil Lancaster’s Blood Tide, the 2nd installment in the DS Max Craigie crime thriller series, this gripping police procedural novel will leave you at the edge of your seat. For DS Max Craigie from Police Scotland, he received a call about a suicide jumper who mentioned his life would be ruined and hints of an ongoing police case. For Max, it started the thread with an officer who was in charge of the investigation. Before he had gotten the chance, someone arranged for his death. One by one, he talked to his probe and followed the evidence of drug smuggling and a line of police corruption. When someone decided to wipe the slate clean by killing some drug runners, it made them turn their heads with suspicion. They teamed up with the PIRC to look into a crooked cop and the other unraveling threads from their nefarious crimes. Someone had tipped off Tam Hardie, an escaped madman who escaped prison and wanted revenge against Max Craigie for ruining his life. Max feared for his life and for his wife’s too. But due to his escape, he went after one of Max’s colleagues, Janie, who almost died. Hardie escaped to live another day while Max tended to Janie’s medical needs. The plot thickened on who was Hardie’s contact, and how they planned to expose this line of corruption to the ultimate showdown in the end.

This gripping police thriller is nitty-gritty and gets your heart pounding at every page. I cared for Max, who wanted to do his job right and protect his wife while he’s a man on a mission. He’s a caring police officer who wants to see justice prevail to keep everyone safe. The dual locations in Scotland and Wales were intriguing and profound. The theme of the story is corruption may run rivers deep, but good deeds make you a better person.

This police thriller will give you chills and thrills. I rated this book, four out of five stars, for no reason. If you nail-biting police thrillers with non-stop action, heart-stopping drama, and plenty of suspense, you'll love Blood Tide. It's recommended for fans who love police procedurals like PD James and Faye Kellerman.

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Another terrific installment in the Max Craigie series.
Beautifully flowing with excellent characters and a really satisfying ending that made me smile.
Looking forward to the next one already.

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