I really struggled with this book which is strange given how much I enjoyed the going trilogy, for me this was just not to my taste, many will enjoy it but sadly not me

This is the second in the DS Max Craigie books that I've read by Neil Lancaster and it didn't disappoint. Fast paced, twisty and devious. The characters of Max, Janie and Ross are all nicely individual and the plot moves on a pace, so you think you'll just read one more chapter but then you have to read another and another.
The grim and honest reality of murder is lightened with a little humour amongst the team and some good banter.
Excellent read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

One of those books that you only really review so that the author can be made to readers who are not familiar with his work.
So, if you have not read anything by Neil Lancaster before, you are missing out.
Good story line and good characters making it an enjoyable read..
Recommend.

Have read all of the Max Craigie books by Neil Lancester,
Didn't think it possible but they just keep getting better.
Grabbed me from the first chapter and found it difficult to put down as just kept thinking just one more chapter.
Five stars and here's to more from Mr Lancester

This is the third book in the series about Scottish police detective Max Craigie and his colleagues, Janie, Ross and Norma. To my mind it is the best yet. It could stand alone as a gripping thriller but it is good to know the back stories of the characters and their close friends and family. The author has allowed some humour to come into the narrative and this, for me, makes the characters more rounded and interesting. Most of the plot is set in Edinburgh this time round with a few forays to Fife and the north of Scotland. Someone has been killing known criminals who have got off with their crimes. The attention to forensic detail suggests the suspected serial killer may be a member of the police force. Max and his team are on a covert operation to find the killer. This puts them at great risk as the killer extends their reach to take out anyone who gets in their way. This is a really good story with strongly created characters and a keen sense of place. I look forward to more from Neil Lancaster. My thanks to the publisher via Net Galley for a complimentary ARC of this title in return for an honest review.

The story starts with scott patterson (scotty) who was looking at a life sentence for murder a nasty one at that
but gets off with a not proven verdict.
one night he is followed in his car will he get out alive who is following him ?
Fergus grigor should be on honeymoon with his beautiful wife in the maldives instead they are in a lightkeepers cottage in bonny scotland.
He goes for a run but something sinister happens to him. is it all connected?
this story is fast paced a joy to read
A rollercoaster of a book. go and read it you wont be disapointed thank you netgallery for giving me the oppertunity to read it.
i have not read neil lancaster before but i will look forward to reading more of his books

Thank you for sharing this with me. I really like Neil Lancaster's books, and the characters, especially Aunt Elspeth.
In this book, criminals are being acquitted (not proven) in court, but soon found dead. It looks like vigilante justice is being meted out by a police officer in the MIT. Max Craigie investigates, and the suspects, and bodies pile up. It's quite violent, and the villians are a bit overdone, but still an exciting read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I loved this read, just loved it. This is the 3rd book in the series and I found this to be a cracker of a read. DS Craigie is a great character, very likeable and I enjoy reading of his working rapport and friendships with those he works alongside. One of my favourite characters is Janey, she is such a quirky character you just can’t help but like her and the banter between her, Craigie and Ross is often full of humour which I love. Here the team investigate two murders and think they have a serial killer in their midst. How and why is the murderer targeting the victims, and what links them together? The book started with a great opening chapter which set the scene perfectly and certainly grabbed my attention. I think the authors writing is great, he has a wonderful way of making his characters come alive, jump out of the pages and tell the story so vividly. The story flowed really well, I thought this was a very fast paced and thrilling read and one which I didn’t want to end. I liked that the reader found a bit more about Craigie’s background, his past, fears and what haunts him. This is definitely a good series to read although I’d say start from the beginning and read the books in order. If you like good solid police procedurals try this book and series, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book.

*4.5 stars*

One of Scotland’s most notorious criminals, Scott Paterson, is found dead in a small copse in the grounds of a leafy golf course in the suburbs of Edinburgh. His injuries are shocking, and investigators are puzzled as to how this mountain of a man could have been so easily overcome and brutally killed without any signs of defence.

On the northern most tip of Scotland at Dunnet Head, a lawyer out on an early morning run on the cliff tops, is also found dead. Turns out this guy was on his honeymoon - oh, and he just happened to secure freedom last week for Scott Paterson, in what was a very high profile criminal case.

These deaths are then linked to further murders, meaning DS Max Craigie and his colleagues have a particularly vicious serial killer to apprehend. His team are determined to catch the killer, and prevent further deaths, but how do you catch a killer that knows your every move? - and trust me the killer does know exactly what the team are doing and when they’re doing it because the killer they are looking for is one of them - a cop!

Well written, fast paced, lots of suspense and heart stopping moments, with a storyline that grips from the outset. DS Max Craigie, and his colleagues, DI Ross Fraser and DC Janie Calder provide the reader with much witty banter, which helps create a more light hearted and amusing backdrop to alleviate the seriousness of the crimes they’re dealing with.

Another cracker of a read, and an excellent addition to the series, from the talent that is Mr Neil Lancaster!

*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*

When I first started reading this I have to admit it took me a while to get into it, 2 sets of investigations and one investigating another I found confusing but once I got more into the book and could see who fitted where, I really enjoyed it, definitely going to be buying more by this author.

A fantastic book tying together different crimes whilst looking at police corruption with some excellent twists to keep you guessing

This is number 3 in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. First of all the case is great, brilliantly paced and interesting, you’ll want to know what is happening.
As far as procedurals go this has a real edge on others and the absolute gem of this book is the group of people in it. You know they work well as a team because they seem like people that care about each other.

Brilliant

I enjoyed this book but I didn't really find it anything out of the ordinary. The almost unrecognisable body of a lawyer is found at the bottom of a high cliff, he has so many injuries that it's hard to determine the cause of death. Shortly after the body of his last client is also found in suspicious circumstances. Could the team have a serial killer on their hands or was the lawyers death suicide? That seems hard to believe as he was on his honeymoon..It is obviously a case that is going to take some solving

I loved this book!!!! Even though I hadn't read books 1&2 I was straight into this one. It definitely reads as a standalone. The characters all gel together and you can feel the camaraderie between them. There is something interesting going on with every page that you turn. I have already downloaded the first two. Neil Lancaster I salute you. You have a new dedicated reader. Thank you so much.

The third installment in the DS Max Craigie series starts with the brutal deaths of a notorious criminal and his lawyer. It soon becomes apparent that a vigilante serial killer is to blame and it could even be someone on the investigation team.

This is such a gripping, fast paced read - I couldn't put it down! It is definitely one of those books where you think "just one more chapter" and suddenly you've been reading for hours.

The characters really made this book great. They were believable and well written. I enjoyed getting to know them and seeing how they worked together as a team.

After finishing such a great thriller I am looking forward to reading more from Neil Lancaster.

I had never read any of the Max Craigie series before, but I will certainly read more now. I loved this fast-paced novel, and its Edinburgh setting. Gripping throughout.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Arc in return for an honest review.

Oh my goodness I really, really enjoyed this book! It was so compelling and interesting, and it kept me hooked!

The Night Watch by Neil Lancaster

Yet another fab book by the great author , once I've finished reading the latest Max Craigie title I'm on the look out for the next . Get a move on Neil !
These books have it all , lots of exciting moments , times when you think you have it solved , then a heap of twists to throw you off again .
Great plot , wonderful characters , and his way of writing leaves me wanting more.

A brilliant story. Fast paced with a few good twists,. I think the character of Ross spoils it though. I hate his foul mouth. Way too much bad language.

Max Craigie is back in even better form than before. This should be a television series as it is a gripping story full of unexpected twists and turns. It is a murder story, yes, but with a difference. The tale is cleverly developed and not the usual murder genre. Someone is murdering people who have had not proven verdicts in murder cases. Whoever it is clearly believe they are bringing justice where the courts have failed. Then it becomes evident that the perpetrator might be closer to home than the police realised. Based in
Edinburgh this book is gripping from the very beginning. I recommend it.