Edge of the Grave is book 1 in A Jimmy Dreghorn Mystery by Robbie Morrison.
Oh I can’t wait for book two. This was a riveting mystery!
The vivid descriptions and storytelling was remarkable. With enough action and suspense to keep you so engaged flipping the pages.
I’m so excited for a new historical police procedural series set in the 1930s in Glasgow, Scotland.
With extremely well written characters.
Well developed characters, fast paced action packed plot, and enough twists to keep me intrigued until the very end.
This book takes you on an unpredictable ride which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's well written and intelligent as well as entertaining and pleasantly uncomfortable!
Robbie Morrison offers a unique spin on the historical noir genre.
An exciting mystery that truly takes the readers to the lawless streets and high society of 1930s Glasgow and brings a packed and chaotic city wonderfully to life.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Bantam for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

Wow. Just wow. This is set primarily in 1932 Glasgow as DI Jimmy Dreghorn and DS Archie McDaid investigate the murder of a man who was married to a woman Dreghorn loved as a youth and who was the brother in law of his commanding officer in the trenches of Europe. It moves back and forth in time between 1932 and Dreghorn's youth and his time at war to tell not only his story but also the story of the Lockharts, the gangs of Glasgow, and one young woman- sister to a gang leader. It's incredibly atmospheric, graphic in its violence, and in a way, very poignant. The complexity of the tale is good and there were things I didn't see coming. Dreghorn is a terrific character as is McDaid. Both are men who are smarter than others think they are and they are devoted to one another. This is one that's hard to review without spoilers so over to other readers to discover what Morrison has created. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A must read for fans of historical procedurals.

This is a fascinating look at 1930s Glasgow. The streets are filled with warring gangs, prejudiced citizens and crime running amok. Based on historical facts, the Scottish police decide to form a police squad similar to Elliot Ness's Untouchables to combat the chaos. Jimmy Dreghorn is appointed to the squad despite his being Catholic and a member of the wrong social caste. The character's back story is fully fleshed out including his childhood, his surviving the Battle of Somme, time spent in Shanghai with the police and his first love with a young woman far above his social class. I found Dreghorn an absolutely fascinating and well developed character. The crimes to solve are complex and kept me turning pages. This is an extremely strong debut and I look forward to more novels starring Jimmy Dreghorn. Well done, Robbie Morrison!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the chance to read this e-galley prior to publication.

Review copy (eARC) provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book has an interesting premise (historical fiction/murder mystery set in Scotland in the early 1900s), but I found the text a little too rough for my tastes. I don't mean that it bothered me, but rather it didn't flow well for me and was hard to get engaged in the story. For example, other people described the dark humor of the story, but I just don't see it.

That's more of a me thing, so I'll go 3/5.

1930’s Glasgow was a bleak place. As recreated by author Robbie Morrison in this historical mystery, Edge of the Game, it was filled with sectarian and gang violence. The Depression had hit, and many people were unemployed and living in poverty. To quell the growing violence, Glasgow’s new chief constable appoints a talented group of detectives known as the Tartan Untouchables including Jimmy Dreghorn, a veteran of the Great War and a former Shanghai policeman. Jimmy is a local man, and in his youth boxed for Sir Iain Lockhart. Jimmy and his partner, Archie McDaid, a 1924 Olympic wrestler, heavyweight boxing champion, and annoying bagpiper, are first on the scene when Lockhart’s son-in-law, Charles Geddes is pulled from the River Clyde with his throat slit. As Jimmy and Archie investigate Geddes’ murder, they are drawn into the dark underbelly of Glasgow. They follow clues grudgingly given by gang leaders, in houses of illegal prostitution and a place called Trinity Village, a home for orphans and unwed mothers, that has mighty patrons in high places, but covers a ring of pedophiles and those who blackmail them. We learn more of Dreghorn’s past in alternating chapters that include haunting sequences in the trenches where he fought during the Great War with Sir Iain’s son Rory; and the summer he first met and fell in love with Sir Iain’s daughter Isla, now the murder victim’s widow. Edge of the Game is gritty and atmospheric. I could picture Morrison’s Glagow of the 1930’s as I read the book, and I loved his use of the Scottish vernacular. There is a lot of violence described, but the story is deftly character-driven; filled with the good, the bad, and those just struggling to get through each day. I would highly recommend this first book in a series featuring Dreghorn and McDaid to readers who enjoy classic noir mysteries. I would like to thank the publisher Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review
Edge of the Grave
Robbie Morrison
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


An immersive historical police procedural that evolves into a mystery-thriller, capturing the atmosphere and contradictions of 1930s Scotland. It’s a gritty street tale seen through the eyes of Detective Inspectors Jimmie Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. The Great War and the Spanish Flu pandemic have taken their toll on society, further exacerbated by the worldwide Depression. Widespread street gangs terrorize citizens who are already grappling with poverty and unemployment.

Alcoholism and discontent are rampant, fueling a climate of fear and violence. The gap between the rich and the poor widens, and religious differences play a significant role in the ongoing strife, even dividing the street gangs by religion. People are afraid to admit if they are a ‘Billy’ or a ‘Tim.’ The prevalent Protestants support the Rangers Football Club, while the subjugated Roman Catholics root for the Celtic F.C. It’s a time of polarization and strife, with rampant street crime. A new direction is needed, and Glasgow appoints a new Chief Constable, Sillitoe, a man with radical ideas who is not a yes-man. He forms a special unit of 12 hand-picked officers known for their prowess and stature, unafraid to use force when necessary. He also overhauls the forensic department. This anti-gang division becomes a fast response team composed of the fittest and toughest, dubbed by the Scottish press as the ‘Tartan Untouchables,’ likened to FBI agent Eliot Ness’s unit countering Al Capone and the gangsters of the twenties.

Jimmie and Archie are part of this team but present a somewhat comical pair when seen together. Jimmie, a complex man of contrasts and contradictions, stands at just five feet eight inches but possesses the body and skill of a boxer. Archie is the tallest and largest man on the force, having won a bronze medal for wrestling in the 1924 Paris Olympics and holding the title of Scottish Police Heavyweight Champion of 1928. What they share is an unwavering belief in obtaining justice. They are faced with two major cases in their debut tale. First, they respond to a tenement in the aftermath of a domestic abuse case involving twenty-six-year-old Peggy Bryce, who has been badly beaten by her husband, Thomas Bryce. Tragically, Peggy’s son, Tommy, lies dead in the corner of the room, having been mercilessly thrown into a radiator.

During their immediate interrogation of neighbors, they learn that Thomas did not consider Tommy his own son and often returned home drunk and combative. As they search for Thomas Bryce, they encounter many other relevant characters that link the present to the past.

In the second major case, they are called to the scene where a man’s lifeless body is discovered face-down in the Clyde River, his throat brutally slit down to the spinal cord. He is dressed as a man of means, and his wallet and pocket gold watch remain undisturbed, ruling out robbery as a motive. His business card identifies him as Charles Geddes, the son-in-law of Sir Iain Lockhart, one of the city’s largest and wealthiest shipyard owners. The investigation takes them through the dark underbelly of the crime world, involving prostitution, gambling, and other heinous street crimes. They also cross paths with Sir Iain himself, as well as his beautiful daughter Isla, the ‘grieving widow,’ and her older brother Rory, a rich playboy known for his irresponsibility and rumored affairs with starlets.

Numerous flashbacks shed light on Jimmie’s youth, upbringing, and the events leading to his current persona, providing context to his prior relationship with the Lockhart family.

Robbie Morrison proves to be an exceptional storyteller, weaving a complex narrative with multidimensional characters placed in severely compromised situations. This twisted narrative presents many unexpected events that lead to escalating suspense and intrigue, culminating in an exciting denouement. I would have loved to experience the Scottish dialect in an audio version of this tale. I can’t wait to devour the next Jimmie Dreghorn tale, apparently already written and awaiting publication. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Group – Ballantine for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this excellent Scottish historical tale from Netgalley, author Robbie Morrison, and publisher Random House, Ballantine, Bantam. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Edge of the Grave of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Robbie Morrison to friends and family. He writes a fine police procedural set in 1930s Scotland with flashes back to his childhood in 1910 and his service years in WWI, with sympathetic protagonists and a finely defined understanding of Glasgow's life, times, and locale during those early 20th century and world depression years. This is a fine dip into that world through the eyes of Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn, working out of the Central Police Headquarters in Turnbull Street with his partner, Archie McDaid. This is the first of a new series. I can't wait for number 2!

Edge of the Grave by Robbie Morrison is a compelling read. Well written with fully defined characters. Well worth the time!

Wow, this was very realistic story of life in the 30's in Glasgow. The plot had mystery, action, and a bit more gore than I prefer in books. Overall a great read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Edge of the Grave
By Robbie Morrison

Mr. Morrison is a Scottish writer who has written a crime novel set in Glasgow in the 1930s. The time frame of this book is after the Great War and the Spanish Flu pandemic and in the midst of the worldwide Depression.

Glasgow society is riven by catholic-protestant hatreds. There are many different classes in the city: the rich and powerful; the gangsters (criminals) and gangs; and the poor, whose poverty makes them targets for the rest. The Glasgow police, recently reconstituted under a new Chief of Police, are attempting to clean up the city. The Polis (as they are called) often have to resort to violence themselves in order to curb the crime.

Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner, Archie McDaid, are a couple of Glasgow's finest assigned to deal with gang violence. But their purview often spills over to other crimes. This book, which appears to be the first in a series, has them dealing with a murder. The pair are quickly involved with many more murders – and what appear to be unrelated crimes seem to be tied together with a common thread.

Mr. Morrison does not hold back in his portrayal of the cruelty and violence of the time. And yet, the brutality of some of the crimes is written in such a way as to show the author's own sorrow, invoked by the harshness of Scottish life in that era. I found myself repelled by the horrors inflicted and sharing the author's empathy for the victims. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Initially, I had a little trouble getting into this book. I think this was because it was set in Glasgow, a place I know absolutely nothing about and the time period - 1932. After a few chapters, I could not put it down. I liked the main characters Jimmy Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. There were also many flashbacks to 1910 where we learn about Jimmy's youth, his relationship to the current day characters and what events shaped him as an adult. The main story is a murder investigation. Along the way we meet many characters who are sometimes connected in ways that were unforeseen. This is a well developed multi level story. There were some twists and turns that I definitely didn't see coming and immensely added to my enjoyment. I look forward to the next installment.

Harsh underbelly of 1930’s Glasgow!

Heart stopping historical criminal murder investigation set in Glasgow in early 1930’s going back to First World War in 1913.
Jimmy Dreghorn and Archie McDaid are part of a new Special Crime Squad, (under an English commander) put together to combat the various gangs and murders, graft and corruption that’s spreading throughout the city
Dreghorn, an ex boxer and army sergeant, has been asked to head a murder inquiry into the death of the Charles Geddes, son-in-law to the most powerful ship builder in Glasgow, Sir Iain Lockhart. Geddes is also brother-in-law to Rory Lockhart whom Dreghorn fought with, shoulder by shoulder in the trenches.
His investigation will take him from rival gangs, to Trinity Village, a home for pregnant girls, and back to the Lockhart family and to the daughter of the house, Isla, his first love.
His search circles, always circling around the links of the now and of the past.
Incredibly raw and sad as we witness lives suffered in poverty and squalor, and equally as damning, those who don’t.
An exposition of the various faces of humanity.
As Morrison explains in his notes, Dreghorn is a man of”contrasts and contradictions: passionate and romantic, yet cynical and pragmatic when need be; good-humored and possessed of a lust for life, yet brooding and taciturn when faced with injustice; tough, yet tender and caring; patriotic and politically aware, yet distrustful and disdainful of those who hold power; and always punching above his weight.”
A man made for this environment. A man who comes off as tough, and yet time and time again understands how innocence is lost and how people come to be as they are, except when there are no excuses.
I’m so looking forward to the next in the series!

A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

In Glasgow in 1932. the son-in-law of one of the city’s wealthiest shipbuilders is found floating in the River Clyde with his throat cut, it falls to Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn to lead the murder case–despite sharing a troubled history with the victim’s widow. From Glasgow’s gangland underworld to the backstabbing upper echelons of government and big business, Dreghorn and his partner, “Bonnie” Archie McDaid, will dig deep into Glasgow society to find out who wanted the man dead and why. All the while, a sadistic murderer stalks the post-war city, leaving a trail of dead bodies in their wake. As the case deepens, Dreghorn realizes that the answers may lie in his old ties with the victim’s family—and the horrors he saw in the Great War.

Edge of the Grave is historical noir at its very best—a gripping mystery that truly transports the reader to the lawless streets and high society of 1930s Glasgow and is based on Glascow's Untouchables. A bit violent for those who don't like violent books, but so well written that I was fascinated. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for introducing me to the author's debut novel in the Jimmy Dreghorn series. He has since written the second book in the series which I will be looking forward to reading. I do wish that there had been a Scottish dialect list for the times I could not figure out the meaning by context.

This story is set in 30's Glasgow. Main characters are police officers Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner Archie McDaid. Was a good story based loosely on history. I found it depressing and a bit rough and gory. So be forewarned

Edge of the Grave was a much darker book than I expected, but also a rather good book. I liked gritty Glasgow and the moral ambiguity of Detective Jimmy Dreghorn. Bonnie Archie McDaid made for a great partner. The story had plenty of action and suspense. The author ties together seemingly disparate characters and subplots in sometimes surprising ways. I was pleased to learn that the author intends to make this into a series, so there will be future Dreghorn adventures to read about.

Scottish-noir, Glasgow, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, 1932, first-in-series, new-series, law-enforcement, procedural, gangs, suspense, thriller, crime-fiction, detective, unputdownable, violence, murder-investigation, due-diligence, domestic-violence, police-corruption, political-corruption, triggers*****

Detective Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner, Detective Sergeant Archie McDaid lead the murder investigation when the body of an influential man is found floating in the River Clyde. The investigation is the main story but, of necessity, tells of the state of the country and the world at that time. I geek history, but I also worked ER for a number of years and found parts of it too true not to be triggers. Good but brutal writing.
I requested and received an EARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jimmy is investigating a murder where he knows the widow. Jimmy will have to remember some information from when he was younger to help him understand who did it. This book kept me interested.

The Edge of the Grave by Robbie Morrison introduces Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner Archie Macdaid. The story is set in Glasgow 1932 a gang ridden city. A body is found in the Clyde river which begins the story. There’s a dual time line at the beginning to give us background on Dreghorn. I love the banter between Dreghorn and Macdaid. Everything is in this book corruption, crime, prostitution, murder, kidnapping, and romance. There are many characters in this story. I’m not familiar with Glasgow and didn’t recognize some of the terms that were used. In some scenes there were flashbacks which confused me at points. Overall a good story plot which kept me reading. Some scenes are violently descriptive which made me cringe. Thank you NetGallery and PanMacmillon for letting me review this story in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent new historical police procedural series set in Glasgow, Scotland in the 1930s. Well developed characters, fast paced action packed plot, and enough twists to keep me intrigued until the very end. I literally read this in two settings. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book, Cast a Cold Eye coming in April 2024. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books for an advanced reader copy.

I loved almost everything about this book! 4.5 stars.
The story is a murder mystery set in 1930s Scotland. It is most atmospheric. I loved learning about the times in Scotland as well as a bit about World War I,especially the role of the Scottish forces.
The detectives Dreghorn and McDaid were wonderful characters! I loved their interaction and their dedication to doing what was right in a pretty corrupt system. Definitely hope to read more of their adventures.
The mystery itself with well plotted. The man murdered was a wealthy son-in -law to a family Dreghorn had an interesting history with. He was a boxer under the tutelage of the family , a romantic involvement with the daughter and the serviceman under the command of the son during WWI. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded with many twists to the narrative.
The ending was pretty shocking!
What I did not enjoy so much was the graphic violence depicted - fighting, beatings etc. I understand that this part of the story but a trigger warning for some readers. The rest of the writing and story did make this worth it for me I will say.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC to enjoy and review.