This was a great thriller. Ive never read a crime Scottish thriller until now. It's the second book in the series. I have not read the first book, but after reading this one I would definitely check it out.

True Crime podcaster Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.

I was thrilled to be asked to join the @tandemcollectiveuk readalong for this book. I loved the first in the series when I read it last year and this did not disappoint!

I loved getting back to Cal’s world. The characters are so well written that his family feel so real that it was like a catch up.

The case this time round was really engaging and twisty. I didn’t guess who done it until right before the reveal which is ideal for me. I loved all the twists and turns along the way.

I loved this as much as the first book and I’m so glad that Heather has signed up for 3 more in the series! I can’t wait to read them 📚

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Heather Critchlow is a phenomenal writer and this is a book, I have devoured in just one sitting. I loved this book and everything about it.

Cal Lovett is back, a very welcome return in my opinion. Still coming to terms with the mystery of the disappearance of his sister. Cal is taking a break from the podcast. However, he is soon approached by a desperate family relative.

We follow Cal on the journey to an isolated Scottish island. It’s apparent very quickly that his arrival is unwelcome and this has really ramped up the events in this one.

Bryony’s story has really pulled on my heartstrings. I have to admit to despising her husband and his inability to be able to compromise with her.

Critchlow has written this in a way that you can’t help but be pulled into this one. I absolutely adored this and have devoured this in just 24hours.

I adore how this is unique to other books in the genre. Usually, we are solving the mystery with a detective. The podcaster element really sets this aside from other similar books. I have adored this from beginning to end.

I have to say, I was a fan of Heather’s debut. However, I think this book is even better. I really hope there is more to come from Cal Lovett.

This is a perfect read and one that has completely stolen my attention. This is brilliantly written and beautifully plotted. I love how the events have unfolded to reveal a jaw dropping moment.

There is nothing negative I can say about this book. It’s brilliant from beginning to end. A must for the TBR.

This is number 2 in the series. Gotta love a book that involves a true crime podcast and cold case. Although it is a slow burner I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved the first in this series and the second novel didn’t disappoint. Heather Critchlow’s style is getting stronger and she draws the reader in to the mystery that her protagonist is investigating while also keeping us invested in the MC’s own life.
This one in particular really pulled on my emotions.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Heather Critchlow

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Good story. Engaging characters. This is one of a series and I read it standalone which worked for me.
Twists and turns throughout

Having already read Unsolved, the first Cal Lovett book (and thoroughly enjoying it), I knew I was in for a treat with this second instalment. It does work as a standalone, but you will appreciate the main characters even more if you have read the first book.

As well as strong characterisation, the author creates such a vivid sense of place - you really can imagine the sea air and strong winds.

There are suspects aplenty and lots of plot developments right to the end that I certainly didn't see coming - all in all, everything I want from a book!

Thanks for the ARC of this book.

I love a good Scottish crime novel, especially when it is set in a small town in the Scottish Highlands! Unburied by @heather.critchlow is not only set in the Highlands but is also a terrific crime novel! It follows two families who have been touched by the tragic events surrounding the death of a loved one. Cal’s sister’s death has led to him hosting a true crime podcast and his most recent season will focus on the murder of a beloved wife and mother. The story is as well written, surprisingly emotional, and has a shocking ending that I did not see coming.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy police procedurals and true crime podcasts.

Thank you @canelo_co for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

(This same review was shared on the Barnes & Noble website)

After reading book 1 last year and it being in my top 10 of the year i was so super excited for book 2 and it did not disappoint! I loved Cal in book one and reading him still in search of what happened to his sister is heart-breaking. I also loved that he didn't give up on his podcast no matter what was thrown at him. A great book and i can't wait for book 3!

Book review

I absolutely devoured this book , I honestly found it a really easy crime novel to read , easy to follow , character plot was excellent.
I really wished I read the first book first . I have gone on to purchase the first book .
Loved how the book follows investigations but not too confusing , loved the twists and love the setting of the story.

It was so good to return to Cal and see how his life is doing now after all the upheaval he went through in the first book. It was great to have so many returning characters, hopefully they will all keep coming back in the future books as they all work so well together in telling these stories and have grown to become people I want to read about now after going on two journeys with them.
In this one there was the usual old unsolved mystery which Cal needs to investigate for his podcast. This was a very interesting story and one where I missed the clues to who did it and so found it a surprise on the reveal but it made complete sense of all that had been happening on that side of the story.
Cal also is dealing with his own demons regarding the discovery of Margot and her last resting place but mystery still revolves around who did it! The man Cal is most suspicious of pulls many publicity stunts to evade proper scrutiny of him and his actions then, even trying to shift the blame to the victim herself!
I really hope we get some resolution for Cal over Margot in the next book but, with 3 more to come, but hopefully many more than that, it may be a while until we, and Cal, find out what happened to his sister all those years ago!
This was a really well written and plotted mystery thriller and one which I really recommend but maybe read the first one before this to give you a bit more background into our main set of characters although, this wouldn't be necessary really, this could quite easily be read as a stand alone.

A Tangled Web..
The second in the Cal Lovett Files finds Cal seeking some relaxation of sorts on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands but soon finds himself pulled into another cold case and an unsolved mystery. Whilst Cal has his own issues and problems to solve he cannot help but become engrossed in other peoples issues.
Another page turning and suspenseful read with a deftly drawn cast, a likeable protagonist, an engaging plot and an atmospheric and keenly observed setting.

The second book in this series but I happily read it as a stand alone and will definitely be seeking out the rest of the series now!
A captivating thriller with great characters and a backdrop of the Scottish highlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

‘Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance – now he might finally get to tell Margot’s story.
Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.’

Gripping read from start to finish with some great twists on the way. Second book in this series well worth reading. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Another fantastic outing for Cal Lovett - author Heather Critchlow is One To Watch. Her writing brings her characters to life, and I was eager to get to the end of the book whilst not wanting it to end which is how all thrillers should make you feel. Cannot recommend this series enough. More please

Title: "Unburied" by Heather Critchlow - A Gripping Tale of Intrigue in the Scottish Highlands

In Heather Critchlow's "Unburied," readers are taken on a riveting journey through the tangled web of mysteries that surround Cal Lovett, a true crime podcaster with a knack for uncovering buried secrets. As he grapples with the impending resolution of his sister Margot's disappearance, fate thrusts him into a new enigma during a Scottish Highlands vacation.

The narrative weaves a compelling tapestry of suspense and uncertainty as Cal finds himself entangled in a fourteen-year-old unsolved murder that shattered a family. Critchlow masterfully sets the stage in an isolated community, infusing the story with an atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue. The sense of a close-knit community wary of outsiders adds an extra layer of tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Cal's character is skillfully developed, and readers will empathize with his relentless pursuit of justice. The author explores the theme of familial bonds and the lengths one is willing to go to unveil the truth. The Scottish Highlands setting is vividly depicted, contributing to the story's immersive quality.

"Unburied" excels in maintaining a palpable sense of unease, with every twist and turn leaving readers craving more. The tension is heightened by the mysterious eyes following Cal and the explicit warnings against his investigation, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and danger.

Heather Critchlow's writing is crisp and engaging, making "Unburied" a page-turner that effortlessly blends elements of true crime, mystery, and familial drama. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about justice, the consequences of probing into the past, and the limits one is willing to push to seek the truth.

In conclusion, "Unburied" is a captivating thriller that delivers on its promise of suspense and intrigue. Heather Critchlow's storytelling prowess shines through as she skillfully crafts a narrative that will keep readers guessing until the final page. For fans of mysteries set against the backdrop of atmospheric landscapes, "Unburied" is a must-read.

Book 2 in the series with main protagonist Cal Lovett is called Unburied. I've also read book 1 and when I saw this book on NetGalley I really wanted to read it as well. Likely for me I received a copy from Canelo via Netgalley. It'll be out on the 18th of January.

The police are investigating the disappearance of Cal's sister Margot who vanished some 36 years ago. Cal and his girlfriend decide to go away for a bit to clear their heads from this investigation. While on this little getaway Cal is asked by a young man to investigate the death of his mother who was found dead on the doorsteps 14 years earlier. Cal is not eager to start this investigation but you feel so sorry for this young man that he decides to investigate. However it becomes clear that the community doesn't want him there as he is constantly being harassed with some life threatening situations. Will he be able to solve this case before any one gets hurt or even worse?

It is easier to have read book 1 to understand this story. There are some references to his past that are easier understood because of the fact that it has been described in book one. The characters in this book are described quite well and you get to know the feelings and emotions of these characters and their place in the entire story. The description of the scenery and landscape adds to the completeness of this story. There are some lovely twists and turns in this book that you don't really see coming which makes it an interesting and tense read. Hopefully there will be a third installment in this series!

4,5/5 ⭐

I love a good mystery, especially a cold case crime so this book ticked all the boxes for me and I loved it!

The book is told from two points of view, Cal in the present and Bryony, the victim of the cold case, in the past. I thought this format worked well, both character’s voices were distinct and the timelines were synchronised towards the big reveal.

The setting of the Scottish Highlands was a great choice and brilliantly realised. The descriptions of the brooding and isolated landscape helped to evoke Bryony’s story and the situation she found herself in. It also heightens the reader’s fears for Cal when it becomes clear someone is trying to stop him investigating.

On one level this is a great unravelling of a cold case crime that will keep you guessing and changing your mind until the end. On another level the author uses the characters to explore other themes. Through Bryony she puts a spotlight on the loneliness and lack of purpose some women experience when they give up work to care for young children. This was sensitively done and I appreciated this aspect.

The other theme explored is the effects of violent crimes on the family and friends of the victims, especially when there is no closure or resolution of the crime. This is really well done and the story around Carl’s missing sister feels very authentic and touching.

Unburied is the second book in a series but for me it works as a stand alone but I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!

Cal Lovett is back! This is book two in the series and I do think you should read book one first. Having read the first book, it was nice not to have to rehash all of the details and jump right into the new story. This book starts out with new information on Cal's sister, Margot, which is absolutely heartbreaking. To help Cal from obsessing over his sister's police case, he takes a vacation with Shona and there he stumbles upon a new case for his podcast. Like the first book, this new case is told in alternating POVs - Cal in the present, and Bryony in the past. We get to see where Cal is making progress on who killed Bryony, while at the same time hearing the truth in Bryony's own words. I love this format! The ending had multiple scary moments and twists! I binge read this book and am hopeful for a third installment in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.