Love the Claire Mackay novels. Great writing and premise. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing..Definitely looking forward to the next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

Twists and turns and red herrings - with multiple sub-plots woven together that keep the pace going strong to the last page. Great characters with a strong female lead and the right mix of friendship, trust - and in some cases shared mistrust - feels real. A great series for detective fans - plus they will run into the fire to save the dog, yea, that clinches it.

4.5 stars
DI Clare Mackay #8

Saint Andrews police receive a call concerning a suspicious death at Albany High where a female student has been discovered hanging from an oak tree. She is described as cheerful, popular and talented, so what caused Sophie Bakewell to do this? This serious incident requires all of Clare and the team’s attention, but as ever, it’s never just one thing on their investigative plate. Next comes a shoplifter without any good reason for the crime and then Rory Craven arrives at the station alleging his elderly father is being taken advantage of. This is just the tip of the workload iceberg as things become about a serious as they can get.

I love Tartan Noir and Marion Todd does it as well as anyone as she always spins a good yarn. This is a really good series, but I think this latest is one of the best. What makes the series so compelling? One of the main reasons has to be these terrific characters she has created who now feel like old friends. There’s such good camaraderie (and wagon wheels) between them, they’re comfortable with each other, and I love the touches of humour that alleviates the seriousness of the investigations. You can’t help but like Clare, her life partner and rock in DCI Alistair Gibson (not to mention Benjy the dog), her work partner, DS Chris West et al. There’s a new addition, a FLO in DS Paul
Henry and I definitely don’t like him and nor do Clare and Chris! Don’t get me started on DC Tony McAvetti though he does provide, or is on the receiving end of, some killer lines. Mind you, he does have the last laugh… well played and very clever Ms Todd.

In terms of the crimes investigated, things are never straightforward as they seem as the more they dig, the more they find which does make for intriguing reading. What is under investigation raises some very pertinent and relevant concerns and both make you feel something such a sadness or anger. The plot becomes increasingly suspenseful and twisty, taking some unexpected but fascinating directions, the pace is quick throughout and it’s a very engaging read that has me gripped. It gets dramatic and exciting towards the end and there are some scenes where the tension is the hold your breath kind. It builds to a good ending with one final smile.

Overall, this is a well written, glide through, easy read because I enjoy it so much. If you like police procedurals/mystery/thrillers, then check the series out. Although this latest cracker can be read as a standalone, why miss out on the others??!!

A terrific cover too which lures you in.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review

It's always good to catch up with characters in a long running series ,and in this one, we move ever closer to a wedding.
The crimes committed, and investigated kept me on my toes, lots of twists and turns.
I was second guessing myself on who did it a few times.
A very satisfactory tie up for everything, and left me, as always , waiting for the next installment.

DI Clare is called to a school where a student has taken her own life. Why would this promising young athlete hang herself? Clare and her team find a disturbing video uploaded to a porn site of the teen and her boyfriend, who swears he never posted it. But someone had his phone, and is now perhaps blackmailing him. Another case involves a man complaining that someone is stealing from his terminally ill father. When the team looks into the old man's past, they uncover some shocking secrets, and everyone is surprised when the two cases start to overlap. Recommended for fans of Tartan Noir. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Good book! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, rape, revenge, double crossing, a great who done it, great police work, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!