Scotland, local-law-enforcement, lies, secrets, suspicion, procedural, lawyers, murder-investigation, murders, grieving, mental-illness, medical-doctor, medical-examiner, sex-workers, suspense, revenge, unputdownable, intense, friendship, friends*****

Rachel McKenzie is in the grip of grief for one friend when another friend reaches out in need. The publisher's blurb is a good hook but doesn't convey how diabolical this tale is or how crammed with misdirection! I was blindsided when finding out the who and why of the killer.
Rachel is a death investigating fiscal (what US calls a prosecution lawyer) but has to do her own verification of police evidence and conclusions rather than affording a special investigator for the task. Police Scotland is the overarching collection of federal agencies.
There are decided differences in naming things related to hospitals, but those of us who work in health care have no difficulties in knowing the "translations". Another excellent story in series!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of The Highland Dead by Morag Pringle. At the request of a former classmate, Dr. Kirsty Burns, Rachel investigates the death of Kirsty’s best friend Gillian, who appeared to have died of natural causes. While she was looking into the death as a courtesy, Rachel uncovers a sick and twisted plot of revenge. I liked the mix of doctor, detective, and lawyer characters and subplots. It was fast-paced, and I didn’t put it down until I was finished! I am definitely interested in reading more from the author!

Couldn’t put this down!

I did not realize this was the second book in the Rachel McKenzie series. I was pleasantly surprised to realize this after the first few pages, as I had enjoyed the first book very much. Throughout the book, there are references made to the previous story, but you can easily start with this one without being lost on the cast of characters or storyline. This was a great “who done it?” that had me guessing the entire way through. I throughly enjoyed the mystery and suspense the authors storytelling led me through. The author goes into such detail that I can imagine every scene.

Rachel McKenzie finds herself taking on another case after a call comes through asking for further investigation into her friend’s death. The woman, Kristy, believes her friend was murdered, but the police and medical examiner don’t agree. When more women end up dead, Rachel believes there’s a serial killer on the loose. Are Rachel or Kristy next?

This is the second book in the series, however,it reads okay as a standalone. This time there is a sequence of murders where things don’t add up. Impressive investigation by Rachel ties up the loose ends in a dramatic twist at the end. It was clever how the killer went about ruining Kirsty's professional reputation. This book had me engrossed and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, especially Mags and Kirsty. This had a ripper plot, with some interesting twists and turns, and I eagerly look forward to the next book, especially as some tantalising hints were dropped about Rachel’s father and mother. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an opportunity to review this book.

This was a compulsive, twisty murder mystery in which I could not predict the killer. While there is some police procedural, the focus is more from a lawyer’s POV since that is Rachel’s profession. I really liked her compassion and tenacity as she ignores orders to “Stay in her own lane” and perseveres to find the real answers. There were a lot of characters but everyone was well fleshed out so there was no confusion. This is book 2 of a series (I have not read book 1) so I did feel I was missing some of Rachel’s personal history. Some of this is revealed as the story evolves which hints at some dramatic drama with Rachel’s family. I look forward to reading more from this series.

Rachael is devastated when her dear friend Gillian is found dead. Gillian helped her during the darkest moments of her life, and she moves full speed ahead to find her killer. The killer soon strikes again, and Rachael finds during her investigation into the string of murders that the killer has a twisted plan, and she fears more deaths to follow after a young girl is kidnapped. Rachael steps up her investigation, and soon, her own life is in danger when she comes face-to-face with the killer.
A chilling and amazing crime fiction so full of twists and turns you will be unable to put down.

Rounded up to 4.5 stars!

I really liked the first book in this series, so I was thrilled to be able to receive this ARC. I am always hesitant with the second book in a series because I hope it lives up to its predecessor. This lived up to my expectations!

In this latest installment, Rachel McKenzie is still working for the "Death Unit". A friend from the past, Dr. Kirsty Burns, has concerns that the death of her best friend was not accidental. Rachel decides to look into the case. As she investigates, she discovers a connection to Dr. Burns hospital and the murders of sex workers and a teacher.

There are a lot of characters in this case, but they all are connected to the hospital. The investigation is greatly paced, and the discoveries and clues start piling up. I will say that there are a few "red herrings", so I didn't quite figure it out until the end!

This is a well written mystery, with many turns and twists. The solution is well thought out and makes sense. The death of Rachel's mom is addressed and looked into a little more in this novel. New information comes to light about her mother's job and life.

I really like Rachel, Serena, Mags, and the other characters. I felt this was intelligently written and completely engaging! Highly recommend to those who like a darker story, police procedurals, and slow and increasing development of characters and relationships!

I cannot wait to see where the next story will take us- hopefully solving the death of Rachel's mom!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a book with many strands and parts that run in parallel till they build up and merge in a messy conclusion. The personal connection of a father in prison for murder adds a deep emotional layer to the book which is well described and gives a great last few paragraphs. The characters all have their quirks al although none were especially appealing to worry about their next steps. This made it hard for me to get dragged into the story. The conclusion is fantastical and very well told with the madness of the murderer exposed in all its glory. A solid read.

Although this is the scond book in the series, it can read well as a standalove.

Lawyer Rachel McKenzie gets involved in a case where an old schoolfriend has been murdered - and another old schoolfriend appears to be linked not only to her death, but to the deaths of several other women. Is she being set up?

Very twisty plot, good pace and characterisation, and I didn't make the vital connection until Rachel did!

Solid five stars - and I'm looking forward to the next and peeling more layers from Rachel's past.

Rachel McKenzie is investigating the murder of a school friend. More deaths are taking place with the same MO, and there is a chilling connection between the deaths.

I am getting so invested in this series! Loving Rachel's absolute doggedness to get to the bottom of her investigations.
She is everything an investigator should be. kind and empathetic, smart and tenacious.

Suspenseful and twisty, I can recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

A great read!! I had enjoyed book 1 in the series, and I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to read the second novel. I find it interesting to read about a murder investigation involving not only the police but also a lawyer. Indeed, this lawyer decides whether a death looks suspicious or not. When it does, then the police gets involved. A different approach, but definitely an interesting one! I also like the characters, all very likeable. The plot was convincing, thrilling with a few twists and turns leaving the reader guessing.... Can't wait for book 3 !
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

Book 2 of an Inverness based series following lawyer Rachel McKenzie. This can easily be read as a stand alone without any issues. We follow as Rachel gets involved in an investigation of a serial killer. It’s a good book with an interesting slant on the murder investigations, following Rachel rather than the usual police officers. The pacing is good and the writing engaging. Really enjoyable and I’m looking forward to more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc copy to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I'm happy to say book two is as good as book one. In my review for book one, I mentioned hoping to see Selena get the job in Inverness, and she did just that. She and Rachel make a good team, and I hope their friendship continues to grow. The rest of the team is back, and we meet a new side character, Angus, who I also hope to see in future books. Considering what's going on with Rachel's father, I think this is a good assumption we'll see more of him. This is turning out to be a great series. Quick, one-sitting read. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the killer, who is revealed almost at the very end of the book, kind of came out of nowhere for me. Very much looking forward to the next one! Highly recommend.

More excitement for death investigating fiscal Rachel in the second of Morag Pringle's Inverness based series. Rachel is just back from Uist when the death of a school friend is brought to her attention. This is followed by several more suspicious deaths of women all linked to another school friend who is a doctor at the local hospital. There follows a fast moving hunt for the killer of the women with Rachel 'helping' and pushing the police on to solve the murders. I have to admit I was clueless as to the murderer right until the end so well done Morag! A very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Rachel has returned to her hometown of Inverness following her harrowing case in the Outer Hebrides. As a lawyer working for Fiscal, she helps to decide which death cases need further investigation. Rachel’s friend Dr Kirstie Burns finds the dead body of her friend Gillian Robertson and convinces Rachel to help her find out the cause of death, since she is not convinced that Gillian died by bleeding out from a miscarriage, as the police had decided. Other young women’s bodies start to turn up and much of the evidence seems to point to Kirstie. Tension mounts as Rachel and her coworker Selena search for answers. This story becomes a real nail-biter about half way through the book. There are several suspects, but Rachel’s gut tells her that there’s something more that is eluding them. As the pieces finally start to fall into place, both Kirstie and Rachel find themselves in real danger. Great suspense and well-written characters. I recommend this book to those who love mystery and suspense.

The death of a schoolfriend forces Rachel McKenzie to confront a remorseless killer in her Highland hometown…
Fantastic read!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one!! This book had great suspense, intrigue, action packed, murder, mystery, a fantastic who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and had me glued to my kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of The Highland Dead by Morag Pringle.
Rachel McKenzie Is not long back from Uist when she’s finds an old school friend has been killed, Rachel knows she has to look into what happened no matter what her bosses will say. Then another girl dies in the same circumstances. They must be connected?
Rachel is in a race against time.
A fast moving crime story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Highland Dead by Morag Pringle due to be published June 21, 2024.
I really enjoyed Book One in this series, The Liar’s Bones, so I was thrilled to get a copy of the second book.
Rachel McKenzie will do anything to help solve cases. When one of her good friends is found killed in her own home, she is determined to find out who did it. As other bodies of sex workers are found, Rachel will stop at nothing to find out the link between these women and her friend, Gillian. Will Rachel be able to solve these murders before getting hurt herself?
This was another good book in this new series. Although Rachel is a lawyer, and not a policewoman, her crime-solving skills are spot on. Everyone is under suspicion – including some hospital workers. Throw in a good friend of hers who is a doctor at that hospital and her aging prostitute neighbor, Mags, and Rachel has a group of crime solvers who will not be stopped until the murderer is uncovered.
Will anxiously await book number three in this series!
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