I really enjoyed reading Deadfall, set in the lovely Black Isle of Scotland up near Inverness. It’s always good reading about a location I live near.
Oriole lives in the grand house in Drumdalloch Woods, when her brother Perry turns up with her nephew Jay. Perry then ends up dead and DCI Strang is called to investigate. There has been mysterious things happening in the town and with corrupt police and others wanting their hands on the house, it’s makes an interesting and thrilling read. I liked the style of writing and all the characters. My first book by this author, but won’t be my last. A well written 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Drumdalloch House is surrounded by woods on the Black Isle near Inverness. The Grandmother had planted many special trees, and their parents had taken care of them. At this time, the house is decaying and there are several local students and other volunteers who are working among the trees. Early in the book, the Members of the family are Giles Forsyth, the father, Perry the son, Oriole the daughter, Helena, Perry's wife, and Jay, the young son of Perry and Helena. Perry has been working in the city and is usually only around on weekends.

There are students and faculty from a nearby college as well as volunteer working on the valuable trees in the woods. When a student working finds Helena dead from a bird shelf in a tree landing on her head, Oriole calls the police. Local policeman, Drummond investigates, and determines that Helena's death was an accident. However, Jay thinks that his father or aunt had killed her because they wanted to make money from the trees, and he becomes difficult to control. Oriole wants to keep the forest as her grandmother had wanted, but Perry wants to get some income from it.

We soon find that Perry has joined with two friends, the policeman Drummond and the nearby hotel owner Steve, to sell the hotel and start a new luxury hotel at the Drumdalloch site. When Oriole has an accident similar to Helena's (although it didn't kill her), Jay disappears, and it is believed that he may have tried to kill his aunt. This time Strang is called in from Edinburgh. Drummond tries to take control, but is not allowed to work with the police. Then, there is another suspicious death. We soon realize that there is a group of bad police and Oriole and Jay are both in danger of their life. Will the good guys find Jay before the bad guys get to him? And will Strang live to marry his new girlfriend?

This is a very exciting book and I can't wait to read all the previous books in the series. I thank Net Galley and Allyson&Busby for the ARC so I could read the book before publication.

A Scottish police procedural, Deadfall (2024) by Aline Templeton is the sixth book of the Detective Inspector Kelso Strang series. It begins in 2020 in the Drumdalloch Woods before jumping to 2023 and the discovery of an unliked local man found murdered. The narrative is too slow in establishing the back story before DI Strang’s investigation finally gets underway. The characters all appear to be emotionally flappable and hence unlikable, giving the tale a humdrum feel. The focus on the woods was intended to create a dark atmospheric vibe, but their role seemed somewhat absurd and yet another distracting element of the story. Unfortunately, this crime mystery drama was somewhat ordinary and disappointing, so only rates two and a half stars. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Allison & Busby publishers and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

This is the first book that I have read in the Kelso Strang series and it ticked lots of boxes for me when I read about it.
Crime thriller
Set in Scotland
Old run down estate with wonderful old trees.

I like exploring old National Trust estates so I felt immediately at ease as the author detailed Drumdalloch Estate in the Scottish Highlands, with its spooky old woods. The book felt quite slow initially as the characters of those in the old house are explored but gave good background to likely suspects when a dead body finally appears. Ongoing conflict in the family over whether the estate with its unique old specimen trees should be left almost untouched and available for scientific research or it should be revitalised and brought into the modern world. So there are plenty of suspects.
I liked Di Kelso Strang and the book was an enjoyable easy read. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will look out for others in the series

This was my first DI Strang book and I hadn't realised it was actually the 6th in the series - I would have preferred to have read from book 1 but nonetheless it wasn't a huge issue and I didn't feel as though I was missing a huge chunk of backstory.

I adore trees, and forests, and nature, woodlands, fields and all the creatures that live within along with the faintly spooky atmosphere they create and so although the beginning of this book was a bit slow for me I forgave that for the beautiful depth of the intro to the woodlands.

I loved the main characters, especially Strang and Livvy and most of the 'side' characters were either interesting or annoying both of which is good as you need someone to love to hate!

I think I now need to find myself book 1.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley and Allison and Busby for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A well written and atmospheric (those woods!) procedural that I read as a standalone. DCI Kelsey Strang has a mess of a case on his hands but powers through with the help of his team and his instincts. There's some interesting eco-commentary here that adds to the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm going to look for Templeton again.

One of my favorite Scottish police procedural authors is back with the 6th book in her Kelso Strang series. It can definitely be read as a stand alone but it would be a shame to miss the previous installments, they’re so good. I also enjoy how she’s brought characters from her DI Marjory Fleming books into this series.
The backstory for the murder is well laid out, an old estate in the Scottish Highlands with a crumbling manor and a wild forest are essentially all that remain after death taxes when Giles Forsyth dies. His son and daughter, a Biological Science Institute, along with some local characters all have their own ideas for its future, and that’s where the conflict begins. The writing makes it easy, while not really liking some of the characters, to have empathy for what’s brought them to where they are, while there are also some true villains. The forest itself has a personality ranging from majestic to wild and raging, the manor is depressingly damp and run down, and the nearby inn and spa is a sad, dated place that probably wouldn’t get many stars on Trip Advisor…..they’re all so vividly described that you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere. Kelso initially needs to rely on local help before he can bring in DS Livvy Murray, I love how we get to learn more of how she thinks and how she’s growing as an officer. The dynamics between the characters keep the story moving quickly as secrets and plotting are uncovered, the ending was,dramatic.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Allison and Busby, for an advance copy. Highly recommended for lovers of police procedurals, mysteries set in an atmospheric setting, and lovers of all things Scottish (including a death or two!).

Scotland, suspense, crime-thriller, due-diligence, procedural, greed, relationships, revenge, atmospheric, Scottish-noir, justice, rural, environmental, eco-awareness, family-dynamics, family-drama, family-history, murder, investigation. ****

Disclaimer: I did not read every word in this book because I forgot to check if it was TTS enabled (NOT) and that made it difficult for me to get engrossed as I would have liked. Even with that, I think that it stands alone very well. The characters are clear and totally believable. The majors are DCI Kelso Strang (his new girlfriend Cat Fleming) and his offsider DS Livvy Murray. I thought I'd have to map out the characters in the first third, but it wasn't that bad once Strang got into the investigation. That first third was important to the basic set-up and plot basics. Despite my vision issues, I found the writing very involving and hard to put down. Now I hope for audio of the series.
I requested and received a free temporary digital galley as PDF from Allison & Busby via NetGalley.
#Deadfall by @AlineTempleton #DIKelsoStrangBk6 #NetGalley @AllisonandBusby

I didn’t realise it was part of a series but it was fine as a stand-alone. Great characters and storyline. Plenty of suspense to keep me enthralled. Would definitely read the next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the eARC.
Wow, what a fabulous book, I was blown away. This was my first DI Strang book, but I had read several of her other ones and loved those too.
The atmosphere, the setting, the characters, the story itself, everything was perfect for me. Even though some of the characters were despicable, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I liked Strang, but liked DS Livvy Murray even more. Oriole, on the other hand, was so weak at times, I wanted to give her a smack.
The parts about the trees and woods were fascinating, the idea trees might communicate makes me feel a bit guilty about sitting in front of my cozy fire...
Highly recommended, excellent mystery!

Another well written plot in the Kelso Strang series, set in Scotland. I liked the setting and the descriptive passages of the woods, very atmospheric. The characterisation was good with plenty of interesting characters, especially Livvy and they were well developed. A slow beginning but it quickly picked up with plenty of action in the latter part of the book as Strang delves further into the investigation. A well wrapped up ending leaves the reader just wanting a bit more from the next in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Aline Templeton’s Deadfall is a masterful addition to the Scottish crime thriller genre, weaving a tale that is as atmospheric as it is gripping. Set in the shadowy depths of Drumdalloch Woods on the Black Isle, this novel plunges readers into a world where nature’s beauty is juxtaposed with human greed and malice.

The story begins with the mysterious death of Perry Forsyth, a character whose unsavory reputation precedes him. The woods, a character in their own right, are depicted with such vivid detail that they almost breathe, adding an eerie backdrop to the unfolding drama. Templeton’s portrayal of the Scottish Highlands is both haunting and enchanting, drawing readers into a landscape that is as much a part of the mystery as the characters themselves.

DCI Kelso Strang, the protagonist, is a compelling figure whose personal and professional lives are intricately entwined. His investigation into Perry’s death reveals layers of deceit, ambition, and long-held grudges among the inhabitants of Drumdalloch. Strang’s relationship with his new girlfriend, Cat Fleming, adds a personal dimension to the narrative, making his character relatable.

Deadfall explores themes of justice, both natural and societal, as Strang navigates the murky waters of local politics and personal vendettas. The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the strained relationships within the Forsyth family, and the impact of past traumas on present actions.

Templeton’s writing is lyrical and precise, capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape while maintaining a tight, suspenseful plot. Her ability to create multi-dimensional characters who are flawed yet sympathetic is one of the novel’s strengths. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and advancing the plot seamlessly.

Deadfall is a standout in the crime thriller genre, offering a richly textured narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Templeton’s skillful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature make this a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the Kelso Strang series or a newcomer, Deadfall promises a thrilling thought-provoking read.

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.
Deadfall sees the return of the wonderful Kelso Strang in this high end Scottish police procedural. Aline Templeton really does like to take her time setting the scene and laying the foundations and therefore it is quite a while before Kelso comes properly into the story. This is when the pace really starts to ramp up and things start to get interesting. An array of fascinating characters makes for plenty of suspects as we follow Kelso and the delightful Livvy as they put the pieces together. My least favourite in the series but still an enjoyable read 3.5 ⭐️

Deadfall is the sixth installment in the police procedural series featuring DCI Kelsey Strang and the members of the All Scotland Regional Police Force. This force is called in to supplement local resources in smaller, more remote areas of Scotland no longer manned for serious crime investigations. I have enjoyed all the books in the series. These are well written police procedurals with a strong sense of place and wonderful descriptions of various areas in the north of Scotland. Deadfall takes place at Drumdalloch Woods in the Black Isle near Inverness and the description of the woods gave them an almost oversized presence. There were a fair number of characters in the book and I struggled a bit for the first 25 percent until DCI Strang arrives to work the case and other characters from the previous books in the series show up. From then on it was a quick read and I hope there will be another DCI Stang book in the future.

This instalment of Aline Templeton’s Kelso Strang series sees murder occur at an environmentally significant site with a range of self interested stakeholders with murky morality. Perry an unlikeable and dishonest bully has been murdered and it seems most players have a motive. Kelso and Livy also have to contend with being undermined by the local force and budget pressures from above. Aline Templeton writes character so well and this combined with a well crafted mystery plot and relevant musings on practical and natural justice make this a compelling read. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one!

I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadfall” by Aline Templeton. It contained many features I consider essential for a good mystery:
1) Good writing (the most important component);
2) Character-driven rather than plot-driven; and
3) Sensory images that immerse the reader in the setting.

Although “Deadfall” is the sixth instalment of the Kelso Strang series, it was the first Aline Templeton novel I have read. At no point did I feel lost. Enough information was provided about Strang to enable me to understand his actions, but the story focused more directly on the needs and motivations of characters embroiled in a unique setting .

<b>Brief Synopsis</b>

The Drumdalloch Woods is a privately owned forest situated on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands. Filled with thick, dark trees, a sanctuary for woodland birds, its owner, Giles Forsyth, considered Drumdalloch a sacred trust to be passed on to future generations. Giles did not believe that either of his two children—Oriole, his daughter, or Perry, his son—would carry on this historic legacy and consequently was planning to bequeath it to his daughter-in-law, Helena. Then Helena died in a freak accident. Or was it an accident? Her ten-year-old son, Jay, didn’t believe that it was, but no one listened to him.

Three years later, Giles has died and his two children are still waiting for approval of their ownership rights. Oriole, still lives in the large deteriorating house in the woods and is struggling to pay her bills; Perry, who works for his cousins—a branch of the wealthy Forsyths in Edinburgh—has been living comfortably until he is laid off from the family firm during an economic downturn. No one at his firm was sorry to see him go, as several staff members had accused him of bullying and harassment. The loss of his generous salary means that he must return to Drumdalloch, accompanied by Jay, his sullen thirteen-year-old son.

Several people have plans for Drumdalloch. Pompous Professor Michael Erskine views getting the woods officially transferred to the Institute for Studies in Biological Sciences as his way to academic respectability. After all, the Institute has had unfettered access to them for scientific research for almost 100 years. Hot tempered Norwegian graduate student, Lars Andersen, is consumed by his own research project and wants nothing to interfere with his work. Hotel owner Steve Christie needs Perry’s cooperation to include the woods in a luxury hotel investment. And Perry intends to sell to the highest bidder.

Another death, and this one was not an accident, although it doesn’t appear to have been a well-planned murder. After being struck in the head, the victim toppled into a pond and drowned; it appeared to be an opportunistic crime, one committed on impulse. Called in to carry out the investigation, DCI Strang collected his overnight bag and drove to the isolated peninsula. He was followed by his regular (and favourite) assistant, DS Livvy Murray. But what appeared to be a simple act of temper turns out not to be so simple to unravel, as Strang and Murray dig deeper.

<b>What I Liked</b>

1) I thoroughly enjoyed the description of the setting—the woods, alternatively ominous and majestic, mysterious and yet home to hundreds of birds that formed a chorus to greet visitors. To a Canadian reader, it seemed very familiar, close to home, even if the mixture of exotic trees, planted as a private sanctuary, differed from what I typically see in my homeland. But the important thing was that the author’s narrative helped me see and hear the environment.

2) Many of the characters were well-drawn, and unique, not stereotypes. I especially liked the picture of Oriole as it unfolded by showing how others viewed her, as well as her own thought patterns. Awkward, graceless, with a sad-spaniel face and a tendency to continuously talk whenever given the slightest amount of attention, most people pitied her. Steve Christie was the opposite—charming, well-liked, but hiding secret fears. Even Lachie MacIver, a minor character who played a small but significant role, was distinct. Only a major villain was conventionally villainous, but no attempt was made to hide his nefarious personality from the moment he made his first appearance.

3) As mentioned earlier, I loved the author’s writing style—descriptive, yet clear, not pretentious. I quickly flew through the story, finishing it in record time (for me).

<b>What I Didn’t Like</b>

Although in terms of the police investigation, the killer was identified, a comment near the end showed that, although guilty of many things, he couldn’t have committed the opportunistic murder. It was left to DS Murray, in her mind, to make the connections that solved that crime. But there was no proof, and Murray decided to leave it be, just a gut feeling about who was responsible.

Initially, because of this ambiguous ending, I was going to give “Deadfall” a four-star rating. But then while re-reading sections of the book to write this review, I came across a passage early in the story that predicted exactly how the real killer thought. The solution was planted early, but easily overlooked by the multitude of details that followed. So, in light of the fact that I overlooked this clue, I am rating it as 4.5 stars, upped to 5.

“Deadfall” will be released in North America on November 21, 2024.

Thanks to Allison & Busby for providing an electronic copy of this book via Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

This uses the crime thriller element and was hooked from the first page. It had that tension that I was looking for and enjoyed about the genre. The characters were everything that I was expecting and glad I got to get to know them in this. Aline Templeton has a great writing style and can’t wait for more.