The story begins at a party after which four kids decide to steal a car and go on a joyride. The night ends with a tragic accident which marks the beginning of cold case investigation as one of the kid’s DNAs partially matched DNA found on an old crime screen. The case is soon referred to Karen Pirie, Investigator in charge of the detective’s unit that deals with the cold cases (Historical Crime Unit). At first, the case seemed quite straight forward but this is where the twists started. The lead investigator is soon faced with one hurdle after the other while trying to establish the missing link.

I found it interesting that the lead detective was involved in three cases at the same time. There was the DNA case, a suspicious suicide and a twenty year old case about a terrorist bombing. All these cases were intertwined hence making it a very complex investigation. However, the lead detective, Karen was definitely up for the task. The author did a fantastic job in creating a strong, female lead. Karen was a smart, intuitive, relentless and confident Investigator who made the investigation quite interesting.

Apart from the Investigation which was the main story-line, I like the fact that the author introduced a new angle of Syrian refugees in Scotland. We get to meet these refugees through their interactions with Karen. Their stories and struggles are shared in a way that makes them endearing. They are not treated with suspicion(it happens sometimes) but as regular people going through a tough time. I really liked this angle even though it was not part of the main story-line.

I think that this book will appeal to lovers of police procedural. It is more character-driven than plot-driven hence the pace is not too fast. However, the characters are well-developed in such a way that it was easy to become immersed in their story. The investigation is explained in detail and as readers, we get to understand how the cases were solved. I also like the fact that the detectives relied on evidence and forensics and not purely on instincts and confessions like in some cop procedural/thrillers. The book was also so well researched that I ended up learning a number of things. For instance; I didn’t know much about the laws concerning adoptions and the complexities surrounding the information pertaining adoption cases.

As I have already mentioned, this book can be read as a standalone. I recommend Out of Bounds by Val MacDermid to all fans of police procedural/crime thrillers.

This is the first time in ages that I have read a book by Val McDermid and I had forgotten what a good writer she is. It was also my first meeting with Karen Pirie, her assistant Jason and the Scottish cold case unit. An interesting storyline that raised modern ethical questions and a good plot, interweaving two murders and the usual twists and turns along the way. I will need to go back and read the others in the series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a review copy.

My first review of the mew year, though I did finish reading this a few days back. What I love about this author is her tightly constructed plots, her great writing, identifiable characters and her consistent pacing. She has never let me down, and still hasn't.

Karen Pirie, Police Scotland, cold case division, has suffered a tragic loss and is still trying to find an even keel. When the police get a hit of familial DNA , after a car accident that leaves two dead, one in hospital, it connects back to a twenty year old unsolved murder and rape. Karen's area of expertise and she and her partner are off, pulling records, making connections, as always hindered by those above her who are jealous of her successes. Eventually, a young man's supposed suicide will find her involved in a second case, with dangerous implications.

It is easy for me to like this character, she is real, her actions and reactions not always spot on, but she cares, greatly and will do what she can to right a wrong. Not afraid to stick her neck out. Her support network is interesting too, how she puts things together, who she reached out too and the connections she makes. A very good series, not edge of your seat exciting but solid police work.

ARC from Netgalley.