Author:Stuart MacBride
Scottish crime writer Stuart MacBride temporarily puts aside the long running and highly successful Logan McRae series and here returns to the relatively new Ash Henderson stories, set in the town of Oldcastle. This is now the fourth novel featuring the regular cast of characters, and I’m pleased to say it’s every bit as good as the previous three. These novels are rather more hard edged and gritty than the McCrae ones, with rather less of their trademark quirky black humour, but they are, in their own way, on a par with them in terms of tension and excitement. This latest effort features a dual storyline of a child murderer being hunted by the police and the search for a newly identified serial killer who is on the run. If you’ve read the earlier novels, you’ll be familiar with the colourful figures that populate these stories, many of whom make a very welcome reappearance here as the search for the perpetrators intensifies. As the race to stop both killers striking again reaches its climax, both plot lines are cleverly resolved in a very satisfying and exciting climax. This is an excellent thriller that is right up there with MacBride’s best work – all in all, a very engaging and enjoyable read that fans will love.
Length of Read:Long
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
Previous books by the author, crime novels, tartan noir.
One thing you’ve learned
It would be great if the author were to alternate these novels with the Logan McRae ones on an annual basis, thus keeping both series fresh for the reader.
I shall investigate forthwith – with several months to wait before the most recent Rebus makes it to paperback, this may be the way to go.
I like the sound of “rather more hard edged and gritty”, so I’ll start reading the Ash Henderson yarns – what’s the first one called?
Birthdays For The Dead is the first one in this series. And speaking of Ian Rankin…
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/dec/05/ian-rankin-to-complete-william-mcilvanney-final-unfinished-novel-the-dark-remains
Thanks Bargy.
Less than the price of a pint – 2nd hand from the dodgers – swiftly ordered and paid for.
By the way, the Songs For The Dark Times hardback is currently only £7.50…
Thanks for tip, Bargey.
As a big Brookmyre and Rankin fan, Stuart MacBride sounds right up my street.
Cheers Bargepole. I’ll try Birthdays For The Dead and see how I get on.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scots-crime-author-stuart-macbride-its-not-about-being-bloody-i-want-you-to-see-what-the-characters-see-z6xrjcm6c