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Jimmy Dreghorn #2
Cast a Cold Eye
Cast a Cold Eye by Robbie Morrison is a dark historical crime novel and the sequel to Edge of the Grave which won the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut 2021 award and was shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger.
Glasgow 1933
Murder is nothing new in the Depression-era city, especially to war veterans Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid. But the dead man found in a narrowboat on the Forth and Clyde Canal, executed with a single shot to the back of the head, is no ordinary killing.
Violence usually erupts in the heat of the moment – the razor-gangs that stalk the streets settle scores with knives and fists. Firearms suggest something more sinister, especially when the killer strikes again. Meanwhile, other forces are stirring within the Empire’s second city. A suspected IRA cell is at large, embedded within the criminal gangs, and attracting the ruthless attention of Special Branch agents from London.
With political and sectarian tensions rising, and the body count mounting, Dreghorn and McDaid pursue an investigation into the dark heart of humanity – where one man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist, and noble ideals are swept away by bloody vengeance.
Glasgow 1933
Murder is nothing new in the Depression-era city, especially to war veterans Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid. But the dead man found in a narrowboat on the Forth and Clyde Canal, executed with a single shot to the back of the head, is no ordinary killing.
Violence usually erupts in the heat of the moment – the razor-gangs that stalk the streets settle scores with knives and fists. Firearms suggest something more sinister, especially when the killer strikes again. Meanwhile, other forces are stirring within the Empire’s second city. A suspected IRA cell is at large, embedded within the criminal gangs, and attracting the ruthless attention of Special Branch agents from London.
With political and sectarian tensions rising, and the body count mounting, Dreghorn and McDaid pursue an investigation into the dark heart of humanity – where one man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist, and noble ideals are swept away by bloody vengeance.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 18, 2024
Glasgow gangs in the 1930s are again the backdrop for a 2nd helping of this entertaining series. The sectarian divide in the city is a well worn path, but there is enough fresh violence and historical detail to make this book stand out, as well as a welcome return for the characters from the first book. Plenty of action, a few shocks along the way and a satisfactory ending.
April 9, 2024
**Happy Publication Day!**
The second book in the inspector Jimmy Dreghorn series, set in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1933, is every bit as gritty as the first book. This time around, Dreghorn and his partner, 'Bonnie' Archie McDaid, are investigating a series of murders, assassinations apparently, of men who had served in Ireland in the Black and Tans years ago.
Dreghorn is an interesting character: 35 years old, a pretty heavy drinker and smoker, haunted by his experiences and actions in WWI, unlucky in love, a fallen-away Catholic who is serving in a mostly Protestant police force. Although he's capable of just about any violence, he's also quite protective of the innocent, women and especially children.
His partner Archie is quite a piece of work too. He's huge in size, intimidating and capable of violence himself but a family man and a softy at heart who often tries to act as Jimmy's conscience.
The author Morrison really immerses the reader in the mean streets of Glasgow. Things are hard for most everyone during the Depression years but the gangs and violence make life that much worse. This story also brings in the Irish history, struggles between the Catholics, Protestants, and English, much of which was new to me. Do you remember Irish sweepstakes tickets? "If You're Not In, You Can't Win." Big jackpot but illegal gambling. Supposedly a fundraiser for a good cause--to help build hospitals.
If you enjoy police procedurals, I highly recommend this series for its totally different take and setting. I've mentioned the violence in this story but really there is a lot of laugh-out-loud humor too. The relationship between these two partners is close and special. In general, the secondary characters are also quite well depicted, whether they be the criminals or the other polis. A good look at human nature in all its aspects.
And then there's the language: their boss Sillitoe, an Englishman, 'enjoyed applying linguistic deduction to the abounding Scots vernacular and seemed to revel in the rough-hewn exoticness of the words.' I admit I scratched my head over the frequent use of the adjective 'gallus' though. Och!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The second book in the inspector Jimmy Dreghorn series, set in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1933, is every bit as gritty as the first book. This time around, Dreghorn and his partner, 'Bonnie' Archie McDaid, are investigating a series of murders, assassinations apparently, of men who had served in Ireland in the Black and Tans years ago.
Dreghorn is an interesting character: 35 years old, a pretty heavy drinker and smoker, haunted by his experiences and actions in WWI, unlucky in love, a fallen-away Catholic who is serving in a mostly Protestant police force. Although he's capable of just about any violence, he's also quite protective of the innocent, women and especially children.
His partner Archie is quite a piece of work too. He's huge in size, intimidating and capable of violence himself but a family man and a softy at heart who often tries to act as Jimmy's conscience.
The author Morrison really immerses the reader in the mean streets of Glasgow. Things are hard for most everyone during the Depression years but the gangs and violence make life that much worse. This story also brings in the Irish history, struggles between the Catholics, Protestants, and English, much of which was new to me. Do you remember Irish sweepstakes tickets? "If You're Not In, You Can't Win." Big jackpot but illegal gambling. Supposedly a fundraiser for a good cause--to help build hospitals.
If you enjoy police procedurals, I highly recommend this series for its totally different take and setting. I've mentioned the violence in this story but really there is a lot of laugh-out-loud humor too. The relationship between these two partners is close and special. In general, the secondary characters are also quite well depicted, whether they be the criminals or the other polis. A good look at human nature in all its aspects.
And then there's the language: their boss Sillitoe, an Englishman, 'enjoyed applying linguistic deduction to the abounding Scots vernacular and seemed to revel in the rough-hewn exoticness of the words.' I admit I scratched my head over the frequent use of the adjective 'gallus' though. Och!
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new thriller via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2024
An excellent sequel to Edge of the Grave. If anything, I would say it was better, not as dark, but still gritty. Cast a Cold Eye deals head-on with sectarianism and with the Black and Tans involvement in Ireland .The author manages to deal with these highly divisive subjects in a sympathetic but even handed manner.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Jimmy & Archie, one of trust and affection between the both of them. Some nice touches of humour as well.
Well plotted and gripping, this is a crime thriller that's well worth checking out.
Here's hoping I won't have to wait too long for the next in the series.
I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Jimmy & Archie, one of trust and affection between the both of them. Some nice touches of humour as well.
Well plotted and gripping, this is a crime thriller that's well worth checking out.
Here's hoping I won't have to wait too long for the next in the series.
July 13, 2023
While there's a lot to admire in this historical fiction set in Depression-era Glasgow, the actual story is convoluted, long-drawn out and fundamentally quite dull. As a result I'm abandoning it at just over the halfway mark, since I'm finding myself increasingly uninterested in finding out who did what to whom.
The author has clearly researched the time period in depth, which is both a strength and a weakness of the book. As a Glaswegian, I found the look back at the history of the city interesting, especially the inclusion of many real prominent people from those times. However, there's far too much detail - people who know the city's history or the history of the Black and Tans don't need all this background information, and people who don't will probably not be interested in any of it that isn't directly related to the plot. At first I enjoyed the mention of real places, such as the Press Bar, which were still a fixture of the city in my own youth, several decades after the period of the novel. But after a bit the constant mention of street names and shops that used to exist and the names of bars, etc., began to irritate me, since they add nothing to the story and serve merely to slow it to a crawl.
The characterisation is also somewhat mixed. The two main characters, Dreghorn and McDaid, are well drawn and make a good partnership, though their propensity for random theft and violence didn't exactly endear them to me. Ellen, the obligatory female police officer, is of course way ahead of her time, and we are treated to the usual "strong woman fighting against the patriarchy" stuff, which frankly has been grossly overdone in recent years. She'd have been sacked in the real world, and since otherwise the book is trying hard and quite successfully to portray the real world, her character stands out like a sore thumb as an unbelievable anachronism.
The writing is good and there's quite a lot of humour in it. The Glasgow "patter" is excellent, and happily free of anachronism as far as I could tell. Too much foul language, of course, but sadly that's now standard in crime fiction - amazing that the great writers of the past are still read given their refusal to use language that would make a docker blush. Less is more.
So overall, I have mixed feelings about it. Lots of positives and lots of potential, but the plot failed to hold my attention, and I felt that a good edit to remove some of the extraneous info-dumping would have improved it considerably.
The author has clearly researched the time period in depth, which is both a strength and a weakness of the book. As a Glaswegian, I found the look back at the history of the city interesting, especially the inclusion of many real prominent people from those times. However, there's far too much detail - people who know the city's history or the history of the Black and Tans don't need all this background information, and people who don't will probably not be interested in any of it that isn't directly related to the plot. At first I enjoyed the mention of real places, such as the Press Bar, which were still a fixture of the city in my own youth, several decades after the period of the novel. But after a bit the constant mention of street names and shops that used to exist and the names of bars, etc., began to irritate me, since they add nothing to the story and serve merely to slow it to a crawl.
The characterisation is also somewhat mixed. The two main characters, Dreghorn and McDaid, are well drawn and make a good partnership, though their propensity for random theft and violence didn't exactly endear them to me. Ellen, the obligatory female police officer, is of course way ahead of her time, and we are treated to the usual "strong woman fighting against the patriarchy" stuff, which frankly has been grossly overdone in recent years. She'd have been sacked in the real world, and since otherwise the book is trying hard and quite successfully to portray the real world, her character stands out like a sore thumb as an unbelievable anachronism.
The writing is good and there's quite a lot of humour in it. The Glasgow "patter" is excellent, and happily free of anachronism as far as I could tell. Too much foul language, of course, but sadly that's now standard in crime fiction - amazing that the great writers of the past are still read given their refusal to use language that would make a docker blush. Less is more.
So overall, I have mixed feelings about it. Lots of positives and lots of potential, but the plot failed to hold my attention, and I felt that a good edit to remove some of the extraneous info-dumping would have improved it considerably.
April 10, 2024
Gritty! Explosive! Endearing!
Glasgow 1933. Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner “Bonnie” Archie McDaid, part of the Glasgow’s Special Crime Squad, find themselves in the middle of a situation with Irish Free State fighters, the razor gangs suddenly meeting together, Special Branch up from London messing on their patch, and three murders, or rather assassinations. The only visible link between the deaths being the method of executions.
When Dreghorn and McDaird find the reasons behind the murders it’s explosive. All men were ex-Black and Tan operatives in Ireland at a place called Tralee, all men left under a cloud. Payback maybe? For what specifically?
The Special Crime Squad are told in no uncertain terms to stay out of the way of Special Branch operatives.
The trouble is things keep linking back to the Irish and the selling of illegal Irish Hospital Sweepstake tickets taking place. The gangs are offloading the tickets which everyone wants. Why Jimmy’s own mother’s given him an illegal sweepstakes ticket as a present!
It’s when an explosion takes place in the tenements on Vulcan Street injuring bairns and women that Jimmy and Archie see red.
Jimmy Dreghorn, ex-army (who wasn’t at that time?), ex-police in Shanghai, ex-boxer finds himself confronting memories of the past, a woman from his childhood, and ghosts. Achingly evident when Jimmy takes items out of his trunk in his bedroom.
One man’s freedom fighter is another’s terrorist. Lines become blurred. When young WPC Ellen Duncan becomes injured whilst firstly fighting of the unwelcome attentions of Inspector Boyd Strachan, then an assassin intent on killing Strachan, all bets are off as are as Jimmy and Archie are concerned, as are the gloves.
The grounds thick with action, motives and situations!
Another dynamite of a police historical thriller from Robbie Morrison, no pun intended!
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Glasgow 1933. Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner “Bonnie” Archie McDaid, part of the Glasgow’s Special Crime Squad, find themselves in the middle of a situation with Irish Free State fighters, the razor gangs suddenly meeting together, Special Branch up from London messing on their patch, and three murders, or rather assassinations. The only visible link between the deaths being the method of executions.
When Dreghorn and McDaird find the reasons behind the murders it’s explosive. All men were ex-Black and Tan operatives in Ireland at a place called Tralee, all men left under a cloud. Payback maybe? For what specifically?
The Special Crime Squad are told in no uncertain terms to stay out of the way of Special Branch operatives.
The trouble is things keep linking back to the Irish and the selling of illegal Irish Hospital Sweepstake tickets taking place. The gangs are offloading the tickets which everyone wants. Why Jimmy’s own mother’s given him an illegal sweepstakes ticket as a present!
It’s when an explosion takes place in the tenements on Vulcan Street injuring bairns and women that Jimmy and Archie see red.
Jimmy Dreghorn, ex-army (who wasn’t at that time?), ex-police in Shanghai, ex-boxer finds himself confronting memories of the past, a woman from his childhood, and ghosts. Achingly evident when Jimmy takes items out of his trunk in his bedroom.
One man’s freedom fighter is another’s terrorist. Lines become blurred. When young WPC Ellen Duncan becomes injured whilst firstly fighting of the unwelcome attentions of Inspector Boyd Strachan, then an assassin intent on killing Strachan, all bets are off as are as Jimmy and Archie are concerned, as are the gloves.
The grounds thick with action, motives and situations!
Another dynamite of a police historical thriller from Robbie Morrison, no pun intended!
A Random House-Ballantine ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 7, 2023
Gritty, raw, and thrilling!
In this second instalment in the Jimmy Dreghorn series, Cast a Cold Eye, we head back to 1933 Glasgow, where Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his burly sidekick Sergeant Archie McDaid now find themselves immersed in a tricky investigation involving an execution-style killing of a man on a boat that may or may not have connections to the simmering political tensions, escalating gang violence, and increasing IRA presence that seems to be plaguing the city.
The writing is meticulous and tight. The characters are intuitive, relentless, and committed. And the plot unravels briskly into a sinister tale full of mischief, mayhem, deception, corruption, coercion, politics, criminal behaviour, dangerous situations, suspicious motivations, red herrings, deduction, vengeance, violence, and murder.
Overall, Cast a Cold Eye is another atmospheric, gripping, highly entertaining thriller by Morrison that is a fabulous addition to a series, with its unique historical setting, action-packed storyline, and gritty, complex characters, that’s quickly becoming one of my favourites.
Thank you to PGC Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this second instalment in the Jimmy Dreghorn series, Cast a Cold Eye, we head back to 1933 Glasgow, where Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his burly sidekick Sergeant Archie McDaid now find themselves immersed in a tricky investigation involving an execution-style killing of a man on a boat that may or may not have connections to the simmering political tensions, escalating gang violence, and increasing IRA presence that seems to be plaguing the city.
The writing is meticulous and tight. The characters are intuitive, relentless, and committed. And the plot unravels briskly into a sinister tale full of mischief, mayhem, deception, corruption, coercion, politics, criminal behaviour, dangerous situations, suspicious motivations, red herrings, deduction, vengeance, violence, and murder.
Overall, Cast a Cold Eye is another atmospheric, gripping, highly entertaining thriller by Morrison that is a fabulous addition to a series, with its unique historical setting, action-packed storyline, and gritty, complex characters, that’s quickly becoming one of my favourites.
Thank you to PGC Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2024
Book Review
Cast a Cold Eye
Robbie Morrison
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
This follow-up to Morrison’s award-winning “Edge of The Grave” is a historical police procedural packed with bloody thrills and mystery. The year is 1933, and Glasgow is deep in the Great Depression, grappling with poverty, unemployment, and hunger while contending with rampant street gangs and the ever-present threat of IRA reprisals.
This gritty street tale unfolds through the eyes of Detective Inspectors Jimmie Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. Alcoholism and discontent fuel a climate of fear and violence, with religious differences playing a significant role in the ongoing strife, even dividing the street gangs by religion. Chief Constable Percy Joseph Sillitoe, a man with radical ideas, institutes a new direction in crime control, forming a special unit of twelve handpicked officers known for their prowess and stature, and unafraid to use force when necessary. Known on the streets as the “Tartan Untouchables” (deliberately modeled after Eliot Ness’ Chicago “Untouchables”), the unit’s most prominent officers are Jimmie Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. Jimmie, a veteran of the Great War, is a complex man of contrasts and contradictions. Standing only five feet eight inches tall, he possesses the body and skill of a boxer. He is a Catholic cop in a Protestant force. Archie, the tallest and largest man on the force, won a bronze medal for wrestling at the 1924 Paris Olympics and held the title of Scottish Police Heavyweight Champion in 1928. At times, he could be seen playing the bagpipes in full Highland dress. The two share an unwavering belief in justice.
While investigating a string of house robberies, they stumble upon a ghastly murder scene. During their investigation, a witness mentions that a nearby boat hasn’t moved in a week and its captain is missing. In the ship’s hull, they find Captain Reginald Smith bound and lying in a pool of blood, with a single shotgun wound to the back of his head. This was obviously an execution. Guns are illegal and carry a stiff penalty, while knives, razors, and clubs are the weapons of choice. The motive remains elusive and may be related to the ongoing issues of sectarian differences or their attendant politics.
During their investigations and multiple interrogations, a second murder occurs with the same MO. Jimmie and Archie come upon a pub meeting of notable criminals in Glasgow—the bosses of both the Catholic and Protestant gangs—along with several notable outsiders from Ireland. Their presence attracts the involvement of the Special Branch, an independent force tasked with combating terrorism, subversion, and threats to national security. By its nature, it was enmeshed with politics and skulduggery. (Interjected is a necessary history lesson involving the extensive conflicts and killings leading up to The Partition and its aftermath. We also learn of the terms of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty.)
Robbie Morrison proves to be an exceptional storyteller, weaving a complex narrative with vivid, multidimensional characters placed in severely compromised situations. This twisted narrative presents many unexpected events that lead to escalating suspense and intrigue, culminating in a thrilling denouement. Be prepared to become immersed in the life, culture, and politics of the time and place. History is made fascinating with this dark street poem of bloody vengeance. Hopefully, this won’t be the last of Inspector Jimmie Dreghorn. Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ..... 5 Star Gem....
Cast a Cold Eye
Robbie Morrison
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
This follow-up to Morrison’s award-winning “Edge of The Grave” is a historical police procedural packed with bloody thrills and mystery. The year is 1933, and Glasgow is deep in the Great Depression, grappling with poverty, unemployment, and hunger while contending with rampant street gangs and the ever-present threat of IRA reprisals.
This gritty street tale unfolds through the eyes of Detective Inspectors Jimmie Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. Alcoholism and discontent fuel a climate of fear and violence, with religious differences playing a significant role in the ongoing strife, even dividing the street gangs by religion. Chief Constable Percy Joseph Sillitoe, a man with radical ideas, institutes a new direction in crime control, forming a special unit of twelve handpicked officers known for their prowess and stature, and unafraid to use force when necessary. Known on the streets as the “Tartan Untouchables” (deliberately modeled after Eliot Ness’ Chicago “Untouchables”), the unit’s most prominent officers are Jimmie Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. Jimmie, a veteran of the Great War, is a complex man of contrasts and contradictions. Standing only five feet eight inches tall, he possesses the body and skill of a boxer. He is a Catholic cop in a Protestant force. Archie, the tallest and largest man on the force, won a bronze medal for wrestling at the 1924 Paris Olympics and held the title of Scottish Police Heavyweight Champion in 1928. At times, he could be seen playing the bagpipes in full Highland dress. The two share an unwavering belief in justice.
While investigating a string of house robberies, they stumble upon a ghastly murder scene. During their investigation, a witness mentions that a nearby boat hasn’t moved in a week and its captain is missing. In the ship’s hull, they find Captain Reginald Smith bound and lying in a pool of blood, with a single shotgun wound to the back of his head. This was obviously an execution. Guns are illegal and carry a stiff penalty, while knives, razors, and clubs are the weapons of choice. The motive remains elusive and may be related to the ongoing issues of sectarian differences or their attendant politics.
During their investigations and multiple interrogations, a second murder occurs with the same MO. Jimmie and Archie come upon a pub meeting of notable criminals in Glasgow—the bosses of both the Catholic and Protestant gangs—along with several notable outsiders from Ireland. Their presence attracts the involvement of the Special Branch, an independent force tasked with combating terrorism, subversion, and threats to national security. By its nature, it was enmeshed with politics and skulduggery. (Interjected is a necessary history lesson involving the extensive conflicts and killings leading up to The Partition and its aftermath. We also learn of the terms of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty.)
Robbie Morrison proves to be an exceptional storyteller, weaving a complex narrative with vivid, multidimensional characters placed in severely compromised situations. This twisted narrative presents many unexpected events that lead to escalating suspense and intrigue, culminating in a thrilling denouement. Be prepared to become immersed in the life, culture, and politics of the time and place. History is made fascinating with this dark street poem of bloody vengeance. Hopefully, this won’t be the last of Inspector Jimmie Dreghorn. Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ..... 5 Star Gem....
January 19, 2024
“Cast A Cold Eye” is author Robbie Morison’s second novel in a series of murder mysteries set in Glasgow, Scotland during the Great Depression and starring police detectives Jimmy Dreghorn and Archie McDaid. I enjoyed his first, “Edge of the Grave” very much. Initially, I was disappointed in “Cast a Cold Eye,” finding it to be slow-moving and not as absorbing. But as the story progressed, Mr. Morrison’s fine writing, dry wit, and characters took hold of me. Ultimately, I enjoyed this novel much more than I expected.
Two men are shot in the back of the head, one on his river barge, the other in the Men’s room at a soccer stadium during a match. Both murders seem professional. Are they linked? Who are the victims? If connected, how? Who killed them and why? Those are the questions detectives Dreghorn and McDaid seek to answer. Their investigation leads them through Glasgow’s gritty underworld and into another investigation run by Special Branch, the politically connected and much more powerful arm of His Majesty’s Government charged with combatting threats to national security. Special Branch wants Dreghorn and McDaid out of the way. Dreghorn and McDaid want to know what the IRA has to do with anything, especially since this is Scotland.
As he did in “Edge of the Grave,” Mr. Morrison has done a first-rate job of recreating Glasgow in the 1930s. If you’re a fan of all things Scottish, or at least all things Glaswegian,” then this may well be the novel for you. Mr. Morrison goes to great lengths to give readers the sights, smells, layout, and atmosphere of the city. His research is excellent.
I did find the first half of the novel challenging. For me, it moved slowly, included lots of digressions, and was filled with Scottish slang, idiom, and patois. It seemed “Cast a Cold Eye” was going to be a chore to get through, especially since I was constantly looking up terms like “bunnet,” “sleekit,” “weans,” “skelly,” “teutcher,” “gallusness,” “stramash,” and “stechie,” to name just a few. And while I like noir as much as anyone, this story, set during the Great Depression in a rainy, smoky, soot-covered Glasgow steeped in poverty and riven by sectarian violence—and involving characters recovering from WWI or the 1919 Anglo-Irish War, or both, not to mention more than one soured love affair—struck me as all too depressing. At one point, I almost gave up.
However, on the strength of “Edge of the Grave,” I kept going. I’m glad I did. I enjoyed spending time with Mr. Morrison’s characters, whom I found well-drawn and complex. At times, they’re wounded and vulnerable, evoking empathy or sympathy. At other times, they’re charming, quick-witted, and wryly amusing. The relationships Mr. Morrison developed between various characters was, for me, one of the book’s most enjoyable features.
Mr. Morrison also weaves interesting history into his tale, mostly about the 1919 Anglo-Irish War and Scottish participation in it, but also about WWI, the Great Depression, the relationship between Scotland and England, the possibility of a new war with Germany, and the changing role of women in Scottish society.
Once the novel gets going, there’s ample action and suspense. Some readers may wish to know that there’s a fair amount of violence, including shootings, bombings, beatings, and even what some might regard as torture. While there are references to sexual liaisons, there are no graphic love scenes.
For those who enjoy plot twists and surprises, Mr. Morrison has built more than one into “Cast a Cold Eye.” And, although the plot may have dragged, for me, in places, I found his writing—his prose and dialogue—to be a pleasure.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Robbie Morison, and publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for providing me with a complementary ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.
Two men are shot in the back of the head, one on his river barge, the other in the Men’s room at a soccer stadium during a match. Both murders seem professional. Are they linked? Who are the victims? If connected, how? Who killed them and why? Those are the questions detectives Dreghorn and McDaid seek to answer. Their investigation leads them through Glasgow’s gritty underworld and into another investigation run by Special Branch, the politically connected and much more powerful arm of His Majesty’s Government charged with combatting threats to national security. Special Branch wants Dreghorn and McDaid out of the way. Dreghorn and McDaid want to know what the IRA has to do with anything, especially since this is Scotland.
As he did in “Edge of the Grave,” Mr. Morrison has done a first-rate job of recreating Glasgow in the 1930s. If you’re a fan of all things Scottish, or at least all things Glaswegian,” then this may well be the novel for you. Mr. Morrison goes to great lengths to give readers the sights, smells, layout, and atmosphere of the city. His research is excellent.
I did find the first half of the novel challenging. For me, it moved slowly, included lots of digressions, and was filled with Scottish slang, idiom, and patois. It seemed “Cast a Cold Eye” was going to be a chore to get through, especially since I was constantly looking up terms like “bunnet,” “sleekit,” “weans,” “skelly,” “teutcher,” “gallusness,” “stramash,” and “stechie,” to name just a few. And while I like noir as much as anyone, this story, set during the Great Depression in a rainy, smoky, soot-covered Glasgow steeped in poverty and riven by sectarian violence—and involving characters recovering from WWI or the 1919 Anglo-Irish War, or both, not to mention more than one soured love affair—struck me as all too depressing. At one point, I almost gave up.
However, on the strength of “Edge of the Grave,” I kept going. I’m glad I did. I enjoyed spending time with Mr. Morrison’s characters, whom I found well-drawn and complex. At times, they’re wounded and vulnerable, evoking empathy or sympathy. At other times, they’re charming, quick-witted, and wryly amusing. The relationships Mr. Morrison developed between various characters was, for me, one of the book’s most enjoyable features.
Mr. Morrison also weaves interesting history into his tale, mostly about the 1919 Anglo-Irish War and Scottish participation in it, but also about WWI, the Great Depression, the relationship between Scotland and England, the possibility of a new war with Germany, and the changing role of women in Scottish society.
Once the novel gets going, there’s ample action and suspense. Some readers may wish to know that there’s a fair amount of violence, including shootings, bombings, beatings, and even what some might regard as torture. While there are references to sexual liaisons, there are no graphic love scenes.
For those who enjoy plot twists and surprises, Mr. Morrison has built more than one into “Cast a Cold Eye.” And, although the plot may have dragged, for me, in places, I found his writing—his prose and dialogue—to be a pleasure.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Robbie Morison, and publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam for providing me with a complementary ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.
October 10, 2023
This is the second of the D/I Jimmy Dreghorn series set in 1930’s depression era Glasgow. Jimmy and his partner ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid are part of Glasgow Police’s Tartan Untouchables, a squad put together by Chief Constable Sillitoe to combat the gang violence which haunts Glasgow’s streets. A body is discovered on a boat on the Forth and Clyde canal, the victim shot in the back of the head, execution style, not your typical Glasgow murder. Dreghorn and McDaid are not initially allocated the enquiry but they are soon drawn into the investigation. Furthermore an IRA cell apoear to have taken up residence in the city and Special Branch Officers are drafted in to investigate their presence.
This is another great historical crime novel from Robbie Morrison which works on several levels. I like particularly the main protagonists in the series. Dreghorn is the loner, who lives in a rented room in a boarding house, who has little interests outside the ‘job’, enjoys a drink but is still haunted by his experiences fighting during the Great War. Archie on the other hand is married with a house full children of whom he has to take second place too. He’s a big man, an ex Olympic wrestler, piper and the brawn to Dreghorn’s brain ! I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel, where Morrison describes Glasgow life as it was at the time. In this novel he also goes into great detail explaining the situation in Ireland during these times and in the recent past.
Hopefully there will be more outings for Jimmy and Archie to come and I look forward reading more of Morrison’s work in the future.
This is another great historical crime novel from Robbie Morrison which works on several levels. I like particularly the main protagonists in the series. Dreghorn is the loner, who lives in a rented room in a boarding house, who has little interests outside the ‘job’, enjoys a drink but is still haunted by his experiences fighting during the Great War. Archie on the other hand is married with a house full children of whom he has to take second place too. He’s a big man, an ex Olympic wrestler, piper and the brawn to Dreghorn’s brain ! I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the novel, where Morrison describes Glasgow life as it was at the time. In this novel he also goes into great detail explaining the situation in Ireland during these times and in the recent past.
Hopefully there will be more outings for Jimmy and Archie to come and I look forward reading more of Morrison’s work in the future.
February 11, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Jimmy and his partner have a new case. When a man is found murdered, they have to figure out the motive. When more bodies are found, they will have to use all tge arsenal they have to catch a killer. I liked this book.
April 10, 2024
Cast A Cold Eye is the second book in the Jimmy Dreghorn mysteries by Robbie Morrison once again immerses us in 1930s depression error Glasgow with Dreghorn and McBride as our tour guides while arresting a Casanova who funds his love by robbing movie theaters a hero Citizen tells lt. Dreghorn about a boat who skipper hasn’t been seen lately when they investigate they found an execution that leads to The IRA the hospital lottery fund and then some brutal know it all out of town policeman come in at first try to call the shots and then when they see Jimmy and McBride are not pushovers they even act like he may be suspect but in the end it will be the proud civil enforcement of Glasgow that solves the case but there will be more murders before that happens. While all this is going on Jimmy’s loneliness seems to be getting louder and he keeps getting drawn back to the house he knows he shouldn’t go to but then when he runs into an old friend name Rachel McRaedie he can’t get her off his mind. Although inspector Jimmy has a lot on his plate he always seems to solve the case I love these books love the Glasgow zeitgeist of that era the colloquialisms and an all-around feeling of being immersed in that world I think the author does an admirable job transporting the reader to that time and place and I absolutely love these books I want to thank Random House publishing for my free ARC via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I did the first in this series. It is an intriguing historical mystery set in Glasgow in the 1930's. Based on actual people and events, (author's notes at the end are a must read) Robbie Morrison weaves a tale of corruption and murder that crosses two countries, and a decade of time. As detectives Dreghorn and McDaid search for those responsible for the attacks and murders, they find themselves and WPC Ellen in grave danger. I love the way the author has created all of his characters, building a history for his detectives - Dreghorn, the loner, haunted by his service in WWI, and McDaid, also haunted, but with a wife and "weans" at home to balance the horror of the crimes he deals with. The character of Ellen Duncan, an intelligent, dedicated WPC, represents the struggle for women to obtain a spot as a detective and is most inspiring! The narrative of the book delves into the history and motivation of the criminals, so you know what has driven them to commit their violent, heinous acts. The author makes Glasgow come alive in the book with his use of dialect, and his descriptions throughout. I have been to Scotland and that was a favorite aspect of the book. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of the review are my own.
August 10, 2024
Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner Archie McDaid discover a dead man on a narrow boat, he was executed. With tensions on the rise, Special Branch are brought in when an IRA cell is discovered to be operating in Glasgow. Vengeance is the name of the game and Dreghorn has to do everything in his power to stop Glasgow exploding.
The second book in the Jimmy Dreghorn series. A slow starter, but it becomes a real page turner. 1930s Glasgow comes alive through the pages.
The second book in the Jimmy Dreghorn series. A slow starter, but it becomes a real page turner. 1930s Glasgow comes alive through the pages.
November 18, 2024
I really enjoyed both of these books. There's good character development and a good story wrapped in the history of Glasgow. I hope there are many more books to come in this series.
April 24, 2024
I was surprised when I got an email saying that my wish for Cast a Cold Eye had been granted. I honestly don’t remember wishing for it on NetGalley, and I also don’t usually read historical police mysteries. But since I had pushed that button and it was granted, I downloaded the book. Now that I’ve read it, I was pretty impressed with what I read.
Cast a Cold Eye is a slow book. But it is not one of those taking forever to get to the next scene of the book. It is slow in the way that the author takes his time with the murder storyline and the secondary storylines in the book. He takes his time building everything up. I liked it because it allowed me to fully understand what was going on in Glasgow, how that affected people (including Jimmy), and how it related to the storyline.
Cast a Cold Eye is the second book in the Jimmy Dreghorn series. It can be read as a standalone. There are references to the first book sprinkled throughout this one, but—and I stress this—those references did not take over the main storyline.
The main storyline in Cast a Cold Eye is the murders of four seemingly unrelated people and the police investigation into them. I was caught by surprise when the author mentioned forensics being used. I didn’t know that people in the 1930s used forensics (I do want to note it was only for the bullets). I enjoyed seeing Jimmy and Archie’s investigation into those murders. I was a little surprised at the connection between the murdered people. I was even more astonished at why those people were killed. What I wasn’t surprised by was who did it. The author didn’t keep that secret. The person was named several times during the book.
Some more minor storylines feed into the main storyline. The most major of those secondary storylines was the one with Ellen, Strachan, their investigation, and their attempted murder. This storyline is connected to the main one, but the author doesn’t reveal how until almost the end of the book. I was shocked at who tried to kill them, and I was surprised by why once Jimmy got that person’s confession. Ellen and Strachan’s relationship is also the main focus of this storyline. Strachan was obsessed with her, and the events immediately leading up to their attack were proof of that. Of course, I do like how Jimmy took care of that.
I liked Jimmy. He was a former boxer and ex-solider who became a police officer. He did his best to uphold the law in Glasgow. His and Archie’s methods were brutal (dunking a suspect in horse manure to get him to talk is one example), but they got results. He and Archie also had one of the best bookish bromances that I have read to date.
The book had many memorable secondary characters, but the two Special Branch operatives, the priest and the female magistrate, stood out the most. The author also connected those individuals directly to the murders and the events that led up to them years before.
The mystery angle of Cast a Cold Eye was wonderfully written. As I stated above, the author did reveal who was behind three of the murders. The reason why those men were murdered was horrific. Why was it terrible? Because of what they did. I didn’t blame that person for wanting vengeance. But, there was one other murder and an attempted murder of two police officers that were not tied to that person. I wasn’t shocked at who was behind the first murder. But the person behind the attempted murder did surprise me. There were also two innocent people in this whole mess. One was severely hurt by the person who tried to kill Strachan. The other person, unfortunately, was going to pay for who this person was related to and their crimes (which was a shame).
The end of Cast a Cold Eye left me wanting more. I wanted to learn more about Jimmy, see more of Archie, and see if there was going to be a resolution to the beef between Jimmy and Strachan and if Elle was going to be collateral.
I want to add that the author did write a note and explain that he did take liberties with places and items.
Cast a Cold Eye is a slow book. But it is not one of those taking forever to get to the next scene of the book. It is slow in the way that the author takes his time with the murder storyline and the secondary storylines in the book. He takes his time building everything up. I liked it because it allowed me to fully understand what was going on in Glasgow, how that affected people (including Jimmy), and how it related to the storyline.
Cast a Cold Eye is the second book in the Jimmy Dreghorn series. It can be read as a standalone. There are references to the first book sprinkled throughout this one, but—and I stress this—those references did not take over the main storyline.
The main storyline in Cast a Cold Eye is the murders of four seemingly unrelated people and the police investigation into them. I was caught by surprise when the author mentioned forensics being used. I didn’t know that people in the 1930s used forensics (I do want to note it was only for the bullets). I enjoyed seeing Jimmy and Archie’s investigation into those murders. I was a little surprised at the connection between the murdered people. I was even more astonished at why those people were killed. What I wasn’t surprised by was who did it. The author didn’t keep that secret. The person was named several times during the book.
Some more minor storylines feed into the main storyline. The most major of those secondary storylines was the one with Ellen, Strachan, their investigation, and their attempted murder. This storyline is connected to the main one, but the author doesn’t reveal how until almost the end of the book. I was shocked at who tried to kill them, and I was surprised by why once Jimmy got that person’s confession. Ellen and Strachan’s relationship is also the main focus of this storyline. Strachan was obsessed with her, and the events immediately leading up to their attack were proof of that. Of course, I do like how Jimmy took care of that.
I liked Jimmy. He was a former boxer and ex-solider who became a police officer. He did his best to uphold the law in Glasgow. His and Archie’s methods were brutal (dunking a suspect in horse manure to get him to talk is one example), but they got results. He and Archie also had one of the best bookish bromances that I have read to date.
The book had many memorable secondary characters, but the two Special Branch operatives, the priest and the female magistrate, stood out the most. The author also connected those individuals directly to the murders and the events that led up to them years before.
The mystery angle of Cast a Cold Eye was wonderfully written. As I stated above, the author did reveal who was behind three of the murders. The reason why those men were murdered was horrific. Why was it terrible? Because of what they did. I didn’t blame that person for wanting vengeance. But, there was one other murder and an attempted murder of two police officers that were not tied to that person. I wasn’t shocked at who was behind the first murder. But the person behind the attempted murder did surprise me. There were also two innocent people in this whole mess. One was severely hurt by the person who tried to kill Strachan. The other person, unfortunately, was going to pay for who this person was related to and their crimes (which was a shame).
The end of Cast a Cold Eye left me wanting more. I wanted to learn more about Jimmy, see more of Archie, and see if there was going to be a resolution to the beef between Jimmy and Strachan and if Elle was going to be collateral.
I want to add that the author did write a note and explain that he did take liberties with places and items.
August 4, 2023
Back in March 2021 I read Robbie Morrison’s first novel, Edge of the Grave. It’s a rather fine historical crime fiction set in 1930s Glasgow. I’ve been waiting impatiently for its sequel, Cast A Cold Eye, to reach the top of my review pile, and this week it finally got there.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Detective Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn is he’s a flawed but likeable protagonist. Traumatic events during The Great War have left him suffering something akin to PTSD. If Dreghorn is not consumed by working a case, he can barely function. Like all the best detectives he is an absolute mess of a human being. On the outside, Dreghorn may appear the quintessential Glasgow hard man but there is a broken soul hiding beneath his brittle exterior.
As far as the other characters are concerned, of course it’s Archie McDaid who remains a firm favourite. Dreghorn’s monolithic partner is the polar opposite of Jimmy. McDaid is a family man, never happier than when surrounded by the members of his chaotic brood. This novel features more moments viewed from his perspective, and we get a real insight into McDaid’s motivations. There is far more to Bonnie Archie than just his giant muscles. Not only is he fiercely loyal to his friends, he is also driven by a personal code that transcends to religious violence that surrounds him. There are a few tantalizing hints about what events drove the highlander to Glasgow and I’m burning with curiosity to discover more of his backstory. Dreghorn’s too for that matter. Enquiring minds need to know more about his time overseas!
I’ll always have a place for Glasgow in my heart, I grew up only about ten miles away, but I’m under no illusions that it has always been a bit rough around the edges. It’s probably even fair to say that the city has often revelled in its notorious reputation. In the early decades of the 20th-century, gang warfare, usually based along sectarian lines, was rife. This tension was further added to the city’s relatively close proximity to Ireland. Events across the Irish Sea had a tendency to spill over to Scotland. The politics of this time period were morally dubious at best. Violence leads to more violence in what seems to be a never-ending cycle of vicious one-upmanship. Everyone is entirely convinced that their point of view is the right one and death to everyone else. What’s that phrase? One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. From a reader’s perspective, all this political upheaval adds an extra layer of tension to the plot.
A word of warning to the more delicate amongst you. Morrison’s latest novel does contain some pretty violent scenes. There was one that was particularly visceral, so much so that I’ll admit a classic Glaswegian expletive escaped my lips once I finished reading it. Other reviews are bound to use words like ‘gritty’ or ‘hard-hitting’. I’m not sure that does the narrative justice; it’s far more than that. Morrison’s writing has heart. It’s a dark heart, but it’s there nonetheless. Perhaps I’m just overly sentimental, even when it comes to razor-welding gangsters, but I loved it all. Morrison also manages some nice plot twists that all land perfectly. No spoilers here, obviously, but one was particularly well executed. I’ll admit I did not see it coming at all.
This series goes from strength to strength. Edge of the Grave was good, but I think this second novel is better. The characters get more room to breathe and evolve. There is little better than seeing an author really hit their stride. Long may this trend continue.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Detective Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn is he’s a flawed but likeable protagonist. Traumatic events during The Great War have left him suffering something akin to PTSD. If Dreghorn is not consumed by working a case, he can barely function. Like all the best detectives he is an absolute mess of a human being. On the outside, Dreghorn may appear the quintessential Glasgow hard man but there is a broken soul hiding beneath his brittle exterior.
As far as the other characters are concerned, of course it’s Archie McDaid who remains a firm favourite. Dreghorn’s monolithic partner is the polar opposite of Jimmy. McDaid is a family man, never happier than when surrounded by the members of his chaotic brood. This novel features more moments viewed from his perspective, and we get a real insight into McDaid’s motivations. There is far more to Bonnie Archie than just his giant muscles. Not only is he fiercely loyal to his friends, he is also driven by a personal code that transcends to religious violence that surrounds him. There are a few tantalizing hints about what events drove the highlander to Glasgow and I’m burning with curiosity to discover more of his backstory. Dreghorn’s too for that matter. Enquiring minds need to know more about his time overseas!
I’ll always have a place for Glasgow in my heart, I grew up only about ten miles away, but I’m under no illusions that it has always been a bit rough around the edges. It’s probably even fair to say that the city has often revelled in its notorious reputation. In the early decades of the 20th-century, gang warfare, usually based along sectarian lines, was rife. This tension was further added to the city’s relatively close proximity to Ireland. Events across the Irish Sea had a tendency to spill over to Scotland. The politics of this time period were morally dubious at best. Violence leads to more violence in what seems to be a never-ending cycle of vicious one-upmanship. Everyone is entirely convinced that their point of view is the right one and death to everyone else. What’s that phrase? One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. From a reader’s perspective, all this political upheaval adds an extra layer of tension to the plot.
A word of warning to the more delicate amongst you. Morrison’s latest novel does contain some pretty violent scenes. There was one that was particularly visceral, so much so that I’ll admit a classic Glaswegian expletive escaped my lips once I finished reading it. Other reviews are bound to use words like ‘gritty’ or ‘hard-hitting’. I’m not sure that does the narrative justice; it’s far more than that. Morrison’s writing has heart. It’s a dark heart, but it’s there nonetheless. Perhaps I’m just overly sentimental, even when it comes to razor-welding gangsters, but I loved it all. Morrison also manages some nice plot twists that all land perfectly. No spoilers here, obviously, but one was particularly well executed. I’ll admit I did not see it coming at all.
This series goes from strength to strength. Edge of the Grave was good, but I think this second novel is better. The characters get more room to breathe and evolve. There is little better than seeing an author really hit their stride. Long may this trend continue.
March 16, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an advance copy of Cast a Cold Eye, the second novel to feature Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and Sergeant Archie McDaid, of Glasgow Police, set in 1933.
Dreghorn and McDaid are alive to the implications when they find a man shot execution style on his barge, Glasgow is a violent city, but firearms and intent are not usual. Then there is another, similar murder and the arrival of Special Branch, hot on the heels of a suspected IRA terrorist.
I have not read the previous novel in the series, Edge of the Grave, so I was unprepared for the brilliance of Cast a Cold Eye. It is one of the best novels I have read in a long time with a gripping plot, tension, strong characterisation, twists and an amazing sense of time and place. I was glued to the pages from start to finish.
In the interests of full disclosure I was born and brought up in Glasgow, so I have familiarity with the locations and the vernacular and that is always a comfort in a read. It seems to me that the author has captured the mindset and speech of the locals perfectly with a certain dark humour and specifically Glaswegian vocabulary, some of which I had forgotten, but all of which I understood only too well. I felt quite nostalgic reading about the locations, many of which were still going in the 70s and 80s when I frequented the city centre.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, which centres principally around the hunt for a murderer and soon gets enmeshed in the IRA cell’s activities, which in turn leads to conflict with Special Branch and various other factions in the department. Needless to say sectarianism is also a focus. I was impressed by the way the author manages his material. This is a dark, violent novel and while there is always a justification for the violence, the morality of it isn’t so clear cut as gradually becomes apparent as the novel progresses. I like the way he examines these questions in clear, concise terms, but leaves room for reader interpretation. In contrast I also like the ambiguity of who did what and why.
The characters of Dreghorn and McDaid are flawed but realistic. Both survived the war physically intact, but Dreghorn in particular has nightmares about it still. He is darker and more volatile than McDaid, who is more settled with a family and a calmer demeanour. They are an extremely effective team, albeit a product of their times, not averse to mixing it up with the local neds.
I cannot do justice to such a strong, powerful novel, so all I can say is that I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Dreghorn and McDaid are alive to the implications when they find a man shot execution style on his barge, Glasgow is a violent city, but firearms and intent are not usual. Then there is another, similar murder and the arrival of Special Branch, hot on the heels of a suspected IRA terrorist.
I have not read the previous novel in the series, Edge of the Grave, so I was unprepared for the brilliance of Cast a Cold Eye. It is one of the best novels I have read in a long time with a gripping plot, tension, strong characterisation, twists and an amazing sense of time and place. I was glued to the pages from start to finish.
In the interests of full disclosure I was born and brought up in Glasgow, so I have familiarity with the locations and the vernacular and that is always a comfort in a read. It seems to me that the author has captured the mindset and speech of the locals perfectly with a certain dark humour and specifically Glaswegian vocabulary, some of which I had forgotten, but all of which I understood only too well. I felt quite nostalgic reading about the locations, many of which were still going in the 70s and 80s when I frequented the city centre.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, which centres principally around the hunt for a murderer and soon gets enmeshed in the IRA cell’s activities, which in turn leads to conflict with Special Branch and various other factions in the department. Needless to say sectarianism is also a focus. I was impressed by the way the author manages his material. This is a dark, violent novel and while there is always a justification for the violence, the morality of it isn’t so clear cut as gradually becomes apparent as the novel progresses. I like the way he examines these questions in clear, concise terms, but leaves room for reader interpretation. In contrast I also like the ambiguity of who did what and why.
The characters of Dreghorn and McDaid are flawed but realistic. Both survived the war physically intact, but Dreghorn in particular has nightmares about it still. He is darker and more volatile than McDaid, who is more settled with a family and a calmer demeanour. They are an extremely effective team, albeit a product of their times, not averse to mixing it up with the local neds.
I cannot do justice to such a strong, powerful novel, so all I can say is that I recommend it wholeheartedly.
March 31, 2023
This is a cracking sequel to the award winning historical crime noir, Edge of the Grave, by Robbie Morrison, featuring the scarred ex-war veteran, Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner, the man mountain, ex-Olympic wrestler, and family man, Sergeant Archie McDaid, part of the Special Crime Squad, the 'Untouchables', set up by Chief Constable Percy Sillitoe, to tackle the sectarianism and brutally violent gangs of Glasgow. Set in 1933, we are immersed in the dirt and grime of the city, the unemployment, poverty, overcrowded tenements, disease, sexism, misogyny, where life is cheap, the humour is dark, and people do whatever they can to survive. Whilst murderous violence is the norm in Glasgow, the use of guns is not, so when Dreghorn stumbles across a dead man on a narrowboat on the Forth and Clyde Canal, shot execution style with a single shot in the back of the head, it is no longer business as usual for the police.
The police race to find the killer, but find themselves in the middle of political intrigue as the killer strikes again as another murder with a similar MO is discovered, and the tentacles of the horrors of British history in Ireland reaching out in search of revenge in Glasgow. We have suspected IRA elements mingling with its notoriously sectarian criminal gangs as tensions rise sky high. This is exacerbated by the arrival of ruthless Special Branch agents and the justified concerns raised by the Gangard robbery and the stealing of explosives. The brave and courageous WPC Ellen Duncan finds herself once again having to fight off the unwanted attentions and misogyny of the despicable Inspector Boyd Strachan, no longer put off by Dreghorn.
As the body count rises, Dreghorn and McDaid find themselves locking horns with Special Branch, and Dreghorn's personal life comes back to haunt him, and a welcome face from his schooldays, Rachel McAdam, assistant to Martha Hepburn, comes back into his life. Jimmy and Archie are the good guys in a Glasgow of its time, but to achieve results and simply survive, they have to fight fire with fire, they cannot remain untainted by the violence they face on a daily basis. Morrison draws on the reality of what the British did in Ireland, the repercussions it has many years later on a Scottish city with a significant Irish Catholic population, whilst simultaneously capturing the unrestrained, partisan and underhand machinations of Special Branch. This is a exceptional historical crime series that I am sure many readers will appreciate and adore. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The police race to find the killer, but find themselves in the middle of political intrigue as the killer strikes again as another murder with a similar MO is discovered, and the tentacles of the horrors of British history in Ireland reaching out in search of revenge in Glasgow. We have suspected IRA elements mingling with its notoriously sectarian criminal gangs as tensions rise sky high. This is exacerbated by the arrival of ruthless Special Branch agents and the justified concerns raised by the Gangard robbery and the stealing of explosives. The brave and courageous WPC Ellen Duncan finds herself once again having to fight off the unwanted attentions and misogyny of the despicable Inspector Boyd Strachan, no longer put off by Dreghorn.
As the body count rises, Dreghorn and McDaid find themselves locking horns with Special Branch, and Dreghorn's personal life comes back to haunt him, and a welcome face from his schooldays, Rachel McAdam, assistant to Martha Hepburn, comes back into his life. Jimmy and Archie are the good guys in a Glasgow of its time, but to achieve results and simply survive, they have to fight fire with fire, they cannot remain untainted by the violence they face on a daily basis. Morrison draws on the reality of what the British did in Ireland, the repercussions it has many years later on a Scottish city with a significant Irish Catholic population, whilst simultaneously capturing the unrestrained, partisan and underhand machinations of Special Branch. This is a exceptional historical crime series that I am sure many readers will appreciate and adore. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
March 28, 2023
Our protagonist is Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn. He is a Catholic in an almost wholly Protestant force. Dreghorn served in the First World War and it is an experience that hangs over him like a suffocating cloud of despair; it’s what we now call PTSD but for Jimmy it’s nightmares, cold sweats and horrifying flashbacks in moments of trauma.
His partner ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid is a Highlander and a former Olympic wrestler. He resembles a large mountain bear and he adds much needed good humour to the pair’s outings. These are the good guys alongside W.P.C. Ellen Duncan who has masses of grit, a lot of common sense and who is the subject of the kind of misogyny that the Met seems to excel in these days.
I love Robbie Morrison’s writing. His prose style is fluid and descriptive, but the book is also tightly plotted and each scene has a clear place in the narrative. He brings 1930’s Glasgow alive and perfectly captures that mix of grit and humour that is in every Glaswegian I know. I found that I kept smiling as I came across phrases that I remember from my childhood, married to places either long gone or in some cases, re-named but still standing.
The authenticity is brilliantly done and his vivid characters stand out like a black and white drawing. This is an authentic portrait of a city and its people. There’s not a lot of romanticism here though. Cast A Cold Eye, as its title, borrowed from Yeats, suggests, is a story about Irish grievances spilling over into Scotland, where sectarianism does more than live, it thrives. Even in the police force where the Orange Order may as well hold lodge meetings in the canteen and where McDaid’s Catholicism stands out like a sore thumb.
In a place where politics and criminality too often go hand in hand, this explosive mix brings a new level of violence to the mean streets of the dear green place. With Special Branch officers camping in Glasgow but keeping their agenda close to their chests and the Police determined to mete out their own justice, the situation is tense on the streets and in the station.
There’s plenty of action, a great deal of death, much violence and a lot of double dealing to contend with in this fascinating and fantastic novel from a real writing talent. I loved Edge of the Grave and am thrilled to say that Cast A Cold Eye is, if anything, even better. I absolutely loved it and it gets a ‘must read’ seal of approval from me.
His partner ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid is a Highlander and a former Olympic wrestler. He resembles a large mountain bear and he adds much needed good humour to the pair’s outings. These are the good guys alongside W.P.C. Ellen Duncan who has masses of grit, a lot of common sense and who is the subject of the kind of misogyny that the Met seems to excel in these days.
I love Robbie Morrison’s writing. His prose style is fluid and descriptive, but the book is also tightly plotted and each scene has a clear place in the narrative. He brings 1930’s Glasgow alive and perfectly captures that mix of grit and humour that is in every Glaswegian I know. I found that I kept smiling as I came across phrases that I remember from my childhood, married to places either long gone or in some cases, re-named but still standing.
The authenticity is brilliantly done and his vivid characters stand out like a black and white drawing. This is an authentic portrait of a city and its people. There’s not a lot of romanticism here though. Cast A Cold Eye, as its title, borrowed from Yeats, suggests, is a story about Irish grievances spilling over into Scotland, where sectarianism does more than live, it thrives. Even in the police force where the Orange Order may as well hold lodge meetings in the canteen and where McDaid’s Catholicism stands out like a sore thumb.
In a place where politics and criminality too often go hand in hand, this explosive mix brings a new level of violence to the mean streets of the dear green place. With Special Branch officers camping in Glasgow but keeping their agenda close to their chests and the Police determined to mete out their own justice, the situation is tense on the streets and in the station.
There’s plenty of action, a great deal of death, much violence and a lot of double dealing to contend with in this fascinating and fantastic novel from a real writing talent. I loved Edge of the Grave and am thrilled to say that Cast A Cold Eye is, if anything, even better. I absolutely loved it and it gets a ‘must read’ seal of approval from me.
May 1, 2023
Robbie Morrison, a stellar name in comics writing, first turned his eye to historical crime fiction with Edge Of The Grave, which promptly won 2021’s Bloody Scotland Debut Prize. In Cast A Cold Eye, it’s now 1933, the Great Depression is biting, the razor gangs slashing, and along with all the other troubles the cops are trying to keep a lid on, there is a rising threat from the IRA.
After a seriously unsettling prologue, we find ourselves in the company of Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and WPC Ellen Duncan, seeking a robbery suspect. Assisted by the bulk of Sergeant Archie McDaid, their quarry is apprehended with a flourish by the canal. It’s a smart introduction to our two main protagonists and their junior colleague, capturing relationships and attitudes in a few pages.
As they clean up after apprehending their suspect, a woman nearby voices concern for a fellow boatman. Dreghorn and McDaid find Charlie Smith in his tiny cabin, shot dead. Executed.
A link between Smith and a theft of gelignite is uncovered. Meanwhile, an Irish connection is made when Dreghorn and McDaid cast an eye over a meeting of the city’s Catholic gang leaders in a bar, where a few Irish guests are at the table - a meeting that also catches the eye of Special Branch.
There is more death and devastation wrought, and the pace picks up as Dreghorn and McDaid slot the pieces together, with an inevitable showdown. A final confessional section underlines some of the book’s themes: How deep are some bonds? How long can the desire for vengeance be carried? Can you escape the past?
Dreghorn and McDaid are together more than the sum of their parts - McDaid is a frequent source of humour and his family life, chaotic but loving, allows him the emotional strength to support Dreghorn as he battles nightmares about his past.
There’s a lot of pages here but they turn easily and satisfy as they do. If you prefer your reading material featuring the Dear Green Place to be on the No Mean City side of things, and fancy a delve into the early 20th century, well, Morrison hasn’t so much written a novel as built a time machine: step in and be transported.
After a seriously unsettling prologue, we find ourselves in the company of Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and WPC Ellen Duncan, seeking a robbery suspect. Assisted by the bulk of Sergeant Archie McDaid, their quarry is apprehended with a flourish by the canal. It’s a smart introduction to our two main protagonists and their junior colleague, capturing relationships and attitudes in a few pages.
As they clean up after apprehending their suspect, a woman nearby voices concern for a fellow boatman. Dreghorn and McDaid find Charlie Smith in his tiny cabin, shot dead. Executed.
A link between Smith and a theft of gelignite is uncovered. Meanwhile, an Irish connection is made when Dreghorn and McDaid cast an eye over a meeting of the city’s Catholic gang leaders in a bar, where a few Irish guests are at the table - a meeting that also catches the eye of Special Branch.
There is more death and devastation wrought, and the pace picks up as Dreghorn and McDaid slot the pieces together, with an inevitable showdown. A final confessional section underlines some of the book’s themes: How deep are some bonds? How long can the desire for vengeance be carried? Can you escape the past?
Dreghorn and McDaid are together more than the sum of their parts - McDaid is a frequent source of humour and his family life, chaotic but loving, allows him the emotional strength to support Dreghorn as he battles nightmares about his past.
There’s a lot of pages here but they turn easily and satisfy as they do. If you prefer your reading material featuring the Dear Green Place to be on the No Mean City side of things, and fancy a delve into the early 20th century, well, Morrison hasn’t so much written a novel as built a time machine: step in and be transported.
September 19, 2023
Cast a Cold Eye is Robbie Morrison’s second novel featuring DI Jimmy Dreghorn and DS Archie McDaid of the Special Crime Squad. Set in Glasgow in 1933, with the city fully in the grip of the Depression, a body found on a narrowboat on the Forth and Clyde canal rings alarm bells for the detectives. The victim has been shot in the back of the head, execution style, which is unusual in a city where violence and knife crime are rife, but guns are not. The complicated plot involves criminal gangs and the IRA, and nobody knows what the Special Branch officers are up to, as they are not big fans of sharing information with the detectives.
This atmospheric crime novel portrays the city of Glasgow as a hotbed of sectarian violence, and gives the reader an insight into the history behind it all. Robbie Morrison paints a vivid portrait of Glasgow at this time. I grew up in the area in the 1960s and 1970s, and could still recognise a lot of the places he describes. Make no mistake, this is a very violent story, but the banter between the detectives helps to take the edge off.
At the heart of this series are the characters of Dreghorn and McDaid. We get a bit more background in this second book, and this helps us to understand them better. Dreghorn is a flawed character, traumatised by what he experienced during WW1. He is no stranger to violence, sometimes makes questionable choices, but this is a nuanced portrayal of a damaged individual who has nothing in his life apart from his job. McDaid, on the other hand, is a devoted family man who can leave his work behind when he goes home. They make a good team – their unorthodox methods certainly get results.
I read a lot of what is termed ‘Tartan Noir’, and Cast a Cold Eye is up there with the best. It stands out because of the excellent characterisation, and the strong sense of time and place. I look forward to reading the next book in this gripping series. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
This atmospheric crime novel portrays the city of Glasgow as a hotbed of sectarian violence, and gives the reader an insight into the history behind it all. Robbie Morrison paints a vivid portrait of Glasgow at this time. I grew up in the area in the 1960s and 1970s, and could still recognise a lot of the places he describes. Make no mistake, this is a very violent story, but the banter between the detectives helps to take the edge off.
At the heart of this series are the characters of Dreghorn and McDaid. We get a bit more background in this second book, and this helps us to understand them better. Dreghorn is a flawed character, traumatised by what he experienced during WW1. He is no stranger to violence, sometimes makes questionable choices, but this is a nuanced portrayal of a damaged individual who has nothing in his life apart from his job. McDaid, on the other hand, is a devoted family man who can leave his work behind when he goes home. They make a good team – their unorthodox methods certainly get results.
I read a lot of what is termed ‘Tartan Noir’, and Cast a Cold Eye is up there with the best. It stands out because of the excellent characterisation, and the strong sense of time and place. I look forward to reading the next book in this gripping series. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
January 27, 2024
Review of Advance Reader’s Copy
In 1930s Glasgow, the depression has a tight hold on everyone. Detective Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and Sergeant Archibald McDaid capture thief Dixie White, but soon find themselves investigating the murder of Rex Smith aboard the “Blue Bonnet,” his narrowboat.
Their investigation raises questions . . . is the execution tied to the festering political tensions or the IRA? Or could it be gang violence? Before they have an answer to those questions, they have another murder identical in its execution.
Could there be some connection between the two executions?
As Dreghorn and McDaid investigate, they find more questions than answers. And then their investigation collides with that of the Special Branch . . . .
=========
Set in 1930s Glasgow, Scotland, this book is the second in the author’s Jimmy Dreghorn Mystery series. With sufficient backstory, this book works well as a standalone for readers new to the series.
Anchored by a strong sense of place, the history of the time weaves itself throughout the telling of this gritty yet compelling tale. Unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing as the intriguing narrative offers readers some unforeseen surprises.
The characters, especially Dreghorn and McDaid, are nuanced and believable. The characters’ interactions are realistic; sometimes charming, sometimes amusing. The only downside here is the unnecessary overuse of an offensive expletive; this lowers the rating for the book.
Readers who enjoy historical mysteries and police procedurals are sure to enjoy this tale of corruption, murder, and mayhem.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#CastaColdEye #NetGalley
In 1930s Glasgow, the depression has a tight hold on everyone. Detective Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and Sergeant Archibald McDaid capture thief Dixie White, but soon find themselves investigating the murder of Rex Smith aboard the “Blue Bonnet,” his narrowboat.
Their investigation raises questions . . . is the execution tied to the festering political tensions or the IRA? Or could it be gang violence? Before they have an answer to those questions, they have another murder identical in its execution.
Could there be some connection between the two executions?
As Dreghorn and McDaid investigate, they find more questions than answers. And then their investigation collides with that of the Special Branch . . . .
=========
Set in 1930s Glasgow, Scotland, this book is the second in the author’s Jimmy Dreghorn Mystery series. With sufficient backstory, this book works well as a standalone for readers new to the series.
Anchored by a strong sense of place, the history of the time weaves itself throughout the telling of this gritty yet compelling tale. Unexpected plot twists keep readers guessing as the intriguing narrative offers readers some unforeseen surprises.
The characters, especially Dreghorn and McDaid, are nuanced and believable. The characters’ interactions are realistic; sometimes charming, sometimes amusing. The only downside here is the unnecessary overuse of an offensive expletive; this lowers the rating for the book.
Readers who enjoy historical mysteries and police procedurals are sure to enjoy this tale of corruption, murder, and mayhem.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#CastaColdEye #NetGalley
July 30, 2025
Cast a Cold Eye by Robbie Morrison is the second Jimmy Dreghorn mystery and a sequel to Edge of the Grave, a book I blessed with five stars and suggest reading it first.
Glasgow, Scotland March 1933. It is the Depression. People out of work; living in tenements. Sectarian animosity between the Tims and the Prods (Catholics and Protestants). Street gangs, dealing in gambling, protection, prostitution and violence formed along sectarian and geographical lines. And as the largest Western city, Glasgow is home to many Irish, bringing its problems to Scotland.
From the Author’s Note:
“The history of Ireland is deeply complex and highly emotive, and the particular period referenced – the War of Independence, the Partition of Ireland, the Irish Civil War – continues to have ramifications today.”
It is in this setting that when dead bodies show up and Irish political activists also show up, in the company of a local gang, and a UK Special Branch counter-terrorism Intelligence unit shows up, Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his Big Man partner Archie McDaid are thrust into all the shite. And backing them are the Heavy Mob; police willing and able to use very rough tactics to uphold the law.
And we learn about the hate and animosity passed down through decades; cycles of vengeance and retribution, good people doing bad things, and the lives that are lost along the way.
Nothing is excused. Murder is still murder. And the polis still have their cases to solve. Yet after all is said and done, even with a little surprise at the end and the rationalization of the motives, this is really a well-written murder mystery and left me feeling something a lot more profound than after reading most books in this genre.
Glasgow, Scotland March 1933. It is the Depression. People out of work; living in tenements. Sectarian animosity between the Tims and the Prods (Catholics and Protestants). Street gangs, dealing in gambling, protection, prostitution and violence formed along sectarian and geographical lines. And as the largest Western city, Glasgow is home to many Irish, bringing its problems to Scotland.
From the Author’s Note:
“The history of Ireland is deeply complex and highly emotive, and the particular period referenced – the War of Independence, the Partition of Ireland, the Irish Civil War – continues to have ramifications today.”
It is in this setting that when dead bodies show up and Irish political activists also show up, in the company of a local gang, and a UK Special Branch counter-terrorism Intelligence unit shows up, Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his Big Man partner Archie McDaid are thrust into all the shite. And backing them are the Heavy Mob; police willing and able to use very rough tactics to uphold the law.
And we learn about the hate and animosity passed down through decades; cycles of vengeance and retribution, good people doing bad things, and the lives that are lost along the way.
Nothing is excused. Murder is still murder. And the polis still have their cases to solve. Yet after all is said and done, even with a little surprise at the end and the rationalization of the motives, this is really a well-written murder mystery and left me feeling something a lot more profound than after reading most books in this genre.
October 10, 2025
Cast A Cold Eye (2023) by Robbie Morrison. Apparently there was murder, mayhem and crimes of all description to be had in 1930’s Glasgow, Scotland. In this brooding love letter to the city, we are introduced to the polar opposite pair of coppers; Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn is heart-broken loner, introspective and of course, angry, while Sergeant Archie Mcdaid is a hulking, kind hearted, loving family man. They may not be the picture of what a police officer of today should be, but they represent their time and place quite well.
The book starts with a body found on a narrowboat that plows the waters of the Forth and Clyde Canal, executed with a single shot to the back of the head. While killings by knife or razor is, unfortunately, a more common means of death, guns mean bigger things.
The book is crammed to the brim with details of the city and places therein and the history of many people from the time. Much of that, while interesting of itself and shows a level of research to the time and place, probably was not needed. It is an interesting read and sparkles with the lack on the conventional, the additions did tend to slow the narrative. This is a first book in what may be a series, and if it is then these things can be forgiven.
There is the presence of Special Branch operatives in town (think our fBI before there were sullied) and members of the IRA. With side pack guns while Dreghorn and McDaid are caught between trying to solve first one than a second murder all the while trying to avoid being numbers 3 and 4.
It is sectarian verses political infighting that litters the city’s streets. The story is primed for a sequel and I am looking forward to it. A very nice read splattered with the occasional violence.
The book starts with a body found on a narrowboat that plows the waters of the Forth and Clyde Canal, executed with a single shot to the back of the head. While killings by knife or razor is, unfortunately, a more common means of death, guns mean bigger things.
The book is crammed to the brim with details of the city and places therein and the history of many people from the time. Much of that, while interesting of itself and shows a level of research to the time and place, probably was not needed. It is an interesting read and sparkles with the lack on the conventional, the additions did tend to slow the narrative. This is a first book in what may be a series, and if it is then these things can be forgiven.
There is the presence of Special Branch operatives in town (think our fBI before there were sullied) and members of the IRA. With side pack guns while Dreghorn and McDaid are caught between trying to solve first one than a second murder all the while trying to avoid being numbers 3 and 4.
It is sectarian verses political infighting that litters the city’s streets. The story is primed for a sequel and I am looking forward to it. A very nice read splattered with the occasional violence.
April 29, 2024
This is the second of this author's books involving Jimmy Dreghorn, and I have not read the first one [but I would like to do so].
The main setting is 1933 and the location is Glasgow, Scotland, so immediately I was intrigued. I have traveled to Scotland, and I also was interested in the police techniques, procedures and actions in this time period and in Scotland as compared to the U.S.
Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner, Archie McDaid, are likeable main characters, but certainly not perfect people, which makes for more realism. There are many male characters in the story on both the police and the criminal side, and it is not always easily determined which side they are on! As I have written in many reviews, the reader is advised to keep a list of characters with a notation to remember each.
I did like that there were a number of main female characters in the book, notably Police Constable Ellen Duncan, Martha Hepburn, Rachel McAdam, plus others.
Despite my paternal Irish lineage and my travel to Ireland, my knowledge of Irish history, IRA, Cells, and terrorism was sketchy at best. So, I was spurred to do some research into the variously mentioned previous actions. This helped me enjoy the police, the criminals, the murders and the action [of which there is plenty], and the story even more.
The book is not necessarily an easy fast read! Pay attention! It is, however, an interesting story, and I am anticipating more from this author along the line of the Jimmy Dreghorn thrillers.
I won this Advance Uncorrected Proof in a Goodreads giveaway.
The main setting is 1933 and the location is Glasgow, Scotland, so immediately I was intrigued. I have traveled to Scotland, and I also was interested in the police techniques, procedures and actions in this time period and in Scotland as compared to the U.S.
Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his partner, Archie McDaid, are likeable main characters, but certainly not perfect people, which makes for more realism. There are many male characters in the story on both the police and the criminal side, and it is not always easily determined which side they are on! As I have written in many reviews, the reader is advised to keep a list of characters with a notation to remember each.
I did like that there were a number of main female characters in the book, notably Police Constable Ellen Duncan, Martha Hepburn, Rachel McAdam, plus others.
Despite my paternal Irish lineage and my travel to Ireland, my knowledge of Irish history, IRA, Cells, and terrorism was sketchy at best. So, I was spurred to do some research into the variously mentioned previous actions. This helped me enjoy the police, the criminals, the murders and the action [of which there is plenty], and the story even more.
The book is not necessarily an easy fast read! Pay attention! It is, however, an interesting story, and I am anticipating more from this author along the line of the Jimmy Dreghorn thrillers.
I won this Advance Uncorrected Proof in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 1, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In 1930s Glasgow, partners Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his sharp-witted colleague, “Bonnie” Archie McDaid, navigate the gritty streets of a city teetering on the edge. The Depression-era Glasgow is no stranger to violence, but when a dead man is found executed on a narrowboat in the Forth and Clyde Canal, it’s clear this is no ordinary killing.
Firearms replace the usual knives and fists, hinting at something more sinister. As the body count rises, Dreghorn and McDaid find themselves entangled in a web of political tensions, sectarian strife, and hidden motives. A suspected IRA cell lurks within the criminal underworld, drawing the attention of relentless Special Branch agents from London.
Robbie Morrison’s “Cast a Cold Eye” is a dark historical crime novel that grips you from the first page. The writing conjures the smoky alleys, the palpable danger, and the moral complexities of a city on the brink. Dreghorn and McDaid are compelling protagonists, flawed yet determined, and their pursuit of justice takes them into the heart of darkness.
Morrison’s vivid portrayal of 1930s Glasgow, with its razor gangs, secrets, and simmering tensions, immerses readers in a world where freedom fighters and terrorists blur the lines. If you crave atmospheric mysteries with richly drawn characters, add “Cast a Cold Eye” to your reading list.
In 1930s Glasgow, partners Inspector Jimmy Dreghorn and his sharp-witted colleague, “Bonnie” Archie McDaid, navigate the gritty streets of a city teetering on the edge. The Depression-era Glasgow is no stranger to violence, but when a dead man is found executed on a narrowboat in the Forth and Clyde Canal, it’s clear this is no ordinary killing.
Firearms replace the usual knives and fists, hinting at something more sinister. As the body count rises, Dreghorn and McDaid find themselves entangled in a web of political tensions, sectarian strife, and hidden motives. A suspected IRA cell lurks within the criminal underworld, drawing the attention of relentless Special Branch agents from London.
Robbie Morrison’s “Cast a Cold Eye” is a dark historical crime novel that grips you from the first page. The writing conjures the smoky alleys, the palpable danger, and the moral complexities of a city on the brink. Dreghorn and McDaid are compelling protagonists, flawed yet determined, and their pursuit of justice takes them into the heart of darkness.
Morrison’s vivid portrayal of 1930s Glasgow, with its razor gangs, secrets, and simmering tensions, immerses readers in a world where freedom fighters and terrorists blur the lines. If you crave atmospheric mysteries with richly drawn characters, add “Cast a Cold Eye” to your reading list.
April 4, 2023
Hugely excited to read this one after loving Edge of the Grave and I was not disappointed.
This is another fabulous gritty Glasgow crime novel.
We’re reunited again with Inspectors Jimmy Dreghorn and ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid as they use their wits and place in the Tartan Untouchables to put the city’s criminals to rights.
This time they are on the hunt for suspected Irish republican terrorists bringing murder to Glasgow and with it a rise in already simmering sectarian tensions.
Cast A Cold Eye is an excellent crime story with a great plot and plenty of action that will keep you turning the pages.
It also paints a vivid picture of 1930s Glasgow. A place where sectarianism is rife and life is hard as the depression bites. It is also a place with something of an old world charm to it – kids playing in the streets, grand dance halls and trams and steam trains travelling the city. Morrison conjures it all so effortlessly.
Some actual laugh out loud moments brought to us courtesy of the often colourful Glasgow banter. Love the inclusion of Scots words – special shout out to houghmagandie – adding to the authentic feel of time and place the author creates.
The story is populated with great characters. As well as the development of Jimmy & Archie, we have WPC Ellen Duncan facing down not only criminals but everyday sexism and misogyny in the police force. The physical descriptions of some of the characters are so good, making them so easy to conjure in your mind.
Another belter of a read from Morrison and already looking forward to his next book.
Huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for the chance to read an early copy
This is another fabulous gritty Glasgow crime novel.
We’re reunited again with Inspectors Jimmy Dreghorn and ‘Bonnie’ Archie McDaid as they use their wits and place in the Tartan Untouchables to put the city’s criminals to rights.
This time they are on the hunt for suspected Irish republican terrorists bringing murder to Glasgow and with it a rise in already simmering sectarian tensions.
Cast A Cold Eye is an excellent crime story with a great plot and plenty of action that will keep you turning the pages.
It also paints a vivid picture of 1930s Glasgow. A place where sectarianism is rife and life is hard as the depression bites. It is also a place with something of an old world charm to it – kids playing in the streets, grand dance halls and trams and steam trains travelling the city. Morrison conjures it all so effortlessly.
Some actual laugh out loud moments brought to us courtesy of the often colourful Glasgow banter. Love the inclusion of Scots words – special shout out to houghmagandie – adding to the authentic feel of time and place the author creates.
The story is populated with great characters. As well as the development of Jimmy & Archie, we have WPC Ellen Duncan facing down not only criminals but everyday sexism and misogyny in the police force. The physical descriptions of some of the characters are so good, making them so easy to conjure in your mind.
Another belter of a read from Morrison and already looking forward to his next book.
Huge thanks to Pan Macmillan for the chance to read an early copy
March 2, 2024
In Robbie Morrison's Cast a Cold Eye, Book 2 of the Jimmy Dreghorn series, Dreghorn and his partner, McDaid are tasked with solving a vicious crime. A man is shot execution style on a boat with no witnesses and fewer clues. Though this sounds not too unusual in the present day, in 1930's Glasgow, it was an anomaly. This could be a typical detective crime or police procedural, but what keeps readers turning pages is its focus on the culture of the times, the attitudes of policing from those days, and--no surprise--the gung-ho female police person--Ellen--who struggles to prove herself in a time across the globe when women in authority were still considered coffee-fetchers and also-rans. Though this isn't her story, Ellen adds a spark to the policing as she inserts her own unusual and unexpected ideas into the case backed up with the internal fortitude to follow them through.
More than anything else, what sets Cast a Cold Eye apart from other stories in this genre is the author's detailed-oriented voice. See if you agree:
"Strachan’s heavy ginger mustache twitched like a slug sprinkled with salt..."
This line is typical of many others and always made me pause to ponder Morrison's unusual mental image. Maybe because of that--not sure--but I did find it a tad slow at times, though never boring.
More than anything else, what sets Cast a Cold Eye apart from other stories in this genre is the author's detailed-oriented voice. See if you agree:
"Strachan’s heavy ginger mustache twitched like a slug sprinkled with salt..."
This line is typical of many others and always made me pause to ponder Morrison's unusual mental image. Maybe because of that--not sure--but I did find it a tad slow at times, though never boring.
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