A Lonely Place of Dying

DI Rob Marshall #3

by Ed James

The merciless snow of the Scottish Borders. A case that freezes the blood.

Accustomed to the bustle of London, DI Rob Marshall finds himself confronted with the unforgiving Scottish winters he had long left behind. A gruesome discovery off the high road between Stow and Lauder sends shivers down his spine – a man and a woman, both frozen to death with their wrists and ankles bound. Left to suffer by someone with a sinister motive, or simply victims of the treacherous snowstorm?

As an expert in tracking serial offenders, Marshall is unprepared for a case with no leads, pushing him to rely on old-fashioned detective work, police experience he never gained as a direct entry. Desperate to find answers, he begins to see connections – but are they real or simply a trick of his trained instincts?

Marshall delves into the society of his childhood, coming face-to-face with bitter enemies and unearthing memories he thought he’d escaped when he left the Borders. But as the shadows of his past creep closer, they threaten to turn his world upside down – and prove fatal.

In this riveting police thriller, Marshall must confront the demons of his past and race against time to unravel the truth behind a bone-chilling mystery.

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Scotland, British Literature, Mystery

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2023

Reviews

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working in London made it easy for DI Rob Marshall to forget the winters of his childhood, but now, back working in the Scottish Borders, he's knee-deep in snow and trouble! As blizzards close schools and make any journey treacherous a body, Bound hand and feet is discovered frozen stiff just off a main road.

Although the crime scene has more to reveal than first thought, it doesn't help to answer any of the questions running out of control in Marshall's head. With no leads to speak of and his profiling expertise of little use, he finds himself locking horns with a bitter and competitive DI Elliott. Anxious to solve similar cases at all costs, will they repeat mistakes from the past in a desperate bid to succeed in the present?

The third in Ed James's excellent series set in the Scottish Borders is now a familiar place to return to with main protagonists who are familiar, relatable, and incredibly annoying! The weather plays a huge part in this story, and the descriptions of the snow-covered landscapes added a different type of chilling to the storyline. There are references to Marshall's childhood once again, which I very much enjoyed, as well as the investigation being experienced in actual time. There were one or two loose ends I look forward to seeing re-emerge in book four in this clever, ever improving, police procedural series, which is already excellent.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Once again, I have also purchased this title, which I have no hesitation in recommending. 4.5 rounded up to 5.

[NANCY FLEMING · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series. What I DON'T like is the name-calling. Bad enough a Detective Inspector calling her colleague, DI Rob Marshall, Dr Donkey. But for a DCI to use it is beyond the pale. It just wouldn't happen in this day and age. And Elliott's attitude to all and sundry borders on the pathetic between name-calling and speaking down to people. TBH she actually wastes these books for me. Which is a shame because the storylines are brilliant. Come on Mr James, sort her out!

[Pat K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got halfway through this book and decided I couldn’t stand the character of DI Andrea Elliot any longer. I like the stoty and the main character, but this awful character overshadows everything else.
I like the first book in the series, and hoped there would be some development of this character, but no, her relentless bullying and name calling make for an uncomfortable read.

[Shirley]

Los of people dying. Pringle wants Marshall to profile a serial killer. Marshall says it's not that. Pringle says they are drug crimes. A family farm is at the centre of it all and he thinks it would be a good set up for drug distribution. Andi gets Intel from a former school mate and drug baron/legit businessman Gary Híslop. But now he might want something in return.
Marshall and Andi get on a bit better. The truth about Pringle's mysterious child is revealed.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are eminently readable. They are filled with hints and glimpses of the truth but shrouded in fog so that you cannot be sure of anything and I certainly didn’t call this one. The characters are being painted gradually, like watching a Polaroid photo developing, so you get a little more in each book. Unless things change dramatically - which may be stretching credulity too far - I definitely don’t like, or trust, DI Andrea Elliott but one has to admire DI Rob Marshall for trying to like her. I doubt he trusts her much though

I would have loved to sit and binge read this until the end - it is the kind of book which demands full attention, sadly life & family have a habit of getting in the way

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does two bodies, each with their wrists and ankles bound, official cause of death hypothermia due to the freezing, snowy conditions on the night of their demise, constitute a serial killing? DCI Pringle would like to think so and is pushing DI Rob Marshall to come to the same conclusion. One of the victims is linked to a drugs case DI Andrea Elliot is pursuing, but the motive and connection between the two victims baffle all of them. These two are however only the first victims of a local murder spree that is quickly escalating and turning the normally quiet Scottish Borders into a dangerous place. DI Elliot grated at times, but the plot and pace kept me reading until late into the night. Highly recommend the series.

[Sheryl Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

After taking a break by reading some softer, cozy mysteries, I returned to the harsher world of policing in Scotland. Ed James hits the spot for that itch!

This is the third in the DI Rob Marshall series. In The Borders, during frigid winter, Marshall's team investigates a double-homicide. The bodies are found, bound, and frozen to death. DI Andrea Elliot's team is investigating a drugs case, and perhaps the two are related. Competition and conflict (due to Elliot's SUPER charming nature) abound, and the grating DCI Pringle pushes them to support his foregone conclusion. Add in some personal family drama for Rob and his twin sister Jen, and the result is a twisty-turny ride with a favorite DI.

[ann campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Ed James and his style of writing . .

Never thought I'd ever say this but a bit disappointed in this book. I simply think It’s all over the place. Started off really enjoying it then,,,,,,,
I guess I was expecting Ed James at his usual brill standard of writing but it came across as if his mind not really on it and decided to just through in bits and pieces to try make it fit together. This is coming from what I would call myself one of Ed James biggest fans. I don’t think there is one of his books that I haven’t read so I feel such a traitor being a bit negative towards him.

Sorry Ed.

[Terry Slaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former profiler Rob Marshall is now attached to a Police Scotland outpost in the borders. His team is called upon to solve a bizarre double murder. Two bodies are found, similarly bound, and dumped together by the frozen wayside. There is no obvious connection between the two, and that is at the heart of the mystery Marshall and his team must solve.
There appears to me to be a bit more character confusion and missteps than in other novels in this series, and the dialogue is oftentimes just too precious, which accounts for the muted enthusiasm of my review.

[Janice Colebrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of books contains some - interesting? - characters. There’s the dippy DCI who can’t seem to use language in any meaningful way. Then there’s the female DI who is one of the most obnoxious characters I’ve come across in a long time, and the DI who is much resented because he’s a fast track candidate and a trained profiler to boot. The interaction certainly maintains a tension throughout what are interesting and well plotted stories. The cliff-hanger at the end of this, the third book, has certainly left me wanting more.

[Neil Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Rob Marshall back for book 3 of series. Called out to a double homicide where 2 strangers are found bound & frozen to death on top of each other. So many twists & turns to find killer with Rob & Jolene working hard to solve crime. DI Elliott using Rakesh Siyal seems to be competing rather than working as a team. Coupled with Robs twin Jen complicating life by sleeping with her ex husband Paul upsetting Thea her daughter who simplifies matters with teen logic, Really enjoyed this book read on Sea Day of a Cruise. Recommend to read series.

[Lisa Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets better and better

This is the third book in the Marshall series and it just gets better and better. Ed continues to create new series with great characters and good storylines with sprinkled comments and characters from his series which delights me.

Cannot wait for the next one as it is lined up to be another book

[Hannah Illingworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacklustre Plot, annoying characters

Read books one and two of this series and thought they were distinctly average but might get better, I was wrong! This book was pretty poor, the central characters became more annoying (just when you think that wouldn’t be possible) and the story is very weak and poorly written.

[Janice Martin]

I usually love reading these books but with this one I just felt it was a little off, I thought the ending was a bit rushed and confused. I don’t like Andrea Elliott, she’s nasty! She has to change…….if that’s possible!!

[Liz Mistry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it a fast paced read. The weather became like an additional character in the storyline. The ending was a tad abrupt, but leaves me wondering what's going to happen next in the world of Rob Marshall and co.

[Susan Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

A good read, couldn't put it down. Full of twists and turns to confuse DI Rob Marshall and his team right to the end. It was left as a cliff hangar to make your own judgement.

[David Nicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

I was kept in suspense all the way through, and kept enticing me to read just one more chapter. It was worth the wait though for the bug reveal at the end. I highly recommend this book.

[Sandy McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Rob Marshall book. 3 Ed James

Brilliant, if you’re a borders person you’ll love his books. The towns, villages , all make appearances. Book 3 Hits hard, great read, would make great TV. Program. Twists and turns. Great plot.

[heather cammiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, good characters and an excellent story, fast paced.

[Geoff Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, Ed just gets better and better!

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story in general. It was quite twisty. Two characters spoiled the book for me - Elliot and Pringle. Grrr

[Douglas Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable crime yomp, thanks.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoying this series. Marked it 3⭐️because of the stupid nicknames and Pringle acting the goat. Hopefully this will get resolved as the series goes on🤞

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

hard going

A long cast of characters, confusing storyline meant I plodded through this..
Still, made it to the wand and will probably buy the next one in the series.

[nigel hammill · Rating 4 out of 5]

complex gripping story

Complex story based in Scottish Borders, which is why I chose it. The locations are all familiar, and helped me relate to the story

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery and addition to the series.

[J A Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the series and getting better with each one. Really getting to know the characters and locations. Got the fourth one already to start next

[Gayle Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!!

[John Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth a read. So many twists and turns to keep you reading on.

John.

[wendy geen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. Looking forward to more in the series.