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Logan McRae #3
Broken Skin
Nearly bouncing back from a transfer, Detective Sergeant Logan McRae is still looking at nothing but dead ends. His only chance of escaping his current post is to get noticed. Not that any of the cases he’s working on are the type that you want to get noticed for.
For starters, someone dumped a dying man outside the hospital. McRae’s boss D.I. Roberta Steel and her team can’t get an ID on the man, the person who dropped him off, or the car. McRae's second case is hardly any better. It involves a knife-wielding eight-year-old who is not only still at large but getting all kinds of sympathy in the newspapers. That kind of press does little for the department’s accusations against Robert Macintyre, Aberdeen’s star soccer player and another media darling. WPC Jackie Watson, McRae’s girlfriend, is convinced Robert is a serial rapist, but they can’t even hold him let alone charge him when the whole city thinks he’s being framed. Catching these perps is thankless work, and even if he does, it seems like McRae’s chances of getting off Steel’s team are as bad as Aberdeen’s without their leading goal scorer.
With his third masterful installment in a series that combines fast-paced suspense with a dark, distinctly Scottish sense of humor, Stuart MacBride has firmly established himself as a major crime-writing talent.
For starters, someone dumped a dying man outside the hospital. McRae’s boss D.I. Roberta Steel and her team can’t get an ID on the man, the person who dropped him off, or the car. McRae's second case is hardly any better. It involves a knife-wielding eight-year-old who is not only still at large but getting all kinds of sympathy in the newspapers. That kind of press does little for the department’s accusations against Robert Macintyre, Aberdeen’s star soccer player and another media darling. WPC Jackie Watson, McRae’s girlfriend, is convinced Robert is a serial rapist, but they can’t even hold him let alone charge him when the whole city thinks he’s being framed. Catching these perps is thankless work, and even if he does, it seems like McRae’s chances of getting off Steel’s team are as bad as Aberdeen’s without their leading goal scorer.
With his third masterful installment in a series that combines fast-paced suspense with a dark, distinctly Scottish sense of humor, Stuart MacBride has firmly established himself as a major crime-writing talent.
594 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2007
515 people are currently reading
2939 people want to read
About the author
Stuart MacBride
87 books2,719 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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August 28, 2018
4.5 stars rounded to 5 for the sheer entertainment of it all!
This is my 3rd go-around with the DS Logan McRae series, and I’m loving it. I am for sure “in” for the whole 11-book-plus-4-novella series.
Logan is a real human dumping ground in this one. We have equal measures of brassy DI Steel and fatman-sugar-hoover DI Insch. And both of these inspectors are relying heavily on Logan. The way I see it, Logan is the foil to all the colorful characters in Mr. MacBride’s stories. He is a rather normal bloke, just doing his job the best he can without breaking the law, trying to have a happy personal life after a few knocks, and looking out for his job security. His constabulary help comes from the likeable Simon Rennie and Spanky Rickards, the latter being Steel’s favorite joke target. Poor Spanky. I have to say Mr. MacBride was on his game with the humor in this book. I had too many laugh-out-loud moments to count--what a delight! I kept getting looks from the other people at the airport gates waiting for our flights.
The plot, as usual, is a complex one with lots going on and many twists and re-twists. I felt like a spectator at a tennis tournament shifting my suspicions back and forth like crazy.
There is a lot of Scottish flavor to this story. We are treated to the dreary rainy season in Aberdeen. Everything is gray. We get the talk (“Aye, nasty wee shites, one and all!) and the food discussions (bacon butty, anyone? Or how about a delicious buttery rowie or a nice licorice straw dunked in a Sherbet Fountain). We also get lots and lots of cussing (some of it quite creative), so beware if you are sensitive to that.
After the pieces finally fall in place and the story is wrapping up, don’t get too comfortable. That last paragraph is a chiller.
I can’t get enough of Logan McRae and his “pals.” I am fearful DI Insch is not going to make all eleven books unless he eases up on the fruit pastilles, cola cubes, and his mental explosions. I guess we’ll see. I’m rooting for him to defy the odds. Is this a perfect read? No, but to me the pros way outweigh the cons (character development could be deeper, the books are a little long), and I find myself having a rocking good time every time I read one of these. Highly recommended!
This is my 3rd go-around with the DS Logan McRae series, and I’m loving it. I am for sure “in” for the whole 11-book-plus-4-novella series.
Logan is a real human dumping ground in this one. We have equal measures of brassy DI Steel and fatman-sugar-hoover DI Insch. And both of these inspectors are relying heavily on Logan. The way I see it, Logan is the foil to all the colorful characters in Mr. MacBride’s stories. He is a rather normal bloke, just doing his job the best he can without breaking the law, trying to have a happy personal life after a few knocks, and looking out for his job security. His constabulary help comes from the likeable Simon Rennie and Spanky Rickards, the latter being Steel’s favorite joke target. Poor Spanky. I have to say Mr. MacBride was on his game with the humor in this book. I had too many laugh-out-loud moments to count--what a delight! I kept getting looks from the other people at the airport gates waiting for our flights.
The plot, as usual, is a complex one with lots going on and many twists and re-twists. I felt like a spectator at a tennis tournament shifting my suspicions back and forth like crazy.
There is a lot of Scottish flavor to this story. We are treated to the dreary rainy season in Aberdeen. Everything is gray. We get the talk (“Aye, nasty wee shites, one and all!) and the food discussions (bacon butty, anyone? Or how about a delicious buttery rowie or a nice licorice straw dunked in a Sherbet Fountain). We also get lots and lots of cussing (some of it quite creative), so beware if you are sensitive to that.
After the pieces finally fall in place and the story is wrapping up, don’t get too comfortable. That last paragraph is a chiller.
I can’t get enough of Logan McRae and his “pals.” I am fearful DI Insch is not going to make all eleven books unless he eases up on the fruit pastilles, cola cubes, and his mental explosions. I guess we’ll see. I’m rooting for him to defy the odds. Is this a perfect read? No, but to me the pros way outweigh the cons (character development could be deeper, the books are a little long), and I find myself having a rocking good time every time I read one of these. Highly recommended!
January 29, 2018
I really love this series set in dark, grimy Aberdeen with great characters and this third episode is no exception. Not only does DS Logan McRae have a lot on his plate, but he's stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to serve two masters, the grumpy, irascible DS Insch and the indolent, work-shy DI Steel. First there is a serial rapist on the loose, the police even have a pretty good idea who he is but he always has an alibi and catching him is proving impossible. Then there is the large series of burglaries needing to be solved, a ten year old highly dangerous murderer who is approving impossible to catch, what looks like an accidental BDSM death of a porn star and a much loathed lawyer (nicknamed Sandy the Snake) who gets beaten up.
Along with DC Rennie and DC Rickard, Logan takes on everything thrown at him with little complaint and mostly gets on with it, steering a careful path in keeping out of Steel and Insch's lines of sight. Logan's girlfriend PC Jackie Watson is also grumpy most of the book, outraged that the rapist has so far got away with it and her obsession with the case is threatening her relationship with Logan. However, it's not all grim and gritty with lots of humour woven into the many layers of the book. DS Insch's theatre group's rehearsals of the Mikado are fair game as is Logan's fear that, when the corpulent Insch gets upset and turns purple, he will finally blow a gasket. Poor DC Rickards gets much ribbing over his far reaching knowledge of BDSM and a lot of very sexually inappropriate comments from Steel and Logan learns more about the BDSM scene and the porn film industry than he ever wanted to know. For a clever detective Logan makes quite a few blunders, but finally has a lightbulb moment towards the end of the book satisfactorily tying up some loose ends. 4.5★
Along with DC Rennie and DC Rickard, Logan takes on everything thrown at him with little complaint and mostly gets on with it, steering a careful path in keeping out of Steel and Insch's lines of sight. Logan's girlfriend PC Jackie Watson is also grumpy most of the book, outraged that the rapist has so far got away with it and her obsession with the case is threatening her relationship with Logan. However, it's not all grim and gritty with lots of humour woven into the many layers of the book. DS Insch's theatre group's rehearsals of the Mikado are fair game as is Logan's fear that, when the corpulent Insch gets upset and turns purple, he will finally blow a gasket. Poor DC Rickards gets much ribbing over his far reaching knowledge of BDSM and a lot of very sexually inappropriate comments from Steel and Logan learns more about the BDSM scene and the porn film industry than he ever wanted to know. For a clever detective Logan makes quite a few blunders, but finally has a lightbulb moment towards the end of the book satisfactorily tying up some loose ends. 4.5★
February 7, 2020
"Stuart MacBride kon me in boek één absoluut overtuigen en ook boek twee was aardig geschreven. Vers bloed was echter (voor mij) te chaotisch."
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020...
July 28, 2020
There's a trend I'm noticing in this series - I think it's a lot of what makes it work for me. There's a lot of gender-norm flipping going on; it's our male protagonist who eats a packet of biscuits and a glass of wine for dinner, the female DI who is foulmouthed and chain-smoking, the girlfriend who can't keep her temper on a leash.. all things you see portrayed in fiction as belonging to the opposite sex. It's presented without being spotlighted, just as a matter of fact. And it's not so surprising today, maybe, when society is finally catching up to the thought that people are just people, but from my memory of the early 2000s that wasn't yet as widespread as it should have been.
Dealing with a series of sexual assaults, this book was in need of an author who can handle that kind of a storyline without hamfisting it; Stuart MacBride has carried it off with aplomb. There's a side storyline dealing with a young offender, as well as the BDSM community - again, a lot of plates to keep spinning, which is another theme to this series, and they're all absolutely book-killers if mishandled. But they're not; and I get to enjoy my procedurals without having to want to give someone a lecture afterwards.
Dealing with a series of sexual assaults, this book was in need of an author who can handle that kind of a storyline without hamfisting it; Stuart MacBride has carried it off with aplomb. There's a side storyline dealing with a young offender, as well as the BDSM community - again, a lot of plates to keep spinning, which is another theme to this series, and they're all absolutely book-killers if mishandled. But they're not; and I get to enjoy my procedurals without having to want to give someone a lecture afterwards.
July 10, 2024
Broken Skin is the 3rd book featuring DS Logan McRae and I feel Stuart MacBride is really starting to hit his straps with the series, understanding exactly how far he can push each of his returning characters. The result is an extremely entertaining romp into the seamier underbelly of Aberdeen at the hands of a less than outstanding police force.
Three cases are monopolising the attention of the Aberdeen police force a murder, a gruesome death that may be misadventure and an accused rapist who also happens to be the star player for the local Aberdeen Football Club. Between them, DI Insch and DI Steel have taken on the cases, switching ownership back and forth with mind-numbing speed. Nevertheless, it’s Logan McRae whose arse is in the sling should any of the cases show signs of failing.
The cases involve a man who was delivered to hospital, dead of a heart attack, but with massive trauma to his rectum. The investigation leads the team into the BDSM scene, not to mention multiple uses of the phrase “buggered to death” courtesy of DI Steel. Then there’s the football star and the suspicion of vicious attacks on women, allowed his freedom courtesy of the much despised defence attorney derisively referred to as Hissing Syd. Finally, an 8 year old boy is captured on CCTV footage stabbing a 70 year old man to death. When Logan attempts to apprehend the kid, he’s soundly beaten up and the child legs it.
The crimes are serious, there’s no doubt about it but I feel that the success of this particular book comes from the characters and the consistently amusing dialogue that dominates every scene. From Steel’s insistence that the team end every briefing with a group recitation of “We are not at home to Mr F*ckup” to Insch’s off-hours job as director of the local dramatic society’s production of The Mikado, the laugh out loud moments are frequent (quite difficult for me as I listened to the Audiobook version while I was out running).
For all the levity that takes place, the plot itself is quite involved and cleverly brings together the three active cases in ways that were neatly achieved. The police work can be described as slightly slapdash (Logan goes another round with Professional Standards again), but is ultimately effective. It all adds to the fun of the chase as the team goes through quite a bit of angst (courtesy of their mistakes) and the rare taste of victory (the arrests) often followed by more angst (courtesy of Hissing Syd).
This is a particularly enjoyable police procedural set in a miserable city staffed by police who are quite a long way off the level of Top Notch. The result is that I am now locked in to reading the entire series at my very earliest convenience.
And just as a final note: it has become the norm while reading these books that I’ve been getting a real hankering for a bagful of lollies whenever DI Insch is throwing handfuls of jelly babies, gummy bears, lemon sherberts and the like down his gob. And I don’t particularly care for sweeties, myself. Be careful that you don’t fall foul of the same power of suggestion too.
Three cases are monopolising the attention of the Aberdeen police force a murder, a gruesome death that may be misadventure and an accused rapist who also happens to be the star player for the local Aberdeen Football Club. Between them, DI Insch and DI Steel have taken on the cases, switching ownership back and forth with mind-numbing speed. Nevertheless, it’s Logan McRae whose arse is in the sling should any of the cases show signs of failing.
The cases involve a man who was delivered to hospital, dead of a heart attack, but with massive trauma to his rectum. The investigation leads the team into the BDSM scene, not to mention multiple uses of the phrase “buggered to death” courtesy of DI Steel. Then there’s the football star and the suspicion of vicious attacks on women, allowed his freedom courtesy of the much despised defence attorney derisively referred to as Hissing Syd. Finally, an 8 year old boy is captured on CCTV footage stabbing a 70 year old man to death. When Logan attempts to apprehend the kid, he’s soundly beaten up and the child legs it.
The crimes are serious, there’s no doubt about it but I feel that the success of this particular book comes from the characters and the consistently amusing dialogue that dominates every scene. From Steel’s insistence that the team end every briefing with a group recitation of “We are not at home to Mr F*ckup” to Insch’s off-hours job as director of the local dramatic society’s production of The Mikado, the laugh out loud moments are frequent (quite difficult for me as I listened to the Audiobook version while I was out running).
For all the levity that takes place, the plot itself is quite involved and cleverly brings together the three active cases in ways that were neatly achieved. The police work can be described as slightly slapdash (Logan goes another round with Professional Standards again), but is ultimately effective. It all adds to the fun of the chase as the team goes through quite a bit of angst (courtesy of their mistakes) and the rare taste of victory (the arrests) often followed by more angst (courtesy of Hissing Syd).
This is a particularly enjoyable police procedural set in a miserable city staffed by police who are quite a long way off the level of Top Notch. The result is that I am now locked in to reading the entire series at my very earliest convenience.
And just as a final note: it has become the norm while reading these books that I’ve been getting a real hankering for a bagful of lollies whenever DI Insch is throwing handfuls of jelly babies, gummy bears, lemon sherberts and the like down his gob. And I don’t particularly care for sweeties, myself. Be careful that you don’t fall foul of the same power of suggestion too.
March 7, 2016
This one was a real page turner and the best of his books I have read so far. In the manner of most Scottish crime books it was dark and gritty and frequently bordering on gruesome but it was also funny in parts and very easy to read. Logan McCrae is your typical dour Scotsman, taking everything on the chin and in this book there is a lot for him to take! Some of it is his own fault as he continues to have very poor taste in girlfriends and is also apparently unable to leave his phone turned off when he is trying to have a day off. But of course these are the things which make for a good story and this one is very good. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
January 4, 2023
Absolutely brilliant. There is no other author around at the moment with better one-liners. A wry, dry, and witty combo of clever, make-you-smile quips that make sarcasm seem like compliments, and no one is immune...characters, events, and places, all cop their share of McBride’s humour. The storyline is fast-paced (3 concurrent intriguing cases), authentic police work and so distinctly Scottish. Logan McRae is fast becoming one of my favourite detective series. Highly recommend this series.
April 16, 2020
Για άλλη μια φορά,πολύ καλός και αρκετά χιουμορίστας ο Λόγκαν,έμπλεκε και ξέμπλεκε μονίμως διακινδυνεύοντας τη σωματική του ακεραιότητα,η Τζάκι πιο φορτσάτη από ποτέ,ο Ινσχ και η Στιλ,απλά τρελό γλέντι!Ωριμότερη και πολύ πιο ξεκάθαρη η γραφή του,παρόλο που καταπιάστηκε με πολλές υποθέσεις ταυτόχρονα,από δω το πήγε,από κει το έφερε ολοκλήρωσε την ιστορία επιτυχώς,καταφέρνοντας να μην πέσει κάτω από τις προσδοκίες που είχε δημιουργήσει με τα δυο πρώτα της σειράς.Στα πολύ πολύ υπέρ του,παρόλο που το θέμα του BDSM είναι από τα βασικά στοιχεία της κύριας υπόθεσης,κατάφερε να το χειριστεί με αξιοπρέπεια,χωρίς να γίνει πορνογράφημα,αλλά ούτε και προσβλητικό για τη συγκεκριμένη ομάδα ανθρώπων. Ο σεβασμός με τον οποίο προσεγγίζει τα θέματά του είναι αξιοπρόσεκτος και οφείλω να το σχολιάσω,μιας και από το οπισθόφυλλο,η περιγραφή ίσως δημιουργεί την αίσθηση ότι κάποιος θα διαβάσει κάτι που θα είναι περίεργο ή "πρόστυχο".
10/10
10/10
November 14, 2018
“Three little maids from school are we
Pert as a school-girl well can be
Filled to the brim with girlish glee
Three little maids from school!”
(Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, & Pitti-Sing in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Opera, The Mikado)
I grew up in a household where we listened to Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Quirky, I know, but my dad liked them, and we kids got a kick out of them. Dad even took me and two of my sisters to see a movie version of The Mikado. When I read Stuart MacBride’s third Logan McRae novel, Broken Skin , I cringed every time I read a scene where DI Insch directed a bunch of misfits trying to stage this two-act classic comic opera.
I’d recommend reading MacBride’s series in order so that you know who’s who. I do think that this is my favorite of the three books I have read so far. Insch, for the uninitiated, is a gigantic man who indulges in sweets every chance he gets. He is not a patient man. He wants things done right, yesterday. His favorite pastime, besides eating candies, is the theater. The author manages to work in aspects of Insch and his protagonist McRae’s cases into the theatrics. Yum-Yum!
My mother was a fan of mysteries, but she was more a Jane Marple/Hercule Poirot type of reader. She would not have enjoyed the bawdy language of these Scotsmen. Nor would my father, who leaned toward more intellectual pursuits. Indeed, MacBride is irreverent, crude, blatantly stereotypical in his portrayal of anyone who is overweight, or homosexual, or a drunkard, or a criminal…you get my drift. And yet, I frequently found myself laughing out loud because the guy just has a way of phrasing things in a way that I could hear the Scottish dialect, and it felt very real.
The crimes themselves are downright nasty. McRae, Insch, and DS Steel, a chain-smoking lesbian who sounds like a classic tough gal right out of the role-playing butch-femme days, find themselves up to their eyeballs in awfulness with an overwhelming assortment of cases. There’s bondage, domination, and sadomasochism gone wrong, pedophilia, pornography, and rape. Logan finds himself like the rope in a tug of war between Insch and Steel, but he soldiers on. Three little maids? No, there are more than three rape victims, and when a popular local football player is the prime suspect, the police once again must face their chief legal nemesis, Mr Sandy Moir-Faruharson. That pretty much guarantees that this will not be pretty. But none of McRae, Insch, and Steel’s cases ever are, and rape and sexual assault are certainly most ugly crimes. Then there is a child murderer to catch. What?!
Steel’s unit continues their chant at morning role call: “We are not at home to Mr F**k Up.” But, as in the two previous books, these guys solve cases like the Keystone Kops, sort of by trial and error. We also have Logan’s live-girlfriend Constable Jackie, who seems to be up to something suspicious, and Rickard, dubbed “Spanky” by Steel. His character adds valuable information as well as humor to the saga. As I’ve learned from the previous tales, the story is long, but this one held my interest quite well. The sad events, the drinking binges, the botched arrests, the messed up relationships, and the off-color humor were more than enough to hold my interest.
Broken skin, broken bodies, broken lives – and, I expect in the next one – at least one broken relationship. As I said, this was my favorite of the series so far.
4.5 stars
Pert as a school-girl well can be
Filled to the brim with girlish glee
Three little maids from school!”
(Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, & Pitti-Sing in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Opera, The Mikado)
I grew up in a household where we listened to Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Quirky, I know, but my dad liked them, and we kids got a kick out of them. Dad even took me and two of my sisters to see a movie version of The Mikado. When I read Stuart MacBride’s third Logan McRae novel, Broken Skin , I cringed every time I read a scene where DI Insch directed a bunch of misfits trying to stage this two-act classic comic opera.
I’d recommend reading MacBride’s series in order so that you know who’s who. I do think that this is my favorite of the three books I have read so far. Insch, for the uninitiated, is a gigantic man who indulges in sweets every chance he gets. He is not a patient man. He wants things done right, yesterday. His favorite pastime, besides eating candies, is the theater. The author manages to work in aspects of Insch and his protagonist McRae’s cases into the theatrics. Yum-Yum!
My mother was a fan of mysteries, but she was more a Jane Marple/Hercule Poirot type of reader. She would not have enjoyed the bawdy language of these Scotsmen. Nor would my father, who leaned toward more intellectual pursuits. Indeed, MacBride is irreverent, crude, blatantly stereotypical in his portrayal of anyone who is overweight, or homosexual, or a drunkard, or a criminal…you get my drift. And yet, I frequently found myself laughing out loud because the guy just has a way of phrasing things in a way that I could hear the Scottish dialect, and it felt very real.
The crimes themselves are downright nasty. McRae, Insch, and DS Steel, a chain-smoking lesbian who sounds like a classic tough gal right out of the role-playing butch-femme days, find themselves up to their eyeballs in awfulness with an overwhelming assortment of cases. There’s bondage, domination, and sadomasochism gone wrong, pedophilia, pornography, and rape. Logan finds himself like the rope in a tug of war between Insch and Steel, but he soldiers on. Three little maids? No, there are more than three rape victims, and when a popular local football player is the prime suspect, the police once again must face their chief legal nemesis, Mr Sandy Moir-Faruharson. That pretty much guarantees that this will not be pretty. But none of McRae, Insch, and Steel’s cases ever are, and rape and sexual assault are certainly most ugly crimes. Then there is a child murderer to catch. What?!
Steel’s unit continues their chant at morning role call: “We are not at home to Mr F**k Up.” But, as in the two previous books, these guys solve cases like the Keystone Kops, sort of by trial and error. We also have Logan’s live-girlfriend Constable Jackie, who seems to be up to something suspicious, and Rickard, dubbed “Spanky” by Steel. His character adds valuable information as well as humor to the saga. As I’ve learned from the previous tales, the story is long, but this one held my interest quite well. The sad events, the drinking binges, the botched arrests, the messed up relationships, and the off-color humor were more than enough to hold my interest.
Broken skin, broken bodies, broken lives – and, I expect in the next one – at least one broken relationship. As I said, this was my favorite of the series so far.
4.5 stars
October 21, 2015
3.75 stars
Broken Skin contains everything I’ve come to expect from the Logan McRae series: entertaining and likeable characters, dark humor, and entertaining crime solving. This installment didn’t feel as seemingly lighthearted, if you can call it that, in the dark humor department as the previous books, but it still had its moments.
Fans of Detective Inspector Steel will be happy to know that she's back in all her glory. Detective Inspector Insch also gets quite a bit of page time. Both are extremely fun in their own way, but DI Steel always steals the show. Her interaction with Logan, and Logan’s reaction to her when they work a case together, is priceless.
As usual, Logan is working more than one case. This time, however, it felt like there was a little too much going on. Things felt a bit scattered and not as cohesive as in previous books. Also, some of the outcomes felt a little too coincidental and far-fetched.
I had a hard time with some of Logan’s actions and decisions. As has been the case with both Book 1 & 2, Logan can sometimes be self-absorbed and not as empathetic as he should be. Here it was a little more than usual. Also, as has been my complaint in the past, I cannot understand how he could miss such obvious clues. I just want to shake him at times, and say:
Despite those minor issues, I still enjoyed Broken Skin very much. It’s not my favorite of the series so far, Book 2 Dying Light holds that honor, but it was still a good read and a great addition.
Recommended for fans of the series.
Final Rating: 3.75 stars
Broken Skin contains everything I’ve come to expect from the Logan McRae series: entertaining and likeable characters, dark humor, and entertaining crime solving. This installment didn’t feel as seemingly lighthearted, if you can call it that, in the dark humor department as the previous books, but it still had its moments.
“Laz!’ she said, grinning as soon as she clapped eyes on Logan, ‘This no’ a bit fresh for one of your corpses? Thought you liked them a bit more ripe?’
Logan didn’t rise to it. ‘He was found outside A&E last night, bleeding to death. No witnesses. Something horrible’s happened to his backside.'
‘Oh aye?’ The inspector raised an eyebrow. ‘Medical horrible, or “I was hoovering naked and fell on a statue of Queen Victoria” horrible?’
Fans of Detective Inspector Steel will be happy to know that she's back in all her glory. Detective Inspector Insch also gets quite a bit of page time. Both are extremely fun in their own way, but DI Steel always steals the show. Her interaction with Logan, and Logan’s reaction to her when they work a case together, is priceless.
As usual, Logan is working more than one case. This time, however, it felt like there was a little too much going on. Things felt a bit scattered and not as cohesive as in previous books. Also, some of the outcomes felt a little too coincidental and far-fetched.
I had a hard time with some of Logan’s actions and decisions. As has been the case with both Book 1 & 2, Logan can sometimes be self-absorbed and not as empathetic as he should be. Here it was a little more than usual. Also, as has been my complaint in the past, I cannot understand how he could miss such obvious clues. I just want to shake him at times, and say:
But, I guess this is something I will have just have to get used to when it comes to Logan.
Despite those minor issues, I still enjoyed Broken Skin very much. It’s not my favorite of the series so far, Book 2 Dying Light holds that honor, but it was still a good read and a great addition.
Recommended for fans of the series.
Final Rating: 3.75 stars
July 7, 2021
Broken Skin, the third book in the fabulously dark Logan McRae Scottish series, is great toe-dip into the sewer where DS Logan McRae currently works. Logan is still working on a way out of the Screw Up Squad and out of reporting to D.I. Roberta Steel.
This time around his cases include a dead body that has been dumped outside a local hospital. To make matters worse there is a rogue eight-year-old boy accused of murder by stabbing. Logan’s live-in lover PC Jackie Watson is on the warpath to catch the rapist, who she believes to be a famous footballer (soccer player). Meanwhile, Logan is stuck between two battling supervisors, DS Insch and DI Steel. He is a man trying to serve many masters.
Logan, although not perfect, is a likeable guy, but keeps getting himself into all kinds of fixes. The reader can see the trouble coming, but good guy Logan just keeps on walking right into it.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be quite happy to keep working myself through this series. I gave this book four stars!
This time around his cases include a dead body that has been dumped outside a local hospital. To make matters worse there is a rogue eight-year-old boy accused of murder by stabbing. Logan’s live-in lover PC Jackie Watson is on the warpath to catch the rapist, who she believes to be a famous footballer (soccer player). Meanwhile, Logan is stuck between two battling supervisors, DS Insch and DI Steel. He is a man trying to serve many masters.
Logan, although not perfect, is a likeable guy, but keeps getting himself into all kinds of fixes. The reader can see the trouble coming, but good guy Logan just keeps on walking right into it.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be quite happy to keep working myself through this series. I gave this book four stars!
July 6, 2025
I just cannot get enough of this writer’s concepts and ideas of what crime fiction should be like! Great characters, multiple plots that converge in an explosive ending and the humor, let’s not forget it…very nice combination. In Steel we get the most unpolished personality in a character but wow I just love her. With MacBride you get like five books in one, each story or case more riveting than the next one until he presents us a wonderful resolution. The ending…wow! Could you live with that knowledge?
This author is always pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable. The first time I encountered this in MacBride’s work was with Lucy in “No Less the Devil” and it was refreshing in this genre were punishment in police procedurals done by “by the book” kind of detectives are the ultimate goal. This author reverses the traditional narrative and adds in rogue detectives and inspectors, the idea that results are more important than procedures and political correctness while exposing corruption in higher ranks.
This author is always pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable. The first time I encountered this in MacBride’s work was with Lucy in “No Less the Devil” and it was refreshing in this genre were punishment in police procedurals done by “by the book” kind of detectives are the ultimate goal. This author reverses the traditional narrative and adds in rogue detectives and inspectors, the idea that results are more important than procedures and political correctness while exposing corruption in higher ranks.
March 11, 2016
3.5★s
When the attractive young woman he’d chosen as his next victim fought back, he was shocked to discover he’d been set up – PC Jackie Watson had set out to catch the serial rapist and it seemed she had done just that. So why and how did it all go wrong? In the meantime, Jackie’s boyfriend, DS Logan McRae had headed to the hospital – a body had been dumped outside A&E but had breathed his last…
With the investigations dipping into the seediest parts of Aberdeen, both DI Steel and DS Insch were at their wits’ end. The resources of the team were stretched to the limit; night bled into day and again into night – and the alibis and innuendos proved nothing and solved nothing. As Jackie kept a dogged eye on her suspect, totally convinced he was guilty, Logan had no idea which way to turn – his gut feeling was strong, but he needed the evidence. The cases mounted as did the bodies – would McRae live up to his solve rate? Or would he fail miserably this time?
Broken Skin by Stuart MacBride is the 3rd in the Logan McRae series and it didn’t seem a lot different to the first two. There were several cases running parallel in this novel and I did find it a little difficult to keep them separated. But it’s gritty and tense; a definite thriller – a little over the top though with the amount of detail on the drinking, smoking and eating! If you like dark and gruesome, go for it!
When the attractive young woman he’d chosen as his next victim fought back, he was shocked to discover he’d been set up – PC Jackie Watson had set out to catch the serial rapist and it seemed she had done just that. So why and how did it all go wrong? In the meantime, Jackie’s boyfriend, DS Logan McRae had headed to the hospital – a body had been dumped outside A&E but had breathed his last…
With the investigations dipping into the seediest parts of Aberdeen, both DI Steel and DS Insch were at their wits’ end. The resources of the team were stretched to the limit; night bled into day and again into night – and the alibis and innuendos proved nothing and solved nothing. As Jackie kept a dogged eye on her suspect, totally convinced he was guilty, Logan had no idea which way to turn – his gut feeling was strong, but he needed the evidence. The cases mounted as did the bodies – would McRae live up to his solve rate? Or would he fail miserably this time?
Broken Skin by Stuart MacBride is the 3rd in the Logan McRae series and it didn’t seem a lot different to the first two. There were several cases running parallel in this novel and I did find it a little difficult to keep them separated. But it’s gritty and tense; a definite thriller – a little over the top though with the amount of detail on the drinking, smoking and eating! If you like dark and gruesome, go for it!
December 9, 2017
Broken Skin by Stuart McBride.
Just a note to readers: This book is also under the title "Bloodshot".
Detective Sargeant Logan MacRae is on the outs in a place where he doesn't want to be. At one end D.I. Roberta Steel is in charge and he's at her discretion and at the other end DI Insch has him at his beck and call. Logan wants to be near either one of them, but to get back to his usual post at headquarters before his demotion the choice is anything but his. (Personally I'd take Insch over Steel any day).
A dying man has been dumped by the emergency. His wounds are anything except self inflicted and definitely not common...in fact never before seen. At the same time a serial rapist is at large and their only suspect is a beloved soccer star who has an air tight alibi for when all the assaults took place. The newspapers take pride in degrading any move the police make in apprehending this celebrity. It appears to be a lose-lose situation for the police.
Then there's the 10 year old murderer. A seriously dangerous child that Logan wants to not just apprehend(if that's possible) but delve into his background and find the reason behind these crimes.
It's not just the story that keeps me on this (award winning)series; it's the life of DS Logan MacRae. His comrades, good/bad/indifferent, and is love life with Jackie Watson. My personally choice is more of Logan working with Duguid who is now down in the cold case files cellar and less of DI Steel.
Just a note to readers: This book is also under the title "Bloodshot".
Detective Sargeant Logan MacRae is on the outs in a place where he doesn't want to be. At one end D.I. Roberta Steel is in charge and he's at her discretion and at the other end DI Insch has him at his beck and call. Logan wants to be near either one of them, but to get back to his usual post at headquarters before his demotion the choice is anything but his. (Personally I'd take Insch over Steel any day).
A dying man has been dumped by the emergency. His wounds are anything except self inflicted and definitely not common...in fact never before seen. At the same time a serial rapist is at large and their only suspect is a beloved soccer star who has an air tight alibi for when all the assaults took place. The newspapers take pride in degrading any move the police make in apprehending this celebrity. It appears to be a lose-lose situation for the police.
Then there's the 10 year old murderer. A seriously dangerous child that Logan wants to not just apprehend(if that's possible) but delve into his background and find the reason behind these crimes.
It's not just the story that keeps me on this (award winning)series; it's the life of DS Logan MacRae. His comrades, good/bad/indifferent, and is love life with Jackie Watson. My personally choice is more of Logan working with Duguid who is now down in the cold case files cellar and less of DI Steel.
February 27, 2021
Tai jau trečioji serijos knyga, kurios pagrindinis personažas - Loganas Makrėjus. Perskaičiusi pirmąją knygą nebuvau labai sužavėta, tačiau nusprendžiau serijai suteikti antrą šansą. Ir džiaugiuosi, jog tai padariau, nes pastarosios knygos man tikrai patiko 🤗
Aberdyne ir vėl neramus metas.. Kažkas naktimis užpuola jaunas merginas. Dažniausiai jos yra žiauriai sumušamas bei užpuolamos su peiliu. Panašu, jog aukų nesieja joks ryšys. Vienintelis panašumas tarp jų tra tas, jog visos yra jaunos bei patrauklios.
Loganas Makrėjus su savo komanda imasi tirti šią bylą. Įtarimo šešėlis krenta ant miestelyje žymaus futbolininko. Kol kas konkrečių įrodymų nėra, o Roberto Makintairo advokatas daro viską, jog jo klientas nebūtų sulaikytas daugiau negu to reikalauja eilinė apklausa.
O tuomet visai netoli ligoninės durų yra tiesiog išmetamas jaunas vaikinas, kuris panašu, jog "sudarkytas" visai netradiciniais būdais. Policija bando susieti tarpysavyje šiuos visus įvykius ir pradeda aiškėti vis daugiau detalių.
Kaip ir antroji knyga apie Loganą Makrėjų, taip ir ši man paliko tikrai labai neblogą įspūdį. Daugelis veikėjų man jau buvo pažįstami iš praeitų knygų. Styl kaip ir visuomet, nors ir gana storžieviškai besielgianti, tačiau jos humoras man labai patinka 🤭 Šioje knygoje nebuvo kažkokios didelės psichologinės įtampos ar veiksmo, tačiau autorius mums vis pametėdavo po užuominą, jog norėdavosi skaityti vis kitą skyrių. Nusikaltimai buvo aprašomi "nesismulkinant", bet net neabejoju, jog tai irgi suteikė šiai knygai tam tikro žavesio. Skaitydama vis spėliojau kaip toliau pasisuks tyrimas ir kokia bus kūrinio atomazga, kai kurios detalės nustebino net ir mane. Daugiau nesinori Jums atskleisti, teks perskaityti patiems 🤭 Rekomenduočiau šią knygų seriją tiems, kam patinka narplioti nusikaltimus bei įsigilinti į policijos darbą bei pareigūnų asmeninio gyvenimo peripetijas. Pažadu, jog nuobodu tikrai nebus 😎
Aberdyne ir vėl neramus metas.. Kažkas naktimis užpuola jaunas merginas. Dažniausiai jos yra žiauriai sumušamas bei užpuolamos su peiliu. Panašu, jog aukų nesieja joks ryšys. Vienintelis panašumas tarp jų tra tas, jog visos yra jaunos bei patrauklios.
Loganas Makrėjus su savo komanda imasi tirti šią bylą. Įtarimo šešėlis krenta ant miestelyje žymaus futbolininko. Kol kas konkrečių įrodymų nėra, o Roberto Makintairo advokatas daro viską, jog jo klientas nebūtų sulaikytas daugiau negu to reikalauja eilinė apklausa.
O tuomet visai netoli ligoninės durų yra tiesiog išmetamas jaunas vaikinas, kuris panašu, jog "sudarkytas" visai netradiciniais būdais. Policija bando susieti tarpysavyje šiuos visus įvykius ir pradeda aiškėti vis daugiau detalių.
Kaip ir antroji knyga apie Loganą Makrėjų, taip ir ši man paliko tikrai labai neblogą įspūdį. Daugelis veikėjų man jau buvo pažįstami iš praeitų knygų. Styl kaip ir visuomet, nors ir gana storžieviškai besielgianti, tačiau jos humoras man labai patinka 🤭 Šioje knygoje nebuvo kažkokios didelės psichologinės įtampos ar veiksmo, tačiau autorius mums vis pametėdavo po užuominą, jog norėdavosi skaityti vis kitą skyrių. Nusikaltimai buvo aprašomi "nesismulkinant", bet net neabejoju, jog tai irgi suteikė šiai knygai tam tikro žavesio. Skaitydama vis spėliojau kaip toliau pasisuks tyrimas ir kokia bus kūrinio atomazga, kai kurios detalės nustebino net ir mane. Daugiau nesinori Jums atskleisti, teks perskaityti patiems 🤭 Rekomenduočiau šią knygų seriją tiems, kam patinka narplioti nusikaltimus bei įsigilinti į policijos darbą bei pareigūnų asmeninio gyvenimo peripetijas. Pažadu, jog nuobodu tikrai nebus 😎
October 16, 2023
This was another solid instalment in Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae series, and not quite as gut churning as a couple of the others I've read.
In spite of the comparative lack of blood and guts - there are still a few broken noses! - Broken Skin combined several complex interlocking sub-plots.
The book opens with WPC Jackie Watson going undercover in a honey pot operation to snare a serial rapist. In typical Watson style, she delivers her assailant a few well-aimed blows that he won't forget in a hurry. But he's a local football star and, with the help of DI Insch's nemesis, lawyer Sandy "Hissing Sid" Moir-Farquharson, charges against him are dropped and he walks free.
Meanwhile, a hideously injured man is dumped from a car outside Accident & Emergency and dies shortly thereafter. McRae is delegated responsibility for identifying the victim and investigating whether this is an accidental death - an erotic encounter gone wrong - or something more sinister. His investigation leads him deep into Aberdeen's BDSM community and the local pornography industry, in which the victim worked.
As if they haven't got enough to do, a 9-year-old hoodlum runs amok with a knife in a shopping mall, killing an elderly man and seriously injuring a police officer, before disappearing. McRae and DI Steel set out to locate him before he causes any further damage, placating his distraught parents and trying to settle the community outrage the incident has generated.
As usual, McRae has to carry a lot more than his fair share of work and responsibility. Aside from not having had a day off in weeks, he's getting suspicious about what Jackie's up to, as she's hardly ever home and is making excuses in an effort to avoid him. DI Roberta Steel is as hilariously acerbic as ever. DI Insch is trying to balance his police work with directing an amateur production of "The Mikado", and it's not going well.
The character development in this series remains as strong as ever, and when together with the complex plot and dramatic developments make for a potent mix. I'm gobbling up this series at high speed, but am hesitant to run out of MacBrides left to read...
In spite of the comparative lack of blood and guts - there are still a few broken noses! - Broken Skin combined several complex interlocking sub-plots.
The book opens with WPC Jackie Watson going undercover in a honey pot operation to snare a serial rapist. In typical Watson style, she delivers her assailant a few well-aimed blows that he won't forget in a hurry. But he's a local football star and, with the help of DI Insch's nemesis, lawyer Sandy "Hissing Sid" Moir-Farquharson, charges against him are dropped and he walks free.
Meanwhile, a hideously injured man is dumped from a car outside Accident & Emergency and dies shortly thereafter. McRae is delegated responsibility for identifying the victim and investigating whether this is an accidental death - an erotic encounter gone wrong - or something more sinister. His investigation leads him deep into Aberdeen's BDSM community and the local pornography industry, in which the victim worked.
As if they haven't got enough to do, a 9-year-old hoodlum runs amok with a knife in a shopping mall, killing an elderly man and seriously injuring a police officer, before disappearing. McRae and DI Steel set out to locate him before he causes any further damage, placating his distraught parents and trying to settle the community outrage the incident has generated.
As usual, McRae has to carry a lot more than his fair share of work and responsibility. Aside from not having had a day off in weeks, he's getting suspicious about what Jackie's up to, as she's hardly ever home and is making excuses in an effort to avoid him. DI Roberta Steel is as hilariously acerbic as ever. DI Insch is trying to balance his police work with directing an amateur production of "The Mikado", and it's not going well.
The character development in this series remains as strong as ever, and when together with the complex plot and dramatic developments make for a potent mix. I'm gobbling up this series at high speed, but am hesitant to run out of MacBrides left to read...
January 9, 2019
In Broken Skin by Stuart MacBride, we find Detective Sergeant Logan McRae being buffeted between two duelling Detective Inspectors, Insch and Steel. Neither is a smooth option as both are impossibly demanding and extremely competitive. Insch on the one hand is fuelled by sugar induced stress and anger, Steel by nicotine cravings, sarcasm, swearing and sex! Logan McRae basically lives on a razor’s edge trying to please both and solve the never ending pile of crime so that each can outdo the other.
He lurches through an unfolding nightmare of a serial rapist who is possibly the local football club’s hero, a gang of eight year olds swarming innocent bystanders and escalating to knifing senior citizens and cops, and a dead porn star whose proclivities included bondage, domination and sadomasochism.
MacBride’s stellar descriptive style, dialogue and dour humour keep the plot moving at a riotous pace. Logan becomes increasingly exhausted and desperate as he tries to solve the crimes along with trying to figure out his live in girlfriend, PC Jackie Watson of ball breaking reputation, who he suspects is having an affair.
I think I picked up contact sugar and nicotine highs resulting in reading into the wee hours. I’ve now crashed but it was so worth it!
He lurches through an unfolding nightmare of a serial rapist who is possibly the local football club’s hero, a gang of eight year olds swarming innocent bystanders and escalating to knifing senior citizens and cops, and a dead porn star whose proclivities included bondage, domination and sadomasochism.
MacBride’s stellar descriptive style, dialogue and dour humour keep the plot moving at a riotous pace. Logan becomes increasingly exhausted and desperate as he tries to solve the crimes along with trying to figure out his live in girlfriend, PC Jackie Watson of ball breaking reputation, who he suspects is having an affair.
I think I picked up contact sugar and nicotine highs resulting in reading into the wee hours. I’ve now crashed but it was so worth it!
June 15, 2024
These books just keep getting better, is it wrong of me to like DI Steel character honestly some of the things that come out of her mouth have me laughing out loud I will leave with a few quotes about this series because honestly I couldn't put it any better.
" Taut narrative, gut-churning incidents and strong characterisation, all shot through with savagely dark humour "
Ferocious and funny.
Riveting and gruesome
Highly recommended.
" Taut narrative, gut-churning incidents and strong characterisation, all shot through with savagely dark humour "
Ferocious and funny.
Riveting and gruesome
Highly recommended.
June 9, 2016
If I wasn’t sure of it before, I’m sure of it now: Stuart MacBride is one of my favourite authors.
I was pulled into his Logan McRae series due to the location – Aberdeen. I adore police procedurals, being unable to say no when someone suggests a good one that needs reading. Most of the British books in this category are based in London. I do not object to this location, but having one set in Aberdeen screamed to me on so many levels. I would finally recognise locations. I would be able to walk down the street and think ‘that is where the event happened’. Thus, I was more than willing to jump into the series.
I had high hopes, you see. Not just because I would be able to recognise locations – but also because the books have quite high ratings. The reviews are mostly positive. Quite often, when this is the case, I’m let down. Not with this one. This series surpassed my expectations. Book one, Cold Granite, blew my mind, and I knew I needed more. Book two, Dying Light, wasn’t quite as good, yet I was still in love with the series. Book three, Broken Skin, came to surpass book one.
I admit that I didn’t feel this way throughout the entirety of the book. There were a few moments in which I considered the book to be four star material – yet these moments were almost non-existent. I’m merely really cruel with my ratings, at times, hence why I decided to give this one a full five stars – after all, it had everything I wanted.
As with the first two books, MacBride had me giggling throughout. I said in my review of book one that he had created some of my favourite characters – well, now I can say that DI Steel is my new favourite character of all time. Her lines kill me. Honestly, I’m sharing ninety percent of what she says with my friend. I could write an entire list of five star lines from this woman alone. She is, dare I say it, my spirit animal. Everything that leaves her mouth is pure gold. Not that she was the only one to leave me giggling. The humour has been increasing tenfold between each book – and Broken Skin is the peak of humour in the first three books. If the humour continues at this rate – well, I fear the rest of the series will kill me. I really shouldn’t be laughing as much as I am.
Of course, I love the characters for more than just their humour. There’s so many layers to them. In this one we’re given some fun new characters – don’t worry, I won’t mention the jokes related to them but you should be ready for them anyway – along with seeing some of our regular characters developing. They way in which they progress throughout the books is wonderful. As I’ve said before, MacBride manages to create very real characters – and watching them throughout the books is equal to seeing them develop in life. It’s wonderful to see where characters are heading, and I cannot wait to see what comes in the next books.
It goes without saying that the crime aspect was also wonderful. As always, he makes it all very real through showing us the how the police have a crazy workload. They’re not only looking for a killer, they’re also looking for a missing child whilst trying to work out who is to blame for burglaries and a bunch of other interesting stories. The aspects that are connected are beautifully interwoven. Those that are not linked together stand proud alone. Everything has its place. Everything fits. Everything is brought to a great conclusion.
Honestly, I could gush about this one so much. It is easily my favourite to date. Don’t worry, though, I’ll hold back on babbling any more. I know that if I continue I’ll start giving spoilers. Just know this book was brilliant in so many ways.
My only issue, now, is that I don’t have book four sitting at my bedside. It’s sitting down at the family home rather than up here in Aberdeen with me. I’m not sure if I can wait until my journey home in August to read it. I may very well push MacBride’s Ash Henderson books to the top of my to-read list… we’ll see.
But yeah, read this. It’s more than worth it.
I was pulled into his Logan McRae series due to the location – Aberdeen. I adore police procedurals, being unable to say no when someone suggests a good one that needs reading. Most of the British books in this category are based in London. I do not object to this location, but having one set in Aberdeen screamed to me on so many levels. I would finally recognise locations. I would be able to walk down the street and think ‘that is where the event happened’. Thus, I was more than willing to jump into the series.
I had high hopes, you see. Not just because I would be able to recognise locations – but also because the books have quite high ratings. The reviews are mostly positive. Quite often, when this is the case, I’m let down. Not with this one. This series surpassed my expectations. Book one, Cold Granite, blew my mind, and I knew I needed more. Book two, Dying Light, wasn’t quite as good, yet I was still in love with the series. Book three, Broken Skin, came to surpass book one.
I admit that I didn’t feel this way throughout the entirety of the book. There were a few moments in which I considered the book to be four star material – yet these moments were almost non-existent. I’m merely really cruel with my ratings, at times, hence why I decided to give this one a full five stars – after all, it had everything I wanted.
As with the first two books, MacBride had me giggling throughout. I said in my review of book one that he had created some of my favourite characters – well, now I can say that DI Steel is my new favourite character of all time. Her lines kill me. Honestly, I’m sharing ninety percent of what she says with my friend. I could write an entire list of five star lines from this woman alone. She is, dare I say it, my spirit animal. Everything that leaves her mouth is pure gold. Not that she was the only one to leave me giggling. The humour has been increasing tenfold between each book – and Broken Skin is the peak of humour in the first three books. If the humour continues at this rate – well, I fear the rest of the series will kill me. I really shouldn’t be laughing as much as I am.
Of course, I love the characters for more than just their humour. There’s so many layers to them. In this one we’re given some fun new characters – don’t worry, I won’t mention the jokes related to them but you should be ready for them anyway – along with seeing some of our regular characters developing. They way in which they progress throughout the books is wonderful. As I’ve said before, MacBride manages to create very real characters – and watching them throughout the books is equal to seeing them develop in life. It’s wonderful to see where characters are heading, and I cannot wait to see what comes in the next books.
It goes without saying that the crime aspect was also wonderful. As always, he makes it all very real through showing us the how the police have a crazy workload. They’re not only looking for a killer, they’re also looking for a missing child whilst trying to work out who is to blame for burglaries and a bunch of other interesting stories. The aspects that are connected are beautifully interwoven. Those that are not linked together stand proud alone. Everything has its place. Everything fits. Everything is brought to a great conclusion.
Honestly, I could gush about this one so much. It is easily my favourite to date. Don’t worry, though, I’ll hold back on babbling any more. I know that if I continue I’ll start giving spoilers. Just know this book was brilliant in so many ways.
My only issue, now, is that I don’t have book four sitting at my bedside. It’s sitting down at the family home rather than up here in Aberdeen with me. I’m not sure if I can wait until my journey home in August to read it. I may very well push MacBride’s Ash Henderson books to the top of my to-read list… we’ll see.
But yeah, read this. It’s more than worth it.
March 29, 2021
Igual que las dos anteriores, me ha gustado mucho. Muy lograda, esta de momento trilogía, que no me importaría siguiera con nuevas entregas. Me cae bien el subinspector Logan McRae y el resto de los personajes tienen también su punto. Recomendables las tres.
February 7, 2019
This is the third in the Logan McRae series, set in Aberdeen and still doing little for the tourist industry there. Although I am only on book three, I am already deeply drawn by, and inordinately fond of, this cast of characters. Not only Logan McRae himself, but his girlfriend, Jackie, the constantly chomping DI Insch (recently told to lose a whopping thirteen stones, but not looking as though he is putting much effort into it), the bacon buttie munching, foul mouthed D I Steel and a whole host of others who create a realistic world around the central character.
As in previous novels, there are a whole host of different storylines. An Aberdeen footballer accused of rape, a violent death which leads Logan to investigate the BDSM community – and discovering some members of it who are a little closer to home than he imagined – a gang of violent children who cause the police much embarrassment when they are unable to catch the ringleader and, just to add some colour, Insch is also directing an amateur version of the Mikado at the same time.
I have been listening to the audio versions of these books, brilliantly read by Steve Worsley, who brings these characters to life. If you aware upset by violence, and, particularly, swearing, then you probably want to avoid this series. However, I just adore these books – dark humour, wonderful one liners and books that I just delight in listening to. I am intending to read the entire series of Logan McRae books this year and I have also tried some of the author’s other works and enjoyed those just as much. A joy to listen to.
As in previous novels, there are a whole host of different storylines. An Aberdeen footballer accused of rape, a violent death which leads Logan to investigate the BDSM community – and discovering some members of it who are a little closer to home than he imagined – a gang of violent children who cause the police much embarrassment when they are unable to catch the ringleader and, just to add some colour, Insch is also directing an amateur version of the Mikado at the same time.
I have been listening to the audio versions of these books, brilliantly read by Steve Worsley, who brings these characters to life. If you aware upset by violence, and, particularly, swearing, then you probably want to avoid this series. However, I just adore these books – dark humour, wonderful one liners and books that I just delight in listening to. I am intending to read the entire series of Logan McRae books this year and I have also tried some of the author’s other works and enjoyed those just as much. A joy to listen to.
March 11, 2019
Kitabı gerçekten beğendim ama okumam biraz uzun sürdü. Konusu da karakterleri de finali de hoşuma gitti. Ama en çok da tahmin ettiğim şeyin çıkması beni memnun etti. Yazar gözümüze gözümüze sokmuş tabi ben de anladım hemen.
BDSM’den hoşlanan ve ölmesine ramak kala acilin kapısına bırakılan Jason Fettes’in soruşturmasını yaptılar. Paralel iki dava yürüdü. Karmaşık değildi. Kitabın gidişatını beğendim. 👍🏻
BDSM’den hoşlanan ve ölmesine ramak kala acilin kapısına bırakılan Jason Fettes’in soruşturmasını yaptılar. Paralel iki dava yürüdü. Karmaşık değildi. Kitabın gidişatını beğendim. 👍🏻
September 24, 2017
Another great dark and gruesome read with the adventures of Logan McCrae. Multiple crime threads and great characters, especially their peronal stories. Its not just a crime novel, the interactions between the characters and also their particular decisions/motivations also create alot of intrigue.
February 4, 2020
Ο Λόγκαν ΜακΡέι επιστρέφει για τρίτη φορά, με τον αγαπημένο Σκοτσέζο συγγραφέα του αναγνωστικού κοινού, Stuart MacBride, να υπογράφει για μια ακόμα φορά τις περιπέτειές του. Και αν για κάτι ήμουν σίγουρη μέχρι σήμερα, αυτό είναι το ότι απολαμβάνω τις τρομακτικές, σκοτεινές και βίαιες ιστορίες του. Αυτό για το οποίο δεν ήμουν βέβαιη και διατηρούσα κάποιες, έστω και μικρές, επιφυλάξεις, είναι το αν ο MacBride μπορεί να μπει στη λίστα με τους αγαπημένους μου συγγραφείς. Τώρα πια, και μετά την ολοκλήρωση της ανάγνωσης της "Νεκρής σάρκας", μπορώ να πω με περισσή βεβαιότητα πως ναι, βρίσκεται ανάμεσά τους και υπάρχουν δεκάδες λόγοι που το αιτιολογούν αυτό, ενώ σε κάθε νέο του βιβλίο μού προσφέρει λίγους ακόμα.
Βρισκόμαστε για ακόμα μία φορά στην καρδιά του Αμπερντίν, με τον επιθεωρητή Λόγκαν, που προσπαθεί να κάνει τη δουλειά του σύμφωνα με το γράμμα του νόμου, μα και να έχει μια ήσυχη προσωπική ζωή -χωρίς να το πετυχαίνει πάντα-. να αναλαμβάνει τη διαλεύκανση της υπόθεσης ενός κατά συρροή δολοφόνου που αφήνει πίσω του πτώματα νεαρών γυναικών που έχουν βιαστεί και κακοποιηθεί φρικτά. Την ίδια στιγμή, η αστυφύλακας Τζάκι παριστάνει το δόλωμα στους δρόμους Αμπερντίν, προσπαθώντας κι εκείνη με τη σειρά της να εντοπίσει τον δράστη, ενώ η εγκατάλειψη ενός άγρια κακοποιημένου άντρα έξω από τα επείγοντα του νοσοκομείου, αγνώστων λοιπών στοιχείων, έρχεται να περιπλέξει ακόμα περισσότερο τα πράγματα. Σύντομα, οι έρευνες του Λόγκαν θα τον οδηγήσουν σε έναν κόσμο βίας, απαγωγών παιδιών και πορνογραφίας, πίσω από το οποίο μπορεί να βρίσκονται ακόμα και άνθρωποι υπεράνω πάσης υποψίας. Είναι, άραγε, τα πράγματα έτσι όπως δείχνουν, ή η αλήθεια που κρύβεται πίσω τους είναι ακόμα πιο τρομακτική;
Μία από τις μεγαλύτερες επιτυχίες του MacBride είναι το ότι έχει καταφέρει να δημιουργήσει απόλυτα αληθοφανείς χαρακτήρες, με προτερήματα και μειονεκτήματα, μα ��αι με μια συνεχή εξέλιξη που ακολουθεί μια φυσική ροή από βιβλία σε βιβλίο, αλλά και μέσα στην εξέλιξη της κάθε ιστορίας ξεχωριστά. Η ανάπτυξή τους γίνεται έτσι όπως πρέπει, με τον ρυθμό που πρέπει, βασισμένη σε ρεαλιστική πρότυπα ανθρώπινης συμπεριφοράς και αλληλεπίδρασης, με τον καθέναν από αυτούς να έχει μια πολύ ξεκάθαρη θέση μέσα στην εκάστοτε ιστορία, παίζοντας τον δικό του ρόλο, όχι μόνο σε πρακτικό, μα και σε συναισθηματικό επίπεδο. Τους παρακολουθούμε σε πολύ δυναμικές τους στιγμές, εκείνες κατά τις οποίες αναπτύσσουν όλα τους τα ταλέντα και τις ικανότητες, σε πιο εσωτερικές στιγμές όπου οι προσωπικές τους ευαισθησίες βγαίνουν στην επιφάνεια, μα και πηγαίες χιουμοριστικές στιγμές, βουτηγμένες στον κυνισμό και στον σαρκασμό, που όχι μόνο βοηθούν στην αποφόρτιση της ατμόσφαιρας, αλλά που πολλές φορές μάς κάνουν να γελάμε μέχρι δακρύων.
Αυτή είναι άλλη μια μεγάλη επιτυχία του συγγραφέα. Ότι καταφέρνει να ισορροπήσει ανάμεσα σε ακραίες καταστάσεις και συνθήκες, αποτυπώνοντας όλο το φάσμα αυτών, αποφεύγοντας πολύ έξυπνα το να μείνει μέσα στα στεγανά του άσπρου και του μαύρου, υποστηρίζοντας τον ρεαλισμό της ιστορίας του σε όλης τις εκφάνσεις της. Γιατί, έτσι είναι και η ίδια η ζωή. Ακόμα και στις πιο μαύρες, απειλητικές, σκληρές και σκοτεινές στιγμές της, έχει εκείνες τις λάμψεις που μας κάνουν να θυμόμαστε πως αυτή συνεχίζεται και προχωρά, και πως πρέπει κι εμείς να την ακολουθήσουμε, όχι μόνο ως προς την κατεύθυνσή της, μα και ως προς το παράδειγμά της. Και οι σκοτεινές στιγμές της εν λόγω ιστορίας είναι πάρα πολλές, και εξαιρετικά πολύπλοκες, και άκρως παραστατικές στην απεικόνισή τους πολλές φορές, όπως άλλωστε μας έχει συνηθίσει ο συγγραφέας, εξελισσόμενες πάντοτε μέσα σε ένα σκηνικό που μας γοητεύει και μας τρομάζει συνάμα.
Σε αντίθεση με τα δύο προηγούμενα βιβλία της σειράς, το συγκεκριμένο είναι κάπως πιο πολυδιάστατο, με την αφήγηση να μοιράζεται, επί της ουσίας, ανάμεσα σε τρεις διαφορετικές υποθέσεις που, όμως, συνδέονται με αόρατα νήματα με έναν κοινό άξονα, ο οποίος πασχίζουμε να ανακαλύψουμε ποιος μπορεί να είναι, αφού τόσο περίτεχνα ο MacBride τον έχει δομήσει ώστε να μας απομακρύνει από την αλήθεια έως ότου αποφασίσει πως θέλει να αποκαλύψει όλα τα κρυμμένα χαρτιά του. Τρεις πολυεπίπεδες ιστορίες που συνδέονται σε μία, με την κάθε μία από αυτές ν' αποτυπώνει και μια τρομαχτική πτυχή της ίδιας της ζωής. Ιστορίες που μπαίνουν στο μικροσκόπιο και αναλύονται μέσα από μια καθαρά αστυνομική σκοπιά, βάζοντάς μας στην καρδιά των ερευνών, των αναλύσεων των εκάστοτε στοιχείων, των εικασιών και των πιθανοτήτων, σαν να γινόμαστε κι εμείς μέλη της ομάδας που προσπαθεί να διελευκάνει την κατάσταση.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως αυτό που πετυχαίνει ο MacBride με τα βιβλία του, είναι κάτι που δεν το πετυχαίνουν πολλά αστυνομικά αυτού του είδους, κυρίως επειδή παρασύρονται από την θριλερίστικη πτυχή τους και αφήνουν το αστυνομικό τους κομμάτι σε δεύτερη μοίρα. Όμως, το να νιώθει τρόμο ο αναγνώστης, δεν είναι το μοναδικό ζητούμενο, και ιστορίες όπως η "Νεκρή σάρκα" μάς το θυμίζουν με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο. Αν μας ζητούσαν, λοιπόν, να περιγράψουμε το βιβλίο αυτό με λίγα λόγια, τότε θα λέγαμε πως πρόκειται για ένα μυθιστόρημα που αποτυπώνει την ψυχρή, σκληρή και πιο κυνική πλευρά της ζωής, μα και της ανθρώπινης διαστροφής, με έναν τρόπο εξαιρετικά ευφυή και πνευματώδη, συνδυάζοντας την εκμετάλλευση των πιο εσωτερικών μας φόβων που τροφοδοτούνται μέσα σε μια άρρωστη καθημερινότητα, με την πιο στρεβλή και κυνικά διασκεδαστική εσωτερική μας ταυτότητα, εκείνη που ξορκίζει τον ίδιο τον φόβο με το γέλιο και την σάτιρα που, όμως, δεν ξεπερνά τα εσκαμμένα. Ένα μυθιστόρημα με γρήγορο, έντονο ρυθμό, που μας κάνει κομμάτι και ενεργά μέλη της ιστορίας και της δράσης του και που συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα σε όλους.
Βρισκόμαστε για ακόμα μία φορά στην καρδιά του Αμπερντίν, με τον επιθεωρητή Λόγκαν, που προσπαθεί να κάνει τη δουλειά του σύμφωνα με το γράμμα του νόμου, μα και να έχει μια ήσυχη προσωπική ζωή -χωρίς να το πετυχαίνει πάντα-. να αναλαμβάνει τη διαλεύκανση της υπόθεσης ενός κατά συρροή δολοφόνου που αφήνει πίσω του πτώματα νεαρών γυναικών που έχουν βιαστεί και κακοποιηθεί φρικτά. Την ίδια στιγμή, η αστυφύλακας Τζάκι παριστάνει το δόλωμα στους δρόμους Αμπερντίν, προσπαθώντας κι εκείνη με τη σειρά της να εντοπίσει τον δράστη, ενώ η εγκατάλειψη ενός άγρια κακοποιημένου άντρα έξω από τα επείγοντα του νοσοκομείου, αγνώστων λοιπών στοιχείων, έρχεται να περιπλέξει ακόμα περισσότερο τα πράγματα. Σύντομα, οι έρευνες του Λόγκαν θα τον οδηγήσουν σε έναν κόσμο βίας, απαγωγών παιδιών και πορνογραφίας, πίσω από το οποίο μπορεί να βρίσκονται ακόμα και άνθρωποι υπεράνω πάσης υποψίας. Είναι, άραγε, τα πράγματα έτσι όπως δείχνουν, ή η αλήθεια που κρύβεται πίσω τους είναι ακόμα πιο τρομακτική;
Μία από τις μεγαλύτερες επιτυχίες του MacBride είναι το ότι έχει καταφέρει να δημιουργήσει απόλυτα αληθοφανείς χαρακτήρες, με προτερήματα και μειονεκτήματα, μα ��αι με μια συνεχή εξέλιξη που ακολουθεί μια φυσική ροή από βιβλία σε βιβλίο, αλλά και μέσα στην εξέλιξη της κάθε ιστορίας ξεχωριστά. Η ανάπτυξή τους γίνεται έτσι όπως πρέπει, με τον ρυθμό που πρέπει, βασισμένη σε ρεαλιστική πρότυπα ανθρώπινης συμπεριφοράς και αλληλεπίδρασης, με τον καθέναν από αυτούς να έχει μια πολύ ξεκάθαρη θέση μέσα στην εκάστοτε ιστορία, παίζοντας τον δικό του ρόλο, όχι μόνο σε πρακτικό, μα και σε συναισθηματικό επίπεδο. Τους παρακολουθούμε σε πολύ δυναμικές τους στιγμές, εκείνες κατά τις οποίες αναπτύσσουν όλα τους τα ταλέντα και τις ικανότητες, σε πιο εσωτερικές στιγμές όπου οι προσωπικές τους ευαισθησίες βγαίνουν στην επιφάνεια, μα και πηγαίες χιουμοριστικές στιγμές, βουτηγμένες στον κυνισμό και στον σαρκασμό, που όχι μόνο βοηθούν στην αποφόρτιση της ατμόσφαιρας, αλλά που πολλές φορές μάς κάνουν να γελάμε μέχρι δακρύων.
Αυτή είναι άλλη μια μεγάλη επιτυχία του συγγραφέα. Ότι καταφέρνει να ισορροπήσει ανάμεσα σε ακραίες καταστάσεις και συνθήκες, αποτυπώνοντας όλο το φάσμα αυτών, αποφεύγοντας πολύ έξυπνα το να μείνει μέσα στα στεγανά του άσπρου και του μαύρου, υποστηρίζοντας τον ρεαλισμό της ιστορίας του σε όλης τις εκφάνσεις της. Γιατί, έτσι είναι και η ίδια η ζωή. Ακόμα και στις πιο μαύρες, απειλητικές, σκληρές και σκοτεινές στιγμές της, έχει εκείνες τις λάμψεις που μας κάνουν να θυμόμαστε πως αυτή συνεχίζεται και προχωρά, και πως πρέπει κι εμείς να την ακολουθήσουμε, όχι μόνο ως προς την κατεύθυνσή της, μα και ως προς το παράδειγμά της. Και οι σκοτεινές στιγμές της εν λόγω ιστορίας είναι πάρα πολλές, και εξαιρετικά πολύπλοκες, και άκρως παραστατικές στην απεικόνισή τους πολλές φορές, όπως άλλωστε μας έχει συνηθίσει ο συγγραφέας, εξελισσόμενες πάντοτε μέσα σε ένα σκηνικό που μας γοητεύει και μας τρομάζει συνάμα.
Σε αντίθεση με τα δύο προηγούμενα βιβλία της σειράς, το συγκεκριμένο είναι κάπως πιο πολυδιάστατο, με την αφήγηση να μοιράζεται, επί της ουσίας, ανάμεσα σε τρεις διαφορετικές υποθέσεις που, όμως, συνδέονται με αόρατα νήματα με έναν κοινό άξονα, ο οποίος πασχίζουμε να ανακαλύψουμε ποιος μπορεί να είναι, αφού τόσο περίτεχνα ο MacBride τον έχει δομήσει ώστε να μας απομακρύνει από την αλήθεια έως ότου αποφασίσει πως θέλει να αποκαλύψει όλα τα κρυμμένα χαρτιά του. Τρεις πολυεπίπεδες ιστορίες που συνδέονται σε μία, με την κάθε μία από αυτές ν' αποτυπώνει και μια τρομαχτική πτυχή της ίδιας της ζωής. Ιστορίες που μπαίνουν στο μικροσκόπιο και αναλύονται μέσα από μια καθαρά αστυνομική σκοπιά, βάζοντάς μας στην καρδιά των ερευνών, των αναλύσεων των εκάστοτε στοιχείων, των εικασιών και των πιθανοτήτων, σαν να γινόμαστε κι εμείς μέλη της ομάδας που προσπαθεί να διελευκάνει την κατάσταση.
Η αλήθεια είναι πως αυτό που πετυχαίνει ο MacBride με τα βιβλία του, είναι κάτι που δεν το πετυχαίνουν πολλά αστυνομικά αυτού του είδους, κυρίως επειδή παρασύρονται από την θριλερίστικη πτυχή τους και αφήνουν το αστυνομικό τους κομμάτι σε δεύτερη μοίρα. Όμως, το να νιώθει τρόμο ο αναγνώστης, δεν είναι το μοναδικό ζητούμενο, και ιστορίες όπως η "Νεκρή σάρκα" μάς το θυμίζουν με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο. Αν μας ζητούσαν, λοιπόν, να περιγράψουμε το βιβλίο αυτό με λίγα λόγια, τότε θα λέγαμε πως πρόκειται για ένα μυθιστόρημα που αποτυπώνει την ψυχρή, σκληρή και πιο κυνική πλευρά της ζωής, μα και της ανθρώπινης διαστροφής, με έναν τρόπο εξαιρετικά ευφυή και πνευματώδη, συνδυάζοντας την εκμετάλλευση των πιο εσωτερικών μας φόβων που τροφοδοτούνται μέσα σε μια άρρωστη καθημερινότητα, με την πιο στρεβλή και κυνικά διασκεδαστική εσωτερική μας ταυτότητα, εκείνη που ξορκίζει τον ίδιο τον φόβο με το γέλιο και την σάτιρα που, όμως, δεν ξεπερνά τα εσκαμμένα. Ένα μυθιστόρημα με γρήγορο, έντονο ρυθμό, που μας κάνει κομμάτι και ενεργά μέλη της ιστορίας και της δράσης του και που συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα σε όλους.
March 8, 2018
Stuart MacBride's eersteling, Cold Granite (in Nederland: Steenkoud) gooide internationaal direct hoge ogen en zijn tweede boek Dying Light (in Nederland: Doodkalm) deed hier niet voor onder. Met Vers bloed heeft MacBride nu voor de derde keer op rij een ijzersterke thriller neergezet.
In Vers bloed draait het verhaal opnieuw om Logan MacRae en zijn vriendin Jackie Watson. Ze worden deze keer geconfronteerd met de akelige dood van een jongeman die alleen uit was op een avondje seksuele ontspanning. Jackie zelf heeft iets volstrekt anders aan haar hoofd, omdat zij is aangevallen door een man die al verdacht werd van diverse akelige verkrachtingen. Helaas gelooft bijna niemand dat deze man schuldig is, want hij heeft een ijzersterk alibi én hij is een bekende topsporter. Logan op zijn beurt worstelt verder nog met de zaak van een oude man die neergestoken is door een jonge knaap, die kans ziet om de politie uit handen te blijven.
Uiteindelijk hebben deze drie zaken toch iets gemeenschappelijk, maar wat dat is, dat is op het eerste gezicht bepaald niet duidelijk. De relatie tussen Logan en Jackie komt onder zware druk te staan.
MacBride zet zijn triomftocht als auteur voort! Op knappe wijze weet hij drie verhaallijnen bij elkaar te schrijven. De dood van de jongeman brengt Logan op plaatsen waar hij normaliter niet graag zou komen. Hij maakt kennis met mensen die het prettig vinden om elkaar pijn te doen om daar seksuele bevrediging uit te halen. Gelukkig... maar soms ook niet zo handig – krijgt hij daarbij hulp van zijn collega Rickards, die óók blijkt van dit soort dingen te houden. Hij kan Logan van informatie voorzien die van groot belang is. Grapje tussendoor: MacBride heeft deze Rickards vernoemd naar een goede vriend van hem: de John Rickards van Burial Ground.
Vers bloed is een heftig boek. Logan krijgt het vreselijk moeilijk als hij zowel voor DI Insch als DI Steel moet werken, en bovendien bekruipt hem de gedachte dat Jackie wel eens vreemd zou kunnen gaan. De zaken waarin hij verwikkeld is, maken het er niet makkelijker op, omdat hij geconfronteerd wordt met een vorm van 'liefde' die totaal anders is dan zijn eigen ideeën hierover. Zowel Logan als Jackie worden in Vers bloed nog meer uitgediept en krijgen nog meer een 'eigen gezicht' zodat de lezer goed mee kan leven met wat er allemaal met hen gebeurt.
MacBride poneert in dit verhaal ook enkele grote vraagstukken: Wanneer is een moord een moord? Is het moord als iemand overlijdt bij een seksspelletje? Wanneer moet je een kind opsluiten en wanneer niet? Is het kind 'zomaar' agressief geworden of is er meer aan de hand? Moet je een beroemde verdachte op dezelfde manier behandelen als een onbekende persoon?
MacBride weet op alle vragen een aanvaardbaar antwoord te geven, terwijl er toch ruimte is voor de lezer om een eigen mening te blijven houden. Sommige scènes in dit verhaal zijn knap heftig maar MacBride ziet kans om nergens grof of schokkend te worden. En natuurlijk is het verhaal voorzien van de nodige onverwachte plotwendingen én een ontknoping met een staartje. Een absolute topper.
In Vers bloed draait het verhaal opnieuw om Logan MacRae en zijn vriendin Jackie Watson. Ze worden deze keer geconfronteerd met de akelige dood van een jongeman die alleen uit was op een avondje seksuele ontspanning. Jackie zelf heeft iets volstrekt anders aan haar hoofd, omdat zij is aangevallen door een man die al verdacht werd van diverse akelige verkrachtingen. Helaas gelooft bijna niemand dat deze man schuldig is, want hij heeft een ijzersterk alibi én hij is een bekende topsporter. Logan op zijn beurt worstelt verder nog met de zaak van een oude man die neergestoken is door een jonge knaap, die kans ziet om de politie uit handen te blijven.
Uiteindelijk hebben deze drie zaken toch iets gemeenschappelijk, maar wat dat is, dat is op het eerste gezicht bepaald niet duidelijk. De relatie tussen Logan en Jackie komt onder zware druk te staan.
MacBride zet zijn triomftocht als auteur voort! Op knappe wijze weet hij drie verhaallijnen bij elkaar te schrijven. De dood van de jongeman brengt Logan op plaatsen waar hij normaliter niet graag zou komen. Hij maakt kennis met mensen die het prettig vinden om elkaar pijn te doen om daar seksuele bevrediging uit te halen. Gelukkig... maar soms ook niet zo handig – krijgt hij daarbij hulp van zijn collega Rickards, die óók blijkt van dit soort dingen te houden. Hij kan Logan van informatie voorzien die van groot belang is. Grapje tussendoor: MacBride heeft deze Rickards vernoemd naar een goede vriend van hem: de John Rickards van Burial Ground.
Vers bloed is een heftig boek. Logan krijgt het vreselijk moeilijk als hij zowel voor DI Insch als DI Steel moet werken, en bovendien bekruipt hem de gedachte dat Jackie wel eens vreemd zou kunnen gaan. De zaken waarin hij verwikkeld is, maken het er niet makkelijker op, omdat hij geconfronteerd wordt met een vorm van 'liefde' die totaal anders is dan zijn eigen ideeën hierover. Zowel Logan als Jackie worden in Vers bloed nog meer uitgediept en krijgen nog meer een 'eigen gezicht' zodat de lezer goed mee kan leven met wat er allemaal met hen gebeurt.
MacBride poneert in dit verhaal ook enkele grote vraagstukken: Wanneer is een moord een moord? Is het moord als iemand overlijdt bij een seksspelletje? Wanneer moet je een kind opsluiten en wanneer niet? Is het kind 'zomaar' agressief geworden of is er meer aan de hand? Moet je een beroemde verdachte op dezelfde manier behandelen als een onbekende persoon?
MacBride weet op alle vragen een aanvaardbaar antwoord te geven, terwijl er toch ruimte is voor de lezer om een eigen mening te blijven houden. Sommige scènes in dit verhaal zijn knap heftig maar MacBride ziet kans om nergens grof of schokkend te worden. En natuurlijk is het verhaal voorzien van de nodige onverwachte plotwendingen én een ontknoping met een staartje. Een absolute topper.
August 19, 2019
Yet another adventure of Logan McRae and his gang, solving and causing problems as usual. There's a little bit of Keystone cops in the stories, and crimes seem to be solved as much by luck as anything else, although Logan's intuition and perseverance help guide the luck in the right direction most of them time. And his luck, while not always great, does manage to keep him from being fired or suspended now and then.
Poor Logan is always caught between Inspectors Insch and Steel, who are often competing with each other. They're both bosses from hell, although I'll admit that I'm getting to like DI Steel for her entertainment value. She's a real character, hard to work for I'm sure, but I think she's honest and seems to say what she thinks without mincing words. And she doesn't seem to hold a grudge too long. Insch, on the other hand, seems to always have a grudge about something, and seems to be in danger of a massive stroke at most times. He's so overweight he's given up on trying to lose any, as his doctor tells him he needs to lose about half his weight.
One thing I don't really like about these books is the fact that there seems to be several unrelated crimes happening at the same time (unless I'm missing the relationship in the confusion). Most books seem to have one crime, and we can usually count on everything being somehow related. Having several keeps the reader a little off-balance; maybe that's the point.
I've been consuming the audiobook versions of this, which I like. The Scottish accent does a lot to set the mood and make it seem real.
Poor Logan is always caught between Inspectors Insch and Steel, who are often competing with each other. They're both bosses from hell, although I'll admit that I'm getting to like DI Steel for her entertainment value. She's a real character, hard to work for I'm sure, but I think she's honest and seems to say what she thinks without mincing words. And she doesn't seem to hold a grudge too long. Insch, on the other hand, seems to always have a grudge about something, and seems to be in danger of a massive stroke at most times. He's so overweight he's given up on trying to lose any, as his doctor tells him he needs to lose about half his weight.
One thing I don't really like about these books is the fact that there seems to be several unrelated crimes happening at the same time (unless I'm missing the relationship in the confusion). Most books seem to have one crime, and we can usually count on everything being somehow related. Having several keeps the reader a little off-balance; maybe that's the point.
I've been consuming the audiobook versions of this, which I like. The Scottish accent does a lot to set the mood and make it seem real.
dnf
February 19, 2019Can't review this because I could not finish it, sure it is a lovely read after the story gets started. Have picked it up dozens of times since marking it as "Currently Reading" only to put it down and go to another. Stuck in a waiting room this morning for 3 hours and realized I don't get far because it holds no interest for me. Checked out the middle of the book and there is still no progress so I'm marking this one off. Not given up on series, I'll try book 4.
August 12, 2023
As usual MacBride has written a very, very good story with a great plot and a lot of character development.
May 6, 2020
Nesu pratusi knygų serijų skaityti ne eilės tvarka. Tačiau su seržanto Logano Makrėjaus serija atsitiko būtent taip. Pirmiausia mano lentynoje atsidūrė trečioji - Atvira žaizda. Svarsčiau, ar verta pradėti, ar bus įdomu ir aišku, neskaičius nei Šalto granito, nei Gęstančios šviesos. Ir džiaugiuosi surizikavus 🙂 Vienintelis dalykas, likęs neaiškus - Logano ir jo merginos santykių priešistorė. Bet dabar bus tik dar įdomiau skaityti pirmąsias dalis ir išsiaiškinti, kaip viskas prasidėjo 😉⠀
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Knygoje rutuliojamos net kelios siužetinės linijos - merginas prievartaujančio ir peiliu neatpažįstamai subjaurojančio maniako; aštuonmečio, mirtinai sužalojusio senolį ir jauno vaikino, negyvo rasto prie ligonės durų bylų tyrimai. Kad nepasirodytų per mažai į knygą autorius įpynė ir pornografiją bei slaptus BDSM reikalus (nesiplėsiu, pasigooglink patys - mane seka ir jauni skaitytojai 😃). Skaitant buvo sunku sugaudyti visus galus, bet kaip dažniausiai būna tokiose knygose - autorius pabaigoje viską gražiai sudėliojo į reikalingas lentynėles. Tik mano nuomone, kai kurios siužetinės linijos galėjo būti pakąpsotomos ir giliau. ⠀
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Nustebinęs dalykas - seržantas Loganas Makrėjus, kuris ir yra pagrindinis knygų herojus. Visi esame įpratę prie alkoholikų, super protingų, šaunuolių bylų tyrėjų, kurie fail'ina pusę knygos, o tada stebuklingai išspęndžia pačias sunkiausias bylas. Loganas visiškai kitoks - ramus, kartais net primenantis pastumdėlį pareigūnas. Šaltai ir nuosekliai tiriantis nusikatimus, bei paklusniai vykdantis už jį viršesnių kriminalistų Inšo bei Styl nurodymus.⠀
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Didelį įspūdį paliko ir inspektorės Styl personažas. Nevalyva, stačiokiška ir bjauroko charakterio moteris puikiai atsvėrė ramaus Logano būdą. Smagiai skaitėsi aberdynietiškas veikėjų akcentas bei necenzūruoti dialogai. Nors, gal kitiems pasirodys ir per stipru.. 🤬⠀
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Apibendrinat - geras, įtraukiantis detektyvas. Ir pagyrimai leidyklai už kuskiečius serijos knygų viršelius! Niekada neteko skaityti tokio formato, bet panašu, kad man patinka 😃⠀
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Knygoje rutuliojamos net kelios siužetinės linijos - merginas prievartaujančio ir peiliu neatpažįstamai subjaurojančio maniako; aštuonmečio, mirtinai sužalojusio senolį ir jauno vaikino, negyvo rasto prie ligonės durų bylų tyrimai. Kad nepasirodytų per mažai į knygą autorius įpynė ir pornografiją bei slaptus BDSM reikalus (nesiplėsiu, pasigooglink patys - mane seka ir jauni skaitytojai 😃). Skaitant buvo sunku sugaudyti visus galus, bet kaip dažniausiai būna tokiose knygose - autorius pabaigoje viską gražiai sudėliojo į reikalingas lentynėles. Tik mano nuomone, kai kurios siužetinės linijos galėjo būti pakąpsotomos ir giliau. ⠀
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Nustebinęs dalykas - seržantas Loganas Makrėjus, kuris ir yra pagrindinis knygų herojus. Visi esame įpratę prie alkoholikų, super protingų, šaunuolių bylų tyrėjų, kurie fail'ina pusę knygos, o tada stebuklingai išspęndžia pačias sunkiausias bylas. Loganas visiškai kitoks - ramus, kartais net primenantis pastumdėlį pareigūnas. Šaltai ir nuosekliai tiriantis nusikatimus, bei paklusniai vykdantis už jį viršesnių kriminalistų Inšo bei Styl nurodymus.⠀
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Didelį įspūdį paliko ir inspektorės Styl personažas. Nevalyva, stačiokiška ir bjauroko charakterio moteris puikiai atsvėrė ramaus Logano būdą. Smagiai skaitėsi aberdynietiškas veikėjų akcentas bei necenzūruoti dialogai. Nors, gal kitiems pasirodys ir per stipru.. 🤬⠀
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Apibendrinat - geras, įtraukiantis detektyvas. Ir pagyrimai leidyklai už kuskiečius serijos knygų viršelius! Niekada neteko skaityti tokio formato, bet panašu, kad man patinka 😃⠀
August 27, 2025
Nobody can off set dark and disturbing plots with the level of humour like Stuart MacBride can. The dialogue is nigh on perfect with truly wonderfully portrayed characters. Inspectors Steel and Insch are superb with the long suffering but very likeable Logan caught in the middle. This multi layered complex story sees Scotland's finest trying to track a child on the run for murder, a spate of burglaries, a star footballer accused of rape and a fatality in the world of the adult entertainment industry. The author is spinning a lot of plates in this one and doesn't drop one. Plenty of twists and a cracker of a last page. Sublime
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