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DI Heather Filson #2

This Little Piggy

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When a much-loved Kilmarnock police constable is found beaten to death in his home, all signs point to a burglary gone wrong. But, when a second officer is slain while walking the beat, it becomes clear that something much more sinister is afoot.

Somebody is murdering cops.

Harassed by an infuriating new partner and a teenage true crime podcaster, DI Heather Filson must track down a brutal killer while tensions between the police and the public explode into violence.

With rioting breaking out across Glasgow, and running battles filling the streets, Heather’s latest investigation is no longer just a murder hunt.

It’s a race to stop Scotland’s largest city from tearing itself apart.

This Little Piggy is the second DI Heather Filson novel from multi-million selling Scottish crime fiction author, JD Kirk.

380 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2024

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614 people want to read

About the author

J.D. Kirk

55 books1,768 followers
JD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.

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5 stars
4,213 (62%)
4 stars
1,954 (28%)
3 stars
514 (7%)
2 stars
73 (1%)
1 star
37 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
Profile Image for John Morris.
1,013 reviews79 followers
January 31, 2024
Quite a story!

This was a violent police thriller with a touch of dark humour running through it. Members of Glasgow's finest were being murdered, the public and police were at each other's throats and gang warfare was imminent. Every day life north of the border? The uniformed policemen appeared to be a throwback to the 1970s, full of adrenaline and testosterone. Then we had DI Helen Filson (sociopath), DC Tammi-Jo Swanney (ADHD), and Ace Wurzel (autistic), a teenage wannabe true crime podcaster. The latter group being the heroines of the story, and quite a story it was too. On the whole a rather enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Nikki Lee.
618 reviews556 followers
dnf
February 3, 2024
AYE AYE. NO! I tried guys. I found that Scottish crime isn’t for me. Or maybe it’s just this author. IDK. I couldn’t get past the dialogue. AT ALL. I tried and only made it 10% in. I know J.D. Kirk is quite popular and I respect that. DNF at 10% 😳
Profile Image for Megan.
10 reviews
January 2, 2024
I enjoyed this one even more than the first one! I love all the books within the DCI Logan universe. JD Kirk is one of few male authors who actually writes women well imo, I even found myself tearing up once or twice! Great twists and a really intriguing ending. When’s the next one out?
Profile Image for Karly.
475 reviews169 followers
April 26, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ we have a winner… after the book was a bit of a wreck I really liked this!!!

Back of the book Synopsis
Do you know who your friends are?
When a much-loved Kilmarnock police constable is found beaten to death in his home, all signs point to a burglary gone wrong. But, when a second officer is slain while walking the beat, it becomes clear that something much more sinister is afoot.

Somebody is murdering cops. Harassed by an infuriating new partner and a teenage true crime podcaster, DI Heather Filson must track down a brutal killer while tensions between the police and public explode into violence. With rioting breaking out across Glasgow, and running battles filling the streets, Heather’s latest investigation is no longer just a murder hunt.

It’s a race to stop Scotland’s largest city from tearing itself apart.


Well, well,well… here was me being put completely off this series by the first novel. I gave The One That Got Away 2 stars (generous if I am honest) and I got this of KU when it first came out but have been putting it off for ages. I needn’t have worried because I really enjoyed this.

I just read back over my review of book1 and it honestly feels like the author read it and fixed all the issues I had… now I am positive that didn’t happen but all the things I bitched about in my review were not in book 2. Heather was far more likeable which I was surprised about, she had a partner in this book albeit grudgingly but she still had one.. and to my surprise DC Tammy-Jo Swanny (from the Logan series) who kind of got on my nerves was exactly what Heather and this series needed.

I didn’t have an issue with Ace anymore because she was no longer the smartest character in the book at the ripe old age of 15, she was actually a welcome addition and her quirky behaviour was refreshing. There were some really good jokes in this that had me laughing and I was actually really disappointed that it was over.

As always J.D. Kirk’s writing is a winner for me… very rude and crude and very Scottish but exactly how I like it. I liked the story and I think that the character development was awesome. I am really actually looking forward to the next book now. I think that Tammy-Jo and Heather make a cracking team and I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.

I really didn’t have any complaints… given the sheer amount of complaining I did in book one its a surprise I suppose. If you want to read this book I highly recommend it… I think you probably could do with reading book one to get the feel for Heather… BUT I don’t recommend book one… so you could just dive into this one and enjoy it. If you want to see what really irked me in book one read my review and then read this book and it’s seriously like every qualm I had was addressed… shocked but pleasantly surprised.

Overall I definitely recommend this book to people who like this genre and this author. With all these books I will remind you that there is quite a lot of swearing but no where near the amount that is in the other books. This also has three really good female chracters in it and some funny side chracters along the way. Special shout out to Heather’s dad, the scene with he and Tammy-Jo Swanny was a belter… but also I definitely didn’t have a tear in my eye… you did!!!
Profile Image for Andi Caissie.
200 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2024
another great book from JD Kirk

I didn’t like Heather Filson much when she showed up in one of the DCI Logan books. However, her character has developed nicely, as have the other characters in the book. Teaming her, albeit reluctantly, with Tammi Jo Swanney was brilliant!
119 reviews
January 3, 2024
Great book. Love the characters & especially DI Filson. I’m not sure she’d still be in the force at all given her scant regard for authority but it makes for great reading. Tammi-Jo gets a baptism of fire in her new role of DC, hardly having time to draw breath before she and Filson are up to their ears in dead cops. And maybe bent ones too. Who to trust? JD Kirk can spin a tale and this is a good one. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
194 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
Review summary: An excellent follow up that takes you into a police procedural with extreme violence and moments of laugh out loud joy.

Rating: 3.5/5

JD Kirk delivers another messed up crime with layers of social and political components.
I really enjoyed this sequel in the Heather Filson series – it showcased there is more to Heather than unveiling her trauma (although this is featured in this book).

The plot is messy, complicated (but well explained and executed) and explores some of the social challenges facing law enforcement.

I loved Ace and Tammy Jo – they added an excellent type of humanity to soften Heather, and move this series towards the cast of characters that add to the charm of the DCI Logan series.

I couldn’t put this book down, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Profile Image for Mr Mark Hawksford.
353 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2024
This Little Piggy -

Book 2 of the series. When book 1 was released I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it as Heather had played a cameo role in one of the Logan books, and she didn’t come across as a character I would warm to. However, I really did enjoy book one and I was looking forward to reading this one. Heather, the hard nosed cop, who actually when you cut her open is a lot softer than she makes out, is teamed up with the talkative Tammi-Jo (who has been in the last couple of Logan books, but now been transferred down to work with Heather.). How would the relationship work out between them? Surprisingly pretty well. Then we have Ace, the school girl podcaster/investigator, who was part of book one. As with all his books, there is real laugh out loud moments, especially between the three characters. The book is fairly fast paced, with lots of things happening which will keep you guessing until close to the end. I would actually say that I have enjoyed these first two books, as much if not more than the recent Logan books. And I enjoy the Logan series. If you haven’t read the Logan, Hoon or Folsom books, then I would strongly recommend you do so. I must admit, I am lookin forward to another Hoon fun packed book. I will definitely be reading series 3 of the Filson series, as and when it is published. An easy 5 out of 5 from me.
1,287 reviews
January 5, 2024
It has taken me a bit longer to get into DI Heather Filson but this book has done the trick. I really like her. She presents a facade to the world of a person who doesn't care about anyone but of course she does. Tammi-Jo is also a real character and she helps to bring Heather out of herself. Together, and of course, with a little help from Ace Wurzel, they discover who is behind the police killings. A terrific read
Profile Image for Adam Niksic.
Author 3 books2 followers
March 25, 2024
I didn't mind the last JD Kirk book. A traditional crime fiction novel with a bit of police procedure about it....be it as it may in Scotland.

This one however took me a good 300 pages to get into. It was sooooo slow. The only reason it got 2 stars not 1 is because the last 80 pages made it worth finishing and I was already committed. The characters frustrated me and there was a lot of necessary conversation amongst the characters that added nothing to the context of the story.

Didn't mind the storyline but after writing the blurb, I was expecting more, and it never came.
Profile Image for Kenzie Leckie ✨.
225 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2026
Heather is starting to grow on me however her team isn’t. It’s really nice to have Tammi Jo from Logan’s however she’s grating on me with her babble as I feel like it drags conversations out. I feel like we could still have that as her personality but just shorten it down as I think we know by now what she is like.

There were so many people involved in this case that I was a little confused as to who some people were. However I will say I didn’t guess who the killer was which makes me enjoy it more.
Profile Image for Jenn.
1,647 reviews33 followers
March 31, 2025
This was a good second novel. I thought it was the last but there appears to be another one. Besides I need to read the Logan books as well. I may not enjoy the characters as much as the weird ones in this series but I’ll give it a try. I like Ace even if I do picture her a few years older than she is. And I like the news DC - she’s just as kooky. I hope there will be many more in this series.
Profile Image for Sam.
146 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2025
Another great read from J D Kirk 😃
4 reviews
January 6, 2024
DI Heather Filson

Character spin off from the DCI Logan series, her character was interesting there, so a series of her own was one I was going to read.
I’ve read both books in the series now and I have enjoyed them both.
I feel I am getting to know Heathers character better, in her personal life and her persona as an officer of the law. This character has the potential to expand in these areas of her life and I look forward to this in future novels.
The book has a good plot with twists and turns and the proverbial red herring.
Oh yes another character from the DCI Logan series has now entered this series as Heathers side kick who is also a very interesting character too. Chalk and Cheese would be an apt description, but this new character I think will help expand Heather as a person in both sides of her life.
I am pleased to recommend this series.
311 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2024
Loving this new series

When I first heard about a spin off series about Heather Filson, I was a bit sceptical, having not liked her character in the Logan books. However, the first book was good but this second book is brilliant, and who would have thought that Heather and Tammie Jo would make such a fantastic team, it weirdly works so well. I don't think I've laughed as much reading a book. The story was so good, I read in one sitting, and it certainly kept you guessing till the end. So many excellent character's, I especially like the addition of Ace, the young podcaster, between her and Tammie Jo, they bring out Heathers softer side, not that she,will admit to it. I really can't wait until the next book, I didn't want the story to end.
Profile Image for David Ward.
Author 2 books17 followers
January 14, 2024
Four stars are the most I can give this book.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the story, I liked the characters, and the ending was satisfying. There's humour too, as you'd expect from J D Kirk.

But I miss Jack Logan and the gang - that's problem #1. Then the characters we have are fewer and, in my view, as yet not clearly defined - problem #2.

My third problem is that the book feels far too long. To be honest, I'm finding this a problem with a number of authors I'm reading recently. There are repeats of known information at staff meetings, characters telling other characters what we, the readers, already know - anything, in fact, to get the word count up. Am I expecting too much? Maybe, but I don't like repetition as a way of making books longer.

Four stars, but enjoyable.
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
2,963 reviews40 followers
January 2, 2024
This Little Piggy by J D Kirk

This Little Piggy is Book 2 in the Heather Filson police crime series and this is another good read. I enjoyed Book 1 and Book 2 is even better when Heather meets up with Sammi. The characters are all developing and all three of the female characters, including Ace have become more as people with their own personalities and strengths and weaknesses.
The storyline was interesting and it was hard at times to know who was the villains and who were the good guys.
I look forward to reading more about DI Heather Filson in the next book in the series.
36 reviews
January 2, 2024
Best ever Filson book, even better than the first one. I couldn't stand her when she appeared in the Logan books, but age has mellowed her (or me).

Just one minor gripe: at one point Tammi-Jo is in Heather's brother's (Stewie's) room at her dad's house, but the book refers to "Stevie's room". Stevie is a different character to Stewie.
20 reviews
January 2, 2024
Even better than the first one!

Really love this series. I especially love all the quirky characters. Every one of all the books I've read in this series and the other 2 series leaves me with a smile on my face at the end.
Profile Image for Anne Walker.
61 reviews
January 2, 2024
this little piggy

Loved this book couldn’t put it down J D Kirk has excelled himself again really didn’t like heather when she was 1st introduced but loving her now even Nancy drew and tammi jo are growing on me more
Looking forward to the next one ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Sally Gutteridge.
Author 34 books12 followers
January 2, 2024
Excellent as ever.

Another cracking yarn. I love these books and have been so pleased to find them. Just the right amount of humour and heart.
Profile Image for Kim Sinclair.
28 reviews
February 9, 2024
J.D. Kirk writes his very serious, often gruesome murder mysteries with a sprinkling of humour and unique interactions between the characters that are so entertaining and enjoyable.

In this second D.I. Filson adventure that we are privileged to share, Kirk nudges loner Heather into engaging with two very interesting and often, funny characters. Heather learns some humility and understanding in this story which is far more than a murder mystery and I can't wait to read the next one.

Both Tammy-Jo and Ace Wurzel add so much colour and humour to the story and had me chuckling many times. Even Heather's old and demented dad is funny and you will do yourself a favour if you listen to the Audible version to really enjoy this.
Profile Image for Aimee Atkins.
130 reviews
April 7, 2024
Meh! Couldn’t get in to it, wasn’t a fan of the writing
Profile Image for Jessie (thatchickwithabook).
979 reviews16 followers
February 6, 2025
My last JD Kirk book *cries*.

The last 14 months I’ve spent reading all of his books, and now… finished. Until April, of course!

I can’t recommend this author enough, and also can’t stress enough how all of his series connect back to the DCI Jack Logan series and that should be read first!

Unbelievably entertaining, and so immersive that I can convince myself these characters are real.
685 reviews
August 5, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Much better than the previous one . Hopefully there will be more in this series.
Profile Image for Brian.
128 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2024
Honestly, I nearly didn’t get this book because I wasn’t terribly fond of book one but I’m a huge fan of the author. I was certain I would hate this book because the protagonist is just the worst. However, bringing in some lovable characters from existing books in the DCI Logan universe and things changed. Suddenly Heather’s sharp points got rounded out by these other amazing characters interacting with her.

I was annoyed by Aces repeat foolishness. But I do love her so I could not help but forgive her immediately.

FINE JD KIRK, YOU WIN!! You’ve managed to take two characters I loathed and build a series around each of them that made me love them. You diabolical genius.
86 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2024
"This Little Piggy," is the latest offering from bestselling Scottish author J.D. Kirk. I found it a riveting crime fiction novel that balances seriousness with a lot of fun. The book features the gutsy and compelling Detective Inspector Heather Filson, and the equally gutsy non stop talker DC Tammi Jo Sweeney.

Set against the backdrop of Kilmarnock, the story begins with a seemingly straightforward case – a police constable found beaten to death in his home, suggesting a burglary gone awry. However, the plot thickens alarmingly when a second officer is brutally murdered. It becomes evident that a more ominous force is at play, with someone targeting the police.

DI Filson and her new partner as well as a teenage podcaster, find themselves at the heart of this complex investigation. The narrative is tight, moving at a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Kirk's storytelling shines, weaving a tale that is as intense as it entertaining

Character development is a strong point in Kirk's writing and "This Little Piggy" is not just a murder mystery; it's a race against time, set in a city on the brink of chaos. Kirk's ability to balance different narrative elements – from thrilling investigation scenes to insightful social commentary – makes this book a very enjoyable read.

I recommend the book to fans of crime fiction, especially those who enjoy strong female protagonists and intricate plots.
Profile Image for Mary Johnson.
1,034 reviews17 followers
July 19, 2024
Dear oh dear. Mr Kirk, you are trying too hard. The basic story is OK (albeit too many blind allies) but just how many neurodivergent (or odd… or stupid) characters can you throw in one plot.

I started reading your books for the crime and quite enjoyed the odd bit of nonsense. These days the balance has shifted with silliness far out weighing the plot - which gets lost in the process.
1,246 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2024
Great story

This is a companion series that completely stands in its own. We may have been introduced to DI Filson in the course of a DCI Logan investigation, but she is not a second fiddle to anyone's story line. Neither is DC Swanney. I'll go out on a limb and say, after just this first installment, that we've seen enough of DC Swanney in the Logan books to get a feel for her unique personality so that her interactions and chemistry with DI Filson make sense. I can't wait to see how that dynamic develops in future books. The rest of the team, including Ace, who would definitely include herself as an unofficial junior member, are also developing nicely. I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
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