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DS Malkie McCulloch #1
Blood Runs Deep
Family ties can be deadly…
In the shadow of the Pentland Hills, a man has been callously struck down in front of his home. Tyre marks suggest it was no accidental hit-and-run. Somebody wanted him dead and as the man fights for every breath, they might still get their wish.
Grappling with the demons he thought he could leave behind after months away on enforced leave, DS Malkie McCulloch resists pressure from his superiors to pass the case on to the road policing unit, convinced that whoever was behind the wheel will be waiting for the chance to finish the job.
With the help of his partner DC Steph Lang, Malkie uncovers evidence that leads him to a former soldier suffering with PTSD. Risking his already tarnished career – and his life – he must unpick a complex web of family ties, deception, and greed to reveal the secrets at the heart of the case. When the veteran decides to take justice into his own hands, and a key witness reveals information that implicates somebody within the police, can Malkie piece together the truth before the body count soars?
The first in an utterly gripping new Scottish crime thriller series featuring DS Malkie McCulloch, a brilliantly complex detective who will risk everything to protect the innocent. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, JM Dalgliesh and JD Kirk.
In the shadow of the Pentland Hills, a man has been callously struck down in front of his home. Tyre marks suggest it was no accidental hit-and-run. Somebody wanted him dead and as the man fights for every breath, they might still get their wish.
Grappling with the demons he thought he could leave behind after months away on enforced leave, DS Malkie McCulloch resists pressure from his superiors to pass the case on to the road policing unit, convinced that whoever was behind the wheel will be waiting for the chance to finish the job.
With the help of his partner DC Steph Lang, Malkie uncovers evidence that leads him to a former soldier suffering with PTSD. Risking his already tarnished career – and his life – he must unpick a complex web of family ties, deception, and greed to reveal the secrets at the heart of the case. When the veteran decides to take justice into his own hands, and a key witness reveals information that implicates somebody within the police, can Malkie piece together the truth before the body count soars?
The first in an utterly gripping new Scottish crime thriller series featuring DS Malkie McCulloch, a brilliantly complex detective who will risk everything to protect the innocent. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, JM Dalgliesh and JD Kirk.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2024
569 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 31, 2024
A solid start to a new series, Blood Runs Deep is a gritty, well written and engaging thriller.
I had few issues with plot and characters but I still enjoyed it and hoping to read the next installment in the series soon.
I had few issues with plot and characters but I still enjoyed it and hoping to read the next installment in the series soon.
January 15, 2024
Blood Runs Deep is a crime mystery centred around Malkie’s case involving a dangerous suspect with PTSD. Although the evidence is stacked against the veteran, Malkie doesn’t believe he did it. But can the detective work out who did?
I enjoyed it, though it took me a while to read it. It wasn’t quite the page turner I’d expected it to be. I found I got behind Malkie more through my sympathy for Callahan, than any endearment towards Malkie himself. I liked the inner thoughts throughout and the story did keep me guessing, which was good. There were some convincing action scenes, that were tense and exciting and the writing style was easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy.
I enjoyed it, though it took me a while to read it. It wasn’t quite the page turner I’d expected it to be. I found I got behind Malkie more through my sympathy for Callahan, than any endearment towards Malkie himself. I liked the inner thoughts throughout and the story did keep me guessing, which was good. There were some convincing action scenes, that were tense and exciting and the writing style was easy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced copy.
January 22, 2024
A good crime thriller I enjoyed: gritty and gripping, featuring a complex and flawed detective.
Will surely read the next book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Will surely read the next book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 25, 2023
The evening before DS Malcolm ‘Malkie’ McCulloch is due to return to duties after an extended “medical” leave, he is called out to a hit and run RTA. The crime scene is not pleasant, and the victim is in a bad way. Although far from capable, with demons and inadequacies of his own, Malkie still feels there is something off about the accident and he and his trusty sidekick, DC Steph Lang, she of the stern stare and Krav Maga aficionado, are soon on the trail of the car. Discovering it belongs to the cab firm owned by the ferocious Fielding family, Malkie’s nemesis, Steph makes him promise to behave and play by the book. The car is on the Fielding grounds, but outside the small house of Walter Callaghan, a henchman of the Fieldings, who is ex military, suffering from PTSD, with The Dog continually snapping at his heels.
Escaping and on the run from the detectives, Walter goes on a rampage searching for the elusive Muzzle.
If you like blood and gore, deeply disturbed characters (and that’s just the police officers), and a totally inept detective who is both rogue and risky, with a big heart and little brain, this is the book for you. The one redeeming character is Steph who is “nice”. Ineffective but nice.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
Escaping and on the run from the detectives, Walter goes on a rampage searching for the elusive Muzzle.
If you like blood and gore, deeply disturbed characters (and that’s just the police officers), and a totally inept detective who is both rogue and risky, with a big heart and little brain, this is the book for you. The one redeeming character is Steph who is “nice”. Ineffective but nice.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm.
June 17, 2024
So listening on audio is the only way to do this book. Just when the word murder is said in a Scottish accent its so much better. I found that Mcculloch got away with way too much although he had others best interests at heart.
February 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this gritty complex mystery with sometimes graphic descriptions. It was interesting how the main characters were built with all those flaws that made them realistic. As far as I was getting into the story I was more hooked in the search for what happened. Overall, it is a good start to a series, and I would love to see how it will develop.
February 3, 2024
Three and a half stars.
D.S. Malkie McCulloch has been on leave for several months after the death of his mother in a house fire. He feels unbearably guilty and has been warned about his behaviour by his bosses in relation to Jake Fielding and his son Liam, a local crime family. His first call back on the job is a hit and run, although his superiors suggest it is no more than that, Malkie isn't convinced and, based on the tyre marks on the road, suspects he was deliberately targeted.
Piecing together the evidence, it seems as though a former soldier suffering with PTSD is responsible as the car involved in the incident, one of the Fielding's mini cabs, was found parked outside his cottage on the Fielding's estate. However, Liam also took out one of the mini cabs - who was responsible and why?
This was a gritty, sometimes graphic, mystery (somewhat more gritty than I normally like). Malkie is a tortured soul who makes bad choice after bad choice. His long-suffering partner DCI Steph Lang is running out of patience and his boss DI McLeish is just itching to kick him out of the force. It felt as though this was midway through a series because there was so much backstory, although I understand that this is the author's first novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, some aspects I suspected quite early on, although others were unexpected, I would be interested to see where this series leads.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Bumped for release.
D.S. Malkie McCulloch has been on leave for several months after the death of his mother in a house fire. He feels unbearably guilty and has been warned about his behaviour by his bosses in relation to Jake Fielding and his son Liam, a local crime family. His first call back on the job is a hit and run, although his superiors suggest it is no more than that, Malkie isn't convinced and, based on the tyre marks on the road, suspects he was deliberately targeted.
Piecing together the evidence, it seems as though a former soldier suffering with PTSD is responsible as the car involved in the incident, one of the Fielding's mini cabs, was found parked outside his cottage on the Fielding's estate. However, Liam also took out one of the mini cabs - who was responsible and why?
This was a gritty, sometimes graphic, mystery (somewhat more gritty than I normally like). Malkie is a tortured soul who makes bad choice after bad choice. His long-suffering partner DCI Steph Lang is running out of patience and his boss DI McLeish is just itching to kick him out of the force. It felt as though this was midway through a series because there was so much backstory, although I understand that this is the author's first novel.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, some aspects I suspected quite early on, although others were unexpected, I would be interested to see where this series leads.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Bumped for release.
May 3, 2024
This is a debut novel and what a debut it is!
On the face of it a crime novel and has all the tropes of the modern day crime novel. A damaged detective and a loyal sidekick. But it is much more than that. It explores the themes of loyalty, family and mental health.
In Malkie the author has created a character who wants to do the right thing, even if it means going against the advice of and clashing with others; including his sidekick Steph.
Doug explores a range of topics such as depression, PTSD and the grey areas between some in the police force and the criminal fraternity. Nobody wears the white hat, though Malkie tries, he doesn't quite manage it though trying valiantly. As I said a brilliant debut and much more than just a crime novel. A book to make you think as well as turning the pages.
Another plus is the novel is set in an area I'm familiar with; Livingston and the wider West Lothian area. This was an extra plus for me. Well done Doug and already looking forward to book 2!
On the face of it a crime novel and has all the tropes of the modern day crime novel. A damaged detective and a loyal sidekick. But it is much more than that. It explores the themes of loyalty, family and mental health.
In Malkie the author has created a character who wants to do the right thing, even if it means going against the advice of and clashing with others; including his sidekick Steph.
Doug explores a range of topics such as depression, PTSD and the grey areas between some in the police force and the criminal fraternity. Nobody wears the white hat, though Malkie tries, he doesn't quite manage it though trying valiantly. As I said a brilliant debut and much more than just a crime novel. A book to make you think as well as turning the pages.
Another plus is the novel is set in an area I'm familiar with; Livingston and the wider West Lothian area. This was an extra plus for me. Well done Doug and already looking forward to book 2!
February 2, 2024
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the advance copy of 'Blood runs Deep', a highly-anticipated book from Doug Sinclair.
I was lucky enough to hear Doug read a couple of chapters of this out at an event a few years ago, and I told him then it was brilliant. Since then, it has become a thing of beauty, and I loved every page. Malkie is not an easy character to love, mainly because of his own self-loathing, but he is still the perfect man for the job in hand.
His dogged determination is admirable, and I found myself both cheering him on and shouting at him to pull himself together.
The plot was intricately woven, with clues seeded in so cleverly you have to go back and check once you reach the end. I predict this book will win awards, and I'm very much looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I was lucky enough to hear Doug read a couple of chapters of this out at an event a few years ago, and I told him then it was brilliant. Since then, it has become a thing of beauty, and I loved every page. Malkie is not an easy character to love, mainly because of his own self-loathing, but he is still the perfect man for the job in hand.
His dogged determination is admirable, and I found myself both cheering him on and shouting at him to pull himself together.
The plot was intricately woven, with clues seeded in so cleverly you have to go back and check once you reach the end. I predict this book will win awards, and I'm very much looking forward to reading more books by this author.
July 19, 2025
Not the book for me. Found it impossible to relate to, or care for, any of the characters. Finished as it was a joint audiobook listen and my partner was enjoying it
August 10, 2025
Blood Runs Deep is book 1 in the DS Malkie McCulloch series by Doug Sinclair. DS Malkie McCulloch investigates a case that his superiors did not want him to explore, the hit and run of a man outside his home in Pentland Hills. DS Malkie McCulloch believes there is something more to the hit and run, and he and his partner, DC Steph Lang, found the evidence. The readers of Blood Runs Deep will continue to follow DS Malkie McCulloch and DC Steph Lang to discover what happens.
Blood Runs Deep is the first book I have read by Doug Sinclair, and I am thrilled to have discovered another excellent crime series. By reading Blood Runs Deep, I started to understand other effects of PSD on the sufferers and the community. I enjoy Doug Sinclair's writing style, which keeps me engaged with his characters and the plot of this book. The readers of Blood Runs Deep will learn about the role of a law enforcement psychologist.
I love Doug Sinclair's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Blood Runs Deep is well-written and researched by Doug Sinclair. I like Doug Sinclair's description of the settings of Blood Runs Deep, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
Blood Runs Deep is the first book I have read by Doug Sinclair, and I am thrilled to have discovered another excellent crime series. By reading Blood Runs Deep, I started to understand other effects of PSD on the sufferers and the community. I enjoy Doug Sinclair's writing style, which keeps me engaged with his characters and the plot of this book. The readers of Blood Runs Deep will learn about the role of a law enforcement psychologist.
I love Doug Sinclair's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Blood Runs Deep is well-written and researched by Doug Sinclair. I like Doug Sinclair's description of the settings of Blood Runs Deep, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
December 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Quite the one, when you like the "crazy" possibly bad guy as much as you do the main character.
There's a lot of damaged people in this book, and that makes them interesting.
It's a very good start to a series of what , if its like this one, will be a cop working by his own rules, a bit of gore, tons of action and a dependable sidekick.
Very enjoyable.
Quite the one, when you like the "crazy" possibly bad guy as much as you do the main character.
There's a lot of damaged people in this book, and that makes them interesting.
It's a very good start to a series of what , if its like this one, will be a cop working by his own rules, a bit of gore, tons of action and a dependable sidekick.
Very enjoyable.
September 28, 2024
Good characters and good story. Well written background given to the main character. Enjoyed this one and will be checking out the next in the series.
May 22, 2025
This book is told in a disjointed way that never really captured my interest. I abandoned it about a third of the way through.
January 1, 2024
A great start to a new crime series. Interesting that Livingston was the main location for the book rather than the usual nearby Edinburgh.
As far as characters go, it took a wee bit to get used to Malkie but once you got the backstory, it then started to make more sense why his character behave as such. The secondary characters were enjoyable too, even the baddies!
Storyline wise, the more you read the more you got hooked into it trying to work out the truth over what happened.
Looking forward to reading more in this series as it’s released.
As far as characters go, it took a wee bit to get used to Malkie but once you got the backstory, it then started to make more sense why his character behave as such. The secondary characters were enjoyable too, even the baddies!
Storyline wise, the more you read the more you got hooked into it trying to work out the truth over what happened.
Looking forward to reading more in this series as it’s released.
February 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Storm for my opportunity to read and review this book.
Blood Runs Deep is book 1 of DS Malkie McCulloch. Malkie has been medically signed off from work for 6 months following a house fire, which killed his Mum and severely injured his Dad. Malkie with his long suffering partner DC Steph Lang are called in to investigate a RTC incident, where a man has brutally injured in a hit and run. This is the start of story, which is fast paced, full of twists and turns with few clues as to why this leads to a final surprising conclusion. I look forward to book2.
Blood Runs Deep is book 1 of DS Malkie McCulloch. Malkie has been medically signed off from work for 6 months following a house fire, which killed his Mum and severely injured his Dad. Malkie with his long suffering partner DC Steph Lang are called in to investigate a RTC incident, where a man has brutally injured in a hit and run. This is the start of story, which is fast paced, full of twists and turns with few clues as to why this leads to a final surprising conclusion. I look forward to book2.
February 28, 2025
(Audiobook) I couldn’t warm up to the main character. Depressed or not, he made too many stupid decisions. Instead of feeling pity for him, he just irritated me. McFuckup, as some called him, was the perfect name for him. I don’t expect to read any more books in this series.
December 30, 2024
Incredibly old-fashioned for a book published in 2024.
Apart from the odd mention of smartphones and a microchip (not SD card) being vital evidence, this book could've been set in the 90s. In fact it would've made more sense set in the 90s. Raging homophobia, ex-soldiers with overlooked PTSD and the main detective blaming himself for a house-fire because he bought a candle and not knowing how to talk to his loved ones about grief.
It definitely got better past the 50% mark but the detective was the main drag, so I can't see myself reading subsequent installments.
Apart from the odd mention of smartphones and a microchip (not SD card) being vital evidence, this book could've been set in the 90s. In fact it would've made more sense set in the 90s. Raging homophobia, ex-soldiers with overlooked PTSD and the main detective blaming himself for a house-fire because he bought a candle and not knowing how to talk to his loved ones about grief.
It definitely got better past the 50% mark but the detective was the main drag, so I can't see myself reading subsequent installments.
June 15, 2025
Stuck with it about three-quarters of the way through and then gave up. The character of the lead detective Malkie takes the trope of flawed policemen too far and I found him annoying and unbelievable. The plot itself meanders without going anywhere with an equally over the top villain who might not be a real villain but can’t help his acts of extreme violence. Not for me, plenty more better plotted crime books out there
July 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐
A new author to me and didn't really grab my attention. I'm sure the characters will develop in future books but I'm not sure I'll be listening 🎧 to any more.
I found my mind wandering whilst listening as the narrator, Angus King, whilst being excellent, also narrated the brilliant Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster. Several of the characters in this book had identical accents which is very confusing.
A new author to me and didn't really grab my attention. I'm sure the characters will develop in future books but I'm not sure I'll be listening 🎧 to any more.
I found my mind wandering whilst listening as the narrator, Angus King, whilst being excellent, also narrated the brilliant Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster. Several of the characters in this book had identical accents which is very confusing.
July 26, 2024
An OK read but not much of a mystery. The villain was obvious from the beginning and the rest of the book was following a wrongfully accused man with severe PTSD and his bouts of disconnection Not sure I would move on to book 2
December 26, 2023
Blood Runs Deep Book 1 of DS Malkie McCulloch is the first book in this new Scottish crime thriller series. DS McCulloch, as described, is a complex detective with demons of his own who will risk everything to protect the innocent.
The descriptions are a bit gory. And sometimes, the descriptions of the locale or scenes and backstory pulled me away from the story. A paragraph or two would suffice, but 3 or more pages is a bit much.
I did like Steph; I felt she was a character I could connect with.
The story begins with a man being struck by a hit-and-run driver. Tire marks suggest it was no accident. As the man fights for every breath, they might still get their wish.
Grappling with the demons he thought he could leave behind after months away on enforced leave, D.S. Malkie McCulloch resists pressure from his superiors to pass the case on to the road policing unit, convinced that whoever was behind the wheel will be waiting for the chance to finish the job.
With the help of his partner, DCI Steph Lang, Malkie uncovers evidence that leads him to a former soldier suffering from PTSD.
The story involves a complex web of family ties, deception, and greed, which reveal the secrets at the heart of the case.
I would recommend this book and will check out more books by this author.
#BloodRunsDeep #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
The descriptions are a bit gory. And sometimes, the descriptions of the locale or scenes and backstory pulled me away from the story. A paragraph or two would suffice, but 3 or more pages is a bit much.
I did like Steph; I felt she was a character I could connect with.
The story begins with a man being struck by a hit-and-run driver. Tire marks suggest it was no accident. As the man fights for every breath, they might still get their wish.
Grappling with the demons he thought he could leave behind after months away on enforced leave, D.S. Malkie McCulloch resists pressure from his superiors to pass the case on to the road policing unit, convinced that whoever was behind the wheel will be waiting for the chance to finish the job.
With the help of his partner, DCI Steph Lang, Malkie uncovers evidence that leads him to a former soldier suffering from PTSD.
The story involves a complex web of family ties, deception, and greed, which reveal the secrets at the heart of the case.
I would recommend this book and will check out more books by this author.
#BloodRunsDeep #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
January 3, 2024
The first in a new series featuring recently demoted DS Malkie McCulloch. Having been on 6 months leave he is preparing to return to work but is still bedevilled by his own personal demons. However the evening before his return he is called to an RTA where a man has been seriously injured in a hit and run. Being back with his colleague and partner DC Stephanie Lang is his own bright beacon. A well written debut novel with a good plot and interesting characters.
Briefly, the car is quickly found and the driver appears to be an ex soldier suffering from PTSD. However Malkie has doubts he was the driver but is quickly told by his odious boss to treat it as an accident. Malkie of course does his own thing and ignoring his bosses demands and in his own uncouth manner starts digging out the story behind the headlines. He is soon drawn into a dangerous world with which he is very familiar, his nemesis, crime family the Fielding’s.
Not your normal police procedural but a very good thriller, gruesome in parts, where disturbing questions are raised about the treatment of ex servicemen once they leave service. Malkie is clearly a damaged man and it’s good that he has Steph to support him. A good start to a gritty Scottish police procedural series, very clever and compelling read.
Briefly, the car is quickly found and the driver appears to be an ex soldier suffering from PTSD. However Malkie has doubts he was the driver but is quickly told by his odious boss to treat it as an accident. Malkie of course does his own thing and ignoring his bosses demands and in his own uncouth manner starts digging out the story behind the headlines. He is soon drawn into a dangerous world with which he is very familiar, his nemesis, crime family the Fielding’s.
Not your normal police procedural but a very good thriller, gruesome in parts, where disturbing questions are raised about the treatment of ex servicemen once they leave service. Malkie is clearly a damaged man and it’s good that he has Steph to support him. A good start to a gritty Scottish police procedural series, very clever and compelling read.
July 7, 2024
Blood Runs Deep is the debut novel from Doug Sinclair, it's taken me a while to write this review, life got in the way, but I'm kind of pleased about that as I can point out that this is such a great book it's in the shortlist of 5 for this year's Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and the longlasting for the McIlvanney Prize too, amazing and well deserved.
I'm so pleased it's not a standalone novel but the first in a series. In fact Last to Die is book 2, and I've just opened page 1 this morning, book 3 is on its way to us all, too.
DS Malkie McCulloch is by far one of the most haunted main police characters I've read in a very long time, if not ever. I don't like spoilers in reviews, so if you want to know why, then buy the book.
So Malkie returns from leave to deal with an incident, a man's been knocked down and to most it looks like an accident, someone in the wrong place at the wrong time but Malkie just doesn't see that, there's something about the scene that screams it's a deliberate act. His colleagues don't see it or why Malkie keeps digging into it, but he just can't let it drop. This would be where those spoilers kick in, so all I'm going to say now is read the book, put it to next on your 'to be read' pile and enjoy, I have every confidence you will.
This is by far my no 1 book of 2024.
I'm so pleased it's not a standalone novel but the first in a series. In fact Last to Die is book 2, and I've just opened page 1 this morning, book 3 is on its way to us all, too.
DS Malkie McCulloch is by far one of the most haunted main police characters I've read in a very long time, if not ever. I don't like spoilers in reviews, so if you want to know why, then buy the book.
So Malkie returns from leave to deal with an incident, a man's been knocked down and to most it looks like an accident, someone in the wrong place at the wrong time but Malkie just doesn't see that, there's something about the scene that screams it's a deliberate act. His colleagues don't see it or why Malkie keeps digging into it, but he just can't let it drop. This would be where those spoilers kick in, so all I'm going to say now is read the book, put it to next on your 'to be read' pile and enjoy, I have every confidence you will.
This is by far my no 1 book of 2024.
October 15, 2024
This is book one in the DS Malkie McCulloch series and is a great introduction to this character and the wider team. Malkie has been on compassionate leave since the death of his mother and carries deep guilt in relation to her death - but is it justified or misplaced.
Malkie is a complex soul with a deep and mysterious past, I hope more of this is revealed in future books. He takes a no nonsense approach and butts heads frequently with his boss DI McLeish who would delight in finding a reason to kick him out of the force.
In Blood Runs Deep, Malkie and his partner DC Steph Lang are called to investigate a hit and run and although his superiors feel it is just that Malkie isn't convinced and goes against instruction to pursue suspects he has been specifically warned off of investigating.
Seemingly hell bent on annoying the higher ups, Malkie flies close to the wind in this dark and gritty crime thriller. I loved the Scottish-ness of it too and suspect it would be great to listen to as an audio book.
Overall this is a great debut and this series will do doubt be a hit with crime thriller fans and I thank NetGalley, the author and Storm Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Malkie is a complex soul with a deep and mysterious past, I hope more of this is revealed in future books. He takes a no nonsense approach and butts heads frequently with his boss DI McLeish who would delight in finding a reason to kick him out of the force.
In Blood Runs Deep, Malkie and his partner DC Steph Lang are called to investigate a hit and run and although his superiors feel it is just that Malkie isn't convinced and goes against instruction to pursue suspects he has been specifically warned off of investigating.
Seemingly hell bent on annoying the higher ups, Malkie flies close to the wind in this dark and gritty crime thriller. I loved the Scottish-ness of it too and suspect it would be great to listen to as an audio book.
Overall this is a great debut and this series will do doubt be a hit with crime thriller fans and I thank NetGalley, the author and Storm Publishing for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
A man is lying badly injured in the road after a hit and run. DS Malkie McCulloch is called out to investigate.
His superior maintains that it is a Road Traffic Accident, but Malkie feels that it was no accident.
His investigation leads him to a man who has untreated PTSD, who has frequent episodes of extreme rage, as he has stopped his medication. He works for a notorious criminal family. Someone in the police force is protecting the family, and Malkie will find out who and why.
I did enjoy the book. The self pity that Malkie had for himself was tedious though.
I really felt bad for Callahan, as the men who are sent
to fight wars that do not really concern them, are forgotten and neglected when they come home scarred.
The story is very complex, and most of the characters are flawed and damaged in some way.
Malkie is lucky that he has Steph to dig him out of trouble, as he doesn't think before he acts.
I would like to read another book in this series, and hope that Malkie comes to terms with his mother's death and stops going against orders, and concentrates on police work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
His superior maintains that it is a Road Traffic Accident, but Malkie feels that it was no accident.
His investigation leads him to a man who has untreated PTSD, who has frequent episodes of extreme rage, as he has stopped his medication. He works for a notorious criminal family. Someone in the police force is protecting the family, and Malkie will find out who and why.
I did enjoy the book. The self pity that Malkie had for himself was tedious though.
I really felt bad for Callahan, as the men who are sent
to fight wars that do not really concern them, are forgotten and neglected when they come home scarred.
The story is very complex, and most of the characters are flawed and damaged in some way.
Malkie is lucky that he has Steph to dig him out of trouble, as he doesn't think before he acts.
I would like to read another book in this series, and hope that Malkie comes to terms with his mother's death and stops going against orders, and concentrates on police work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
January 31, 2024
Doug Sinclair introduces readers to Detective Sargent Malkie McCulloch. Who is just returning to duty after several months out. Thanks to the death of his mum in a house fire.
And his first case is one that's supposed to be simple. After all his superiors are sure it's just a simple hit-and-run. An accident and something his colleagues in the road policing unit can deal with.
Yet, Malkie isn't convinced, and evidence on the road clearly shows the victim was targeted and soon the vehicle is found. Along with the driver who is a former soldier suffering from PTSD.
However, Malkie isn't so sure he was driving and decides it's best to ignore his boss and continue the investigation. Which leads him and his colleague DC Stephanie Lang down a dangerous path and possibly onto a collision course with a local crime family.
And with questions raised about the treatment of ex-service men, moments of gruesomeness (which I loved) and gritty characters. This was a compelling introduction to a new series, and it's one I'll be reading more of in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Blood Runs Deep. 😊
And his first case is one that's supposed to be simple. After all his superiors are sure it's just a simple hit-and-run. An accident and something his colleagues in the road policing unit can deal with.
Yet, Malkie isn't convinced, and evidence on the road clearly shows the victim was targeted and soon the vehicle is found. Along with the driver who is a former soldier suffering from PTSD.
However, Malkie isn't so sure he was driving and decides it's best to ignore his boss and continue the investigation. Which leads him and his colleague DC Stephanie Lang down a dangerous path and possibly onto a collision course with a local crime family.
And with questions raised about the treatment of ex-service men, moments of gruesomeness (which I loved) and gritty characters. This was a compelling introduction to a new series, and it's one I'll be reading more of in the future.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Blood Runs Deep. 😊
February 2, 2024
Blood Runs Deep is the first book in a new Scottish series featuring DS Malkie McCulloch.
Malkie McCulloch has been on leave after his mother has died. The night before he is to return to duty, he gets a call about a hit and run accident. Once there Malkie believes this is no accident but a deliberate attempt to kill the man.
The evidence will lead Malkie to a crime family that may be responsible, but his boss wants him to close the case quickly. Malkie doesn't win any points in his return to work as it is apparent, he his is still difficult to work with. But Malkie believes his boss is acting suspicious. Could he be involved with the crime family.
This was a wonderful and gritty mystery. It also deals with PTSD and biases about homosexuality. I think this was a great start to a new series. My only issue was I struggled with some of the words used. I could have used a glossary for some of the words since I wasn't sure who they were being used. In spite of that, I really liked the characters and how they interacted with others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Malkie McCulloch has been on leave after his mother has died. The night before he is to return to duty, he gets a call about a hit and run accident. Once there Malkie believes this is no accident but a deliberate attempt to kill the man.
The evidence will lead Malkie to a crime family that may be responsible, but his boss wants him to close the case quickly. Malkie doesn't win any points in his return to work as it is apparent, he his is still difficult to work with. But Malkie believes his boss is acting suspicious. Could he be involved with the crime family.
This was a wonderful and gritty mystery. It also deals with PTSD and biases about homosexuality. I think this was a great start to a new series. My only issue was I struggled with some of the words used. I could have used a glossary for some of the words since I wasn't sure who they were being used. In spite of that, I really liked the characters and how they interacted with others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
February 22, 2024
Wow! In DI Malkie, Doug Sinclair has created a deep, brooding, and beautifully flawed protagonist. The DI has heart, he’s impulsive, and he feels real as a person. He’s an investigator, a son and a man, and I got all three loud and clear, which made the character jump off the page for me. His sidekick detective, Steph, was a delightful addition with the humour and banter, providing that chink of light in the darkness. They bounced off each other nicely and I adored and appreciated the camaraderie.
‘All But Evident,’ explores PTSD in depth as a central theme. It does so with tension and unpredictability. It’s explosive, exciting, and provides thriller-level reading speed. The Livingston location was brought to life in my head by the fabulous descriptions, just providing the perfect amount of lovely details to paint the picture.
As you can tell, I loved this book. It’s deep, It’s thoughtful, and it’s as tense as it gets. If you want an emotional experience that will have you on the edge of your seat, this is your book. If you want your grit to be blinding, then what are you waiting for? Grab it now!
‘All But Evident,’ explores PTSD in depth as a central theme. It does so with tension and unpredictability. It’s explosive, exciting, and provides thriller-level reading speed. The Livingston location was brought to life in my head by the fabulous descriptions, just providing the perfect amount of lovely details to paint the picture.
As you can tell, I loved this book. It’s deep, It’s thoughtful, and it’s as tense as it gets. If you want an emotional experience that will have you on the edge of your seat, this is your book. If you want your grit to be blinding, then what are you waiting for? Grab it now!
February 2, 2024
As a debut novel, this is a really good opener. A police procedural based in Livingston, Scotland, we have a whole range of interesting characters, from Callaghan, a veteran with PTSD that he refuses to acknowledge, or get treatment for; a gangland family at odds with each other as well as everyone else; and a damaged Detective, who is still trying to deal with his own trauma. Malkie has been demoted to a Detective Sergeant after his alleged inept handling of an incident in a nightclub, but who is also dealing with his injuries and survivors guilt after a fatal fire at his parents’ home. Add to this a very complex criminal investigation and you have a really good book. There are a couple of characters who feel a bit over the top, but the handling and comments about the lack of help given to Veterans when they leave, or are pushed out of the Services is very insightful. A really good start to this authors published writing career, and I hope his next book is as well done.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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