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Misty Isle #4
The Cuillin Dead
Life is full of choices. Death... is chosen for you...When the body of a missing tourist is discovered slain in the foothills of the Cuillin Mountain range, it falls to D.I. Duncan McAdam and his small team to discover how he came to be there and who would have a motive to kill him.
The summer season is a welcome distraction following a brutal and challenging winter. The Isle of Skye is booming with a revitalised tourist trade after a tough few years, and the Misty Isle is on course for its best year for visitors on record. But one person has not received the warm greeting the islanders are famed for. Here, on the inner Hebridean island, long-held secrets, past crimes and burning resentment are set to be unveiled in the most brutal fashion.
Some people come to the island to experience a return to nature, others to detach from their hectic lives seeking a simpler existence. And then there are those who wish to escape their past and begin again. These people believe they are making a fresh start but overlook one universal truth, their sins come with them... and there will be a reckoning...
The Cuillin Dead is the fourth book in the new Amazon #1 bestselling Misty Isle series from the multi-million selling crime writer, J M Dalgliesh, the author of the Hidden Norfolk and Dark Yorkshire books.
The summer season is a welcome distraction following a brutal and challenging winter. The Isle of Skye is booming with a revitalised tourist trade after a tough few years, and the Misty Isle is on course for its best year for visitors on record. But one person has not received the warm greeting the islanders are famed for. Here, on the inner Hebridean island, long-held secrets, past crimes and burning resentment are set to be unveiled in the most brutal fashion.
Some people come to the island to experience a return to nature, others to detach from their hectic lives seeking a simpler existence. And then there are those who wish to escape their past and begin again. These people believe they are making a fresh start but overlook one universal truth, their sins come with them... and there will be a reckoning...
The Cuillin Dead is the fourth book in the new Amazon #1 bestselling Misty Isle series from the multi-million selling crime writer, J M Dalgliesh, the author of the Hidden Norfolk and Dark Yorkshire books.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2024
2871 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
38 books931 followersJason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 29, 2024
5 stars
This has become one of my favourite series for a lot of good reasons.
First of I love the actual investigation side of the story. It is a mystery, police procedural book. I like that I am not sure until the end of who exactly is the culprit.
I also love the characters. Duncan McAdam is such a well rounded, confident in his down to Earth type of way. He is not perfect, as his personal life keeps reminding us of this aspect, but he is a man that tries his best to do what is right. He learns, he grows, he makes mistakes, he owns them, he searches to understand and do better. He is a good listener. He is strong and smart enough to open up and be vulnerable when it matters the most. He is considerate and kind and polite.
And he makes an excellent team with Alistair, who is sooooo funny!! I absolutely love Alistair!!!
I really love all the characters in this series and I love how they evolved over time.
Can this book be read as a stand alone? Yes, but you'll miss out on a few good things (not essential to the crime at hand, but relevant to really enjoy in depth all the aspects of the book)
I am really looking forward to read the next one in this series!!!!
I tried reading others by the same author, but I found them to be too dark for my taste. This one is my absolute favourite!!
This has become one of my favourite series for a lot of good reasons.
First of I love the actual investigation side of the story. It is a mystery, police procedural book. I like that I am not sure until the end of who exactly is the culprit.
I also love the characters. Duncan McAdam is such a well rounded, confident in his down to Earth type of way. He is not perfect, as his personal life keeps reminding us of this aspect, but he is a man that tries his best to do what is right. He learns, he grows, he makes mistakes, he owns them, he searches to understand and do better. He is a good listener. He is strong and smart enough to open up and be vulnerable when it matters the most. He is considerate and kind and polite.
And he makes an excellent team with Alistair, who is sooooo funny!! I absolutely love Alistair!!!
I really love all the characters in this series and I love how they evolved over time.
Can this book be read as a stand alone? Yes, but you'll miss out on a few good things (not essential to the crime at hand, but relevant to really enjoy in depth all the aspects of the book)
I am really looking forward to read the next one in this series!!!!
I tried reading others by the same author, but I found them to be too dark for my taste. This one is my absolute favourite!!
July 3, 2025
This was mid.
May 20, 2024
I have received an advance copy of Jason Dalgliesh's eagerly awaited fourth, book in the Misty Isles Series, “The Cuillin Dead”.
Well, hold onto your hats folks as he has outdone himself this time. Duncan and Alistair have their hands full as they slowly unravel what appears to be on the surface, a fatal accidental fall of a man on a bonding trip with his mates. Nothing is what it seems and the more they dig, the more complex the tale. G I cannot say further than, go and preorder now!
Well, hold onto your hats folks as he has outdone himself this time. Duncan and Alistair have their hands full as they slowly unravel what appears to be on the surface, a fatal accidental fall of a man on a bonding trip with his mates. Nothing is what it seems and the more they dig, the more complex the tale. G I cannot say further than, go and preorder now!
June 26, 2024
A group arrive at a local estate for a stag do. But soon one of the six is found dead in suspicious circumstances. But what could be the motive and by whom. It seems that there are secrets to be uncovered. DI Duncan McAdam and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
Another cracking read by J M Dalgliesh. This is fourth in the Misty Isle series, and it does not disappoint.
I really like the characters; they are believable and likeable, and with all their trials and tribulations it makes them relatable.
Really enjoyed the story and has a fantastic well-paced plot. I enjoy it when I swap between characters as to who is the guilty party.
The scenic descriptions are marvellous, and you really get a feel for how remote the area can be.
Highly Recommend.
I really like the characters; they are believable and likeable, and with all their trials and tribulations it makes them relatable.
Really enjoyed the story and has a fantastic well-paced plot. I enjoy it when I swap between characters as to who is the guilty party.
The scenic descriptions are marvellous, and you really get a feel for how remote the area can be.
Highly Recommend.
April 24, 2025
DI Duncan McAdam is called in when the body of a missing tourist, Steven Phelps, is found in the foothills of the Cuillin Mountain range. How did he get there, and was he murdered? The more Duncan looks for answers, the more he is left with further questions. The stag group Steven was part of doesn’t seem keen to help Duncan figure out the truth, and everyone is starting to look more suspicious as the case progresses. Can Duncan figure out the truth? Or is this case more complex than it appears?
What I really liked about this book was that it was the first one in the series to take me by surprise! In the others I’d figured out the killer, but this one shocked me which I love in a crime book. When we found out about the victim’s past it helped me to understand the killer’s motive and I praise the author for making this book more of an emotional rollercoaster. The killer was an interesting character and (SPOILER) I liked how they sacrificed themselves in order to finish off the man who tried to kill her in revenge for her killing his friend. The two men had abused her when she was in the army, so it was good to see her finally get her revenge for the hurt done to her.
I liked the fact Becky had a much lesser role in this book. In the last one she was in it a lot and was rather rude and annoying, so I was glad this book focused more on Duncan and his relationship with his new girlfriend, Grace. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
Although I liked most of this book, I struggled with the death of the dog! That was a difficult part to read and isn’t for the faint hearted. Although it was an emotive part of the book, I sort of wish it had been left out as I feel a lot of people won’t like it.
Overall, this novel was brilliant and the series is only getting better and better!
What I really liked about this book was that it was the first one in the series to take me by surprise! In the others I’d figured out the killer, but this one shocked me which I love in a crime book. When we found out about the victim’s past it helped me to understand the killer’s motive and I praise the author for making this book more of an emotional rollercoaster. The killer was an interesting character and (SPOILER) I liked how they sacrificed themselves in order to finish off the man who tried to kill her in revenge for her killing his friend. The two men had abused her when she was in the army, so it was good to see her finally get her revenge for the hurt done to her.
I liked the fact Becky had a much lesser role in this book. In the last one she was in it a lot and was rather rude and annoying, so I was glad this book focused more on Duncan and his relationship with his new girlfriend, Grace. I look forward to seeing where it goes.
Although I liked most of this book, I struggled with the death of the dog! That was a difficult part to read and isn’t for the faint hearted. Although it was an emotive part of the book, I sort of wish it had been left out as I feel a lot of people won’t like it.
Overall, this novel was brilliant and the series is only getting better and better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
Another excellent book from J M Dalgleish. Set on Skye, a man’s body is found, at first glance a hiker who has fallen to his death, except several things don’t add up, why was he so ill equipped and why hike at night?
As a member of a stag party staying on a local estate has been reported missing, the police start looking for answers there. But Duncan and Alastair are met with unhelpful replies from both the other guests and the estate manager, something doesn’t add up.
As they delve deeper into the background of the victim it becomes even murkier.
Well written, as usual, and with several unexpected turns this is a riveting read.
As a member of a stag party staying on a local estate has been reported missing, the police start looking for answers there. But Duncan and Alastair are met with unhelpful replies from both the other guests and the estate manager, something doesn’t add up.
As they delve deeper into the background of the victim it becomes even murkier.
Well written, as usual, and with several unexpected turns this is a riveting read.
July 4, 2024
Best in the series
What a twist in the murder mystery, never saw the killer coming. Re: Duncan's personal demons this left me ready for the next book-Now!!
What a twist in the murder mystery, never saw the killer coming. Re: Duncan's personal demons this left me ready for the next book-Now!!
October 7, 2024
3.5⭐️
November 14, 2025
I really enjoy reading this series of books. They keep me engaged all through the chapters & I’ll look forward to reading the next one.
September 3, 2024
It's time to switch genres for a bit because I figured out the killer way too early. My initial thought on why the person did it was wrong, but once some evidence that didn't fit was found, I knew the motive.
It was still a good read/listen with a few interesting things but the real gem of the book was the convo between Duncan and Grace.
Also think there's some foreshadowing of conflict to come with a character introduced in this installment.
I hate that #5 is not due out for a year, but plenty of books to tackle in the meantime.
It was still a good read/listen with a few interesting things but the real gem of the book was the convo between Duncan and Grace.
Also think there's some foreshadowing of conflict to come with a character introduced in this installment.
I hate that #5 is not due out for a year, but plenty of books to tackle in the meantime.
July 26, 2024
This mystery was another effective addition to the Misty Isle series. DI McAdam is maturing from the rather self-centered we found in book one of the series. (How do people read these series out of order?!) I am definitely hoping for a continuation.
The stag party from out of town made for an interesting influx of persons.
I found the dramatic conclusion to be over the top and not completely believable. Perhaps more development of the female character involved would have helped.
The stag party from out of town made for an interesting influx of persons.
I found the dramatic conclusion to be over the top and not completely believable. Perhaps more development of the female character involved would have helped.
July 1, 2024
Good story
All in all a good mystery. It seemed to me the entire team failed to follow up on some rather obvious physical evidence from the autopsy, but in the end it probably wouldn't have made much difference to the outcome. Duncan seems to be growing as a character, which is nice to see. I'm looking forward to the next book.
All in all a good mystery. It seemed to me the entire team failed to follow up on some rather obvious physical evidence from the autopsy, but in the end it probably wouldn't have made much difference to the outcome. Duncan seems to be growing as a character, which is nice to see. I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 26, 2024
Pretty good entry into the "Misty Isle" series follows a similar path of the previous entries, with great local color and locations and well thought-out police work. But Dalgliesh is also missing opportunities to utilize and develop more regular characters, and falls into the same old detective tropes that show up in so many mysteries, especially related to life outside the police work.
December 13, 2024
Good read, but a bit convoluted
I enjoy this series and this was an engaging read. A lot of time was spent on extraneous subplots and peripheral characters. If you enjoy the characters and overall series, you’ll enjoy this.
I enjoy this series and this was an engaging read. A lot of time was spent on extraneous subplots and peripheral characters. If you enjoy the characters and overall series, you’ll enjoy this.
December 27, 2024
Never a Dull Moment
Each of his books in this series is completely different in tone and plot. Fascinating glimpse into life on the Isle of Skye...weather, customs, geography and hot spots, effects of tourism, etc. Great story here with plenty of suspects. Great stuff!
Each of his books in this series is completely different in tone and plot. Fascinating glimpse into life on the Isle of Skye...weather, customs, geography and hot spots, effects of tourism, etc. Great story here with plenty of suspects. Great stuff!
March 6, 2025
Wonderful settings in the Inner Hebrides. Duncan McAdam is a relentless investigator in this well written police procedural but the Isle of Skye is the real winner here with its natural beauty and forbidding climate. A quick and fun read with lots of atmosphere.
September 14, 2024
Not as good as preceding books
November 8, 2024
Another good book in this series, however, I did feel the ending was a bit far fetched, see what you think??
Read
September 2, 2024Life is full of choices. Death... is chosen for you...When the body of a missing tourist is discovered slain in the foothills of the Cuillin Mountain range, it falls to D.I. Duncan McAdam and his small team to discover how he came to be there and who would have a motive to kill him.
The summer season is a welcome distraction following a brutal and challenging winter. The Isle of Skye is booming with a revitalised tourist trade after a tough few years, and the Misty Isle is on course for its best year for visitors on record. But one person has not received the warm greeting the islanders are famed for. Here, on the inner Hebridean island, long-held secrets, past crimes and burning resentment are set to be unveiled in the most brutal fashion.
Some people come to the island to experience a return to nature, others to detach from their hectic lives seeking a simpler existence. And then there are those who wish to escape their past and begin again. These people believe they are making a fresh start but overlook one universal truth, their sins come with them... and there will be a reckoning...
The Cuillin Dead is the fourth book in the new Amazon #1 bestselling Misty Isle series from the multi-million selling crime writer, J M Dalgliesh, the author of the Hidden Norfolk and Dark Yorkshire books.
OK Scotland
The summer season is a welcome distraction following a brutal and challenging winter. The Isle of Skye is booming with a revitalised tourist trade after a tough few years, and the Misty Isle is on course for its best year for visitors on record. But one person has not received the warm greeting the islanders are famed for. Here, on the inner Hebridean island, long-held secrets, past crimes and burning resentment are set to be unveiled in the most brutal fashion.
Some people come to the island to experience a return to nature, others to detach from their hectic lives seeking a simpler existence. And then there are those who wish to escape their past and begin again. These people believe they are making a fresh start but overlook one universal truth, their sins come with them... and there will be a reckoning...
The Cuillin Dead is the fourth book in the new Amazon #1 bestselling Misty Isle series from the multi-million selling crime writer, J M Dalgliesh, the author of the Hidden Norfolk and Dark Yorkshire books.
OK Scotland
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
This series of murder mysteries set on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, are atmospheric, complicated and satisfying. I had the added bonus of listening to the books on Audible with Angus King narrating (yeah). The books have a theme in that the murders all occur different, remote and rugged settings. The 2 main police detective characters are pretty well fleshed out and Duncan, the DI who returns to his hometown is a complex person. The relationships with his family and previous friends are strained. I felt that the previous books all showed predominantly unhappy relationships and marriages. This book is better but life on the island seems bleak for locals. The plot of The Cuillin Dead is interesting with a tight group of buddies having a bachelor trip but events from the military lives of several characters start to impact them. There are some really good secondary bad guys like Charlie and Axel. They are enjoyable. The descriptions of the island and the challenging terrain and weather that the police have to deal with make the story even better.
September 5, 2024
Probably my favourite so far from this author. Not so much for the improbable set of circumstances which led to identifying the killer. Here I think the author nails both the location and the characters. Never having been to Skye I now have something of an understanding - its rugged land and seascapes, unpredictable weather, difficult driving, remote communities but with a modern and bustling capital. Duncan and Alistair make a great police team and their colleagues are well delineated. Likewise the other characters in the story. The net is closing in on the unlikely murderer but the dramatic ending makes an arrest redundant. And throughout there's a nice thread of the relationship between Duncan and Grace which, by contrast, ends well.
September 22, 2024
Breathless!
This is the 4th book in the Misty Isles Series. I've read all 4 and have pre-ordered #5. Each book just got better & better. This one had so many twists & turns. So many suspects. I won't give it away, but the ending had me holding my breath. The interpersonal relationships between the Police are so interesting. Each person contributing their particular talent to the investigation. They are a great team. I have come to think of them as friends & will miss them until #5 is released. By the way, the audio is worth purchasing. Narration is very well done. For someone like me, from Georgia, USA, it makes the characters come alive. I'm glad I discovered J M Dalgliesh & look forward to jumping into one of his other series.
This is the 4th book in the Misty Isles Series. I've read all 4 and have pre-ordered #5. Each book just got better & better. This one had so many twists & turns. So many suspects. I won't give it away, but the ending had me holding my breath. The interpersonal relationships between the Police are so interesting. Each person contributing their particular talent to the investigation. They are a great team. I have come to think of them as friends & will miss them until #5 is released. By the way, the audio is worth purchasing. Narration is very well done. For someone like me, from Georgia, USA, it makes the characters come alive. I'm glad I discovered J M Dalgliesh & look forward to jumping into one of his other series.
March 9, 2025
Yet again the intrigue of the Isle of Skye is the setting for the mysterious murder of a tourist to the Isle. Once more DI McAdam is tasked with finding the killer & is not receiving much assistance from the fellow tourists' who were in the same party as the deceased. For a long period at the start of the book very little progress is made & I started to wonder if the investigation would ever end.
I should have had more confidence in the DI & his team. They eventually turn up more candidates for the murder than they ever expected. New lines of enquiry are entwined with the Isle's past & complicated relationships going back decades. Needless to say DI McAdam & his team sort through the dead ends & red herrings to resolve the crime & all but capture the culprit. However nobody serves a day in prison for the original killing!
Crimewave aside the book also see's the ongoing development of the DI's relationships both personal & at work. His partnership with his DS & the other officers would appear to be strong & their interactions supply some humour throughout the book. In addition, Duncan's personal relationship triangle begins to unravel when he has to make some decisions around his future.
This is a good solid tale well written & still has potential for future instalments, which I for one will look forward to.
I should have had more confidence in the DI & his team. They eventually turn up more candidates for the murder than they ever expected. New lines of enquiry are entwined with the Isle's past & complicated relationships going back decades. Needless to say DI McAdam & his team sort through the dead ends & red herrings to resolve the crime & all but capture the culprit. However nobody serves a day in prison for the original killing!
Crimewave aside the book also see's the ongoing development of the DI's relationships both personal & at work. His partnership with his DS & the other officers would appear to be strong & their interactions supply some humour throughout the book. In addition, Duncan's personal relationship triangle begins to unravel when he has to make some decisions around his future.
This is a good solid tale well written & still has potential for future instalments, which I for one will look forward to.
July 7, 2024
This author is one of my favourites, so I always make a point of pre-ordering his books.
This is yet another well written storyline and plot in the Misty Isle books featuring DI Duncan McAdam.
There are revelations, many a twist and turn leading to that surprising unexpected conclusion. I hadn't a clue who was guilty. There are strong characters and wonderful descriptive, especially of the Isle of Skye.
I found this book hard to put down, and it had me totally captured from being to end.
I would recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
My thanks to the author.
This is yet another well written storyline and plot in the Misty Isle books featuring DI Duncan McAdam.
There are revelations, many a twist and turn leading to that surprising unexpected conclusion. I hadn't a clue who was guilty. There are strong characters and wonderful descriptive, especially of the Isle of Skye.
I found this book hard to put down, and it had me totally captured from being to end.
I would recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
My thanks to the author.
May 31, 2025
A man is found dead in the Cuillins. It turns out that he was part of a stag party staying on one of the local estates. It is the job of Duncan and his team to find out who killed him and why.
I found it a bit hard to keep track of all the stag party group (I find books with lots of characters hard to follow) but the plot was well put together and the identity of the killer kept me guessing until it was revealed by the author. The motive and method of killing were plausible and I found this an enjoyable read.
I found it a bit hard to keep track of all the stag party group (I find books with lots of characters hard to follow) but the plot was well put together and the identity of the killer kept me guessing until it was revealed by the author. The motive and method of killing were plausible and I found this an enjoyable read.
July 31, 2025
I have just discovered J.M. Dalgliesh and I’m happy I did. I started with the Misty Isle series. This book five of six.
The atmospherics of Skyle Island in Northern Scottish coast make a backdrop for the interesting and very satisfying story. The characters and their development is well done. All this adds to the complexity of The Cullin Dead. As the mystery of a dead man on Cullin unfolds the web of mystery gets deeper and deeper. This is another complex story by Dalgliesh.
I recommend that the Misty isle series be read in order to get the full character development and underlying story lines.
The atmospherics of Skyle Island in Northern Scottish coast make a backdrop for the interesting and very satisfying story. The characters and their development is well done. All this adds to the complexity of The Cullin Dead. As the mystery of a dead man on Cullin unfolds the web of mystery gets deeper and deeper. This is another complex story by Dalgliesh.
I recommend that the Misty isle series be read in order to get the full character development and underlying story lines.
July 8, 2024
The Cuillin Dead by J.M. Dalgliesh is book 4 in the DI Duncan McAdam series and was released a few days ago. Duncan grew up on Skye but left when he was much younger, ending up back on the Island on secondment, and stayed. A visitor to the Island falls to his death. As the investigation progresses, many secrets come to light. Such a great read and a great addition to this series. Very engaging and gripping.
September 23, 2024
I am really getting into DI Duncan McAdam and his DS partner. Enjoyed this latest offering very much the story lines against the backdrop of the Isle of Skye really work for me. This story in particular was intriguing and had a great backdrop. No dramatic twists and turns but I just loved reading this from start to finish. I will be pre ordering the next instalment due in June and in the meantime exploring more work by JM Dalgliesh. Good stuff.
September 23, 2024
The book series continues to improve and the characters are more relatable to and settled. A few good twist and turns with all the characters involved and just the right amount of private life issues to make the DCI human. Looking forward to the next installment on what's apparently a wild and dangerous Scottish Isle to live on. The autor has moved well and truly away from Norfolk to Scotland and no doubt will be in Cornwall with his next DCI and mysterious murders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews