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DI Rob Marshall #5
With Soul So Dead
The chase is on – and time is running out.
Holly Fenwick thought she had left her nightmare behind.
Twelve years ago, she narrowly escaped the clutches of a brutal serial killer.
Now, while she films a documentary in Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, to recover from her ordeal and rebuild her life, she spots a figure eerily similar to her former captor. She rushes in, only to find no trace of the man but a chaotic crime scene – and a missing woman.
Before he was a cop, DI Rob Marshall worked as a criminal profiler on Holly’s case. Now based over the border in Scotland in the new Behavioural Sciences Unit in Gartcosh, Marshall joins the investigation on his old patch, but all he has are questions.
Was Holly's return to the crime scene a mere coincidence? Is her story the figment of a traumatised mind? As the investigation unfolds, Holly is forced to confront her deepest fears and the possibility that the killer has marked her as his next target. And Marshall must consider the possibility his absolute truth might not be so certain.
If you love darkly funny crime fiction, binge the DI Rob Marshall series Turning of our BonesWhere the Bodies LieA Lonely Place of DyingA Shadow on the DoorWith Soul So Dead (April 2024)
Holly Fenwick thought she had left her nightmare behind.
Twelve years ago, she narrowly escaped the clutches of a brutal serial killer.
Now, while she films a documentary in Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, to recover from her ordeal and rebuild her life, she spots a figure eerily similar to her former captor. She rushes in, only to find no trace of the man but a chaotic crime scene – and a missing woman.
Before he was a cop, DI Rob Marshall worked as a criminal profiler on Holly’s case. Now based over the border in Scotland in the new Behavioural Sciences Unit in Gartcosh, Marshall joins the investigation on his old patch, but all he has are questions.
Was Holly's return to the crime scene a mere coincidence? Is her story the figment of a traumatised mind? As the investigation unfolds, Holly is forced to confront her deepest fears and the possibility that the killer has marked her as his next target. And Marshall must consider the possibility his absolute truth might not be so certain.
If you love darkly funny crime fiction, binge the DI Rob Marshall series Turning of our BonesWhere the Bodies LieA Lonely Place of DyingA Shadow on the DoorWith Soul So Dead (April 2024)
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
563 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 17, 2024
Another one under my belt. Brill as usual
Some folk have alcohol addiction some have drugs/gambling . Me, thanks man. Ed James , I'm blooming well addicted to every book you've wrote. Pre ordered next Marshall book.
Don't I dare waste time sleeping. Rofl 😉
Brilliant author Ed
Ann Campbell
Some folk have alcohol addiction some have drugs/gambling . Me, thanks man. Ed James , I'm blooming well addicted to every book you've wrote. Pre ordered next Marshall book.
Don't I dare waste time sleeping. Rofl 😉
Brilliant author Ed
Ann Campbell
March 1, 2024
A year after the devastating events that shook his major crimes department to the core, DI Rob Marshall is working once again at Gartcosh's Behavioural Sciences Unit. He is also babysitting an old boss whose life-changing diagnosis is beginning to become more apparent. So when an abduction victim contacts him concerned for her safety, he is more than a little eager to become involved in the subsequent investigation. As concerns begin to surface around the accuracy of the previous profile, Rob has to regroup and begin to look at things from a different angle, but will this unavoidable delay prove to be fatal?
After the shocking events of book four you could be excused for thinking things might quieten down in book five but nope, and it doesn't disappoint in any way although, as a year has passed the consequences have become more apparent. However, one thing hasn't changed, Rob Marshall's life is still anything but simple and once again makes for exciting reading. It is clear from all the twists and turns that Ed James has no intention of letting up on the tension or solving all the problems anytime soon, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend without hesitation.
After the shocking events of book four you could be excused for thinking things might quieten down in book five but nope, and it doesn't disappoint in any way although, as a year has passed the consequences have become more apparent. However, one thing hasn't changed, Rob Marshall's life is still anything but simple and once again makes for exciting reading. It is clear from all the twists and turns that Ed James has no intention of letting up on the tension or solving all the problems anytime soon, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend without hesitation.
May 17, 2024
Another cracker from Ed James
Yet again Ed takes the reader all around the Borders of Scotland and the east coastal towns which is one reason I love reading his books. DI Rob Marshall plays another blinder getting results where others failed in solving long-standing murder cases. He's after one man in particular for abducting and killing people over a 12 year period. Of course there's a sting in the tale which Ed James introduces seamlessly. Looking forward to the next book in the Marshall series with anticipation. Always riveting reading from Ed!
Yet again Ed takes the reader all around the Borders of Scotland and the east coastal towns which is one reason I love reading his books. DI Rob Marshall plays another blinder getting results where others failed in solving long-standing murder cases. He's after one man in particular for abducting and killing people over a 12 year period. Of course there's a sting in the tale which Ed James introduces seamlessly. Looking forward to the next book in the Marshall series with anticipation. Always riveting reading from Ed!
May 17, 2024
A twist in the tale
Marshall gets to pick up an old investigation into a serial murderer. Turns out the murderers is not who they expect.. Corruption in the force continues and the a new character, known to Marshall, starts to get involved. What happens next.
Marshall gets to pick up an old investigation into a serial murderer. Turns out the murderers is not who they expect.. Corruption in the force continues and the a new character, known to Marshall, starts to get involved. What happens next.
May 5, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as usual it is brilliantly written love the twists and turns great characters cannot wait for the next one.
May 12, 2024
Another great detective mystery from Ed James, I love the characters. So many twists in this story, didn't want it to end. Am looking forward to No. 6 - ill pre-order as soon as I can. Great 👍
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June 26, 2025A serial killer turns up after a long break, suspiciously at the time his only surviving victim is making a video documentary about him (he wasn't prosecuted due to lack of evidence).
Marshall is sent from Edinburgh where he's been shunted onto more theoretical work in a new unit, along with his former boss Pringle, who's dementia is now so bad he's not really capable of working and keeps nearly setting fire to his house.
Gashkori, the ex drug squad DCI who replaced Pringle, doesn't value Marshall's profiling input but has to put up with him as the overall boss "she who cannot be named" is a strong supporter and is responsible for the new unit.
Marshall is half living with Kirsten at her flat (trying for a baby) and half in Pringle's house so he can keep an eye on him after Pringle named him as his next of kin.
Elliott's husband's case has come to trial. He first of all tries to get off, saying there's not enough evidence he was the leak, but then goes for a deal which would leave him serving 3 years under an assumed identity so that Gary Híslop can't get someone to murder him. But Híslop may have other sources of info in the police.
As Marshall and Gashkori's relationship deteriorates, Marshall discovers that Gashkori is in a relationship with his twin sister Jen. And Thea, now at uni, thinks her mother is preventing her from going home for visits. And Liana who has often tried to start up a relationship with Rob is now back (and pregnant) working on the profile.
So a lot to deal with apart from the case.
Marshall is sent from Edinburgh where he's been shunted onto more theoretical work in a new unit, along with his former boss Pringle, who's dementia is now so bad he's not really capable of working and keeps nearly setting fire to his house.
Gashkori, the ex drug squad DCI who replaced Pringle, doesn't value Marshall's profiling input but has to put up with him as the overall boss "she who cannot be named" is a strong supporter and is responsible for the new unit.
Marshall is half living with Kirsten at her flat (trying for a baby) and half in Pringle's house so he can keep an eye on him after Pringle named him as his next of kin.
Elliott's husband's case has come to trial. He first of all tries to get off, saying there's not enough evidence he was the leak, but then goes for a deal which would leave him serving 3 years under an assumed identity so that Gary Híslop can't get someone to murder him. But Híslop may have other sources of info in the police.
As Marshall and Gashkori's relationship deteriorates, Marshall discovers that Gashkori is in a relationship with his twin sister Jen. And Thea, now at uni, thinks her mother is preventing her from going home for visits. And Liana who has often tried to start up a relationship with Rob is now back (and pregnant) working on the profile.
So a lot to deal with apart from the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
DI Rob Marshall has moved on from the Major Incident Team in the Scottish Borders and now form one member (out of two) of Gartcosh's Behavioural Sciences Unit. Many years ago, a girl had been kidnapped, but managed to escape a man suspected of being a serial killer who pushed women of cliffs and in front of trains. He had disappeared, but the victim, Holly, has come back to the scene of her abduction to make a documentary film. When she claims to see the serial killer and another girl goes missing, DI Rob Marshall is called to the scene. He had interviewed Holly long ago, but is now under pressure to help the team find the man before there is more killing. But his old team still reeling from the events of the previous year, now under the command of DCI Gashkori is not particularly welcoming of his help. There are a number of sub-plots in this instalment including the ongoing decline due to dementia of DCI Pringle which has somehow become Rob's responsibility as well as DI Elliot's personal challenges. The South African in me had to smile at the end where British and South African criminals meet. I have become addicted to this series and fortunately there should be another instalment soon.
May 11, 2024
I don’t think this series actually portrays Police Scotland in a good light, as every officer seems to take pleasure in ridiculing and belittling the lower ranks, yet as a series it’s strangely addictive. I always feel sorry for Rob Marshall who seems to be the but of everyone’s angst but who still delivers the goods. The stories are interesting and this one particularly paves the way for the ones to come.
August 25, 2024
I love the Rob Marshall series and With Soul So Dead is no exception.
A year on from the previous book and a lot of change. The familiar recurring characters just slot back into place as easily as family at dinner on Christmas day and it is the relationships between the characters that make this such a compelling read.
With strands from different storylines pulling together and a compelling, action led narrative to follow this was such an enjoyable read.
A year on from the previous book and a lot of change. The familiar recurring characters just slot back into place as easily as family at dinner on Christmas day and it is the relationships between the characters that make this such a compelling read.
With strands from different storylines pulling together and a compelling, action led narrative to follow this was such an enjoyable read.
July 4, 2025
Another superb read with plenty of twists, personal angst, family issues that take a very dark turn in this one, and the ever-reliable Rob Marshall at its heart. Loving the Borders settings and after discovering hotbed of crime in Kelso with last one (looking at hardware shops a bit differently now) the shift to Eyemouth was perhaps inevitable with this particular murderer’s MO.
Working my way through series and stories are developing well.
Great pace, superb characters and hard to put down.
Working my way through series and stories are developing well.
Great pace, superb characters and hard to put down.
November 20, 2024
Edge of your seat time!
How the author keeps tabs on all the main characters and what they have done , doing and going to do next is nothing short of pure brilliance.
A definite case of reading these books in order so that all the pieces that can, will fall into place.
Twists and turns aplenty in this novel leaving you guessing, wrongly, all the time. Add in some humour and tears and then we have another blinding read. And the ending will lead us somewhere else, possibly?
How the author keeps tabs on all the main characters and what they have done , doing and going to do next is nothing short of pure brilliance.
A definite case of reading these books in order so that all the pieces that can, will fall into place.
Twists and turns aplenty in this novel leaving you guessing, wrongly, all the time. Add in some humour and tears and then we have another blinding read. And the ending will lead us somewhere else, possibly?
May 3, 2024
Worth the wait!
I love all the characters in Ed James’ books and Rob Marshall is one of my favourites. It was a great read and brilliant to catch up with these people! I hope he will be back again!
I love all the characters in Ed James’ books and Rob Marshall is one of my favourites. It was a great read and brilliant to catch up with these people! I hope he will be back again!
July 7, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable
A great read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated from start to finish. The characters grow on you with each book, and you can't help feel for them when tragedy strikes. I highly recommend this book and the series.
A great read with plenty of twists and turns to keep you captivated from start to finish. The characters grow on you with each book, and you can't help feel for them when tragedy strikes. I highly recommend this book and the series.
October 23, 2025
The whole book is a bit (as we say in Swedish) scattered (or all over the place). I found this a bit slow at times, but all in all it was a good read. It was however the weakest in the series so far.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
January 4, 2026
I am enjoying the series and this one was great with all the twists. However, I’m getting a little bored of all the fast track/Marshall hate. I think I’ll give them a break for a while and come back to the series, hopefully they will be a little easier to read.
May 21, 2024
Another excellent installment of the Rob Marshall series. Really enjoying the character progression and look forward to the next two.
May 27, 2024
Another great Borders Policing instalment, read while enjoying a tube of Pringles.
November 1, 2024
Like Book 4 this was all over the place Interesting ending
December 6, 2024
With Soul So Dead Review
Well here’s a twister for you! Enjoyed the plot twists around the well developed characters. Did NOT see this one coming. Onto the next series.
Well here’s a twister for you! Enjoyed the plot twists around the well developed characters. Did NOT see this one coming. Onto the next series.
December 28, 2024
Ed on fine form with Marshall book 5. Very enjoyable read with twist & turns I didn’t see coming. I’m not going to give clues just read & enjoy this book
April 30, 2025
3.5/5 🌟
June 29, 2025
I am already looking forward to the next one.
July 12, 2025
Another great book in this Rob Marshall series. I am really enjoying these
January 9, 2026
Ed James can do no wrong. Another great story.
August 9, 2024
Another great read. Looking forward to when the next Marshall book comes out
October 3, 2025
I felt a bit at a loss here as it was a lot of books ago that I read the previous books in this series. Many events prior to this book were referred to without any hints as to what had happened. For example, Rob Marshall's past bereavement. The author made it clear Rob had previously lost a life partner, but there was no hint as to how it happened (were they shot, did they die of a terminal illness, etc).
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews