The Liar's Bones

Rachel McKenzie #1

by Morag Pringle

Cold waves surround the woman, soaking her hair before pushing her onto the black rocks at the bottom of the cliff. She should gasp for air, but she doesn’t move at all…

Rachel McKenzie has trust issues. That’s what happens when your father murders your mother and gets away with it for years. Tormented by her past, Rachel seeks justice for others, investigating suspicious deaths in the remote and rugged Scottish Highlands.

So, when Rachel hears about a drowned woman on the windswept island where her estranged family lives, she’s driven to investigate. Ellen Hargreaves was a newcomer to the isolated isle, but the locals describe her fondly, especially her love of archaeology and the notebook where she wrote down everything she saw. A notebook that Rachel can’t now find…

The island’s sergeant wants to label Ellen’s death an accident, but Rachel is convinced there’s more to the story. Her instincts prove right when she discovers that Ellen found a human bone before her death. Had Ellen stumbled onto a dangerous secret?

Rachel is determined to find the truth. But then a teenage girl goes missing shortly after talking to her, and Rachel realises that she has exposed an innocent girl to a twisted killer. Heart pounding and wracked with guilt, Rachel works around the clock to find the vanished girl. But will she get there in time?

A compulsively gripping crime thriller set in the atmospheric and stormy Scottish Highlands. Perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, Rachel McLean and Rachel Caine.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Scotland, Thriller, Suspense, Crime

336 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

Reviews

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Storm Publishing, Morag Pringle and Netgalley.
This was one of those books that I dreaded picking up. One of those Netgalley picks where you wonder "what the hell was I thinking!"
What a dummy I was! I loved this story! Matter of fact, I was thinking that if someone killed me, then I'd want this gal to work my case. Mostly for my kiddos, because what do I care if I'm dead?
I'm thinking this will be a series, and I'm all in! Morag Pringle knows how to write one hell of a compelling story.
Also, its setting is in the Hebride Islands of Scotland. I do love stories that are set in Scotland. Twists and turns galore.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, entertaining, well-written, murder mystery novel. It is an engaging police procedural with a likable and intelligent female protagonist, a beautiful setting, murder, mystery, suspense, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Ms. Helen McAlpine, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job voicing the characters. I am looking forward to reading the other entries in this series with great anticipation.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little mystery! Taking place in the outer Hebrides, Rachel McKenzie sets out to look into the death of Ellen- a lady who died on the island. Everyone thinks it was an accident, but Rachel sees some things that do not add up. As a lawyer for The Crown Office Procurator and Fiscal Service, she was part of a group that reviewed deaths and determined if a deeper investigation is needed.

Rachel has her grandfather on the island, but has been estranged from him for many years after the murder of her mother. This is not the main mystery- but is alluded to, and hopefully there will be a sequel.

The description of the setting makes the reader feel how isolated this community is. You also see the importance of knowing the signs to read what the weather will be! It plays a significant part in the story. As I was reading the last fourth of the book, I was racing to get through it- feeling like I was trying to outrun the storm that was happening in the story!
I really liked the characters, especially Rachel and Selena. I was able to see who the “bad guys” were. However, the last twist/reveal of who was involved really surprised me.
My only problem, and reason for 4 stars, is that Rachel sometimes made decisions that were careless, and she failed to recognize danger in some people around her (even though it was clearly hinted at!).
The story was atmospheric, quick paced with interesting characters. I cannot wait to see where the next chapter in this series takes Rachel!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC. This is my honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Liar's Bones is a first book in Rachel McKenzie Mystery series and I really enjoyed it.
The remote setting in Scottish outer Hebrides, tense atmosphere, relentless pace, the broody weather, it all helps and adds to story that drew me in and kept me fully absorbed throughout.
Rachel herself is a really complex character with difficult past. I think all her past experiences really affected how she dealt with the case, not always making the smartest decisions. At times she really came across as act first think later kind of person. It'll definitely be interesting to see how her character develops in further books.
Overall, it's a very well-written, fast paced, interesting and fully absorbing story and I can't wait to read more in that series.









I want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of the book.

[Daria Fujino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Дуже атмосферний шотландський детектив події якого розгортаються на малонаселених островах. Не можу сказати, що розслідування чи головна героїня чимось вирізняються на фоні сотень таких історій, але сеттинг і атмосферність на вищому рівні.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good!!!!! I loved the creepy atmospheric setting along with beautiful descriptions of the wild landscape. The plot was excellent leaving me guessing up to the end while my blood pressure was raging up: the tension, suspense never let down! The only thing that bothered me a tiny bit was the fact that the main investigator had experienced (as in so many crime books) a trauma. At least it did not overwhelm the storyline. I am looking forward to reading more of the author' s books. Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Cindy (leavemetomybooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting was amazing - the Scottish Highlands sound terrifyingly remote and beautiful. The MC had an interesting back story and a fascinating job. The mystery of the dead woman in the water was a great start, but overall this was a bit more of a slow burn than I tend to enjoy, and I had a lot of it sorted out very early on which made things feel very slow. That said, I think I'll still pick up the second book in the series because I'd like to read more about Rachel!

* Thanks to Storm Publishing for the NetGalley review copy. The Liar’s Bones published May 20.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Loved the story, characters, and the narrator. In Scotland

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for my copy of The Liar’s Bones by Morag Pringle.
Rachel McKenzie is attached to the Crown Office Procurator and Fiscal Service working in the Fatalities Investigation Unit North.
The Scottish equivalent of the English Coroners Office.
When a case comes across her desk she thinks it’s suspicious enough to take a second look. The boss gives her a couple of dats to look into it and she’s off to South Uist. A place he hasn’t been back to for years.
Will anyone remember her?
A great book and I hope the first in a series. I was rooting for Rachel all the way through. Very engaging and readable.
Already looking forward to the next book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read "The Liar's Bones" in exchange for my honest opinion.

I don't even know where to start. I was totally blown away by this story, it's absolutely the BEST first book in any series that I have ever read. Ms. Pringle grabbed my attention in the first paragraph and did not let me go until the last word in the book was read. I read this story in one sitting because I was so hooked on knowing what would happen to Rachel!

The story starts with 61 year-old retired librarian Ellen Hargreaves, who was happy in the last few moments of her life - but who or what caught her attention and caused her to disappear, leaving her valuables and shopping on her front porch?

Six days later 16 year-old Katherine Mowbury and her mum Olivia are out on a walk and see what they think is a seal but we learn that sadly it was not the case.

We learn a lot about the "death unit" - the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit North. It's where Rachel McKenzie works. She's a lawyer/fiscal with the sudden death unit in Inverness. While they were going to right off Ellen's death as an accident, something was telling Rachel that there was more going on in Uist and she wanted to investigate. After her boss grudgingly gives her permission to go over to the island she meets Sergeant MacVicar who didn't secure the scene, missed evidence and released the rental car that Ellen was driving before she disappeared.

Police office Selena also has doubts about Ellen's death being an accident. The same is true for Mike from the diving company. The tides just don't work the way that the volunteer coast guard is claiming that they do. Ellen found bones on Duncan Mór and thinking that they were human, sent them off to be tested. Could there have been a historical murder on the island? When another body is found it becomes clearer that there is a murderer on the island and there is a storm coming!

There are several intriguing storylines and many, many secrets that hopefully will be explored in future books! The complex family ties that Rachel unravels to get to the truth. Rachel is a fascinating character - she takes some chances and put her life in danger before she figures out all the pieces of this puzzle. The reader might figure it out before her and wish they could help her.

A truly exceptional story and I can't wait for the next book! Ms. Pringle is a fantastic author and I'm looking forward to reading more books from her in the not too distant future. This is definitely a recommend to my bookish friends!! I wish I could give her 10 stars!!!

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first crime thriller by Morag Pringle. I loved the setting and enjoyed her descriptions of the extremes of weather found on the beautiful islands of Uist. The story kept me captivated. It was quite a complicated plot and it took some keeping track of the different side stories of each of the characters and how they interacted with each other's family members. To my mind this made them much more realistic and believable. Despite this I did manage to guess the 'main man' but his side kick took me totally by surprise! I can't wait to read more of Rachel's story in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was a good mystery but there were quite a few plot holes. It also seemed like it was fairly easy to guess who was the “bad guy” but It kept me entertained.

[Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Liar's Bones is a gripping crime thriller which takes place in the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this mystery of a drowned woman found in the water, featuring the local inhabitants, and an investigator with a traumatic past.

Rachel McKenzie has returned home to where her estranged family lives. Her father murdered her mother, and she has dedicated her life to seeking justice for others. When newcomer Ellen Hargreaves is found dead in the water, Rachel is called in to investigate. The locals seem friendly, but are the members of this tight knit community telling Rachel the truth?

I was fully invested in not only Rachel's investigation into Ellen’s death but also into what happened to Rachel's mother as well. Can you imagine having one parent kill your other parent? Rachel is dealing with some trauma in her life while working hard to bring justice. I admired how Rachel was unwilling to give up and was determined to solve the case even when it became clear that not everyone was on her side.

I found this to be a riveting police procedural which kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions, the writing, the atmosphere, the tension, the location, the mounting danger, the secrets, and the trapped feeling that the storm created in this book.


This is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to reading what comes next. I enjoyed Rachel and Selena who proved herself to be an intelligent asset.

A Gripping and hard to put down crime mystery thriller.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liar’s Bones was a very good crime thriller. The story is set in the Scottish Highlands. This is book 1 in the Rachel McKenzie Mystery series by Morag Pringle. I look forward to more!

Tormented by her past, Rachel seeks justice for others, investigating suspicious deaths in the remote and rugged Scottish Highlands. So, when Rachel hears about a drowned woman on the island where her estranged family lives, she’s driven to investigate. Ellen Hargreaves was a newcomer to the isolated isle, but the locals describe her fondly, especially her love of archaeology and the notebook where she wrote down everything she saw. A notebook that Rachel can’t now find.

The island’s sergeant wants to label Ellen’s death an accident, but Rachel is convinced there’s more to the story. Her instincts prove right when she discovers that Ellen found a human bone before her death.

Rachel’s past is also included in the story. The mystery of Rachel and her mom is intriguing and played out piece by piece throughout the main story.

I really liked Constable Selena MacDonald. She is eager, insightful, and funny. The atmosphere and locale are also a prominent feature of the story and add another layer to the storyline.

Interestingly, the author notes that several years ago, a visiting tourist disappeared without a trace, begging the question: what happened to her? This was the author’s inspiration for this story.

I liked this book. It had good tension, page-turning drama, well-developed characters (some likable, others not so much), and a satisfying ending. I would like to read more in this series and cannot wait for the next book.

I would recommend this book and this author.

#TheLiarsBones #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer for The Crown Office Procurator and Fiscal Service, a group of people which reviews deaths and determines if a deeper investigation is needed. When she comes upon a case where an old woman is found dead in a blow-hole at one of the islands of the Outer Hebrides she has her questions about the accidental death verdict that everyone else, including her colleague whose case it really is, has put on this case. Because why would anybody leave their groceries and valuable binoculars lying at their doorstep and not put them inside before going exploring next to a steep cliff?
Rachel's boss decides to send her to South Uist to investigate this further, Because part of her family is originally from Uist Rachel is the right person to get to the bottom of things. While she is looking into the background of Ellen's death a couple of other body's pop-up and the situation is getting complicated, especially when Rachel is getting involved with a couple of suspects.

I found this to be a very scenic book about life on remote islands that I didn't know anything about before. Only critical point I want to make is that Rachel makes some thoughtless or downright reckless decisions.
The story is interesting, suspenseful and well-written. I found the characters interesting and hope to read more of Rachel's adventures in the future.

I want to thank Netgalley and Storm publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Four stars for this one, hope the next one is even better

[Topo Chicas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Liar’s Bones is a thrilling new novel by by Morag Pringle. In it, we follow Rachel McKenzie, a member of the procurator fiscal’s office, as she decides which suspicious deaths should be investigated further in her assigned region of Scotland. Being a lawyer and not a doctor, her role is different than one might find in other countries, but it certainly still brings drama into her world, especially when her boss demands that she investigates a case in person. Rachel tries to back out of having to return to her former hometown, which she left after tragedy and drama overwhelmed her younger self.


When she gets to the part of the Highlands where her grandparents lived, she was surprised at how much had changed, and yet, how much it had stayed the same.

She quickly finds that not only does everyone still know everyone else’s gossip, but that the person whom she is investigating did not die by stumbling and accidentally falling to her death. Unfortunately, that’s all that she can initially suss out.

Slowly, other clues begin to show themselves, and they intertwine with clues that can help make sense of the death that Rachel is investigating, but can she figure it all out before she gets fired by her cranky boss, a once-in-a-century storm hits, and Rachel gets too close to a deeper and darker secret held by that area?

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this exciting ARC!!

[Luisa Dugas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Liar's Bones by Morag Pringle takes the reader into the chilling depths of the Scottish Highlands Islands, where secrets lurk as deep as the ocean currents. This crime thriller follows Rachel McKenzie, a prosecutor haunted by her own traumatic past, as she investigates a mysterious death on a remote island. The rugged landscape and tempestuous weather are not just a backdrop but characters, adding an eerie atmosphere that seeps into every page.

My favorite aspect of this book was the author’s meticulous attention to detail in her vivid descriptions of the Highlands, from the crashing waves to the moody skies, creating a palpable sense of place that immerses you in Rachel's world. The small-town dynamics and interconnected relationships add layers of intrigue and suspicion, making everyone a potential suspect.

Rachel McKenzie is a compelling protagonist, flawed yet determined, driven by her personal demons to seek justice where others might turn away. Her journey is fraught with tension and unexpected twists, keeping you on edge as she uncovers hidden truths and faces moral dilemmas that test her resolve.

The narrative unfolds at a relentless pace, propelled by skillful storytelling and building suspense. Each chapter unravels another piece of the puzzle, leading to a climax that is both satisfying and surprising.

The Liar's Bones is not just a crime novel but also an ode to describe the haunting beauty of the Scotland's wild landscapes. I eagerly anticipate the next installment to see where Rachel McKenzie's relentless pursuit of truth takes her next.

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Liar's Bones" by Morag Pringle is a fast-paced, entertaining 5-star read! Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer working for the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit. Her job is to decide which deaths require further investigation and which can be filed away. A death on a remote island raises questions that she needs to see answered. She gets approval to visit the island to look for answers but just keeps uncovering more secrets.

The first thing I really appreciated about this book is all the authentic language from that region. I am from the US, so I found myself looking up a lot of the words and phrases, which I really enjoyed. The story was interesting and kept me engaged throughout. There are a lot of characters in the book, but it was easy to keep them all straight. There are plenty of twists, and right up until the end, you won’t know the truth. If you are planning to read this book, I would skip the description and just jump right in. A portion of the description isn’t revealed until 70% of the way into the book, which was a bummer to know about going in.

Thanks to Storm Publishing, Morag Pringle, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A excellent start to what seems to be a strong new series with a good female lead who has an interesting backstory, more of which we find out about along the way.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer working in The Procurator Fiscals office, deciding which deaths warrant investigation. She has a gut feeling that Ellen’s Hargreaves’s death isn’t a straight forward accident, and is determined to get justice for her. She just didn’t expect to get sent to the island to make enquiries in a place where she has her own past firmly set.

It’s an atmospheric read, you get such a sense of community on the island, how news is carried so quickly through word of mouth, how overbearing it can feel, whilst still feeling isolated as an incomer.

Interesting characters without them feeling like caricatures, you feel the tension ramp up as more information comes to light, and how frustrating it is for Rachel and Selena, a keen young police officer, with ambitions of being a detective, to have little support, bad communications and trying to contend with an approaching storm. An intense but highly entertaining read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

📚 From the windswept cliffs of the Scottish Highlands to the secrets buried deep within, “The Liar’s Bones” delivers a gripping mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rachel McKenzie, haunted by her father’s dark past, seeks justice for others in the rugged Highlands. When a drowned woman’s death on an isolated island piques her curiosity, Rachel dives into the investigation. Ellen Hargreaves, an archaeology enthusiast, left behind a mysterious notebook—one that holds the key to a dangerous secret. As Rachel digs deeper, she uncovers a bone, linking Ellen’s death to something more sinister.

Morag Pringle’s prose is as atmospheric as the stormy Scottish landscape. With vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, she weaves a tale of trust, betrayal, and hidden truths. The unexpected twists kept me guessing until the very end. And Rachel McKenzie? A flawed, determined protagonist who refuses to let go. Pringle’s debut mystery is a page-turner that lingers long after the final chapter.

For fans of Elly Griffiths and Rachel McLean, “The Liar’s Bones” is a must-read. Prepare for a journey where every step unearths secrets—and where the bones tell their own story.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is set in the Scottish Highlands. This is book 1 in the Rachel McKenzie Mystery series by Morag Pringle. I have not read this author before but will seek out others. Tormented by her past, Rachel seeks justice for others, investigating suspicious deaths in the remote and rugged Scottish Highlands. So, when Rachel hears about a drowned woman on the island where her estranged family lives, she’s driven to investigate. Ellen Hargreaves was a newcomer to the isolated isle, but the locals describe her fondly, especially her love of archaeology and the notebook where she wrote down everything she saw. A notebook that Rachel can’t now find. The island’s sergeant wants to label Ellen’s death an accident, but Rachel is convinced there’s more to the story. Her instincts prove right when she discovers that Ellen found a human bone before her death. Rachel’s past is also included in the story. The mystery of Rachel and her mom is intriguing and played out piece by piece throughout the main story. I really liked Constable Selena MacDonald. She is eager, insightful, and funny. The atmosphere and locale are also a prominent feature of the story and add another layer to the storyline.
3.5 rounded up.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel avoids family like the plague. As she looks into the death of a woman near where her mother lived, she is convinced there is something not right about the death. As she begins to ask questions, there seem to be secrets lurking all around - and no one is above suspicion.
When another death occurs, Rachel knows that something is going on, but the answers seem to be right out of reach. The more questions she asks, the more she seems to have. When yet another body turns up, and then a young teenager goes missing, the pieces seem to be falling together - but one piece of information seems to be just out of reach...

This was a fantastic read! The beginning seemed to be a tad evasive in some of the information, but as you dive deeper into the book. it all becomes clear. What started as a routine investigation quickly turned into something else, and this was one that I could not stop reading. Book hangover on a Monday is not the best way to start a week - but for this book, it was worth it! Thrilling and captivating, you are not going to be able to stop "after one more chapter."

Get lost in this thriller today!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

his is the first book in the Rachel McKenzie Mystery series. Rachel has had a rough life, with her father killing her mother, and getting away with it for years. She's dedicated her life seeking justice for others. A mom and daughter discover a body hung up on the rocks on a remote island in the Scottish Highlands. That's where this story is set. Rachel doesn't agree with the sergeant that it's accidental and she's determined to find answers. But as she searches for clues, a young girl goes missing and Rachel wonders what can of worms she has opened.

This is a new to me author. The writing was very well done, especially the descriptive way the isolated wind swept island was depicted. The book had a slow start for me, because I was a bit hung up on the Scottish terms, but soon I was literally speed reading this. This book was full of suspense, intrigue, thrills, twists and turns. Very well done. I can't wait for the second book in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it. I highly recommend this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning how the terminology of the legal and policing systems in Scotland are differentiated. Rachel is what US calls a prosecution lawyer but has to do her own verification of police evidence and conclusions rather than affording a special investigator for the task. Police Scotland is the overarching collection of federal agencies, and 'locals is locals' everywhere. Add in that the action is on a relatively remote island awaiting a typhoon, and the situation rapidly becomes dire.
The secondary drama is her own life and also the problems within the local force (not to mention those with her boss).
The case in question is an apparently drowned woman known to be something of an amateur archaeologist. Rachel is simply not truly convinced that the case is as simple as presented. And she's right.
Her investigation is enhanced by one of the local constables, but it is definitely NOT simple. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Sally Dench · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this gripping crime thriller, the first in a series. It is set in the Outer Hebrides, with great descriptions of the island, the sea and scenery. One can feel the isolation of the island but also the close links that develop within the small community living there.
Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer for the Crown Procurator and Fiscal Service. She looks into a case and is not satisfied that the death of Ellen on the island is an accident, as everyone seems to assume. She decides to visit the island and investigate. This draws her deeper into an unexpected series of events. I was not expecting the twist at the end.
Rachel has family connections with the island and her estranged grandfather lives there. Family traumas from her past haunt her. These feature in the story but do not dominate. I look forward to learning more in future novels.
While not all the characters are likeable, I enjoyed their development and interactions.
I have given four stars as Rachel is yet another main character with a trauma in her background, but still a really good read.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! A very well crafted murder mystery, well, several murders actually! Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer working for the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit. Her job is to go through files of fatalities and decide which cases need to be handed back to the police for further investigation. If a case is deemed an accident, natural causes, etc, the file is closed. However, one file that's about to be closed, deemed to be an accident, catches her eye. Something tells her this was no accident. This triggers a chain reaction of events that leads to Rachel personally going to Uist in search of answers. As the case unfolds, it gets bigger and bigger. It was nice to have a murder mystery where the investigator wasn't police although Rachel does work closely with them. A great story, well written and quite exciting as the reasons for the murders becomes clear and old secrets are revealed. I look forward to more of Rachel's 'adventures'.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Morag Pringle for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra M. Dethlefsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael McKenzie is called to the Scottish Highlands to investigate a string of suspicious murders. Emily Hargreaves was found drowned on the island and the local police sergeant insisted that it was accidental. Rachael was determined to prove otherwise. Spurred on by a troubled past of her own, in a town where her estranged family lived, she is faced with the task of proving that the woman was murdered.
Ellen loved archaeology and spent her time going on digging expeditions in the area. She kept careful notes of her findings in a book. When Rachael finds out that Ellen found a human bone before her death, she suspects that her finding may have led to Ellen’s death. Rachael goes on a hunt for the book but is unable to find it.
Rachael is immediately alarmed when a teenage girl that she interviewed goes missing. The entire town goes on a search for the girl fearing the worst. Can they find her alive?
A gripping, edge-of-the-seat, must-read crime thriller that is a true prize winner!

[Nancy E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply could not put this book down until it was finished, and that is something I rarely say about a book. The setting was so dramatic—the islands of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. The characters were very well written with engaging dialogue and distinct personalities. The story began when Rachel refused to accept that former librarian Ellen’s death was an accident and insisted that it must be investigated. Once Rachel arrived on the island and began asking questions, she became even more convinced that Ellen had been murdered. The plot continued to build in intensity, keeping me on the edge of my seat as the body count began to grow. Amidst it all, Rachel was forced to confront her own history with her family on the island years ago, especially her mother’s disappearance and murder. It’s a great story that kept me guessing and thoroughly engrossed right up to the end. I highly recommend it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morag Pringle has created a new character whose exploits will be a pleasure to follow. Rachel McKenzie is a lawyer in the Inverness death unit who allows her gut to alert her to cases in need of investigation. When a case of “ accidental drowning” crosses her desk, she convinces her boss to let her investigate. She arrives in the Hebrides with her questions and a lot of emotional baggage. She initiates an investigation which raises suspicion of the local inhabitants, who although they aren’t forthcoming, are not as dangerous as the coming storm or the murderers. The secrets that unravel keep the reader as enthralled with the plot as with the harsh setting, and the characters are intriguing and keep the reader trying to figure out which are what they seem to be and which are not. I will look forward to Rachel McKenzie #2.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Liar’s Bones is set in the Outer Hebrides on a small island. Rachel McKenzie works in the Fiscal and Procurators Office and she notices a file on a colleague’s desk that has been assigned to be closed. She notices that one of the details was that the woman’s purse and shopping was left outside the door to her cottage, which immediately sends up flags. No woman would do that. She is sent to the island to further investigate (unwillingly, as she has complicated ties to the island).
The characters are all interesting, the island is amazing, and the mystery complex. Just as the mystery is coming together, a major storm hits the island and they are stuck with a crew of 3 to try to stop a killer.
I enjoyed this mystery so much that I hated to see it end even as I wanted to know how it finished. I highly recommend this book!