What do you think?
Rate this book
Dr Jack Cuthbert Mysteries #3
To The Shades Descend
To the Shades Descend
‘Giving them back their names is one thing, giving them justice is quite another.’
A visit to Glasgow for a job interview in 1931 unexpectedly places Dr Jack Cuthbert at the centre of things. While there, a devastating crime is committed in the city, and as an experienced pathologist, he is called upon to help with the mass of casualties.
Out of his normal surroundings, and working with strangers, Cuthbert has to navigate his way through a political as well as a pathological minefield. Unwittingly, he finds himself working at the intersection between rising British fascism, anti-Semitism and the infamous Glasgow razor gangs. To solve the case, Cuthbert needs all the expertise he can muster from those around him.
But who can he trust?
‘Giving them back their names is one thing, giving them justice is quite another.’
A visit to Glasgow for a job interview in 1931 unexpectedly places Dr Jack Cuthbert at the centre of things. While there, a devastating crime is committed in the city, and as an experienced pathologist, he is called upon to help with the mass of casualties.
Out of his normal surroundings, and working with strangers, Cuthbert has to navigate his way through a political as well as a pathological minefield. Unwittingly, he finds himself working at the intersection between rising British fascism, anti-Semitism and the infamous Glasgow razor gangs. To solve the case, Cuthbert needs all the expertise he can muster from those around him.
But who can he trust?
- GenresHistorical FictionCrime
322 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2024
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Allan Gaw
32 books22 followersAllan Gaw is a Scot who lives and works near Glasgow. He studied medicine and is a pathologist by training but a writer by inclination. Having worked in the NHS and universities in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and the US, he now devotes his time to writing.
Most of his published work to date is non-fiction. These include medical textbooks and regular magazine articles on topics as diverse as the thalidomide story, the medical challenges of space travel and the medico-legal consequences of the Hillsborough disaster.
More recently, he has been writing short stories, poetry and novels. He won the UK Classical Association Creative Writing Competition, the International Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize, the International Globe Soup 7 day Writing Challenge and was runner-up in the Glencairn Glass/Bloody Scotland Short Crime Fiction Competition. He has also had prose published in the literary anthologies, From Glasgow to Saturn and anthologies and the Edinburgh Literary Salon.
His poetry has been published by Dreich, Soor Ploom Press, Black Bough Poetry, SCAP and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. His debut poetry collection, Love & Other Diseases, was published in 2023 by Seahorse Publications. His second poetry collection, The Sounds Men Make, was published in 2025, also by Seahorse.
His debut novel, The Silent House of Sleep, won the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut novel of the year. His second novel, The Moon’s More Feeble Fire, was longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize The third book in the Dr Jack Cuthbert series, To the Shades Descend is out now and the fourth, The Shadows and the Dust, will be released in January 2026.
You can read more about him and his work at his website: https://researchet.wordpress.com
Most of his published work to date is non-fiction. These include medical textbooks and regular magazine articles on topics as diverse as the thalidomide story, the medical challenges of space travel and the medico-legal consequences of the Hillsborough disaster.
More recently, he has been writing short stories, poetry and novels. He won the UK Classical Association Creative Writing Competition, the International Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize, the International Globe Soup 7 day Writing Challenge and was runner-up in the Glencairn Glass/Bloody Scotland Short Crime Fiction Competition. He has also had prose published in the literary anthologies, From Glasgow to Saturn and anthologies and the Edinburgh Literary Salon.
His poetry has been published by Dreich, Soor Ploom Press, Black Bough Poetry, SCAP and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. His debut poetry collection, Love & Other Diseases, was published in 2023 by Seahorse Publications. His second poetry collection, The Sounds Men Make, was published in 2025, also by Seahorse.
His debut novel, The Silent House of Sleep, won the 2024 Bloody Scotland Debut novel of the year. His second novel, The Moon’s More Feeble Fire, was longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize The third book in the Dr Jack Cuthbert series, To the Shades Descend is out now and the fourth, The Shadows and the Dust, will be released in January 2026.
You can read more about him and his work at his website: https://researchet.wordpress.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2024
Outstanding!
This is the third book in this series and we are given more spectacular work from Allan Gaw.
This time we are met with the horrors of a Glasgow gang by the name of the Billy Boys.
This is gruesome, gripping and filled with all the highs and lows of East/West End life at the time.
The characters are again fantastic! The progression and storyline is flawless. A true diamond of a book. I highly recommend this series.
Dr Cuthbert's storyline within this is a favourite of mine and I can't wait to see what the future holds. It is a complete pleasure to get so involved in this series and to have the feeling of missing the characters when I close the book. This is filled with so many great points that I could happily talk about all day long. Very well written and exciting, I found this hard to put this down.
If your in the look out for a new series which will grab your interest and have you wanting more then look no further. Please check out my other reviews on the first two books👍.
A huge thanks to Allan Gaw for a copy of his latest book. It has been my pleasure to read and leave my honest review.
Publication Date : 6 June 2024.
This is the third book in this series and we are given more spectacular work from Allan Gaw.
This time we are met with the horrors of a Glasgow gang by the name of the Billy Boys.
This is gruesome, gripping and filled with all the highs and lows of East/West End life at the time.
The characters are again fantastic! The progression and storyline is flawless. A true diamond of a book. I highly recommend this series.
Dr Cuthbert's storyline within this is a favourite of mine and I can't wait to see what the future holds. It is a complete pleasure to get so involved in this series and to have the feeling of missing the characters when I close the book. This is filled with so many great points that I could happily talk about all day long. Very well written and exciting, I found this hard to put this down.
If your in the look out for a new series which will grab your interest and have you wanting more then look no further. Please check out my other reviews on the first two books👍.
A huge thanks to Allan Gaw for a copy of his latest book. It has been my pleasure to read and leave my honest review.
Publication Date : 6 June 2024.
September 13, 2025
This is the third book in the series. However, this time Cuthbert is solving a crime in Glasgow rather than his usual London. I was unsure how I felt about this at first as I like all the usual characters and the relationship between them. I was quickly reassured that this was going to be an interesting diversion.
We meet some new characters, some likeable and others who clearly do not want Cuthbert to be getting involved on their patch.
I love how the author also gives us alternative pov so you can understand how the crime came to take place, this is done throughout the series. This is skilfully done and brings a real depth and emotion to the writing. I don't want to give anything away but for me it really adds to the story.
Cuthbert is such a great character, he is focused, methodical, intelligent and compassionate. I hope we are going to see a lot more from him and I was pleased to see more of his personal life in this book.
This is a great series, the crimes are interesting, detailed, we get to see the 'behind the scenes ' within the pathology department and unravelling of clues unlike with a traditional detective/police procedural. I also loved the historical setting!
Huge thanks to the author, Birlinn Books, Bloody Scotland and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
We meet some new characters, some likeable and others who clearly do not want Cuthbert to be getting involved on their patch.
I love how the author also gives us alternative pov so you can understand how the crime came to take place, this is done throughout the series. This is skilfully done and brings a real depth and emotion to the writing. I don't want to give anything away but for me it really adds to the story.
Cuthbert is such a great character, he is focused, methodical, intelligent and compassionate. I hope we are going to see a lot more from him and I was pleased to see more of his personal life in this book.
This is a great series, the crimes are interesting, detailed, we get to see the 'behind the scenes ' within the pathology department and unravelling of clues unlike with a traditional detective/police procedural. I also loved the historical setting!
Huge thanks to the author, Birlinn Books, Bloody Scotland and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
September 15, 2025
Jack Cuthbert receives an invitation to a Glasgow university where they're seeking a new chair of forensics. Whilst in Scotland there's a bomb at a political rally leaving many people dead. Jack is brought in to lead. Just brilliant. This is such a stellar series set between the wars. And, unfortunately, this one is rather timely with what's happening in the UK right now.
June 10, 2024
What a gripping read! The 3rd book in the Jack Cuthbert series continues to develop the characters in really interesting ways, and of course the story at the heart of the book is fascinating. Highly recommend.
June 5, 2025
To the Shades Descend by Allan Gaw is book 3 in the Dr Jack Cuthbert. This is mainly set in Glasgow. Cuthbert is invited to talk about a possible appointment at Glasgow University. While he is there, there is an explosion during a political gathering on Glasgow Green and he is called on for his expertise. Such a wonderful writing style which enables the reader to become immersed in the time period. This is set around 1931, during the Depression and all that that entails with the violence, the heartbreak and the poverty portrayed so well. There is also the discrimination of the time. Cuthbert works closely with Sgt Hogg, and also a couple of forensic lecturers from the University. It is a bit gory in parts but it all fits the story, which is very atmospheric. The characters draw you in to their lives.
September 23, 2025
It's great to read more on this series, I'm loving it. The characterisation, particularly of Jack Cuthbert, but throughout, is wonderful. So in depth, but without feeling heavy or clunky. The reader will care about these characters, feel their joy, feel their pain. And that's so important.
In To The Shades Descend, Jack (an Edinburgh man but we'll forgive him) is visiting Glasgow, finding out about a possible career move. Whilst there he is called upon to work alongside the Glasgow police after a bomb explodes at a political event on Glasgow Green. It's a mess, with many dead, of all ages, and not all are intact. Jack has a huge job ahead of him, whilst working in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar colleagues but he has to make it work...
Dr Jack Cuthbert is a tall, upright (in every sense) man, handsome and polite, charming when he needs to be. He's very efficient and thorough, and very, very good at his job. Most people like Jack but even those that don't, the majority respect him because he commands their respect. In Glasgow, he's astute enough to work out who the best people are to work with him on this case and sets up his own little team. That team features a woman police constable, working at a time when women weren't given much responsibility, so I loved that Cuthbert recognises her skills and gives her responsibility. But we also see the quieter, private side of Dr Jack Cuthbert, which is darker than his more public persona, haunted as he is by memories of the war and his own emotions and feelings. Ones he pushes down, tried not to acknowledge.
This was difficult reading at times, the aftermath of the bombing was nasty and brutal and Cuthbert and his team have a lot to deal with. Identifying the victims is the most important thing, and one of those victims throws up an additional angle to the main investigation. The inquiry itself is suitably twisty with lots of potential suspects, including members of a local gang, all leading to an unexpected denouement which Jack finds very difficult.
To The Shades Descend is another great story, a satisfying mystery, and I enjoyed that it was in Glasgow, my adopted home. The author's pathology background and detailed research are evident through the detail. But for me, the most impressive part of this is the characterisation, particularly of Jack Cuthbert. Always the most important part of the story and it's bang on here. Loved it, looking forward to Jack's next outing.
In To The Shades Descend, Jack (an Edinburgh man but we'll forgive him) is visiting Glasgow, finding out about a possible career move. Whilst there he is called upon to work alongside the Glasgow police after a bomb explodes at a political event on Glasgow Green. It's a mess, with many dead, of all ages, and not all are intact. Jack has a huge job ahead of him, whilst working in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar colleagues but he has to make it work...
Dr Jack Cuthbert is a tall, upright (in every sense) man, handsome and polite, charming when he needs to be. He's very efficient and thorough, and very, very good at his job. Most people like Jack but even those that don't, the majority respect him because he commands their respect. In Glasgow, he's astute enough to work out who the best people are to work with him on this case and sets up his own little team. That team features a woman police constable, working at a time when women weren't given much responsibility, so I loved that Cuthbert recognises her skills and gives her responsibility. But we also see the quieter, private side of Dr Jack Cuthbert, which is darker than his more public persona, haunted as he is by memories of the war and his own emotions and feelings. Ones he pushes down, tried not to acknowledge.
This was difficult reading at times, the aftermath of the bombing was nasty and brutal and Cuthbert and his team have a lot to deal with. Identifying the victims is the most important thing, and one of those victims throws up an additional angle to the main investigation. The inquiry itself is suitably twisty with lots of potential suspects, including members of a local gang, all leading to an unexpected denouement which Jack finds very difficult.
To The Shades Descend is another great story, a satisfying mystery, and I enjoyed that it was in Glasgow, my adopted home. The author's pathology background and detailed research are evident through the detail. But for me, the most impressive part of this is the characterisation, particularly of Jack Cuthbert. Always the most important part of the story and it's bang on here. Loved it, looking forward to Jack's next outing.
September 10, 2025
I'm back with another review for this brilliant new series and this time it's the third book in The Dr Jack Cuthbert Mysteries.
This series currently contains 3 published books and with a fourth in the planning for release early next year, I knew that I wanted to catch up with these in preparation and I have really enjoyed the first two books already.
I have to just say that I absolutely love all the covers for this series. They all match nicely and the images are so atmospheric, which draws you into the storyline.
This third read was such an easy one to become immersed in from the start.
I've certainly read all three of these pretty swiftly - and I think for this, which isn't my usual go to genre, this has helped me avoid the jarring or getting back into this style at the start of each read.
I think that this book is also my favourite of the three so far.
It does deal with a pretty harrowing event and moreso as this reminds me of the Manchester bombings in the 90's where I saw the after effects of such an event to not only the people involved, but also the wider community.
It's great to see our characters developing though and I really feel a kind of affinity to Jack and the way he deals with everything - no matter how disturbing - with the utmost of respect and efficiency.
Once again, the writing style really draws us into the story and transports us right into the thick of things with the characters.
Another great read and I'm really looking forward to seeing the release of the next book.
This series currently contains 3 published books and with a fourth in the planning for release early next year, I knew that I wanted to catch up with these in preparation and I have really enjoyed the first two books already.
I have to just say that I absolutely love all the covers for this series. They all match nicely and the images are so atmospheric, which draws you into the storyline.
This third read was such an easy one to become immersed in from the start.
I've certainly read all three of these pretty swiftly - and I think for this, which isn't my usual go to genre, this has helped me avoid the jarring or getting back into this style at the start of each read.
I think that this book is also my favourite of the three so far.
It does deal with a pretty harrowing event and moreso as this reminds me of the Manchester bombings in the 90's where I saw the after effects of such an event to not only the people involved, but also the wider community.
It's great to see our characters developing though and I really feel a kind of affinity to Jack and the way he deals with everything - no matter how disturbing - with the utmost of respect and efficiency.
Once again, the writing style really draws us into the story and transports us right into the thick of things with the characters.
Another great read and I'm really looking forward to seeing the release of the next book.
July 13, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed the previous 2 books in this series and this one didn’t disappoint either. It’s a harder topic than the others, there’s been a bombing at a political rally which happens whilst Jack in in Glasgow for an interview at the university. The force have heard of his reputation and with the usual forensic surgeon away he’s asked to step in.
I really like Jack as a character, no nonsense talk and strait laced about the job, no short cuts or disrespect anywhere. There’s a dodgy start with a couple of the guys on the force but he soon brings them round and gets them on side. As usual, there are chapters of back stories for some of the other characters involved, my favourite this time was Rab, such a gentle giant who falls in with the wrong crowd as his mother said.
All 3 books in this series so far have been amazing, and this is no exception. I’m hoping it’s not too long before we see Jack and Simon again.
I really like Jack as a character, no nonsense talk and strait laced about the job, no short cuts or disrespect anywhere. There’s a dodgy start with a couple of the guys on the force but he soon brings them round and gets them on side. As usual, there are chapters of back stories for some of the other characters involved, my favourite this time was Rab, such a gentle giant who falls in with the wrong crowd as his mother said.
All 3 books in this series so far have been amazing, and this is no exception. I’m hoping it’s not too long before we see Jack and Simon again.
September 6, 2025
This is the darkest book in the series but also one that could be talking about our times as the mix of political thriller and whodunit refers to ideas and events that are also part of our everyday life. Please don’t forget that our times share some common traits with the 30s (can’t revel more)
As the previous novels it’s happy-sleep-deprivation and oh-I-had-to-preorder book: the multiple timelines, the evolution in Dr Cuthbert’s life, the Glasgow background works very well together and create a solid and gripping plot.
There’s enough surprising twists to keep the reader turning pages and some of the twists are also thought-provoking
I hope to read another novel featuring Cuthbert soon.
Go and read it, it’s highly recommended.
Many thanks to Allan Gaw this digital copy, all opinions are mine
As the previous novels it’s happy-sleep-deprivation and oh-I-had-to-preorder book: the multiple timelines, the evolution in Dr Cuthbert’s life, the Glasgow background works very well together and create a solid and gripping plot.
There’s enough surprising twists to keep the reader turning pages and some of the twists are also thought-provoking
I hope to read another novel featuring Cuthbert soon.
Go and read it, it’s highly recommended.
Many thanks to Allan Gaw this digital copy, all opinions are mine
September 11, 2025
To the Shades Descend by Allan Gaw is the third book in the Dr. Jack Cuthbert Mysteries. I have not read the first two books yet, but after finishing this one, I am sure I want to go back and read them because I really enjoyed it. It is a great pick for anyone who loves mystery and thrillers.
The story can feel a little slow at times, and sometimes there is more description than needed, but it makes up for that with an exciting plot and a writing style that pulls you in. The characters are well written and have a lot of depth, which made me want to know more about them. The change in timelines took me some time to get used to. You have to pay attention to the dates, or it is easy to get confused, and I did mix them up a couple of times.
Even with that, I found this book very engaging, and now I can't wait to continue the series.
🐾
Rated 4.5🌟
Melina L.P.
The story can feel a little slow at times, and sometimes there is more description than needed, but it makes up for that with an exciting plot and a writing style that pulls you in. The characters are well written and have a lot of depth, which made me want to know more about them. The change in timelines took me some time to get used to. You have to pay attention to the dates, or it is easy to get confused, and I did mix them up a couple of times.
Even with that, I found this book very engaging, and now I can't wait to continue the series.
🐾
Rated 4.5🌟
Melina L.P.
September 19, 2025
You can fairly rattle through great books on holiday. Here I am on the sunny Greek island of Skiathos. Nice walks in the morning or a trip to the beach and then back to the hotel for a leisurely read. I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the Dr Jack Cuthbert series. As mentioned in a previous author review I’m grateful to a sales assistant in my local Waterstones for recommending this series of books. They do not disappoint and move at a great pace with lots of interesting twists and turns along the way. Dr Cuthbert is indeed a complex character with many idiosyncrasies, but with an uncanny knack of searching for the truth and answers to crimes set in the 1930’s. The next book in the series is set for release in January 2026. Not too long to wait.
September 10, 2025
This is my 3rd outing into the world if Dr Cuthbert and I must say I’m sure these books are getting better and better.
Set in the 1930s this time the crime being investigated seems more involved with gangs and political hurdles along the way. I just love Dr Cuthbert he is a fascinating character and I do really look forward to reading more about him and his work. I’m hoping there is no end to this series as I know I will miss him.
I’m eager to read book 4 now 😃
I’m so gutted not to live nearer Scotland I would have loved to hear @allangaw8 speaking at @bloodyscotland but alas it’s not to be.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
Set in the 1930s this time the crime being investigated seems more involved with gangs and political hurdles along the way. I just love Dr Cuthbert he is a fascinating character and I do really look forward to reading more about him and his work. I’m hoping there is no end to this series as I know I will miss him.
I’m eager to read book 4 now 😃
I’m so gutted not to live nearer Scotland I would have loved to hear @allangaw8 speaking at @bloodyscotland but alas it’s not to be.
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
June 8, 2025
Another great book from Allan Gaw, I love these characters all really rounded and Cuthbert’s sexual orientation is painful as he struggles with it, we cannot imagine today what that might have been like. My only niggle and it is a niggle is the other timeline story was a bit too long. So I went to order the next one from Kindle as it was published in Sept 24 and it’s not available until Jan 26 but regardless I have it on pre-order!
September 7, 2025
To the Shades Descend by Allan Gaw.
The third Dr Jack Cuthbert Mystery.
I really did enjoy this book. I am loving this series. I do love Jack's character. This is a nice change for me. I don't normally read this time era. But I love Jack. He is different. I had to get used to the writing style as he is in Glasgow. But when I got used to it I couldn't put it down. Read in a few days. I really hope there is more to come. Definitely recommend this series.
The third Dr Jack Cuthbert Mystery.
I really did enjoy this book. I am loving this series. I do love Jack's character. This is a nice change for me. I don't normally read this time era. But I love Jack. He is different. I had to get used to the writing style as he is in Glasgow. But when I got used to it I couldn't put it down. Read in a few days. I really hope there is more to come. Definitely recommend this series.
November 23, 2024
Wow this is the 3rd book in the Jack Cuthbert Series so compelling to read I never thought I would be into crime Fiction I actually love all the characters the book they definitely get into your DNA I love that I care about them all Allan's writing is so sublime. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
March 19, 2025
The Dr Cuthbert books just keep getting better. Setting this one in Glasgow was a treat for those of us familiar with the city, the history of The Billy Boys and especially if you've experienced the area around Brigton.
Can't wait to get into book 4,another adventure with familiar characters but again a whole new side of them.
This is the best series of books I've stumbled on for a long time.
Can't wait to get into book 4,another adventure with familiar characters but again a whole new side of them.
This is the best series of books I've stumbled on for a long time.
June 11, 2024
I am really enjoying this crime series featuring pathologist Dr Jack Cuthbert. Although he is away from familiar surroundings, he approaches the latest puzzle, of a gruesome mass killing, with his characteristic determination and flair, seeing behind the masks that people wear to get to the truth.
July 4, 2025
Read this in one day. Great atmospheric book set in Glasgow in the ‘30s. A bomb goes off on Glasgow Green , who os responsible and why does someone want to implicate a certain political group. I will look out for the others in the series.
July 16, 2025
This book was a bit different to the first two in a number of ways: it was set in Glasgow, it was overtly political, there was a crime committed but a number of people died. What we did see in this book was Jack Cuthbert managing a larger no. of people which he did sympathetically and compassion.
October 15, 2025
Another excellent book. Hooked right from the start and again a different approach taken to this developing character. Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Allan Has is truly an inspired writer. Looking forward to the next one.
June 9, 2024
Cuthbert returns! Another belter, love it. Keep them coming Allan Gaw!
June 12, 2024
Another thrilling Cuthbert! Loved the world Allan Gaw created, and the story just as enthralling as the last instalments!
June 12, 2024
The Cuthbert stories keep getting better! Loved seeing the characters in Glasgow, and as usual couldn’t put it down!
June 14, 2025
I really enjoy this series. He author makes a great effort to get things both scientifically and socially accurate for the period but doesn’t let it get in the way of the story.
September 9, 2025
A really good third book in this very well written series. I enjoy all the historical background as well as the forensics
November 2, 2025
An excellent read, and informative to boot. The third in the Jack Cuthbertson series, the doctor travels to Glasgow University and ends up in an investigation.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews