The Gathering Storm

Detective Shona Oliver #4

by Lynne McEwan

DI Shona Oliver’s past and present collide when James McGowan, her ex-classmate – now a famous actor – comes to the area to make a Robert Burns biopic. Shona is tasked with keeping him safe during filming on an isolated island in the Solway Firth, and her job is made much harder when a dead man wearing James’s coat is found on the beach in suspicious circumstances. It seems someone wanted James out of the picture. Meanwhile, Shona has her hands full at home too; her husband is on trial for a crime he claims he did not commit, but if he speaks out he risks his wife and their teenage daughter coming to harm. Can Shona keep her head above the waves and protect those around her? A compulsive, atmospheric crime thriller set in Scotland, perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Neil Lancaster.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Scotland, Thriller

346 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2024

About the author

Glasgow-born Lynne McEwan is a former national newspaper photographer turned crime author. She's covered stories including the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War in addition to many high profile murder cases.
She currently lives in Lincoln and is in the final year of an MA in Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia.

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI Shona Oliver #4

Shona is in a taxi with her husband Rob on their way to the Old Bailey as he’s on trial for financial irregularities, his confidence causing her concern. Despite his optimism, he’s found guilty and sentenced to ten years. Is her former boss, corrupt DCI Harry Belmont behind her husbands charge? How will her being married to a convicted man affect her career and what impact will it have on their teenage daughter Becca? It seems that Shona will be sidelined as Hollywood arrives in the area to make an historical drama about Robbie Burns and she is to act as liaison for the production. Her old school friend James McGowan is starring in the film but that’s a whole other story!

I really like this series and this is another enjoyable and immersive page turner. I love the setting in and around the Solway Firth which the author maximises, providing an atmospheric backdrop. In addition to her role as a police officer, Shona is RNLI crew an this is an enjoyable strand too. Shona is extremely likeable, she’s determined and intuitive and I love her relationship with Becca who is a terrific character too. I enjoy the addition of James McGowan and that storyline is a puzzle but a good one and we do learn more about Shona because of it. I hope James crops up again in future books.

There’s plenty going on in this latest novel but it’s written with clarity, there’s nothing unnecessary to confuse. Shona is between a rock and a hard place as situations develop, learning things that could potentially change her life. There’s betrayal, unease which changes to danger seemingly at every turn, you sense the evil lurking in the background and the whole thing builds well, it’s exciting and gripping with a good finale.

I love the Robbie Burns element of the plot and he is intrinsic to the Dumfries and Galloway region. I learn things about him through the storytelling and it’s definitely inspired me to want to find out more about this fascinating character.

Overall, this is a good series which I recommend to fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for r the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine story, perfect for wintertime by the fireplace. I was reading the story but later I realized that it is the fifth installment in the series and probably I'm not familiar with the main characters enough. I will go and read the previous installments, so everything will feel complete.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, Detective Shona Oliver’s husband Rob is found guilty of financial crimes and sentenced to ten years in prison. This is devastating to Shona and her daughter personally, not only because of his absence, but because Shona and Becca will have to run their Inn without his help. Professionally, Shona is now seen as the wife of a convict which hurts her career. With that in mind her Detective Superintendent assigns her to provide security to a movie set. The film about Scottish hero Robert Burns features megastar James McGowan who happens to be her boyfriend from schooldays. Soon accidents on the set prove that someone wants James dead. Why? And can Shona save him while hiding her own feelings?

The Gathering Storm adds to this excellent series by Lynne McEwan. Familiar characters return, changed by events. Becca has matured and put past trauma behind her. It’s difficult for Shona to control her anger at Rob’s behavior. Tommy finds himself in the middle of another crime. And James…I hope that he will become a recurring character. I especially enjoyed the information about Robert Burns and coastal smuggling. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Canelo and Lynne McEwan for this ARC.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Who is trying to kill the famous actor? Why is DI Shona Oliver given special duty to protect the actor when there are lots of real crimes happening? Robert Burns, smuggling, life boats, fraud, revenge, and corrupt police officers.

[ARR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Karen Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous 3. Probably a 3.5.

[George Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that was an interesting read, and one that potentially sets the rest of the series up, given that she has met an old flame and her hubby is in jail pending an appeal. Well worth reading

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant read. Twice it made me say "omg" out loud. I was hooked from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one.

[Lesley Whitelock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I grew very bored with this story .

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynne McEwan returns to the atmospheric location of the Solway Firth, Dumfries, in the latest gritty Scottish offering in the turbulent life of DI Shona Oliver. Shona's life is ripped apart when despite the upbeat optimism of her husband, Rob, he is sentenced to a 10 year prison sentence, something that she is certain the corrupt DCI Harry Delfont, from her London past, is responsible for. There are repercussion that inevitably affect her police career, the CPS dropping charges, threats intended to ensure that Shona drops any investigation into Delfont, the B&B is now reduced to merely doing self catering, and more. Continuing to volunteer for the RNLI, under skipper Tommy McCall, gives her a much needed sense of normality, but a problematic rescue leaves her with injuries.

There is a horrific tragic fire, not arson, but which leaves Shona and her team, that includes Sergeant Murdo O'Halloran, and rivals DC Ravi Sarwar, and DC Kate Irving, determined to do their best for the grieving mother and child when the cause becomes clear. Shona's bright 16 year old daughter is becoming a more mature character as she steps up to help her, but her boss, Detective Superintendent Clive Davies is intent on her keeping a lower profile, and to her initial horror, has her in charge of security for the filming a Robbie Burns movie starring the popular singer Lilly Chase and local boy made good, now a big Hollywood film star, James McGowan. However, matters take a darker turn with the death of an actor and someone is intent on killing McGowan, a man Shona knew at school.

There is so much drama here, including the sour taste of betrayal from the past, Shona's fears for Becca, the anguish and developments in her personal life that make me curious as to how they work out in the future, and her desperation to return back to her police team. This is an intense and challenging time for Shona, a wonderful protagonist, and I cannot wait to see how it all pans out for her in the future. A great Scottish crime series which I think many others who love the genre will enjoy too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Gathering Storm is the 4th Shona Oliver procedural thriller by Lynne McEwan. Released 8th Feb 2024 by Canelo, it's 352 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Words like gripping get overused, but it fits this crime thriller. The author writes very well and the descriptions, characters, and settings are well delineated and feel realistic. There's a palpable sense of urgency and realism in the plot tension. It's not always a pleasant read, but it is definitely compelling.

This is the 4th book in the series, and the overlapping, multi-book plot threads will give some minor spoilers for the characters' relationships and past if read out of order. The mystery plot, denouement, and resolution for the central story in this volume are resolved, however.

Definitely a solid read, and a consistently well written series. It's not derivative, but fans of British crime procedurals like Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, and Peter May will likely enjoy this book/series. With four books extant, it would also make a good choice for a long(ish) binge/buddy series read, or mystery book club project.

Four and a half strong stars. Content warning for strong language, violence, stalking, arson, mental health issues, and betrayal.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sian Morant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth novel in the DI Shona Oliver series, and it doesn’t fall short.
The Gathering Storm opens with Shona’s husband, Rob found guilty of financial misdemeanours and being involved in money laundering. He is sentenced to 10 years in prison. Shona believes corrupt copper and her former boss, Belmont is behind her husband’s woes, but she can’t prove it. In addition, how does being seen as the wife of a convict affect her career in the police?
It seems that Shona’s fears on that score are well founded, as she is told to shelve her current workload and head up security on the set of a movie being produced in the area. The movie is about Robert Burns and features current hot property, James Mcgowan, an old friend from her schooldays who she had rather a crush on. Unfortunately for Shona, what she initially thought was going to be a babysitting role is proved wrong, as nasty incidents start to happen on set.
This series is developing well. The character of Shona is extremely likable and the author has managed to pull off that she can combine being a detective with volunteering in the RNLI and running a B&B.
A lot is going on in this novel…..stalking, threats to life, a fatal fire, and a spot of coastal smuggling. The character of James has added a new dimension to the story and I hope he makes an appearance in later books.
All this and and a healthy dose of Robbie Burns too. What more could you want?
My thanks to Netgalley, Lynne McEwan and Canelo Crime Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

DI Shona Oliver returns in The Gathering Storm. A gritty Scottish thriller. That packs a real punch and starts off with a bang. As Shona's husband Rob is convicted of financial misdemeanours and money laundering and to Shona and her daughters horror is sentenced to ten years in prison.

Which Shona is convinced is thanks to a bent copper from her past. However, she has no way to prove this and now has to find a way to continue doing her job. Whilst also being the wife of a convicted villain.

And it seems that is not going to be an easy task. As Shona has been asked to hand over all her current cases and instead given the job of heading up security for a movie being produced in the area. A movie whose main star happens to be an old-school friend and crush of Shona's.

But what starts out as a babysitting job soon becomes something more. As a number of incidents occur on the set
and that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this story. As there is also some coastal smuggling, a fatal fire, stalking and threats to life to contend with.

Not to mention Shona and her daughter have to deal with the fallout of Robs conviction. Whilst Shona also volunteers with the RNLI and runs a B&B.

And with a story that is bursting with detail. An atmospheric setting, danger and twists. This was an enjoyable read. That easily pulled me in, and I would happily recommend it to others.

My thanks to Canelo Digital Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Gathering Storm. 😊

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gathering Storm by Lynne McEwan is the first book I’ve read by this author. I didn’t read the other books in this series, but I didn’t feel I missed too much. I liked getting to know DI Oliver and the team.

DI Oliver’s past and present collide when James McGowan, her ex-classmate, comes to the area to make a Robert Burns biopic. Shona is tasked with keeping him safe during filming on an isolated island in the Solway Firth, and her job is made much harder when a dead man wearing James’s coat is found on the beach in suspicious circumstances.

Meanwhile, Shona has her hands full at home, too; her husband is on trial for a crime he claims he did not commit, but if he speaks out, he risks his wife and their teenage daughter coming to harm. Can Shona keep her head above the waves and protect those around her?

Overall, the story was good, and the locale and descriptions were done so that I felt I was there, along with the characters. A lot is going on in this story, but the author makes it easy to follow.

I would recommend this book. I will check out other books by this author.

#TheGatheringStorm #NetGalley @canelo_co

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Lynne and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Gathering Storm before the publication date.
This is the 4th book in the D.I. Shona Oliver series.
It combines being an easy read whilst also being a page turner.

In the opening chapters, the jury in Rob Oliver’s trial return a guilty verdict on the charges of money laundering. Rob is sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
This has repercussions for Shona, both as a serving police officer and as the victim of the corrupt DCI Delfont, who Shona believes is involved in the charges against Rob.

There are several threads to this story, including the investigation into a fatal house fire which Lynne has treated with great insight and sensitivity.
The significance of the production company filming Heart of Fire, a Robert Burns biopic will become apparent.
The atmospheric setting for the filming draws the reader in to the extent that I felt that I was a spectator, chilled by the rain.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in this series, set mostly in the Scottish borders. Shona works in Dumfries and now that her husband is in prison, that has potential to affect her working life in the police. Her senior officer puts her on a consultants role for a film crew, making a film about Robbie Burns. The star, James McGowan, was with her at school and it appears that some one wishes him harm.
Shona is juggling home and work lives as well as work with the filmcrew and running her husband's B& B . With so many irons in the fire, there is a lot going on in this book and a lot to keep track of as a reader. Saying that, the storyline is well put together, relationships and conversations seem realistic and descriptions of places and the countryside give you a good picture of the location. I think there is more to this story, so look forward to the next episode .
Thanks to NEt Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Shone Oliver is shocked when her husband Rob, receives a prison sentence for financial irregularities, he had been so sure he would be acquitted. She returns to their B & B in Dumfries & her daughter Becca wondering how this will impact on her work & she soon finds out. She is to be side-lined working to ensure the safety of cast & crew of a film of the life of Robert Burns, that is in production. She is further put out when James, the star, is someone she knew in school. When Rob refuses to appeal his sentence after being beaten & told Shona & Becca will suffer if he does. Whilst filming on a small island a body is found, dressed in James's coat. Shona's job might well be more than just babysitting!

This is the fourth in the series. I read & loved book one, but missed the next two which was a shame as I felt I had missed out. I like Shona & I really enjoy the part the RNLI plays in the stories. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I've been loving this Detective Shona Oliver series.  I started reading the series because I had the first book,  In Dark Water, as a Kindle freebie.  I really enjoyed it and went right on with the series.  I would read these books in order.   I appreciate the setting in Scotland,  the mysteries and cases, the police procedures, and slightly less, Shona's personal situations.

Shona struggles with her husband Rob, who came from money, and her teen, Becca, who is going through somewhat normal ups and downs.  She loves them but I can't say either is very kind to her.   Rob is on trial and faces prison.  Money is tight.  Both her police job, and the B&B they run, are in some jeopardy.  Becca is still a bit headstrong, but she is helping her mother more.

Shona is being sidelined as a liaison to a film company.  One of the lead actors, James, is being stalked.  She knows him from high school.  Another main actor ends up dead.  So those cases are very high profile and urgent.

Shona also is pursuing a case against her previous DCI Delfont who is despicable.  She goes through all Rob's papers because she thinks Delfont's gang may also be behind Rob's being framed.  She learns all kinds of things.

I feel for Shona who has so many personal and professional issues.  Luckily her team is very supportive and believe in her.  Becca is also trying harder to help.  Shona was really on a dangerous edge here and very alone.  Her emotional state didn't stop her from being well trained, knowledgeable, and doing her job.   While the ending is satisfying, I have to wonder what happens next. I want more time with Shona and her team.

[Lisa Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read, not sure where in the series this is because I gather there are other stories hinted at in the narrative. Shona's husband is in prison and Shona's job is not going well. She is stuck babysitting a film crew and then somebody is murdered at a filming sight while wearing a coat which belongs to the lead actor. Several of the actors have recieved threatening letters and Shona is on the case. Turns out the actor is an old school chum that Shona once had a crush on and the relationship is renewed but thankfully does not become the focus of the story (Thankyou) Will look for more of this series.

[Martha Brindley]

Another excellent addition to the DI Shona Oliver series, set in Dumfries. the setting is described perfectly and the addition of some Robert Burns facts definitely adds to the atmosphere! I really like the characterisation, which is believable, and the lifeboat scenarios. There is plenty of action, with several threads in the story, and it's full of atmosphere. This is a very good addition to the series and I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Melanie Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying reading this series about detective Shona Oliver, who is also an RNLI volunteer. The stories relating to her lifeboat experiences give these books a different perspective. She's a bit of a maverick, shrewd in her professional life but less so in her personal life. In this book, her two worlds are colliding.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scottish crime series in a wonderfully atmospheric setting full of danger and twists and turns that keep you reading.. This was an enjoyable read even without having read the earlier books in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eileen Stubbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story,there has to be another would like
to see what happens to Rob and see if Sonia goes off with James, love treading them especially as I’ve traveled round that area of Scotland I jus feel like I’m there in the back ground so please let’s have another follow up

[David Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twists and Turns with Wee Shona away on temporary duty

There are several intermingled plots and all exciting enough to keep you guessing. A couple of unexpected endings and both Shona’s and Rob’s future left hanging.

[Anne Herbison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to pick up with this series again. Things have moved on and Shona is dealing with life as best she can, doing security for a Burns biopic in the lovely setting of Scotland's West Coast, while wrestling with her complicated life and work.

[Becky Gotch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series in order and wasn’t sure after the first one if I’d bother but they have been getting better and better and this one was a belter and the best yet! Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Jess Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant story that kept me captivated. There were all the highs and lows of the main characters as well as the plot to follow, all of which kept you hooked in from start to finish.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series that just got better.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last in the series and the best!

[Alan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great story about DCI Shona Oliver. I really hope there is more to come.