Under kärret

Monica Kennedy #3

by G.R. Halliday, Gabriel Setterborg (Translator)

För tolv år sedan satte Monica Kennedy fast seriemördaren Pauline Tosh, som dömdes till livstids fängelse.

När Tosh en dag hör av sig och ber Monica besöka henne i Carselangfängelset utgår kriminalkommissarien från att det är något slags spel. Men så ger Tosh henne en handritad karta som pekar ut ett ödsligt och svårtillgängligt kärr utanför Inverness, och det är ett tips Monica inte kan avfärda – hon har alltid varit övertygad om att det finns fler döda där ute.

En ny kropp hittas i kärret och det ser mycket riktigt ut som att man kan lägga ännu ett offer till Pauline Toshs mordlista. Men verkligheten är sällan så enkel som man först kan tro.

Genres: Mystery, Crime

368 pages, Hardcover

Published June 24, 2024

About the author

G.R. Halliday lives in the rural Highlands outside of Inverness, where he is pursues mountain climbing and swimming in the sea. From the Shadows is his debut crime novel.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest addition to GR Halliday's Scottish crime series set in Inverness and featuring DI Monica Kennedy, and her police team of DS Connor Crawford, DC Ben Fisher and media savvy DC Maria Khan. Over a decade ago, Monica was responsible for catching serial killer Pauline Tosh, now incarcerated at the remote Highlands Carselang Prison, a prison where Monica's father had served as a prison guard. Tosh, still a dangerous woman, asks to see Monica, and at their meeting she gives her a hand drawn map with an x marked in an area of tidal marshland. Having always suspected Tosh had killed others, when the well preserved, strangled body of a murdered young woman is dug up, the obvious conclusion is that Tosh was responsible. However, nothing is as it seems in a narrative that shifts from a past, featuring the life of the murdered victim, and the present.

With the victim killed more than two decades ago in 1994, it does not look promising that they will find any leads or evidence to solve the cold case, and ambitious boss Detective Superintendent Fred Hately is keeping his distance, unwilling to be associated with failure. Monica finds herself feeling the pressure coming at her from a number of different directions, ramping up her anxiety levels, she is missing meals and suffering from severe sleep deprivation. Her daughter Lucy is experiencing problems at school and Connor is causing her serious concerns with his out of character behaviour and absence at a time she needs the input of all her team. In addition, Tosh is refusing to explain how she came to know about the body, and there are a series of fires, could there possibly be any connections to the cold case?

Halliday writes a well plotted crime story with a great cast of colourful characters that include a Scottish politician, a well known chef, a disturbed long term patient in a psychiatric hospital, and the volatile, violent comedian, the larger than life William 'Buggsy' MacIvor. This is a terrific addition to this wonderful Scottish crime series, there are red herrings galore in this engaging, dark, suspenseful and twisted crime mystery. The atmospheric Highlands location with its intriguing folklore itself serves as an integral character in the book. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Liv (livreads_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Marsh amazing, fast paced and gripping crime thriller set in Inverness and the surrounding area. I absolutely loved reading about area (where I live) and I could not stop reading!! I would 100% recommend this, and the first two books of the series.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not read the first two books in this series I felt I had missed a lot. Lots of references to the other books which made the story disjointed. A good read but did not grip me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third instalment in a crime thriller series set in Scotland.

Like the first book in the series, I enjoyed the setting of this book. I enjoyed reading about all the locations mentioned.

However, as a crime thriller it wasn't that strong of a book.

It felt very average, flat and forgettable. There were a lot of typical crime thriller tropes which I've read countless times before.

The writing and characters were just okay.

Everything about this book was just okay. Its not the worst crime thriller I've ever read but it's not the best.

As I have my favourites already and this series hasn't captured my attention, I won't be continuing with the series in the future.

If you haven't read many crime thrillers you may enjoy this series, but it's not one I will be continuing to read in the future.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I probably read this authors debut but haven't kept up and I really should because I absolutely enjoyed this.

GR Halliday brings the Scottish setting to life, the characters are layered ahd genuinely interesting plus the mystery elements are unexpectedly clever

The writing is excellent too. I'm on a good writing rant recently having seen some shocking grammar so it's really great that this novel was both hugely readable, addictive and written with excellent style.

Recommended.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit for Mr. Halliday.
The 3rd in the series, a strong series, with a very likeable detective. Gareth produces enough smoke and mirrors to hide the reality well. I shall return for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe that I’ve never discovered this series before! As a fan of strong women characters, crime thrillers and books set in Scotland, Under The Marsh ticks a lot of boxes for me so I’m surprised it managed to slip under my radar! But now I have to say that this book is so good that I immediately ordered the first two books in the series as soon as I finished this one as I think I’ve discovered my new favourite series! Under The Marsh is dark, shocking and utterly compelling and I found myself completely wrapped up in the atmospheric mystery that grabbed me from the very first chapter.

When serial killer Pauline Tosh asks DI Monica Kennedy to visit her in prison, Monica goes out of curiosity as she’s convinced they didn’t find all of Pauline’s victims. So when Pauline gives her clues to discover another body, Monica is shocked when they do actually find something buried beneath the marsh. But Pauline is renowned for playing games and Monica knows that nothing will be quite as it seems…

This is a twisty crime novel where the reader is never quite sure who to trust. I loved how the storyline slowly unravelled, gradually revealing its secrets as Monica works hard to follow all the clues using good old fashioned police work! I know this is the third in the series but I didn’t feel I couldn’t follow the characters like in some series where I have tried to start part way through. Saying that though, I do need to delve deeper in her life and character which is why I want to read the first two books in the series as well! I loved the balance between “work Monica” and “home Monica” as it gave a well rounded account of who she is and what makes her tick. She’s relatable and amiable, hardworking and strong minded so I took to her immediately.

If you’re a fan of Scottish Crime then this should definitely be on your reading list. I lived all over Scotland during my teens and my twenties so I knew many of the places that were used in the settings here. The Highlands are stunning so to contrast that beauty with the ugliness of murder made perfect sense to me! And G.R. Halliday uses his local environment to perfection throughout Under The Marsh to show how evil can lie dormant beneath even the most idyllic of backdrops.

As you can tell I absolutely loved this book-it’s a breathtaking read, beautifully written with a gritty and gripping storyline that continued to surprise me throughout. I highly recommend it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Monica Kennedy crime series but my first book I have read by the author. I had absolutely no issue reading this as a standalone novel not having read the previous two books, although I will be going back to reading them as I enjoyed this one so much.

The Scottish setting of a remote prison and desolate marsh land help make for some atmospheric reading. Throw in a serial killer who would give Hannibal Lecter a run for his money, well the storyline in this novel had me well and truly gripped! Solving crimes are helped with advance technology but when a murder happened many years before, trying to solve it in current day means a lot of it comes down to some good old fashioned detective work. Monica I connected with straight from the off. As a single mother she is juggling both her work and home life of which things with her partner Crawford are even less straight forward which added even more to the drama of this story.

Under the Marsh was a highly enjoyable Scottish crime thriller that I didn’t want to put down. Whilst this was a complex case, the story is set at a steady pace with something going on at all times meaning my interest never dipped and if anything, heightened the closer to the conclusion I got. I can’t believe I am only now reading my first novel by this author! One to definitely add to your TBR pile if you love an engrossing, page turner of a read.

My thanks to Vintage Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

This is the second book I’ve read in this series and I thought this was a great read, and one which really hit the mark with me. I really like the main character DI Kennedy, she is feisty, flawed, has a good back history and is very believable and realistically portrayed. She is asked to visit and interview a serial killer in prison who has information regarding a cold case and where a body can be found. Where did the information come from and why has it come to light now? This is a very well written book with a range of good, well developed characters, most I liked and a couple I loathed. I loved the author’s writing style, the book flowed well and the movement from present to past timelines was effortlessly done. The book is wonderfully descriptive of the areas around Inverness and I could picture them in my mind. I love reading of the rapport the DI has with her team and the friendships she has formed, and the glimpses the author gives into his DI’s home and personal life. The story had so many separate threads and twists - at one point I wondered how everything would come together at the end, and felt like I was unwrapping layers of secrets. The last quarter of the book really had me engrossed and the story raced to a final conclusion with all loose ends tied up nicely. Overall, a fab read, and I look forward to the next one. I’d recommend this if you like crime, police procedurals

[Rachel Tulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, reading about a book set where you live is one of the best things about reading. I live very close to where this book is set and I was able to picture the places and people so well.

There are twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through. What I would say is that it may be beneficial to read the first 2 books before this one as there are lots of references to past things that I know nothing about.

Great crime story, fantastic setting and I will definitely look to read more by this author.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to follow.

[Claire Hennighan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very twisty crime thriller - I enjoyed the pace and characters in this one.

Apologies for the brevity of my review - I thought that I'd reviewed it months ago and have now forgotten many of the finer details. I do remember enjoying it though, and although I haven't read the first two in the series, it worked well as a stand-alone thriller.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI Monica Kennedy, invited to visit serial killer Pauline Tosh in Carselang prison, is given a crude map locating a burial site. But who or what is buried there? Monica is worried that this is just a practical joke, after all it was she who had put Tosh away 12 years ago, but can’t ignore the information. The site yields up the body of a young woman, late teens to early twenties who has died of manual strangulation. This was Tosh’s usual method but otherwise the case doesn’t fit her profile. While the police must initially start trawling through missing persons data we, the readers, may have an advantage because the opening chapter has given us details of the abduction of a young woman, Freya Sutherland, in circumstances that fit with the discovery. Things quickly gets more complicated as the investigation into Freya’s disappearance start to throw up details of her friendship with other youngsters who are now nationally prominent figures. Was Tosh her killer, or was she just playing games with Monica by dressing up snippets of gossip picked up in the prison? And, if it wasn’t Tosh, then who, and why, and how become challenging questions.
This is the third book featuring Monica Kennedy, but it works perfectly well as a standalone. Any background necessary to the case is merged in fairly seamlessly. Quite a lot of previous history about Monica is also provided, bolstering the ‘troubled cop’ trope which is frequently employed in police procedurals. I found that a bit excessive, even a bit irrelevant, but I know there will be fans who relish such detail so I’m not knocking it. Other than that, the writing is quite tight. As regards the story itself, all the events take place in the vicinity of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, although there is nothing very Scottish about it (any rural UK place would work). The plot is nicely convoluted with a lot of possible scenarios to be explored. I did have a suspicion as to the identity of the killer, but it isn’t until very late on in the story that some crucial facts appear, so I really didn’t solve it until Monica did. Many readers will be in the ‘never saw that coming’ camp. Overall, a very sound and competent tale.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[K. Morral · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though not perhaps as much as others in the genre. I was also expecting a different setting (coastal marshes with reeds and rushes, rather than a mountain bog and urban Glasgow), but I guess there is a great variety in marsh here in the UK! The writing does bring a great sense of place.

Like many in this genre it is one of a series of stories following the main character. However, it reads well as a stand-alone story, which is good as this was my first G. A. Halliday novel. Yes there is reference to events from previous books, but they didn’t impinge on the plot and enhanced the character development, giving backstory and complexity to D.C.I Monica Kennedy’s home life.
The plot is clever, with taunting from a psychopath serial killer from a previous case leading them on a merry quest. There is a complex overlapping of issues that muddy the waters of the investigation and leave us guessing. However, I guessed the murderer halfway through. I suspect this was because the author needed some justification/ suspicious/ clue incorporated in the text before the twist discovery is made in the final chapters.

I found some of the writing frustrating. There are a few instances, particularly in the beginning of the story, where proleptic asides – priming us with hints over the nature of the investigation – are used. However, this is only a couple of occasions and seem unnecessary and frustrating. We don’t need to have these suggestions in a story that is unfolding.

There is also an irritating concluding chapter, explaining the result of the arrest, trial and resolution of separate discoveries. It feels forced and rushed. Once the arrest us made and the confession received, I wouldn’t expect to read more about what happens to the murder. The mystery is solved, so we can move on. Whilst in this case, due to the identify of the murderer there is some logic in including something, there is something in the way it is treated here that doesn’t quite (in my mind) work. It seems to spoil the pace of the final concluding chapters.

On completing this, I’m in two minds as to whether I read more of G. A Halliday’s work. As noted, the plot, characterisation and setting are clever and thoroughly understood. But patches of the writing style are irritating, which may disrupt the flow of reading and enjoyment. However, judging based on one book is perhaps unfair, so I will perhaps look into others in the series. (When I have more space on my to read pile!)

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the cases that made a name for her was when DI Monica Kennedy caught the notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh and put her behind bars for life. Locked up in the remote and imposing Highlands Carselang prison, DI Kennedy doesn’t give Tosh much thought, and tries to move on with her life and her career. So when Tosh requests DI Kennedy come to visit her at the prison, she thinks it is another one of her games.

But during the visit Tosh gives Monica a hand drawn map with a cross marking a spot. The area in question is a patch of marshland, remote and grim. Monica and her team working the original murder case always felt that Tosh had more victims, so this simply can't be ignored. They go investigate the location, unsure of what they will encounter. When a body is found it seems like Tosh has admitted to another murder. Then things get very complicated and the pressure is on to find out just who the killer was, and who is still killing now.

This is the third in the series of the DI Kennedy series. I had not read the first two, and I definitely felt I missed out on some back story because of it. I feel I need to read the first two in order to perhaps fully understand DI Kennedy fully and her and her team's situation. Nonetheless, this book was a fantastic read. A very strong female lead detective, but in a positive way. Respectful of her team, and working together to solve a case. I found myself really enjoying the storytelling, how the case was unravelling, and the surprises the investigation kept unearthing along the way. Even though I felt somewhat left out of the picture by not having read the whole series, this was still a fully gripping and engaging read. I will be going back to the start of the series to fill in my own gaps for sure!

*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are completely my own.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage for an advance copy of Under the Marsh, the third novel to feature DI Monica Kennedy of the Inverness police.

Notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh asks Monica to visit her in the prison Monica put her in. She gives Monica a hand drawn map and assures her there is a body buried there. Monica thinks it might be a game, but she has to check and when they find a body it looks like case closed, until it isn’t.

I thoroughly enjoyed Under the Marsh, where nothing is as it seems and the author does a great job with misdirection. The novel is told from Monica’s point of view, so the reader feels her stress as she deals with not just the case, but other problems like her daughter’s misbehaviour.

The plot held me captivated with its twists and turns and, as I said, misdirection. I was all in on every suggestion as they all made sense, only to be sent in another direction as more facts were uncovered. It is well done and very moreish, so I read it in one sitting. The main plot is a cold case so “I don’t remember” is a go to line and the fascination lies in how Monica and her team get round it. The solution is quite unexpected and finishes in a flurry of realisation and the obligatory action scene. I’m not quite sure what to make of it. I mean, it’s believable enough but a bit humdrum after some of the earlier fireworks.

The subplots revolve around Monica’s young daughter Lucy, who is acting strangely at school and DS Conor Crawford who is acting equally strangely. Lucy is a bit of a storm in a teacup, but the Crawford thing seems out of character.

Under the Marsh is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but really enjoyed this latest addition to the Monica Kennedy series. Although having read the first two might provide extra context around the characters, it’s definitely not required – Under the Marsh stands up very well on its own as an addictive, engaging crime novel.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, we follow DI Monica Kennedy as she investigates the discovery of a body in the marsh – a body they only discovered because notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh gave them information which led them to it. Pauline has always maintained her innocence regarding her convictions – so is this a simple case of finding another of her murder victims, or did someone else commit the crime?

The book soon becomes incredibly absorbing – I really liked the plot, which was complex enough without being too confusing, and the main character, Monica, is enjoyable to read about – especially her relationship (or lack thereof) with DS Crawford.

The setting is incredibly atmospheric, with the highlands almost becoming a character in itself in this novel. Plus there are plenty of satisfying twists and red herrings to keep any crime fan engaged. I really enjoyed this book and I now plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series!

More book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When serial killer Pauline Tosh, whom Monica help put away for life, 12 years ago, requests a visit from the DI, Monica is cautious. Is Pauline playing games? But when she hands Monica a map, possibly marking where a body is buried, Monica knows she must check it out. Another one of Pauline’s victims? Sure enough, buried under the marshlands, is the body of a young girl.

This is the third book in the series featuring DI Monica Kennedy and having read and enjoyed the first 2, I was looking forward to another story featuring this highly likable MC. Monica makes for a great character, reasonable normal and relatable, unlike some other Scottish detectives : ) and along with her mum and young daughter, it was nice to revisit them all in this new highly engaging read.

Full of twists, new leads and misdirection plotted by the author, I was soon captivated and couldn’t wait to continue with the story.

We follow Monica as she investigates the murder and learn, through small flash backs from the victim herself about what possibly happened to her years previously. Via these flash backs and as we follow the teams investigations we are introduced to an array of possible suspects and persons whom could have been involved. Plus also Monica partner, DS Conor Crawford is acting incedingly out of character. Is he hiding something??

Wonderful descriptions of the harsh, remote but beautiful settings of the surrounding areas these books are based is also another plus point to these books. The whole pace of the story, flow of the writing and narration of these books is what makes them so easy to read. Grabbing my attention straight from the start and holding my interest throughout, this new novel always kept the story moving yet at the same time always allowing room to get a feel for what the characters were thinking and the progression of our main regulars.

I thought I had guessed the murderer, then generally thought I hadn’t, only to realise at the end I had!

Another great addition to this thoroughly enjoyable Scottish crime fiction series, and one which I would highly recommend.

Many thanks to the publisher for my digital ARC via NetGalley. Under The Marsh is out on Thursday!

[Kate: The Quick and the Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to DI Monica Kennedy - but I hope I'll meet her again! Thanks to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is due to be published in July 2022.

The story opens with a notorious female serial killer asking to see DI Kennedy from her jail cell. The killer - Pauline Tosh - reveals the whereabouts of a body buried deep in the tidal marshes. Assuming this locates one of Tosh's own victims, the police team rush to uncover the grave...and discover that things are far from as simple as they expect.

I was in the mood for a well-plotted, well-researched police procedural and this one delivered perfectly. The twists were clever and kept me reading. I particularly enjoyed the fact that what started as a straighforward exchange between two women (albeit a killer and her captor) became something so much more engaging and wide-ranging. As the picture got bigger and more complex, I was totally hooked! The flashbacks are also well-managed and add to the creeping sense of dread about what will be uncovered by the end of the book.

The Scottish setting works brilliantly for this book; the desolation of the marshes, the remoteness of the locations and the places imbued with brutal history all add to the tense atmosphere.

DI Monica Kennedy is an interesting and engaging lead character - I liked the fact that she is independent and tough. Although she has the police team around her, she very much remains the focus for much of the action of the novel - which is good for me as I often get lost when there are too many police officers to keep up with. Special mention to the forensic archaeologist though - I loved this eccentric character with his passion for his work and would like to see more of Dr Clive Ridgeway!

This is the third book in the series, but I think it works perfectly as a standalone - I didn't feel like I had missed any back-story at all.

I'd recommend this book to lovers of well-plotted and clever police procedurals. I'll certainly be looking to read more of this series - and spend some more time with DI Kennedy and her quirky team.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the big cases that helped DI Monica Kennedy's career was the conviction of serial killer Pauline Tosh. She has been locked away in Carselang prison in the Highlands & has not really crossed Monica's mind much since. When Pauline asks to see Monica & gives her a map showing where a body is buried. Monica always thought that they hadn't found all Tosh's victims but this map throws up more than her & her team expected.

This series is set is the Scottish Highlands round Inverness which is what drew me to it in the first place. (It is always nice to be able picture the setting of a story) Although this is the third in the series it would would work well as a stand alone as there are links to previous events throughout. I enjoyed the previous ones but it's been a while so I was glad of the catch up. The characters are interesting & the story moved at a good pace. I hope it's not too long before we meet these characters again.

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Karen King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the DI Monica Kennedy series. I haven't read the first two, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this as a stand alone book (although I now want to read the others!).
DI Kennedy is contacted by Pauline Tosh, a serial killer caught by Kennedy, and who is locked up in Carselang Prison. Tosh tells her that she has information regarding a burial site. Kennedy arranges for the site to be excavated, and a woman’s body is discovered. The body is identified as Freya Sutherland, who went missing over 20 years ago and Kennedy and her sidekick Crawford, go on to investigate whether this is another of Tosh’s victims.
The investigation moves at a decent pace and retained my interest throughout.
The locations around Inverness are authentic and the atmosphere is good.
I did work out who the killer was, but it didn't make the book any less compelling.

[Mrs Susan J Bociek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inverness, Scotland. An unexpected tip off from a convicted female serial killer leads Monica and her team out to the tidal salt marshes, where a body may, or not, be buried. Excavations in the difficult terrain prove the convict correct, a body that has lain hidden for over ten years. Pathology reports that the lapse is more likely twenty years and the investigation team turn their attention to cold cases. But the convict cannot be the murderer, they know where she was at the time of this crime. So how did she know where the body was?
Monica and the team are led through a maze of information, mostly misleading. With their attention being diverted by a deliberate fire at a church and other distracting events, they have to sift through the evidence to try and find the killer, who seems to be hiding in plain sight.

[Sandra McCourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw this was a fantastic gripping novel in this series. I hope there are more to come. Monica gets embroiled in a cold case after being tipped off by a con she put away years ago. Off she sets on her quest with her team behind her. Connor goes missing for a while and there is a little side story there that you can find out if you read this one. There is the usual drama and Halliday the boss tries hard to get Monica to close the case but she knows there’s someone else behind it all and not prepared to set someone else up. So he reluctantly lets her get on with it. He just doesn’t want to face negative comments. But Monica pulls it out the bag of course. This goes full circle and you are led up paths where you think you know who it was only for it to be knocked back at ya. Loved this one can’t wait for the next one now.

[CJ Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read a book in this series and I really enjoyed it.

There was obvious reference from previous cases but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story as their was enough reference given within this story to understand the plot.

Monica is drawn into a past case when the notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh who she convicted requests a visit presenting her with a map claiming that she knows the burial site of a body, knowing of her past history any claim Tosh makes must be taken seriously!

The unearthing and discovery of the body opens the cold case of missing teenage girl.

This book followed a complicated plot which was well thought up and researched, a strong female character that has a wonderful relationship with her small team.

[Hannah Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first when I was reading the blurb this book sounded like a hit or a miss to me and in all honesty it was the cover that finally made me decide to buy it ( I know terrible). However, after reading it I can say it was a brilliant book, full of suspense and keeping you guessing. I have read quite a few thrillers and detective stories, and most of the time can work out who the killer was, but safe to say in this one I was guessing right up until the end. There are a few references to earlier books throughout, which is what made me realise this is a part of a series, but rather than feeling like I’m missing out, it’s made me want to get the 2 earlier books so I can see if their stories are just as intriguing.

[Louise Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those thriller novels that you pick up on a whim and never regret it afterwards. The story moved at a great pace, not too fast, but at no point did I ever feel bored or wishing they would just get on with the ending. I loved the characters, and the fact that again none of them are perfect, though the main character is far from the usual burned out mess of a detective that you get in some books like this. There are plenty of twists and turns, leaving you guessing the whole while, I just hate that I guessed who the killer was early on, but that is more on me than the writer.

A fun, thrilling, disturbing read. A must read.

[Jane Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THIS BOOKS!!!! WOWWWWW!! CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU GUYS TO READ IT ONCE IT GETS RELEASED.


Another well-researched police procedural crime novel from Halliday, with a sharp delivery and clever twists, set in the gloomy backdrop of Inverness.
A female serial killer and a body found under the marsh after 20 years means that things get more difficult for Monica on top of personal issues. Loved the moments between Monica and Tosh, their interactions were very interesting from a psychological perspective.
The desolation of the highlands is palpable and setting this book to perfection.



Full review to follow

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After thoroughly enjoying the previous two books in this series I was looking forward to this which was a great continuation of DI Monica Kennedy and her team yet lacked some of the pace and excitement of the previous two, that said I’m hoping there’s a fourth. The were some interesting characters in this, not least the serial killer and it was good to see how Monica’s own family life continued but the cold case itself, despite its high profile suspects, just didn’t quite hit the mark for me although I guess as I intuited who the killer was it did take some of the fun out of it., that said it was still a solid case and interesting to see how it all wove together.

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this when I started but dear god, picking this book up was something I most definitely do not regret. Its such a breath of fresh air for the genre. I loved that it was a female serial killer up against a strong female lead. And that they are written as deep intelligent characters and aren't just bumbling along and hoping for the best. The book keeps up a good pace without feeling rushed, and there are one or two parts which feel a tiny bit too slow for my liking but that's just me being impatient probably lol. Its a really gripping book whoch will keep you engrossed from beginning to end

[Zachary Obel-Omia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book especially because I got it in Scotland and that is where it takes place. This made me understand some of the references and also have a better understanding of where this book takes place especially because I had a tour to the Highlands and stayed in Inverness for two nights. The book itself is interesting and fast paced, but I was not the biggest fan of the reveal of the murder itself. I also don’t believe the chapters needed to be so short and there were also so many characters that had little depth even if they proved to be important characters in the end which made it hard to keep track of everyone