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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #7
The Big Man Upstairs
Just when he thought he was out...
Burdened by guilt over the trauma recently inflicted on his friends and colleagues, former-Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan has spent the past nine months living in self-imposed exile.
When a mother and her young daughter are the victims of a double murder staged to look like suicide, Logan is dragged back to help hunt down and catch a brutal, calculating killer.
But the world has moved on without him. To do what needs to be done, Logan must first find his place among old friends and new enemies before the killer strikes again, and a whole Highland community tears itself apart.
Maybe early retirement wasn't such a bad idea, after all...
The Big Man Upstairs is the seventh novel in the internationally bestselling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series, and perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Stuart MacBride.
Burdened by guilt over the trauma recently inflicted on his friends and colleagues, former-Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan has spent the past nine months living in self-imposed exile.
When a mother and her young daughter are the victims of a double murder staged to look like suicide, Logan is dragged back to help hunt down and catch a brutal, calculating killer.
But the world has moved on without him. To do what needs to be done, Logan must first find his place among old friends and new enemies before the killer strikes again, and a whole Highland community tears itself apart.
Maybe early retirement wasn't such a bad idea, after all...
The Big Man Upstairs is the seventh novel in the internationally bestselling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series, and perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Stuart MacBride.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2020
2751 people are currently reading
997 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
53 books1,811 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
January 25, 2024
Another fast paced humour and suspense filled instalment from a brilliant writer who has me glued to the pages with each new book.
” They’re no’ a cult, are they?” Logan asked. Ben tutted. “I said they’re a bit odd. They’re no’ shagging goats and sacrificing virgins. Too bloody closed-minded. That’s your problem, Jack.”
The MC is amazing as usual and the supporting cast are nothing short of brilliant as is the storyline which is intense and gripping to the end. There are some new characters introduced which adds to the overall enjoyment.
I really enjoyed the suspense of this one and the internal dialogue of the killer which was really creepy. I couldn’t figure out who it was.
”Shit Happens, sir. We get up, dust ourselves down, and move on.”
If you haven’t read any of these books you’re missing out on unique Scottish crime thriller with lots of dark humour, great storylines and down to earth, believable characters.
” They’re no’ a cult, are they?” Logan asked. Ben tutted. “I said they’re a bit odd. They’re no’ shagging goats and sacrificing virgins. Too bloody closed-minded. That’s your problem, Jack.”
The MC is amazing as usual and the supporting cast are nothing short of brilliant as is the storyline which is intense and gripping to the end. There are some new characters introduced which adds to the overall enjoyment.
I really enjoyed the suspense of this one and the internal dialogue of the killer which was really creepy. I couldn’t figure out who it was.
”Shit Happens, sir. We get up, dust ourselves down, and move on.”
If you haven’t read any of these books you’re missing out on unique Scottish crime thriller with lots of dark humour, great storylines and down to earth, believable characters.
August 4, 2021
How come I found tears (not of sadness but laughter) rolling down my face while reading a murder mystery yesterday?
J.D.Kirk - that's how. If you've read this and know what a "figgin" is all about then you'll know why it's so funny. If you haven't, then I'll just say it involves ginger, radishes plus (in this book) a set of bemused detectives discussing it. And that gives nothing away. Just telling you that much has left me laughing again.
Ahhmmm! I must get serious. That's better.
The Big Man Upstairs is well up to the author's usual very high standard. His way of combining murder, collegiality, humour and action-packed stories is a real gift. And the Scottish settings to his books are always another plus.
A couple of new team members are present, while Bob Hoon also appears. He has his own book published before too long.
To summarise - entertaining and a story full of red herrings. And the D.C.I. Logan books as a whole? Relaxing books to read at this strange time in our world's history.
J.D.Kirk - that's how. If you've read this and know what a "figgin" is all about then you'll know why it's so funny. If you haven't, then I'll just say it involves ginger, radishes plus (in this book) a set of bemused detectives discussing it. And that gives nothing away. Just telling you that much has left me laughing again.
Ahhmmm! I must get serious. That's better.
The Big Man Upstairs is well up to the author's usual very high standard. His way of combining murder, collegiality, humour and action-packed stories is a real gift. And the Scottish settings to his books are always another plus.
A couple of new team members are present, while Bob Hoon also appears. He has his own book published before too long.
To summarise - entertaining and a story full of red herrings. And the D.C.I. Logan books as a whole? Relaxing books to read at this strange time in our world's history.
August 28, 2020
The first three books of this series set in Scotland I liked, and then my rating went down and I gave it a space of time before trying the books again. Returning to the series having skipped books 5 and 6, I can still remember the reasons I liked the earlier books more. I think this one should close it out for me although another is available.
There is still the great character of DCI Logan who returns to work after absence, but things I did not like include the language, the large dose of vulgarity and the detailed aberrant sexual behavior.
The motive for cruel murders of mothers and their young children is a tad over the top as well. Just not my cup of tea.
Kindle Unlimited
There is still the great character of DCI Logan who returns to work after absence, but things I did not like include the language, the large dose of vulgarity and the detailed aberrant sexual behavior.
The motive for cruel murders of mothers and their young children is a tad over the top as well. Just not my cup of tea.
Kindle Unlimited
May 26, 2023
I can’t fault this hilarious crime-thriller series!
DCI Logan is back from his self-imposed exile and so is the team, including a guest appearance or two from Hoon. The Scottish setting is brilliant, the crime is intense but the process that should be serious has so many funny scenes the tears were rolling at one point.
I’m so glad I’ve bought the series - they are my reprieve!
DCI Logan is back from his self-imposed exile and so is the team, including a guest appearance or two from Hoon. The Scottish setting is brilliant, the crime is intense but the process that should be serious has so many funny scenes the tears were rolling at one point.
I’m so glad I’ve bought the series - they are my reprieve!
February 2, 2021
Love DCI Logan and his team.
JD Kirks books manage to blend the horror of the crimes and the comedy and camaraderie of the investigating team wonderfully well.
This story is one such...
JD Kirks books manage to blend the horror of the crimes and the comedy and camaraderie of the investigating team wonderfully well.
This story is one such...
August 31, 2023
Yep, number 7, doing well! More realistic this one with good humour. Very British.
September 4, 2021
Notes:
The book is more about Logan re-establishing himself within DCI and his friends than the case. I liked all the character developments in this one. =)
The book is more about Logan re-establishing himself within DCI and his friends than the case. I liked all the character developments in this one. =)
June 28, 2024
Just keeps getting better
These people are so awesome. I love their sarcasm, their humor. Their friendship and I am still laughing at the ending. In spite of the grizzly, demented murders, there are sparks of humor that lessen the macabre scenes. This one had child deaths in it and it is sad. I hated one of the suspects so much. He was innocent but I don't think he really suffered. He was an awful man! Oh well the ending was kind of a twist and I liked that! I keep saying I will put this series aside but nope here I go again.
These people are so awesome. I love their sarcasm, their humor. Their friendship and I am still laughing at the ending. In spite of the grizzly, demented murders, there are sparks of humor that lessen the macabre scenes. This one had child deaths in it and it is sad. I hated one of the suspects so much. He was innocent but I don't think he really suffered. He was an awful man! Oh well the ending was kind of a twist and I liked that! I keep saying I will put this series aside but nope here I go again.
October 14, 2022
I was interested to see how this series would progress after what felt like a natural end to the series after book 6 - I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is no slipping into a holding pattern and the characters are given further opportunity to grow within the series, with more of the support characters taking on a greater part within the stories. An enjoyable continuation of what so far has been an entertaining series with little slippage into repetition.
January 23, 2024
A much better book than the previous one in this set, as this is a return to proper mysteries. I didn't see the end coming either, which is a bonus.
August 14, 2020
Wow just wow
Another amazing best seller in my opinion.. Mind bending story line.. What an ending.. I love Ben.. Great bond with jack.
Another amazing best seller in my opinion.. Mind bending story line.. What an ending.. I love Ben.. Great bond with jack.
September 18, 2022
The 7th book in the DCI Logan series. Burdened by guilt over the trauma recently inflicted on his friends and colleagues, former-Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan has spent the past nine months living in self-imposed exile. When a mother and her young daughter are the victims of a double murder staged to look like suicide, Logan is dragged back to help hunt down and catch a brutal, calculating killer.
I've been making my way through this series with great interest as it's written by a local author and each book is set in a different village/town in the Highlands of Scotland where I'm from. I love having a connection to all the places mentioned and being able to picture exactly where everything's happening!
As for the story, it's one of my favourites in the series so far. While I enjoyed it, I'm glad it's moved on from the Mister Whisper storyline and onto something fresher. I loved the character development in this book - particularly Jack as he re-establishes himself in the team, his relationship with Shona, his feelings toward Hoon and Ben's journey after his loss. I also loved the addition of a new character, Dave Davidson who brought a great sense of humour to the story.
As always JD Kirk doesn't hold back in his descriptions of the crimes or in his use of bad language which some readers might be sensitive to, in which case I'd suggest these books aren't for you. When starting the series it is very much a case of typical grumpy, foul mouthed male DCI but honestly as the series goes on you can help but love Jack and all the supporting characters.
The next book is set in Glenfinnan just 20 minutes from my home village, so I can't wait to get started on that and see what lies ahead for DCI Logan and the team there!
I've been making my way through this series with great interest as it's written by a local author and each book is set in a different village/town in the Highlands of Scotland where I'm from. I love having a connection to all the places mentioned and being able to picture exactly where everything's happening!
As for the story, it's one of my favourites in the series so far. While I enjoyed it, I'm glad it's moved on from the Mister Whisper storyline and onto something fresher. I loved the character development in this book - particularly Jack as he re-establishes himself in the team, his relationship with Shona, his feelings toward Hoon and Ben's journey after his loss. I also loved the addition of a new character, Dave Davidson who brought a great sense of humour to the story.
As always JD Kirk doesn't hold back in his descriptions of the crimes or in his use of bad language which some readers might be sensitive to, in which case I'd suggest these books aren't for you. When starting the series it is very much a case of typical grumpy, foul mouthed male DCI but honestly as the series goes on you can help but love Jack and all the supporting characters.
The next book is set in Glenfinnan just 20 minutes from my home village, so I can't wait to get started on that and see what lies ahead for DCI Logan and the team there!
August 16, 2020
Christmas in August
I eagerly await each new novel from JD Kirk with the same anticipation as a kid on Christmas morning. Only Kirk can write with such humor interspersed among gruesome crimes. The dialogue between the detectives is brilliant, ginger and radishes is my new catchphrase for anyone that has read this book. My highest recommendation goes to all the DCI Logan books.
I eagerly await each new novel from JD Kirk with the same anticipation as a kid on Christmas morning. Only Kirk can write with such humor interspersed among gruesome crimes. The dialogue between the detectives is brilliant, ginger and radishes is my new catchphrase for anyone that has read this book. My highest recommendation goes to all the DCI Logan books.
August 28, 2020
A hit as usual!!
Once again another fabulous read, finished in three evenings!! Can't wait for the next instalment to catch up with the team! I work in Pathology in Raigmore and wondering who the pathologist in the book is based on lol!!
Once again another fabulous read, finished in three evenings!! Can't wait for the next instalment to catch up with the team! I work in Pathology in Raigmore and wondering who the pathologist in the book is based on lol!!
February 21, 2021
I dont want these books to end, but I also cant read them quick enough!
August 21, 2025
Struggling with the guilt of the events of his latest case, Logan has been away from detective work for nine months. However, when a mother and child are killed, Logan can’t help himself and knows he has to go back to work in order to figure out who killed them. However, when another mother and child are killed, Logan knows he has to work quickly before the death toll rises. Will he find out who is behind these disgusting deaths, or is Logan dealing with multiple killers?
I always enjoy the DCI Logan books and this one was no exception. The plot was as gripping and, as usual, there were big twists at the end that turned the case on its head and left you guessing! Usually I’m good at figuring out the killer, but I never seem to with the Logan books and I love that. While I liked the plot, I couldn’t understand the motives of the killer. Particularly when it came to the children. That took me out of it slightly as it made the action difficult to understand.
That being said, I did enjoy the focus on characters in this one and seeing different sides to them. For example, Ben’s wife was murdered in the previous case, and in this novel we saw him dealing with his grief and navigating a new reality without her. It was the most raw we’ve ever seen his character and I enjoyed seeing a more human element to him.
Overall, a great novel that only highlights how amazing this series is. I just hope the books continue to be at this level throughout the series
I always enjoy the DCI Logan books and this one was no exception. The plot was as gripping and, as usual, there were big twists at the end that turned the case on its head and left you guessing! Usually I’m good at figuring out the killer, but I never seem to with the Logan books and I love that. While I liked the plot, I couldn’t understand the motives of the killer. Particularly when it came to the children. That took me out of it slightly as it made the action difficult to understand.
That being said, I did enjoy the focus on characters in this one and seeing different sides to them. For example, Ben’s wife was murdered in the previous case, and in this novel we saw him dealing with his grief and navigating a new reality without her. It was the most raw we’ve ever seen his character and I enjoyed seeing a more human element to him.
Overall, a great novel that only highlights how amazing this series is. I just hope the books continue to be at this level throughout the series
November 18, 2020
This murder mystery is especially heart-wrenching because of the victims themselves, but no spoilers. It had an intricate plot and I did not catch on to the motives until the end, which was good. I love to follow the characters in the Scottish police force - they have their flaws and problems but they are very real and compelling. The comradery and team interactions have humor and emotion that make the story richer. Here Logan returns after a self-imposed sabbatical as a bartender on an island, and he finds a new no-nonsense boss, a new constable
member of the team and some fences to mend after disappearing for months. He also has let himself go and he has to ship his fat body back into shape. The series relies on equal parts forensics science and good old-fashioned police work. There is great character development throughout so you can easily get absorbed in the plot, the people and the Scottish landscape and weather. The book was a great distraction from the dreary 2020 year.
member of the team and some fences to mend after disappearing for months. He also has let himself go and he has to ship his fat body back into shape. The series relies on equal parts forensics science and good old-fashioned police work. There is great character development throughout so you can easily get absorbed in the plot, the people and the Scottish landscape and weather. The book was a great distraction from the dreary 2020 year.
February 11, 2025
I was given two books in this series for Christmas, I won’t be reading the second. There was a good set of characters and it would be easy to get drawn in. However as I am currently in the middle of the Simon Cleve series I found JD Kirk’s plot a bit lacking. Granted it was a well planned story, I guessed who the perpetrator was quite early on. Also, having invested three years in reading LJ Ross and Elly Griffiths I’m not ready to invest in another long series at the moment. I’m sure many will enjoy this series just not right for me at this time
January 20, 2021
The usual fantastic team banter, and well written, but honestly too dark for me. Had to skim parts. Across the line with what I'm comfortable reading!
March 8, 2022
3.5 Stars
Definetely better than the previous one in the series, focus is back on the investigation and clues rathen than the team members and their “fatal” heroics.
Definetely better than the previous one in the series, focus is back on the investigation and clues rathen than the team members and their “fatal” heroics.
June 8, 2023
Another great book from J D Kirk keeping you guessing till near the end 👌
January 28, 2024
First time read of this author. Very impressed with the flow , the characters and the laugh the book gave in several places. Looking forward to reading more
February 14, 2025
Another great crime thriller from JD Kirk.
This one was a bit of a breather after the last one, but it’s good to see the team back together again.
This is a great series.
This one was a bit of a breather after the last one, but it’s good to see the team back together again.
This is a great series.
April 25, 2025
Absolutely brilliant. Loving this series so far.
January 7, 2026
Audio version of this book 📕- Another Fantastic listen ! Great storyline and fantastic narrator who brings the characters to life !!
January 31, 2021
Another good book in the series. With a the addition of a fun new character on the squad.
April 21, 2023
The DCI Logan series is brilliant and this was no exception, I really enjoyed it!
June 27, 2022
This is another great read. DCI Logan is a brilliant character. Well written book . Although a bit explicit on sexual activity at times but that can be forgiven because there is a great story behind it. I’ve got the next book to be getting in with now
November 18, 2023
a couple of new characters have joined the major investigation team when DCI logan returns from his hiatus, to follow a couple of red herrings.
August 18, 2020
Best read as part of series. DCI Logan returns, with Hagrid-sized weight-gain. Will he pass the fitness test?
I’ve read four of the seven books in the DCI Jack Logan series, but whilst reading this book I realized that, for me, this wasn’t a stand-alone read. Author JD Kirk doesn’t enlighten with backstories on what I may’ve missed in the last book. However, this book is up to the usual high standards for DCI Logan series.
Logan attends a double murder scene where someone killed a mom and brutally stabbed to death her six-yr-old daughter. As Logan & Team investigate, excellent police protocols and procedures come into play. The book slows but picks up after the halfway mark when another mom and her three-year old son are murdered. There are creepy excerpts from the murderer’s POV, which shows his state of mind.
I enjoyed following DCI Logan and various detectives as they investigated. The red herrings were quite good, so I was able to choose only one villain. I guessed the other only as DCI Logan scrambled to uncover the missing clues. There were some questions Logan asked that weren’t answered. I had a hard time believing that the huuuuge clue Logan discovered late was not noted earlier by detectives, who stood outside the house, went through the house, and looked at murder scene photos.
I recommend this to crime fiction fans, but IMHO it’s best to read this series in order.
I’ve read four of the seven books in the DCI Jack Logan series, but whilst reading this book I realized that, for me, this wasn’t a stand-alone read. Author JD Kirk doesn’t enlighten with backstories on what I may’ve missed in the last book. However, this book is up to the usual high standards for DCI Logan series.
Logan attends a double murder scene where someone killed a mom and brutally stabbed to death her six-yr-old daughter. As Logan & Team investigate, excellent police protocols and procedures come into play. The book slows but picks up after the halfway mark when another mom and her three-year old son are murdered. There are creepy excerpts from the murderer’s POV, which shows his state of mind.
I enjoyed following DCI Logan and various detectives as they investigated. The red herrings were quite good, so I was able to choose only one villain. I guessed the other only as DCI Logan scrambled to uncover the missing clues. There were some questions Logan asked that weren’t answered. I had a hard time believing that the huuuuge clue Logan discovered late was not noted earlier by detectives, who stood outside the house, went through the house, and looked at murder scene photos.
I recommend this to crime fiction fans, but IMHO it’s best to read this series in order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews