The Cost

by Morgan Cry

One man’s race against time to track down a deadly narcotic before it hits the streets of the seaside hometown he thought he’d never return to. The first in a new Tartan Noir mystery series by Bloody Scotland co-founder Gordon Brown writing as Morgan Cry.

Disgraced, demoralised and recently retired Glasgow police constable Blake Glover returns to his childhood home of Fraserburgh on the north-east shoulder of Scotland. While driving a taxi to occupy himself and contemplate his future he is asked to discreetly investigate the disappearance of a young woman.

Blake reluctantly agrees to help and stumbles upon a mysterious stately home which appears to be involved in smuggling people from around the world for a highly addictive and deadly narcotic.

The more Blake investigates the more he uncovers a massive plot involving money, blackmail, drugs and murder. With the fear that the narcotic will make it onto the streets of his hometown, Blake must track down the drugs before time runs out or watch people he cares about meet a gruesome end.

Fans of VAL McDERMID, IAN RANKIN, DENISE MINA and WILLIAM McILVANNEY shouldn’t miss this intricately plotted, clever and suspenseful series debut by Scottish crime writer Morgan Cry.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2025

About the author

Morgan Cry is the ex-pat alias of Gordon Brown, a Scottish crime writer with 9 novels to his name. Leaving the dark alleyways of tartan noir and heading for the Spanish sunshine, Morgan Cry debuted with a cracking tale of murder, intrigue, and a daughter flung right in at the deep end with her mother's secrets in 'Thirty-One Bones' and Daniella returns in a 'whodunnit' in the sun - 'Six Wounds' - 'It's Murder When You are Innocent.'

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Sheila Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I'm originally from Fraserburgh and this is an authentic and sympathetic representation of the town and it's folks, I know many Mrs Langs 😊
Beyond that it's a cracking story, just the right amount of twists and I love Blake Glover I cant wait for the next one in the series

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Cost’ is the start of a new series from Morgan Cry, aka Gordon Brown, set in Fraserburgh. I loved Gordon’s previous books, so I was looking forward to picking this one up, and it did not disappoint. It manages to pull you in instantly, and I was riveted until the final page. It has a great sense of location, is packed full of characters you can’t help but love, and has a brilliant storyline to boot!

Blake Glover has returned to the town of his birth, Fraserburgh. He is an ex-copper and has left the force under a bit of a cloud. The only job he could get is working for a local taxi firm, owned by the fabulous Doddy and Doddy’s girlfriend, Cain. One of his first fares is Mrs Lang, a neighbour from when he used to live in the town as a child. When she alludes to knowing something about his mother, Blake is intrigued, but she will only tell him if he helps out her granddaughter, Terry. A young Polish woman has disappeared from their workplace and wants Blake to look into it. Despite all his protests about not wanting to get involved, he can’t quite help himself. Soon, he is deeply embroiled in the search for answers, which could have severe repercussions.

I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, especially Blake and Mrs Lang. Blake is a troubled soul and is still reeling from the reason he left the force in Glasgow and the relocation back to Fraserburgh. He is trying to prove to himself that he is ‘good’, despite there being some dodgy moments in his past.. This has not been helped by reconnecting with an old school friend who has certainly changed a lot since their childhood.

This was a highly enjoyable read that manages to deftly weave the narrative so you are left guessing throughout. Despite the story becoming quite dark in nature, there is a sense of humour and lightness to the prose. I always knew that Gordon was a good writer, but this book has cemented this belief. I instantly fell in love with this world, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read previous books by Morgan Cry I was looking forward to getting stuck into his latest book The Cost. This book is very different from his previous ones as gone is the sunshine setting, this time we are in Fraserburgh in Scotland following Blake Glover as he navigates his return to the place he was born after leaving his job in the Glasgow police force under a bit of a cloud. The only job he has been able to get is that of a taxi driver for a very small firm and when he is approached to investigate the disappearance of a young woman its not long before Blake finds himself mixed up in a world that he never expected to be confronted with again.
Despite having left the force and all his protestations that he does not want to get involved you can sense that Blake is looking for something more for his life. He clearly thinks this will be a quick job and a means to an end that may provide some answers to his own past. What he finds is possible people smuggling and a drugs business that is more deadly than anything he has ever come across. As he connects with his childhood friend it is clear that not only has life moved on but the boy he once knew is very different to the man he has now become.
I liked Blake, he had clearly done some slightly dubious things in his past but in his mind, it was for the right reasons. He is troubled by events from his childhood, and I think that it is his quest to get answers that drives his actions even if it puts him in the firing line of both the police and some dangerous people. Although he is not really close to anyone, he does seem to have developed a sense of loyalty to his employers and wants to help them get out of the situation they are wrapped up in.
The book deals with the disturbing world of dangerous manufactured drugs that cause a dependency that can lead to unpleasant consequences for the user, highlighting the lengths taken to maintain supply for both the user and the gang behind them. Morgan Cry pulls the reader into this world and has given characters that are both believable and compelling. Coming from south of the Scottish border it did take me a little while to get into the rhythm of the writing with its very Scottish terms but once there it just helped add that extra dimension to the story. As this is billed as a new series I am looking forward to the next book

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Glover, thirty years a beat and patrol copper in Glasgow, has retired and returned to his childhood home town of Fraserburgh. He now works as one of two drivers for possibly the worst ever taxi company. One of his first fares is his old neighbour, Mrs Lang, who hints at knowing something about his mother’s death. Her granddaughter Terry wants him to look into the sacking of her friend Kristina from her hotel job, unofficially without police involvement as she also works there. A trade off – information in return for an investigation. He takes a trip to the plush Broch House hotel and spa but things seem out of kilter. No fancy weddings, hardly any guests except one fishy smelling tramp, and staff paid over the odds. His police senses are triggered, especially as the helpful barman he spoke to is immediately dismissed from his job and like Kristina, has vanished without trace. Just what is going on up there in the mysterious secure hotel annexe? What has Blake stumbled upon and will he be able to keep himself and his friends safe?
What a brilliant start to the series! I liked Blake right from the beginning. He is worldly and wise, his years in the police giving him a realistic and balanced view of the people he has often had to deal with, sometimes with blurred lines and trying to do the right thing but not always in the best way. The plot is cleverly written with a rather chilling theme but there’s humour too in this first exciting and thoroughly engrossing book in the new series. I am looking forward to book 2, The Fracture.

[Angi Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts
When I find a new favourite in the cop world, it’s rare.
I have done exactly that with Blake Glover. He’s an ex-cop but he’s got things he needs to know about his past. Things which may or may not be connected to his future.
He’s flawed, but not in the usual sense. He’s trusting and wants to help. But he knows how to bend rules and break them when he needs answers.
For me he’s almost a modern day version of Rebus. And he really works. I read this in one go, because he’s so engrossing. Getting to grips with his past was great as it showed us why he turned out the way he did.
I felt for him so much when he mentioned giving his mum her sweeties. What a brilliant character, Morgan Cry.
I can’t wait to know more about him. He’s the best cop or detective in a while. The setting was definitely a character in itself. The way people have certain traits and habits. How an area feels. This is something Morgan Cry is exceptional at portraying.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

u.knew with. this taking place just over an hour away from me that I absolutely had to read it. There was no way round it. As soon as I saw it, I was hooked and had to know more.
I found this book really intriguing. It was chock with exciting times, but also detail and lots of thrilling moments, where you were just trying to get a handle on what might have happened, who did and why they would. There was so much being said, and all the details really brought it to life, but what really hooked me was what was going on in the things that weren't being said. You could really try to read between the lines on this one and see if you could figure out just what was really going on, and I loved the challenge.
This book was such a thrilling read and I loved knowing all the local areas mentioned and really getting to be fully engrossed in the entirety of the book. It was brilliant.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow-burn with a lot to unpack. Blake's return to his hometown has you wondering why someone would leave a long established career to go back after so long. I like that we don't get the answers straightaway and that nothing is straightforward or obvious.

His instincts are still good even though he's traded his police badge for a taxi. He does misplace trust which shows that he's only human and ultimately the people he trusted are people that supported him at a tricky time.

I think he does have a lot of sadness and guilt which he works through and we understand why as things progress.

The investigation that he gets wrapped up in is very involved and ends with a loose end so there's room for that to resurface should Blake's adventures continue in another installment. I think he needs something positive as he has a rough time of it in this.

[Mario Mirabelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing tale of coming home after almost forty years to find closure only to find big city problems you thought left behind in your own backyard. Blake Glover has been a Glasgow cop for forty years after being orphaned as a teenager in the eastern coastal town of Frasurburgh. Single and burn out from his time, he returns to his home town for some downtime and takes a job as taxi driver for an old family friend. Unfortunately Blake has plenty of ghosts and guild floating around town where everybody knows everything even if you don't. In addition, Blake's cop instincts are can sense that all is not well here. From old friends to a mysterious resort spa as well the longing guilt of his mother's death, Blake is buzzing in all the wrong ways. Well done!

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in what seems to be a great new series, featuring retired cop Blake Glover, now working as a taxi driver. I really like Blake, although he is a troubled character, as he returns to his home town and tries to find out what really happened to his mother, she died when he was young. Set in the north east of Scotland, with believable characters, there is plenty of tension and suspense throughout. The plotting is centred around the manufacture of drugs and their effect on addicts. Another well written story from the author and a new series to look forward to. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Mrs Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening lines you realise you’re on a rollercoaster, so belt up, hold on tight, and be ready for a ride of a read.
The story of retired policeman Blake Glover is one that is raw and doesn't hold back. Fraserburgh, or the Broch is brought to life and you feel as though you were there. The characters are interesting and help knit together the story of Blake’s past and present.
Mrs Lang is your typical wee town granny and the way she is both kind and harsh at times makes her realistic.
It’s a story that draws you in bit by bit until you rush hurtling towards the end.
I’m looking forward to the next part of Blake Glover’s story.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book we are introduced to a new 'policeman' albeit a retired one who returns home to Fraserburgh initially in search of how his mother died but then becoming involved with a mysterious house and drug running. Written partially from personal history, the book has you constantly guessing who is doing what to whom and is Blake going to discover what actually happened to his mum. It was something a wee but different for a murder/mystery and I enjoyed the latent humour which Morgan has throughout his novels. Look forward to book 2 now.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of gritty, atmospheric mysteries with a distinctly Scottish flair, The Cost by Morgan Cry is one you don’t want to miss. Set against the rugged, wind-lashed backdrop of Fraserburgh, this novel follows disgraced ex-Glasgow police constable Blake Glover as he reluctantly dives into a deadly mystery that hits a little too close to home.
Blake is a compelling character—flawed, haunted by his past, and trying to find his place in a town that no longer feels like his own. After being forced to retire from the police, he’s taken to driving a taxi to pass the time, but a favour for an old friend soon spirals into a life-or-death race to track down a lethal new narcotic before it devastates his hometown. The plot is tense and unflinching, with twists that keep you guessing until the very end.
Morgan Cry (a.k.a. Gordon Brown) expertly weaves together elements of crime, danger, and personal redemption. The pacing is relentless, and just when you think you have a handle on the situation, another layer of deception unravels. The author’s portrayal of Fraserburgh adds a gritty authenticity that grounds the story in a sense of place—you can almost feel the salty breeze and hear the seagulls circling overhead.
One of the most striking aspects of The Cost is its raw, visceral depiction of the impact drugs can have on a community. Blake’s desperation to stop the narcotic from taking hold is evident, making you root for him even when his decisions veer into morally grey territory. The supporting characters add depth to the story, from the mysterious residents of the stately home to the everyday townsfolk caught in the crossfire.
If you’re drawn to complex protagonists and fast-paced mysteries that leave you breathless, this book is a must-read. It’s dark, gripping, and brimming with tension. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next instalment.
https://featzreviews.com/the-cost-rev...

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
To begin with I enjoyed this book. I love books set in Scotland, but this one was disappointing to me. The further the story went, the more o.t.t. it felt: a science fiction like drug being the main crime along murder just didn't do it for me.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok read.

[Runalong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very impressive to a new noir crime series with a fascinating main character and unusual setting that really stand out

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...