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The Oldcastle Novels
In a Place of Darkness
THE CLOCK IS TICKING...
Detective Constable Angus MacVicar has just landed his dream job – transferred out of uniform and assigned to Oldcastle’s biggest ongoing murder Operation Telegram, hunting the 'Fortnight Killer'.
Every two weeks another couple is targeted. One victim is left at the scene, their corpse used as a twisted message board. The second body is never seen again.
This should be the perfect chance for Angus to prove himself, but instead of working on the investigation’s front line, he’s lumbered with the forensic psychologist from hell. A sarcastic know-it-all American, on loan from the FBI, who seems determined to alienate everyone while dragging Angus into a shadowy world of conspiracies, lies, and violence.
It’s been twelve days since the Fortnight Killer last struck, and the investigation’s running out of time. Angus's shiny new job might just be the death of him…
Detective Constable Angus MacVicar has just landed his dream job – transferred out of uniform and assigned to Oldcastle’s biggest ongoing murder Operation Telegram, hunting the 'Fortnight Killer'.
Every two weeks another couple is targeted. One victim is left at the scene, their corpse used as a twisted message board. The second body is never seen again.
This should be the perfect chance for Angus to prove himself, but instead of working on the investigation’s front line, he’s lumbered with the forensic psychologist from hell. A sarcastic know-it-all American, on loan from the FBI, who seems determined to alienate everyone while dragging Angus into a shadowy world of conspiracies, lies, and violence.
It’s been twelve days since the Fortnight Killer last struck, and the investigation’s running out of time. Angus's shiny new job might just be the death of him…
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2024
642 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Stuart MacBride
87 books2,722 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
July 25, 2024
EXCERPT: It had been a nice hallway at one point: wide with pictures on the walls, a cupboard for coats, and that interlocked parquet flooring that Mum always mooned over in the magazines. Now, bloody handprints smeared the walls with scarlet; bloody footprints tracked all over the wooden floor.
The scene examiners had laid their common approach path down one side of the hall to avoid the heaviest staining - the little metal trays clanging beneath Dr Fife's bootied heels.
A camera's flash flickered out from an open doorway.
Angus swallowed.
Even through the mask, the air tasted of hot copper and AAA batteries.
ABOUT 'IN A PLACE OF DARKNESS': Detective Constable Angus MacVicar has just landed his dream job – transferred out of uniform and assigned to Oldcastle’s biggest ongoing murder investigation: Operation Telegram, hunting the 'Fortnight Killer'.
Every two weeks another couple is targeted. One victim is left at the scene, their corpse used as a twisted message board. The second body is never seen again.
This should be the perfect chance for Angus to prove himself, but instead of working on the investigation’s front line, he’s lumbered with the forensic psychologist from hell. A sarcastic know-it-all American, on loan from the FBI, who seems determined to alienate everyone while dragging Angus into a shadowy world of conspiracies, lies, and violence.
It’s been twelve days since the Fortnight Killer last struck, and the investigation’s running out of time. Angus's shiny new job might just be the death of him…
MY THOUGHTS: Deliciously dark with plenty of black humour.
There were times while reading In a Place of Darkness that I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh or cry, and frequently did both. The one-liners are to die for. My favourite - 'about as useful as barbed-wire toilet paper.'
The plot is excellent, fast-paced and mind-boggling. But it is the characters who are the stars here. From the monolith that is Angus MacVicar to the diminutive Dr Jonathan (don't call me Jon or Jonnie) Fife, every one of them is entertaining in their own right.
I could envisage Angus as an exuberant golden labrador, over-eager to please and broken-hearted when reprimanded. He is quite naive in many aspects; a veritable babe-in-the-woods when it comes to women and romance. The twice divorced Dr Fife is his polar opposite- world-weary and jaded - at least that's the persona he likes to present. He's also mercurial, sarcastic and doesn't suffer fools easily. As he thinks most people are fools, it makes for some very interesting dialogue.
There are plenty of twists, turns, red herrings and even a little romantic interest for Angus. My one reservation is in regards to the final battle scene. It was honestly just too long and involved.
Although In A Place of Darkness appears to be a stand-alone, the ending leaves the possibility of a series wide open. I,for one, certainly hope to read more of Angus.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#InaPlaceofDarkness #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Stuart lives in the north-east of Scotland with his wife Fiona, cats Gherkin, Onion and Beetroot, some hens, some horses and an impressive collection of assorted weeds.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld publishers via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of In A Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The scene examiners had laid their common approach path down one side of the hall to avoid the heaviest staining - the little metal trays clanging beneath Dr Fife's bootied heels.
A camera's flash flickered out from an open doorway.
Angus swallowed.
Even through the mask, the air tasted of hot copper and AAA batteries.
ABOUT 'IN A PLACE OF DARKNESS': Detective Constable Angus MacVicar has just landed his dream job – transferred out of uniform and assigned to Oldcastle’s biggest ongoing murder investigation: Operation Telegram, hunting the 'Fortnight Killer'.
Every two weeks another couple is targeted. One victim is left at the scene, their corpse used as a twisted message board. The second body is never seen again.
This should be the perfect chance for Angus to prove himself, but instead of working on the investigation’s front line, he’s lumbered with the forensic psychologist from hell. A sarcastic know-it-all American, on loan from the FBI, who seems determined to alienate everyone while dragging Angus into a shadowy world of conspiracies, lies, and violence.
It’s been twelve days since the Fortnight Killer last struck, and the investigation’s running out of time. Angus's shiny new job might just be the death of him…
MY THOUGHTS: Deliciously dark with plenty of black humour.
There were times while reading In a Place of Darkness that I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh or cry, and frequently did both. The one-liners are to die for. My favourite - 'about as useful as barbed-wire toilet paper.'
The plot is excellent, fast-paced and mind-boggling. But it is the characters who are the stars here. From the monolith that is Angus MacVicar to the diminutive Dr Jonathan (don't call me Jon or Jonnie) Fife, every one of them is entertaining in their own right.
I could envisage Angus as an exuberant golden labrador, over-eager to please and broken-hearted when reprimanded. He is quite naive in many aspects; a veritable babe-in-the-woods when it comes to women and romance. The twice divorced Dr Fife is his polar opposite- world-weary and jaded - at least that's the persona he likes to present. He's also mercurial, sarcastic and doesn't suffer fools easily. As he thinks most people are fools, it makes for some very interesting dialogue.
There are plenty of twists, turns, red herrings and even a little romantic interest for Angus. My one reservation is in regards to the final battle scene. It was honestly just too long and involved.
Although In A Place of Darkness appears to be a stand-alone, the ending leaves the possibility of a series wide open. I,for one, certainly hope to read more of Angus.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#InaPlaceofDarkness #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Stuart lives in the north-east of Scotland with his wife Fiona, cats Gherkin, Onion and Beetroot, some hens, some horses and an impressive collection of assorted weeds.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld publishers via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of In A Place of Darkness by Stuart MacBride for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 9, 2025
Still set in Oldcastle but with a brand new protagonist - D.C. Angus MacVicar, who has been transferred in to assist the team with a murder investigation. Sadly he ends up taking care of a very strange psychologist visiting from America. Can he still manage to prove his value to the team?
The book is well over five hundred pages of brutality, violence, comedy and brilliant characters who jump off the page to entertain. I love the setting in Scotland, the jokes about the food, the accents and wonderful words like shoogle which crop up all the time. Angus himself is a splendid character who manages to succeed when absolutely everything possible is thrown at him. Please let there be a follow up!
The book is well over five hundred pages of brutality, violence, comedy and brilliant characters who jump off the page to entertain. I love the setting in Scotland, the jokes about the food, the accents and wonderful words like shoogle which crop up all the time. Angus himself is a splendid character who manages to succeed when absolutely everything possible is thrown at him. Please let there be a follow up!
September 19, 2024
This thrilling Scottish crime novel is the 6th volume of the "Oldcastle" series, from the formidable author Stuart MacBride.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a tribute to Gordon Ferguson-Reid.
Storytelling is excellent, the atmosphere and landscape in and around Oldcastle are wonderfully described and pictured by the author, while all characters come vividly to life in this tale about firm believers of plot thinking and dealing out death as an action of revolt.
This story is about DC Angus MacVicar, a gentle giant of a man, with a righteous and honest heart, but when it comes it what his policework is concerned, his actions are sharp and ferocious.
DC Angus MacVicar, promoted to a murder investigation called "Operation Telegram" and together with the rest of Oldcastle CID they are hunting the "Fortnight Killer", and investigation in which every two weeks a couple is targeted, one tortured and killed at home, while the partner is abducted to be tortured and killed elsewhere.
Along with this investigation will come from the USA, an FBI Forensic Psychologist called Dr Fyfe, and he will take DC MacVicar along as his sidekick, and together they will explore all possibilities in an effort to identify the identity of this "Fortnight Killer" and whether he/she is working alone or in a group of one minded individuals.
What is to follow is an exciting crime novel, where cults and plot thinking will play a huge part, and how far certain individuals will go to reach their perspectives and ideals, and in this scene of destruction and death DC Angus MacVicar and DR Fyfe will be confronted with a final standoff with this group of individuals, and that will end with some horrific and lethal results.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Compelling Dark Plotting Mind"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a tribute to Gordon Ferguson-Reid.
Storytelling is excellent, the atmosphere and landscape in and around Oldcastle are wonderfully described and pictured by the author, while all characters come vividly to life in this tale about firm believers of plot thinking and dealing out death as an action of revolt.
This story is about DC Angus MacVicar, a gentle giant of a man, with a righteous and honest heart, but when it comes it what his policework is concerned, his actions are sharp and ferocious.
DC Angus MacVicar, promoted to a murder investigation called "Operation Telegram" and together with the rest of Oldcastle CID they are hunting the "Fortnight Killer", and investigation in which every two weeks a couple is targeted, one tortured and killed at home, while the partner is abducted to be tortured and killed elsewhere.
Along with this investigation will come from the USA, an FBI Forensic Psychologist called Dr Fyfe, and he will take DC MacVicar along as his sidekick, and together they will explore all possibilities in an effort to identify the identity of this "Fortnight Killer" and whether he/she is working alone or in a group of one minded individuals.
What is to follow is an exciting crime novel, where cults and plot thinking will play a huge part, and how far certain individuals will go to reach their perspectives and ideals, and in this scene of destruction and death DC Angus MacVicar and DR Fyfe will be confronted with a final standoff with this group of individuals, and that will end with some horrific and lethal results.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Compelling Dark Plotting Mind"!
May 2, 2024
It’s DC Angus MacVicar’s first day and he’s as keen as mustard in his shiny Asda suit. He’s landed his dream job with Oldcastle’s murder squad currently underway with an enormous and shocking enquiry known as Operation Telegram, led by DCI Monroe. They are hunting a sadistic perpetrator known as The Fortnight Killer as every two weeks a couple are targeted. One is left brutally murdered at the scene and the other has disappeared. The killer always uses the corpse to leave a message that can only be described as twisted. However, if Angus thinks he’s going to get a coveted slot on the team’s investigative front line, then he’s to be sadly disappointed. Instead, he’s attached to a hotshot FBI forensic psychologist who seems to be a truly awful human being. Dr Jonathan Fife is beyond rude and offensive and so he goes down like a lead balloon with the Scottish team. He makes up for his diminutive stature with his mouth and doesn’t care who he alienates. However, most importantly, does he have anything helpful to impart? The clock is ticking as the next fortnightly killing is due in two days. Will they get their ‘man’ before disaster strikes again? Tick tock Oldcastle police team… and as for Angus let’s hope he emerges unscathed from his first investigation.
Stuart MacBride is well known for his Tartan Noir (very noir) combined with humour, it’s kind of his brand. There’s lots to praise here but the length, I mean 544 pages?? Really! That’s not to say don’t enjoy it, because I do but just skip the extraneous please.
Anyway, what’s good? Well, a lot actually, the plot for a start which is excellent and yes, despite the details, it is fast paced.
I absolutely love the vibes between the police team and those between the team and Fife, these jump off the pages. The dialogue and banter is fantastic, it’s colourful, very creative with some phrases that are well worth pinching! There’s humour and a lot of it which is a beacon of light in a very dark plot which definitely strays at times into gory territory. The characters are terrific, they’re all portrayed really vividly with the banter helping to imagine them. They all have funny nicknames which are highly appropriate. Fife as it turns out comes with quite the backstory and it’s a good one.
It’s a rollercoaster with brainwaves, breakthroughs, multiple twists and turns, tension and suspense, navigating around Oldcastle, MacVicar’s life, food (I’ll pass), the banter, more banter, Doctor Fife and his telling it how it is, laughs, groans, yucks, eye poppers and jaw droppers which makes for an entertaining mix. It builds to an exciting finish with some things that are unexpected and a tantalising final chapter.
Overall, it’s a good start to what I suspect will be a new series. I hope so as these characters are just too good for one offs.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Stuart MacBride is well known for his Tartan Noir (very noir) combined with humour, it’s kind of his brand. There’s lots to praise here but the length, I mean 544 pages?? Really! That’s not to say don’t enjoy it, because I do but just skip the extraneous please.
Anyway, what’s good? Well, a lot actually, the plot for a start which is excellent and yes, despite the details, it is fast paced.
I absolutely love the vibes between the police team and those between the team and Fife, these jump off the pages. The dialogue and banter is fantastic, it’s colourful, very creative with some phrases that are well worth pinching! There’s humour and a lot of it which is a beacon of light in a very dark plot which definitely strays at times into gory territory. The characters are terrific, they’re all portrayed really vividly with the banter helping to imagine them. They all have funny nicknames which are highly appropriate. Fife as it turns out comes with quite the backstory and it’s a good one.
It’s a rollercoaster with brainwaves, breakthroughs, multiple twists and turns, tension and suspense, navigating around Oldcastle, MacVicar’s life, food (I’ll pass), the banter, more banter, Doctor Fife and his telling it how it is, laughs, groans, yucks, eye poppers and jaw droppers which makes for an entertaining mix. It builds to an exciting finish with some things that are unexpected and a tantalising final chapter.
Overall, it’s a good start to what I suspect will be a new series. I hope so as these characters are just too good for one offs.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
We’re back in Oldcastle, the Serial-Killer Capital of Europe, with Stuart MacBride, and a new team: D.C. Angus MacVicar (the main protagonist), and Dr. Jonathan Fife (an American forensic psychologist temporarily assigned to the Oldcastle team) They are after The Fortnight Killer—someone who attacks couples—horribly torturing one and kidnapping his/her partner—every two weeks. It is assumed that the Fortnight Killer is a man because of the strength needed to carry out these horrific deeds.
As with all Stuart MacBride novels, the excitement is more in the one-liners scattered throughout the novel than in the chase.
Angus is a large man, which is the butt of many jokes:
‘You’re a big, daft, damp, lump of gristle, aren’t you.’
‘Yes, thank you, Paul Bunyan; most of us aren’t built like a forklift truck.’
He looked Angus up and down. ‘Besides, you’re huge: if something kicks off we can all hide behind you.’
Dr. Fife is a dwarf—actually an achondroplasia. Not many jokes are made about his size, but there are plenty about his style and language:
“the hotshot FBI profiler about to join the team, they’d clearly been expecting someone a bit more Mulder-and-Scully and a lot less hangover-at-the-Hard-Rock-Cafe”
‘After I flew halfway round the world, to this rain-drenched craphole in the ass-end of nowhere, to help pull your useless police department out the goddamn hole it dug itself into!’
Angus sat up. ‘Can you teach me?’ ‘No. You’re on lookout.’ Dr. Fife settled beneath his makeshift blanket again. ‘Now shut your yap.’
Angus to Fife: It’s not a “autopsy”, it’s a post-Mortem. This isn’t the United States of Unable to Speak the Language Properly.’
Given the gruesome subject matter, it’s one of the most hilarious books I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down; even carried it with me to a doctor’s appointment and read in the waiting room (and I seldom do this).
While reading, I thought it would make a great radio play—given the manner in which different audio sources are sprinkled throughout scenes. I don’t know if it would make a good audiobook with a single narrator; I’d rather hear different voices and sound effects like the old radio plays.
There was a bit of repetition—it’s a long book. But the only time I was tempted to skip-read was near the end, when the physical fight went on and on, blow by blow. That part could have been condensed.
The are several surprising twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, always a plus when you’ve read as many thrillers as I have.
I do hope this is the start of a new MacBride series.
A+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other Stuart MacBride novels:
Shatter The Bones (Logan McRae, #7)
The Missing and the Dead (Logan McRae, #9)
In the Cold Dark Ground (Logan McRae, #10)
The Blood Road (Logan McRae, #11)
All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)
Birthdays For the Dead (Ash Henderson, #1)
The Coffin Maker’s Garden (Ash Henderson, #3)
A Song For the Dying (Ash Henderson, #2
22 Dead Little Bodies (Logan McRae, #9.5
The 45% Hangover (Logan McRae, #8.5
No Less the Devil (Oldcastle)
A Dark So Deadly (Oldcastle)
The Dead of Winter (Oldcastle)
Twelve Days of Winter: Crime at Christmas (Short stories)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As with all Stuart MacBride novels, the excitement is more in the one-liners scattered throughout the novel than in the chase.
Angus is a large man, which is the butt of many jokes:
‘You’re a big, daft, damp, lump of gristle, aren’t you.’
‘Yes, thank you, Paul Bunyan; most of us aren’t built like a forklift truck.’
He looked Angus up and down. ‘Besides, you’re huge: if something kicks off we can all hide behind you.’
Dr. Fife is a dwarf—actually an achondroplasia. Not many jokes are made about his size, but there are plenty about his style and language:
“the hotshot FBI profiler about to join the team, they’d clearly been expecting someone a bit more Mulder-and-Scully and a lot less hangover-at-the-Hard-Rock-Cafe”
‘After I flew halfway round the world, to this rain-drenched craphole in the ass-end of nowhere, to help pull your useless police department out the goddamn hole it dug itself into!’
Angus sat up. ‘Can you teach me?’ ‘No. You’re on lookout.’ Dr. Fife settled beneath his makeshift blanket again. ‘Now shut your yap.’
Angus to Fife: It’s not a “autopsy”, it’s a post-Mortem. This isn’t the United States of Unable to Speak the Language Properly.’
Given the gruesome subject matter, it’s one of the most hilarious books I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down; even carried it with me to a doctor’s appointment and read in the waiting room (and I seldom do this).
While reading, I thought it would make a great radio play—given the manner in which different audio sources are sprinkled throughout scenes. I don’t know if it would make a good audiobook with a single narrator; I’d rather hear different voices and sound effects like the old radio plays.
There was a bit of repetition—it’s a long book. But the only time I was tempted to skip-read was near the end, when the physical fight went on and on, blow by blow. That part could have been condensed.
The are several surprising twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, always a plus when you’ve read as many thrillers as I have.
I do hope this is the start of a new MacBride series.
A+
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other Stuart MacBride novels:
Shatter The Bones (Logan McRae, #7)
The Missing and the Dead (Logan McRae, #9)
In the Cold Dark Ground (Logan McRae, #10)
The Blood Road (Logan McRae, #11)
All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)
Birthdays For the Dead (Ash Henderson, #1)
The Coffin Maker’s Garden (Ash Henderson, #3)
A Song For the Dying (Ash Henderson, #2
22 Dead Little Bodies (Logan McRae, #9.5
The 45% Hangover (Logan McRae, #8.5
No Less the Devil (Oldcastle)
A Dark So Deadly (Oldcastle)
The Dead of Winter (Oldcastle)
Twelve Days of Winter: Crime at Christmas (Short stories)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 25, 2024
What better way to start my holiday than sitting in the sun in a lovely garden, with something nice to drink nearby on a table, and a book by Stuart MacBride in my hands?
I've read numerous reviews here who already put in words far, far better than me how great this book is. The characters, the story, and for me the delightful way MacBride plays with words and language. I can only add that I'm, as always, looking forward to the next title.
I've read numerous reviews here who already put in words far, far better than me how great this book is. The characters, the story, and for me the delightful way MacBride plays with words and language. I can only add that I'm, as always, looking forward to the next title.
December 22, 2024
Stuart MacBride is a gifted storyteller. This 500 plus page book is a roller coaster of fun, action and bloody and dismembered bodies everywhere…fun!
This story has many similarities with The Dead of Winter, a very nice Constable who is also a gullible man is paired with the most annoying and inconsiderate partner. Everything happens to the central character in both books, he tries his best and have a good heart but bad things happened only to him, first the partner and then there is the weather, rain or snow is not always light and it only affects him.
This author has produced an explosive edge of your seat police procedural. Fantastic characters and a conclusion fit for the beginning of a new series, can’t wait to see what MacBride has in store for us next.
Favorite line by Dr Fife (the American) “Have you ever noticed how scared right-wingers are about everything? Migrants, refugees, foreigners, kids, the “woke”, “leftie” lawyers, sports commentators, celebrities, vaccines….” Good job MacBride exposing cult like mentality with a sense of humor.
This story has many similarities with The Dead of Winter, a very nice Constable who is also a gullible man is paired with the most annoying and inconsiderate partner. Everything happens to the central character in both books, he tries his best and have a good heart but bad things happened only to him, first the partner and then there is the weather, rain or snow is not always light and it only affects him.
This author has produced an explosive edge of your seat police procedural. Fantastic characters and a conclusion fit for the beginning of a new series, can’t wait to see what MacBride has in store for us next.
Favorite line by Dr Fife (the American) “Have you ever noticed how scared right-wingers are about everything? Migrants, refugees, foreigners, kids, the “woke”, “leftie” lawyers, sports commentators, celebrities, vaccines….” Good job MacBride exposing cult like mentality with a sense of humor.
July 22, 2024
The downside of reading a lot of books is that you can become jaded, and no matter how much you try not to be biased, or start comparing 'a' book to past books, it is probably inevitable. I've read a dozen of McBride's books, and I loved them to start, but as the various series progressed, they just wore thin and got silly, and I pulled the pin on Logan at book 10.
This is more Logan by a different name. Same dialog, same same, and maybe if it was more realistic, it would work, but for me, I think I'll call it a day. The FBI import is just too stupid and unrealistic. I am 5 hours into a 20! hour audiobook, and bored to tears. One too many jokes I'm afraid. One too many references to crap Scottish diets. Maybe if the thing was a more realistic length, I could have lasted and MAYBE got interested, but 15 more hours of this, nah.
Thanks for the trip Stuart MacBride, it was fun while it lasted.
This is more Logan by a different name. Same dialog, same same, and maybe if it was more realistic, it would work, but for me, I think I'll call it a day. The FBI import is just too stupid and unrealistic. I am 5 hours into a 20! hour audiobook, and bored to tears. One too many jokes I'm afraid. One too many references to crap Scottish diets. Maybe if the thing was a more realistic length, I could have lasted and MAYBE got interested, but 15 more hours of this, nah.
Thanks for the trip Stuart MacBride, it was fun while it lasted.
August 4, 2024
Yes. Yes. Yes
Finally, back to his best. I've read every book by MacBride, but I confess the last few have been a battle. This, however, was back up in the top tier of crime books
Writing with his dark humour style and creating a story that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
This book had fantastic twists and turns but also introduced two brand new characters who were both bloody fantastic.
Is this finally the series that takes over from Logan ! I need more in this series. Please don't be a standalone
Finally, back to his best. I've read every book by MacBride, but I confess the last few have been a battle. This, however, was back up in the top tier of crime books
Writing with his dark humour style and creating a story that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
This book had fantastic twists and turns but also introduced two brand new characters who were both bloody fantastic.
Is this finally the series that takes over from Logan ! I need more in this series. Please don't be a standalone
July 10, 2024
I've not been a huge fan of the last few of Stuart MacBride's books but given that this is a new series, I decided to take a gamble and I'm glad I did.
The new cast of characters are great, with Dr Fife being a particular stand out. Whilst initially irritating, I grew to really appreciate what his expertise, witty put downs and sarcasm brought to the story. Angus - whilst a bit bland - was lovely and I was cheering him on throughout.
As expected from MacBride, the plot is thrilling with plenty of dark humour and banter to lighten the dark subject matter.
That being said, the book is not without its faults. Firstly, it is far too long, with lots of filler. It could easily have been 100 or so pages shorter. Secondly, I found the ending and Dr. Fife's back story to be ridiculous and too far fetched. They were also wrapped up far too swiftly.
Overall, if you're a Tartan Noir fan, you'll love this as there's plenty of that classic MacBride gore and dark humour however, the far fetched ending and filler make me long for the classic Logan MacRae days.
Thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam and NetGalley for the ARC.
The new cast of characters are great, with Dr Fife being a particular stand out. Whilst initially irritating, I grew to really appreciate what his expertise, witty put downs and sarcasm brought to the story. Angus - whilst a bit bland - was lovely and I was cheering him on throughout.
As expected from MacBride, the plot is thrilling with plenty of dark humour and banter to lighten the dark subject matter.
That being said, the book is not without its faults. Firstly, it is far too long, with lots of filler. It could easily have been 100 or so pages shorter. Secondly, I found the ending and Dr. Fife's back story to be ridiculous and too far fetched. They were also wrapped up far too swiftly.
Overall, if you're a Tartan Noir fan, you'll love this as there's plenty of that classic MacBride gore and dark humour however, the far fetched ending and filler make me long for the classic Logan MacRae days.
Thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 2, 2024
In a place of darkness by Stuart MacBride has a set of different characters in his latest book, Detective Constable Angus MacVicar, assigned his dream job and transferred out of uniform and onto Oldfield’s biggest ongoing murder case, Operation Telegram hunting the Fortnight Killer and a Forensic Pathologist on loan from America and as sarcastic as hell, from the FBI. Jonathon is determined to alienate everybody, while dragging Angus along with him into a world of lies, conspiracies and violence.
The storyline is of extreme violence but throughout the story is a dark sense of humour renowned in Stuart MacBride’s other books. From the ending there will be another story featuring Angus and Jonathon and I look forward to reading the next in that series.
Highly recommended
The storyline is of extreme violence but throughout the story is a dark sense of humour renowned in Stuart MacBride’s other books. From the ending there will be another story featuring Angus and Jonathon and I look forward to reading the next in that series.
Highly recommended
August 1, 2024
There is a young detective Angus and an older forensic psychologist Jonathan investigating a series of horrible murders.
The plot picked up after Angus is assigned to shadow Jonathan is rude and he is too unfriendly to be a good team player.
The fortnight killer killed a couple every two weeks. Who would do something like that?
The police cannot figure out why the serial killer targeted these people. They seems to be unrelated.
The door-to-door interviews seem to give them some clues. A mistake made by one of the killer's assistant, yield more clues.
They are not really being supported. And the whole teams seem to be lacking in EQ. That is probably the background of why they are so clueless in trying to find the killer.
Angus is a dock. A big dock who has no money and a mother who need support. He is young, and has a lot of integrity. He is also kind.
Jonathan is bit stay-offish and only like Angus. The story has a CBS (American TV channel) feel to it because it focus more on the relationships between the main characters more than giving out clues that one can take action.
Still a good read. 4.5 stars.
The plot picked up after Angus is assigned to shadow Jonathan is rude and he is too unfriendly to be a good team player.
The fortnight killer killed a couple every two weeks. Who would do something like that?
The police cannot figure out why the serial killer targeted these people. They seems to be unrelated.
The door-to-door interviews seem to give them some clues. A mistake made by one of the killer's assistant, yield more clues.
They are not really being supported. And the whole teams seem to be lacking in EQ. That is probably the background of why they are so clueless in trying to find the killer.
Angus is a dock. A big dock who has no money and a mother who need support. He is young, and has a lot of integrity. He is also kind.
Jonathan is bit stay-offish and only like Angus. The story has a CBS (American TV channel) feel to it because it focus more on the relationships between the main characters more than giving out clues that one can take action.
Still a good read. 4.5 stars.
July 23, 2024
This is a horrible murder in small town in Scotland and a fortnight killer who touches people one nailed to the table and the outer mad to watch.
Two Heroes one a lanky Scot and a FBI agent that's total tit
Twisted and warped
Two Heroes one a lanky Scot and a FBI agent that's total tit
Twisted and warped
April 29, 2024
My Review
Firstly massive thanks have to go to Tom Hill at PenguinRandomhouse for so kindly sending me a proof of In A Place Of Darkness, I screamed when I opened the post ( see my tik tok video!) Stuart MacBride is up there with my go to, favourite authors and I have loved everything he’s written, so onto my review.
We dive into the action and in the first chapter we are treated to our first dead body and murder scene! Would you expect anything else from the master of darkness and humour … er no!
From then on in this is a riotus, slapstick, gritty tale of murder and mayhem set in the backdrop of the driech and wet Oldcastle in Scotland. DC Angus MacVicar arrives at a gruesome crime scene on his first day as a Detective Constable all smart in his machine washable Asda fighting suit, only to be berated immediately by his new Boss, DCI Monroe.
What follows is a hunt for a serial killer involving a very short American (well his arms and legs were short) FBI Profiler called Dr Johnathan ( Not John or Johnny ) Fife and Angus are given the job of ‘Looking After’ him and helping him with his side of the investigation….which might involve some cock-ups and near-death experiences!
As always with Stuart MacBride, In A Place of Darkness is a hilariously well written Police Procedural, full of Scottish lilts and language ( but not enough that we English can’t understand), his talent for writing dark humour is amazing, few can try to emanate, but Stuart MacBride is THE master at this, his own style of writing. A word of warning – don’t try to read this at night with a partner sleeping beside you – there is no way you will be able to stifle the guffaws which occur on nearly every other page!
The cast of Police Staff characters is superb, and each is described in minute detail, so you feel you can envisage each character, this makes it a marvellously colourful read. The Police Procedural side is always on point, the dark humour of Coppers is so realistic In A Place Of Darkness, I thought I was back in my Police Civvy days! The storyline is fast-paced and at 500 plus pages doesn’t slow down at all. I was gripped and loved every single page.
I think this may be Stuart Macbride’s best novel to date, the plot is solid, the cast is excellent and the way Stuart writes is so descriptive and lifelike it’s like a slapstick comedy on paper but with blood and gore! Utterly brilliant, really no one does it better!
A huge 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read from me, if you’ve not read any of Stuart’s standalone novels please start with this one, you won’t be disappointed!
Firstly massive thanks have to go to Tom Hill at PenguinRandomhouse for so kindly sending me a proof of In A Place Of Darkness, I screamed when I opened the post ( see my tik tok video!) Stuart MacBride is up there with my go to, favourite authors and I have loved everything he’s written, so onto my review.
We dive into the action and in the first chapter we are treated to our first dead body and murder scene! Would you expect anything else from the master of darkness and humour … er no!
From then on in this is a riotus, slapstick, gritty tale of murder and mayhem set in the backdrop of the driech and wet Oldcastle in Scotland. DC Angus MacVicar arrives at a gruesome crime scene on his first day as a Detective Constable all smart in his machine washable Asda fighting suit, only to be berated immediately by his new Boss, DCI Monroe.
What follows is a hunt for a serial killer involving a very short American (well his arms and legs were short) FBI Profiler called Dr Johnathan ( Not John or Johnny ) Fife and Angus are given the job of ‘Looking After’ him and helping him with his side of the investigation….which might involve some cock-ups and near-death experiences!
As always with Stuart MacBride, In A Place of Darkness is a hilariously well written Police Procedural, full of Scottish lilts and language ( but not enough that we English can’t understand), his talent for writing dark humour is amazing, few can try to emanate, but Stuart MacBride is THE master at this, his own style of writing. A word of warning – don’t try to read this at night with a partner sleeping beside you – there is no way you will be able to stifle the guffaws which occur on nearly every other page!
The cast of Police Staff characters is superb, and each is described in minute detail, so you feel you can envisage each character, this makes it a marvellously colourful read. The Police Procedural side is always on point, the dark humour of Coppers is so realistic In A Place Of Darkness, I thought I was back in my Police Civvy days! The storyline is fast-paced and at 500 plus pages doesn’t slow down at all. I was gripped and loved every single page.
I think this may be Stuart Macbride’s best novel to date, the plot is solid, the cast is excellent and the way Stuart writes is so descriptive and lifelike it’s like a slapstick comedy on paper but with blood and gore! Utterly brilliant, really no one does it better!
A huge 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read from me, if you’ve not read any of Stuart’s standalone novels please start with this one, you won’t be disappointed!
September 4, 2024
The last few Stuart MacBride books I’ve read haven’t been up to his usual standard, but I was still excited for a new novel from him. I’m a big fan of the Logan McRae series which is hard to beat.
In a Place of Darkness is set in the fictional Oldcastle, but features new characters. Newly promoted DC Angus MacVicar has his work cut out for him trying to capture ‘The Fortnight Killer’ who brutally tortures and murders couples every two weeks. The police are keen to stop the killings and call in an FBI profiler from America, Dr Fife. MacVicar and Fife end up working together and make an unlikely partnership.
I really struggled to get into the story and the fact it’s quite a big hardback book was off putting. I didn’t really care about any of the characters, Angus was OK, but quite boring and he seemed like he had no idea what he was doing which surely wouldn’t be the case if he had been promoted. I thought Dr Fife’s backstory was unrealistic. I found him slightly less irritating by the end of the book, he was quite peculiar and the image of him beside Angus just seemed too much like a caricature. I felt like certain words were really overused and they seemed to be mentioned nearly every other page, particularly ‘scoof’ and ‘wheeching’.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think this book was a return to form for Stuart MacBride. He can write great characters with dark plots that have you gripped, but that wasn’t the case with this novel. The plot felt too unrealistic and disjointed for me, with flat characters. It also felt like it dragged on too much and could easily have been about 1/3rd shorter.
2.5 stars rounded to 2.
In a Place of Darkness is set in the fictional Oldcastle, but features new characters. Newly promoted DC Angus MacVicar has his work cut out for him trying to capture ‘The Fortnight Killer’ who brutally tortures and murders couples every two weeks. The police are keen to stop the killings and call in an FBI profiler from America, Dr Fife. MacVicar and Fife end up working together and make an unlikely partnership.
I really struggled to get into the story and the fact it’s quite a big hardback book was off putting. I didn’t really care about any of the characters, Angus was OK, but quite boring and he seemed like he had no idea what he was doing which surely wouldn’t be the case if he had been promoted. I thought Dr Fife’s backstory was unrealistic. I found him slightly less irritating by the end of the book, he was quite peculiar and the image of him beside Angus just seemed too much like a caricature. I felt like certain words were really overused and they seemed to be mentioned nearly every other page, particularly ‘scoof’ and ‘wheeching’.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think this book was a return to form for Stuart MacBride. He can write great characters with dark plots that have you gripped, but that wasn’t the case with this novel. The plot felt too unrealistic and disjointed for me, with flat characters. It also felt like it dragged on too much and could easily have been about 1/3rd shorter.
2.5 stars rounded to 2.
November 2, 2024
Took forever to get through this one — long, boring and silly. Clearly my sense of humour doesn’t align with this author. Every line of dialogue was a jab, shot, or sarcastic remark — often written in ALL CAPS! A few sprinkled here and there would have more impact. Instead it was just tiresome and frustrating. The main character was pathetic (until his hero moment of course) and the rest were just cliches. And seriously, do not give a character the nickname “Monster Munch” and then have her superior officers refer to her as that. I’m sure there was a decent story hidden somewhere amongst all the extraneous details but it definitely took second billing behind all the silliness. This was clearly the set up for a series. I won’t be reading further.
June 20, 2024
I don’t know where Stuart gets his ideas but I’m glad he does . I have read all his books so understand and appreciate his style. This is a brilliant standalone story - though the ending is ambiguous, might there be more? Angus is a rookie Scottish cop and he wants to create a good impression. He is tasked with babysitting an FBI profiler who is an obnoxious character. Therein lies the humour of the story. I was giggling reading the first chapter- the language is so funny. The final chapters are fast, furious and funny - despite the bloody ending to the story. I loved this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
April 27, 2024
4+ 🌟
A few years ago I borrowed a MacBride audiobook from my library, and after that one, I don't think I've caught up on an authors back catalogue so quickly.
He always gets the right mix of slightly wince inducing moments, and subtle humour .
Perfectly balanced.
This one has great banter between our two main characters, first day on the job Angus, and over from America to profile serial killers Jonathan. They're quiet the duo.
Throw in some twisty crimes, and plenty of adventure, and it's a sure fire winner for MacBride again
A few years ago I borrowed a MacBride audiobook from my library, and after that one, I don't think I've caught up on an authors back catalogue so quickly.
He always gets the right mix of slightly wince inducing moments, and subtle humour .
Perfectly balanced.
This one has great banter between our two main characters, first day on the job Angus, and over from America to profile serial killers Jonathan. They're quiet the duo.
Throw in some twisty crimes, and plenty of adventure, and it's a sure fire winner for MacBride again
May 2, 2024
Another fantastic book by Stuart MacBride. You are starting to get used to the novels now being set in fictional Oldcastle even if it does sound like a dump to live in! Great new characters in this book and an excellent storyline that leaves you gripped wanting to read on and find out what happens next!
May 13, 2024
A brand new series from Stuart MacBride. Angus MacVicar is starting his first day as a detective constable and has to hit the ground running as the team are in the middle of an investigation to track down a serial killer. As with MacBride's previous books there is plenty of blood and guts and violence.
The best bits of the book are the characters. They are not necessarily likeable to start with but they definitely grow on you. The banter between the members of the police team is very entertaining. The plot was good and entertaining but I would have liked a few more twists.
Unfortunately the pace of the book is off. It was far too slow. The book is far longer than the story deserves. There were times when I felt that I was never going to make any progress through it. Also, there were a number of implausible elements, particularly those relating to Dr Fife's family background.
Nevertheless, by the end of the book the characters had won me over and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest and unedited review.
The best bits of the book are the characters. They are not necessarily likeable to start with but they definitely grow on you. The banter between the members of the police team is very entertaining. The plot was good and entertaining but I would have liked a few more twists.
Unfortunately the pace of the book is off. It was far too slow. The book is far longer than the story deserves. There were times when I felt that I was never going to make any progress through it. Also, there were a number of implausible elements, particularly those relating to Dr Fife's family background.
Nevertheless, by the end of the book the characters had won me over and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in return for my honest and unedited review.
February 15, 2025
Für Detective Constable Angus MacVicar ist es der ein Traum, für andere ist es ein Albtraum. Angus ist zu den Ermittlungen im prestigeträchtigsten Fall von Oldcastle hinzugezogen worden, dem des Fortnight Killer. Er überfällt im Rhythmus von zwei Wochen ein Paar, foltert und tötet den einen und entführt den anderen Partner. Aber während die anderen Mitglieder der Sondereinheit bei den Ermittlungen helfen dürfen, spielt Angus den Babysitter für den forensischen Psychologen, der aus den USA angefordert wurde um der Polizei zum lang erwarteten Durchbruch zu verhelfen.
Angus wirkt auf mich wie ein ein großer, unbeholfener Welpe, der spielen will und das nicht darf. Er würde lieber direkt bei den Ermittlungen beteiligt sein, als nur am Rand zu sehen, aber er muss sich um einen Mann kümmern, der sich wie ein verzogenes Kind benimmt und nicht wie der Experte, der er ist. Dazu kommen ein Ermittlungsleiter, dem Angus nichts recht machen kann und eine überfürsorgliche Mutter, die von ihm erwartet, dass er jeden Abend zu einem mäßigen Abendessen zuhause ist. Da bleibt keine Zeit für ein Privatleben, besonders wenn der letzte Bus ausfällt und er im strömenden Regen nach Hause laufen muss.
Der junge Polizist und der störrische Psychologe sind vom Charakter her so gegensätzlich, dass es manchmal fast komisch wirkt. Das mag gewollt sein, aber die Streitereien sind lange Zeit das zentrale Thema und verdrängen die Ermittlungen im ersten Teil an den Rand. Stellenweise hat mich die Dynamik zwischen ihnen an andere Charaktere aus seinen Krimis erinnert. Im zweiten Teil überschlagen sich die Ereignisse dagegen. Der Showdown ist so, ich ihn von den Krimis von Stuart MacBride kenne: sehr blutig und ein wenig überzogen. Deshalb hatte der Krimi wenig Neues für mich, sondern war nur eine neue Verpackung für bereits Bekanntes.
Angus wirkt auf mich wie ein ein großer, unbeholfener Welpe, der spielen will und das nicht darf. Er würde lieber direkt bei den Ermittlungen beteiligt sein, als nur am Rand zu sehen, aber er muss sich um einen Mann kümmern, der sich wie ein verzogenes Kind benimmt und nicht wie der Experte, der er ist. Dazu kommen ein Ermittlungsleiter, dem Angus nichts recht machen kann und eine überfürsorgliche Mutter, die von ihm erwartet, dass er jeden Abend zu einem mäßigen Abendessen zuhause ist. Da bleibt keine Zeit für ein Privatleben, besonders wenn der letzte Bus ausfällt und er im strömenden Regen nach Hause laufen muss.
Der junge Polizist und der störrische Psychologe sind vom Charakter her so gegensätzlich, dass es manchmal fast komisch wirkt. Das mag gewollt sein, aber die Streitereien sind lange Zeit das zentrale Thema und verdrängen die Ermittlungen im ersten Teil an den Rand. Stellenweise hat mich die Dynamik zwischen ihnen an andere Charaktere aus seinen Krimis erinnert. Im zweiten Teil überschlagen sich die Ereignisse dagegen. Der Showdown ist so, ich ihn von den Krimis von Stuart MacBride kenne: sehr blutig und ein wenig überzogen. Deshalb hatte der Krimi wenig Neues für mich, sondern war nur eine neue Verpackung für bereits Bekanntes.
June 27, 2024
A new book from Stuart MacBride is always something to look forward to, so I was like a child on Christmas morning when this latest offering landed in my kindle.
In a Place of Darkness could aptly describe the setting of the book, as we return to Oldcastle, where the rain is incessant.
The first person we meet is Detective Constable Angus MacVicar. He's fresh out of uniform and has now joined Department O, who are on the hunt for the Fortnight Killer, so dubbed because he, well that's self explanatory.
Being part of the team means babysitting forensic profiler Dr. Jonathan Fife, on loan from the FBI.
In a Place of Darkness is dark, but MacBride's trademark humour helps to alleviate some of that darkness.
It's a long book, but oh so worth travelling down that long and windy road with Angus, especially for that explosive finale. Action packed, and with characters that you will either love, or love to hate, all in all it's a cracking great read.
In a Place of Darkness could aptly describe the setting of the book, as we return to Oldcastle, where the rain is incessant.
The first person we meet is Detective Constable Angus MacVicar. He's fresh out of uniform and has now joined Department O, who are on the hunt for the Fortnight Killer, so dubbed because he, well that's self explanatory.
Being part of the team means babysitting forensic profiler Dr. Jonathan Fife, on loan from the FBI.
In a Place of Darkness is dark, but MacBride's trademark humour helps to alleviate some of that darkness.
It's a long book, but oh so worth travelling down that long and windy road with Angus, especially for that explosive finale. Action packed, and with characters that you will either love, or love to hate, all in all it's a cracking great read.
August 25, 2024
MacBride’s last novel, ‘The Dead of Winter’ was a return to form after the not entirely successful experimental noodlings of ‘No Less the Devil’. ‘In a Place of Darkness’ keeps the quality control on the right course, but it could have done with a heavily interventionist editor. When it functions as a procedural - morphing in its final stages into a particularly brutal thriller - it’s in a league of its own. Elsewhere, though, MacBride pads it with interminable comedy-of-embarrassment sequences which, while often genuinely amusing, slow down the narrative. And I’m not quite sure why this is the case, as he merged noir brilliance with tombstone humour so brilliantly in the Logan McRae saga without the narrative ever letting up. Time to bring McRae and Steel back, perhaps?
June 26, 2024
It’s Angus MacVicar’s first day as a DC and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a killer on the loose. Every fortnight a couple is targeted, with one victim dead at the scene, and the second missing.
Angus finds himself unexpectedly paired with forensic psychologist Dr Fife, a smart-mouthed American, on loan from the FBI. And now they’re on the clock to find the killer before it happens again.
With an entertaining cast of characters, there’s plenty of light relief to break up the darkness mentioned in the title. It’s an absolute romp, cleverly playing on contrasts to keep you hooked in this Scottish crime novel.
Thanks to @netgalley & @bantam for this drc to review my own way.
Angus finds himself unexpectedly paired with forensic psychologist Dr Fife, a smart-mouthed American, on loan from the FBI. And now they’re on the clock to find the killer before it happens again.
With an entertaining cast of characters, there’s plenty of light relief to break up the darkness mentioned in the title. It’s an absolute romp, cleverly playing on contrasts to keep you hooked in this Scottish crime novel.
Thanks to @netgalley & @bantam for this drc to review my own way.
June 8, 2025
From one of my favourite authors, this is a very solid book. Pacy story and very intriguing characters who fully evolve throughout the book. A killer who you just can’t pin point until you finally meet them properly, and more twists than you can think of. The ending was decent, but not his best by far. I felt that the ending was slightly telegraphed in the writing from the final 1/4 of the book, but it didn’t alter how I found the book, thus knocking off one star from the review. It makes you feel many emotions, especially with Angus the main character. Any fans of thrillers or crime writing, or if the authors, read this. It’s a long read but a worthwhile one.
July 9, 2024
DC Angus MacVicar and Dr. Jonathan Fife.. quite the team!
April 14, 2025
Really enjoyed this. Very Scottish humour and loved the main characters. Angus is great - a very different type of policeman! The premise was good but some of it seemed a bit far-fetched.
September 25, 2025
A great read with plenty of twists and turns and down to earth humour amongst the darkness. I hope there is a follow up book on the 2 main characters DC MacVicar and Dr Fife as they were so interesting.
January 19, 2025
Not read any of these books before. The characters were good and the story moved at a good pace. I may look out for some more.
April 25, 2025
New characters, enjoyable style of writing however plot predictable.
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