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Orkney Mysteries #2
The Dying Light
It’s midsummer in Orkney, and a killer is hiding in plain sight.
The residents of Orkney can’t sleep.
Through 18-hour summer days, the islands are drenched in unrelenting sunshine.
But a killer with a shadowy past is living undetected on the archipelago.
As the heat rises, reporter Freya will not rest until she’s brought the truth to light. Can she stop the murderer before they strike again?
The highly anticipated second instalment of the celebrated Orkney Mysteries series, The Dying Light is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths and Val McDermid
The residents of Orkney can’t sleep.
Through 18-hour summer days, the islands are drenched in unrelenting sunshine.
But a killer with a shadowy past is living undetected on the archipelago.
As the heat rises, reporter Freya will not rest until she’s brought the truth to light. Can she stop the murderer before they strike again?
The highly anticipated second instalment of the celebrated Orkney Mysteries series, The Dying Light is perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths and Val McDermid
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
25 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 13, 2025
This was a dark thriller full of twists and turns. It is the second book in the Orkney Mysteries series but can easily be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed the story and the dual timelines. However, some of the decisions made by characters were annoying! Putting that aside, I thought the overall story worked really well.
I enjoyed the setting of the Orkney islands and the descriptions of the rural and scenic landscapes. I thought this brought a lot to the story.
I liked the authors writing style and I found myself absorbed in the story, reading it in two sittings. The characters of Fergus and Eilidh work well together and I'd love to see more from them. I like Freya but she annoyed me at the end of the book and I didn't feel justice was done. The book also ends on a shocking reveal which I am not sure if this will be picked up further in the series. I will have to read the next book to find out!
This was a gripping thriller, with a good story and interesting characters and I think a lot of crime/thriller readers will find a lot to love with this one!
Huge thanks to the author, HarperNorth and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
I enjoyed the story and the dual timelines. However, some of the decisions made by characters were annoying! Putting that aside, I thought the overall story worked really well.
I enjoyed the setting of the Orkney islands and the descriptions of the rural and scenic landscapes. I thought this brought a lot to the story.
I liked the authors writing style and I found myself absorbed in the story, reading it in two sittings. The characters of Fergus and Eilidh work well together and I'd love to see more from them. I like Freya but she annoyed me at the end of the book and I didn't feel justice was done. The book also ends on a shocking reveal which I am not sure if this will be picked up further in the series. I will have to read the next book to find out!
This was a gripping thriller, with a good story and interesting characters and I think a lot of crime/thriller readers will find a lot to love with this one!
Huge thanks to the author, HarperNorth and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
December 2, 2025
Yesterday I spent an hour writing an extensive review on how much I liked this book and why. Goodreads then made that review disappear into thin air. So here's a short recap.
This was a joy to read. It's been a while since I last read a book I couldn't wait to get back to, to see what happened next. The plot and the characters are complex and there's no grande finale where everything is resolved with a happy end and that's a good thing. It was somehow darker than I anticipated, maybe because it takes place in summer and I have sunny-ish memories of Orkney of my own.
And one of the main characters is an autistic woman, which I have never encountered before in written fiction. I braced myself for a heap of stereotypes the moment (early on) I suspected the author intended her as autistic. But it was nicely done. She's a three dimensional human being with an actual life. (Come to think of it, too many male authors struggle to write women as more than a mass of wavy blonde hair.) From the acknowledgements in the back of the book I gather the author is autistic is himself and he did a good job of putting certain sensory experiences into words.
Representation matters and while I was happy with what the author did, I noticed a reviewer giving a mini lecture on what they think they know about autistic women. It's called a spectrum for a reason. We didn't all come from the same factory with the same settings. It would do wonders for my blood pressure if people cut out the generalizing and read one autistic character as just that: one individual, and fictional at that.
This was a joy to read. It's been a while since I last read a book I couldn't wait to get back to, to see what happened next. The plot and the characters are complex and there's no grande finale where everything is resolved with a happy end and that's a good thing. It was somehow darker than I anticipated, maybe because it takes place in summer and I have sunny-ish memories of Orkney of my own.
And one of the main characters is an autistic woman, which I have never encountered before in written fiction. I braced myself for a heap of stereotypes the moment (early on) I suspected the author intended her as autistic. But it was nicely done. She's a three dimensional human being with an actual life. (Come to think of it, too many male authors struggle to write women as more than a mass of wavy blonde hair.) From the acknowledgements in the back of the book I gather the author is autistic is himself and he did a good job of putting certain sensory experiences into words.
Representation matters and while I was happy with what the author did, I noticed a reviewer giving a mini lecture on what they think they know about autistic women. It's called a spectrum for a reason. We didn't all come from the same factory with the same settings. It would do wonders for my blood pressure if people cut out the generalizing and read one autistic character as just that: one individual, and fictional at that.
September 7, 2025
‘The Dying Light’ is the second book in the Orkney Mysteries series but you don’t have to have read the first book to enjoy it. Honestly, this book is a cracking good read. Gripping right from the first page and hard to put down.
Freya is a reporter trying to uncover what happened to her father 26 years earlier but her search takes her down a deadly path and plunges her right in the middle of another decades old mystery. I am going to be thinking about this novel for days, this is a real thriller which will have you guessing right to the end.
Freya is a reporter trying to uncover what happened to her father 26 years earlier but her search takes her down a deadly path and plunges her right in the middle of another decades old mystery. I am going to be thinking about this novel for days, this is a real thriller which will have you guessing right to the end.
September 14, 2025
Freya Sinclair is an autistic journalist working for the local paper, The Orcadian.
DI Fergus Muir, Freya’s friend, is investigating a case of a dead man found in the Neolithic tomb, the Dwarfie Stane, on the island of Hoy. The man had money on him, an Apple Watch, and a cheap Nokia phone, which clearly was a burner phone. The man had no ID on him, but on the inside of his arm, he wrote three words: The Dying Light.
What does this message mean?
As Freya and Fergus begin to dig deeper, they discover a plethora of information and their lives, once again, may be in danger…
This is the second book in the Orkney Mysteries series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I do urge you to read the first book. In that way, you’ll have a better feel for the characters and their motivations.
I loved the first book in the Orkney Mysteries series, The Dark Island, and the events from it link to those of in The Dying Light.
I really liked how Freya, the main protagonist, has a neurodivergence. Female neurodiversity can be trickier to spot, and to diagnose, as girls and women mask their symptoms a lot better than males. Having a diagnosis can make someone’s life a lot easier, and that’s what Freya was pursuing. This book portrays how difficult it is for someone with autism: how exhausting it is to analyse people’s behaviour all the time, and to respond to it appropriately.
I’m an Orkney resident myself, so I’m a bit biased, but I loved the setting of the book. While I was reading it, I visited Hoy and walked to Dwarfie Stane myself – it felt a bit surreal!
It’s clear there will be a third book in the series and I cannot wait.
DI Fergus Muir, Freya’s friend, is investigating a case of a dead man found in the Neolithic tomb, the Dwarfie Stane, on the island of Hoy. The man had money on him, an Apple Watch, and a cheap Nokia phone, which clearly was a burner phone. The man had no ID on him, but on the inside of his arm, he wrote three words: The Dying Light.
What does this message mean?
As Freya and Fergus begin to dig deeper, they discover a plethora of information and their lives, once again, may be in danger…
This is the second book in the Orkney Mysteries series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I do urge you to read the first book. In that way, you’ll have a better feel for the characters and their motivations.
I loved the first book in the Orkney Mysteries series, The Dark Island, and the events from it link to those of in The Dying Light.
I really liked how Freya, the main protagonist, has a neurodivergence. Female neurodiversity can be trickier to spot, and to diagnose, as girls and women mask their symptoms a lot better than males. Having a diagnosis can make someone’s life a lot easier, and that’s what Freya was pursuing. This book portrays how difficult it is for someone with autism: how exhausting it is to analyse people’s behaviour all the time, and to respond to it appropriately.
I’m an Orkney resident myself, so I’m a bit biased, but I loved the setting of the book. While I was reading it, I visited Hoy and walked to Dwarfie Stane myself – it felt a bit surreal!
It’s clear there will be a third book in the series and I cannot wait.
December 4, 2025
Another fun book in this series. The mystery was layered and always interesting. I didn't see the (sorta) twist toward the end coming at all and I think it was really well done. I wish there hadn't been that huge cliffhanger at the end, but maybe it's going to be brought up in the next book? If there isn't a next book, or if we don't get to learn everything about that cliffhanger, I will be very upset.
September 8, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
I was attracted to "The Dying Light" by the fact that it's set in Orkney. From the start, it is gripping and intriguing. What has the disappearance of a teenage boy to do with events in the dual timelines of 1997 and the present day?
We begin in 1997 with a group of local teenagers travelling in a boat to Copinsay, one of the islands in the Orkney archipelago. While there, two of them, Michael and Alice, see someone on this uninhabited island running into the old schoolhouse. We later discover that Michael supposedly ran away from home that night.
In the present day, an unknown man has been found dead inside the Dwarfie Stone, a Neolithic Tomb on the Island of Hoy, and investigated by DI Fergus Muir, and his team. I loved the references to the "trowie" that one of the older police officers blames for all the kerfuffle surrounding the dead body!
Meanwhile, Fergus' goddaughter Freya Sinclair, a reporter with "The Orcadian," is attempting to find out why Sgt Trevor Scott committed suicide after a high profile grooming gang operating on the islands is uncovered. Freya is also trying to solve questions about her fathers death in uncharacteristic circumstances when she was a little girl. Freya is the heroine in this book doggedly investigating, putting herself into constant danger, time after time.
With the eerie mid summer continual daylight, this gritty, gripping novel has tension and mystery. Like the light, the events in the past and present languidly are revealed interconnectioning with each other. Just when you think you are getting to grips with the mystery, there is a new revelation with twists and cliff hangers keeping you engaged and wanting to read the next chapter even when you should be going to sleep!
The closing chapter leaves you wanting more with its unanswered questions and what DID happened in the first book at Yesnaby that leaves Freya with nightmares. I was so intrigued that I ordered the audible version of "Dark Island: Orkney Mysteries, Book One"!
I was attracted to "The Dying Light" by the fact that it's set in Orkney. From the start, it is gripping and intriguing. What has the disappearance of a teenage boy to do with events in the dual timelines of 1997 and the present day?
We begin in 1997 with a group of local teenagers travelling in a boat to Copinsay, one of the islands in the Orkney archipelago. While there, two of them, Michael and Alice, see someone on this uninhabited island running into the old schoolhouse. We later discover that Michael supposedly ran away from home that night.
In the present day, an unknown man has been found dead inside the Dwarfie Stone, a Neolithic Tomb on the Island of Hoy, and investigated by DI Fergus Muir, and his team. I loved the references to the "trowie" that one of the older police officers blames for all the kerfuffle surrounding the dead body!
Meanwhile, Fergus' goddaughter Freya Sinclair, a reporter with "The Orcadian," is attempting to find out why Sgt Trevor Scott committed suicide after a high profile grooming gang operating on the islands is uncovered. Freya is also trying to solve questions about her fathers death in uncharacteristic circumstances when she was a little girl. Freya is the heroine in this book doggedly investigating, putting herself into constant danger, time after time.
With the eerie mid summer continual daylight, this gritty, gripping novel has tension and mystery. Like the light, the events in the past and present languidly are revealed interconnectioning with each other. Just when you think you are getting to grips with the mystery, there is a new revelation with twists and cliff hangers keeping you engaged and wanting to read the next chapter even when you should be going to sleep!
The closing chapter leaves you wanting more with its unanswered questions and what DID happened in the first book at Yesnaby that leaves Freya with nightmares. I was so intrigued that I ordered the audible version of "Dark Island: Orkney Mysteries, Book One"!
September 15, 2025
‘The Dying Light’ is a love letter to being different, to Orkney and its people. This is a cracking follow-up to ‘Dark Island’, which was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize last year. I adored the first book, and it is no different this time round! This one could be read easily as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book.
You would think that the light summer nights of Orkney would mean a few months of no crime, but alas, this is not the case. When a body is found in Dwarfie Stane, it kicks off an investigation that takes Freya to the brink and will unearth secrets of the past that maybe should have stayed buried.
Freya is a character that now has a place in my heart. Like lots of people at the moment, she is going through the diagnosis for autism. In the previous book, she carried the results around in her pocket unopened, unwilling to face her future. In this book, we have her facing the consequences of the results. This is a storyline which is so well done. It is hard to put into words how a narrative like this can affect its readers, but hopefully, it can help people understand their own circumstances and help to educate others. I personally know several people who say that this book has helped them. That is the power of fiction and something Daniel should be proud of.
This book is a bit more fast-paced than its predecessor, and it lent well to the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns packed into its pages, and it was shocking in places! Freya is definitely put through the wringer, and it made for a brilliantly entertaining read. Plus, there were plenty of unresolved issues, so please hurry up and write book three!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
February 15, 2026
Freya Sinclair is a reporter for the local Orkney paper, The Orcadian, having returned home from living with her husband in Glasgow in book one (Dark Island). This time the book centres on her detective Godfather, "Uncle" Fergus, and his investigation into the body of a man found in a Neolithic tomb, with Freya digging further into the diaries her father wrote before his death. Just as in book one, we get flash backs to something that happened to a group of teenagers in the late 1990s, which at first don't seem to link to the body in the tomb or Freya's investigation, but soon the three start to tie together and as they do, we once again find Freya diving headfirst into things that will no doubt get her into trouble quickly. Yet again, the events take a sinister turn and the themes are quite dark at times but this is a faster paced book than Dark Island and once again its the kind of story that will keep you up late at night as you'll want to know how it all ends.
Although some reviewers have commented on Freya's lack of self-preservation, I honestly think if your brain works as hers does (i.e. probably autistic, diagnosed or not), you do tend to find yourself wanting to get to the bottom of things and finish the task regardless of the consequences! Obviously autism is a spectrum, but Freya is so well written as an authentic experience of living with sensory issues and not quite being able to read people accurately, so bravo to Daniel Aubrey for this once again.
I can't wait to see if book 3 answers the cliffhanger we are left on and hope that we're not kept waiting too long for it. A great read, even better than Dark Island, and once again I really feel the need to investigate holidays to Orkney after such eerie and atmospheric descriptions.
Although some reviewers have commented on Freya's lack of self-preservation, I honestly think if your brain works as hers does (i.e. probably autistic, diagnosed or not), you do tend to find yourself wanting to get to the bottom of things and finish the task regardless of the consequences! Obviously autism is a spectrum, but Freya is so well written as an authentic experience of living with sensory issues and not quite being able to read people accurately, so bravo to Daniel Aubrey for this once again.
I can't wait to see if book 3 answers the cliffhanger we are left on and hope that we're not kept waiting too long for it. A great read, even better than Dark Island, and once again I really feel the need to investigate holidays to Orkney after such eerie and atmospheric descriptions.
September 8, 2025
The Dying Light is a fantastic sequel to Dark Island. With twists and turns aplenty, it is genuinely difficult to put down!
Freya continues to be a protagonist you can’t help but root for. There are some tense moments where you both want to follow her and at the same time tell her to really think about the potential consequences of her actions! All of this means you can’t help but admire her fierce determination to get to the bottom of things. While the novel is a thriller and fast paced, there are also some quieter moments of reflection.
Aubrey has captured the setting exquisitely. The writing is deeply atmospheric and, having never visited Orkney before, at times I felt like I was right there with the characters in this incredible place. It creates a visceral and at times unnerving backdrop to the events which unfold, the weather and place seeming to act in accordance with what happens.
The narrative is intricately plotted throughout which takes real skill, and Aubrey has clearly done extensive research. Also, the cover is dynamic and a real reflection of the reading experience!
I am very curious to see where the events are going to lead and can’t wait for book 3!
Freya continues to be a protagonist you can’t help but root for. There are some tense moments where you both want to follow her and at the same time tell her to really think about the potential consequences of her actions! All of this means you can’t help but admire her fierce determination to get to the bottom of things. While the novel is a thriller and fast paced, there are also some quieter moments of reflection.
Aubrey has captured the setting exquisitely. The writing is deeply atmospheric and, having never visited Orkney before, at times I felt like I was right there with the characters in this incredible place. It creates a visceral and at times unnerving backdrop to the events which unfold, the weather and place seeming to act in accordance with what happens.
The narrative is intricately plotted throughout which takes real skill, and Aubrey has clearly done extensive research. Also, the cover is dynamic and a real reflection of the reading experience!
I am very curious to see where the events are going to lead and can’t wait for book 3!
July 30, 2025
I loved the first book in this series so was excited to read the next one as soon as it came out. While the story itself is good and there’s a mystery to unravel, there were unfortunately some issues I couldn’t look past. Firstly, my copy had multiple typos and errors; repeated sentences, incorrect punctuation and in one case actual gibberish. Secondly, there are sooo many characters/names mentioned that it is really hard to keep track of who is who and how they do (or may) relate to each other. Thirdly, while I think it’s great that there’s a Scottish focus of these books, I feel that this one has leaned into that almost too much. I didn’t mind the Scottish dialect, but at times it was tricky to follow. Plus all the descriptions of the islands and views and scenery that were all specifically named was a bit overwhelming. Lastly, while this is a series and I will (no doubt) read the next one, whyyyyyyy is there an actual cliffhanger of an ending?!? Frustrating. I guess sequels don’t always live up to the hype and unfortunately this one was problematic for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
Exceptional novel, brilliant at multiple levels
After reading Daniel Aubrey’s first novel, I said I couldn’t wait to read the second instalment in the Orkney Mysteries series. Turns out, I was a bit busy when it was published, but once I did find the time, I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down until the end. This is a fast-paced, one-sitting novel.
Freya remains a character who will play on your mind after you finished the novel. She is everything a female protagonist should be, and more. The way she navigates her autism, in life and in her job is incredibly recognisable. Secondary characters are well-rounded as well.
Orkney at the hight of summer, as a setting, is so well developed it becomes a character in its own right.
The plot is clever and pacey, but never too fast, and twists and turns culminate in a big gasp reveal.
The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey is a brilliant follow-on novel, and I, and my fussy reader husband, can’t wait to get our hands on book three – this time I’m going to clear my calendar around the publication date.
Five stars for The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey, six stars on my own scale, because this is one of those exceptional novels, brilliant at multiple levels.
After reading Daniel Aubrey’s first novel, I said I couldn’t wait to read the second instalment in the Orkney Mysteries series. Turns out, I was a bit busy when it was published, but once I did find the time, I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down until the end. This is a fast-paced, one-sitting novel.
Freya remains a character who will play on your mind after you finished the novel. She is everything a female protagonist should be, and more. The way she navigates her autism, in life and in her job is incredibly recognisable. Secondary characters are well-rounded as well.
Orkney at the hight of summer, as a setting, is so well developed it becomes a character in its own right.
The plot is clever and pacey, but never too fast, and twists and turns culminate in a big gasp reveal.
The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey is a brilliant follow-on novel, and I, and my fussy reader husband, can’t wait to get our hands on book three – this time I’m going to clear my calendar around the publication date.
Five stars for The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey, six stars on my own scale, because this is one of those exceptional novels, brilliant at multiple levels.
October 26, 2025
Six months on from book 1, Dark Island, Freya is still a journalist on The Orcadian, still rubbing her colleagues up the wrong way and still on her unsanctioned crusade to root out the corruption that runs through powerful Orkney circles, including senior ranks of the police.
Her latest quest is triggered by the unexplained death of a visitor at an ancient monument. The incident becomes linked to the thirty-year-old unsolved case of a missing teenager, which may have been hushed up by police.
The midsummer sunshine means that daylight lasts on the islands until the small hours, but Freya’s investigation takes her to dark and dangerous places against the advice of her husband Tom and her mentor DI Fergus Muir.
A page-turning mystery that leads to a shocking and violent conclusion that makes the reader eager for book 3.
Her latest quest is triggered by the unexplained death of a visitor at an ancient monument. The incident becomes linked to the thirty-year-old unsolved case of a missing teenager, which may have been hushed up by police.
The midsummer sunshine means that daylight lasts on the islands until the small hours, but Freya’s investigation takes her to dark and dangerous places against the advice of her husband Tom and her mentor DI Fergus Muir.
A page-turning mystery that leads to a shocking and violent conclusion that makes the reader eager for book 3.
August 2, 2025
Whilst this book may be read as a standalone, I would urge that you read book 1 to really get a feel for the characters and the location. This story takes place in June in Orkney which having been to at that time of year once, helps to comprehend just how light is there well into the evening (unlike book 1 where it is almost dark most of the time). The Orkney islands number about 70, 20 being inhabited and it helps to know this when the police are flying over or catching the ferry to and from them. Finding a killer on such a remote archipelago is never going to be easy. Freya is a great character and adds to the story because of her diversity. Loved book 2 as much as book 1 and looking forward to the next one.
June 25, 2025
Another cracking installment from Daniel Aubrey’s brilliant heroine. Freya is brave, determined, dogged and often infuriating- I wanted to protect her, give her a big hug (but she wouldn’t like that), and tell her to stop getting herself into such ridiculous situations but mostly I wanted to follow wherever she led. It is a brilliant follow up from the first book but also works well as a standalone. There are so many bombshells and twists and turns at the end it is both a satisfying ending to this story while leaving you desperate for more. I hope book 3 is coming soon!
September 10, 2025
From the gorgeous colours on the cover, the Orkneys as a setting and then the storyline, this book was everything I expected it to be, such a good read it was hard to put down.
I’ve ordered the first book as I wanted to read more from this series but this was excellent as a standalone.
Freya is a great character her determination is so strong, and the twists and turns really built the tension in the book.
I can’t wait for another instalment of this series.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on the tour
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I’ve ordered the first book as I wanted to read more from this series but this was excellent as a standalone.
Freya is a great character her determination is so strong, and the twists and turns really built the tension in the book.
I can’t wait for another instalment of this series.
Thank you @lovebookstours for having me on the tour
#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview
October 6, 2025
Another great read in this Orkney set series featuring Freya an investigative reporter on the local newspaper who navigates her autism whilst desperately trying to find the truth about her father's death.
The Dying Light is about the disappearance in 1997 of a teenage boy and the subsequent death by arson of his parents and how it links to a body discovered at a tourist destiation.
A deliciously gritty cold case investigation where Freya makes decisions which ay affect her life forever. Great read
The Dying Light is about the disappearance in 1997 of a teenage boy and the subsequent death by arson of his parents and how it links to a body discovered at a tourist destiation.
A deliciously gritty cold case investigation where Freya makes decisions which ay affect her life forever. Great read
September 12, 2025
The Dying Light by Daniel Aubrey.
Orkney mysteries book 2.
I really did enjoy this book. Even though I haven't read the first book I was still able to read it. This is a new author for me. It was twisty and gripping. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in two sittings. I did like Freya. She was my favourite character. I liked the writing style and the story. I loved the setting. It certainly wasn't who I thought it was. I do hope there is more to come.
Orkney mysteries book 2.
I really did enjoy this book. Even though I haven't read the first book I was still able to read it. This is a new author for me. It was twisty and gripping. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in two sittings. I did like Freya. She was my favourite character. I liked the writing style and the story. I loved the setting. It certainly wasn't who I thought it was. I do hope there is more to come.
August 18, 2025
4.5 stars Wow, what an intense continuation of the story that began with The Dark Island. Unfortunately there are quite a few printing mistakes in this book (a sentence repeated, words/letters missing, incorrect or missing punctuation), but the twists and reveals keep coming and all were a surprise. Can't wait for the next installment!
October 24, 2025
I loved this read as much as the first. Freya is such a great character. She is so determined and her many quirks with being neurodivergent, gave her a lot of depth. It was an incredibly tense read and it was hard to put down. I look forward to the next book with its continuing story. Best to start from book 1.
June 29, 2025
Picked this up in the Orkney Islands during a stop there. Started decently bit there are so many characters to keep track off and duel timelines, multiple narratives that I left it behind in London.
September 19, 2025
A good solid read that got better as it went along - I found myself skimming quite a lot in the first third of the book. The ending was deftly handled but really bleak (both in the past and the current day). I’ll go back and read the previous volume although I’m wary of the dark edges.
December 18, 2025
Excellent, brilliant twists and turns. Held me to my seat, near the end I couldn’t put the book down- needed to read what happened to all the characters.
Would love to say more but don’t want to spoil it for other readers!
Would love to say more but don’t want to spoil it for other readers!
October 5, 2025
This is the second book in the Orkney Mystery series and I'm sad to say that I hadn't realised and so this is only the first book I've read, both in the series and also by this author too.
I absolutely still enjoyed this read though, which in itself, read perfectly fine as a standalone read with a case that feels complete.
But I definitely would have preferred to read book 1 first as I feel that the characters, especially our main character, journalist Freya, would have been much more developed had I read from the start.
I loved the autism representation, but feel like this would have presented much better in book 1, but even so, I really found Freya to be a hugely relatable and believable character - especially seeing her need to get closure about her father and her process of investigating.
I am a huge fan of thrillers set in the Scottish Highlands and have to admit that this is my first read set in the Orkneys.
I had absolutely no knowledge of them before reading and I came away from this heading down a rabbit hole of information toearn more about the whole environment.
I love the wilderness - as a setting for fiction - and I can definitely see it's pull for those who need a reduced stimulus - but could I live there - I'm pretty sure not!
This was a really well written book and I loved everything about it - so I absolutely must grab book 1 and get stuck in - thenaube even re-read this book too to be able to get the full experience of life on Orkney.
I absolutely still enjoyed this read though, which in itself, read perfectly fine as a standalone read with a case that feels complete.
But I definitely would have preferred to read book 1 first as I feel that the characters, especially our main character, journalist Freya, would have been much more developed had I read from the start.
I loved the autism representation, but feel like this would have presented much better in book 1, but even so, I really found Freya to be a hugely relatable and believable character - especially seeing her need to get closure about her father and her process of investigating.
I am a huge fan of thrillers set in the Scottish Highlands and have to admit that this is my first read set in the Orkneys.
I had absolutely no knowledge of them before reading and I came away from this heading down a rabbit hole of information toearn more about the whole environment.
I love the wilderness - as a setting for fiction - and I can definitely see it's pull for those who need a reduced stimulus - but could I live there - I'm pretty sure not!
This was a really well written book and I loved everything about it - so I absolutely must grab book 1 and get stuck in - thenaube even re-read this book too to be able to get the full experience of life on Orkney.
September 16, 2025
There’s always a worry that book 2 in a series won’t live up to the first one - especially when it’s as good as Daniel’s debut novel, Dark Island. However, I’m delighted to say that The Dying Light is absolutely fantastic, and once I started reading it I just couldn’t put it down!
There’s a lot going on in this book! We have a 1997 storyline set on one of Orkney’s islands, the Police are investigating a dead body found in a remote setting and Freya has two investigations on the go (only one of which is official). It’s all pulled together beautifully, with sharp writing, a fast-moving plot, authentic characters and, of course, that stunning Orkney backdrop.
Our main characters really get put through the mill in this novel, none more so than Freya. She’s dealing with the outcome of her autism assessment and feels under increasing pressure at the newspaper. She’s been sidelined for the big news story in favour of Gill, the self-proclaimed senior investigator everybody loves to hate, and her boss won’t give her the space she needs to investigate the stories she’s really interested in.
It’s hard to say much more about this book without giving anything away but if you’re a fan of Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan series, you enjoy Tim Weaver’s Raker novels, or you love Line of Duty then this will be right up your street. It’s a thoroughly entertaining crime novel and I felt like I was holding my breath for the last 100 pages!
I can’t recommend this book and its predecessor highly enough. You absolutely must read them both!
There’s a lot going on in this book! We have a 1997 storyline set on one of Orkney’s islands, the Police are investigating a dead body found in a remote setting and Freya has two investigations on the go (only one of which is official). It’s all pulled together beautifully, with sharp writing, a fast-moving plot, authentic characters and, of course, that stunning Orkney backdrop.
Our main characters really get put through the mill in this novel, none more so than Freya. She’s dealing with the outcome of her autism assessment and feels under increasing pressure at the newspaper. She’s been sidelined for the big news story in favour of Gill, the self-proclaimed senior investigator everybody loves to hate, and her boss won’t give her the space she needs to investigate the stories she’s really interested in.
It’s hard to say much more about this book without giving anything away but if you’re a fan of Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan series, you enjoy Tim Weaver’s Raker novels, or you love Line of Duty then this will be right up your street. It’s a thoroughly entertaining crime novel and I felt like I was holding my breath for the last 100 pages!
I can’t recommend this book and its predecessor highly enough. You absolutely must read them both!
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