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Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson #3
The Graveyard Bell
Silent waters hide the deepest secrets
A wildlife photographer plummets to his death above Fingal’s Cave. A young fisherman vanishes without trace. The body of a marine scientist is pulled from the sea, his last recording a haunting piece of evidence. Three seemingly unconnected events on the Isle of Mull draw Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson back to his childhood home.
Hired by the photographer’s widow to investigate her husband’s death, Teàrlach quickly unravels a tangled web of family feuds, forbidden love and deep betrayals. The photographer’s death was no accident and with the missing fisherman's father dying in hospital, Teàrlach must find his son before it’s too late.
But as a violent storm closes in, Teàrlach discovers that some will do anything to keep their darkest secrets buried…
From a CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author and McIlvanney Best Scottish Crime Novel Finalist comes an atmospheric murder mystery. Fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves, and Val McDermid will be mesmerised by The Graveyard Bell.
A wildlife photographer plummets to his death above Fingal’s Cave. A young fisherman vanishes without trace. The body of a marine scientist is pulled from the sea, his last recording a haunting piece of evidence. Three seemingly unconnected events on the Isle of Mull draw Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson back to his childhood home.
Hired by the photographer’s widow to investigate her husband’s death, Teàrlach quickly unravels a tangled web of family feuds, forbidden love and deep betrayals. The photographer’s death was no accident and with the missing fisherman's father dying in hospital, Teàrlach must find his son before it’s too late.
But as a violent storm closes in, Teàrlach discovers that some will do anything to keep their darkest secrets buried…
From a CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author and McIlvanney Best Scottish Crime Novel Finalist comes an atmospheric murder mystery. Fans of LJ Ross, Ann Cleeves, and Val McDermid will be mesmerised by The Graveyard Bell.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 18, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Teàrlach Paterson #3
A cliff top encounter on Staffa (Inner Hebrides) is witnessed only by puffins and skuas. Later, a body is discovered in Fingals Cave and identified as Rob Jamieson, a keen wildlife photographer. The police deem Rob’s death a tragic accident but his wife Lucy is not convinced. As she’s a school friend of Teàrlach from his days when living on the Isle of Mull with his aunt Rosie, she consults him explaining her fears. When she sees a photograph in a wildlife magazine that she instantly recognises as Rob’s style, her concerns deepen further. She urges him to use his investigative skills and as a favour to someone that he liked a lot at school, he agrees. Further investigation reveals that Rob’s is not the only suspicious death in and around Mull. Teàrlach, Dee and Chloe are on the trail.
I have really enjoyed this series so far and although this is still a good instalment, this is my least favourite. This is because I feel it’s too long taking a deep dive into Teàrlach’s and Dee’s past which though interesting, it takes my eye off the plot ball. What is revealed impacts on the relationship between Teàrlach and Dee which does provide food for thought.
However, despite the above reservation it is as always a book rich in atmosphere which is the author’s trademark. The setting on Mull is excellent and despite all the shenanigans it’s made me want to visit even more. The settings and folklore are used effectively too. The plot is well thought out with the separate strands connecting. There are plenty of twists along the route to the unpredictable end. There’s tension as well as plenty of emotion from several characters.
I really like the central characters as they feel authentic as well as being likeable. In this latest episode there’s a lot of background relating particularly to Teàrlach and how he relates to Mull. Whilst I do have reservations about the depth it goes into, it does further flesh him out and shed deeper glimpses into his personality. It seems he has quite a lot to unpack which I’m sure will feature in Book 4. It will be intriguing to see how all this unfolds in relation to Dee.
Overall, it’s a good read once it gets going with the start being slower than I would have liked.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated epub in return for an honest review.
Teàrlach Paterson #3
A cliff top encounter on Staffa (Inner Hebrides) is witnessed only by puffins and skuas. Later, a body is discovered in Fingals Cave and identified as Rob Jamieson, a keen wildlife photographer. The police deem Rob’s death a tragic accident but his wife Lucy is not convinced. As she’s a school friend of Teàrlach from his days when living on the Isle of Mull with his aunt Rosie, she consults him explaining her fears. When she sees a photograph in a wildlife magazine that she instantly recognises as Rob’s style, her concerns deepen further. She urges him to use his investigative skills and as a favour to someone that he liked a lot at school, he agrees. Further investigation reveals that Rob’s is not the only suspicious death in and around Mull. Teàrlach, Dee and Chloe are on the trail.
I have really enjoyed this series so far and although this is still a good instalment, this is my least favourite. This is because I feel it’s too long taking a deep dive into Teàrlach’s and Dee’s past which though interesting, it takes my eye off the plot ball. What is revealed impacts on the relationship between Teàrlach and Dee which does provide food for thought.
However, despite the above reservation it is as always a book rich in atmosphere which is the author’s trademark. The setting on Mull is excellent and despite all the shenanigans it’s made me want to visit even more. The settings and folklore are used effectively too. The plot is well thought out with the separate strands connecting. There are plenty of twists along the route to the unpredictable end. There’s tension as well as plenty of emotion from several characters.
I really like the central characters as they feel authentic as well as being likeable. In this latest episode there’s a lot of background relating particularly to Teàrlach and how he relates to Mull. Whilst I do have reservations about the depth it goes into, it does further flesh him out and shed deeper glimpses into his personality. It seems he has quite a lot to unpack which I’m sure will feature in Book 4. It will be intriguing to see how all this unfolds in relation to Dee.
Overall, it’s a good read once it gets going with the start being slower than I would have liked.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated epub in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2025
Private investigator Teàrlach Paterson was hired by an old school friend, Lucy, to investigate the death of her husband, which the police were treating as an accident. Because of their connection, Teàrlach agreed, and headed across to the Isle of Mull from Scotland, his old home that he'd not returned to since his aunt had died two years prior. Dee and Chloe, Teàrlach's two assistants, joined him, catching the ferry across to the island, where their investigation had increased with a missing person, and another suspicious death. Were they all connected? The local police wanted nothing from Teàrlach; told him to keep away from it all - which of course he ignored. As the investigations deepened and evidence mounted, Teàrlach wondered if they would solve them all...
The Graveyard Bell is the 3rd in the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series by Andrew James Greig and this one is my least favourite of the three. There's a lot of repetition, it's a really slow burn pretty much all the way through, with a lot of introspection into Teàrlach's and Dee's pasts. It seems to lose concentration on the cases being followed, quite often, which was frustrating. But I will look out for #4. Recommended to fans of the genre, and of the author.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
The Graveyard Bell is the 3rd in the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series by Andrew James Greig and this one is my least favourite of the three. There's a lot of repetition, it's a really slow burn pretty much all the way through, with a lot of introspection into Teàrlach's and Dee's pasts. It seems to lose concentration on the cases being followed, quite often, which was frustrating. But I will look out for #4. Recommended to fans of the genre, and of the author.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
July 3, 2025
THE GRAVEYARD BELL is #3 in the Teàrlach Paterson series by Andrew James Greig, and although the writing was poetic, enough to gain it 3 stars from me, the plot was erratic, and too much space was wasted on delving further into Teàrlach's background.
The story begins with the death of a wildlife photographer—a death we know was due to some photographs he took of a woman named Siobhan. The death is designated an accident by the local police, but the photographer's wife, Lucy, doesn't believe this and hires Teàrlach to uncover the truth. Teàrlach is happy to take the case since it means he will have a chance to return to the Isle of Mull where he grew up; he has not been back since the aunt who raised him died two years earlier.
Teàrlach and his two assistants, Dee and Chloe, travel to Mull, arriving soon after another tragic accident has occurred, this time killing a deep sea diver involved in environmental issues, one studying the destruction of the seabed by trawling and scallop dredging. We know that the diver was lured to his death by a trap that involved a faint sound of singing—sounds like sirens singing in the depths.
Then the plot jumps to the story of Calum and Siobhan, whose romantic relationship is opposed by both of their families. Calum is missing, according to his dying father, and the father wants to see him before he dies. He asks Teàrlach to find Calum. Siobhan's mother, however, refuses to talk about Calum.
Interspersed with all these plot details, we acquire further information about the backgrounds of the three investigators.
Dee mulls: 'All three of them were damaged goods. Chloe with her history of drugs and prostitution; Teàrlach with his murdered family; her the unwanted orphan.'
[However, Dee's story doesn't ring true. Supposedly, she was a foundling, raised in orphanages. However, orphanages were disbanded in the 1960s, in Canada at least, and I expect soon afterwards in Scotland. Older parentless children would have been raised in smaller, foster care homes, from the 1980s onward. (And Dee would most likely have been born in the 1990s.) However, foundlings were always adopted soon after their birth if their parents could not be found. They definitely were not raised in orphanages, which Dee says happened to her.]
I felt the dangling ties of the plot line came together too quickly at the end, with not enough explanation. I believe the Siobhan was supposed to be a symbolic representation of a siren, but this wasn't conveyed clearly enough. Amongst other things that bothered me, there was no explanation for why the photographer at the beginning of the story was so attracted to Siobhan, nor when and how a relationship between Calum's father and Siobhan's mother developed. It was as if there were several worthwhile plot strands left unfinished—as if the book were published before the author had time to think everything through.
Thus, plot = 2, characters = 3, setting = 5, for an overall 3 rating.
[One happy note was a one-sentence mention of a phone call from DI Corstorphine in Fort William. So hopefully we'll get another DI Corstorphine novel.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books by this author:
The Bone Clock (DI Corstorphine, #1)
The Devil's Cut (DI Corstorphine, #2)
The Girl in the Lock (Teàrlach Paterson #1)
Silent Ritual (Teàrlach Paterson #2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story begins with the death of a wildlife photographer—a death we know was due to some photographs he took of a woman named Siobhan. The death is designated an accident by the local police, but the photographer's wife, Lucy, doesn't believe this and hires Teàrlach to uncover the truth. Teàrlach is happy to take the case since it means he will have a chance to return to the Isle of Mull where he grew up; he has not been back since the aunt who raised him died two years earlier.
Teàrlach and his two assistants, Dee and Chloe, travel to Mull, arriving soon after another tragic accident has occurred, this time killing a deep sea diver involved in environmental issues, one studying the destruction of the seabed by trawling and scallop dredging. We know that the diver was lured to his death by a trap that involved a faint sound of singing—sounds like sirens singing in the depths.
Then the plot jumps to the story of Calum and Siobhan, whose romantic relationship is opposed by both of their families. Calum is missing, according to his dying father, and the father wants to see him before he dies. He asks Teàrlach to find Calum. Siobhan's mother, however, refuses to talk about Calum.
Interspersed with all these plot details, we acquire further information about the backgrounds of the three investigators.
Dee mulls: 'All three of them were damaged goods. Chloe with her history of drugs and prostitution; Teàrlach with his murdered family; her the unwanted orphan.'
[However, Dee's story doesn't ring true. Supposedly, she was a foundling, raised in orphanages. However, orphanages were disbanded in the 1960s, in Canada at least, and I expect soon afterwards in Scotland. Older parentless children would have been raised in smaller, foster care homes, from the 1980s onward. (And Dee would most likely have been born in the 1990s.) However, foundlings were always adopted soon after their birth if their parents could not be found. They definitely were not raised in orphanages, which Dee says happened to her.]
I felt the dangling ties of the plot line came together too quickly at the end, with not enough explanation. I believe the Siobhan was supposed to be a symbolic representation of a siren, but this wasn't conveyed clearly enough. Amongst other things that bothered me, there was no explanation for why the photographer at the beginning of the story was so attracted to Siobhan, nor when and how a relationship between Calum's father and Siobhan's mother developed. It was as if there were several worthwhile plot strands left unfinished—as if the book were published before the author had time to think everything through.
Thus, plot = 2, characters = 3, setting = 5, for an overall 3 rating.
[One happy note was a one-sentence mention of a phone call from DI Corstorphine in Fort William. So hopefully we'll get another DI Corstorphine novel.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books by this author:
The Bone Clock (DI Corstorphine, #1)
The Devil's Cut (DI Corstorphine, #2)
The Girl in the Lock (Teàrlach Paterson #1)
Silent Ritual (Teàrlach Paterson #2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 14, 2026
A great thriller with fascinating characters.
January 26, 2025
This the third in Andrew James Greig’s Teàrlach Paterson PI series and just like the first ( I’ve still to read the second, The Secret Ritual), it is a real page-turner.
The setting is the Scottish island of Mull, and Greig brings to life an island, not too remote, which is much more than just a tourist haven, a place where people live and work. But then he adds murder.
It starts with the death of a renowned wildlife photographer but more characters and storylines emerge and he cleverly builds both suspense and confusion.
There are moments of utter terror as a second character dies. Throughout, the language is powerful, the metaphors dramatic, extravagant even. Greig brings the landscape (which, I confess I know a little) to life, with both accuracy and humour, not least the description of Teàrlach’s arrival in the village of Dervaig and how he describes its church tower.
A character from Greig’s previous series, DI Costorphine, makes a brief but welcome return (by phone) and a new polis, the rather prickly Sgt Suzie Crammond, is introduced and he continues to tell the ongoing story of the relationships between him and his colleagues Dee and Chloe and their respective back stories.
Their stories echo those of the people affected by the deaths at the heart of the novel: the pain that families can inflict on one another set against the importance of family.
So, yes, a great thriller, a total page turner but one that does make you reflect. Looking forward to the next chapter for Téarlach, Dee and Chloe and finding if and how they heal.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of The Graveyard Bell.
The setting is the Scottish island of Mull, and Greig brings to life an island, not too remote, which is much more than just a tourist haven, a place where people live and work. But then he adds murder.
It starts with the death of a renowned wildlife photographer but more characters and storylines emerge and he cleverly builds both suspense and confusion.
There are moments of utter terror as a second character dies. Throughout, the language is powerful, the metaphors dramatic, extravagant even. Greig brings the landscape (which, I confess I know a little) to life, with both accuracy and humour, not least the description of Teàrlach’s arrival in the village of Dervaig and how he describes its church tower.
A character from Greig’s previous series, DI Costorphine, makes a brief but welcome return (by phone) and a new polis, the rather prickly Sgt Suzie Crammond, is introduced and he continues to tell the ongoing story of the relationships between him and his colleagues Dee and Chloe and their respective back stories.
Their stories echo those of the people affected by the deaths at the heart of the novel: the pain that families can inflict on one another set against the importance of family.
So, yes, a great thriller, a total page turner but one that does make you reflect. Looking forward to the next chapter for Téarlach, Dee and Chloe and finding if and how they heal.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of The Graveyard Bell.
January 13, 2025
Given the number of books I read, it’s important to mention that this
book is completely different than any book I have read, with a surprise
that is almost shattering in it’s importance.
I LOVE Scotland, the islands, the people, the history, culture, even the
food. Sure, it can be bone chilling cold, but the people are warm hearted.
This story has something for everyone with really interesting characters
and a fascinating suspense that lasts right up to the conclusion.
It is the third book in the series, but I had not read the first two books and
while I missed out on the character building, I had no trouble popping in
and feeling quite involved in the lives of everyone.
I highly recommend the book, and the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download of the
book for review purposes.
book is completely different than any book I have read, with a surprise
that is almost shattering in it’s importance.
I LOVE Scotland, the islands, the people, the history, culture, even the
food. Sure, it can be bone chilling cold, but the people are warm hearted.
This story has something for everyone with really interesting characters
and a fascinating suspense that lasts right up to the conclusion.
It is the third book in the series, but I had not read the first two books and
while I missed out on the character building, I had no trouble popping in
and feeling quite involved in the lives of everyone.
I highly recommend the book, and the series.
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download of the
book for review purposes.
January 24, 2025
Wow wow wow - amazing - so intense and thrilling
I was totally hooked on this series of Private Investigator Tearlach Paterson murder mystery.
Bloody hell - how many murders all in this book?
Tearlach, Dee and Chloe are a great team solving these crimes. Just brilliant
Highly recommended
I was totally hooked on this series of Private Investigator Tearlach Paterson murder mystery.
Bloody hell - how many murders all in this book?
Tearlach, Dee and Chloe are a great team solving these crimes. Just brilliant
Highly recommended
January 12, 2025
A good read which would have been much better (for me) if a third of the novel at least was not about the past of the three PIs. All three have traumatic pasts which take too much room in an investigation to bring much tension to the overall story. That's a shame.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
September 1, 2025
The Graveyard Bell is the latest gripping installment in Andrew James Greig’s Tearlach Paterson series, and it may be his most atmospheric yet. Tearlach returns to his childhood haunts in the Scottish Highlands and the remote islands surrounding Mull, accompanied by his loyal assistants, Dee and Chloe, to untangle a web of mysteries that threaten to unravel the quiet island life.
The story begins when Tearlach is approached by an old acquaintance seeking answers about her husband’s suspicious death. Before long, a missing young man and a seemingly unrelated death surface, intertwining three separate cases in ways that are both intricate and compelling. Greig skillfully layers these narratives, keeping readers guessing as each revelation leads to another dead end, a new clue, or an unexpected twist.
Greig excels at using the setting almost as a character itself. The remote islands, stormy seas, and rugged landscapes of Mull are described in vivid, almost tactile detail—icy winds whipping across cliffs, the salty tang of the sea, and the haunting cries of seabirds—which heightens the tension and immerses readers fully in the story. The atmospheric backdrop perfectly complements the suspense and mystery at the heart of the plot.
Tearlach, Dee, and Chloe remain an engaging trio, each bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the investigation. The interpersonal dynamics, particularly the evolving relationship between Tearlach and Dee, add emotional depth without detracting from the central mystery. Family secrets, old feuds, forbidden loves, and echoes of past betrayals emerge gradually, revealing the hidden tensions beneath the island’s tranquil surface.
The pacing is generally strong, though there are moments of introspection that slow the investigation slightly, particularly around Tearlach’s personal history. These passages, however, enrich the characters and make the resolution all the more satisfying. The story’s twists and the eventual connections between the seemingly disparate threads are cleverly executed, delivering both shock and poignancy.
The Graveyard Bell is a masterfully plotted, atmospheric thriller that blends intricate mystery, richly drawn characters, and evocative Scottish landscapes. Whether you are a longtime fan of Tearlach Paterson or new to the series, this novel offers suspense, intrigue, and a touch of emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.
The story begins when Tearlach is approached by an old acquaintance seeking answers about her husband’s suspicious death. Before long, a missing young man and a seemingly unrelated death surface, intertwining three separate cases in ways that are both intricate and compelling. Greig skillfully layers these narratives, keeping readers guessing as each revelation leads to another dead end, a new clue, or an unexpected twist.
Greig excels at using the setting almost as a character itself. The remote islands, stormy seas, and rugged landscapes of Mull are described in vivid, almost tactile detail—icy winds whipping across cliffs, the salty tang of the sea, and the haunting cries of seabirds—which heightens the tension and immerses readers fully in the story. The atmospheric backdrop perfectly complements the suspense and mystery at the heart of the plot.
Tearlach, Dee, and Chloe remain an engaging trio, each bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the investigation. The interpersonal dynamics, particularly the evolving relationship between Tearlach and Dee, add emotional depth without detracting from the central mystery. Family secrets, old feuds, forbidden loves, and echoes of past betrayals emerge gradually, revealing the hidden tensions beneath the island’s tranquil surface.
The pacing is generally strong, though there are moments of introspection that slow the investigation slightly, particularly around Tearlach’s personal history. These passages, however, enrich the characters and make the resolution all the more satisfying. The story’s twists and the eventual connections between the seemingly disparate threads are cleverly executed, delivering both shock and poignancy.
The Graveyard Bell is a masterfully plotted, atmospheric thriller that blends intricate mystery, richly drawn characters, and evocative Scottish landscapes. Whether you are a longtime fan of Tearlach Paterson or new to the series, this novel offers suspense, intrigue, and a touch of emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page.
February 27, 2025
Just Wow, this is the first book that I have read by Andrew James Greig but he has just earned himself a place on my "authors to watch out for" list. Although this is the third book in this series the author cleverly gives a potted version of the backgrounds of the well moulded and likeable main characters.
PI Tearlach Paterson and his assistants, Dee and Chloe all had disturbing childhoods, all overcame the adversities and became a team that really shouldn't work but just does, and just does brilliantly.
When Tearloch is contacted by an old schoolfriend to find out what happened to her husband, he leave his Glasgow home and heads to the remote island of Mull, the place where he had spent his childhood with his beloved aunt, the place that he hadn't returned to since her death, the place that he returned to with trepidation.
Lucy's husband, a well known wildlife photographer, had been found dead at the bottom of a cliff close to Fingal's Cave, the police had it down as an accident but Lucy was convinced that it wasn't ,and where was his camera ? To add to his problems, Tearlach was also contacted by a dying man who wanted him to find his missing son, he wanted to know what had happened to him before he died........he only had a short time.
This story twists and turns as the stories intertwine, Tearloch, Dee and Chloe try to unravel the mysteries in this usually quiet, close knit community, they encounter deep family feuds that go back generations, conspiracies, deceptions, secrets, haunting undersea music like sirens drawing the sailors to their deaths.
This story is so atmospheric, the author writes with such passion about the Scotland that I love, I could practically feel the icy cold, the blistering, howling wind, the horizontal rain, I cold practically taste the salt in the sea air.
I really look forward to reading more about Tearloch, Dee and Chloe.
Thank you Storm publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is voluntary.
PI Tearlach Paterson and his assistants, Dee and Chloe all had disturbing childhoods, all overcame the adversities and became a team that really shouldn't work but just does, and just does brilliantly.
When Tearloch is contacted by an old schoolfriend to find out what happened to her husband, he leave his Glasgow home and heads to the remote island of Mull, the place where he had spent his childhood with his beloved aunt, the place that he hadn't returned to since her death, the place that he returned to with trepidation.
Lucy's husband, a well known wildlife photographer, had been found dead at the bottom of a cliff close to Fingal's Cave, the police had it down as an accident but Lucy was convinced that it wasn't ,and where was his camera ? To add to his problems, Tearlach was also contacted by a dying man who wanted him to find his missing son, he wanted to know what had happened to him before he died........he only had a short time.
This story twists and turns as the stories intertwine, Tearloch, Dee and Chloe try to unravel the mysteries in this usually quiet, close knit community, they encounter deep family feuds that go back generations, conspiracies, deceptions, secrets, haunting undersea music like sirens drawing the sailors to their deaths.
This story is so atmospheric, the author writes with such passion about the Scotland that I love, I could practically feel the icy cold, the blistering, howling wind, the horizontal rain, I cold practically taste the salt in the sea air.
I really look forward to reading more about Tearloch, Dee and Chloe.
Thank you Storm publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is voluntary.
May 4, 2025
"Sometimes the ghosts we chase are not the dead, but the buried memories."
On the opening page, The Graveyard Bell transports you to a dark and moving mystery on the hauntingly beautiful Isle of Mull. It's not just a murder investigation — it's a journey into the weight of the past, into the people that we bear, and into secrets that won't stay buried.
Teàrlach Paterson, brooding private eye, goes back to his childhood village — a ghostly place — when Lucy, an old friend (and possibly more), enlists his services after her husband's untimely death. Their rapport, tinged with unsaid words and unresolved feelings, provides the narrative with a low-key emotional subtext.
Teàrlach's two assistants, Dee and Chloe, are more than just aides — they are individuals with troubled histories, hauled back out of the depths as the investigation unfolds. Teàrlach saved them before from their most desperate moment, and now they're living on his premises while he deals with his own.
Adding yet another level of sorrow and humanity, the novel also recounts the tale of a father who is so desperate to see the face of his child one last time — a reminder that love, regret, and hope can reverberate even more loudly than tragedy.
Beneath all of this is a love story of two people, torn apart by an ancient family vendetta. Their tale is of how old wounds and hidden secrets can drive even the purest love apart — and how finding out those secrets can heal or destroy.
The tempo is controlled and absorbing, slowly drawing you into the suspense and giving the characters a chance to breathe. Greig balances tension with emotion masterfully, offering us a tale that's half about individual reckonings and half about crime-solving.
The ending? Daring, shocking, and fulfilling. It sticks with you, not because of shock, but because of how much you've come to care.
A hauntingly beautiful tale of secrets, sorrow, and second chances. This is a mystery with heart, perfect for readers who seek emotional depth as much as suspense.
On the opening page, The Graveyard Bell transports you to a dark and moving mystery on the hauntingly beautiful Isle of Mull. It's not just a murder investigation — it's a journey into the weight of the past, into the people that we bear, and into secrets that won't stay buried.
Teàrlach Paterson, brooding private eye, goes back to his childhood village — a ghostly place — when Lucy, an old friend (and possibly more), enlists his services after her husband's untimely death. Their rapport, tinged with unsaid words and unresolved feelings, provides the narrative with a low-key emotional subtext.
Teàrlach's two assistants, Dee and Chloe, are more than just aides — they are individuals with troubled histories, hauled back out of the depths as the investigation unfolds. Teàrlach saved them before from their most desperate moment, and now they're living on his premises while he deals with his own.
Adding yet another level of sorrow and humanity, the novel also recounts the tale of a father who is so desperate to see the face of his child one last time — a reminder that love, regret, and hope can reverberate even more loudly than tragedy.
Beneath all of this is a love story of two people, torn apart by an ancient family vendetta. Their tale is of how old wounds and hidden secrets can drive even the purest love apart — and how finding out those secrets can heal or destroy.
The tempo is controlled and absorbing, slowly drawing you into the suspense and giving the characters a chance to breathe. Greig balances tension with emotion masterfully, offering us a tale that's half about individual reckonings and half about crime-solving.
The ending? Daring, shocking, and fulfilling. It sticks with you, not because of shock, but because of how much you've come to care.
A hauntingly beautiful tale of secrets, sorrow, and second chances. This is a mystery with heart, perfect for readers who seek emotional depth as much as suspense.
March 16, 2025
This is the third book in the Private Investigator Tearlach Paterson series. I have read all the books in the series and have enjoyed them very much. In the latest, the deaths of a photographer and a marine scientist, and the disappearance of a young fisherman seem unrelated. However, Tearlach is asked to look into the death of the photographer, and returns to his hometown of Mull. Tearlach brings his team of Dee and Chloe along to help look into all of these incidents. As they look deeper into the three men, they find family secrets, forbidden love, betrayal, family feuds, and quite possibly a recording of a siren's song that the marine scientist recorded under water before his death.
Greig continues to be a master of infusing atmospheric settings into his stories as if it, too, were a main character. An impending storm adds to the tension as Tearlach and his team try to unwind the strands that connect the three men, and their secrets.
I enjoyed this installment. However, I found it drag a bit at the beginning. And the inspection of Tearlach and Dee's relationship- although important to the characters development, pulled the reader out of the tension building with the investigation. It is relevant as the reader discovers at the end- but there seemed to be a lot more introspection of these two characters in this installment.
I did really enjoy the investigation, and thought it was quite clever the way the author tied it all together. I still enjoy this series, and look forward to
Greig continues to be a master of infusing atmospheric settings into his stories as if it, too, were a main character. An impending storm adds to the tension as Tearlach and his team try to unwind the strands that connect the three men, and their secrets.
I enjoyed this installment. However, I found it drag a bit at the beginning. And the inspection of Tearlach and Dee's relationship- although important to the characters development, pulled the reader out of the tension building with the investigation. It is relevant as the reader discovers at the end- but there seemed to be a lot more introspection of these two characters in this installment.
I did really enjoy the investigation, and thought it was quite clever the way the author tied it all together. I still enjoy this series, and look forward to
March 2, 2025
This is one story where the setting added so much to the story. Scottish highlands and remote islands, some with very few inhabitants, some only with birds - puffins and skuas. Turbulent weather, storms, raging seas and a very hardy people.
Tearlach born on the islands is back at his childhood home. He left years ago and has not returned, not even to sort the cottage out. He has plenty of baggage to sort out. A private investigator he is tasked by Lucy Patterson to find out what happened to her wildlife photographer husband. She refuses to accept that her husbands death was an accident. Within a few days the next death occurs which the police conveniently mark out as an accident and when a young man disappears with no trace, it seems very strange that three suspicious deaths have occurred in an area where deaths like this are rare.
Tearlack along with his assistants Chloe and Dee have to tread carefully. The local police do not like them hovering around and cooperating with them is not looked on favorably. Despite putting pieces of the puzzle together much faster than the local police, Tearlach has to step carefully, dealing with volatile characters.
The story apart from the detection held interest especially the descriptive nature of the islands added so much to the story. There are side stories of Dee’s past and Tearlach discovery of a daughter hitherto unknown but they were almost distractions from the main story.
Tearlach born on the islands is back at his childhood home. He left years ago and has not returned, not even to sort the cottage out. He has plenty of baggage to sort out. A private investigator he is tasked by Lucy Patterson to find out what happened to her wildlife photographer husband. She refuses to accept that her husbands death was an accident. Within a few days the next death occurs which the police conveniently mark out as an accident and when a young man disappears with no trace, it seems very strange that three suspicious deaths have occurred in an area where deaths like this are rare.
Tearlack along with his assistants Chloe and Dee have to tread carefully. The local police do not like them hovering around and cooperating with them is not looked on favorably. Despite putting pieces of the puzzle together much faster than the local police, Tearlach has to step carefully, dealing with volatile characters.
The story apart from the detection held interest especially the descriptive nature of the islands added so much to the story. There are side stories of Dee’s past and Tearlach discovery of a daughter hitherto unknown but they were almost distractions from the main story.
February 19, 2025
Loads of suspense and atmosphere🌊🛥
This series, now three in, is better with each book! This mystery moved quickly in a multiple POV format that kept me guessing the exact hows and whys. And I loved the Western Hebridean isle setting and how it traps the action on an island where secrets are really hard to keep. In a matter of days, two deaths, one missing fisherman who's caught up with his girlfriend in a family feud and a situation where Tearlach and his crew of private investigators have almost a clear field for poking around thanks to a small local police force not up to the challenge.
The stormy weather and rough seas provided that extra bit of drama and ominous atmosphere and I loved the way a tourist amateur photographer helped blow the cases wide open.
Tearlach's personal life, the surprises and emotions on returning to the place where his aunt raised him, had just enough focus to give substance to his, Dee and Chloe's characters and underline how protective they can be for each other. The plot remained a pageturner despite the occasional deviations and revelations about Tearlach's past.
A really gripping Scottish mystery!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This series, now three in, is better with each book! This mystery moved quickly in a multiple POV format that kept me guessing the exact hows and whys. And I loved the Western Hebridean isle setting and how it traps the action on an island where secrets are really hard to keep. In a matter of days, two deaths, one missing fisherman who's caught up with his girlfriend in a family feud and a situation where Tearlach and his crew of private investigators have almost a clear field for poking around thanks to a small local police force not up to the challenge.
The stormy weather and rough seas provided that extra bit of drama and ominous atmosphere and I loved the way a tourist amateur photographer helped blow the cases wide open.
Tearlach's personal life, the surprises and emotions on returning to the place where his aunt raised him, had just enough focus to give substance to his, Dee and Chloe's characters and underline how protective they can be for each other. The plot remained a pageturner despite the occasional deviations and revelations about Tearlach's past.
A really gripping Scottish mystery!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
January 20, 2025
I was lucky to read an ARC of this and an author who is new to me. It worked as a standalone book, although it is book 3 in a series, so I will be going back to read the other 2 as well.
It was quite evocative of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series, Kate Rhodes' Ben Kitto series and Sheila Quigley's Holy Island series where it was set in beautiful islands, this time the Isle of Mull and Tobermory, and the setting was described perfectly.
The 3 PI characters were very likeable and instantly made an impact on me as the plot developed, with their tenacity, backgrounds and skills. I just wish I knew how to pronounce Tearlach's name!
There was a pretty innocuous beginning with what seemed like an accident, but further events made it clear that it was not. I liked the way the 3 PIs worked together in different ways without their usual access to readily available technology etc. Some of the more technical parts of underground recording etc. were carefully and appropriately explained.
The plot moved quickly with lots of action and I found it hard to put down in the early hours!
I will definitely read more by this author.
It was quite evocative of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series, Kate Rhodes' Ben Kitto series and Sheila Quigley's Holy Island series where it was set in beautiful islands, this time the Isle of Mull and Tobermory, and the setting was described perfectly.
The 3 PI characters were very likeable and instantly made an impact on me as the plot developed, with their tenacity, backgrounds and skills. I just wish I knew how to pronounce Tearlach's name!
There was a pretty innocuous beginning with what seemed like an accident, but further events made it clear that it was not. I liked the way the 3 PIs worked together in different ways without their usual access to readily available technology etc. Some of the more technical parts of underground recording etc. were carefully and appropriately explained.
The plot moved quickly with lots of action and I found it hard to put down in the early hours!
I will definitely read more by this author.
February 15, 2025
Book Review 17 2025
The Graveyard Bell by @andrew_james_greig
Another well-earned 4 * read from me
And so my binge read of this series comes to an end... what to read next?
When Teàrlach is begged by an old friend to return to the island of Mull where he spent much of his childhood to prove her husband has been murdered he is reluctant. However, duty bound he bites the bullet and returns to the cottage he once shared with his much loved, now deceased Aunt. Apart from the complexities of working out what happened to his friend’s husband on an isolated island, Teàrlach must encounter memories from the past and in doing so uncovers some surprising personal things. Meanwhile Dee is struggling with her own problems which leads to a less than harmonious relationship.
Of course, as Teàrlach investigates he becomes involved in searching for the son of a terminally ill man and the island complexities and adverse weather makes this a tense read as they attempt to root out the truth.
Loving the dynamics of this team and the complexities of their lives.
#reading #readingcommunity #books #CrimeFiction #readingforpleasure
The Graveyard Bell by @andrew_james_greig
Another well-earned 4 * read from me
And so my binge read of this series comes to an end... what to read next?
When Teàrlach is begged by an old friend to return to the island of Mull where he spent much of his childhood to prove her husband has been murdered he is reluctant. However, duty bound he bites the bullet and returns to the cottage he once shared with his much loved, now deceased Aunt. Apart from the complexities of working out what happened to his friend’s husband on an isolated island, Teàrlach must encounter memories from the past and in doing so uncovers some surprising personal things. Meanwhile Dee is struggling with her own problems which leads to a less than harmonious relationship.
Of course, as Teàrlach investigates he becomes involved in searching for the son of a terminally ill man and the island complexities and adverse weather makes this a tense read as they attempt to root out the truth.
Loving the dynamics of this team and the complexities of their lives.
#reading #readingcommunity #books #CrimeFiction #readingforpleasure
March 2, 2025
The third in the series, I did not engage with this book as quickly as I did with the previous two and I cannot really put my finger on why not. Tearlach is asked to look into the death of the husband of Lucy, who he knew at school. He was a wildlife photographer and was found in Fingal's cave on the Isle of Staffa. The team return to Mull, where Tearlach grew up, living with his aunt. Another suspicious death occurs . There were clues which were not picked up on later in the book and the team were not appreciated by the local police. The pace was slowish at first, picking up later in the book. I did get into the book more as the book progressed and liked the descriptions of the island scenery and life. Tearlach , Dee and Chloe were together, but their working relationship did not seem so close this time, all three do have their own personal issues though. Saying that I will definately read a future episode and would rate this book as a strong 4 star (rather than the 5 for the other two books) . I like the author's writing style and the locations.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
February 17, 2025
I first discovered this series through NetGalley and I’m so glad I did! The team of Teàrlach, Chloe, and Dee are fantastic together. While their pasts don’t define them, they do fuel them. And in turn, the three feed off of each other to get them through their pasts as well as work on their cases. As we have seen in the previous two novels, what they initially think will be a simple case turns out to be anything of the sort as it rapidly expands to three cases. And in this one, Teàrlach gets news that I absolutely didn’t see coming. There was nothing to tell us this was in the works at all. What a great addition to the tension! I feel like the series just keeps getting better and better, and with a writer like Andrew James Greig, it’s no wonder. The man has some serious talent. I can’t wait for the next book to come out so we can see what happens with Teàrlach‘s newfound knowledge!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
January 15, 2025
The Graveyard Bell (Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson #3) by Andrew James Greig is an atmospheric, intense tale of three seemingly unrelated mysteries and family drama that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
I loved the author's first book in the series, and am sad to say that I missed news of the second one. However, this book stands well on its own, and it is good to see the developments the characters have made over the three books.
The mysteries of what caused the deaths of two men and the disappearance of another are well thought out and presented, with plenty of twists and turns as the PI and his staff do what the police can't or are unwilling to do - make connections and solve the puzzles. Greig cements himself as one of today's premier thriller writers, and I look forward to the next in series.
I was thrilled to get an ARC of #TheGraveyardBell from #NetGalley.
I loved the author's first book in the series, and am sad to say that I missed news of the second one. However, this book stands well on its own, and it is good to see the developments the characters have made over the three books.
The mysteries of what caused the deaths of two men and the disappearance of another are well thought out and presented, with plenty of twists and turns as the PI and his staff do what the police can't or are unwilling to do - make connections and solve the puzzles. Greig cements himself as one of today's premier thriller writers, and I look forward to the next in series.
I was thrilled to get an ARC of #TheGraveyardBell from #NetGalley.
February 24, 2025
At his Glasgow office PI Teàrlach Paterson is visited by an old friend from Mull, desperate to find out how her husband had died. The police have written it off as an accident, but Lucy is convinced that the truth is far more sinister. As an established and published photographer, Robert Jameson was not the type to take unnecessary risks. Plus, the equipment he was using that day is missing, making the event even more suspicious. With the whole team on their way to Mull, what can they discover, and what memories will Teàrlach uncover back in his childhood home?
Number three in this series and just as enjoyable as the previous books. Little by little we are getting to know the backgrounds of Teàrlach , Dee and Chloe, and the tragedies and pitfalls that have brought them to this point.
If you love Scotland and an absorbing well written story, with a few surprises on the way, then you will really enjoy this book.
Number three in this series and just as enjoyable as the previous books. Little by little we are getting to know the backgrounds of Teàrlach , Dee and Chloe, and the tragedies and pitfalls that have brought them to this point.
If you love Scotland and an absorbing well written story, with a few surprises on the way, then you will really enjoy this book.
February 24, 2025
Private Investigator Tearlach Paterson returns to his childhood home on the Isle of Mull to investigate three unusual events. After a wildlife photographer falls to his death from above Fingal’s Cave, a young fisherman vanishes without a trace, and soon after, a marine scientist’s body is pulled from the sea, leaving behind his last recording, which turns out to be a piece of evidence of his death.
The photographer's widow hires Tearlach to investigate her husband’s death. Tearlach’s investigation leads him into a web of family feuds, betrayals, and failed love interests. Tearlach finds that the photographer’s death was no accident and the fisherman's father is dying in the hospital. He races against time to find his son before he dies.
Tearlach’s investigation is further hampered by a violent storm covering the town and the wall of deep, dark secrets he must break through before completing his investigations.
The photographer's widow hires Tearlach to investigate her husband’s death. Tearlach’s investigation leads him into a web of family feuds, betrayals, and failed love interests. Tearlach finds that the photographer’s death was no accident and the fisherman's father is dying in the hospital. He races against time to find his son before he dies.
Tearlach’s investigation is further hampered by a violent storm covering the town and the wall of deep, dark secrets he must break through before completing his investigations.
January 27, 2026
Andrew James Greig loves a big epic murder mystery, as do I, but this one, while great, left a bit to be desired.
A lot is going on in the personal lives of both Tearlach and Dee. I love the personal lives of the main characters but HUGE stuff is happening when we're only 3 books in, we need more time to develop a real love and affinity for our main characters.
The murder mysteries itself are massive and sadly there's too many loose ends at the end of the book for my liking. I love that the PI's can get around policies that the police have to follow but I do dislike not reporting things to the cops that should be reported.
I know each book is meant to be able to be read as a stand alone, so basic details get repeated in every installment, but this series tends to recap things every few chapters.
Dee being angry/hurt at Tearlach and the big 'news bomb' he gets is ridiculous and now Chloe is holding about another. It's just too much.
A lot is going on in the personal lives of both Tearlach and Dee. I love the personal lives of the main characters but HUGE stuff is happening when we're only 3 books in, we need more time to develop a real love and affinity for our main characters.
The murder mysteries itself are massive and sadly there's too many loose ends at the end of the book for my liking. I love that the PI's can get around policies that the police have to follow but I do dislike not reporting things to the cops that should be reported.
I know each book is meant to be able to be read as a stand alone, so basic details get repeated in every installment, but this series tends to recap things every few chapters.
Dee being angry/hurt at Tearlach and the big 'news bomb' he gets is ridiculous and now Chloe is holding about another. It's just too much.
January 15, 2025
The Graveyard Bell is an atmospheric read that is fast paced with twists and turns and an ending I did not predict.
I simply could not put this book down it was that good.
Tearlach is hired by an old friendfrom the island Mull to look into her husbands death.
She is convinced it was not a simple accident.
Tearlach has many memories of the island some good , some not so good.
A fisherman disappears, bodies begin piling up .
The detective along with Chole and Dee are racing against the clock to solve not just one but three mysterious happenings.
The characters are well defined, the atmosphere is perfect and the tension mounts with every page.
This series gets better with every book and I cant wait to see what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Graveyard Bell.
I simply could not put this book down it was that good.
Tearlach is hired by an old friendfrom the island Mull to look into her husbands death.
She is convinced it was not a simple accident.
Tearlach has many memories of the island some good , some not so good.
A fisherman disappears, bodies begin piling up .
The detective along with Chole and Dee are racing against the clock to solve not just one but three mysterious happenings.
The characters are well defined, the atmosphere is perfect and the tension mounts with every page.
This series gets better with every book and I cant wait to see what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Graveyard Bell.
January 28, 2025
I was attracted by the beautiful setting on the Isle of Mull to this, my first introduction to private investigator Teàrlach Paterson.
I was a little undecided to start with because a private investigator can only do certain things. Their work can be painstaking and dull; they're not going to be banging on a door yelling "armed police."
But in the case of The Graveyard Bell, I got to admire the breadth of the work of Teàrlach and his two colleagues, particularly in their usage of white hat hacking and social media.
Teàrlach is an interesting character: I didn't feel I got to know him, which is the author's intention: he seems quite inscrutable.
Three incidents which seemed unrelated came together beautifully and there was a dramatic finale. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance digital copy.
I was a little undecided to start with because a private investigator can only do certain things. Their work can be painstaking and dull; they're not going to be banging on a door yelling "armed police."
But in the case of The Graveyard Bell, I got to admire the breadth of the work of Teàrlach and his two colleagues, particularly in their usage of white hat hacking and social media.
Teàrlach is an interesting character: I didn't feel I got to know him, which is the author's intention: he seems quite inscrutable.
Three incidents which seemed unrelated came together beautifully and there was a dramatic finale. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance digital copy.
February 21, 2025
The Graveyard Bell by Andrew James Greig is book 3 in the PI Tearlach Paterson series. Lucy Jameson travels to Glasgow from the Isle of Mull to ask Tearlach for his help to investigate the death of her husband, Robert, after his death was declared accidental. However, that is not the only death, with the drowning of a wildlife underwater sound recordist on the small Isle. There is also the matter of the missing Calum Donald, who was last seen on a fishing boat. All these sinister events are surely connected. Tearlach’s team is made up of Dee, who is an IT expert, and Chloe, the expert in the office. They have all grown close because of their last case and are now like family. They all have demons but that makes them who they are. To get a good grip on the characters, it is best to read the series in order and start at book 1, The Girl in the Loch. I love the writing and the descriptions place you in the middle of the story. The team move to Mull to investigate, moving into the cottage left to him by his aunt and a can of worms is opened for Tearlach. A fabulous read.
February 21, 2025
The Graveyard Bell by Andrew James Greig
No 3 in the PI Teàrlach Paterson series treats us to a ferry trip to Mull.
Teàrlach and his team have their work cut out for them. Are 3 mysterious events on this normally quiet island linked? What, if anything, connects a missing fisherman, a wildlife photographer, and an environmentalist?
In this third novel in the series, we uncover more of Teàrlach’s childhood, expanding on previous books (but it could still be read as standalone).
Is he still a local or is he a tourist in his old home?
This is an enjoyable mystery, with some twisted moments. For me the stars are the Hebridean landscape and weather, making it an atmospheric story where you can feel that salty Atlantic wind and sea harr that soaks you to the bone.
Thanks to netgalley for a drc to review in my own words
No 3 in the PI Teàrlach Paterson series treats us to a ferry trip to Mull.
Teàrlach and his team have their work cut out for them. Are 3 mysterious events on this normally quiet island linked? What, if anything, connects a missing fisherman, a wildlife photographer, and an environmentalist?
In this third novel in the series, we uncover more of Teàrlach’s childhood, expanding on previous books (but it could still be read as standalone).
Is he still a local or is he a tourist in his old home?
This is an enjoyable mystery, with some twisted moments. For me the stars are the Hebridean landscape and weather, making it an atmospheric story where you can feel that salty Atlantic wind and sea harr that soaks you to the bone.
Thanks to netgalley for a drc to review in my own words
January 19, 2025
Sometimes books are perfectly marketed and The Graveyard Bell is an example of that. Atmospheric? Yes! Gripping? Yes! Thrilling? Yes! I was happy to learn the terrific Teàrlach Paterson was back. The investigative team of Chloe, Dee, and Teàrlach has a winning chemistry and is one of my favorites. They say you can never go home, but that is exactly what Teàrlach does in this admirable addition to the series. The Isle of Mull takes a starring role in The Graveyard Bell as our trio races to solve not one, but three mysteries. Grieg uses his usual pitch perfect pacing to keep the plot moving forward. There are some nice twists in The Graveyard Bell. Some things will never be the same for our heroes after this one.
January 19, 2025
The agency has three unconventional people who are still weathering their traumatic pasts. This time they are working to find what truths they can about two different missing persons despite a distinct lack of information. The story starts out rather slowly in order to get all available information out there but then it picks up and travels through a lot of twists and sidebars. Very good read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Pub Date Feb 24, 2025
#TheGraveyardBell by #andrew_james_greig #PrivateInvestigatorTeàrlachPatersonBk3 #stormbooks_co #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #procedural #ScottishCoast #CrimeFiction #murders #scottishcrime #netgalley #netgalleyreview ***** #netgalleyreader #murdermystery #murdermysterybooks #murdermysterynovel #scotland
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Pub Date Feb 24, 2025
#TheGraveyardBell by #andrew_james_greig #PrivateInvestigatorTeàrlachPatersonBk3 #stormbooks_co #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #procedural #ScottishCoast #CrimeFiction #murders #scottishcrime #netgalley #netgalleyreview ***** #netgalleyreader #murdermystery #murdermysterybooks #murdermysterynovel #scotland
January 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
This is my first time reading this author. I loved the writing style, and that the setting became a character all its own. I didn't feel I was missing anything from not having read the other books in this series. What keeps me from giving this 5 stars is the repetition throughout the story, and the fact that Teàrlach didn't seem to have a handle on the investigation. Who is the head of this PI team anyway, him or Dee? She did most of the work. I felt they didn't even like each other most of the time. Maybe I am missing something from the other books after all? Anyway, I would recommend this one, particularly for the island setting.
This is my first time reading this author. I loved the writing style, and that the setting became a character all its own. I didn't feel I was missing anything from not having read the other books in this series. What keeps me from giving this 5 stars is the repetition throughout the story, and the fact that Teàrlach didn't seem to have a handle on the investigation. Who is the head of this PI team anyway, him or Dee? She did most of the work. I felt they didn't even like each other most of the time. Maybe I am missing something from the other books after all? Anyway, I would recommend this one, particularly for the island setting.
February 1, 2025
Fantastic, an interesting trilogy of mysteries in this one. Teàrlach is hired by a photographer's widow to find out what really happened when he died. Teàrlach, Dee and Chloe all end up on the island of Mull to investigate. While there, living in Teàrlach's aunt's cottage where he grew up and which he hasn't been to since she passed 2 years before, they get asked by an old fisherman to find his son, and they hear about a mysterious drowning on the island as well. As the weather gets wilder, the cases seem to have overlaps and it's up to the three of them to unravel all the threads. An intriguing and exciting read!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Andrew James Greig for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Andrew James Greig for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
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