Nothing Left of Me

by Alex Walters

The past comes looking for a former police detective craving solitude in the Scottish Highlands).

After a stakeout turns deadly, Detective Sergeant Jack Mellor’s life spirals out of control. Struggling with guilt, he quits the force and retreats to the remote northern Highlands, seeking seclusion. But peace is hard to find.

When he’s hired to investigate the disappearance of a young woman, Mellor is reluctantly drawn back into a world of corruption, crime, and deceit. As disturbing secrets emerge, his new life begins to unravel. Complicating matters, his ex-partner Maddie reappears, and a potential new romance is shattered. As Mellor digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying operation—with shocking connections to those he thought he could trust.

Betrayed and disillusioned, Mellor faces the darkest moments of his life. But as his world crumbles, will a glimmer of hope emerge? And in the hauntingly beautiful Highlands, with only a loyal dog for company, can Mellor overcome his demons and bring the guilty to justice?

Genres: Fiction

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2024

About the author

Aka Michael Walters

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a thriller and a very good one, but it is a slow burn with descriptive scenes that drip feeds the reader clues as the book progresses. It is also quite character driven and we get to know the cast of characters well, especially Detective Sergeant Jack Mellor. A long-time serving police officer Jack has seen it all but previously had been involved in a traumatic stakeout, one that went very wrong, Jack still carries a huge amount of guilt around on his shoulders and then makes the decision to leave the force. He heads off to the remote area of the northern highlands, hoping to gain some peace and perspective of what went to terribly wrong on that day.

Soon he is drawn back into using his detective skills when he is hired to investigate a disappearance, that of a young woman and his peace is soon destroyed. His ex-girlfriend Maddie is back on the scene, and this is also a challenge for Jack. He is not sure of what Maddie’s intentions are or why she is now back in his life and is also concerned as to how she was able to track him down. He has conflicting feelings about Maddie, part of him wants what they had before but where there is Maddie, there is usually drama, hence his mixed emotions in relation to her.

Jack is plunged back into the world of crime and corruption with very shady figures taking over control of his peaceful existence. The further he is thrown into this new case the more unsure he becomes of who to trust and who is out to destroy his life once more.

I really enjoyed this book and will be looking out for more from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kairen Harries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book. I've read all of Alex Walters' previous books and loved them all but this was another departure from his previous works.
I found myself gripped from the very beginning and really took to the characters. The action moves at a good pace and there are lots of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting.
If you are in the market for a detective novel with a twist then this for you.

[Gail Radka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed a different angle and storyline kept me guessing

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "Nothing Left of Me", Alex Walters delivers a tour de force that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go until the final, breathtaking twist.

This novel exemplifies the very best of crime thrillers, blending intricate plotting, flawed yet compelling characters, and a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after you've turned the last page.

The story centers on a relentless detective, haunted by his past, as he navigates a labyrinth of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders. Walters expertly weaves together multiple narrative threads, each one taut with suspense and meticulously crafted detail. The stakes rise with each chapter, creating a crescendo of tension.

"Nothing Left of Me" highlights Walters' ability to paint a vivid and immersive world. His prose is precise and evocative, drawing readers into a landscape that feels as real as it is foreboding. The setting becomes a character in its own right, its dark and gritty streets mirroring the inner turmoil of those who inhabit them.

Character development is another strength of this novel. The protagonist, with his complex moral compass and personal demons, is portrayed with a depth and authenticity that makes him instantly relatable. Walters doesn't shy away from exploring the darker sides of his characters, making their journeys all the more compelling.

The plot is a masterclass in suspense. Twists and turns abound, but they are always earned and never gratuitous. Walters has a knack for planting clues that are both subtle and significant, rewarding attentive readers with a satisfying sense of discovery. The climax is both shocking and inevitable, a testament to Walters' skill in crafting a narrative as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

"Nothing Left of Me" is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers. It is a book that challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of justice, redemption, and the human condition. Walters has penned a novel as haunting as it is thrilling, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his next offering.

"Nothing Left of Me" is a gripping, thought-provoking (and deeply enjoyable) crime thriller that showcases Alex Walters at his best. This is a book that is a testament to its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters. Highly recommended.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

As always, Alex Walters has provided me with an outstanding and unique read. This book was unlike anything I had read before, and I found myself totally absorbed in yet another excellent novel. This author has a way of creating characters that I find endearing and can easily empathise with, it didn’t take me long to find that I really liked Jack Mellor. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and it just continued to get more and more intriguing. There were plenty of surprises and lots of events that were unexpected. The plot itself is very complex and cleverly constructed. It was an emotional rollercoaster and in places I found myself having to stop reading to fully absorb the horror of what was going on. As I dog lover, I was really enjoyed being introduced to Ziggy who added passages of fun and lightness to what was otherwise an extremely dark story. In my opinion and author who brings a dog into a story grabs my heartstrings immediately. The pace of the story is high and keeps you reading well into the night. I could almost feel the exhaustion that Jack Mellor was experiencing as his life began to unravel around him and he realises that nothing in his recent life is as he believed. As we get closer to the end the truth of what is going on is finally revealed and comes with an amazing twist. I felt the ending was very moving after all the horrible events that had taken place. As much as I would love this to become a series, I also appreciate how well Alex Walters does standalone crime thrillers in addition to his totally addictive series.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* Great start, great descriptions, great horrible-Trump-like bad guy, but them it began to feel inorganic with the arrival of Maddie and how things speeded up.

This is my first read from this author, and parts were really enjoyable. I liked the descriptions of the remote Scottish scenery, and liked some of the characters. The lead himself came across as a decent guy with no motive other than to leave dangerous policing behind, and was believable.

I had just started to become intrigued by his investigation into the missing woman, when his ex arrived, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out her motive, but she clearly knew him well and that a tale of danger would mean that he wouldn't turf her out. Seriously, though, I don't think I've often disliked a female character this much. When what she was up to came to light, I wanted to slap her for being such a beeotch user and a liar. But, she provided the next steps in a tale that'd stalled a bit, but for me, it wasn't organic anymore.

Too much got introduced too quickly, with stuff coming out of the woodwork and the Teflon-faux-DJT turning out to not be the lump of lard he'd been described as, and being possibly chased away from these shores. If only that were the IRL case 😔

The writing was decent, the tale had potential but it all was a bit far-fetched and too rushed for me. I'd read more by this author but with better editing and balance.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Bloodhound Books, for my reading pleasure.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

After an undercover operation goes spectacularly wrong, Glasgow DC Jack Mellor quits the police force and heads for the highlands of NE Scotland. For a while he is content with the peace and solitude of his isolated cottage. Accepting the invitation to a Hogmanay party at his landlord’s house, he meets his neighbours. He strikes up a friendship with local accountant Lorna, going for walks in the hills with her and her dog Ziggy, hoping that it might develop into something more. Cameron Fraser hires him to investigate the disappearance of a young woman, the daughter of his former business partner, but there is not much to go on. When Jack starts talking to the missing woman’s friends, his peaceful existence starts to fall apart as he is dragged back into the world he thought he’d left behind for good.
Alex Walters captures perfectly the atmosphere and scenery of the area around the Cromarty Firth. I had not read anything by him before, but was very impressed by Nothing Left of Me, and will definitely be on the lookout for his other books. This is a character-driven thriller with a complicated plot and many surprising twists to keep the reader guessing. I liked the character of Jack Mellor, and look forward (hopefully) to reading more of his adventures. Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

[Alison Starnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Mellor leaves the police force after a surveillance operation goes wrong and he nearly dies. Moving to a remote part of Scotland seems like a good idea, until he is persuaded to do some undercover digging for Cameron Fraser into the disappearance of a woman called Kate Brodie, the daughter of ruthless businessman Archie Kinnear.

Before long, a former colleague and a local woman end up dead, both shot in cold blood. Then Jack's ex-girlfriend Maddie turns up, with a story that her own life is in danger.

Trying to work out the connection between the two deaths, his new employer and another powerful individual leads Jack into a dangerous stand-off.

This is another well-written crime story from Alex Walters. As ever, the storyline keeps you guessing until the various threads come together. The only minor caveat is that it takes a little while to get going, but the pace picks up once Maddie is on the scene. All the main characters are well-drawn, whilst not all entirely likeable.

Jack is a character who could well be developed over more stories. Whether or not that happens, I recommend the Alec McKay series for anyone wishing to read more of Alex Walters's output within a Scottish setting.

I received this book as a free digital ARC from Booksprout and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Retiring from the Scottish police force in Glasgow, Mellor, a former police officer settles in the remote Scottish Highlands. He meets a lovely lady named Lorne. When she is killed, he disappears to his cabin in shock.

Powerful people seem to be at play here, and when an ex-partner suddenly shows up, he’s left wondering why, and whether or not he can trust her. The storyline turns darker and it’s clear there are disturbing complications to his investigation of a missing person.

Although a rather slow burn start, the plot line turns complex with fully-developed characters. This well-written story reveals that even Northern Scotland is not immune to greed and the violence rampant throughout our planet. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These thoughts are my own.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack has quit his job as a Detective Sergeant and retreats to a remote cabin in the Highlands to find himself. His "landlord" invites Jack to a party where he meets Lorna and they forge a friendship and go for walks with Lorna's dog, Ziggy.

Jack is hired by a local man to do some investigative work for him and when a couple of mysterious murders happen in this quiet area, people grow suspicious of Jack and his sudden arrival - so much so that he begins to question how he's connected to the murdered people and if his investigation is triggering the murders.

Then, his quiet life turns even more bizarre with the unexpected arrival of his ex, Maddie, on his remote doorstep. How did she find him? Can he protect her from her crazy boyfriend who she says she left.

This is my first book I've read by this author and I thought it was really well-written and the description of the Highlands seemed spot-on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC of this book.

[Johanna Mallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting read with many surprises, moves along at a good pace and leaves you guessing til the end. DI Jack Mellor leaves Police Scotland after a near death experience with a gangster holding a gun to his head. He’s been disillusioned with the job for a while and rents a house in the Highlands to rest, recuperate and decide what to do next. He’s introduced to a wealthy local businessman who says he could use his detecting skills and asks him first to discreetly look into the disappearance of a woman, the daughter of a business rival, but his past has followed him and he unwittingly gets gets drawn deeper and deeper into a web of intrigue and danger. Jack struggles to make sense of it all and stumbles into the answers in a deadly encounter with the criminal mastermind who’s been orchestrating everything.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW. . . . . . . . Nothing Left of Me by Alex Walters was an excellent thriller that will have you hooked from the first few pages till the very end. It is fast paced with lots of twists and turns throughout which made it an excellent read. I loved it especially the main character - who was a Detective Sergeant Jack Mellor and he quits the police force, after a near death experience with a gangster holding a gun to his head He then heads for the highlands of NE Scotland to live in a small cottage, all he wanted was peace and solitude, relax and just to breath the fresh air in.........But Things change for Jack and his days become more complicated when he is introduced to a wealthy local businessman and he asks Jack to discreetly look into the disappearance of a woman, who is the daughter of a business colleague.

Excellent book and I highly recommend it.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never read anything by this author before, but I was thoroughly impressed by "Nothing Left of Me" and will definitely seek out his other works. This character-driven thriller features a complex plot with numerous surprising twists that keep readers on their toes. I especially enjoyed the character of Jack Mellor and look forward to following his adventures in future stories.

While the story starts off a bit slowly, it quickly evolves into a rich narrative filled with well-developed characters. This engaging tale illustrates that even Northern Scotland isn’t immune to the greed and violence that trouble our world today.

All in all, it’s an exciting read packed with surprises, maintains a good pace, and keeps you guessing right up to the last page. I highly recommend it as an excellent book. A big thank you to Bloodhound Books for providing this ARC!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific read. I liked Jack from the start. After he leaves his police job, the location where he ends up evokes a nice sense of isolation. However things take a drastic turn with a job offer and more after meeting some people at a local party.

This was quite a character driven story which I loved and the investigation Jack is undertaking into a missing woman seems to have links to dirty deals and possible police corruption or incompetence. There are plenty of twists throughout and I immediately loved Ziggy. This is a cracking read and I found it impossible to put down. I'd love to read more books featuring Jack.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting thriller and very well plotted with twist after twist right until the end. I really liked the character of Jack Mellor, he is a strong personality but with a vulnerable side to him. The Highland setting added so much atmosphere to the story and was beautifully described by the author. The pace started off slowly but soon picked up and my heart was in my mouth at times following Jack's exploits! The ending left me wanting to read more and I can highly recommend the read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author and thoroughly enjoyed the story, stayed up until midnight to finish the last few chapters. The locations interested me, being from the Highlands myself and I loved the descriptions of local places and the Scottish weather. Complex plot with lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and a climatic ending. Have recommended to an ex-copper friend and will be buying for Christmas gift to family members who enjoy crime novels.
Will continue to think of the walks with Ziggy, mountains of coffee consumed and a certain character that left too soon!

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cottage hidden in the remoteness of the Scottish Highlands provides an evocative backdrop to this tense crime thriller.
Jack Mellor, the central character, is a man running away from a past that haunts him.
Alex Walters brings suspense and intrigue to a complex plot that twists and turns as Jack Mellor searches for a young woman who has been missing for almost a year.
The characterisation is excellent, with compelling and well-drawn individuals, driving the story forwards until a tense and unexpected conclusion.
I will definitely read more books by this author.

[Anna Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, plenty of twists and turns, and plenty of intrigue to keep you on your toes. Jack, disillusioned by his time in the police, moves to the Highlands for a chance to take stock of his life and to decide his future. Things don't go to plan, and Jack is offered a position that leads him into a direction he can't control or comprehend. The descriptions of the Scottish countryside on Jack's walks with Ziggy are sublime.
Please read, you won't be disappointed.

[Liesl de Beer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for classic crime lovers although the main character is not your typical ruthless detective. He has an internal battle trying to decide he's a good cop or bad cop. There are many plot twists, some you'll see coming others wil take you on a completely different path. It was entertaining enough to give up sleep to finish the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What you think it will happen it isn’t were the book will take you. The writer has a way to describe scenes and characters that leave the reader shaking his or her head because of the surprise the book is sending, the twists, the little tidbits that the plot gives in a very subtle way, it all makes this book very hard to put down.
Just when you think you know the truth self of a character we learn something new about them that changes the perspective we have of them.
Excellent thriller.

[Sallie Greenhalgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book starts with a bang and then never stops! You think that when Jack Mellor relocates to the highlands of Scotland that his life will quieten down - this lasts for a matter of days only and then he becomes entangled in a web that he can’t begin to see. This is really cleverly written and I was routing for Jack from the first pages and hoping he would get his happily ever after. No spoilers but you have to read to the end - it’s fantastic!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
I found the characters interesting and the story was intriguing to start but it was a slow burn with very little happening. Padded out a bit in parts which I skimmed over. Everything came together all at once....and all of a sudden there was a lot to take in. It was a satisfying ending but I wasn't dissapointed to have finished it.
I've read better books by this author so I'll happily give another book a go.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally engrossed in this book. It grabbed my attention from the very start and had me racing through it. So many twists and turns you don't know who to trust. Great book that I won't hesitate to recommend.

Just when you least want or expect it, the past comes looking for you…

After a stake-out turns deadly, Detective Sergeant Jack Mellor’s life spirals out of control. Struggling with guilt and distrust, he quits the force and retreats to the remote northern Highlands, seeking solitude. But peace is hard to find.

When he is hired to investigate the suspicious disappearance of a young woman, Mellor is reluctantly drawn back into a world of corruption, crime, and deceit. As he uncovers disturbing secrets, Mellor’s new life begins to unravel.

Complicating matters, his ex-partner Maddie reappears, and a potential new romance is shattered. As Mellor digs deeper, he uncovers a horrifying operation, with shocking connections to those he thought he could trust.

Betrayed and disillusioned, Mellor faces the darkest moments of his life. But as his world crumbles, will a glimmer of hope emerge?

And in the hauntingly beautiful Highlands, with only a loyal dog for company, can Mellor overcome his demons and bring the guilty to justice?

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Jack Mellor has had enough of his life in the Police Force after a botched case so decides to escape to the Highlands. Little did he realise that his old life would follow him. A chilling tale of the dark underworld of criminals and how it can impact on the lives of their victims. A really great read.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing left of me by Alex Walters.
This was a good read. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I liked Jack. It was slow to start off with, but once I got into it, I did enjoy this book. I didn't like Critchley. I did like Lorna. This did keep me reading until the end. I read this in two sittings. Recommend.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Left of Me is a well written book with the old fashioned, a beginning, a middle and an end that I find is often missing from modern books. The storyline moves on at a good pace that make reading a pleasure and has good characters that are fleshed out well and believable. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an under cover operation goes wrong DS Jack Mellor decides to reset his life & rents a cottage in the remote Highlands. But has he escaped his past life?
Jack is an engaging character, caught up in events he cannot control and struggles to understand. The novel has a wonderful sense of the place, and the community.
Definitely recommended Ann's hopefully the start of a new series.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first novel by this author, but I found it enjoyable and it kept my interest.
The characters were well developed although not all likeable.
There were some interesting twists that made the ending unexpected.
I would be interested to read more by this author.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for my ARC copy

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller featuring ex-DS Jack Mellor who has resigned from the police after a botched operation and sought peace in the Highlands of Scotland, only to find himself drawn into working for a local businessman and looking into a cold missing persons case. Great descriptions of the area and very realistically drawn and likeable characters make this a real page turner!

[Danny Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following a traumatic experience Jack Mellor retires from the police and escapes to the Highlands of Scotland for some peace and solitude. Sadly for him that is soon shattered as his world crashed about him and he gets dragged deeper and deeper into an investigation into a missing woman.
This is a well paced thriller with plenty of thrills and suspense. Would highly recommend this book.