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DCI Lomond #3
The Bloody, Bloody Banks: A Scottish Crime Thriller
The past can be a killer.
When the dismembered body of a notorious banker washes up on the beach at Luss, DCI John Lomond finds a sinister message carved into the dead man’s forehead.
And the same message has just been found on a tortured businessman in Gullane on the east coast.
With a twisted vigilante on the loose, and a brewing scandal threatening to pull his Major Investigations Team apart, they and Lomond must join forces with a team from Edinburgh – led by Lomond’s ex.
But like the killer they're hunting, she's not ready to leave the past behind.
Now, as the body count rises, Lomond’s past hasn’t just come back to haunt him. It could be the death of him.
Shot through with dark Glaswegian humour and thrilling twists, Andrew Raymond captures the voices of his beloved home city, taking you into its hidden depths, and the iconic hills and glens surrounding the nearby bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
If you like writers like JD Kirk, Ian Rankin, David J. Gatward, Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, and Stuart MacBride, this addictive thriller will have you gripped until its explosive, gut-wrenching climax.
When the dismembered body of a notorious banker washes up on the beach at Luss, DCI John Lomond finds a sinister message carved into the dead man’s forehead.
And the same message has just been found on a tortured businessman in Gullane on the east coast.
With a twisted vigilante on the loose, and a brewing scandal threatening to pull his Major Investigations Team apart, they and Lomond must join forces with a team from Edinburgh – led by Lomond’s ex.
But like the killer they're hunting, she's not ready to leave the past behind.
Now, as the body count rises, Lomond’s past hasn’t just come back to haunt him. It could be the death of him.
Shot through with dark Glaswegian humour and thrilling twists, Andrew Raymond captures the voices of his beloved home city, taking you into its hidden depths, and the iconic hills and glens surrounding the nearby bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
If you like writers like JD Kirk, Ian Rankin, David J. Gatward, Val McDermid, Mark Billingham, and Stuart MacBride, this addictive thriller will have you gripped until its explosive, gut-wrenching climax.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
581 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Raymond
15 books259 followersI've been a fan of thrillers ever since watching All the President's Men when I was far too young to understand what was going on. Now every day I get to indulge in my passion for fast-paced stories, characters you really care about, and to bring you behind the scenes of the intelligence agencies and the most secretive parts of the political world (the parts they don't want you to know about).
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
It's often said that I write cinematically, which isn't a coincidence, as my influences are as much in cinema as literature: Daniel Craig's Bond films, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan. TV has also been a major factor in my writing. From the original BBC miniseries State of Play, David Simon's The Wire, and Aaron Sorkin, writer of The West Wing; and the US version of House of Cards.
I have worked in the book industry since I was 21.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 5, 2026
The Bloody, Bloody Banks is the third in the DCI John Lomond series and it grabbed me from the get go. The dismembered body of a private equity banker known for dismantling companies is found in Loch Lomond. Then, the body of a notorious defense lawyer is also found, with the mouth stuffed full of horse manure. Turns out, there’s a vigilante killer with a wicked sense of humor.
But Lomond's life is about to get a whole lot worse when he finds out he has to work with his ex-girlfriend, a rising star in the Scottish detective ranks.
This one moves at a brisk pace and has plenty of twists to keep the reader off kilter. Character development is rich and Raymond makes sure each team member gets their time in the spotlight. I found the moral issue at the heart of the story to be well covered.
I listened to this and Angus King is just a great narrator.
But Lomond's life is about to get a whole lot worse when he finds out he has to work with his ex-girlfriend, a rising star in the Scottish detective ranks.
This one moves at a brisk pace and has plenty of twists to keep the reader off kilter. Character development is rich and Raymond makes sure each team member gets their time in the spotlight. I found the moral issue at the heart of the story to be well covered.
I listened to this and Angus King is just a great narrator.
November 9, 2025
The Bloody, Bloody Banks is a third book in DCI Lomond series and it's and absolute corker of a book. Gripping, engaging, with a fantastic cast of characters, I couldn't put it down, absolutely loved it and cannot wait to read book four.
November 27, 2024
This was my third book in the DCI Lomond series and hope to move on to the 4th book before long. This one covers policing not necessarily standard procedures as they get mighty creative in attempts to bring ruthless criminals to a halt. Rather a load of extreme actions on the part of police is not without cost. There is no relief from the criminal side of things as all are flawed. Will need to look for a lighter read next book.
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August 2, 2023
This was absolutely brilliant. It's the third book and we're now familiar with the team and the setup. It begins with an immediate impact with the discovery of parts of a body in Loch Lomond and without spoiling anything, not everything is as it seems with tbe body. Also a strange scoreline is found referring to the Taxman versus Police Scotland. With the discovery of another body and an updated scoreline, the team really have their work cut out for them.
I raced through this. The story was too good to try to put down, and we also have some extra events happening with Ross seconded to the OC unit and Donna being the focus of a professional standards investigation following events in a previous book. The team have to work with another team, headed by an ex of John's, so there are further obstacles to overcome. This has everything you want in a book. A strong storyline, great and plausible characters, and several twists to keep you hooked and fooled. The only downside was that I read it too fast. The next book can't come soon enough.
I raced through this. The story was too good to try to put down, and we also have some extra events happening with Ross seconded to the OC unit and Donna being the focus of a professional standards investigation following events in a previous book. The team have to work with another team, headed by an ex of John's, so there are further obstacles to overcome. This has everything you want in a book. A strong storyline, great and plausible characters, and several twists to keep you hooked and fooled. The only downside was that I read it too fast. The next book can't come soon enough.
April 17, 2024
The title of this book grabs you from the start and what a book it is.
Andrew Raymond is an excellent storyteller, drawing you into the book from the very first pages.
Well written, gritty thriller, honestly, I have enjoyed this book so much, it is a definite must read for thriller fans.
I have read each of this series one after another and cannot wait for the next book.
Highly, highly recommend.
Happy Reading.
Andrew Raymond is an excellent storyteller, drawing you into the book from the very first pages.
Well written, gritty thriller, honestly, I have enjoyed this book so much, it is a definite must read for thriller fans.
I have read each of this series one after another and cannot wait for the next book.
Highly, highly recommend.
Happy Reading.
October 15, 2025
The Bloody, Bloody Banks is book three in the DCI Lomond series by Andrew Raymond. DCI Lomond was out on a run on Beinn Dubh on the shore of Loch Lomond when he became involved in the case of a dismembered body found on the edge of Loch Lomond at Luss. At first, they could not understand the message that the killer had cut into the forehead of the victim. After discovering a second body and learning of a vigilante on the loose, DCI Lomond and his team were compelled to join Edinburgh's Major Investigations Team, led by his ex-girlfriend. Will they find the vigilant and destroy each other in the process, or will they destroy each other? Readers of The Bloody, Bloody Banks will continue to follow DCI Lomond and his team to discover what happens.
The Bloody, Bloody Banks is another excellent, suspenseful book by Andrew Raymond that I found very addictive; I couldn't put it down. Andrew Raymond effectively highlights the issues that law enforcement officers encounter during their careers.
I love Andrew Raymond's portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Bloody, Bloody Banks is well written and researched by Andrew Raymond. I like Andrew Raymond's description of the settings of The Bloody, Bloody Banks, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
The Bloody, Bloody Banks is another excellent, suspenseful book by Andrew Raymond that I found very addictive; I couldn't put it down. Andrew Raymond effectively highlights the issues that law enforcement officers encounter during their careers.
I love Andrew Raymond's portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Bloody, Bloody Banks is well written and researched by Andrew Raymond. I like Andrew Raymond's description of the settings of The Bloody, Bloody Banks, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
Read
December 31, 2023"The Bloody, Bloody Banks" by Andrew Raymond is a gripping crime thriller that introduces readers to the third installment of the charismatic and determined DCI John Lomond. From start to finish, Raymond's novel takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the dark underbelly of undercover operations, where nothing is as it seems.
The story unfolds as Lomond investigates a series of gruesome murders that all share a common thread - they are all employees of a prominent bank. When the first dismembered body of a prominent banker is found washed onto the beach at Luch Lomond, DCI finds a sinister message carved onto his forehead. Also, a strange scoreline is found referring to the taxman versus Scotland Police. On the east coast, another lawyer is found tortured with an updated score line of The Taxman at 2 and Scotland Police at 0. DCI Lomond’s team member Ross is moved on to the Major Investigations Team (MIT) and assigned to operate as an undercover officer to track down his erstwhile undercover officer, who is allegedly missing and assumed to have gone rogue.
DCI Lomond and the rest of his team from Glasgow must work this case together with a team from Edinburgh, who is led by his ex, Ruth. There is a severe personality clash between Ruth and Lomond relating to their past, methods of operation, and who’s responsible for the separation. However, under the watchful supervision of their superior Linda, both begin to tread a common path to unmask the killer. As Lomond delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, greed, and secrets that threaten to unravel not only the financial institution but also the police force. The investigations lead to the inference that the Taxman, who is the alleged killer is the undercover officer who has gone rogue. But Ross is certain that someone is crafting circumstantial evidence to frame the undercover officer.
Lomond's dogged determination, sharp intuition, and unwavering sense of justice make him a compelling protagonist whom readers will root for throughout the book. Moreover, the author effectively delves into Lomond's struggles, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
Raymond's writing style is both vivid and evocative, creating a chilling atmosphere that permeates the entire story. The vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail make the crimes all the more vivid and harrowing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, Raymond's well-researched portrayal of the banking industry and the inner operations of the police force adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative, making the plot feel alarmingly plausible.
The pacing of "The Bloody, Bloody Banks" is well-crafted, ensuring that the suspense never wanes. Raymond expertly balances the intricacies of the investigation with moments of action and intensity, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the mystery alongside DCI John Lomond.
In conclusion, "The Bloody, Bloody Banks" is a captivating crime thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. Andrew Raymond's skillful storytelling, compelling protagonist, and atmospheric writing make this novel stand out in the crowded landscape of crime fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
The story unfolds as Lomond investigates a series of gruesome murders that all share a common thread - they are all employees of a prominent bank. When the first dismembered body of a prominent banker is found washed onto the beach at Luch Lomond, DCI finds a sinister message carved onto his forehead. Also, a strange scoreline is found referring to the taxman versus Scotland Police. On the east coast, another lawyer is found tortured with an updated score line of The Taxman at 2 and Scotland Police at 0. DCI Lomond’s team member Ross is moved on to the Major Investigations Team (MIT) and assigned to operate as an undercover officer to track down his erstwhile undercover officer, who is allegedly missing and assumed to have gone rogue.
DCI Lomond and the rest of his team from Glasgow must work this case together with a team from Edinburgh, who is led by his ex, Ruth. There is a severe personality clash between Ruth and Lomond relating to their past, methods of operation, and who’s responsible for the separation. However, under the watchful supervision of their superior Linda, both begin to tread a common path to unmask the killer. As Lomond delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, greed, and secrets that threaten to unravel not only the financial institution but also the police force. The investigations lead to the inference that the Taxman, who is the alleged killer is the undercover officer who has gone rogue. But Ross is certain that someone is crafting circumstantial evidence to frame the undercover officer.
Lomond's dogged determination, sharp intuition, and unwavering sense of justice make him a compelling protagonist whom readers will root for throughout the book. Moreover, the author effectively delves into Lomond's struggles, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
Raymond's writing style is both vivid and evocative, creating a chilling atmosphere that permeates the entire story. The vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail make the crimes all the more vivid and harrowing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, Raymond's well-researched portrayal of the banking industry and the inner operations of the police force adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative, making the plot feel alarmingly plausible.
The pacing of "The Bloody, Bloody Banks" is well-crafted, ensuring that the suspense never wanes. Raymond expertly balances the intricacies of the investigation with moments of action and intensity, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the mystery alongside DCI John Lomond.
In conclusion, "The Bloody, Bloody Banks" is a captivating crime thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. Andrew Raymond's skillful storytelling, compelling protagonist, and atmospheric writing make this novel stand out in the crowded landscape of crime fiction. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
April 18, 2024
It got better and better once I got used to the Glasgow accent. It gives you an ibdight of police trying to make a difference or if the one that are just in for the money. Some making desks with drug lords and some going rogue. The good thing is there are still done upholding the law. And put tgeir live on the line for justice.
June 22, 2025
Yet another amazing read
Keeps you gripped, you just don't want to put it down. I also love the fact that I can actually visualise everywhere they go.
Keeps you gripped, you just don't want to put it down. I also love the fact that I can actually visualise everywhere they go.
July 29, 2024
What was the point of adding Ruth, the X?
And all the office politics that were not adding to the story.
And all the office politics that were not adding to the story.
February 26, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕 - WOW what a listen !! Gripping from start to finish brilliant!!
February 27, 2024
Found it a little slow to start, but it soon grabbed me. A decent read although on reflection I found that there were some logical inconsistencies. I don't want to issue a spoiler by why didn't the culprit just go straight to the target? A pleasure to read a British author for a change writing about British policing instead of having to Google American terminology on every third page. And decent spelling to boot!
February 22, 2024
This one had me from the start. What a brilliant plot and it had me on the edge of my seat . DCI Lomond is turning out to be a good character. In this his 3rd book a body turns up with a message carved into his head. Then more bodies turn up in different parts of the country and lo and behold Lomond has to try and solve this one with his ex. Not a good combination as she is looking to get higher in rank at any opportunity. Buy Lomond takes it in his stride. Then she is SIO . Still a couple of little bits that need ironed out but this could be a really good series. This is definitely worth a read and looking forward to the next one
March 18, 2024
The Bloody, Bloody Banks -
This is book 3 in the DCI Lomond series. I really enjoyed book 1, book 2 was good but not to the standard of book 1. However, this one was a cracker. Full of action and had you guessing right up to the end. I just didn’t want to put this book down and read it really quickly. I often say, there are some books that are easy to read and this is one of them. I really like Andrew’s books. All good read. 5 out of 5 from me.
This is book 3 in the DCI Lomond series. I really enjoyed book 1, book 2 was good but not to the standard of book 1. However, this one was a cracker. Full of action and had you guessing right up to the end. I just didn’t want to put this book down and read it really quickly. I often say, there are some books that are easy to read and this is one of them. I really like Andrew’s books. All good read. 5 out of 5 from me.
April 21, 2024
Book 1 I enjoyed although I felt there too many similarities to the JD Kirk DCI Logan series but without the humour that makes them such a good read. But overall it was an enjoyable read. So I happily went on to book 2 🤦♀️.... well big regret there, such a flimsy plot I was so disappointed 😞
However decided to read the 3rd book and there was redemption, a much better read and plot (if a little far fetched) and not sure about the cross over of certain characters mentioned in the JD Kirk books. Still too much like them in my opinion, but it was an enjoyable read and that's what counts for me
However decided to read the 3rd book and there was redemption, a much better read and plot (if a little far fetched) and not sure about the cross over of certain characters mentioned in the JD Kirk books. Still too much like them in my opinion, but it was an enjoyable read and that's what counts for me
August 25, 2023
SUPERB!
I am new to the books of Andrew but must say it's been an absolute pleasure reading this series. Such intense stories that have engaged within the first few chapters. I do hope we hear more from DCI Lomond in the future. A very worthy 5 star. Looking forward to reading more of Andrew's books. Thanks Andrew BP Sheffield x
I am new to the books of Andrew but must say it's been an absolute pleasure reading this series. Such intense stories that have engaged within the first few chapters. I do hope we hear more from DCI Lomond in the future. A very worthy 5 star. Looking forward to reading more of Andrew's books. Thanks Andrew BP Sheffield x
October 2, 2023
riveting!
I was captured when I read the first of Andrew Raymon’s DCI Lomand’s series. This third one has me chomping at the bit for more! The bloody bloody banks had me from the beginning and I just HAD to keep reading til there was no more. If you li,e excitement, twists and turns and being turned one way and then the next, uou are going to love this book.
I was captured when I read the first of Andrew Raymon’s DCI Lomand’s series. This third one has me chomping at the bit for more! The bloody bloody banks had me from the beginning and I just HAD to keep reading til there was no more. If you li,e excitement, twists and turns and being turned one way and then the next, uou are going to love this book.
May 1, 2024
Bloody and blurred boundaries: Who can be trusted??
Which of these offenses and corrupt practices can be identified as particularly Scottish? Organized crime as a lifestyle, outside of or within law enforcement, emerges as evil in any country or region. Psychopaths come from all income brackets.
Which of these offenses and corrupt practices can be identified as particularly Scottish? Organized crime as a lifestyle, outside of or within law enforcement, emerges as evil in any country or region. Psychopaths come from all income brackets.
June 10, 2024
All the Glaswegian detectives I'm reading about in two different series are starting to blend together -- even some of the character names are the same. I think it's time for another location, or even a different genre for a while. I'm getting tired of moody detectives who take years to work themselves back up to shaving in the morning after their tragedy.
May 12, 2025
This series is a very good set of police procedurals. I like the team who support DCI Lomond. They are smart and each have their own talents. This was fast paced and like running down windy, twisty roads. The big plot twist near the end was gasp-inducing, but even more so was the little plot twist that popped up at the end.
Highly recommend and I'm marching on to the next book in the series!
Highly recommend and I'm marching on to the next book in the series!
August 26, 2025
I thought this one was OK… Maybe I would like it better if I knew more of the Irish terminology and also if I had started from the beginning of the series. I did really grow to like the character of Ross, but reading this as a standalone book, I don’t know if I could really get a feel of the other characters enough to really care about them.
October 16, 2025
I am working my way through the DCI John Lomond series of books and they get better and better. If you like Scottish crime writing that this series of books is for you. So many twists and turns as Lomond and his team search for a vigilante who is closer to home than Lomond's MIT team could possibly know.
August 8, 2023
A belter of a book.
This was a brilliant addition to this outstanding DCI Lomond series. I am really invested in all the MIT team and was on the edge of my seat at the peril of one of the characters. It was very well written and, as usual, with this author, I read the book in one sitting. I hope book 4 is not too long in coming. If you are partial to this genre and want to read a book that's contains thrills and humour with great characters, I suggest you start with Book 1 'The Bonnie Dead', you really are in for a treat. Bravo Andrew.
This was a brilliant addition to this outstanding DCI Lomond series. I am really invested in all the MIT team and was on the edge of my seat at the peril of one of the characters. It was very well written and, as usual, with this author, I read the book in one sitting. I hope book 4 is not too long in coming. If you are partial to this genre and want to read a book that's contains thrills and humour with great characters, I suggest you start with Book 1 'The Bonnie Dead', you really are in for a treat. Bravo Andrew.
August 4, 2023
Another Exceptional Read
I so enjoyed reading this book,very well written and excellent ending to a brilliant read
Looking forward to hopefully another book from this author especially with Detective Lomond
I so enjoyed reading this book,very well written and excellent ending to a brilliant read
Looking forward to hopefully another book from this author especially with Detective Lomond
August 6, 2023
A story that keeps giving.
I love the character of John Lomond, and the characters of his team.
This story keeps giving in that the plot keeps twisting.
It is a brilliant read.
I look forward to the next in the series, hopefully.
I love the character of John Lomond, and the characters of his team.
This story keeps giving in that the plot keeps twisting.
It is a brilliant read.
I look forward to the next in the series, hopefully.
August 7, 2023
Great reveal
This has been my favourite out of the DCI Lomond books so far! The twist at the end when the crime all comes together was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope this is not the last book in the series.
This has been my favourite out of the DCI Lomond books so far! The twist at the end when the crime all comes together was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. I really hope this is not the last book in the series.
August 7, 2023
Good one
I've really come to like these characters and how they grow and evolve from one story to the next. The storyline was very good and I would definitely recommend this series. Looking forward to the next installment.
I've really come to like these characters and how they grow and evolve from one story to the next. The storyline was very good and I would definitely recommend this series. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 10, 2023
Another cracking John Lomond novel
3rd John Lomond book I've read, the story was as good as ever, no nonsense Glasgow cop and his team against the world ( in this one actually against corrupt officers as well).
Great read with a first rate plot!!
3rd John Lomond book I've read, the story was as good as ever, no nonsense Glasgow cop and his team against the world ( in this one actually against corrupt officers as well).
Great read with a first rate plot!!
August 20, 2023
these books keep getting better
Really enjoying DCI Lomond Books, can’t wait to see what the future holds, being from Glasgow it’s even better knowing exactly what’s being described
Really enjoying DCI Lomond Books, can’t wait to see what the future holds, being from Glasgow it’s even better knowing exactly what’s being described
August 25, 2023
Another good one. There was a lot of reference to the first book, which was ok except I had read it sometime ago. I did manage to follow it and it didn't spoil the read. Really like the characters and have got to know them quote quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews