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DCI Lomond #2
The Shortlist: A Scottish Murder Mystery
This is one shortlist no writer wants to be on...
When legendary crime novelist William MacRae is found murdered at his Glasgow home, Police Scotland’s premier investigator DCI John Lomond is put on the case.
After compiling a shortlist of suspects that includes seven bestselling authors – all old friends of MacRae’s – Lomond and his team head to a Highlands crime writing festival, where the seven are gathering to remember their fallen friend.
But a vicious storm is closing in. And not everyone, it seems, has fond memories of MacRae.
Or each other.
Cut off from the outside world at a remote country home, it doesn’t take long for the whisky to flow, old resentments to reignite…and another dead body to appear.
One of them is a killer.
But can Lomond sift through all the secrets and lies to unmask them before it’s too late?
When legendary crime novelist William MacRae is found murdered at his Glasgow home, Police Scotland’s premier investigator DCI John Lomond is put on the case.
After compiling a shortlist of suspects that includes seven bestselling authors – all old friends of MacRae’s – Lomond and his team head to a Highlands crime writing festival, where the seven are gathering to remember their fallen friend.
But a vicious storm is closing in. And not everyone, it seems, has fond memories of MacRae.
Or each other.
Cut off from the outside world at a remote country home, it doesn’t take long for the whisky to flow, old resentments to reignite…and another dead body to appear.
One of them is a killer.
But can Lomond sift through all the secrets and lies to unmask them before it’s too late?
464 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2023
955 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Raymond
15 books256 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 144 reviews
July 1, 2024
I wish I had access to the internet when I finished this one. I felt the quality of writing, development of characters and action were all superior to most murder mysteries. I had to read through the night to finish this excellent book.
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July 7, 2023
Team police procedurals are my favorite type of mysteries, specifically those set in the UK. I was delighted to find this series and plan to continue - have to know how Donna handles her interesting set of challenges. That said, the plot holes in this one gave me pause.
First of all, Clare (Claire? Sorry, listened on audio) can't be 42. Her 21 year old child died 14 years ago. I recognize the attempt at some character development for Lomond but in a genre where details matter, 7 year olds shouldn't be giving birth.
More importantly, the perpetrator's plot was more than a bit wacked. If part one had gone to plan, part two wouldn't have been possible. If part two was the end game, what's the point of part one? I get trying to be edgy and surprising, but like the math in my first note, it needed a bit more critical thought.
I'll follow Donna to the next installment but I hope she's got a more coherent case to solve.
First of all, Clare (Claire? Sorry, listened on audio) can't be 42. Her 21 year old child died 14 years ago. I recognize the attempt at some character development for Lomond but in a genre where details matter, 7 year olds shouldn't be giving birth.
More importantly, the perpetrator's plot was more than a bit wacked. If part one had gone to plan, part two wouldn't have been possible. If part two was the end game, what's the point of part one? I get trying to be edgy and surprising, but like the math in my first note, it needed a bit more critical thought.
I'll follow Donna to the next installment but I hope she's got a more coherent case to solve.
November 9, 2025
The Shortlist is a second outing for DCI Lomond and his team and it is so so good!
Thrilling with twists and turns, red herrings here and there, dry humour, Raymond delivers a great story and I'm all for it.
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite series. It's just brilliant.
Thrilling with twists and turns, red herrings here and there, dry humour, Raymond delivers a great story and I'm all for it.
This is quickly becoming one of my favourite series. It's just brilliant.
March 18, 2023
loved it....
I absolutely loved this book , it was like a who done it . I must admit l had sad tears in my eye's at the confesion at the end , but a great read one of the good ones....
I absolutely loved this book , it was like a who done it . I must admit l had sad tears in my eye's at the confesion at the end , but a great read one of the good ones....
December 28, 2023
You could read this book until roughly chapter 30, then skip to chapter 75ish, and you’ll have missed nothing 🥱 I love the core characters though, so will read the next one, which looks to be an absolute belter!
December 7, 2025
Enjoyed this one despite thinking reading the first one might have been a good idea as there were things I felt I would have appreciated more. The book and plot were good but very drawn out which spoiled it for me. The beginning was "oooh what's happening here?" and the ending impressively complex yet really satisfying. I just struggled to get there.
Glasgow is well evoked though!
Glasgow is well evoked though!
April 17, 2024
Andrew Raymond certainly knows how to spin a good yarn. This book had me hook, line, and sinker right from the start.
It is great getting to know the characters and seeing them develop.
I am off to read book 3 now, can’t wait!
Happy Reading
It is great getting to know the characters and seeing them develop.
I am off to read book 3 now, can’t wait!
Happy Reading
December 31, 2023
"The Shortlist" by Andrew Raymond is a complex and captivating crime thriller and the second installment in the brilliant detective DCI John Lomond series. I have been following Andrew Raymond since his “Novak and Mitchell” investigative journalist series. His expert storytelling and attention to detail make for an enthralling read, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The book centers around DCI John Lomond, a seasoned detective who has a knack for cracking the toughest cases. When a legendary crime novelist William MacRae is found murdered at his Glasgow home, Lomond finds himself pulled into a web of conspiracy and deceit that reaches far beyond what he initially imagines. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dark secret that threatens to shake the foundations of his own life.
As a part of the ongoing investigation, when DCI Lomond and his team narrow down the suspects to a list of seven best-selling authors, all of whom are friends of William MacRae, each of them is known to hold a dark secret that involves MacRae, making them a suspect. All of them have a motive that is somehow connected to their past. Lomond and his team make their way to the Highlands Crime Writing Festival, where these seven authors are assembling to pay homage to their friend. Their meeting place is a secluded castle along the coastline of Scotland and the vicious storm is closing in, making it impossible for them to leave the place, the same night of the function.
As DCI Lomond begins questioning each of them, resentments begin to ignite, the blame game begins, and fingers begin to point at each other. As the day fades into the night, another body is found. One of the remaining authors is the killer. DCI Lomond has a daunting task on hand to sift through all the dark secrets revealed by the six other authors and unmask the face of the killer.
What sets "The Shortlist" apart from other crime thrillers is Raymond's intricate plot and well-developed characters. DCI John Lomond is a flawed yet relatable protagonist who carries the weight of the story, grappling with his demons while striving to unravel the mystery. Additionally, the book's supporting cast is equally compelling, with each character playing a crucial role in the unfolding events.
Raymond masterfully creates a sense of suspicion and tension, keeping readers guessing about the true motives and identities of the various individuals involved. This web of intricately woven relationships enhances the complexity of the narrative, adding layers of intrigue and suspense. The pacing of "The Shortlist" is near perfect, with Raymond skillfully balancing moments of high intensity with quieter, introspective scenes.
With DCI John Lomond at the helm, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. Raymond's ability to craft a compelling narrative makes this book a standout addition to the genre, and it comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and gripping reading experience.
The book centers around DCI John Lomond, a seasoned detective who has a knack for cracking the toughest cases. When a legendary crime novelist William MacRae is found murdered at his Glasgow home, Lomond finds himself pulled into a web of conspiracy and deceit that reaches far beyond what he initially imagines. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dark secret that threatens to shake the foundations of his own life.
As a part of the ongoing investigation, when DCI Lomond and his team narrow down the suspects to a list of seven best-selling authors, all of whom are friends of William MacRae, each of them is known to hold a dark secret that involves MacRae, making them a suspect. All of them have a motive that is somehow connected to their past. Lomond and his team make their way to the Highlands Crime Writing Festival, where these seven authors are assembling to pay homage to their friend. Their meeting place is a secluded castle along the coastline of Scotland and the vicious storm is closing in, making it impossible for them to leave the place, the same night of the function.
As DCI Lomond begins questioning each of them, resentments begin to ignite, the blame game begins, and fingers begin to point at each other. As the day fades into the night, another body is found. One of the remaining authors is the killer. DCI Lomond has a daunting task on hand to sift through all the dark secrets revealed by the six other authors and unmask the face of the killer.
What sets "The Shortlist" apart from other crime thrillers is Raymond's intricate plot and well-developed characters. DCI John Lomond is a flawed yet relatable protagonist who carries the weight of the story, grappling with his demons while striving to unravel the mystery. Additionally, the book's supporting cast is equally compelling, with each character playing a crucial role in the unfolding events.
Raymond masterfully creates a sense of suspicion and tension, keeping readers guessing about the true motives and identities of the various individuals involved. This web of intricately woven relationships enhances the complexity of the narrative, adding layers of intrigue and suspense. The pacing of "The Shortlist" is near perfect, with Raymond skillfully balancing moments of high intensity with quieter, introspective scenes.
With DCI John Lomond at the helm, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. Raymond's ability to craft a compelling narrative makes this book a standout addition to the genre, and it comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and gripping reading experience.
June 5, 2024
I am inhaling these audiobooks omg they are so bingy, they really are just like a streaming series 👏🏻
I loved this one much more than the first, mainly because of the plot (I mean, a child murderer is never going to be light) - a classic whodunnit with crime authors stuck in a castle, mimicking an in story book of the same plot. Perfection. It was such a great concept and not too on the nose for the Christie references. In fact by the end reveal it was a bit more like Knives Out than anything else.
Minus .5 of a star purely for the narration, which is a shame because it has nothing to do with the actual writing - idk anything about the rules for audiobook narrator’s and the allowances they get in order to convey a story, but something about putting on a Nigerian and Asian accent felt uncomfortable to listen to.
Also the fact that a character was clearly based on JK was so off putting ugh why do we still have to have the stupid HP/JK references?? The constant jabs at a James Patterson-like author was hilarious though omg I actually burst out laughing at some of the lines other characters said to him 😂
Overall, a great time once again. Will be downloading the third one soon
4.5 stars
I loved this one much more than the first, mainly because of the plot (I mean, a child murderer is never going to be light) - a classic whodunnit with crime authors stuck in a castle, mimicking an in story book of the same plot. Perfection. It was such a great concept and not too on the nose for the Christie references. In fact by the end reveal it was a bit more like Knives Out than anything else.
Minus .5 of a star purely for the narration, which is a shame because it has nothing to do with the actual writing - idk anything about the rules for audiobook narrator’s and the allowances they get in order to convey a story, but something about putting on a Nigerian and Asian accent felt uncomfortable to listen to.
Also the fact that a character was clearly based on JK was so off putting ugh why do we still have to have the stupid HP/JK references?? The constant jabs at a James Patterson-like author was hilarious though omg I actually burst out laughing at some of the lines other characters said to him 😂
Overall, a great time once again. Will be downloading the third one soon
4.5 stars
June 22, 2023
Great! Good character development. Geography of Glasgow totally recognisable. I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 16, 2024
2 stars
I'm echoing what the others said about this book, nothing really happens, til the end.
I'm echoing what the others said about this book, nothing really happens, til the end.
May 24, 2024
Disappointed
i.felt.that the book dragged on a bit and wasn't as good as the first book in the series the Bonnie dead
i.felt.that the book dragged on a bit and wasn't as good as the first book in the series the Bonnie dead
September 25, 2025
The Shortlist is book 2 in the DCI Lomond series by Andrew Raymond. DCI John Lomond caught a case of the murder of William MacRae; however, nothing seems to be true. So, DCI John Lomond and his team decided to attend the local crime writing festival in the Highlands in an effort to find answers. However, on arrival, the prime suspect in the murder of William MacRae was murdered. Readers of The Shortlist will continue to follow DCI John Lomond's investigation to discover what happens next.
I only recently discovered books by this author, and I am pleased that I did. I love Andrew Raymond's writing style and the way he portrays his characters and their interaction within the plot of his books. The Shortlist did not disappoint. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page and continued to the end. I love the way Andrew Raymond highlighted grief and the way the sufferer handles it. The readers of The Shortlist will learn about living in the highlands of Scotland.
I love Andrew Raymond's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Shortlist is well-written and researched by Andrew Raymond. I appreciate Andrew Raymond's description of the settings in the Shortlist, which enabled me to imagine being part of the book.
I recommend this book.
I only recently discovered books by this author, and I am pleased that I did. I love Andrew Raymond's writing style and the way he portrays his characters and their interaction within the plot of his books. The Shortlist did not disappoint. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page and continued to the end. I love the way Andrew Raymond highlighted grief and the way the sufferer handles it. The readers of The Shortlist will learn about living in the highlands of Scotland.
I love Andrew Raymond's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. The Shortlist is well-written and researched by Andrew Raymond. I appreciate Andrew Raymond's description of the settings in the Shortlist, which enabled me to imagine being part of the book.
I recommend this book.
November 5, 2025
I always read some of the Richard and Judy book club choices. I hadn’t read anything by this author but it was good to find a new detective, a good wholesome character and a very gripping story. I will certainly read more of his work.
June 5, 2024
Stopped reading this book. Probably got 3/4 of the way through it but finally decided enough was enough.
April 18, 2025
good characters and plot.
August 30, 2025
I’m actually disappointed in this book. After reading the Bonnie Dead I expected this to be just as good. Hopefully book three will be better
November 4, 2025
4.5 Stars. A very clever book. I recommend when a piece of music is mentioned to play it while reading that chapter for an added dimension.
May 7, 2023
A good read. Loved the nod to some famous authors in some of the characters e.g. someone who drinks a lot of coffee and a chat show host . Quite a claustrophobic tale similar to an Agatha Christie. We got to find out a bit more about the main characters and a description of the main detective which I had not noticed was missing in the first one. Look forward to #3.
January 17, 2024
I loved the first Lomond book and was excited to have found a great new series - but this second one was really disappointing and I nearly gave up. So many inconsistencies in the timelines between the officers at the castle and the officers left in Glasgow. And then to top it off one chapter has Ross assisting Lomond at the castle and then the next chapter opens with Ross in a different setting on the phone to Lomond who tells him what’s just happened at the castle. Plus for a book that takes place over a weekend it shouldn’t be too difficult to work out whether you’re on Friday, Saturday or Sunday but apparently it is?
I’ll try the next book as I’m invested in the characters but not feeling great about the series anymore.
I’ll try the next book as I’m invested in the characters but not feeling great about the series anymore.
February 28, 2024
I really had no interest in this book. In theory, I should've liked it, but my main gripe was the "semi-closed circle except a cop is there attempting to investigate" plot. You can't have your cake and eat it too. In #1 the killer was truly mysterious, but in #2 I found the explanation of events quite convoluted and the mystery largely lacking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
I lost the thread. Few times in this book and didn’t actually get into it. I got a bit bored sos much so I have forgotten what it was about etc. I will give the next one a try. I think I am more disappointed because the first book was fab
March 28, 2024
I liked this to a degree, but struggled sometimes to place the characters. There were too many. Also about 3/4 of the way through I thought the storyline wandered too much.
Will I read another in the series, not sure.
Will I read another in the series, not sure.
February 8, 2024
I loved the first book but was a bit disappointed with one, still enjoy the characters but was feeling a bit cheated by the ending
January 30, 2024
This amazing Scottish thriller novel is the 2nd volume of the great "DCI John Lomond" crime series.
Storytelling is excellent, the story superbly structured and executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this story of revenge, justice and murder.
the book will tell the tale of the next case investigated by the Major Investigations Team, lead by DCI John Lomond with the assistance of DI Willie Sneddon, DS Ross McNair, DC's Donna Higgins, Pardeep Varma and Jason Yang, and under the supervision of Chief Superintendent Linda Boyle.
This cracking crime thriller starts off with the murder of crime writer William MacRae at his home, and DCI Lomond and his team are put on the case.
This murder has everything to do with a forthcoming release of a book called "The Shortlist", supposedly written by an anonymous author, but the author is known by some people, and this Shortlist will be the cause of bringing together a group of crime writers to the Highlands in remembrance of William MacRae.
At first they are at Crichton House and later on at Inver Castle and suspicions are thrown at each other, until a certain person is found dead in exactly the same way as Liz MacRae, unsure daughter of William and the dying Claire, who died in this way several years ago.
What is to follow is an intriguing and humane police investigation on location and at base in Glasgow, where every evidence that can be found is checked and solved, and after some twists followed by an ingenious plot DCI Lomond can identify the culprit(s) of the murder at Inver Castle and the circumstances behind the killing of William MacRae, and the reason why.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition of a wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Brilliant Shortlist"!
Storytelling is excellent, the story superbly structured and executed, and all characters come vividly to life in this story of revenge, justice and murder.
the book will tell the tale of the next case investigated by the Major Investigations Team, lead by DCI John Lomond with the assistance of DI Willie Sneddon, DS Ross McNair, DC's Donna Higgins, Pardeep Varma and Jason Yang, and under the supervision of Chief Superintendent Linda Boyle.
This cracking crime thriller starts off with the murder of crime writer William MacRae at his home, and DCI Lomond and his team are put on the case.
This murder has everything to do with a forthcoming release of a book called "The Shortlist", supposedly written by an anonymous author, but the author is known by some people, and this Shortlist will be the cause of bringing together a group of crime writers to the Highlands in remembrance of William MacRae.
At first they are at Crichton House and later on at Inver Castle and suspicions are thrown at each other, until a certain person is found dead in exactly the same way as Liz MacRae, unsure daughter of William and the dying Claire, who died in this way several years ago.
What is to follow is an intriguing and humane police investigation on location and at base in Glasgow, where every evidence that can be found is checked and solved, and after some twists followed by an ingenious plot DCI Lomond can identify the culprit(s) of the murder at Inver Castle and the circumstances behind the killing of William MacRae, and the reason why.
Highly recommended, for this is a terrific addition of a wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Brilliant Shortlist"!
April 16, 2025
Very good police procedural starring DCI John Lomond and his diverse and talented team. This story was especially good as it involved the death of a mystery author and key moments of the unfolding story take place at a literary festival.
Author William MacRae's body is found by his agent, Seth Knox, at his home in Glasgow, sitting at his desk in front of his computer. The police arrive soon after Seth arrived, though he did have time to quickly change draft of his most recent Roxborough mystery before sending it off to the editors and publishers. William had been wanting to kill off his detective which Seth didn't think was a good idea so he destroyed that book draft.
Meanwhile, there's big news in the mystery world in which an unknown author, AD Sullivan, is having their well-received mystery submission published by the same big-time publisher. There's a literary festival coming up during which they are going to announce the name of the author so everyone is keen to attend. This includes Lomond and part of his team because all of the primary suspects will be attending the festival so where better than to spend a weekend grilling the other authors, many of whom didn't like Lomond, than in Northern Scotland, along the coast, right when a major storm is expected to hit.
I really liked the character of Lomond and the members of his team. They are all smart and talented. And I liked the author's writing style; he sucked me in from the start! I've already secured the other books in the series and eager to get to those soon. I definitely recommend this.
Author William MacRae's body is found by his agent, Seth Knox, at his home in Glasgow, sitting at his desk in front of his computer. The police arrive soon after Seth arrived, though he did have time to quickly change draft of his most recent Roxborough mystery before sending it off to the editors and publishers. William had been wanting to kill off his detective which Seth didn't think was a good idea so he destroyed that book draft.
Meanwhile, there's big news in the mystery world in which an unknown author, AD Sullivan, is having their well-received mystery submission published by the same big-time publisher. There's a literary festival coming up during which they are going to announce the name of the author so everyone is keen to attend. This includes Lomond and part of his team because all of the primary suspects will be attending the festival so where better than to spend a weekend grilling the other authors, many of whom didn't like Lomond, than in Northern Scotland, along the coast, right when a major storm is expected to hit.
I really liked the character of Lomond and the members of his team. They are all smart and talented. And I liked the author's writing style; he sucked me in from the start! I've already secured the other books in the series and eager to get to those soon. I definitely recommend this.
May 27, 2025
The Short List is the second in the DCI Lomond series. It’s a well done police procedural that kept me guessing.
Lomond is investigating the murder of a famous crime novelist and the investigation takes him to a crime writing festival in the Highlands. The shortlist in this case is a list of seven authors who were all supposedly friends of the dead man. But each has a motive that means they each could have been the killer. A storm comes in, giving the book a closed room mystery component. And the situation also mirrors an ARC’s plot found by the body with the word “justice” written on the cover.
There’s a lot of dry humor in the book. Lomand has a good team and the interactions between them were some of my favorite parts of the story. Also, the authors were obviously based on real writers and there’s fun to be had in matching them up.
It’s not a fast paced book and those looking for more of a thriller will be disappointed. It’s also got a very emotional ending, somewhat unusual for a police procedural.
I listened to this and Angus King is the perfect narrator for the series.
By the way, this and the first book in the series are available for free on Audible if you’re a subscriber.
Lomond is investigating the murder of a famous crime novelist and the investigation takes him to a crime writing festival in the Highlands. The shortlist in this case is a list of seven authors who were all supposedly friends of the dead man. But each has a motive that means they each could have been the killer. A storm comes in, giving the book a closed room mystery component. And the situation also mirrors an ARC’s plot found by the body with the word “justice” written on the cover.
There’s a lot of dry humor in the book. Lomand has a good team and the interactions between them were some of my favorite parts of the story. Also, the authors were obviously based on real writers and there’s fun to be had in matching them up.
It’s not a fast paced book and those looking for more of a thriller will be disappointed. It’s also got a very emotional ending, somewhat unusual for a police procedural.
I listened to this and Angus King is the perfect narrator for the series.
By the way, this and the first book in the series are available for free on Audible if you’re a subscriber.
November 29, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"The terror of falling..."
This reader's first book by author Andrew Raymond, his second book in the DCI Lomond series. And as a stand alone it worked well. So well that I was captivated from the start. The opening chapters intrigued and pulled me in, as did the whole idea of a crime thriller book's plot being recreated in real life. The writing was good, too, with great characters fizzing with lives of their own: doubts, confusion, joys and sorrows, self opinionated as well as humorous, unhappy, hard working, brave, sometimes a little bit dim but also astute and resolute. In other words, very human. It was all set up to be a really classic closed house murder mystery with benefits. But somehow the story lost itseway, notmuch, but enough to take away that fifth star.of excellence.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already purchased book one in the series .for my next read: A recommended fun detective, complete with Scottish accents nicely (and understandably) performed by the excellent Angus King.
"The terror of falling..."
This reader's first book by author Andrew Raymond, his second book in the DCI Lomond series. And as a stand alone it worked well. So well that I was captivated from the start. The opening chapters intrigued and pulled me in, as did the whole idea of a crime thriller book's plot being recreated in real life. The writing was good, too, with great characters fizzing with lives of their own: doubts, confusion, joys and sorrows, self opinionated as well as humorous, unhappy, hard working, brave, sometimes a little bit dim but also astute and resolute. In other words, very human. It was all set up to be a really classic closed house murder mystery with benefits. But somehow the story lost itseway, notmuch, but enough to take away that fifth star.of excellence.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already purchased book one in the series .for my next read: A recommended fun detective, complete with Scottish accents nicely (and understandably) performed by the excellent Angus King.
October 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 just for all the twists and turns and a plot like an Agatha Christie.
The Shortlist is a gripping thriller/mystery with so many twists and turns that you wont see coming.
I read this book as a stand alone easily.
DCI John Lomond is called in when world renowned novelist William MacRae is found murdered
It should be an open and shut case as they already have a suspect found in the home.
That was not to be.
When you pull one thread it leads to another then another and the team is soon embroiled in a case that feels like they are in a maze.
The case leads them to the High Crime Writing Festival where seven of the authors have now made the suspect list.
The house is gothic like, a storm is brewing and all are afraid they will be the next victim.
Andrew Raymond has me hooked on this series and I will devour the other books. He writes beautifully and his characters are well developed.
This book is a Richard and Judy pick and its well deserving.
The Shortlist is a gripping thriller/mystery with so many twists and turns that you wont see coming.
I read this book as a stand alone easily.
DCI John Lomond is called in when world renowned novelist William MacRae is found murdered
It should be an open and shut case as they already have a suspect found in the home.
That was not to be.
When you pull one thread it leads to another then another and the team is soon embroiled in a case that feels like they are in a maze.
The case leads them to the High Crime Writing Festival where seven of the authors have now made the suspect list.
The house is gothic like, a storm is brewing and all are afraid they will be the next victim.
Andrew Raymond has me hooked on this series and I will devour the other books. He writes beautifully and his characters are well developed.
This book is a Richard and Judy pick and its well deserving.
November 18, 2023
The first book in this series was a good standard police procedural, which must have gone to Andrew Raymond's head. He seems to forget what makes a good crime book in favour of trying to be far too clever. There are plot holes, the attempt to shoehorn the story into an old Agatha Christie format just can't work in the modern world and describing characters so that we can guess which living novelists he is using as a base becomes tedious. At times it is possible to see a good novel trying to crawl out of the mess, and I hope he returns to the style of the first book next time as he has an interesting team to work with and there is a lot of potential. He has bitten off more than he can chew with this one and the effect becomes boring and incredulous at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews