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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #13

Come Hell or High Water

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Something's wild out west...

When a badly burned body is found near the remote Ardnamurchan Lighthouse on the west coast of Scotland, it feels like just another day on the job for DCI Jack Logan and his team.

But the victim’s list of enemies―including a diminutive loan shark and a powerful local politician―is far longer than Jack was prepared for.

And don’t even get him started on the magic psychic sex cult.

With political scandal brewing, conspiracy theories running wild, and a team member stuck inside a giant road safety squirrel costume, DCI Logan’s latest case might just be his most bizarre to date.

Come Hell or High Water is the thirteenth book in the multi-million selling DCI Logan Scottish Crime Fiction series. Packed with action, pathos, and dark humour, the series is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Stuart MacBride.

334 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2021

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888 people want to read

About the author

J.D. Kirk

59 books1,746 followers
JD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.

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5 stars
7,027 (62%)
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3,170 (28%)
3 stars
908 (8%)
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121 (1%)
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65 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,437 reviews89 followers
July 27, 2023
If I could have dinner with an author: JD Kirk would be it!

Book 13 is outstanding. I loved that it was more about the characters than the plot. DC Tyler Neish is “ballsy”, brilliant and at one time a human-size squirrel too - he is one of my favourites. Dave Davidson finally gets some action, and some funny action it is and Taggart - the wee bloody shite has to stay!

The impact of the various horrendous prior events are surfacing. Broken relationships are being mended. Locals are still being abused and the case is the backdrop not the central idea of this instalment.

Angus King (narrator) take a bow - I now only listen to these novels because Mr King could read me a dictionary and I’d pay attention to every word!
Profile Image for Liz Mistry.
Author 23 books193 followers
January 2, 2022
I love these books. The humour always has me grinning from ear toear and sometimes even guffawing in a wildly unretrained manner.
This book was pure police procedural ... but it was more than that. As well as the ongoing investigation into the identity of the charred remains (believed tobe murdered) found in a local beauty spot, this book dealt with the aftermath of the previous one, Colder Than The Grave, in a sympathetic, but really realistic manner. Not to go inot things in too much detail, but I found the reactions of the affected characters to be both believeable and authentic - so much so that I had a tear in my eye at times.

As usual, Kirk interperses humour throughout, which I think made reading the really poignant parts just a littel bit easier, but didn't detract from the realiam of these scenes.
I find myself at this point talking (writing ) cryptically, because I don't want to include any spoilers.
I think I'm going to stop right here , ending with this - Come Hell or High Water evokes so many different emotions and I am pleased that this one kicked off my 2022 reads
1,265 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!

This series is a riot. The humor is laugh out loud funny. Which is pretty remarkable for a police procedural. These books have great characters and we’ve come to care a lot for Logan’s motley crew. The investigation at the base of this book had me guessing up to the end.

And how much can I rave about Angus King’s narration? He adds so much to the enjoyment of these books.

Now I’m depressed because I finished it and have to wait for another of JD Kirk’s amazing books.
Profile Image for Wendy S Mottart.
79 reviews4 followers
Read
December 14, 2021
Outstanding as always.

This book arrived on my Kindle this morning at 9am. I've just finished reading, at 14.30 all in one sitting as I found it completely impossible to put down. Oh why do I do that? I wait patiently for it then, like a box of chocolates, I can't stop myself guzzling the whole box or book, in this case! Mr. Kirk has, again, surpassed himself with this story. The characters are evolving so much, it's a joy to read. Again, the humour is there which had me holding my sides with laughter at certain points. I really enjoyed the fact Dave had more of a role although not quite the one he was hoping for I hazard a guess!! I also liked how another of my top 5 authors character was involved in the story - very clever. On the whole, the charm of this series of books is increasing each time. Please keep writing the DCI Logan series, I'm sure there is still a lot to come. Bravo JD, a job well done.
Profile Image for Julia.
223 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2024
Another well paced plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end. The Scottish setting adds atmosphere and the local culture and landscapes make you feel engrossed in the book. Kirk does a great job of mixing dark humour with suspense, and the characters feel realistic and relatable.

Each character is still evolving with each book which I have come to look forward to. The team dynamics are very realistic, with plenty of banter and humour. On the flip side Kirk doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional toll that police work can take and how hard they work.

I’m always happy to read one of these books, they are full of humour while at the same time being a really down to earth, enjoyable Scottish crime, thriller. Unfortunately around the 80% mark I felt that the humour got a bit too over the top and overshadowed what was going on. Despite this it’s still a good book.. 3.5 rounded up I think..
Profile Image for Karly.
471 reviews166 followers
January 1, 2022
I’ve never once been let down by these books. After so many I sometimes go into a new one thinking I wonder if this will be as entertaining as the last one, and I am always ALWAYS entertained. This story while dark and gloomy with its grimy elements had me in stitches laughing into the night.

I love all the characters and how they intersect with one another. It was good to see Dave Davidson get in on the action and the usual suspects were there front and centre with DCI Jack Logan leading the charge.

If you haven’t read these books you definitely should, don’t read them out of order while you will still find them entertaining it adds to the story by reading them in order.

My only complaint is that there isn’t another one ready for me to jump into 🤣

Love these books keep them coming!!!
Profile Image for David Ward.
Author 2 books17 followers
January 6, 2022
DCI Jack Logan's back. And how welcome he is, too.

"Come Hell Or High Water" is well up to J.D.Kirk's usual high standard. Tyler Neish provides us with crazy but believable situations to laugh out loud at, as do various other characters. The team is all present and usually correct, now including their dog Taggart.

The action builds up in between witty dialogue and situations, so all of us Logan fans are likely to be kept happy. There's also a few surprises.

Do I recommend it? You betcha !
Profile Image for Elaine .
651 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2022
I agree with other reviewers that the Jack Logan mysteries just keep getting better. I really appreciate how the characters evolve and are so well developed. This book has a complex murder mystery full of unexpected twists and direction changes, and excellent police procedurals and good old shoe leather. Jack Logan continues to be a bit of a lose canon and his sarcasm and blunt interrogation techniques are great. But most of all, this book was hilarious in places. The situations that the police team get into (Danny the Drink Driving Squirrel, hell hounds, a wellnesss cult that includes sunburns in the nether regions and so much more!) I was laughing out loud, but it doesn't detract from the serious plot and danger and the exciting reveal in the end. I just love these, and I always get the Audible version because Angus King nails the voices!
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,649 reviews47 followers
December 17, 2021
An entertaining read

I don't want to lie and say that this was my favorite in the series because I did find the plot a bit too sparse, but I still found the characters and general telling entertaining.

I felt that at times there were filler sections included which were there to raise a smile - and they did - but I do still like a bit of meat in my bap if you know what I mean. I just felt that the plot needed a bit more depth and development, instead of it all coming in the last 20%.

As much as I love this team of characters, love the banter and love the development I do still want a proper plot too. Dare I say that some parts I realised I was skimming because it did just feel like funny fan-pleasing filler, particularly Dave being undercover.
Profile Image for Donna.
378 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2022
Another cracker in this series!

This is definitely one of my favourite series and set of characters and I’m finding as it continues, each character is being drawn with much more depth and complexity as are their relationships and interactions with the other characters. The policing side of the book is as complex, well written and twisty as always and it’s threaded through with humour and thoughtfulness. I really loved the underlying stories here, dealing with the aftermath of traumas. Logan is becoming more ‘human’ but not too much, we need him to keep being the person he is, just with a little more thought in certain situations.
Would recommend starting at the beginning of this series so you can get the full effect!
Profile Image for Denise.
7,492 reviews136 followers
December 30, 2021
Finally, a new DCI Logan book!
After binge-reading the entire series earlier this year I'd been very much looking forward to whenever the next installment might be out, so I was thrilled to happen upon this while loading up on some reading for the holidays.
Fun, entertaining and gripping as usual - now, how long do I have to wait for the next one??
3 reviews
December 15, 2021
Brilliant

I've read all the books and await each one with no patience at all!
I haven't laughed so much for ages, Tyler is a hoot- you should have seen me rolling about, tears running down my face......
Now I have to wait again.....😂
371 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2022
Excellent, another brilliant entertaining detective thriller

Surprises in store for DI Logan. Another murder mystery to solve too. His team are still reeling from the last one too.
Profile Image for Steven R. McEvoy.
3,783 reviews172 followers
October 7, 2022
An excellent read in a great series! This is the seventeenth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I have enjoyed all that I have now read to date, the first 13 in the DCI Logan series and also the first 3 in the Robert Hoon series, as well as stand alone VIP exclusive short story. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Fortunately I only have 2 left to be caught up to those published under this pen name. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk.

The description of this novel is:

“Something's wild out west...

When a badly burned body is found near the remote Ardnamurchan Lighthouse on the west coast of Scotland, it feels like just another day on the job for DCI Jack Logan and his team.

But the victim’s list of enemies―including a diminutive loan shark and a powerful local politician―is far longer than Jack was prepared for.

And don’t even get him started on the magic psychic sex cult.

With political scandal brewing, conspiracy theories running wild, and a team member stuck inside a giant road safety squirrel costume, DCI Logan’s latest case might just be his most bizarre to date.

Come Hell or High Water is the thirteenth book in the multi-million selling DCI Logan Scottish Crime Fiction series. Packed with action, pathos, and dark humour, the series is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Stuart MacBride.”

In these stories often the murders are often gruesome. The humour is dark. And the Scottish temperament comes out from several different characters. This time the body is found burned in a tent. At first the assumption is it is a local crackpot that has had run in’s with numerous people. But things are not always as they appear. Including how well Shona and Sinead are still struggling with their abductions on the last case. DCI Logan has surprising insight and care for the two. And we keep getting news reports about an abduction down south. To find out how it ties in you will need to read this tale.

It is another great read in an excellent series. The two series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with Smith’s and Mayhew’s works, as well as several other more mainstream names. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this name, and I am looking forward to that new series. Once I read the remaining 2 DCI Logan books to get caught up, I will be branching out into his other works. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great reads for fans of Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan, or Temperance Brennan. I state it again it is a great read in an excellent series!
Profile Image for Patricia Burton.
160 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2021
One of my favourite series!

I love the characters in this crime series, they always bring the storyline together, sadly I felt there was something missing in this one.
There seemed to be more focus on the banter and dialogue (funny though it was) between characters to the detriment of actual police procedures and plotline. I certainly didn't find it as gripping as the previous books.

The setting as expected is spectacular though, and only marred by the findings of a supposed rambler remains of a burnt body and millions of biting midges miles from anywhere of comfort.
Logan and his team are forced to set up their crime scene hub in what amounts to be a shoebox police station in a small village. So lots of driving on winding hilly hairpin bends for Tyler to struggle with his car sickness problem.

All of the usual fabulous team of characters play their parts to perfection, the added bonus being Taggart the dog, Tyler who I'd class as a force of nature and Hamaz appearing to be a bungling comedy duo as opposed to brave policemen, hysterically a pheasant testing their mettle!
There's plenty of twists that keep you reading, some I worked out others not so, I certainly didn't see where it was going until towards the end when someone is mentioned who is nothing to do with the plot, surprising and nail biting ending!
Profile Image for Lauren Rea.
196 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2022
This is the 13th instalment in the DCI Jack Logan series and disappoint!

This time Logan and his team are called to the remote Ardnamurchan Lighthouse on Scotland’s West Coast where reports of a burned body has been discovered. It’s up to the team to figure out this one but there are plenty of surprises on the way!

I have so many favourite parts which had me laughing out loud from the dead pheasant leading to the burning caravan, the giant squirrel costume and dog chase, Dave going to the wellness retreat and not forgetting an appearance from Jesus himself and Logan’s choice words for him!

I really enjoyed this one especially the nod to DCI Grimm from another one of my favourite series.

This one has it all, the usual humour, Tyler’s antics and it was good to see Dave back even though he did get his bum burned! But also the more serious side to the characters after the emotional events of the last book when Shona and Sinead were held hostage, I actually really felt for Shona, and Logan is finally back in contact with his daughter Maddie.

Another brilliant one JD Kirk, keep them coming, I can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
July 17, 2022
One of the two best of the DCI Logan series

...the other being "A Death Most Monumental." Both of these titles have a more nuanced style and leisurely pace than others in the series.
Almost restfully, and thankfully, the "DCI Logan Gore Score" for these two titles is, on a scale of 1 to 10, about a six. Thank God for that. The reader needs a bit of respite now and then. Here, we revel in JD Kirk's delicious Highland Humour, (spelled the Scottish way although I write from exile in Texas). Relationships within the Major Incidents Team can evolve without the frenetic haste and frightful carnage of some of the other books in this series. Here, the reader can take the time to laugh out loud, groan along with the poor beknighted Tyler, enjoy the development of the mongrel Taggart, and generally enjoy the nuances of Shona's and Sineid's struggles with PTSD, without having to frantically turn the page to see who is left standing.
Highly recommend all of this series.
Exiled in Texas and longing for some good soft Scottish rain
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
109 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2022
Come he'll or high water by j d kirk

What can I say but yet another cracker of a book from J D Kirk. I have followed the whole set so far about Jack Logan and his team and have enjoyed every single one. The crimes are always interesting but the way the team interact with one another is entertaining on its own. I don't like to say too much because it can be such a spoiler when you get to read for yourself but I would thoroughly recommend these books it's been so much fun to see how Jack has grown over the series and how his team have too each one overcoming personal difficulties and challenges. I have to say though I have kind of missed Hoon. I know he s off on his own challenge but I hope he will cameo again sometime. I enjoyed the reference to detective Grimm as that's another set of books I follow. Can't wait to see where their next case leads them.
303 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2021
JD Kirk's done it again!

What a great book! I started it this evening and haven't put it sown since. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled until the very last page! And the humor! The humor in this book had me laughing out loud. My partner thinks I'm nuts! But its great to have something to laugh at these days when so much is going on. Like coviid for a start. The storyline was perfect and, it kept me guessing the whole way through! This was the perfect blend of who done it and humor, with a tiny bit of romance thrown in. (So to speak).I don't think I've enjoyed any of Mr Kirk's books as much as this one, and I've loved them all! You've got to read this one if you're into British Police Procedurals!
1,099 reviews23 followers
December 16, 2021
Excellent. I listen to this series and the narration is probably the best I've ever heard. It really adds to the experience.
Great mystery, realistic character development, well-developed secondary characters, satisfying writing and a few lines that made me cackle with laughter. A bit awkward, since I was at work at the time, but worth it.
I love this series so much. I don't even know what to say. It's so much harder to review a book that you really, really enjoyed.
I appreciate the way the author approached some of the characters' reactions to trauma after the events of the previous book. It felt believable.
Also, I got a kick out of the dog.
Profile Image for Eddie.
131 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2021
A great read, all drama and humour, although possibly more of the former as the cast of characters are allowed to develop in this tale.
It would be very difficult to follow on from the events of the last book but this episode draws them together and I am sure that their resilience will put them back on par for the next instalment.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it as part of the series or as a single book.

Well done JD, I cannot wait for the next one.
234 reviews
December 19, 2021
Another brilliant outing for DCI Logan and his team. Laugh out loud humour mixed with murder! What more could we ask for 😊. The characters are just so heartwarming. Who wouldn't want to be part of the team?! I was holding my breath towards the end over Taggart!!! And yes... I googled "hui yin" 🤣🤣🤣
Profile Image for BLD.
246 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2022
This was among the best books in this great series. Tyler Neish had a prominent role and his banter with Logan was hilarious. Lots of good character development too. Can't wait for the next installment, though this one will be hard to top.
Profile Image for Karen.
205 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2022
I think the slapstick is taking over the books a bit to much. Do not get me wrong I love the books, I just want less three stooges.
Profile Image for Jean Waddup.
63 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2022
Brilliant the books get better and better. Just love the camaraderie of the team looking forward to the next one.
224 reviews5 followers
March 12, 2022
As usual had all the ingredients for a good murder along with the black humour.
Profile Image for Anthony Brooks.
252 reviews7 followers
August 11, 2023
Another perfect story.

Logan and his team once again have a very interesting case. A man is burned up, dead before hand, no way to ID him. A man presumably Bernie the Beacon. Logan also has multiple suspects in this crime, A Politician and a Guru. Oh, and a missing girl of a prominent Doctor. All this, will lead the team to find the missing girl, A missing conspiracy theorists, the identity of the body burned, and in the end... A love story ever growing, all of this "Come Hell or High Water"
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