Always The Quiet Ones

by John Carson

When teenager Heather Ross disappears in rural Fife, it evokes dark local folklore about the Shadow Watchers—figures that supposedly guard buried secrets in the Scottish hills. DCI James Craig catches the case, and it quickly becomes clear this is no ordinary missing persons investigation. With DS Leanne Chalmers newly assigned to his team, the pressure to solve it intensifies quickly.

Craig's Major Investigation Team uncovers more than they anticipated. Significant money is involved in local land deals, stolen artefacts appear in unusual places, and individuals are prepared to kill to keep old sins hidden.
His evolving relationship with pathologist Dr. Annie Keller offers a fresh perspective on the investigation. Her forensic expertise uncovers vital details about the case, while their personal connection provides Craig with stability amidst the turmoil.

As people begin to die and the Shadow Watchers appear more fact than fiction, Craig realises he is running out of time. An ancient and dangerous force is awakening in the hills.

Always the Quiet Ones is a hard-hitting Scottish crime novel where ancient legends clash with modern murder, and everyone's got something to hide. DCI Craig's about to learn that the worst monsters aren't the ones in folk tales—they're the ones hiding in plain sight.

This is book 6 in the DCI James Craig series from multi-million bestselling author John Carson.

For fans of Andrew Raymond, JD Kirk and David J Gatward

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

John Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.

Reviews

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI James Craig and his partner DR Annie Keller, both get called out to the scene of an accident where a car has gone into a river, revealing a body floating there.
this starts off a chain of enquiries, intrigue, and more murders as the book progresses.
James's daughter Leanne who is a DS, has recently moved from her previous post in the Met police MIT, and is starting to settle in amongst the team, they are trying to unravel what seems to be a hunt for buried treasure dating from WW2, as usual we are led to think of one culprit, only to find others lurking further along.
it takes until the final chapters for the truth to reveal itself!! another fantastic 5⭐️ read from John Carson 👏

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

confusing

I enjoy Carson’s different series, but this plot left me utterly confused. The ending is rushed, and I’m still not sure why the last deaths happened.

I’ve noticed a marked trend very recently in UK police procedurals where it seems murder plots are just rushed at the end. Very frustrating.

[Jennine Oldis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book as I had enjoyed the previous ones following Craig into battle against the bag guys. Found the story a bit confusing at times and wondered if it was going to lead anywhere and then it rushed to the finish line with everything happening at once. Not my favourite of the Craig books so onto the next one where he teams up with McNeil and see what that team is like!

[Lora King]

A young girl is found murdered and her obsession with some stones protected by the supernatural
Shadow Watchers will uncover why people who knew this girl are ending up dead. Is it a mystery from WWII or something more recent....

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total thrill ride!

John Carson writes some of the best British Crime books.
Beautiful Scotland, fascinating history, well written murders, and the best Police. I have a hard time putting these down!
I highly recommend these books!

[Christine Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite author

I’ve not read one book by John Carson that wasn’t excellent. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a well written murder mystery.

[Cheryl Kleinjam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Liked the characters. The story is well written ANF engaging. Keeps you guessing and consequently keeps you engaged in the story. Rather a surprising ending.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

John Carson is one of my favorite authors. This book had twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! I did not expect that ending! Beth P.