The Rest Is Death

Inspector McLean #14

by James Oswald

The gripping new thriller in the Sunday Times-bestselling phenomenon that is the Inspector McLean series, from one of Scotland's most celebrated crime writers

A macabre ancient artefact. An innovative biotech company connected to the highest levels of government. And the trail of bloodshed in its wake.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony McLean is called to investigate a break-in at Drake BioTech, a trendsetting Edinburgh start-up. It's well below McLean's pay grade, but given the extensive political connections of its eccentric owner Nathaniel Drake, he doesn't have a choice. Even if nothing appears to have been stolen.

A missing person case turns complicated for DI Janie Harrison when a body is found half-buried in woods outside the city. The missing man shows no signs of trauma, the cause of his death a mystery. But when another man - linked to the break-in - is discovered dead in similarly mysterious circumstances, the police suspect there may be some connection between the two.

McLean is convinced the answer lies with the strange ancient artefact clutched in the second dead man's hands. But when the two bodies are stolen from the mortuary, and the artefact goes missing from evidence, the race is on to prevent yet more death.

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Scotland, Mystery

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed this latest in the series and adds mythical and thriller to the plot as we venture about Edinburgh again. doesn't disappoint

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about the Inspector McLean series, aside from the setting as I do have a soft spot for Edinburgh where I spent a good few summer holidays as a child, it that it is my favoured genre of crime fiction, or police thriller if you like, but with a twist (and yes - I know Tony is a DCI again now, but he'll always be Inspector McLean to me). I spent a lot of time as a child with my nose buried in books of Scottish ghost stories, alongside the Famous Five, Secret Seven, the Hardy Boys etc, so having the two differing genres blended in a delightful mashup for grown ups really does tick the boxes. And The Rest Is Death is a very clear example of where James Oswald manages to blur the lines between dull police process and something a little more supernatural to perfection. With an opening chapter that really lays out the direction for what lies ahead, I was immediately drawn into the intrigue, the tension and the oh so delightfully creepy possibilities from the start. What followed did not disappoint.

After such an opening it was almost jarring to join dear old McLean as he investigates a rather mundane and totally below his pay grade break in at a biotech company. Needless to say it is money and connections that have forced the attention of the higher ups and, by extension, Tony McLean. Meanwhile recently promoted DI Janie Harrison is finding the responsibilities of the role - i.e. death by admin - hard to acclimatise to, secretly relishing the chance to look into a missing persons case that is brought to her by a former school friend. Now this being a James Oswald novel, you can bet your bottom dollar that neither case is as straightforward as it seems, and it's not hard to draw the parallels between what they uncover in their respective investigations, and the scenes we bore witness to at the start. And for me - a horror turned crime fiction addict - it is absolute heaven.

I love the characters in this series. James Oswald has drawn them all so perfectly that those who are series regulars feel almost like family, albeit a slightly unusual and occasionally eccentric one. For those who love her unparalleled insight into life, and the more unusual aspects of McLean's cases, Madame Rose is back on the scene and making her presence known with her typical cryptic observations. She always just seems to be around at the most appropriate times, a harbinger of not doom per se, but certainly a sign that we all need to take note as what is going to happen next will be most unexpected. Or perhaps not - this is a James Oswald book and without the expected unexpected, it really wouldn't be the same ...

Janie Harrison again plays a large part in the story and I love having witnessed her development as a character over the years. Her case is really tough, and a little unnerving in a delightfully dark way. She is out of the shadows of her former mentor well and truly and as had been proven before, as a character she is well and truly capable of carrying the story and the investigation. The wider cast of characters all add their own light and shade to the story, the author using the various egos and quirks to deceive and misdirect as the cases progress. And for anyone concerned, both Mrs McCutcheon's and Cecily Slater's cats are both still going strong as is Grumpy Bob, who puts in a very welcome cameo appearance once again.

This is a dark and twisted case, with a pulsing beat of tension ebbing through it from the very start. The writing and scene setting is perfect as always, giving me a real sense of space, there is a perfect blend of the general investigation and the otherworldly, and a strange sense of plausibility about elements of the book perhaps driven by the fact that some of the characters seem modelled on people we are unfortunate enough to have to witness in real life. But then the Mr Oswald also managed to blindside me with some of the personalities, and, much as you might expect in life, not everyone is who they appear to be on the surface. I powered through this book and if, like me, you love the slightly more fey or unearthly aspects of the series, this one is a real winner. Definitely recommended.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love James Oswald, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony McLean just keeps on getting better and better. This book follows Anthony being called to investigate a break in at Blake Bio-tech, an Edinburgh start up, owned by billionaire Nathaniel Blake. It's well below McLean's pay grade but given Blake's political connections he doesn't have a choice in the matter. DI Janie Harrison is investigating a missing person that turns complicated when his body his found in the woods and shows no sign of trauma. Another person linked to the break-in turns up dead both cases become linked. The second man was holding a strange artifact when he died. It becomes even stranger when both victims bodies go missing from the mortuary then the artifact goes missing. The team must try to solve the case before there is another victim.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the dark magical elements to the book. Madame Rose is a firm favorite and I would like to have her in my corner. Janie Harrison is a great character and I enjoy seeing her grow. Tony McLean I just love him. Logan McRae was always my favorite but Tony has definitely kicked him into second place.

I cannot wait for James Oswald's next book. I am so glad my brother told me to pick this series up. Best recommendation.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this brilliant read.

[Justin Sarginson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will always be a fan of this author. These books remain special in their own way, endurably readable and enjoyable.
This time around it felt slightly like walking in footsteps tread by other books, with some of the plots reading similarly. The rebellion and the tenacity of the central character seemed diminished also, but I’m not sure if that is middle age or a reflection of the author himself.

The mysticism of these novels is still an uncertain element and one that strengthens these books, making the central story elevated in mystery and suspense.

The appeal and hunger for this series of books are undiminished, I just hope the author feels the same.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Chief Inspector Tony McLean is called to investigate a break-in at Drake BioTech, a trendsetting Edinburgh start-up. It's well below McLean's pay grade, but given the extensive political connections of its eccentric billionaire owner Nathaniel Drake, he doesn't have a choice. A missing person case turns complicated for DI Janie Harrison when a body is found half-buried in woods outside the city. The missing man shows no signs of trauma, the cause of his death a mystery then another man - linked to the break-in - is discovered dead the police suspect there may be some connection between the two, especially when both bodies are stolen from the mortuary.
The fourteenth book in the series & what a brilliant series it is & I look forward to my annual ‘Tony fix’. Another intriguing case with a touch of the supernatural. I love Tony who once he gets his teeth into a case he won’t let go & Janie has learned from the master. I also love the supporting characters even down to Tony’s two adopted cats. I always find the author’s books hard to put down & this was no exception & I read it in two sittings. There’s plenty of mystery, edge of the seat moments, suspense, twists & turns. A well written book which I loved & highly recommend
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Carole Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

magnificent tale

Brilliant as ever. This is one of, if not THE best of the series so far. Keep them coming Mr Oswal.

[Wendy Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was so pleased to re-enter the world of McClean and his detective team and another case to solve.

We are plunged into the world of what wealth can buy. Is it eternal life? Needless to say this is not where the investigation starts and the crime scenes that follow are a step away from the usual police procedural leaving police and forensics scratching their heads.

Weaving between modern day slavery, state of the art scientific research and the usual touch of Madame Rose and the supernatural. There is a tightrope that Oswald walks handling the inexplicable with more than a touch of clairvoyance and the politics and personalities of modern policing.

I was almost waiting for the plausible to tip completely into spirit world, but somehow in Oswald's capable hands, it doesn't. At least not for me!

[Cindi Chipping · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like James Oswald is back on top of his game with this one. DCI McLean has a seemingly uninteresting case, investigating a break-in at a scientific sort of bio lab. But of course all is not what it seems, and soon there are a variety of unusual deaths and cases which look like they are unrelated until they all get tied up with a good dose of the supernatural. And our old friend Madame Rose is in fine form in this book, playing an important part in helping Tony understand what’s really going on. Super fun read - loved it!

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After my catch up of the Inspector Mclean series last year I had to wait for the latest book The Rest is Death to be published, and I have been trying to find the time to give it the attention it deserves and what better time than a scheduled break from work with some lazy days planned.
Tony has been called to a break in at Drake BioTech and he is not really sure why. It’s not something that would usually warrant the attention of a DCI, that is until he finds out just who owns the company and who has an interest in clearing up the case as quickly as possible. That being said he would still have said he was probably the worst person to put in charge as he has little time for playing nice with the money people and their political connections.
DI Janie Harrison is investigating a missing person. This did not start out as an official case but when she was contacted by someone who she used to go to school with she didn’t see the harm in making some enquiries about her missing boyfriend. When his body turns up half buries in some woods and his cause of death is unexplained, the case gets quite complicated. With Tony and Janie deep in their investigations it is not long before they appear to be linked, and they have some very puzzling questions that need answering.
Oh I do love being back in Edinburgh and the world of DCI McLean. I miss grumpy Bob (he does make a fleeting appearance) but it is also nice to see how some of the other characters are developing and coming into their own. There is something about this book that also took me back to the earlier ones where the supernatural and unexplained play a big part in events and I loved it. especially as it meant that we got to see Madame Rose too. Despite Tony having a big chip on his shoulder about the rich and powerful and what they expect it doesn’t stop him investigating to the best of his abilities even when the powers that be decide that maybe they want him to stop and just close the case quickly. Not everything goes to plan however and some of the events that take place were a bit of a surprise (although shouldn’t have been really) and the team have to deal with the fallout from this. Hopefully there wont be any long term repercussions and I cant wait to see what they find themselves caught up in next.

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Oswald’s The Rest is Death is the fourteenth instalment in the DCI Tony McLean series. And what a book this is! If ever a book in this series was designed to show why Madame Rose exists, this is the one. From the outset, we are drawn into a tense and distinctly spooky scenario and things only get more interesting from there!

Oswald cleverly intertwines crime investigation with supernatural elements, delivering a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Edinburgh, the novel begins with what appears to be a routine break-in at Drake BioTech, a cutting-edge biotech firm owned by the extremely wealthy and politically connected Nathaniel Drake. Though this seems to be just an act of vandalism by animal rights activists, DCI Tony McLean is given the case due to Drake’s influential ties and the level of his investment in Edinburgh. ​

In parallel, DI Janie Harrison investigates a missing person report, one she has only taken on because she was at school with the missing man’s girlfriend. Well mostly that, but she’s also drowning in overtime forms and that’s really not her forte, although she knows it comes with her new promotion.

Then a man is found half-buried in the woods, devoid of any visible injuries or discernible cause of death. Something doesn’t add up for Tony about the bio-tech break-in. He doesn’t take to Nathaniel Drake at all, a position that is exacerbated by discovering that he lives near McLean in a house that McLean’s arch nemesis once inhabited.

Then another body is discovered – and this one has a direct link to the bio-tech laboratory. This one also has a strong connection to Janie Harrison’s case. As Janie investigates, she finds a gang boss whose team are mainly Serbians and that leads her to a case of modern slavery that she just can’t ignore. Janie is more like McLean than she knows as she takes risks and cuts a few corners to get the job done.

When a mortuary attendant is attacked and two bodies are stolen, McLean and Harrison must act swiftly to get to the truth of this strange case. Madame Rose, as ever, is unsurprised, but has some very helpful observations to make in her typically cryptic fashion. There is much to-ing and fro-ing as Madame Rose both anticipates the needs of McLean and Janie, but also sends out strong warning vibes.

Oswald’s portrayal of DCI Tony McLean is both nuanced and compelling. McLean is a dedicated and intuitive detective, whose instincts, coupled with his relentless pursuit of truth often leads him into uncharted territory. His character is enriched by his interactions with both Madame Rose and DI Janie Harrison, whose determination and investigative acumen complement McLean’s approach, adding depth to the narrative.​

A hallmark of Oswald’s writing is the seamless integration of supernatural elements into the crime genre. In The Rest is Death, an enigmatic ancient artifact serves as the conduit for these mystical aspects, introducing an eerie and suspenseful dimension to the story. This blend of the otherworldly with procedural investigation challenges the characters to confront phenomena beyond conventional understanding, enhancing the novel’s intrigue.​ James Oswald also has the ability to lead you on a wild goose chase with misdirection and a touch of pure wickedness. He can also make you feel quite sad at times and this book is no exception.

The pacing of the novel is very well judged, with Oswald adeptly balancing moments of intense action with periods of procedural investigation. This rhythm ensures sustained engagement, as we are drawn deeper into the complexities of the plot. Oswald’s prose is both vivid and precise, effectively capturing the moody ambiance of Edinburgh and the unsettling undercurrents that permeate the plotline.​

Verdict: The Rest is Death is a brilliant read for both its characterisation (though I am worried about Emma) and its ability to fuse crime fiction with supernatural intrigue. With compelling characters, an intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, the novel is a rewarding read for both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. If you are seeking a crime novel that transcends conventional boundaries, this book is a must have!

[Rich B · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Edinburgh-based crime with a supernatural twist. This one was solid, though it’s starting to feel like there’s a repeating formula to these books, and none of the characters really move forward very much in the overall storyline.

It starts with a break in at a high tech bio sciences facility. As the owner is a high profile and politically connected American billionaire investing in life prolonging science, DCI Daley is called on to lead the investigations.

Meanwhile DI Janey Harrison is called on by a former schoolmate whose Serbian boyfriend has suddenly gone missing.

No surprise that these 2 cases soon proved to be linked and the investigations rattle along at a decent pace. It all hinges on a mysterious archaeological artefact which it’s suggested has been possessed by a malevolent and controlling ancient spirit.

There’s a series of minor reveals until the big one at the end, and it’s all OK but suffers from being a little predictable and over telegraphed.

There’s also a few loose plot ends. An early intervention from the the secret service is never fully explained. Why some characters seem resistant to the powers of the artefact isn’t clear either. And a few secondary characters, especially Emma, DCIs partner limp along with no real purpose in the story.

I thought it was decent because the characters and setting are done well, but the plot felt like a variation on what you might have already seen in the series.

It feels like the hinted at backstory via Madame Rose could do with coming back more front and centre so there’s more of an overarching plot, otherwise going through the motions. It’s a good story but I feel like I’ve heard it before.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a longer than usual wait, it’s great to be back in Tony McLean’s world in the fourteenth book in this excellent crime series. Now promoted to DCI, he has been sent to a break-in at Drake BioTech, not a case that would normally be assigned to an officer of his rank, but Nathaniel Drake is a billionaire and has friends in high places.
Meanwhile, DI Janie Harrison is searching (unofficially) for a missing person, as a favour to someone she went to school with. It seems harmless until his body is discovered in the woods nearby. When another body is found in suspicious circumstances, it starts to look like the cases are linked. At this point, Tony is ordered to stop investigating, but that only makes him more determined to get to the bottom of this perplexing case.
Without a doubt, this is my favourite crime series and all the usual suspects make an appearance, even Grumpy Bob. Madame Rose seems to always turn up at just the right time to help Tony understand what he is dealing with. The hint of the supernatural is what makes these books stand out, and it should be implausible, but James Oswald always makes it work beautifully.
The characters are well drawn and seem like old friends to those of us who have been there since the beginning. It was good to see Lofty and Stringer (now both promoted to DS) doing so well. The focus of the narrative is now split between Tony and Janie Harrison which is a situation that I’m not sure will work for much longer.
This is masterful storytelling by a writer at the top of his game, and I look forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series. I love the cats just the way they are, please don’t give them names! Thanks to Wildfire and NetGalley for a digital copy to review, though I always buy the paperback too.

[Gail Souter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dreadful

Very disappointing! It was so obvious from early on that the Serb was connected to Drake Biotech! How DCI McLean couldn't fathom it out beats me as there were so many clues that connected Vaclan to Paul Sanderson, who was the one who broke into Biotech and had another two unaccounted for accomplices.! The fact both bodies were stolen from the mortuary and still not one of the team put two and two together about how these two men were connected was ridiculous! The odd state of Vaclan's body,which had no bacteria in it and looked healthy if he hadn't been dead was the first obvious clue, then his girlfriend said he disappeared for two weeks and told her he could make money was the second clue. Even his foreman said he was doing some sort of medical tests yet nobody connected him to Drake! Laughable and is taking the readers for idiots!The third was that his body was stolen along with Sanderson's whose body had aged by about thirty years! The author made all the detectives look like morons by not allowing them to connect these obvious things! This completely spoiled the book for me . Plus DCI McLean just allowed DI Janie Harrison to get almost throttled to death and never helped her! He actually is a selfish,useless ,unlikable,cowardly man. I think he needs to be killed off as he is obviously not very bright or brave! Author has depicted him as a complete bumbling fool! The supernatural aspect is very similar ti some of his other books. Not worth reading.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Rest is Death’ by James Oswald is the fourteenth book in the DCI Tony McLean series. I have followed this series from the start and always look forward to the latest instalment. This is a police procedural series with a subtle difference with a touch of supernatural.

A break in at Drake BioTech appears to be a routine crime, nothing was taken but because the company is owned by the influential owner Nathaniel Drake, DCI Tony McLean is asked to lead the investigations. DI Janie Harrison, meanwhile is investigating a missing person that escalates when a body is found buried in the woods. The death alone is mysterious, no visible injuries but another body, linked to the biotech break-in, is discovered under similar circumstances.

An ancient artifact is discovered in the hands of one of the deceased which hints at something far more sinister surrounding the deaths. McLean is on the case but his task is made more difficult when both the bodies and the artifact disappear from the mortuary.

James Oswald books are so well written and I really enjoy the added supernatural intrigue. I don’t really enjoy supernatural books but I feel he gets just the right measure for my liking. Tony McLean is an excellent character and I feel I have built up a good picture of him. I could easily imagine this as a television series.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Headline for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Alison Taylor-Muhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending time with Tony, Janie, Madame Rose and the rest of the crew really is like spending time with old friends! I love the author’s ability to fuse a riveting police procedural with something a little bit mystical. As always, the tale has a host of compelling characters, and I was pleased to see Madame Rose getting more use – she’s an intriguing personality, popping up at the most of fitting times to offer her cryptic words of wisdom and warning. Surprisingly, I grew fond of Nathaniel Drake, even with his misplaced ideals. I thought he and Tony functioned well together, and it was nice to get an albeit fleeting glimpse of a more personable Tony. However, I was horrified at the thought of Mrs McCutcheon's and Cecily Slater's cats being given names – that’s just wrong!

For me, this is absolutely a 5-star read and whilst it reads well as a standalone, you would be missing out on a cracking series if you don’t start with book one.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 14th instalment in the DCI McLean series and I have read quite a number of them but it can be successfully read as a standalone although I would recommend you delve into previous books to get the backstories of the main characters and an understanding of the nuances of their individual stories.

Once again, this book has the usual brilliant characters, great plot with all the twists and turns you would expect and with a touch of the supernatural thrown in to make this more than the usual police procedural that all blends together seamlessly to give an engaging read. I admit that it didn't grab me as much as his previous books and it took me a bit longer to read than it normally would because of this, but I enjoyed it nevertheless and would recommend.

Thank you to the author, Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book and I look forward to the next instalment.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got my Tony McLean fix, and I'm a happy camper. There's nothing like a couple of mysterious deaths and some of Madame Rose's "woo woo nonsense" to set you up for the week.
The Rest is Death is the 14th book in the series, and just like its predecessors, it is a darkly gripping read.
The opening chapter, which describes a mystical ritual, sets the tone for the rest of the book. The reader knows there's going to be strange forces at work, just as they know that the appearance of Madame Rose means good will vanquish evil.
I love this series, and not just for the "woo woo nonsense". It has some great characters, Dagwood, Jo Dalglish, Madame Rose and Grumpy Bob, to name just a few.
The baddies are always particularly unsavoury....just seeing the name Mrs. Saifre, makes me shudder. Thankfully, she was only alluded to in this one.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI McLean is called out to a break in at a biotech facility because the lab is funded by a billionaire and therefore it is given high priority. Research is being done into longevity by an eccentric scientist with an interest in archaeology. Meanwhile Janie Harrison is asked by a former schoolfriend to look into the disappearance of her Serbian boyfriend which leads her into a world of gang labour. however both cases suddenly become linked and then there is the strange box...
I like Oswald's books as he manages to write what is essentially a decent police procedural but then brings in an element of supernatural / horror. Now I am not a lover of that sort of writing but somehow Oswald makes it work. The esoteric elements don't detract from a good story and are not so massively overplayed that they take over. It's a delicate balance but the McLean books never fail!

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new book in the Inspector McLean series is always a must-read for me so I was thrilled to receive a digital ARC from NetGalley. The 14th book in this series does not disappoint, showcasing the author’s ability to blend a classic crime thriller with something a little bit spooky.
In this case a very rich man’s new biotech lab is broken into, in what seems to be the work of an anti-vivisection group. Then a dead body shows up in a case which does not appear to be connected but clearly is.
The most thrilling aspect of this book for me, is the very welcome prominence of Madame Rose, whose uncanny ability to turn up just at the right moment is never more welcome than in this chilling case. The usual thrilling denouement is present and correct and the crimes are shockingly plausible as one rich man seeks to live forever.
Always a pleasure. Roll on book 15!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A police procedural with a supernatural twist, McLean is asked to investigate a break in in a science facility and it is gradually revealed that there are links to the case being investigated by Jaynie. A body is found, later another and there arre few spores about what happened to it. Jaynie and her flatmate also need to find somewhere else to live.
There are links to migrant workers from Eastern Europe and different strands of the plot come together, though not all issues are sewn up.
On the whole I enjoyed the book, the supernatural element is OK, though I wasn't keen about it. The research facility is a mystery and I would have liked a little more explanation about what happened there, in some ways I am left with more questions than answers. I would like to read more from this author .
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Oswald never lets you down. I'm a great fan of his books and have read all the DCI McLean books waiting for each with great anticipation. The Rest is Death is no exception and it did not disappoint. The characters are like family by now. They pop out of the pages ready to pick up their lives where the last book left off. This book (book 14 in the series) has everything we've come to expect from this author - a splash of gore, more than a touch of spooky, plenty of suspense, just enough politics to wind up the DCI and a lot of imagination. The twists in the plot are plentiful and the ending explosive. Altogether a very satisfying read! Role on book number 15!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joy of another instalment in the Inspector McLean series arriving and this one does not disappoint. One of the world's richest men is in search of eternal life and is in the process of setting up a laboratory complex outside Edinburgh to facilitate research on the subject. A random break-in sees now DCI Tony McLean assigned to keep the American billionaire convinced that Police Scotland is taking the matter seriously, much to Tony's annoyance. DI Janie Harrison is meantime trying to locate a missing man as a favour to an old school friend. Emma is still slowly recovering when their new neighbour appears at the door and Madame Rose arrives to add her bit. A slow start, some locations and characters from earlier books re-appear and a satisfying conclusion.

[Kenny Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having binged all of the previous McLean novels in the space of a year and finished last year with the latest release. I was worried after waiting a whole year for this new instalment that the shine would have gone off the series and I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. How wrong could I be?

This was wonderful. The usual characters were back and the increased use of Janie Harrison was a perfect counterpoint to McLean. Grumpy Bob was missed a little but the storyline was excellent and the slight supernatural bent to the story was very welcome. I don’t want to talk about it too much as it will spoil things but it was evident very early on what we were dealing with and it was loads of (very dark) fun.

[Paul Gormley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much anticipated but very disappointing.

A bit of a nothing plot to this one and the supernatural element is cranked up to 11, which makes for a very frustrating read. The villain is flagged up pretty early on and even the motive is pretty easily guessed with an outcome which resembles the ending of a poor Hammer horror. The macabre deaths are ‘explained’ in the loosest of ways as there is no rationale behind them.

The narrative alternates between McLean and DI Harrison, which I didn’t like. It’s hard to engage with Harrison in the same way as readers have with McLean over such an extended period.

If this was an author’s first effort, I wouldn’t follow their subsequent work. It pains me to say it but this is a poor addition to the series.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly knitted, fast paced, multilayered story that talks about futuristic science, ancient dark powers and modern dark powers that exploit people and their needs.
A novel that is high on my "happy to be sleep deprived" and I had to stop reading because it can be an issue if you have to go to work.
That said I think it's one of the best in this exciting series, mixing the right level of creepiness and suspence.
There's a lot of character development, there's some heartbreaking moments, and there's humor.
Love it, a page turner I strongly recommend
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rest is Death by James Oswald is book 14, the latest in the DCI Tony Maclean series. I enjoy this series and am always keen to see what Tony gets up to next. Nathaniel Drake wants to cheat death and live forever. Professor Magnus Caine builds a new complex, with funds from Drake, to help him in his quest. And then there is the puzzle box. I always enjoy it when Madam Rose makes an appearance. Such a wonderful, different character. There is a touch of the supernatural in this story, which certainly adds to the interest. A wonderful, fascinating read.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant! James Oswald never lets you down if you like a good thriller, with a touch of the supernatural. Back with DCI Mc Lean in Edinburgh, this is full of twists, a clever plotline and oozing with tension right from the start. I love the characters, especially Madame Rose and the quirkiness of the plot took me by surprise, although I should have been prepared having read all the previous books in the series. Another 5* read from a great author. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only discovered this series in January, and have since read all 14 of them. Just the most wonderful crime fiction series I have found - Tony McLean is a brilliant character- real, flawed, decent, and at times very humanly stupid. Janie Harrison, likewise. The touch of the supernatural is never overdone, and every character feels like a real person. I wish there were 50 books in the series, to keep me reading until the end of the year!

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Detective Chief Inspector Tony McLean novel, also featuring DI Jane Harrison, starts off as a police procedural and develops into a supernatural thriller. Well done. The characters are all good and well-crafted, falling into the story as might be imagined. No spoilers in the story, but Madame Rose appears as the plot thickens. An excellent performance by Ian Hanmore, who reads this book on the Audible platform. 4 stars.

[DAVID RICE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lazy

I have read all of it and McLean series and eagerly awaited this new publication. Very disappointing, following too much of a tried and tested formula. The read was tedious at best, far too predictable, far too similar to the previous books. I'm sorry but McLean has to go now.