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Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson #1
The Girl in the Loch
A mother calls for her child repeatedly in the soft summer air, her voice rising with panic. She leans over the glass balustrade, her eyes searching the dark waters of the loch. Her only child is gone.
The disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her isolated home in the Scottish Highlands shook the nation. Three years later, the world may have forgotten the blond-haired girl with the big blue eyes, but her grief-stricken parents hire Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson–an expert in finding missing children–to bring their precious Lily home.
Working round the clock, Teàrlach quickly uncovers secrets beneath the surface of the close-knit local community. The Masterton's nanny, fired after Lily's disappearance, is missing, and local outcast Annie could hold the key to solving the case. And then a body is found at local landmark, Hell’s Glen.
As Teàrlach pieces together the secrets at the heart of the Masterton family, tiny bones are found in the loch close to the Masterton’s home. Could they be Lily’s? Or will Teàrlach unravel a truth even more shocking?
The disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her isolated home in the Scottish Highlands shook the nation. Three years later, the world may have forgotten the blond-haired girl with the big blue eyes, but her grief-stricken parents hire Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson–an expert in finding missing children–to bring their precious Lily home.
Working round the clock, Teàrlach quickly uncovers secrets beneath the surface of the close-knit local community. The Masterton's nanny, fired after Lily's disappearance, is missing, and local outcast Annie could hold the key to solving the case. And then a body is found at local landmark, Hell’s Glen.
As Teàrlach pieces together the secrets at the heart of the Masterton family, tiny bones are found in the loch close to the Masterton’s home. Could they be Lily’s? Or will Teàrlach unravel a truth even more shocking?
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First published January 4, 2024
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January 16, 2024
PI Teàrlach (pronounced Charr Loch - hence his nickname of Sherlock) Paterson was contacted by Tony Masterton, a wealthy but dangerous man, living in the Scottish highlands, to discover what had happened to his three year old daughter, Lilibet, who went missing three years prior. Tony and his wife Samantha had been shattered by her disappearance, and the fact that the police couldn't find any evidence of Lilibet anywhere. Living beside the loch with the rumours and wild stories that came with it, left those who weren't locals, disturbed. But the local people had a healthy respect for the loch...
When the bones of a small child were found in the loch, Teàrlach immediately suspected it to be Lilibet. But the DNA didn't match. It was another child; this one had nothing that resembled Tony and Samantha. When the DNA matched that of a recent murder victim, the puzzle became deeper. Teàrlach worked beside Dee, another who was working for Masterton, but wasn't at all sure he could trust her. Would they find Lilibet? What would be the outcome in this tragic, confusing case?
The Girl in the Loch is an outstanding thriller by an author new to me. Andrew James Greig kept the pace moving fast in this 1st of the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series, and I'm very much looking forward to #2. The gritty tension held me from the start, and I certainly didn't expect the massive twist at the end! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When the bones of a small child were found in the loch, Teàrlach immediately suspected it to be Lilibet. But the DNA didn't match. It was another child; this one had nothing that resembled Tony and Samantha. When the DNA matched that of a recent murder victim, the puzzle became deeper. Teàrlach worked beside Dee, another who was working for Masterton, but wasn't at all sure he could trust her. Would they find Lilibet? What would be the outcome in this tragic, confusing case?
The Girl in the Loch is an outstanding thriller by an author new to me. Andrew James Greig kept the pace moving fast in this 1st of the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series, and I'm very much looking forward to #2. The gritty tension held me from the start, and I certainly didn't expect the massive twist at the end! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2023
4+
PI Teàrlach Paterson #1
(Pronounced Charr Loch, you can imagine which fictional detective provides an appropriate nickname!)
What happens to Lilybet Masterton who disappears from her isolated lochside home three years ago? Her father Tony, whose reputation precedes him, hires Teàrlach to find out from which point on things become increasingly deadly as it provokes a chain reaction.
I’ve not read this author before but I’m a sucker for anything set in Scotland so swooped to try this and I’m so glad I do so as it’s a really good, immersive and gripping page turner. It hooks me in from the start as it positively oozes atmosphere principally from the setting with the drama of the modern lochside glass house centre stage, looking spectacular (although not in the opinion of some locals) but it’s definitely not a happy place. To add further atmosphere the changeable weather reflects the darkening mood and the local legends inject further ambience and undertones from the mysterious sea Loch waters.
The storytelling becomes increasingly gritty and murky, there’s menace and malevolence emanating from somewhere, deepening the puzzle of what has happened to Lilybet. There are some bizarre twists and many turns as the suspect pool broadens with my suspicion antenna twitching furiously. The danger intensifies, the tension multiplies, it’s exciting in places as the inquiry heads down blind alleys with false leads and misdirection. For a long while the seasonal mists shrouding Teàrlach’s investigation don’t lift, in fact, it becomes more foggy by the day. It’s builds at a really good pace to a good ending which is dramatic and fitting.
So, what of the characters? I really like Teàrlach, he’s easy to like, he’s intelligent and dogged and holds his own very well against Tony Masterton from whom danger emanates from his pores. Tony employs Dee Fairlie who is an unconventional, motor bike riding, one off who I also like very much. All of the characters have interesting pasts and none of them are run of the mill. I can’t wait till see what they get up to next!
Overall, I enjoy this very much and it’s one I can happily recommend to fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
PI Teàrlach Paterson #1
(Pronounced Charr Loch, you can imagine which fictional detective provides an appropriate nickname!)
What happens to Lilybet Masterton who disappears from her isolated lochside home three years ago? Her father Tony, whose reputation precedes him, hires Teàrlach to find out from which point on things become increasingly deadly as it provokes a chain reaction.
I’ve not read this author before but I’m a sucker for anything set in Scotland so swooped to try this and I’m so glad I do so as it’s a really good, immersive and gripping page turner. It hooks me in from the start as it positively oozes atmosphere principally from the setting with the drama of the modern lochside glass house centre stage, looking spectacular (although not in the opinion of some locals) but it’s definitely not a happy place. To add further atmosphere the changeable weather reflects the darkening mood and the local legends inject further ambience and undertones from the mysterious sea Loch waters.
The storytelling becomes increasingly gritty and murky, there’s menace and malevolence emanating from somewhere, deepening the puzzle of what has happened to Lilybet. There are some bizarre twists and many turns as the suspect pool broadens with my suspicion antenna twitching furiously. The danger intensifies, the tension multiplies, it’s exciting in places as the inquiry heads down blind alleys with false leads and misdirection. For a long while the seasonal mists shrouding Teàrlach’s investigation don’t lift, in fact, it becomes more foggy by the day. It’s builds at a really good pace to a good ending which is dramatic and fitting.
So, what of the characters? I really like Teàrlach, he’s easy to like, he’s intelligent and dogged and holds his own very well against Tony Masterton from whom danger emanates from his pores. Tony employs Dee Fairlie who is an unconventional, motor bike riding, one off who I also like very much. All of the characters have interesting pasts and none of them are run of the mill. I can’t wait till see what they get up to next!
Overall, I enjoy this very much and it’s one I can happily recommend to fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 28, 2025
THE GIRL IN THE LOCH is the first novel in a new series by author Andrew James Greig. The main character in this new series is Teàrlach Paterson (Teàrlach is pronounced Charr Loch, a Gaelic name). He is a PI based in Glasgow who specializes in locating missing people. Early in the novel, it is hinted that Teàrlach had a damaged childhood.
Tony Masterton hires him to locate Tony's missing three-year-old daughter, or her body, because Masterton is afraid she is dead. But he still wants someone to find out what happened to her. Masterton is a wealthy (and dangerous) Glasgow gangster; his daughter, Lilybet, disappeared from his secluded mansion in the Scottish Highlands three years earlier; the police (and Masterton's own security team) have exhausted all possible leads. If Teàrlach finds out what happened, Masterton will take over, exacting vengeance for his loss.
Masterton assigns his personal computer expert, Dee Fairlie, to work with Teàrlach. Dee began working for Masterton not realizing the extent of his criminal activities; now she knows too much to quit (plus relies on his generosity to live the life she wants). Like Teàrlach, she also has a broken childhood.
Soon after the two investigators meet, the mutilated body of the Masterton's gardener is discovered. Then a skeleton found is found in the loch that might be all that is left of Lilybet; a genetic analysis of the skeleton finds a match to the dead gardener, but none to either Tony Masterton or his wife. Gypsies arrive, searching for information. Everything finally comes together, in a way I would never have predicted.
The plot of THE GIRL IN THE LOCH is very satisfying. Frankly, I didn't like Teàrlach as much as I liked Greig's former main character, DI Corstorphine, but I can see why Greig started the new series. DI Corstorphine was stationed in a small Highlands town, and there is a limit to how many murders can occur in one small town. Teàrlach has Glasgow, plus he can travel to places where Corstorphine has no authority. So, with this new series, Greig has opened up his horizons.
Again, highly recommended. 4.5 stars upped to 5.
Tony Masterton hires him to locate Tony's missing three-year-old daughter, or her body, because Masterton is afraid she is dead. But he still wants someone to find out what happened to her. Masterton is a wealthy (and dangerous) Glasgow gangster; his daughter, Lilybet, disappeared from his secluded mansion in the Scottish Highlands three years earlier; the police (and Masterton's own security team) have exhausted all possible leads. If Teàrlach finds out what happened, Masterton will take over, exacting vengeance for his loss.
Masterton assigns his personal computer expert, Dee Fairlie, to work with Teàrlach. Dee began working for Masterton not realizing the extent of his criminal activities; now she knows too much to quit (plus relies on his generosity to live the life she wants). Like Teàrlach, she also has a broken childhood.
Soon after the two investigators meet, the mutilated body of the Masterton's gardener is discovered. Then a skeleton found is found in the loch that might be all that is left of Lilybet; a genetic analysis of the skeleton finds a match to the dead gardener, but none to either Tony Masterton or his wife. Gypsies arrive, searching for information. Everything finally comes together, in a way I would never have predicted.
The plot of THE GIRL IN THE LOCH is very satisfying. Frankly, I didn't like Teàrlach as much as I liked Greig's former main character, DI Corstorphine, but I can see why Greig started the new series. DI Corstorphine was stationed in a small Highlands town, and there is a limit to how many murders can occur in one small town. Teàrlach has Glasgow, plus he can travel to places where Corstorphine has no authority. So, with this new series, Greig has opened up his horizons.
Again, highly recommended. 4.5 stars upped to 5.
January 11, 2025
“The Girl in the Loch”, (Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson #1 ), by Andrew James Greig
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this book because I loved its cover and I went completely blind.
This was my first book by this author. I do own another one, but not part of a series, which was highly recommended.
The story started very well and I thought this was going to be a 4 stars read (at least).
I thought the concept was excellent and so was the writing but the storytelling was a bit dry for me and failed to engaged me or make me feel connected with the characters.
Although I didn’t think this was boring, It took me longer than I expected to finish this book. It’s definitely not a popcorn thriller.
And if I may be honest, there was nothing memorable or remarkable about this work, except the name of the private detective, “Teàrlach” (pronounced “Char-Loch” and his nickname was “Sherlock”, obviously).
Regardless, I’m curious to see how the second book turned out.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I picked this book because I loved its cover and I went completely blind.
This was my first book by this author. I do own another one, but not part of a series, which was highly recommended.
The story started very well and I thought this was going to be a 4 stars read (at least).
I thought the concept was excellent and so was the writing but the storytelling was a bit dry for me and failed to engaged me or make me feel connected with the characters.
Although I didn’t think this was boring, It took me longer than I expected to finish this book. It’s definitely not a popcorn thriller.
And if I may be honest, there was nothing memorable or remarkable about this work, except the name of the private detective, “Teàrlach” (pronounced “Char-Loch” and his nickname was “Sherlock”, obviously).
Regardless, I’m curious to see how the second book turned out.
January 23, 2024
Can I just start my review by saying that in my very humble opinion, Andrew James Greig has to be one of the most underrated writers on the British crime scene. Before I even start waxing lyrical about The Girl In The Loch, you should not only read this book, but also please check out Whirligig, The Devil’s Cut and A Song Of Winter too. You can thank me later. Right, let’s crack on…
Despite my normal aversion to reading any crime book with ‘girl’ in the title, thankfully common sense, and a love of this author’s writing prevailed. Phew. The book begins with what would appear on the surface to be a fairly typical plotline, but hang on to your hats guys, because that is totally not how this one plays out. This has to be one of the most forensically well plotted thrillers that I have read for an age, so that a seemingly linear tale of missing, presumed dead, child actually becomes increasingly more complex, with a wonderful tangential expansion to keep both the investigating private detective and, more importantly us, on a knife edge throughout. The story takes some wholly satisfying and surprising turns, that really heighten the intrigue surrounding Lily’s disappearance, and the lengths that some of the characters will go to in withholding and concealing evidence, to the detriment of both previous investigations by the police, and the current privately engaged one. I love a thriller that messes with your perception of a crime, and seeks to unsettle what you believe to be the truth, peeling the layers of deception back cleverly and slowly, until the real truth is unveiled. The pacing and plotting is just superb and that is not the only delight of this book.
In a previous review of one of Greig’s thrillers I alluded to his similarity to Benjamin Myers (himself the author of some truly dark and unsettling thrillers in years gone by) in the fact that Greig has the most beautiful rendering of place and atmosphere. The lyrical quality to his depiction of this remote and bleak Scottish landscape is just so eloquent and beautiful, capturing perfectly the raw beauty and natural dangers in this inhospitable setting. You find yourself mildly hypnotised by these perfectly placed interludes of naturalistic description, before being tugged back in to the harsh reality of the investigation itself. As a delightful bonus, he also weaves into the plot delicious little vignettes alluding to Scottish folktales of kelpies and the like, making the loch and its sinister and rugged setting , inhabit the book as a separate entity and character of its own.
I’m hoping with every fibre of my being that this heralds the start of a series featuring PI Teàrlach Paterson as I loved his slightly roguish yet taciturn character. Finding himself at the behest of Tony Masterton, a Glasgow gangster and father of the missing child, Paterson has a wonderful way of assuaging Masterton, yet remaining totally fixed on his investigation when Masterton seeks to manipulate him. This hard-headed determination on Paterson’s part brings him into conflict with the mysterious Dee, Masterton’s I.T. expert, who is assigned to help Paterson. Dee provides a teasing and testing counterbalance to Paterson, disarming him at every opportunity, being very gregarious, and haring about on her motorbike. She is purely belter throughout, and a wonderful foil to the more serious nature of Patterson. There’s also Chloe, who run’s Paterson’s office, who has a tough past, but a steely nature, particularly when it comes to Dee, and also a renegade band of travellers who not only make a solid connection with Dee, but pleasingly take the plot in a whole new direction, which adds another layer of interest overall.
So what more can I say? I think you’ve all gathered that I really enjoyed The Girl In The Loch not only for its clever and intricate plotting and characterisation, but also the careful interweaving of some truly beautiful naturalistic depiction of this unique setting. Suffice to say if you like your crime thrillers dark, compelling, and with engaging characters, you need look no further. Highly recommended.
Despite my normal aversion to reading any crime book with ‘girl’ in the title, thankfully common sense, and a love of this author’s writing prevailed. Phew. The book begins with what would appear on the surface to be a fairly typical plotline, but hang on to your hats guys, because that is totally not how this one plays out. This has to be one of the most forensically well plotted thrillers that I have read for an age, so that a seemingly linear tale of missing, presumed dead, child actually becomes increasingly more complex, with a wonderful tangential expansion to keep both the investigating private detective and, more importantly us, on a knife edge throughout. The story takes some wholly satisfying and surprising turns, that really heighten the intrigue surrounding Lily’s disappearance, and the lengths that some of the characters will go to in withholding and concealing evidence, to the detriment of both previous investigations by the police, and the current privately engaged one. I love a thriller that messes with your perception of a crime, and seeks to unsettle what you believe to be the truth, peeling the layers of deception back cleverly and slowly, until the real truth is unveiled. The pacing and plotting is just superb and that is not the only delight of this book.
In a previous review of one of Greig’s thrillers I alluded to his similarity to Benjamin Myers (himself the author of some truly dark and unsettling thrillers in years gone by) in the fact that Greig has the most beautiful rendering of place and atmosphere. The lyrical quality to his depiction of this remote and bleak Scottish landscape is just so eloquent and beautiful, capturing perfectly the raw beauty and natural dangers in this inhospitable setting. You find yourself mildly hypnotised by these perfectly placed interludes of naturalistic description, before being tugged back in to the harsh reality of the investigation itself. As a delightful bonus, he also weaves into the plot delicious little vignettes alluding to Scottish folktales of kelpies and the like, making the loch and its sinister and rugged setting , inhabit the book as a separate entity and character of its own.
I’m hoping with every fibre of my being that this heralds the start of a series featuring PI Teàrlach Paterson as I loved his slightly roguish yet taciturn character. Finding himself at the behest of Tony Masterton, a Glasgow gangster and father of the missing child, Paterson has a wonderful way of assuaging Masterton, yet remaining totally fixed on his investigation when Masterton seeks to manipulate him. This hard-headed determination on Paterson’s part brings him into conflict with the mysterious Dee, Masterton’s I.T. expert, who is assigned to help Paterson. Dee provides a teasing and testing counterbalance to Paterson, disarming him at every opportunity, being very gregarious, and haring about on her motorbike. She is purely belter throughout, and a wonderful foil to the more serious nature of Patterson. There’s also Chloe, who run’s Paterson’s office, who has a tough past, but a steely nature, particularly when it comes to Dee, and also a renegade band of travellers who not only make a solid connection with Dee, but pleasingly take the plot in a whole new direction, which adds another layer of interest overall.
So what more can I say? I think you’ve all gathered that I really enjoyed The Girl In The Loch not only for its clever and intricate plotting and characterisation, but also the careful interweaving of some truly beautiful naturalistic depiction of this unique setting. Suffice to say if you like your crime thrillers dark, compelling, and with engaging characters, you need look no further. Highly recommended.
December 21, 2023
‘The Girl in the Loch’ is a deftly plotted novel that radiates a malevolent evilness and it is goosebumps raising in places! As a huge fan of Andrew’s previous books I was very happy to be given the chance to read this one. Start of a brand new series that revolves about Tearlach Paterson, a private investigator based in Glasgow. I'm glad Andrew is returning to crime set in present day Scotland as I believe this is where his best work has come out of. Please, please please go read ‘Whirligig’ as it's one of my favourite ever Scottish crime novels!
When Tearlach Paterson is approached by Tony Matterson to help search for his daughter Lilybet, who has been missing for three years, he takes the case. Tony is a Glasgow gangster and has a huge glass modern house on the edge of a sea loch. His three-year-old daughter was playing one summer afternoon and went missing in broad daylight. The police have not been able to find her or even have any viable leads and after three years Tony decides to hire Tearlach to look into the events of that afternoon. Lilybet’s nanny was fired just weeks after her disappearance and now a body has been found at a local landmark. As Tearlach delves into the secrets of the Mastertons the bones of a child are found in the loch. Has Lily been there this whole time?
This book had me hooked from the very start to the final page. It had this way of getting under your skin and making its presence felt. I devoured it a few sittings and it felt like such a quick read but it was very immersive. The hook of a missing girl drew me in instantly but it was the characters who made me stay! Tearlach is going to become a firm favourite for me I think. He was nuanced and his background has just been teased at and already I feel heartsore for him. He has a vulnerability to him but also a moral core that is hard to shake, even when faced with a dangerous gangster. He is intelligent, loyal and makes a great protagonist! Another character of mention has to be Dee Fairlie, an employee of Tony’s who has also been tasked with finding Lily. She is wildly unpredictable, extremely damaged but also comes across brilliantly, someone who has a heart of gold and is severely misunderstood!
This was a gritty story and dealt with some dark topics. I loved the inclusion of some traditional Scottish mythology and it definitely helped to mix the waters shall we say! As the story progress the feeling of danger intensifies and the latter half of the story definitely gets the heart beating faster. It is a well-plotted book full of dead ends, red herrings and misdirection. Once again, Andrew manages to make the most of the Scottish landscape, history and weather. As the mist rolls in, the tension ramps up and it definitely gave me the heebie-jeebies! But maybe like Brain the Barman I am a believer!
This book deserves to be hitting the best sellers lists as its a brilliant piece of Scottish crime fiction! Let me know if you pick it up!
When Tearlach Paterson is approached by Tony Matterson to help search for his daughter Lilybet, who has been missing for three years, he takes the case. Tony is a Glasgow gangster and has a huge glass modern house on the edge of a sea loch. His three-year-old daughter was playing one summer afternoon and went missing in broad daylight. The police have not been able to find her or even have any viable leads and after three years Tony decides to hire Tearlach to look into the events of that afternoon. Lilybet’s nanny was fired just weeks after her disappearance and now a body has been found at a local landmark. As Tearlach delves into the secrets of the Mastertons the bones of a child are found in the loch. Has Lily been there this whole time?
This book had me hooked from the very start to the final page. It had this way of getting under your skin and making its presence felt. I devoured it a few sittings and it felt like such a quick read but it was very immersive. The hook of a missing girl drew me in instantly but it was the characters who made me stay! Tearlach is going to become a firm favourite for me I think. He was nuanced and his background has just been teased at and already I feel heartsore for him. He has a vulnerability to him but also a moral core that is hard to shake, even when faced with a dangerous gangster. He is intelligent, loyal and makes a great protagonist! Another character of mention has to be Dee Fairlie, an employee of Tony’s who has also been tasked with finding Lily. She is wildly unpredictable, extremely damaged but also comes across brilliantly, someone who has a heart of gold and is severely misunderstood!
This was a gritty story and dealt with some dark topics. I loved the inclusion of some traditional Scottish mythology and it definitely helped to mix the waters shall we say! As the story progress the feeling of danger intensifies and the latter half of the story definitely gets the heart beating faster. It is a well-plotted book full of dead ends, red herrings and misdirection. Once again, Andrew manages to make the most of the Scottish landscape, history and weather. As the mist rolls in, the tension ramps up and it definitely gave me the heebie-jeebies! But maybe like Brain the Barman I am a believer!
This book deserves to be hitting the best sellers lists as its a brilliant piece of Scottish crime fiction! Let me know if you pick it up!
December 14, 2023
First read of this author and I have to say that I loved the plot and the twists. It was quite a ride.
The writing style was not my favorite, but still an enjoyable read. So many secrets discovered while trying to reveal to uncover the mystery of the missing lilibeth.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm publishing for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
The writing style was not my favorite, but still an enjoyable read. So many secrets discovered while trying to reveal to uncover the mystery of the missing lilibeth.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm publishing for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2025
Gripping. Great characters. Will read more by this author.
July 22, 2024
Can never go wrong with a crime, whodunit.
December 30, 2023
The Girl in the Loch by Andrew James Grieg - A 3-Star Review
"The Girl in the Loch" by Andrew James Grieg takes us on a mystery journey led by the intriguing characters of Teàrlach "Charlie" Paterson and Dee. The story follows the disappearance of Lilybet Masterson, and Teàrlach, a skilled private investigator, steps in to unravel the mystery.
The novel shines in its portrayal of characters, with Teàrlach and Dee stealing the spotlight. Grieg sets the stage for a promising sequel, promising more adventures with this dynamic duo. Their interactions add a layer of interest to the story that keeps readers engaged.
However, the mystery itself falls a bit short. The plot follows a predictable path, lacking the unexpected twists that mystery enthusiasts crave. Early speculations about Lilybet's disappearance miss the mark, and the eventual resolution feels somewhat straightforward, missing the usual "big bang" associated with mystery novels.
Tony Masterson, Lilybet's father, brings emotional tension to the narrative, but there's room for more exploration of his grief and determination to find his daughter. Insights into Tony's perspective could deepen the emotional impact of the story.
On the downside, the inclusion of random, unrelated facts is distracting. It feels like the author is showcasing their knowledge, but these details disrupt the immersive experience, requiring readers to pause and look up unfamiliar terms.
The addition of haikus adds a unique touch, but their relevance could be better explained. While referenced towards the end, a clearer connection to the story would enhance the overall cohesion of the novel.
In conclusion, "The Girl in the Loch" offers a moderately engaging mystery with standout character development, especially with Teàrlach and Dee. The predictable plot might leave mystery enthusiasts wanting more surprises, but the inclusion of haikus and the potential for a sequel offer hope for improvement in subsequent installments. A special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
"The Girl in the Loch" by Andrew James Grieg takes us on a mystery journey led by the intriguing characters of Teàrlach "Charlie" Paterson and Dee. The story follows the disappearance of Lilybet Masterson, and Teàrlach, a skilled private investigator, steps in to unravel the mystery.
The novel shines in its portrayal of characters, with Teàrlach and Dee stealing the spotlight. Grieg sets the stage for a promising sequel, promising more adventures with this dynamic duo. Their interactions add a layer of interest to the story that keeps readers engaged.
However, the mystery itself falls a bit short. The plot follows a predictable path, lacking the unexpected twists that mystery enthusiasts crave. Early speculations about Lilybet's disappearance miss the mark, and the eventual resolution feels somewhat straightforward, missing the usual "big bang" associated with mystery novels.
Tony Masterson, Lilybet's father, brings emotional tension to the narrative, but there's room for more exploration of his grief and determination to find his daughter. Insights into Tony's perspective could deepen the emotional impact of the story.
On the downside, the inclusion of random, unrelated facts is distracting. It feels like the author is showcasing their knowledge, but these details disrupt the immersive experience, requiring readers to pause and look up unfamiliar terms.
The addition of haikus adds a unique touch, but their relevance could be better explained. While referenced towards the end, a clearer connection to the story would enhance the overall cohesion of the novel.
In conclusion, "The Girl in the Loch" offers a moderately engaging mystery with standout character development, especially with Teàrlach and Dee. The predictable plot might leave mystery enthusiasts wanting more surprises, but the inclusion of haikus and the potential for a sequel offer hope for improvement in subsequent installments. A special thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2024
Privatdetektiv Teàrlach Paterson bekommt einen neuen Auftrag: vor drei Jahren verschwand Lily Materson spurlos vom Anwesen ihrer Eltern. Jetzt sitzt er Tony Masterson, dem Vater gegenüber. Er will nicht, dass Tèarlach seine Tochter wiederfindet, denn er ist sich bewusst, dass sie tot ist. Er will wissen, was mit ihr passiert ist. Nur so kann er mit dem Verlust abschließen. Tèarlach macht sich auf der Suche nach der Wahrheit auf den Weg in die schottischen Highlands.
Niemand konnte sich erklären, was mit Lily passiert ist. Die Mutter hat sie nur einen Augenblick aus den Augen gelassen, aber dieser kurze Moment hat gereicht. Die Polizei glaubt, dass sie im anliegenden See ertrunken ist. Aber das Grundstück ist von einer Mauer umgeben, die zu hoch für ein Kind ist. Die Einheimischen glauben, dass ein Wesen aus dem See sie geholt hat.
Manchmal wusste ich nicht, in welche Richtung sich der Krimi entwickeln würde. Die ständigen Andeutungen über den See haben in Richtung Fantasy gedeutet, was nicht mein bevorzugtes Genre ist. Aber der Autor ist beim Krimi geblieben und hat diesen Aberglauben nicht weiterverfolgt. Er hat nur dazu gedient, um ein bisschen Lokalkolorit in die Geschichte zu bringen. Genauso wie er die Beschreibung der Dorfbewohner, die stellenweise ein bisschen zu sehr an ein Klischee vom Hochlandschotten erinnern.
Dabei hätte die Geschichte das nicht gebraucht. Der Krimi ist von Anfang an spannend und entwickelt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, was passiert sein könnte. Mit Dee, der Hackerin von Tony Masterson, gibt es einen interessanten Charakter, der zwar nicht die Gegenspielerin von Tèarlach ist, aber trotzdem ihr eigenes Ding macht. Wie bei Tèarlach gibt es etwas in der Vergangenheit, über das sie nicht nachdenken will.
Im Verlauf der Handlung baut sich die Spannung immer weiter auf. Stellenweise gibt es auch ein paar Längen, aber ich habe mich zu keinem Zeitpunkt gelangweilt. Manchmal hat der Autor für meinen Geschmack zu tief in die oben erwähnte Klischeekiste gegriffen, trotzdem ist es ein vielversprechender Auftakt für eine neue Reihe.
Niemand konnte sich erklären, was mit Lily passiert ist. Die Mutter hat sie nur einen Augenblick aus den Augen gelassen, aber dieser kurze Moment hat gereicht. Die Polizei glaubt, dass sie im anliegenden See ertrunken ist. Aber das Grundstück ist von einer Mauer umgeben, die zu hoch für ein Kind ist. Die Einheimischen glauben, dass ein Wesen aus dem See sie geholt hat.
Manchmal wusste ich nicht, in welche Richtung sich der Krimi entwickeln würde. Die ständigen Andeutungen über den See haben in Richtung Fantasy gedeutet, was nicht mein bevorzugtes Genre ist. Aber der Autor ist beim Krimi geblieben und hat diesen Aberglauben nicht weiterverfolgt. Er hat nur dazu gedient, um ein bisschen Lokalkolorit in die Geschichte zu bringen. Genauso wie er die Beschreibung der Dorfbewohner, die stellenweise ein bisschen zu sehr an ein Klischee vom Hochlandschotten erinnern.
Dabei hätte die Geschichte das nicht gebraucht. Der Krimi ist von Anfang an spannend und entwickelt verschiedene Möglichkeiten, was passiert sein könnte. Mit Dee, der Hackerin von Tony Masterson, gibt es einen interessanten Charakter, der zwar nicht die Gegenspielerin von Tèarlach ist, aber trotzdem ihr eigenes Ding macht. Wie bei Tèarlach gibt es etwas in der Vergangenheit, über das sie nicht nachdenken will.
Im Verlauf der Handlung baut sich die Spannung immer weiter auf. Stellenweise gibt es auch ein paar Längen, aber ich habe mich zu keinem Zeitpunkt gelangweilt. Manchmal hat der Autor für meinen Geschmack zu tief in die oben erwähnte Klischeekiste gegriffen, trotzdem ist es ein vielversprechender Auftakt für eine neue Reihe.
January 5, 2024
A twisty, creepy thrill ride through the highlands of Scotland where something dangerous lurks in the mists of the loch.
Just when you believe you have a handle on the situation, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. Multiple times. Meet Tearlach (pronounced Char-lock) Paterson, a private investigator specializing in finding missing children. His current mission involves the three-year-old daughter of Glasgow mobster Tony Masterton, who vanished from their Highlands home years ago. Collaborating with Tony's hired hacker, Dee, the duo finds themselves entangled in a web of messy circumstances. Witnesses with crucial information to the mystery meet gruesome fates, and the discovery of a young girl's bones in the water adds a new layer of intrigue.
Atmospheric, creepy, and laden with violence, "The Girl in the Loch" will captivate you, drawing you into a journey fraught with danger, red herrings, and surprises at every turn. This book serves as the thrilling introduction to a new series featuring PI Tearlach Paterson, leaving readers eager for the next installment.
Thank you to NetGally, Andrew James Grieg and Storm Publishing for an advanced e-copy of this book. Grab it soon at the end of January 2024.
Just when you believe you have a handle on the situation, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. Multiple times. Meet Tearlach (pronounced Char-lock) Paterson, a private investigator specializing in finding missing children. His current mission involves the three-year-old daughter of Glasgow mobster Tony Masterton, who vanished from their Highlands home years ago. Collaborating with Tony's hired hacker, Dee, the duo finds themselves entangled in a web of messy circumstances. Witnesses with crucial information to the mystery meet gruesome fates, and the discovery of a young girl's bones in the water adds a new layer of intrigue.
Atmospheric, creepy, and laden with violence, "The Girl in the Loch" will captivate you, drawing you into a journey fraught with danger, red herrings, and surprises at every turn. This book serves as the thrilling introduction to a new series featuring PI Tearlach Paterson, leaving readers eager for the next installment.
Thank you to NetGally, Andrew James Grieg and Storm Publishing for an advanced e-copy of this book. Grab it soon at the end of January 2024.
February 24, 2024
This is the first book I've read about his author and I received a copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. It came out on the 26th of January.
The disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her home one summer shook the nation but three years later, she is still not found. Her parents hire private investigator Teàrlach Paterson – an expert in finding missing children – to help find Lily. This case turns out to be not that straightforward. The father is said to be a dangerous man and some locals appear to work against him. After uncovering some important facts surrounding this case the situation gets even a bit more grim. Will he be able to solve this case without more casualties?
The story is a nice one albeit a bit predictable and straightforward at times. That doesn't take away the fact that this is a thrilling read with the two main characters well worked out. Especially to make characters form a great duo and hopefully they will return in future books. All in all, a more than decent read that gives hope for a sequel.
3,75/5 ⭐
The disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her home one summer shook the nation but three years later, she is still not found. Her parents hire private investigator Teàrlach Paterson – an expert in finding missing children – to help find Lily. This case turns out to be not that straightforward. The father is said to be a dangerous man and some locals appear to work against him. After uncovering some important facts surrounding this case the situation gets even a bit more grim. Will he be able to solve this case without more casualties?
The story is a nice one albeit a bit predictable and straightforward at times. That doesn't take away the fact that this is a thrilling read with the two main characters well worked out. Especially to make characters form a great duo and hopefully they will return in future books. All in all, a more than decent read that gives hope for a sequel.
3,75/5 ⭐
January 6, 2024
I needed this! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! The Girl in the Loch by Andrew James Greig was the thriller novel I’ve been looking for! I could picture the mist around the dark and mysterious loch and could feel the dread that everybody was sensing as if they were being watched by someone, or something. The setting of the back roads of Scotland, the tales the locals tell, and the travelers living off the grid made it all so mysterious. And then there was PI Tearlach Paterson. Just as mysterious, asking all the right questions. I thought I had it all figured out so many times, and yet was still stunned by the ending. I really enjoyed all of the characters, especially Dee. What a fantastic novel!
Thank you @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for this advanced copy.
Thank you @stormbooks_co and @netgalley for this advanced copy.
February 21, 2024
A gritty, dark, twisty thriller that kept me on the hooked. A strong sense of places, well rounded characters and a solit plot
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 15, 2025
A fantastic start to a series!
Great characters, perfectly paced, an intricate storyline, and in my home country. What's not to love? The ending was tied up as neatly as a boat at a dock with a couple of questions for the reader to ponder.
I'm looking forward to more of 'Sherlock' & Dee.
Great characters, perfectly paced, an intricate storyline, and in my home country. What's not to love? The ending was tied up as neatly as a boat at a dock with a couple of questions for the reader to ponder.
I'm looking forward to more of 'Sherlock' & Dee.
February 15, 2024
Thrilling. Tense. Completely addictive. i was frantically turning the pages, my heart in my mouth. Wow, what a gripping read this was! I very highly recommend this one.
January 7, 2025
I'm a Tearlach stan
February 11, 2025
Slow start, picking up half way through. A good twist at the end.
June 28, 2025
I do love me a crime drama , who done it kind of thing. I feel there were lots of decoys in it, but then the end was a bit rushed.
June 8, 2025
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I was in I was hooked. I love the inclusion of the folklore and mythical presence in the book. I'll be starting the next in the series tomorrow.
August 24, 2025
3.5/5 stars
May 15, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- A great start to the series
February 12, 2024
What happened to Lilybet Masterton? A three-year-old goes missing from her loch-side Highland home. Has she fallen in and drowned? Or has something more sinister happened? Despite police searches, there’s no body and no trace.
Three years on and Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson is hired by her parents to find out what happened. But nothing is straightforward. The father is a dangerous criminal, the mother won’t talk, and then a mutilated body is found at a local landmark.
This is a first-rate thriller - the first to feature Teàrlach, and hopefully not the last. I was immediately invested in his quest, with the help (and hinderance) of a company of supporting characters.
The book is at its finest when it’s covering the Scottish landscape, its landmarks, and its mythology. There’s an air of suspense brought by the loch and the weather, making it a thoroughly enjoyable, creepy page-turner.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this early copy, to review in my own words.
Three years on and Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson is hired by her parents to find out what happened. But nothing is straightforward. The father is a dangerous criminal, the mother won’t talk, and then a mutilated body is found at a local landmark.
This is a first-rate thriller - the first to feature Teàrlach, and hopefully not the last. I was immediately invested in his quest, with the help (and hinderance) of a company of supporting characters.
The book is at its finest when it’s covering the Scottish landscape, its landmarks, and its mythology. There’s an air of suspense brought by the loch and the weather, making it a thoroughly enjoyable, creepy page-turner.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this early copy, to review in my own words.
June 2, 2024
Three years after his child vanished Tony Masterton comes to the office of Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson to hire him to investigate what happened then and since. The path of the investigation is as convoluted as the many plot twists and diversions. A very good read.
I requested and received an EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you
I requested and received an EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you
February 1, 2024
"The Girl in the Loch" is the first book of the Private investigator Tearlach Paterson series by Andrew James Greig. This is my first reading experience of this author and here is my account of how I found this book and the author.
Teàrlach, a private investigator operating out of Glasgow, is approached by known criminal Tony Masterson to find out the fate of his missing daughter Lillibeth and the people responsible for the crime, when a new video of the girl's former nanny being tortured is found online.
It has been three years since the incident and Masterson hopes to get closure one way or the other.
Teàrlach's investigation starts with the remote house overlooking the loch where the Mastersons live and he traces the footsteps of all who had contact with the girl and the investigation. However, he is forced to go through a maze of misdirections and lies so convoluted that they make little sense. To further complicate things, a few people associated with his enquiry are murdered one after the other and the avenues leading to the truth are almost shut down. And Teàrlach is also forced to deal with the computer whiz Dee, who is on Masterson's payroll and is shadowing him electronically every step of the way.
What had really happened to the girl? Why are those people getting murdered now? Do they have anything to do with Lillibeth's disappearance? Does Teàrlach solve this most convoluted case?
I have read few books which are set in Scotland and so this small preview into the country was a very welcome experience for me. Author Greig, through his vivid descriptions of the untamed and wild beauty of the region, has brought it to life in his reader's minds. He has also infused the narration with a sense of malevolence and foreboding with the use of local legends and lores that revolve around the loch. The story felt dark and ominous most of the time.
The various characters of the story are also unique; every one of them have pockets of light and dark within them. Even the psychotic criminal Masterson has a saving grace in that he deeply loves his daughter. Teàrlach is a straight shooting, relentless pursuer of truth and comes across as a likable character. Dee has questionable intentions at times and does not act very wisely most of the times. Nevertheless, she is interesting and gives the story a humanitarian facet. The dynamics between these characters and various other small characters make up for an intriguing narrative which majorly holds its reader's attention.
The narrative was tense, gripping, intriguing and chilling; the mystery surrounding the missing girl and other unexplained things happening around the loch draw the readers completely into the place. Despite of all these things going for it, it was not a compelling reading for me. I was not pulled into the story as much as I would have liked to.
Nevertheless, this is still a book which has an intriguing story set against a wonderfully foreboding atmosphere and will be a treat for people who like to read such books.
Teàrlach, a private investigator operating out of Glasgow, is approached by known criminal Tony Masterson to find out the fate of his missing daughter Lillibeth and the people responsible for the crime, when a new video of the girl's former nanny being tortured is found online.
It has been three years since the incident and Masterson hopes to get closure one way or the other.
Teàrlach's investigation starts with the remote house overlooking the loch where the Mastersons live and he traces the footsteps of all who had contact with the girl and the investigation. However, he is forced to go through a maze of misdirections and lies so convoluted that they make little sense. To further complicate things, a few people associated with his enquiry are murdered one after the other and the avenues leading to the truth are almost shut down. And Teàrlach is also forced to deal with the computer whiz Dee, who is on Masterson's payroll and is shadowing him electronically every step of the way.
What had really happened to the girl? Why are those people getting murdered now? Do they have anything to do with Lillibeth's disappearance? Does Teàrlach solve this most convoluted case?
I have read few books which are set in Scotland and so this small preview into the country was a very welcome experience for me. Author Greig, through his vivid descriptions of the untamed and wild beauty of the region, has brought it to life in his reader's minds. He has also infused the narration with a sense of malevolence and foreboding with the use of local legends and lores that revolve around the loch. The story felt dark and ominous most of the time.
The various characters of the story are also unique; every one of them have pockets of light and dark within them. Even the psychotic criminal Masterson has a saving grace in that he deeply loves his daughter. Teàrlach is a straight shooting, relentless pursuer of truth and comes across as a likable character. Dee has questionable intentions at times and does not act very wisely most of the times. Nevertheless, she is interesting and gives the story a humanitarian facet. The dynamics between these characters and various other small characters make up for an intriguing narrative which majorly holds its reader's attention.
The narrative was tense, gripping, intriguing and chilling; the mystery surrounding the missing girl and other unexplained things happening around the loch draw the readers completely into the place. Despite of all these things going for it, it was not a compelling reading for me. I was not pulled into the story as much as I would have liked to.
Nevertheless, this is still a book which has an intriguing story set against a wonderfully foreboding atmosphere and will be a treat for people who like to read such books.
August 16, 2025
For what it is, this novel does what it should do. I'm enjoying it, but it took a bit to really grab me. I find Greig's choice of details tedious sometimes. They don't always seem necessary, and they don't always add anything beyond filling a quota of background scenery. This isn't always true, but often enough that I tune out from time to time. I'm about halfway through at this point, I've got used to the rhythm of his prose, and the story has built up enough momentum to keep me interested. I was seriously considering for the first third or so putting it down because the plot just wasn't doing it for me yet.
It's a pretty standard detective novel. The main character Tearlach isn't very interesting, to be honest, but I don't mind him. His personal history felt more like a stock element--showing he understands because he's experienced something similar--than rounding him out. Being part of a series, the book leaves a lot of room to remedy this in later installments. I may read more, but I'll be honest; I likely won't want to keep going if the protagonist isn't drawn beyond the flat stereotype. I still have about half the book to go though, so I may be speaking too soon. I'm rolling my eyes every time the "Sherlock" connection is mentioned: it's pretty ham-fisted for a detective novel, but it's a small thing.
I enjoy the Scottish setting. It's not something I see much in the books I generally read, so that adds an interesting element to the experience.
I'm listening to an audiobook, so part of me wonders if any of my dislikes could be attributed to the presentation. I'm also not a general fan of detective novels, so my rating could possibly be a little unfair. We tend to forgive the cliches in our favorite genres and see them as glaring and cheesy in other genres.
All that said, it's a fun read. I'd give it a little better than 3 stars, but not much so I'll round it down.
It's a pretty standard detective novel. The main character Tearlach isn't very interesting, to be honest, but I don't mind him. His personal history felt more like a stock element--showing he understands because he's experienced something similar--than rounding him out. Being part of a series, the book leaves a lot of room to remedy this in later installments. I may read more, but I'll be honest; I likely won't want to keep going if the protagonist isn't drawn beyond the flat stereotype. I still have about half the book to go though, so I may be speaking too soon. I'm rolling my eyes every time the "Sherlock" connection is mentioned: it's pretty ham-fisted for a detective novel, but it's a small thing.
I enjoy the Scottish setting. It's not something I see much in the books I generally read, so that adds an interesting element to the experience.
I'm listening to an audiobook, so part of me wonders if any of my dislikes could be attributed to the presentation. I'm also not a general fan of detective novels, so my rating could possibly be a little unfair. We tend to forgive the cliches in our favorite genres and see them as glaring and cheesy in other genres.
All that said, it's a fun read. I'd give it a little better than 3 stars, but not much so I'll round it down.
January 13, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy of The Girl in the Loch, the first novel to feature Glasgow based PI Teàrlach Paterson.
Three years ago three year old Lilybet Masterton disappeared from her loch side home in the Highlands. Now her father Tony, a dangerous man and alleged gangster, wants Teàrlach to find out what happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl in the Loch, which is a riveting read, full of twists and turns and an astonishing resolution. It is told from various points of view, all of whom are on the investigative side, although not necessarily with the same agenda. It works well, keeping the plot secrets while giving the reader a broader perspective on events.
The plot is well conceived with quite a few shocks and twists. It is very readable and I was glued to the pages, even if it is fairly unlikely. Still, it’s entertaining and that’s all that matters. There is a continual sense of menace in the novel, whether it is the horrific murder that takes place early in the novel, the myths about kelpies in the loch or more directly Tony Masterton and his uncertain motives. This accompanies the well paced story where nothing is as it seems. There is a steady stream of developments and reveals that often lead to more questions rather than answers. I also like the tone of the novel as it is easy to read with a dash of light humour.
I like Teàrlach Paterson, who is a smart, dogged investigator with a fairly even temperament. He teams up with Tony’s IT woman aka hacker, Dee Fairlie and she’s a different kettle of fish. She’s more flamboyant and a bit more insouciant, but still smart. They’re a formidable team that I look forward to meeting again.
The Girl in the Loch is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Three years ago three year old Lilybet Masterton disappeared from her loch side home in the Highlands. Now her father Tony, a dangerous man and alleged gangster, wants Teàrlach to find out what happened.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl in the Loch, which is a riveting read, full of twists and turns and an astonishing resolution. It is told from various points of view, all of whom are on the investigative side, although not necessarily with the same agenda. It works well, keeping the plot secrets while giving the reader a broader perspective on events.
The plot is well conceived with quite a few shocks and twists. It is very readable and I was glued to the pages, even if it is fairly unlikely. Still, it’s entertaining and that’s all that matters. There is a continual sense of menace in the novel, whether it is the horrific murder that takes place early in the novel, the myths about kelpies in the loch or more directly Tony Masterton and his uncertain motives. This accompanies the well paced story where nothing is as it seems. There is a steady stream of developments and reveals that often lead to more questions rather than answers. I also like the tone of the novel as it is easy to read with a dash of light humour.
I like Teàrlach Paterson, who is a smart, dogged investigator with a fairly even temperament. He teams up with Tony’s IT woman aka hacker, Dee Fairlie and she’s a different kettle of fish. She’s more flamboyant and a bit more insouciant, but still smart. They’re a formidable team that I look forward to meeting again.
The Girl in the Loch is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 22, 2024
The Girl in the Loch by Andrew James Greig is a delicious, compelling, and harrowing tale of secrets, lies, and the presence of the past. Like the loch around which this story revolves, Girl in the Loch is deep, inscrutable, a seemingly calm surface roiled with eddies and dangerous undercurrents.
Three years after the disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her isolated Highland home, her grief-stricken parents hire Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson – an expert in finding missing children – to bring their precious Lily home. Paterson's investigation will bring together--and clash with--secrets, superstition and folklore. The loch and its environs seethe with a chilly evil, born of the mists, of folklore and superstition, but reflecting very real, present day sins, lies and corruption. Add to this mixture Travellers, Lotharios, and that the grieving father is a brutal, vindictive gangster, and the reader is desperate to know what's going to happen next.
I have also read Grieg's very fine novel, Whirligig, a lyrical, macabre mystery set in the Highlands, so I came to Girl in the Loch with great expectation. It doesn't disappoint! The surprising twists and revelations turn on small community kinship, crimes, and superstition. The stakes are high for everyone involved in this tale. Like the loch itself, what lies beneath will be revealed only at great cost, or by some measure of violence.
Greig's characters are clearly drawn, believable, and sympathetic (even the awful ones). The prose is confident and rewarding, evocative and lyrical. His use of local folklore and superstition lends an intriguing ghost-story stillness, as well as a deeper invocation of the wages of sin, of forces greater than ourselves.
Highly recommended!
I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Three years after the disappearance of a three-year-old girl from her isolated Highland home, her grief-stricken parents hire Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson – an expert in finding missing children – to bring their precious Lily home. Paterson's investigation will bring together--and clash with--secrets, superstition and folklore. The loch and its environs seethe with a chilly evil, born of the mists, of folklore and superstition, but reflecting very real, present day sins, lies and corruption. Add to this mixture Travellers, Lotharios, and that the grieving father is a brutal, vindictive gangster, and the reader is desperate to know what's going to happen next.
I have also read Grieg's very fine novel, Whirligig, a lyrical, macabre mystery set in the Highlands, so I came to Girl in the Loch with great expectation. It doesn't disappoint! The surprising twists and revelations turn on small community kinship, crimes, and superstition. The stakes are high for everyone involved in this tale. Like the loch itself, what lies beneath will be revealed only at great cost, or by some measure of violence.
Greig's characters are clearly drawn, believable, and sympathetic (even the awful ones). The prose is confident and rewarding, evocative and lyrical. His use of local folklore and superstition lends an intriguing ghost-story stillness, as well as a deeper invocation of the wages of sin, of forces greater than ourselves.
Highly recommended!
I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 26, 2024
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"Dee... I'm working with Sherlock - I'm sorry, Tearlach, on this case."
"Yes, it does sound like that. You'll be Watson then, I presume."
Just an example of the bit of humor in the mostly atmospheric gritty often dark Scottish crime drama mystery The Girl In The Loch (Book One) by vivid, often heartbreaking descriptive prose author Andrew James Greig. Here's a snippet of that writing,
"Tearlach heard the cry of pain from his car. There was a scale to a woman's anguish, from irritable to devastated. No shapeshifting expression could disguise a mother losing a child. It was a sound seared on his soul,and not one he could fail to recognize every time he heard it."
Tearlach Paterson, a private investigator with a conscience, is hired by deadly Scottish mobster boss, Tony Masterson, to find his daughter Lilibet who disappeared 3 years ago when she was 3 years old. Most believe she fell into the sea loch near their sprawling mansion but a body was never found. Tony demands the P.I. work with his leather clad, tattooed, motorcycle riding computer hacker Dee (mainly so Dee can track Tearlach), but soon it's clear Dee is working for Tony because she's trapped...but why?
This well plotted mystery includes a gruesome murder, Lilibet 's missing Nanny, a depressed alcoholic mother, dangerous Scottish Travelers, an elderly secretive midwife and a graveyard of small bones. How it all comes together is with Tearlach 's refusal to give up or give in.
This mystery pulled me in and kept me reading until the end. Yes, there are crazy twists, suspenseful moments and a WTF reveal at the end but it was the writer's evocative words that kept me enraptured with The Girl In The Loch.
I received a free copy of this book from #stormpublishing via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Dee... I'm working with Sherlock - I'm sorry, Tearlach, on this case."
"Yes, it does sound like that. You'll be Watson then, I presume."
Just an example of the bit of humor in the mostly atmospheric gritty often dark Scottish crime drama mystery The Girl In The Loch (Book One) by vivid, often heartbreaking descriptive prose author Andrew James Greig. Here's a snippet of that writing,
"Tearlach heard the cry of pain from his car. There was a scale to a woman's anguish, from irritable to devastated. No shapeshifting expression could disguise a mother losing a child. It was a sound seared on his soul,and not one he could fail to recognize every time he heard it."
Tearlach Paterson, a private investigator with a conscience, is hired by deadly Scottish mobster boss, Tony Masterson, to find his daughter Lilibet who disappeared 3 years ago when she was 3 years old. Most believe she fell into the sea loch near their sprawling mansion but a body was never found. Tony demands the P.I. work with his leather clad, tattooed, motorcycle riding computer hacker Dee (mainly so Dee can track Tearlach), but soon it's clear Dee is working for Tony because she's trapped...but why?
This well plotted mystery includes a gruesome murder, Lilibet 's missing Nanny, a depressed alcoholic mother, dangerous Scottish Travelers, an elderly secretive midwife and a graveyard of small bones. How it all comes together is with Tearlach 's refusal to give up or give in.
This mystery pulled me in and kept me reading until the end. Yes, there are crazy twists, suspenseful moments and a WTF reveal at the end but it was the writer's evocative words that kept me enraptured with The Girl In The Loch.
I received a free copy of this book from #stormpublishing via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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