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Detective Corstorphine #2
The Devil’s Cut
The summit was just a few more minutes’ climb as the bottle slipped from his weakening grip. He was aware that he was dying. Not here. Not now. Not alone. Through the pain, his mind screamed a silent final eulogy.
When a distillery owner’s body is discovered on top of a remote Scottish mountain, forensics confirm that he died of natural causes. But the dead man’s sister claims he was murdered.
As Detective Inspector Corstorphine delves into the victim’s family, disturbing questions emerge. Why is the daughter kept sedated and locked in her room? Who is stalking the son as he scatters his father’s ashes on lonely mountain peaks? Each clue – from a haunting painting defaced in blood to a deadly botanical poison – points to someone with intimate knowledge of the family.
Then a young woman’s suicide becomes entwined with the case, and Corstorphine must confront a killer whose vengeance traces back to a childhood act with devastating consequences.
From a CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author and McIlvanney Best Scottish Crime Novel Finalist, The Devil’s Cut weaves a haunting tale of family loyalty and unspoken truths in this atmospheric Scottish crime thriller. If you love LJ Ross, Ian Rankin and Ann Cleeves you’ll love Andrew James Greig.
When a distillery owner’s body is discovered on top of a remote Scottish mountain, forensics confirm that he died of natural causes. But the dead man’s sister claims he was murdered.
As Detective Inspector Corstorphine delves into the victim’s family, disturbing questions emerge. Why is the daughter kept sedated and locked in her room? Who is stalking the son as he scatters his father’s ashes on lonely mountain peaks? Each clue – from a haunting painting defaced in blood to a deadly botanical poison – points to someone with intimate knowledge of the family.
Then a young woman’s suicide becomes entwined with the case, and Corstorphine must confront a killer whose vengeance traces back to a childhood act with devastating consequences.
From a CWA New Blood Dagger Longlist author and McIlvanney Best Scottish Crime Novel Finalist, The Devil’s Cut weaves a haunting tale of family loyalty and unspoken truths in this atmospheric Scottish crime thriller. If you love LJ Ross, Ian Rankin and Ann Cleeves you’ll love Andrew James Greig.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2021
176 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 1, 2025
4.75 ⭐ rounded up.
Greig is the master of procedural small-town thrillers. I am convinced he can do no wrong.
DI Corstorphine returns in yet another gripping procedural thriller. I am always amazed at how well these books are written. The imagery his words provide of Scotland is nothing short of spectacular. Though I have never been there physically, Andrew has taken me there mentally.
This story held the same suspense and mystery as the first book. As each page turned, and each chapter was completed, more questions were raised than answers given. How are four separate incidents, all tied together and what binds them. In seeking answers, I could not stop reading.
These characters have a way of making you feel included. It's not like you're reading about them. Rather, it feels like you're right there alongside them. It doesn't feel like you're reading at all. It feels like you're experiencing it. The way the book is written allows you into the mind of each character, helping you understand their actions and feelings. Some you love and others you love to hate. However, that just makes the book more fun.
As usual, the killer reveal shocked me as I didn't see it coming at all. I love it when the characters and I are in sync, not me waiting for them to catch up on something I figured out three chapters ago 😂. This is never an issue with Andrew as he always keeps me guessing and on my toes.
If you like small-town thrillers, procedurals that you want to be immersed in. I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley, and Andrew James Greig for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own. The Devil's Cut is out May 1st, 2025.
Greig is the master of procedural small-town thrillers. I am convinced he can do no wrong.
DI Corstorphine returns in yet another gripping procedural thriller. I am always amazed at how well these books are written. The imagery his words provide of Scotland is nothing short of spectacular. Though I have never been there physically, Andrew has taken me there mentally.
This story held the same suspense and mystery as the first book. As each page turned, and each chapter was completed, more questions were raised than answers given. How are four separate incidents, all tied together and what binds them. In seeking answers, I could not stop reading.
These characters have a way of making you feel included. It's not like you're reading about them. Rather, it feels like you're right there alongside them. It doesn't feel like you're reading at all. It feels like you're experiencing it. The way the book is written allows you into the mind of each character, helping you understand their actions and feelings. Some you love and others you love to hate. However, that just makes the book more fun.
As usual, the killer reveal shocked me as I didn't see it coming at all. I love it when the characters and I are in sync, not me waiting for them to catch up on something I figured out three chapters ago 😂. This is never an issue with Andrew as he always keeps me guessing and on my toes.
If you like small-town thrillers, procedurals that you want to be immersed in. I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley, and Andrew James Greig for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own. The Devil's Cut is out May 1st, 2025.
June 25, 2025
THE DEVIL'S CUT is #2 in the DI Corstorphine series by Andrew James Greig. Like the first book, it is filled with sensory images that help immerse the reader in the story. Again, the two main characters are DI James Corstorphine and DC Frankie McKenzie, with PC Philip Lamb offering a bit of comedy relief.
It opens with the death of Jack McCoach while hiking alone in a Highlands mountain range, constantly gulping from his water bottle, which seems to make him feel sicker. His death is attributed to a heart attack, but from that very first scene, the reader is left wondering. Furthermore, Jack's sister, Patricia, soon files a report stating that it was murder, and that someone is out to kill all members of the McCoach family. And a strange family it is. Patricia says she has spoken to her dead brother in a séance, and is a member of a witches coven; Jack's wife, Emma, an aging beauty, is detached and obsessed with shopping; Jack's daughter, Phobe, is mentally unwell, kept calmed down with drugs and round-the-clock nursing care in the family's large mansion; and Jack's son, Robb, is primarily interested in diversifying the line of products offered by the family distillery firm. He considers himself to be the sane one in the family: "Why me? Why did I have to be born into such a crazy f**ked-up family?"
Soon after Jack's death, another member of the family is attacked and almost killed. And while they are investigating this brazen assault, Corstorphine and McKenzie are also caught up in several other police cases: drugs being distributed from Glasgow, a suicide, and catalytic converter thefts.
The story takes twists and turns I didn't expect, so the plot is well done. But what makes it a winner for me is the imagery and the characterization. Characters come alive under Greig's pen (or computer). You experience their thoughts. That is what I like about Greig's writing.
Highly recommended.
It opens with the death of Jack McCoach while hiking alone in a Highlands mountain range, constantly gulping from his water bottle, which seems to make him feel sicker. His death is attributed to a heart attack, but from that very first scene, the reader is left wondering. Furthermore, Jack's sister, Patricia, soon files a report stating that it was murder, and that someone is out to kill all members of the McCoach family. And a strange family it is. Patricia says she has spoken to her dead brother in a séance, and is a member of a witches coven; Jack's wife, Emma, an aging beauty, is detached and obsessed with shopping; Jack's daughter, Phobe, is mentally unwell, kept calmed down with drugs and round-the-clock nursing care in the family's large mansion; and Jack's son, Robb, is primarily interested in diversifying the line of products offered by the family distillery firm. He considers himself to be the sane one in the family: "Why me? Why did I have to be born into such a crazy f**ked-up family?"
Soon after Jack's death, another member of the family is attacked and almost killed. And while they are investigating this brazen assault, Corstorphine and McKenzie are also caught up in several other police cases: drugs being distributed from Glasgow, a suicide, and catalytic converter thefts.
The story takes twists and turns I didn't expect, so the plot is well done. But what makes it a winner for me is the imagery and the characterization. Characters come alive under Greig's pen (or computer). You experience their thoughts. That is what I like about Greig's writing.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2021
5 stars isn't enough for this gem. I absolutely loved Whirligig and this next instalment of life in the Highlands with DI Corstophine definitely doesn't disappoint. If you've not read Whirligig I encourage you to do so but you don't need to read it before The Devil's Cut.
Mr Greig is an absolute master story teller. His love of the landscape is clear and jumps off the page. It figures largely in this book often leaving the characters miles from "civilisation" when they need a phone signal most. The paucity of characters and the solitude of the Highlands all help to convey a sense of other worldliness to what is an excellently thought out plot. (I "figured it out" after I'd been fed the ending by the author. Always the sign of a good murder mystery.)
DI Corstorphine is a great character along with his sidekick Frankie Mackenzie and the few PCs whose delusions of grandeur add a comic touch.
In fact there's nothing left out of these wonderful books. You've a great plot, well rounded characters, enough twists to keep you guessing (but not so ridiculously complicated that you can't remember who's who) plus a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Very highly recommend. I can't wait for the next one.
Mr Greig is an absolute master story teller. His love of the landscape is clear and jumps off the page. It figures largely in this book often leaving the characters miles from "civilisation" when they need a phone signal most. The paucity of characters and the solitude of the Highlands all help to convey a sense of other worldliness to what is an excellently thought out plot. (I "figured it out" after I'd been fed the ending by the author. Always the sign of a good murder mystery.)
DI Corstorphine is a great character along with his sidekick Frankie Mackenzie and the few PCs whose delusions of grandeur add a comic touch.
In fact there's nothing left out of these wonderful books. You've a great plot, well rounded characters, enough twists to keep you guessing (but not so ridiculously complicated that you can't remember who's who) plus a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
Very highly recommend. I can't wait for the next one.
September 30, 2021
this sequel to Whirligig played with my mind in ways I truly hadn't expected!
May 3, 2025
Slightly underwhelming second book in the Detective Corstophine series. It missed the atmosphere of the first and indeed the story.
It starts out quite intriguing with a lot going on but soon settles into a slightly ponderous and unbelievable story. The book certainly read a lot longer for me than the page count it has. It dragged for huge parts not helped by bland characters that didn’t really hold my interest.
It’s not a bad book per se but it’s not that good either. A little like writing by numbers. Fine to a point but let down by a convoluted storyline that is hard to swallow and too many wafer thin characters.
I enjoyed the first in the series so much that maybe that adds to my disappointment in this follow up.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley.
It starts out quite intriguing with a lot going on but soon settles into a slightly ponderous and unbelievable story. The book certainly read a lot longer for me than the page count it has. It dragged for huge parts not helped by bland characters that didn’t really hold my interest.
It’s not a bad book per se but it’s not that good either. A little like writing by numbers. Fine to a point but let down by a convoluted storyline that is hard to swallow and too many wafer thin characters.
I enjoyed the first in the series so much that maybe that adds to my disappointment in this follow up.
Many thanks to Storm Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley.
November 17, 2021
This was a great read, it had so much action and I was guessing until the end. It's the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I've given it 4.5 stars, but rounded up to 5.
There was so much going on, but in a good way - there weren't any lulls in the story. The surroundings were described clearly and I liked a lot of the characters. The mystery was engaging but there were also other storylines going on - I especially liked Phoebe's story.
I knocked half a star off as I felt more could have been done with regards to Emma; I also didn't like Hamish - I know his behaviour is being shown as inappropriate, but it still wasn't nice to read.
Overall, a gripping crime thriller that I would recommend as you have no idea where it's going at the beginning (in a good way) and it all slots together perfectly. I will definitely be reading the first in the series - Whirligig.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There was so much going on, but in a good way - there weren't any lulls in the story. The surroundings were described clearly and I liked a lot of the characters. The mystery was engaging but there were also other storylines going on - I especially liked Phoebe's story.
I knocked half a star off as I felt more could have been done with regards to Emma; I also didn't like Hamish - I know his behaviour is being shown as inappropriate, but it still wasn't nice to read.
Overall, a gripping crime thriller that I would recommend as you have no idea where it's going at the beginning (in a good way) and it all slots together perfectly. I will definitely be reading the first in the series - Whirligig.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 9, 2021
A Distillery owner, Jack goes on a walk across the remote Scottish mountains when he suffers from a heart attack. The police are happy the death was caused by natural causes until Jack’s eccentric sister claims Jack was poisoned. She was warned from beyond the grave that someone is threatening the safety of the whole family.
DI Corstophine and his team investigating realise there’s a lot more to this family than meets the eye. Why is Jack’s daughter kept locked in a room all day? Why don’t they want to talk?
This was awesome, I loved it. I didn’t see a lot of the twists coming which is always the most important factor of any thriller. I’d definitely recommend this book if you like crime thrillers.
DI Corstophine and his team investigating realise there’s a lot more to this family than meets the eye. Why is Jack’s daughter kept locked in a room all day? Why don’t they want to talk?
This was awesome, I loved it. I didn’t see a lot of the twists coming which is always the most important factor of any thriller. I’d definitely recommend this book if you like crime thrillers.
February 15, 2022
This is the second outing for Anrew James Greig's DI Corstophine, and it was every bit as good as the first.
It's well paced and the characters are well drawn - it was good to see Corstophine's development. Kept me entertained right to the end and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
It's well paced and the characters are well drawn - it was good to see Corstophine's development. Kept me entertained right to the end and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
January 25, 2023
5⭐️
When the body of whisky distillery owner Jack is found on a mountain in the Scottish Highlands, DI Corstophine is not surprised to learn that he died of a heart attack. After all, as a fellow mountain walker, DI Corstophine knows the difficulty of that track and Jack wasn’t exactly the fittest man.
When Jack’s sister reports to police that her brother was poisoned and told her via a seance, DC Frankie McKenzie is reluctant to investigate. Given Jack’s wealth and community status, DI Corstophine feels that a quick questioning of the wife will end any concerns and make the police look diligent. However, pulling on a little thread soon unravels a great big mystery and when two more family members are attacked by what appears to be The Devil himself, the race is on to capture a killer before they strike again.
The Devil’s Cut is the second book in the DI Corstophine series and it’s another shinning example of tartan noir from Andrew James Greig. I’ve been eagerly awaiting it since I read the first book Whirligig and I wish I’d gotten to it sooner, because it’s a cracking read.
For me, you know you’re onto an excellent series when the book is just as enjoyable and strong as a stand alone read as it is as part of a series. For this to happen, it needs to be so well written that you can read it as one off; but that it also contains little storylines that link the previous book/s. Then, it needs to not rebuild the main characters from scratch each time so that it bores fans of the series; but instead rehashes them enough to engage the stand alone reader, whilst developing them sufficiently so that the reader of the series can get to know them better.
Very few authors can do this well; but Greig has absolutely succeeded and it elevates The Devil’s Cut from a good book to a fantastic one. The intertwining of a riveting plot, well placed red herrings to throw you off the scent of whodunnit and the diverse range of characters meant that I could not put this book down and had to know who The Devil was.
The Devil’s Cut is not just a highly recommended read, it’s a must read for lovers or crime, whodunnit, suspense, mystery and Tartan Noir.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
When the body of whisky distillery owner Jack is found on a mountain in the Scottish Highlands, DI Corstophine is not surprised to learn that he died of a heart attack. After all, as a fellow mountain walker, DI Corstophine knows the difficulty of that track and Jack wasn’t exactly the fittest man.
When Jack’s sister reports to police that her brother was poisoned and told her via a seance, DC Frankie McKenzie is reluctant to investigate. Given Jack’s wealth and community status, DI Corstophine feels that a quick questioning of the wife will end any concerns and make the police look diligent. However, pulling on a little thread soon unravels a great big mystery and when two more family members are attacked by what appears to be The Devil himself, the race is on to capture a killer before they strike again.
The Devil’s Cut is the second book in the DI Corstophine series and it’s another shinning example of tartan noir from Andrew James Greig. I’ve been eagerly awaiting it since I read the first book Whirligig and I wish I’d gotten to it sooner, because it’s a cracking read.
For me, you know you’re onto an excellent series when the book is just as enjoyable and strong as a stand alone read as it is as part of a series. For this to happen, it needs to be so well written that you can read it as one off; but that it also contains little storylines that link the previous book/s. Then, it needs to not rebuild the main characters from scratch each time so that it bores fans of the series; but instead rehashes them enough to engage the stand alone reader, whilst developing them sufficiently so that the reader of the series can get to know them better.
Very few authors can do this well; but Greig has absolutely succeeded and it elevates The Devil’s Cut from a good book to a fantastic one. The intertwining of a riveting plot, well placed red herrings to throw you off the scent of whodunnit and the diverse range of characters meant that I could not put this book down and had to know who The Devil was.
The Devil’s Cut is not just a highly recommended read, it’s a must read for lovers or crime, whodunnit, suspense, mystery and Tartan Noir.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
March 24, 2025
The second in the Detective Inspector Corstorphine series but not a patch on the first. I felt the character development was lacking and found myself not liking the recurring characters as much as I had before. I found the entire story quite fanciful and yet boring. Long periods of nothing happening and then a rush of story that is over before it really begins. The end did tie matters together and I certainly enjoyed the last 10% of the book more than the rest. Given how much I enjoyed the first in the series (now published under a new name) I would try more in the series.
I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for this honest review
I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for this honest review
March 22, 2025
Packed with action and very entertaining, this gripping crime thriller will keep you on alert.
As DI Corstorphine is back with this twisty storyline, when a distillery owner’s body is found, his investigation will make you guess until the very end.
Also set at Scottish highlands, this gem is a must read for all the mystery thriller lovers.
Thank you so much Storm Publishing for sending me this book. Highly recommend!
As DI Corstorphine is back with this twisty storyline, when a distillery owner’s body is found, his investigation will make you guess until the very end.
Also set at Scottish highlands, this gem is a must read for all the mystery thriller lovers.
Thank you so much Storm Publishing for sending me this book. Highly recommend!
November 9, 2021
This is the second book in the Di Corstophine series, I haven’t read the first book and can confirm that it’s not necessary to have read the first book in order to understand and enjoy this one!
The book begins with a death, nothing suspicious, it appears to be a textbook case. A mountain climber took on a task that was too much for his heart to take.
Forensics confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack, however, the dead man’s sister is convinced that her brother was poisoned, she claims that this information has come from a seance.
The book is amazingly well written and the descriptions of the scenery paint a beautiful picture, I felt like I was right there in the Scottish highlands!
The characters are quirky and all have their own personalities, they are all flawed in some way which makes them relatable and real. My favourite character would have to be Patricia, I see a bit of myself in her.
The story unravelled at a good pace and I found myself enjoying the mystery immensely, there was nothing predictable here, none of my predictions about the outcome were anywhere close to what happened!
If you love a good crime and mystery story then this book is for you! Definitely a five star read for me!
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
The book begins with a death, nothing suspicious, it appears to be a textbook case. A mountain climber took on a task that was too much for his heart to take.
Forensics confirmed that the cause of death was a heart attack, however, the dead man’s sister is convinced that her brother was poisoned, she claims that this information has come from a seance.
The book is amazingly well written and the descriptions of the scenery paint a beautiful picture, I felt like I was right there in the Scottish highlands!
The characters are quirky and all have their own personalities, they are all flawed in some way which makes them relatable and real. My favourite character would have to be Patricia, I see a bit of myself in her.
The story unravelled at a good pace and I found myself enjoying the mystery immensely, there was nothing predictable here, none of my predictions about the outcome were anywhere close to what happened!
If you love a good crime and mystery story then this book is for you! Definitely a five star read for me!
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Love Books Tours, views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
November 17, 2021
⭐️ 8/10 ⭐️
#ad #gifted
When a body is discovered on a remote Scottish mountain, forensics confirm that he died of natural causes. DI Corstorphine’s concerns are raised, however, when the dead man’s eccentric sister receives a message, apparently from beyond the grave.
The police are dismissive until it appears that the devil itself is intent on attacking other family members. Why is his daughter kept locked and sedated in her room? Who or what is stalking his son as he scatters his father’s ashes? And what insanity is behind the horrific attacks in their small Highland town?
DI Corstorphine and his team don’t know what they’re really facing until it’s too late.
Fantastic “whodunit” crime mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end! Every character seems suspicious and I can guarantee that your first guess (or second or third!) will be completely wrong no matter how hard you try! That being said the actual ending makes sense and is a satisfying conclusion (looking at you Pretty little liars!)
While the devils cut is part of a series, it’s written well enough that it can easily be read as a stand alone book with 0 confusion.
You’ll love this if: you’re a thriller lover that appreciates a scenic ambiance from their read. Think James Patterson meets Alexandre Dumas
#ad #gifted
When a body is discovered on a remote Scottish mountain, forensics confirm that he died of natural causes. DI Corstorphine’s concerns are raised, however, when the dead man’s eccentric sister receives a message, apparently from beyond the grave.
The police are dismissive until it appears that the devil itself is intent on attacking other family members. Why is his daughter kept locked and sedated in her room? Who or what is stalking his son as he scatters his father’s ashes? And what insanity is behind the horrific attacks in their small Highland town?
DI Corstorphine and his team don’t know what they’re really facing until it’s too late.
Fantastic “whodunit” crime mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end! Every character seems suspicious and I can guarantee that your first guess (or second or third!) will be completely wrong no matter how hard you try! That being said the actual ending makes sense and is a satisfying conclusion (looking at you Pretty little liars!)
While the devils cut is part of a series, it’s written well enough that it can easily be read as a stand alone book with 0 confusion.
You’ll love this if: you’re a thriller lover that appreciates a scenic ambiance from their read. Think James Patterson meets Alexandre Dumas
February 1, 2022
The Second Book! How does an author deal with the pressures a second book in a series can bring? Reader expectation is there in the background, especially when you’ve had critical acclaim for the first.
I know as a crime reader I had high hopes for the follow-up to Whirligig, the debut outing for DI Corstorphine. But I needn’t have worried about whether The Devil’s Cut would hit the mark. It has everything the first book had and then some.
Andrew James Greig writes intelligent, sometimes grim, sometimes funny, crime thrillers. He has a knack for drawing you into his story quickly with an early death and you’re never quite sure where it’s leading you. His characters are well-rounded and interesting. Despite its small community setting, it’s filled with diverse people. There’s a depth to them that helps build suspense and empathy.
But the surrounding countryside is the best character of all. You can follow the paths around Glenfinnan as if you were there. It’s all in the description, from the sound of the curlew, to the light on the hills, the breeze on your skin and the smell of the heather.
It’s an atmospheric book that you can’t put down until you find out who really dunnit and why.
I know as a crime reader I had high hopes for the follow-up to Whirligig, the debut outing for DI Corstorphine. But I needn’t have worried about whether The Devil’s Cut would hit the mark. It has everything the first book had and then some.
Andrew James Greig writes intelligent, sometimes grim, sometimes funny, crime thrillers. He has a knack for drawing you into his story quickly with an early death and you’re never quite sure where it’s leading you. His characters are well-rounded and interesting. Despite its small community setting, it’s filled with diverse people. There’s a depth to them that helps build suspense and empathy.
But the surrounding countryside is the best character of all. You can follow the paths around Glenfinnan as if you were there. It’s all in the description, from the sound of the curlew, to the light on the hills, the breeze on your skin and the smell of the heather.
It’s an atmospheric book that you can’t put down until you find out who really dunnit and why.
November 22, 2021
The Devil’s Cut is a fabulously twisty, dark and gloriously written read that I couldn’t put down! The book takes place in the Scottish highlands, which the author lyrically paints so beautifully, that I felt I was there.
The book opens with a bang and the pace (and body count) never let up. In addition to the main plot, there are numerous intriguing, and topical plot lines woven throughout the book that were all tied up seamlessly.
The author did a brilliant job of bringing the eclectic cast of characters to life and convincingly giving them voice. I particularly liked the talented and driven female detective Frankie, and the hapless wannabe cowboy PC Lamb and his trigger happy taser exploits that made me laugh out loud.
Like a fine whisky, the Devil’s Cut is a multifaceted story; humorous and breathtakingly beautiful, yet creepy, sinister and incredibly gory in parts. It’s definitely a book you should read with the light on! This is a must read for all crime fans.
The book opens with a bang and the pace (and body count) never let up. In addition to the main plot, there are numerous intriguing, and topical plot lines woven throughout the book that were all tied up seamlessly.
The author did a brilliant job of bringing the eclectic cast of characters to life and convincingly giving them voice. I particularly liked the talented and driven female detective Frankie, and the hapless wannabe cowboy PC Lamb and his trigger happy taser exploits that made me laugh out loud.
Like a fine whisky, the Devil’s Cut is a multifaceted story; humorous and breathtakingly beautiful, yet creepy, sinister and incredibly gory in parts. It’s definitely a book you should read with the light on! This is a must read for all crime fans.
November 10, 2021
This book was an absolute joy and pleasure to read , even though this book is the 2nd in the series it can be read as a standalone
In this book we have DI Corstorphine, when the body of a distillery owner is found on top of a remote Scottish mountain ... he suspect foul play when the dead man's sister receives a message from beyond the grave. There are so many secrets to be revealed surrounding the man and how he ended up on the Scottish Mountain.
The book is extremely well written , it is gripping , it is thrilling , it has lots going on to keep you hooked on it and it plays with your mind so brilliantly while reading the book and also when you manage to tear yourself away from the book. I love this genre and I have definitely found a new series for me to get into ! Must read for fans of crime thriller fiction books!
In this book we have DI Corstorphine, when the body of a distillery owner is found on top of a remote Scottish mountain ... he suspect foul play when the dead man's sister receives a message from beyond the grave. There are so many secrets to be revealed surrounding the man and how he ended up on the Scottish Mountain.
The book is extremely well written , it is gripping , it is thrilling , it has lots going on to keep you hooked on it and it plays with your mind so brilliantly while reading the book and also when you manage to tear yourself away from the book. I love this genre and I have definitely found a new series for me to get into ! Must read for fans of crime thriller fiction books!
December 26, 2021
It's the first novel I've read by this author and I absolutely loved it and will definitely go back and read his first, Whirligig.
I was so drawn to this book because I love a good crime novel, and this didn’t disappoints.
The book is set in the highlands of Scotland and the way the author described the place I can actually imagine it vividly.
It’s so dark, twisted and rooted in revenge. I keep guessing who was the murderer and I got it wrong a couple of times. This is such a page turner right from the start and I couldn’t put it down so I ended up reading it in one sitting.
Thank you so much for gifting me this book in exchange of my honest review. I truly enjoyed this and I couldn’t wait to read Whirligig.
#ad #gifted
I was so drawn to this book because I love a good crime novel, and this didn’t disappoints.
The book is set in the highlands of Scotland and the way the author described the place I can actually imagine it vividly.
It’s so dark, twisted and rooted in revenge. I keep guessing who was the murderer and I got it wrong a couple of times. This is such a page turner right from the start and I couldn’t put it down so I ended up reading it in one sitting.
Thank you so much for gifting me this book in exchange of my honest review. I truly enjoyed this and I couldn’t wait to read Whirligig.
#ad #gifted
November 9, 2021
Gripping book from the start!
Although this is the second book in a series it is easy to follow the story.
I really enjoyed how gripping it was from the beggining. I love the eerie setting that Scotland can always provide.
The author was great at creating thrilling moments with a lot of twists. I had a list of suspicions and most of them were wrong!
I really enjoyed the complexity and quirkiness of the characters and definitely want to read the first book to learn even more about DI Cortophine!
Overall, for fans and thrillers and crime this is definitely a really great book that will keep you guessing!
February 7, 2022
Another cracker from Andrew. This is a well thought out script with twists and turns, set in the highlands of Scotland with good local knowledge it tracks the antics of a local whisky owner and his family. Taking in several gruesome murders along the way, (this being his second book), we see DI Corstorphine and his team, all characters in their own rights, tackling the truth behind the deaths and joining up the dots to solve the case. A great piece of crime noir, with good well observed dialogue. more please!
March 3, 2022
Well, what to say about The Devil’s cut? If I’m completely honest, I’m a little disappointed. Corstaphine is back in all his glory but not quite the shiny new as in the debut novel.
The crime’s are still violently original & the cast believable but the pace was off. Drawn out plotting & long winded set ups to try & throw you off the scent all captured alongside some gorgeously described landscapes.
I loved the first book so much…. I have faith Andrew James Greig will pull it back for the next book, which I’ll definitely still rush to buy. Afterall, everyone has an off day, right!?
The crime’s are still violently original & the cast believable but the pace was off. Drawn out plotting & long winded set ups to try & throw you off the scent all captured alongside some gorgeously described landscapes.
I loved the first book so much…. I have faith Andrew James Greig will pull it back for the next book, which I’ll definitely still rush to buy. Afterall, everyone has an off day, right!?
November 8, 2021
An utterly gripping, well written crime thriller with beautiful Scottish Highlands background. This is my first read by the author and I really enjoyed it.
The author has done an amazing job of creating such a mystery, where everyone is a suspect. The characters are so well written and very enjoyable. With many twists and turns, this book is definitely a page turner. Definitely recommend this book.
The author has done an amazing job of creating such a mystery, where everyone is a suspect. The characters are so well written and very enjoyable. With many twists and turns, this book is definitely a page turner. Definitely recommend this book.
May 6, 2022
I didn't read this, I devoured it. I can't remember the last time I blew theiugh a book this fast. I couldn't put it down. So many twists and turns in this one and the attacks are sooo gruesome, just like in the first book - but somehow you can't look away. Right up there with Elly Griffiths and Charles Todd, and while I really didn't want to get involved in a new series. Here I am, breathlessly awaiting the next book.
January 7, 2023
Well, that was a blast. Really enjoyed this with all the twists and turns and some great sense of place to boot. An accomplished follow up to Whirligig and bang up to date. Well done Andrew Greig and highly recommended. I’m right into Caledonian Crime/Tartan Noir stuff just now and this hit the mark.
January 15, 2022
Brilliant book couldn't put it down
January 6, 2023
Smart, action-packed and slightly gruesome. A fantastic sequel to Whirligig that left me on the edge of my seat, mind racing as I tried to figure out the clues!
July 24, 2025
Andrew James Greig (https://andrewjgreig.wordpress.com) is the author of eight novels. The Devil’s Cut was republished early last May, and it is the second book in his Detective Corstorphine mystery series. It is the 47th title I’ve completed reading in 2025.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.
Detective Corstorphine had joined a hiking club. The community is surprised when the body of Jack McCoach is found in the mountains. Jack was the well-liked owner of a successful local distillery. He had been hiking alone and apparently had suffered a heart attack. The death was ruled as natural, and life moved on. That is, until Patricia McCoach arrived at the police station.
She is the unconventional sister of Jack McCoach and contends that he was poisoned and that someone is out to get the family. With no evidence and only a message of murder from the beyond, her claims are not taken seriously. Though Corstorphine does ask his constables to keep a closer eye on Patricia’s lavish estate.
Before the death of Jack McCoach, the only crimes of significance bothering the police were a series of catalytic converter thefts and an increase in drugs on the streets of their small village. The officers are stretched thin trying to cover everything.
A young woman from the area is waiting at the train station on her way to work. As her train is pulling in, she suddenly runs towards the edge of the platform and throws herself in front of the train. She is mangled by the train and killed instantly. The why is a mystery. The only lead to her suicide is the young man who spoke to her briefly moments before she committed suicide. How could the young man, a local thug and drug dealer, have caused her to snap?
Corstorphine joins Jack’s son, Robb, along with two others from the hiking club on a trek to where Jack died. They are there to spread his ashes. Corstorphine leaves the others to return to work after finding a water bottle likely to have been Jack’s. Might it offer any clues to his death?
The rest of the hiking party goes on to visit three other peaks, spreading Jack’s ashes over the mountains he loved. That evening, as the three stop for the night, they are attacked by a sniper.
The elderly Patricia McCoach is attacked in her bed late one night. The assailant leaves no trace behind, but Patricia is blinded and left in a coma. Earlier in the week, she had hosted a gathering of women at her home. The scantily clad women had danced, then enjoyed refreshments in her secluded garden. Their coven had not gone unobserved.
Who wanted Jack McCoach dead? Clearly, there is a threat to the McCoach family. But who is it and why? Will the family be made to suffer more? What caused the young woman to commit suicide? Who is behind the converter thefts? Who is running the drug ring?
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 244-page mystery. I enjoyed the plot of this novel. A series of deadly attacks all stemming from a long-forgotten accident. I had the opportunity to read one of his other novels The Bone Clock. I found both novels very good. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.6 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.
Detective Corstorphine had joined a hiking club. The community is surprised when the body of Jack McCoach is found in the mountains. Jack was the well-liked owner of a successful local distillery. He had been hiking alone and apparently had suffered a heart attack. The death was ruled as natural, and life moved on. That is, until Patricia McCoach arrived at the police station.
She is the unconventional sister of Jack McCoach and contends that he was poisoned and that someone is out to get the family. With no evidence and only a message of murder from the beyond, her claims are not taken seriously. Though Corstorphine does ask his constables to keep a closer eye on Patricia’s lavish estate.
Before the death of Jack McCoach, the only crimes of significance bothering the police were a series of catalytic converter thefts and an increase in drugs on the streets of their small village. The officers are stretched thin trying to cover everything.
A young woman from the area is waiting at the train station on her way to work. As her train is pulling in, she suddenly runs towards the edge of the platform and throws herself in front of the train. She is mangled by the train and killed instantly. The why is a mystery. The only lead to her suicide is the young man who spoke to her briefly moments before she committed suicide. How could the young man, a local thug and drug dealer, have caused her to snap?
Corstorphine joins Jack’s son, Robb, along with two others from the hiking club on a trek to where Jack died. They are there to spread his ashes. Corstorphine leaves the others to return to work after finding a water bottle likely to have been Jack’s. Might it offer any clues to his death?
The rest of the hiking party goes on to visit three other peaks, spreading Jack’s ashes over the mountains he loved. That evening, as the three stop for the night, they are attacked by a sniper.
The elderly Patricia McCoach is attacked in her bed late one night. The assailant leaves no trace behind, but Patricia is blinded and left in a coma. Earlier in the week, she had hosted a gathering of women at her home. The scantily clad women had danced, then enjoyed refreshments in her secluded garden. Their coven had not gone unobserved.
Who wanted Jack McCoach dead? Clearly, there is a threat to the McCoach family. But who is it and why? Will the family be made to suffer more? What caused the young woman to commit suicide? Who is behind the converter thefts? Who is running the drug ring?
I enjoyed the 7.5 hours I spent reading this 244-page mystery. I enjoyed the plot of this novel. A series of deadly attacks all stemming from a long-forgotten accident. I had the opportunity to read one of his other novels The Bone Clock. I found both novels very good. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.6 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
May 1, 2025
Andrew James Greig’s The Devil’s Cut is a taut, brooding mystery that blends classic detective fiction with gothic unease and psychological depth. Set against the rugged isolation of the Scottish Highlands, the novel follows Detective Inspector Corstorphine as he unravels a death that at first seems natural—but quickly unspools into a web of secrets, vengeance, and buried trauma.
The novel opens with a powerful image: a man dying alone on a remote mountain, a whiskey bottle slipping from his grasp, his thoughts heavy with regret. This man is the owner of a distillery, and while the cause of death appears to be natural, his sister is adamant it was murder. From there, Greig steadily builds a compelling mystery that never loses its emotional undercurrent.
Corstorphine is a strong central figure—methodical, intuitive, and haunted in his own right. As he probes into the family’s eerie dynamics, we encounter unsettling elements: a daughter sedated and locked away, a son stalked in the wilderness, and a painting defaced in a violent warning. Greig cleverly weaves in these gothic motifs without veering into melodrama, instead using them to deepen the novel’s psychological tension.
What elevates The Devil’s Cut beyond a procedural is its careful layering of past and present. When a seemingly unrelated suicide emerges as a crucial piece of the puzzle, the story shifts into something darker and more personal. At its core, this is a novel about the long tail of violence—how a single act in childhood can echo down decades, twisting lives in its path.
Greig’s prose is evocative and atmospheric, particularly when describing the Highland landscapes and the shadowed interiors of both physical and emotional spaces. He understands that place is character, and he uses it to reinforce the novel’s persistent feeling of isolation and latent danger.
Verdict:
The Devil’s Cut is a smart, slow-burning mystery that rewards careful reading. With richly drawn characters, eerie settings, and a plot that coils tighter with every chapter, Andrew James Greig delivers a memorable entry into the tradition of literary crime fiction.
The novel opens with a powerful image: a man dying alone on a remote mountain, a whiskey bottle slipping from his grasp, his thoughts heavy with regret. This man is the owner of a distillery, and while the cause of death appears to be natural, his sister is adamant it was murder. From there, Greig steadily builds a compelling mystery that never loses its emotional undercurrent.
Corstorphine is a strong central figure—methodical, intuitive, and haunted in his own right. As he probes into the family’s eerie dynamics, we encounter unsettling elements: a daughter sedated and locked away, a son stalked in the wilderness, and a painting defaced in a violent warning. Greig cleverly weaves in these gothic motifs without veering into melodrama, instead using them to deepen the novel’s psychological tension.
What elevates The Devil’s Cut beyond a procedural is its careful layering of past and present. When a seemingly unrelated suicide emerges as a crucial piece of the puzzle, the story shifts into something darker and more personal. At its core, this is a novel about the long tail of violence—how a single act in childhood can echo down decades, twisting lives in its path.
Greig’s prose is evocative and atmospheric, particularly when describing the Highland landscapes and the shadowed interiors of both physical and emotional spaces. He understands that place is character, and he uses it to reinforce the novel’s persistent feeling of isolation and latent danger.
Verdict:
The Devil’s Cut is a smart, slow-burning mystery that rewards careful reading. With richly drawn characters, eerie settings, and a plot that coils tighter with every chapter, Andrew James Greig delivers a memorable entry into the tradition of literary crime fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
The Devil’s Cut is the second book in author Andrew James Greig’s series set in a small town in northern Scotland. It is a police procedural that follows Detective Investigator Corstophine and his department as they investigate cases. Corstophine has a good crew under him, but he faces challenges due to the limited resources of a small town. He’s also still mourning his late wife and is a bit agoraphobic, preferring to do his job and sit at home drinking.
One of the few things that gets him out is hill-climbing (or hiking as we call it on this side of the pond). One of his group members apparently dies while hiking alone on a nearby peak. The book opens with this, and Corstophine is later with the group as they hold a wake for the man in a nearby pub. Corstorphine seems to be accepted by the men, but there’s a palpable sense of relief once he departs a bit early.
The man was a wealthy distillery owner, Jack McCoach. It seems like a cut-and-dried case, as his cause of death is ruled to be a heart attack and his body is cremated. However, the man’s sister, Patricia, later visits Corstophine and claims she received a message from Jack in the afterlife that he was poisoned. Corstorphine is sceptical, but listens to her, as she insists her brother was poisoned and that there’s someone out to get the McCoach family. When Patricia is attacked and mutilated, it looks like her otherworldly predictions might have some traction.
There have been other crime incidents recently in town as well, which have caught their attention, including catalytic converter thefts and potential drug dealing. A woman has also committed suicide by throwing herself in front of a train, clearly caught on CCTV. All of this seems to be unrelated, but there is a common thread that ties them together, even if the culprits aren’t the same.
To read my complete review, please go to The Devil’s Cut by Andrew James Greig – Murder in a Small Scottish Town
One of the few things that gets him out is hill-climbing (or hiking as we call it on this side of the pond). One of his group members apparently dies while hiking alone on a nearby peak. The book opens with this, and Corstophine is later with the group as they hold a wake for the man in a nearby pub. Corstorphine seems to be accepted by the men, but there’s a palpable sense of relief once he departs a bit early.
The man was a wealthy distillery owner, Jack McCoach. It seems like a cut-and-dried case, as his cause of death is ruled to be a heart attack and his body is cremated. However, the man’s sister, Patricia, later visits Corstophine and claims she received a message from Jack in the afterlife that he was poisoned. Corstorphine is sceptical, but listens to her, as she insists her brother was poisoned and that there’s someone out to get the McCoach family. When Patricia is attacked and mutilated, it looks like her otherworldly predictions might have some traction.
There have been other crime incidents recently in town as well, which have caught their attention, including catalytic converter thefts and potential drug dealing. A woman has also committed suicide by throwing herself in front of a train, clearly caught on CCTV. All of this seems to be unrelated, but there is a common thread that ties them together, even if the culprits aren’t the same.
To read my complete review, please go to The Devil’s Cut by Andrew James Greig – Murder in a Small Scottish Town
May 2, 2025
A local distiller dies of a heart attack on a hike, and his sister insists its murder. A young woman jumps into the way of a coming train for seemingly no reason, ending her life. Catalytic convertors are going missing around the small town at an alarming rate, and drug use is up, with no leads in sight. DI Corstophine has his work cut out for him as him and his team try to get to the bottom of what on earth is going on in his small town.
*****
This is my second book by the author, and it's convinced me to read the rest of his work. He seamlessly weaves together beautiful scenery, complex characters and twisted mysteries that kept me engaged throughout. The switching viewpoints could have been overwhelming, however it ended up giving so much depth to the story that I loved it - even if I did have to double check who's head we were in in some chapters. There were some slower points in the novel, and I found the pacing to pull back a bit, but it did eventually recover as we continued to unravel more of the mystery.
I absolutely love how the author is able to pull in so many different moving parts, that you don't have a chance of figuring out the conclusion to the mystery until the end chapters of the story. I spent the entire time puzzling out the "supernatural" lead to the story, and even though I was able to get the jump on part of it, it was completely in the dark until the last bit of the book, which isn't usually how mysteries go for me.
I also really enjoyed the novel being in current day. Talking about how the pandemic affected businesses in the small Scottish town, the effect social media has on policing, sensitivity training, and what Brexit did to information sharing between police agencies. It rooted the story in current day and added an unexpected realism to what was already a pretty gripping novel.
If you love police procedurals with some suspense, grief and twisted characters, this one is for you!
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This is my second book by the author, and it's convinced me to read the rest of his work. He seamlessly weaves together beautiful scenery, complex characters and twisted mysteries that kept me engaged throughout. The switching viewpoints could have been overwhelming, however it ended up giving so much depth to the story that I loved it - even if I did have to double check who's head we were in in some chapters. There were some slower points in the novel, and I found the pacing to pull back a bit, but it did eventually recover as we continued to unravel more of the mystery.
I absolutely love how the author is able to pull in so many different moving parts, that you don't have a chance of figuring out the conclusion to the mystery until the end chapters of the story. I spent the entire time puzzling out the "supernatural" lead to the story, and even though I was able to get the jump on part of it, it was completely in the dark until the last bit of the book, which isn't usually how mysteries go for me.
I also really enjoyed the novel being in current day. Talking about how the pandemic affected businesses in the small Scottish town, the effect social media has on policing, sensitivity training, and what Brexit did to information sharing between police agencies. It rooted the story in current day and added an unexpected realism to what was already a pretty gripping novel.
If you love police procedurals with some suspense, grief and twisted characters, this one is for you!
*****
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2025
The Devil’s Cut by Andrew James Greig
Detective Corstorphine #2
Fascinating immersive story that swept me up and carried me along as I eagerly waited to find out how all the puzzle pieces would fit together to solve this complicated tale of brutality and murder.
What I liked:
* DI Jim Corstorphine: widow, still feels his wife’s presence at times, strong leader, cares about and utilizes staff to their best potential, focused, a bit lonely, might have met a love interest
* Getting to know Corstorphine’s team better as they work together ~ fun to watch the team develop
* That I was quickly immersed in the store from page one
* The complexity of the case with its twists and turns as the clues were found
* Thinking about the volunteer mountain rescue team and their difficult job
* The complexity of the case and how all of the pieces of the puzzle were finally found and slotted in place
* That the characters had depth and I felt I got to know them well by the end of the book
* Shamilla Mallick: forensic psychologist, consultant, strong, intelligent, uncovered issues that needed to be dealt with, possible love interest
* The complexity of the McCoach family dynamics and finding out why they were targeted and by whom
* That I didn’t really KNOW for sure what was what till the end
* That I have been to Scotland so could visualize the setting
* That no loose strings were left dangling
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how cold the McCabe Matriarch was
* Knowing that there are people as evil in the world as some in this book
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Detective Corstorphine #2
Fascinating immersive story that swept me up and carried me along as I eagerly waited to find out how all the puzzle pieces would fit together to solve this complicated tale of brutality and murder.
What I liked:
* DI Jim Corstorphine: widow, still feels his wife’s presence at times, strong leader, cares about and utilizes staff to their best potential, focused, a bit lonely, might have met a love interest
* Getting to know Corstorphine’s team better as they work together ~ fun to watch the team develop
* That I was quickly immersed in the store from page one
* The complexity of the case with its twists and turns as the clues were found
* Thinking about the volunteer mountain rescue team and their difficult job
* The complexity of the case and how all of the pieces of the puzzle were finally found and slotted in place
* That the characters had depth and I felt I got to know them well by the end of the book
* Shamilla Mallick: forensic psychologist, consultant, strong, intelligent, uncovered issues that needed to be dealt with, possible love interest
* The complexity of the McCoach family dynamics and finding out why they were targeted and by whom
* That I didn’t really KNOW for sure what was what till the end
* That I have been to Scotland so could visualize the setting
* That no loose strings were left dangling
* Knowing that there will be another book in the series
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how cold the McCabe Matriarch was
* Knowing that there are people as evil in the world as some in this book
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
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