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DCI Grace Macallan #4
Where No Shadows Fall
A nine-to-five job away from the frontline isn't all it's cracked up to be for Grace Macallan. So when she's sent to investigate a suicide at Glasgow's notorious Barlinnie prison, Grace gladly escapes her desk. The dead inmate is Tommy McMartin, heir to a ferocious criminal family - though his murder conviction for killing his gay lover saw him cast out.
The investigation drags Grace into contact with old McMartin adversaries - but the dynasty is under threat, and as it topples, buried secrets are unearthed. As she unravels Tommy's fate, Grace senses someone watching her - someone who aches for revenge....
The investigation drags Grace into contact with old McMartin adversaries - but the dynasty is under threat, and as it topples, buried secrets are unearthed. As she unravels Tommy's fate, Grace senses someone watching her - someone who aches for revenge....
- GenresCrime
Audible Audio
First published September 18, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 28, 2019
Peter Ritchie is a retired senior police officer and always tells the amazing fictional stories, that keep me reading through high tension scenes of crime. Tommy had always been described as violent. All the evidence was there of a struggle in the bedroom , with the victim that had a cut throat. But Tommy told his lawyer got drunk and couldn't recall anything. Is Tommy telling the truth though? As I love reading novels by Peter Ritchie I'm looking forward to his next book when Grace Macallen's returns in Our Little Secret. I've already had a little sneak at the new book , sorry couldn't resist it as it was at the back of this book Where No Shadows Fall.
February 1, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Black & White Publishing for an advance copy of Where No Shadows Fall, the fourth novel to feature Superintendent Grace Macallan of Police Scotland.
Grace has moved to an office job for the sake of her family and is unhappily compiling reports when she is asked to review the prison suicide of Tommy McMartin, former heir apparent to the Glaswegian McMartin crime family. Nothing is as it seems and soon Grace and her old bagman, Jimmy McGovern, are investigating much more than a suicide.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where No Shadows Fall which is a complicated, multi-stranded procedural requiring concentration to keep up with all the characters and their connections. I can imagine the author using charts and diagrams to plot these connections because it must have taken some effort to pull it all together so seamlessly and logically. The first few chapters are used to set the scene and introduce the main players from their own perspective. It does make for a bit of choppiness with a continually changing perspective but it’s riveting as the reader tries to work out where it’s going and how the characters fit together. I found that I soon got used to it and became totally absorbed in each character’s story and contribution to the whole.
Characterisation plays a large part in the novel and while the police officers are fairly straightforward the villains are extremely well drawn and believable. They are violent, with a couple of notable exceptions, and rarely over endowed in the brains department. If in doubt, attack seems to be their modus operandi, except Bobbo and Goggsy, the notable exceptions, whose squeamishness causes all sorts of problems and not a little humour. Through it all Grace tenaciously investigates. She is a tough cookie but she’s struggling to reconcile her life. Due to the horrors of her past cases she has taken a step back from detective work to concentrate on her family but she misses it and jumps at the chance of one last investigation. It comes at a price, of course and if that wasn’t enough she has a stalker (the least convincing part of the novel).
The setting added to my reading pleasure as I’m a sucker for novels set in Scotland and Glasgow in particular. It is always a bonus when you can identify the landmarks and fall in to the vernacular although the author is better at authentic Edinburgh than Glaswegian. The cities may be less than hour apart but are distinctly different in accent, slang and outlook.
Where No Shadows Fall is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Grace has moved to an office job for the sake of her family and is unhappily compiling reports when she is asked to review the prison suicide of Tommy McMartin, former heir apparent to the Glaswegian McMartin crime family. Nothing is as it seems and soon Grace and her old bagman, Jimmy McGovern, are investigating much more than a suicide.
I thoroughly enjoyed Where No Shadows Fall which is a complicated, multi-stranded procedural requiring concentration to keep up with all the characters and their connections. I can imagine the author using charts and diagrams to plot these connections because it must have taken some effort to pull it all together so seamlessly and logically. The first few chapters are used to set the scene and introduce the main players from their own perspective. It does make for a bit of choppiness with a continually changing perspective but it’s riveting as the reader tries to work out where it’s going and how the characters fit together. I found that I soon got used to it and became totally absorbed in each character’s story and contribution to the whole.
Characterisation plays a large part in the novel and while the police officers are fairly straightforward the villains are extremely well drawn and believable. They are violent, with a couple of notable exceptions, and rarely over endowed in the brains department. If in doubt, attack seems to be their modus operandi, except Bobbo and Goggsy, the notable exceptions, whose squeamishness causes all sorts of problems and not a little humour. Through it all Grace tenaciously investigates. She is a tough cookie but she’s struggling to reconcile her life. Due to the horrors of her past cases she has taken a step back from detective work to concentrate on her family but she misses it and jumps at the chance of one last investigation. It comes at a price, of course and if that wasn’t enough she has a stalker (the least convincing part of the novel).
The setting added to my reading pleasure as I’m a sucker for novels set in Scotland and Glasgow in particular. It is always a bonus when you can identify the landmarks and fall in to the vernacular although the author is better at authentic Edinburgh than Glaswegian. The cities may be less than hour apart but are distinctly different in accent, slang and outlook.
Where No Shadows Fall is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 13, 2019
Where No Shadows Fall is the fourth novel in Peter Ritchie's police procedural series featuring Detective Grace Macallan. Having missed the first books in the series, though I have read the fifth - Our Little Secrets - I was happy to jump straight in and read this. The author helpfully provided enough backstory on the characters and setting to make this instalment very readable and hugely enjoyable. Grace Macallan made a determined and unyielding detective with plenty of inner reserve and I would have gladly had her on my team.
Due to the horrors of her previous cases Grace has taken a step back from detective work to concentrate on her family, but she misses it and jumps at the chance of a last investigation. She’s asked to review a suicide at Barlinnie Prison, the dead prisoner being Tommy McMartin, once an heir to one of Scotland’s criminal families, but when he was convicted for the murder of his gay lover, the family disowned him. As Grace unearths the truth of what happened to McMartin, she is faced with her greatest dilemma yet: to expose the truth or let the dead lie still.
As Grace investigates, she struggles to re-evaluate her life and she also has to contend with a stalker as she delves into a world of family feuding and secrets, criminal dynasties, police complicity, corruption, threats and menace.
This superb thriller really packed a punch with an excellent plot and plenty of suspense and drama to interest the reader. I particularly liked Peter Ritchie’s first-rate character creation, many of whom I was absorbed with, no matter what particular traits they possessed. There was definitely something about the deviousness of his characters that completely held my attention.
Dark and gritty, Where No Shadows Fall kept me on my toes and fully entertained all the way through and I can't wait to read another of Peter Ritchie’s masterfully written books. If you are a fan of crime, police procedurals and thrillers, you don't want to miss Where No Shadows Fall!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Black & White Publishing via NetGalley at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Due to the horrors of her previous cases Grace has taken a step back from detective work to concentrate on her family, but she misses it and jumps at the chance of a last investigation. She’s asked to review a suicide at Barlinnie Prison, the dead prisoner being Tommy McMartin, once an heir to one of Scotland’s criminal families, but when he was convicted for the murder of his gay lover, the family disowned him. As Grace unearths the truth of what happened to McMartin, she is faced with her greatest dilemma yet: to expose the truth or let the dead lie still.
As Grace investigates, she struggles to re-evaluate her life and she also has to contend with a stalker as she delves into a world of family feuding and secrets, criminal dynasties, police complicity, corruption, threats and menace.
This superb thriller really packed a punch with an excellent plot and plenty of suspense and drama to interest the reader. I particularly liked Peter Ritchie’s first-rate character creation, many of whom I was absorbed with, no matter what particular traits they possessed. There was definitely something about the deviousness of his characters that completely held my attention.
Dark and gritty, Where No Shadows Fall kept me on my toes and fully entertained all the way through and I can't wait to read another of Peter Ritchie’s masterfully written books. If you are a fan of crime, police procedurals and thrillers, you don't want to miss Where No Shadows Fall!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Black & White Publishing via NetGalley at my request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 9, 2019
WNSF is the fourth outing of Detective Grace Macallan by author Peter Ritchie. It (imho) can be read as a standalone if you’re a newbie to the series like me!
I was telling one of my friends about this book and she said it was like I had been given a tick sheet for all my favourite things in a story. “I know!” - was my cry! *snorts*
I was hooked from the very beginning. It’s that ‘something’ *rubs fingers* that can’t be defined, where an author gets their hooks into you and you don’t want to put the book down.
I liken the mystery/whodunnit aspect to someone dangling a carrot in my face. Who-what-where-why-when? I. NEED. TO. KNOW. As you’ve probably no doubt guessed, patience is not a virtue I possess *blushes*
The patter was pure dead brilliant, man! And had this Larkhall lass lol’ing for Scotland. You’ve got to love the banter even in the most dire of circumstances.
I’m at the ‘how much info is too much info?’ stage of my review, lol. I’d hate to ruin your enjoyment of what is a first class story.
I’ve already bought books 1 & 2 so I can experience Grace’s journey from the beginning and no doubt I’ll read this again. I’m a re-reader, so sue me!
This was a gritty, realistic, crime thriller from an author that knows his onions - job done.
I was telling one of my friends about this book and she said it was like I had been given a tick sheet for all my favourite things in a story. “I know!” - was my cry! *snorts*
I was hooked from the very beginning. It’s that ‘something’ *rubs fingers* that can’t be defined, where an author gets their hooks into you and you don’t want to put the book down.
I liken the mystery/whodunnit aspect to someone dangling a carrot in my face. Who-what-where-why-when? I. NEED. TO. KNOW. As you’ve probably no doubt guessed, patience is not a virtue I possess *blushes*
The patter was pure dead brilliant, man! And had this Larkhall lass lol’ing for Scotland. You’ve got to love the banter even in the most dire of circumstances.
I’m at the ‘how much info is too much info?’ stage of my review, lol. I’d hate to ruin your enjoyment of what is a first class story.
I’ve already bought books 1 & 2 so I can experience Grace’s journey from the beginning and no doubt I’ll read this again. I’m a re-reader, so sue me!
This was a gritty, realistic, crime thriller from an author that knows his onions - job done.
May 3, 2019
Peter Richie pulls no punches with this gritty police procedural. A thoroughly absorbing read which drew me in from the first page.
February 18, 2019
Another cracking instalment from Peter Ritchie!
I’m not sure how he manages to wow me time and time again but he’s done it again with book #4.
We meet back up with Grace, stuck behind a desk doing a job she hates (and we all knew she would!) Until she’s dangled a carrot, and it’s a carrot that’s too good to resist.
This book had me turning those pages every moment I got! I’d set off on the school run 10 minutes early so I could park up and squeeze a few more pages in, I’ve taken it to the gymnastic classes, the soft play sessions and stayed up way past my bed times just so I can see where this story takes us.
When I did actually have to put the book down my mind was still whirling at what or would happen.
Peter’s books are addictive so make sure to book some ‘you time’. He sends your imagination into overtime, always making you second guess your thoughts then pulling a rabbit out of the hat, leaving you wondering where the hell that curve ball came from!
If you love your reads action packed and gripping then Peter’s series is definitely for you. I’d go as far as saying this series has turned into my favourite read of 2018 and if this book is what we can expect for the rest of 2019 then us readers are in for a real treat!!
I’m not sure how he manages to wow me time and time again but he’s done it again with book #4.
We meet back up with Grace, stuck behind a desk doing a job she hates (and we all knew she would!) Until she’s dangled a carrot, and it’s a carrot that’s too good to resist.
This book had me turning those pages every moment I got! I’d set off on the school run 10 minutes early so I could park up and squeeze a few more pages in, I’ve taken it to the gymnastic classes, the soft play sessions and stayed up way past my bed times just so I can see where this story takes us.
When I did actually have to put the book down my mind was still whirling at what or would happen.
Peter’s books are addictive so make sure to book some ‘you time’. He sends your imagination into overtime, always making you second guess your thoughts then pulling a rabbit out of the hat, leaving you wondering where the hell that curve ball came from!
If you love your reads action packed and gripping then Peter’s series is definitely for you. I’d go as far as saying this series has turned into my favourite read of 2018 and if this book is what we can expect for the rest of 2019 then us readers are in for a real treat!!
February 24, 2019
I was a little late to the Grace Macallan series, not joining in until book two, but as soon as I started reading I knew I had found a series that was right up my street. With a strong and determined central protagonist, tense action and truly dramatic storylines, as a reader you are faced with a very different view of life in two of Scotland's most iconic cities - Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Although Grace Macallan lives and works in Edinburgh, the nature of the beast with regard to Scottish policing means that her territory stretches beyond the city's outer ring road. Having taken a more sedentary role since becoming a mother for the second time, Grace is finding herself increasingly bored and slightly frustrated on the job. Although she has promised to lead a safer existence for the sake of her family, she is by her very nature a woman who craves more action and cannot step away from a challenge or a dangerous situation, no matter how much sense it makes. I really like Grace, like her grit, sympathise with the internal battle between what is right for her family and what is right for her, and recognise in her the desire to always find justice, no matter what. She is fierce but also vulnerable at times and it makes her very likeable.
That said, this book is less about Grace and more about a fight for the ownership of the streets. Since the events of the last book, Shores Of Death, Edinburgh's premier crime family, the McMartins, have found themselves in gradual decline and in a pitiful state by the start of this book. But beyond what we know already about the crew, we are set to learn a little more about the heir apparent, the man who was meant to have had it all, Tommy McMartin. In spite of his rather suspect line of work, I felt a great deal of sympathy for Tommy and if you read the book you will understand why. It takes great skill to make a reader feel for someone who operates on the wrong side of the law, especially in a Police thriller, but Peter Ritchie has pitched this perfectly and the ultimate decline of a young man, especially in such violent and tragic circumstances, is sometimes hard to read. The hardest parts are left off the page, but there is enough for readers to put two and two together and to feel both anger and resignation at what comes to pass.
Despite all the darkness which pervades the narrative at times, there are some laughable moments too, especially from failed gang member Bobbo and, to a lesser extent, the ill fated Goggsy, who work for the McMartin's. They really aren't cut out for that line of work. Also the scenes towards the end where 'Cueball' Ross puts in a reappearance, will have you smiling. perhaps even chuckling, just as it did me. But there is still a far greater amount of tension and drama than humour; high stakes games being played in which the pot each of the characters are playing for is their life. Peter Ritchie has captured the tone of it all perfectly. From a highly dramatic and shocking opening, to an ending which will break the hearts of many a fan, this book had me completely hooked.
Characters are always key to a book's success. You don't have to like them but you have to care about them. I didn't particularly like Tommy, but I liked what happened to him even less. I wasn't over struck with his Barrister, Goldstein's choice to defend known criminals, no matter their crime, but the amount of compassion he felt for his young client and the regret of not being able to help him made him a much more human character. Even Tommy's former cell mate, a man who was convicted of killing his adulterous wife, is a character you can respect, if not wholly agree with his methods of dealing with infidelity. I mean, the same kind of principal worked for Henry VIII when he wanted rid of a troublesome spouse, but these days divorces are much more readily available alternative to murder, legal or otherwise ...
I really enjoy the gritty nature of this series. It perhaps wasn't quite as stark a storyline as the last two books in the series, but it is still one that will shock you, particularly the very dark opening scene. It may make you pause, perhaps take stock of what you are reading, but don't let it put you off what you are reading. It is a minor - but important - part of the story that goes a long way to explaining some of what has come to pass. It is certainly something that makes Grace Macallan act entirely out of character, but for all the right reasons.
It's not just about the gang wars though, and there are passages carefully placed throughout the book which initially feel disconnected from the rest of the story, but ultimately brings the action much closer to home for one of the Detectives in a completely unexpected way. And the ending ... what this means for Grace ... well who knows.
All in all, another gripping read that will keep fans of the series very, very happy.
Although Grace Macallan lives and works in Edinburgh, the nature of the beast with regard to Scottish policing means that her territory stretches beyond the city's outer ring road. Having taken a more sedentary role since becoming a mother for the second time, Grace is finding herself increasingly bored and slightly frustrated on the job. Although she has promised to lead a safer existence for the sake of her family, she is by her very nature a woman who craves more action and cannot step away from a challenge or a dangerous situation, no matter how much sense it makes. I really like Grace, like her grit, sympathise with the internal battle between what is right for her family and what is right for her, and recognise in her the desire to always find justice, no matter what. She is fierce but also vulnerable at times and it makes her very likeable.
That said, this book is less about Grace and more about a fight for the ownership of the streets. Since the events of the last book, Shores Of Death, Edinburgh's premier crime family, the McMartins, have found themselves in gradual decline and in a pitiful state by the start of this book. But beyond what we know already about the crew, we are set to learn a little more about the heir apparent, the man who was meant to have had it all, Tommy McMartin. In spite of his rather suspect line of work, I felt a great deal of sympathy for Tommy and if you read the book you will understand why. It takes great skill to make a reader feel for someone who operates on the wrong side of the law, especially in a Police thriller, but Peter Ritchie has pitched this perfectly and the ultimate decline of a young man, especially in such violent and tragic circumstances, is sometimes hard to read. The hardest parts are left off the page, but there is enough for readers to put two and two together and to feel both anger and resignation at what comes to pass.
Despite all the darkness which pervades the narrative at times, there are some laughable moments too, especially from failed gang member Bobbo and, to a lesser extent, the ill fated Goggsy, who work for the McMartin's. They really aren't cut out for that line of work. Also the scenes towards the end where 'Cueball' Ross puts in a reappearance, will have you smiling. perhaps even chuckling, just as it did me. But there is still a far greater amount of tension and drama than humour; high stakes games being played in which the pot each of the characters are playing for is their life. Peter Ritchie has captured the tone of it all perfectly. From a highly dramatic and shocking opening, to an ending which will break the hearts of many a fan, this book had me completely hooked.
Characters are always key to a book's success. You don't have to like them but you have to care about them. I didn't particularly like Tommy, but I liked what happened to him even less. I wasn't over struck with his Barrister, Goldstein's choice to defend known criminals, no matter their crime, but the amount of compassion he felt for his young client and the regret of not being able to help him made him a much more human character. Even Tommy's former cell mate, a man who was convicted of killing his adulterous wife, is a character you can respect, if not wholly agree with his methods of dealing with infidelity. I mean, the same kind of principal worked for Henry VIII when he wanted rid of a troublesome spouse, but these days divorces are much more readily available alternative to murder, legal or otherwise ...
I really enjoy the gritty nature of this series. It perhaps wasn't quite as stark a storyline as the last two books in the series, but it is still one that will shock you, particularly the very dark opening scene. It may make you pause, perhaps take stock of what you are reading, but don't let it put you off what you are reading. It is a minor - but important - part of the story that goes a long way to explaining some of what has come to pass. It is certainly something that makes Grace Macallan act entirely out of character, but for all the right reasons.
It's not just about the gang wars though, and there are passages carefully placed throughout the book which initially feel disconnected from the rest of the story, but ultimately brings the action much closer to home for one of the Detectives in a completely unexpected way. And the ending ... what this means for Grace ... well who knows.
All in all, another gripping read that will keep fans of the series very, very happy.
March 9, 2019
Rating 4.5/5
I was so excited for this book, the rest of this series has been phenomenal and I was looking forward to checking back in on Grace and the rest of the team. The last book in the series was a complete rollercoaster, just brilliant in its setup and exceptionally intense, so this book had a lot to live up to. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed.
Where No Shadows Fall was a little different to the other books featuring Grace because it starts with a story from seven years before the events of the last book, intriguingly with another McMartin character that readers would not have come across before. There was also a difference because Grace has taken a step back from the frontline so that she can spend more time with her family, so it wasn’t the same immediate hustle and bustle that I’m used to.
I will admit that Grace had me worried for a moment, I knew that she would have to make some compromises for the sake of her family, but being behind a desk just seemed so far removed from her personality, so I was very pleased when she is handed a ‘routine’ investigation to have a look at.
What always really pulls me into one of Ritchie’s books is the depth he goes to with his characters, you really get to know all the players on both sides of the law and how their parts affect the story as a whole. It is a testament to his writing that I did, for a second, feel sorry for a character who really has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
This time I did feel like the pace suffered a little in the first half of the book because usually we are getting these insights whilst following Grace through a tense investigation, whereas this time there wasn’t that contrast. However, to be honest, it does highlight the realistic edge that I feel Ritchie has over a lot of crime writers because Grace wasn’t in the thick of it and there was a lot of workplace politics that stood in her way.
The second half though, had that same high-octane, down to the wire tension that I love about these books. I was really put through the wringer with the last few chapters, they definitely kept me guessing and made me feel as if my eyes couldn’t read quick enough.
Where No Shadows Fall is every bit as masterfully written as the rest of the series and will have you captivated from the start. As ever I cannot wait to see where Grace goes from here.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I was so excited for this book, the rest of this series has been phenomenal and I was looking forward to checking back in on Grace and the rest of the team. The last book in the series was a complete rollercoaster, just brilliant in its setup and exceptionally intense, so this book had a lot to live up to. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed.
Where No Shadows Fall was a little different to the other books featuring Grace because it starts with a story from seven years before the events of the last book, intriguingly with another McMartin character that readers would not have come across before. There was also a difference because Grace has taken a step back from the frontline so that she can spend more time with her family, so it wasn’t the same immediate hustle and bustle that I’m used to.
I will admit that Grace had me worried for a moment, I knew that she would have to make some compromises for the sake of her family, but being behind a desk just seemed so far removed from her personality, so I was very pleased when she is handed a ‘routine’ investigation to have a look at.
What always really pulls me into one of Ritchie’s books is the depth he goes to with his characters, you really get to know all the players on both sides of the law and how their parts affect the story as a whole. It is a testament to his writing that I did, for a second, feel sorry for a character who really has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
This time I did feel like the pace suffered a little in the first half of the book because usually we are getting these insights whilst following Grace through a tense investigation, whereas this time there wasn’t that contrast. However, to be honest, it does highlight the realistic edge that I feel Ritchie has over a lot of crime writers because Grace wasn’t in the thick of it and there was a lot of workplace politics that stood in her way.
The second half though, had that same high-octane, down to the wire tension that I love about these books. I was really put through the wringer with the last few chapters, they definitely kept me guessing and made me feel as if my eyes couldn’t read quick enough.
Where No Shadows Fall is every bit as masterfully written as the rest of the series and will have you captivated from the start. As ever I cannot wait to see where Grace goes from here.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
April 16, 2019
I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. I requested specifically because of the setting. Not only is it set in Scotland but features Glasgow! I love Scotland and Glasgow is such a fun place. Tons of history and really cool people, it's the perfect setting for a book.
This is the fourth in the series and I hadn't read the other three so I think that counted against me as I was going in blind. That being said, this book started big.
Grace Macallan is asked to investigate a suicide at the Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow. The suicide is a man named Tommy McMartin,
Lots of subplots meander through the novel with many different points of views delineated by chapter. Ritchie does wrap it all back up by the end and connects all the plots together but this is not a book that you can read fast and not pay attention to. It took me a few days because I read it in spurts as my mind wasn't as focused as I'd like.
It's a gritty, character-driven novel about the power dynamics of a crime family and the secrets that they bury. I really liked how Ritchie resolved the mysteries and how complex it all was.
This is the fourth in the series and I hadn't read the other three so I think that counted against me as I was going in blind. That being said, this book started big.
Grace Macallan is asked to investigate a suicide at the Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow. The suicide is a man named Tommy McMartin,
Lots of subplots meander through the novel with many different points of views delineated by chapter. Ritchie does wrap it all back up by the end and connects all the plots together but this is not a book that you can read fast and not pay attention to. It took me a few days because I read it in spurts as my mind wasn't as focused as I'd like.
It's a gritty, character-driven novel about the power dynamics of a crime family and the secrets that they bury. I really liked how Ritchie resolved the mysteries and how complex it all was.
October 26, 2020
Another cracking installment from Peter Ritchie!
I’m not sure how he manages to wow me time and time again but he’s done it again with book #4.
We meet back up with Grace, stuck behind a desk doing a job she hates (and we all knew she would!) Until she’s dangled a carrot, and it’s a carrot that’s too good to resist.
This book had me turning those pages every moment I got! I’d set off on the school run 10 minutes early so I could park up and squeeze a few more pages in, I’ve taken it to the gymnastic classes, the soft play sessions and stayed up way past my bed times just so I can see where this story takes us.
When I did actually have to put the book down my mind was still whirling at what/would going to happen.
Peter’s books are addictive so make sure to book some ‘you time’. He sends your imagination into overtime, always making you second guess your thoughts then pulling a rabbit out of the hat, leaving you wondering where the hell that curve ball came from!
If you love your reads action packed and gripping then Peter’s series is definitely for you. I’d go as far as saying this series has turned into my favourite read of 2018 and if this book is what we can expect for the rest of 2019 then us readers are in for a real treat!!
I’m not sure how he manages to wow me time and time again but he’s done it again with book #4.
We meet back up with Grace, stuck behind a desk doing a job she hates (and we all knew she would!) Until she’s dangled a carrot, and it’s a carrot that’s too good to resist.
This book had me turning those pages every moment I got! I’d set off on the school run 10 minutes early so I could park up and squeeze a few more pages in, I’ve taken it to the gymnastic classes, the soft play sessions and stayed up way past my bed times just so I can see where this story takes us.
When I did actually have to put the book down my mind was still whirling at what/would going to happen.
Peter’s books are addictive so make sure to book some ‘you time’. He sends your imagination into overtime, always making you second guess your thoughts then pulling a rabbit out of the hat, leaving you wondering where the hell that curve ball came from!
If you love your reads action packed and gripping then Peter’s series is definitely for you. I’d go as far as saying this series has turned into my favourite read of 2018 and if this book is what we can expect for the rest of 2019 then us readers are in for a real treat!!
February 8, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Peter Ritchie and I’ve got to hand it to him he had me hooked, it is one of those stories that stays on your mind and has you thinking about it and trying to guess who done what, even when i put it down i was going through all the different ways this could go. It was utterly thrilling and gripping and totally addictive to read. It definitely left me wanting to read more in the series. I loved how he explained all the Scottish slang at the end and chuckled to myself at some of them. I will definitely be adding the rest of the series to my reading list.
#MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Thrilling #NetGalley #WhereNoShadowsFall #BookBlogger #goodreads #PeterRitchie #kindle #ebooks #bookreviewer
#MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Thrilling #NetGalley #WhereNoShadowsFall #BookBlogger #goodreads #PeterRitchie #kindle #ebooks #bookreviewer
September 4, 2020
This spends as much time on the organised crime ganglords of Glasgow as it does on the police. Some of it feels credible - as it should be given the author's background - but some less so. The lead character is to me improbably perfect and, given the ending, improbably lucky perhaps. There may just be a surfeit of action. There do seem to be a number of hardened criminals desperate to unburden themselves. But things like the prison scenes felt convincing.
April 7, 2023
Grim and realistic.
No holds barred in this suspenseful drama. Lots of cheeky wee references to the times being covered; Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish football, and gangland Glasgow. Terrific read, although the audiobook version was too quiet at times, even with my iPad volume up full.
No holds barred in this suspenseful drama. Lots of cheeky wee references to the times being covered; Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish football, and gangland Glasgow. Terrific read, although the audiobook version was too quiet at times, even with my iPad volume up full.
February 14, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and opinions are my own. Very engaging story with lots of twists and turns to keep you engrossed. Taut and heart pounding. If you enjoy well written thrillers pick up this winner. Happy reading! #WhereNoShadowsFall #NetGalley
February 28, 2022
I know this series is very popular so it’s obviously me …. I found this so boring and dragged myself through until the process became to much I gave up Won’t be continuing with the series I will give this and next book in series to charity shop
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June 2, 2016I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review first appeared in Lothian Life Magazine on 3rd February 2016 (http://www.lothianlife.co.uk/2016/02/... ).
"There were people she’d never met who had to answer for their sins and at some stage she’d face them and listen to their confessions."
In Peter Ritchie’s latest crime novel, Where No Shadow Falls, Slab McMartin, head of the renowned McMartin gang of Glasgow, is in decline due to ill health. His children, Bobby, aka ‘Crazy Horse’ and Big Brenda, should be next in line to take over the family business. Unfortunately, no one trusts them, not even their father. Instead, Slab’s ‘nephew’, Tommy McMartin, seems more fitted to the role. But when Tommy is found naked in a hotel room with the mutilated body of his gay lover beside him, it’s clear that he won’t be taking over anything. In fact, he’ll be lucky to survive his prison sentence.
Supervisor Grace den Herder is meant to be taking life easy. Soon she’ll be married, and with two children in tow she can no longer afford to have her work take over her home life. When she’s given the assignment of looking into Tommy McMartin’s prison suicide, she gets in over her head. Of course, that’s just what she most enjoys, not that she’d ever admit it to her fiancé, Jack.
When Big Brenda McMartin masterminds a failed drug robbery on the Logan gang, she comes out of it with a death sentence hanging over her. Will her own men remain loyal, or will they betray her trust just like everyone else?
Where No Shadow Falls is written from multiple points of view. With an ambitious plot line and an intriguing female detective, it’s clear that Ritchie has insider knowledge of criminal policing.
This is the fourth book in the Grace den Herder series. The previous books are (in chronological order): Noble Cause, The Shortest Days of the Year, and Red Sky in the Morning.
"There were people she’d never met who had to answer for their sins and at some stage she’d face them and listen to their confessions."
In Peter Ritchie’s latest crime novel, Where No Shadow Falls, Slab McMartin, head of the renowned McMartin gang of Glasgow, is in decline due to ill health. His children, Bobby, aka ‘Crazy Horse’ and Big Brenda, should be next in line to take over the family business. Unfortunately, no one trusts them, not even their father. Instead, Slab’s ‘nephew’, Tommy McMartin, seems more fitted to the role. But when Tommy is found naked in a hotel room with the mutilated body of his gay lover beside him, it’s clear that he won’t be taking over anything. In fact, he’ll be lucky to survive his prison sentence.
Supervisor Grace den Herder is meant to be taking life easy. Soon she’ll be married, and with two children in tow she can no longer afford to have her work take over her home life. When she’s given the assignment of looking into Tommy McMartin’s prison suicide, she gets in over her head. Of course, that’s just what she most enjoys, not that she’d ever admit it to her fiancé, Jack.
When Big Brenda McMartin masterminds a failed drug robbery on the Logan gang, she comes out of it with a death sentence hanging over her. Will her own men remain loyal, or will they betray her trust just like everyone else?
Where No Shadow Falls is written from multiple points of view. With an ambitious plot line and an intriguing female detective, it’s clear that Ritchie has insider knowledge of criminal policing.
This is the fourth book in the Grace den Herder series. The previous books are (in chronological order): Noble Cause, The Shortest Days of the Year, and Red Sky in the Morning.
May 22, 2020
This seems to be the correct edition but the book I have just read features Grace Macallan rather than Grace Den Herder! This appears to be the fourth book in this series which is set in Scotland and I think I may have understood it more if I had read the earlier books. Much of this book deals with the activities of the criminals rather than with Macallan's investigation and there was also a sub-plot which simply went over my head. It's not a bad read and if I come across any of the earlier books I may give them a try.
July 11, 2019
This is a really strong series featuring Grace Macallan and book 4 is the best to date. I would recommend starting with book one in the series but this is also a stand alone. I found this very addictive, gritty and compelling to read. An extremely well written thriller which you will struggle to put down.The author is just creeping on to my favourites list! No hesitation in recommending this book and I give it 5*. My thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 4, 2019
This was an engrossing book and the plot was multi layered with varying strands which all came together in a satisfying conclusion. I did have to concentrate a little to make sure I stayed on track with all the goings on but that did not lessen my enjoyment in any way.
February 8, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Peter Ritchie and I’ve got to hand it to him he had me hooked, it is one of those stories that stays on your mind and has you thinking about it and trying to guess who done what, even when i put it down i was going through all the different ways this could go. It was utterly thrilling and gripping and totally addictive to read. It definitely left me wanting to read more in the series. I loved how he explained all the Scottish slang at the end and chuckled to myself at some of them. I will definitely be adding the rest of the series to my reading list.
#MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Thrilling #NetGalley #WhereNoShadowsFall #BookBlogger #goodreads #PeterRitchie #kindle #ebooks #bookreviewer
#MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Thrilling #NetGalley #WhereNoShadowsFall #BookBlogger #goodreads #PeterRitchie #kindle #ebooks #bookreviewer
February 10, 2019
Where No Shadows Fall # Netgalley
Interesting, gangland family although none too happy with Tommy until something happens . They soon close ranks . Grace goes to investigate having been moved off frontline policing she’s just happy to escape her 9-5 desk job. However she comes up against Tommy’s adversaries. With secrets exposed that where dead and buried. Not only was it interesting in parts it was superb read . On the whole a damnd good book. I just felt at some points, it was a bit slow. So in retrospect one minute it was slow suddenly to superb. It’s unfortunate that a few small parts did appear slow, it’s for that reason I am knocking a extra stay off. Although I would still say it’s definitely worth reading
Interesting, gangland family although none too happy with Tommy until something happens . They soon close ranks . Grace goes to investigate having been moved off frontline policing she’s just happy to escape her 9-5 desk job. However she comes up against Tommy’s adversaries. With secrets exposed that where dead and buried. Not only was it interesting in parts it was superb read . On the whole a damnd good book. I just felt at some points, it was a bit slow. So in retrospect one minute it was slow suddenly to superb. It’s unfortunate that a few small parts did appear slow, it’s for that reason I am knocking a extra stay off. Although I would still say it’s definitely worth reading
February 10, 2019
The author wrote a thriller that started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, so I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
February 14, 2019
Very engaging story with lots of plots and twists to keep you engrossed. Taut and heart pounding. If you enjoy well written thrillers pick up this winner. Happy reading!
March 18, 2019
Grisly, twisted and dark ! I enjoyed this book, I found it very interesting and it captivated my attention until late a night. I have never read a book by the author, and I was pleasantly surprised. And finding out it is a series was a bonus! Going to go and start at the first book. Thank you #netgally and the publisher for the opportunity to read the acr.
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