Der Tote am Storr: Ein Misty-Isle-Krimi 2

Misty Isle #2

by J.M. Dalgliesh

Die Vergangenheit holt jeden ein ... und ist tödlich ...

Als der Besitzer einer Galerie in Portree am Fuß des Storr tot im Schnee aufgefunden wird, müssen DI Duncan McAdam und sein kleines Team herausfinden, warum er dort war ... und wer ein Motiv hatte, ihn zu ermorden.

Ein ehrgeiziger Mann, dem die Herzen der Frauen zufliegen, liefert Leuten genug Gründe, um wegzusehen, sollte ihm etwas zustoßen ... und viele würden ihn nur allzu gerne selbst ins Jenseits befördern.

Während Duncan die Geheimnisse dieses Mannes zu Tage fördert, holen ihn die Geister seiner eigenen Vergangenheit ein. Die Ermittlungen führen ihn und sein Team auf einen lebensgefährlichen Pfad, und Duncan selbst muss sich seiner Vergangenheit stellen ... ob es ihm gefällt oder nicht ...

Der Tote am Storr ist das zweite Buch der neuen Krimiserie auf der wunderschönen schottischen Isle of Skye, der Misty Isle, des britischen Bestseller-Autors von Amazon – J. M. Dalgliesh, dem Autor der Hidden-Norfolk-Serie.

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

Audible Audio

First published November 19, 2023

About the author

Jason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.

He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.

The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.

Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.

Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.

You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com

You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire

Reviews

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-Stars for (Misty Isle #2) The Dead Man of Storr -
"I Really Liked It!"
This was another entertaining police-procedural from J.M. Dagliesh's Misty Isle series, superbly narrated by Angus King. DI Duncan McAdam's return from the Mainland to The Isle of Skye police force is peppered with his ever-increasing (and mutual) interest in Becky, the love of his teenage life fifteen years earlier. Becky is married and can behave in an annoying, demanding manner, well to me anyway. It is not difficult to recognise that complications are likely to develop, and they do.

The story of the dead man found on The Old Man of Storr and identified as a local professional photographer turned painter, develops well and is a captivating mystery. I have never been good at an early determination of the actual culprit(s) in murder mysteries and I failed this time as well. However, the final resolution was interesting and made this audiobook a very enjoyable listening experience, enhanced by the excellent narrating skills of Scotsman, Angus King.

Originally I had "Misty Isle #3 - The Talisker Dead" cued up ready to go as soon as I finished "The Dead Man of Storr", but in an effort to catch up on other books on my "Currently Reading" shelf, I deferred starting The Talisker Dead for a few days. Unsatisfactory listening to two books from this shelf will see me back to The Isle of Skye tonight, March 30!

Extracts from my Listening Activity:

March 24, 2025 @ 05%: "I enjoyed "Misty Isle #1, A Long Time Dead" so much that I have moved on to "#2, The Dead Man of Storr" immediately!"

March 25, 2025 @ 35%: "I'm loving the Scots dialects language - for example, I knew what "bairns" were, and therefore I knew what "wee bairns" were, but I struggled a little with “the weans” before realizing it was "the wee'uns"! 😄"

March 27, 2025 @ 77%: "As the story rattles along and the mystery deepens, I am still no closer to guessing who the culprit(s) is or are, or even who was or were murdered! Quite enjoyable, although Becky can be a bit painful - IOW: just as she is intended to be! All thoroughly enhanced by the reading of Angus King!"

March 28, 2025 @ 99%: A thoroughly entertaining Misty Isle mystery! Review, etc, to come 🤩!!"

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angus King could narrate an Insurance Disclosure, and I'd love it!

The Isle of Skye is a fantastic setting—atmospheric and eerie, and the crummy weather and superstitious locals (who all know each other) add to the context. An unexpected ending added to the twisty plot rounded off a great Book Two. The case balances forensic work, police procedures, good old-fashioned intuition and interviews (think old-style British crime writing - a little slower but entirely authentic).

Readers learn more about DI Duncan's backstory (family, ex-partner, and complex issues) and why he is reluctant to be back on the island. The characters keep getting more depth and are interesting themselves.

I listened to this on Audible, and Angus King is fantastic!

[Lewis Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent crime story ... filled with interesting characters ... Dalgliesh is a consistently good read

[Pogo Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh goodness, I wanted to like this book so much more than I did, but it really was a bit of a slog.

Identikit characters - there are ... erm ... some junior police officers around, several of them. Three or four, but really I can't remember at this point and couldn't keep track of them while I was reading. One of them likes crisps, one is female and one is called Ronald McDonald, but other than that they may as well have been the same person.

The emotional complication from a couple of decades earlier in the main character's past varies between slightly and incredibly annoying. Every time they lurch up into the action I brace for more tedium, and it is so very very predictable that the whole sub 'plot' feels competely by the numbers.

Oh, my 16 year old son who just wrecked a car he was driving illegally nearly killing his sister? He's your son. No I never mentioned it and no I don't want you to do anything about it. Or something. I loathe the trope of 'here's a baby, therefore you have to be emotionally invested' which I percieve as the height of lazy writing. This is just so much worse. Duncan (or is it Daniel? I think the main character is Duncan) mooning about over the wildly annoying 'Bex' reads to me as more of this lazy way of building easy emotional hooks into a book. It doesn't work. Unless the characters are actually realised and the reader cares about them then the investment isn't there. Add in somewhat estranged sister and mother with dementia and I've pretty much filled my 'oh for goodness sake stop it!' Bingo card

[Clover · Rating 1 out of 5]

"The Dead Man of Storr," the second book in a series set on Scotland's Isle of Skye by J M Dalgliesh, presents a tale of mystery and unresolved pasts. The plot centres around D.I. Duncan McAdam as he investigates the death of a gallery owner found in the snow at the foot of the Storr. As McAdam delves into the victim's life, full of ambition and flirtatious tendencies, he uncovers a multitude of potential enemies and secrets.

Set against the backdrop of the atmospheric Misty Isle, the story promises intrigue and suspense.
However, this particular novel falls short in a few key areas. The pacing is slow, taking considerable time to reach the core of the mystery. The characters, including the central figures, lack depth and likability, making it challenging for me to connect with them. The culmination of these elements led to an overall experience that wasn't engaging.

I found the book lacked the necessary elements to keep me thoroughly invested.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book sited on Isle of Skye holds the interest and has multiple plot threads of interest leading to a successful solve for D. I. Duncan McAdam. The challenging weather and sites are major characters in this story of multi-layered challenges. The successful conclusion brings a smile as our man Duncan cannot be fooled.

Kindle Unlimited

[Abigail Barthee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mystery itself was good but the character of Becky does my head in and it honestly throws the entire book off for me.

[Sandra McCourt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure about this second book either. The characters are good but the storyline needs a lot of work. The descriptions of the islands makes me think I would know where I was if I was dumped there . But I guess there wasn’t enough to keep me gripped. I’m sure it’s a work in progress and there is lots of potential but it’s not quite there yet

[Ed Napiorkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is OK, and I an enjoying them overall, (especially after having visited Scotland the areas where the books are based) but it's not stunning.
The elements are mostly there it's just not as compelling as some of the other series I have read and I'll admit I find the lead DCI less than inspirational. Not so much missing the clues, but just not following through with what appears pretty straighforward.
There is obviously a lot going on behind the scenes so to speak and I can see that being drawn along as the series continues. Even that and the way it is played out is less than engaging. Perthaps I'm just frustrated with the lack of pace?
I rated this book as 3 stars and yes it's time for a break from the series for me.

[Dee (readaholic_dee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Misty Isle Series and it was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it has a lot going on and I like how it all comes together.

Good to get to know the characters more and see how they all work together. I love the little bits of banter as it makes the whole story seem real.

The descriptive narrative of the area is amazing, it really does make me feel like I know the islands.

Brilliant second book now I am off to read the third.

Happy Reading.

[Lavins · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Excellent 2nd book in this series!!!
So so so good!!!

Action packed book with plenty of cliff hangers.
I loved the humor!! Sooo so much!
The other aspect that is developed even more is the characters back story and their evolving stories. It gets better and better and the book is finishing on a mysterious note. I can hardly wait to read the next one!!

[Giana Bender · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This book was slower than the first, but it did pick up in pace towards the end. There were a lot of suspicious occurrences throughout, but it took a while for it to all start coming together.

This one had a few issues for me. Duncan's relationship with his sister and mom were briefly mentioned at the beginning, and then never again. Him wanting to work on repairing those relationships was focused on in book 1, and they were not part of this one at all. He has a little spat with his brother in law, and that's about it, which leads you to thinking that Duncan hasn't changed all that much in regard to his family. He also started off working on repairs to the family croft so he can make it habitable, but then that is never mentioned again either. There were not loose ends regarding the mystery, but there are a ton of loose ends regarding the external plot lines in this one.

I liked the character of Becky in the first book, and thought that there was a lot of potential for her relationship with Duncan to develop. In this one, she became pretty unlikable for me. She was so back and forth, telling Duncan she had to talk to him right now, and then changing her mind and leaving. Either tell him what you want to say or don't, but quit dragging it out. Once or twice is fine, but it was too much. I also don't understand why she would keep having his child a secret for all these years. She didn't tell him because she felt guilty, she told him because her son was in legal trouble and she thought Duncan knowing the truth might help him get out of it. It was a very selfish motivation for telling the truth. I don't know how Duncan would be able to trust her in the long run, hopefully he continues to look elsewhere for a relationship. Duncan hooking up with Grace was another loose end, we never hear about her after that one night at all. Overall, I understand that Becky is in an abusive relationship, but her history of questionable decisions/behaviors started long before the abuse.

Once questions started coming up about Lorna, I had a feeling that she was not who she said she was, and was actually the one painting, not Sandy. I wish we got a little more concrete information about exactly how Sandy was killed. Having this mystery turn out to be part of a much larger crime ring was fun, and it gave Agnus a chance to shine with his research skills. I just think it got a little messy at the end when Lorna was explaining how she had to kill everyone in self defense.

As for Archie - I am just waiting for the book when he is arrested and Duncan can't bail him out. Between the drinking, unemployment, poaching, being shot at, etc. I don't understand why Duncan is enabling him. He does call him in to help with some terrain navigation, but I feel like someone else could have served that role and it was an excuse to make Archie more redeemable of a character. It did not make sense to involve a layperson in a police matter so heavily.

[Abigail Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Misty Isle series. It sees the return of DI Duncan McAdam who is pulled into a case when the dead body of a local gallery owner is found at the foot of the Storr. Is this a tragic accident where a man has fallen to his death, or is this a clever murder disguised as an accident? As Duncan finds out more about Sandy’s life, he becomes more convinced it is a murder, but with the man being so disliked the list of potential suspects is too high to count. Will Duncan find out who killed Sandy, or will it forever be a mystery?

I liked this plot, albeit not as much as the one in book one. It was still filled with a lot of twists and I liked how we got to see more of Becky and people from Duncan’s past. I felt like this book helped a reader to know Duncan’s character a lot better and he is coming across as very likeable! Particularly at the end when he defends Becky. If anything, I preferred the character building in the book to the story.

The reason I’m not giving this a five star rating is because some of the twists I saw coming a mile away and the pacing was a bit slower than the first book. For example, (SPOILERS AHEAD) when Duncan had a knock on his door when he was with Grace I knew it would be Becky, and I had figured out Callum was Duncan’s child before the reveal. I like to be surprised with my crime books, so it left me slightly underwhelmed when I was able to do a lot of accurate guesswork. I also didn’t like that the book ended without all of the answers… I know some cases don’t end with satisfying conclusions, but it annoyed me that we don’t truly know for certain who killed Sandy.

Overall, a great murder mystery that holds your focus and makes you want to find out more about the characters and their relationships in future books.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series set on the Isle of Skye ticks off all my boxes for an engaging and interesting murder mystery. The setting on Skye is perfect - atmospheric, great places to find bodies and explore, crappy weather and old-fashioned and superstitious locals. The murder plot is convoluted and I did not guess what was going to happen until the end. Good job. The case is a good combination of procedures, forensics and old-time intuition and interviews. It was a little slow at times but American audiences are too impatient with the 1-hour murder cases on TV. Investigations take time and there are lots of false leads and dead ends along the way. Having a population of locals that know everybody and everywhere helps the police too, as does the local knowledge of DI Duncan who has reluctantly returned to the island. More of his backstory and his interactions with his family and old girlfriend is making it more interesting. The plot thickens! I would love to have more information about the other detectives emerge in future books since they are varied and their stories could make the plot richer still. I listened on Audible, and of course Angus King nails it! He is the best

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

such poor writing

Decent enough story. Drawn out way too long. Too much description of the scenery and the grammar was awful. Tense changes, run-on sentences. Messed up pronoun referents.

[Sunny Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm becoming a big fan of Dalgliesh and look forward to checking out his other series once I'm finished with this one.

[Anja Nicolaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely do like this series: another suspenseful mystery in this book, and an ongoing, good story arch in the background, with believable characters and a lot of local colour.

[Paulo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the series, another enjoyable read and starts to develop the main characters even further.
A few good plot twists

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this novel. I am enjoying the narration by Angus King. He sounds to me like a Scot!

This was an interesting mystery, but what I like best about Dalgliesh’s novels is the character development. Duncan McAdam, along with many of the officers and along with the persons in his civilian life, are believable characters.

The Isle of Skye is a strongly realized setting — the peaks, the crofts, the lonely seaside locales. The setting is important to the action.

[Michelle Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue took me two readings, and a day of pondering to figure out how it fit into the story. My brain hurt so much and then it hit me like a ton of bricks when I finally got it.

That was either very clever and tricky or a poorly written and fleshed out connection to the story. Not sure.

This one was a bit slower for me than the first book in this series, but I was listening while trying to deal with heat sickness...unfortunately trying to visualize myself with DI McAdam and co. in the frigid temps of Scotland did not help cool me off.

I totally saw the twist in Duncan's personal life coming a mile away. And I'm here for it.

[Jim E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series is a good read. The weather on Skye is painted so well. The characters are likable for the most part. Duncan seems lost in his personal life and can be very quick to act without thinking things through. On the professional side, he is much more controlled.

[David McNinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series getting to know Duncan and the other characters in Skye. Nice pace and good storyline. Maybe a little predictable but written well that it doesn’t make a difference to its enjoyment.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first. I felt there was a lot of padding. Story wasn't intriguing

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoy reading about the Isle of Skye, this series is 4 stars for me. It is a well done mystery as well, with a damaged primary character and a bit dark storyline.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend has been raving recently about JM Dagleish, which was the prompt I needed to listen to the second in the Misty Isle series, especially since I had enjoyed the first book.
This time Duncan is called to the discovery of a dead man on a snowy hiking trail. A photographer, it’s initially unclear if he just fell to his death or there was something more sinister at play. It turns out the man had a rather complicated life - a way with the ladies, including some married ones, a lot of debt, questionable business dealings.
This is a slow burn of a police procedural. There are numerous leads to track down, individuals to be interviewed, forensic evidence to be researched. It’s a team effort and we get to know each member. There are lots of moving parts to keep track of and I enjoyed the complicated plot. I will admit to having a feel for some of what was behind the crime but I didn’t see that ending coming.
Dagleish does an excellent job of giving you a feel for the territory, with the harsh weather, especially when out on the trails. But also that whole small island, everyone knows everyone feeling and it’s hard to keep anything a secret. There are some great secondary characters that help round out the story.
Dagleish provides the reader with a heavy dose of Duncan’s personal life, which becomes even more complicated in this book. I’m not crazy about the direction this is taking.
While this is the second in the series, I feel it could be read as a standalone.
Angus King does a fabulous job narrating the audiobook.

[Lucy Lillianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velice příjemný návrat k detektivovi Duncanovi a na skotský ostrov. Tentokrát se tu pohybujeme na začátku zimy, takže celkovou atmosféru pátrání ještě okoření neustále padající sníh, zima, výpadky elektřiny a celkový pocit místa na konci světa.

Kniha je velice dobře napsaná, neskutečně čtivá, takže ji zvládnete přečíst na jeden zátah. Na rozdíl od mnohých jiných je vyprávění dost přímočaré, zvládne se zabývat případem, ale i osobním životem některých postav. Bez nějakého mlžení a zbytečného protahování. K tomu příjemné prostředí, lidé, co se znají celé věky a nějaká tajemství na pozadí. Prostě klasika.

Mám ráda, když se autoři umí vyjádřit a dostanou všechno důležité na tři sta stránek. Když nemají potřebu se vypisovat na šest stovek a více, neuměle protahovat děj a plýtvat slovy (například takový Cormoran Strike, toho mám strašně ráda, ale někdy bych klidně i třetinu proškrtala). Tady všechno funguje jak má, přestože je kniha spíše taková jednohubka. Nemrknete a zjistíte, že jste za polovinou a pořád vás to bude nutit pokračovat. Ani chvíle nudy.

Tahle série se dostává do mojí topky detektivek a už se moc těším na pokračování. Nejraději bych se do něj hned pustila, ale chvíli si budu muset počkat...

[Nancy]

When the owner of a Portree gallery is found dead, lying in the snow at the foot of the Storr, D.I. Duncan McAdam and his small team must piece together what took him there... and who had a reason to kill him.

The deceased had many friends, and even more enemies. A man with a flirtatious eye and no lack of ambition, there is no shortage of people who, at best, would turn a blind eye if something happened to him, and at worst... would willingly kill him themselves.

As Duncan reveals the long-held secrets of the man's life, he finds the ghosts of his own past coming back to haunt him. The course of the investigation will not only bring others into danger, but Duncan himself will have to face his own past... whether he likes it or not...

The Dead Man of Storr is the second book in a new series of mysteries set on Scotland's atmospheric Isle of Skye, the Misty Isle, by the multi-million bestselling British crime writer, J M Dalgliesh, the author of the Hidden Norfolk and Dark Yorkshire books.

Great.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again a full on murder mystery, who knew Skye was so exciting a place. We find DI McAdam dealing with a murder investigation whilst trying to sort out his personal life. There is little doubt that his personal life is a mess and plays a significant part in the telling of this tale.

The backdrop to the story is of course Skye, the location, the weather and the people or add to the favour of the story. The fact that the author includes the accent and dialect from the area though the characters adds still more authenticity to the telling.

This is a very good complex story and as always very well written. The thing I like most is the characterisation and the interactions, especially between McAdam and his team. You can see the relationship building throughout especially with DS MacEachran. The mannerisms and speech used by J.M.Dalgliesh to enrich his characters has always been my favourite part of his books, and this is no exception. Whilst the current case is always important to the story (obviously) it is the characters that keep you as the reader hooked. This murder investigation is over but the characters will move forward, and as the reader I will follow them into the tale.

Highly recommended.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dead Man of Storr - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

J.M Dalgliesh presents The Dead Man of Storr, his second murder-mystery in the excellent Misty Isles series.
Who was responsible for the sudden death of the eponymous victim, local photographer and nationally acclaimed artist, Sandy Beaton?
Was it really just a tragic accident?

D.I Duncan MacAdam and his D.S, Alistair MacEachran, soon realise there's skulduggery afoot, and both must struggle against extreme weather conditions and reluctant witnesses, to reveal the unexpected truth amongst the secrets revealed and misleading lies they're fed.

A thrilling denouement amidst snowbound clifftops sees Duncan's personal life become complicated, before he and Alistair must risk their lives to conclude a murder spree in the depths of an island winter.
Guaranteed to grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, get your copy of The Dead Man of Storr by J.M.Dalgliesh right away!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye is beautiful and dangerous

It is not the place to go for a sunny wee walk on the pretty hills. Twenty minutes the sun goes away, twenty later at starts to drizzle. Have you turned back yet? No. You’ll be freezing in the blinding snow. You did let someone know you were going up the wee hill, yes? No…if you know what a bothy is just hope you find one in time.
J M Dalgliesh paints the pictures of his settings with an eye for perfectionism that readers could use as a map, a best beers book…no Belhaven…and a warning guide for stupid tourists.
In amongst all of this there is international fraud, forgery, money laundering, poaching and quite a lot of murders.
I have read all of his books and every one gets better. Many new authors hit a plateau at three or five. I recall thinking that of Ian Rankin. Got him wrong too. Keep them coming Jason!