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Metropolis
Edinburgh, 1936. People are disappearing. The police are clueless. Can Finlay MacBeth track down the perpetrator before someone else goes missing?
Haunted by his recent past, Professor Finlay MacBeth returns to his home town to take up a new post at the university. Within hours, his reputation for solving the occasional murder prompts the police to ask for his help. Four men—seemingly unconnected—have vanished into thin air. MacBeth must find whatever it is that links the men before the kidnapper strikes again.
But the police aren’t the only ones interested in MacBeth’s activities, and the amateur sleuth soon discovers that finding the missing men is the least of his problems…
In this thriller series set in Edinburgh, Metropolis is book #1 in the Finlay MacBeth Thriller series.
Haunted by his recent past, Professor Finlay MacBeth returns to his home town to take up a new post at the university. Within hours, his reputation for solving the occasional murder prompts the police to ask for his help. Four men—seemingly unconnected—have vanished into thin air. MacBeth must find whatever it is that links the men before the kidnapper strikes again.
But the police aren’t the only ones interested in MacBeth’s activities, and the amateur sleuth soon discovers that finding the missing men is the least of his problems…
In this thriller series set in Edinburgh, Metropolis is book #1 in the Finlay MacBeth Thriller series.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Colin Garrow
51 books142 followersColin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 25, 2025
Metropolis by Colin Garrow is an atmospheric, character driven thriller that is set in Edinburgh in 1936. This is the first book in the Finley MacBeth thriller series.
When Finley MacBeth returns to his hometown to take a new position teaching at the university, he is also trying to outrun his own haunted past. Rather quickly his reputation and previous work with the police has rewarded MacBeth with the opportunity to help the police solve a baffling case. Four men, with no seemingly obvious link between them, have all disappeared with no clues and no leads. As MacBeth is trying to solve the mysterious disappearances, he comes to realize that someone has followed him to Edinburgh. But why? Can MacBeth figure out what is happening to the men in Edinburgh? And will he manage to stay one step ahead of his anonymous shadow?
This was the first book that I have read by Colin Garrow, so it took a bit to get used to the dialogue and narrative, but once I settled in I just had to know what was going on! The cases are really intriguing, trying to figure out if the men are connected and why they are being targeted. The characters had great depth and I loved how Garrow made them flawed and relatable. I am definitely interested in seeing where the Finley MacBeth series takes us next!
When Finley MacBeth returns to his hometown to take a new position teaching at the university, he is also trying to outrun his own haunted past. Rather quickly his reputation and previous work with the police has rewarded MacBeth with the opportunity to help the police solve a baffling case. Four men, with no seemingly obvious link between them, have all disappeared with no clues and no leads. As MacBeth is trying to solve the mysterious disappearances, he comes to realize that someone has followed him to Edinburgh. But why? Can MacBeth figure out what is happening to the men in Edinburgh? And will he manage to stay one step ahead of his anonymous shadow?
This was the first book that I have read by Colin Garrow, so it took a bit to get used to the dialogue and narrative, but once I settled in I just had to know what was going on! The cases are really intriguing, trying to figure out if the men are connected and why they are being targeted. The characters had great depth and I loved how Garrow made them flawed and relatable. I am definitely interested in seeing where the Finley MacBeth series takes us next!
August 16, 2025
Professor Findlay MacBeth steps off a train in 1936 Edinburgh to take up a post at the University, but the amateur sleuth soon becomes embroiled in helping the hapless police solve a series of mysterious disappearances.
Once again, Garrow delivers a well-written, easy on the eye thriller that draws in the reader and keeps them guessing until the end. Recommended to voyeurs of cleverly crafted period drama.
Once again, Garrow delivers a well-written, easy on the eye thriller that draws in the reader and keeps them guessing until the end. Recommended to voyeurs of cleverly crafted period drama.
May 25, 2025
Garrow is a new to me author and by all accounts he's a pretty good one too!
Metropolis is the first book in the Finlay MacBeth series. The series is set in 1930's Edinburgh. It's dark, disconcerting and thoroughly enjoyable.
MacBeth is a promising character and was so easy to emotionally invest in. He has a past and by all accounts it's not all rosey. I can't wait to see where the next case takes us.
I need book two already!
Metropolis is the first book in the Finlay MacBeth series. The series is set in 1930's Edinburgh. It's dark, disconcerting and thoroughly enjoyable.
MacBeth is a promising character and was so easy to emotionally invest in. He has a past and by all accounts it's not all rosey. I can't wait to see where the next case takes us.
I need book two already!
May 23, 2025
Professor Finlay MacBeth returns home to take up a teaching position at the local university. Two things become clear very quickly, First, MacBeth has previously helped the police with investigations so his reputation precedes him, and second, he’s not alone.. someone has followed him.. buy why? And for what reason.
MacBeth quickly gets drawn into a case, men are going missing but there’s no links and zero leads.. could these men have simply upped and left, or is there something more sinister afoot.. Well MacBeth will find out one way or another.
MacBeth does have that Sherlock Holmes feel about him but at the same time is certainly his own character, who has his own dark past that’s trying to catch up to him.
As MacBeth investigates his focus is distracted a lot by the man who followed him and he employees the services of a young lad to assist him with gathering information to help him. Little Johnnie was a really fun character, full of energy and just what the tale needed, he’s the perfect accompaniment to MacBeth.
The cases itself was really intriguing, the missing men, why them, where are they now, why they disappeared in the first place… all these questions get answered but it’s like a drug to the reader, being drip fed.. oh wow…not to spoil it but the motivations behind the disappearances… brilliant!
I really loved the dark tone of the story too..there’s moments you don’t see coming.
Now, MacBeth’s personal issues. As with any good character he’s flawed. His dark past is waiting to see the light of day but what Garrow did superbly was to blend both of these plots lines together, with neither overshadowing the other. It really gave some depth seeing the main character juggle things and try and move things along in the right direction without giving up his secrets.
I’m a big fan of the authors style of writing and always feel at home with their work… I know what to expect.. it’s going to be a good read no matter what.. but Garrow certainly knows how to keep upping his game, keeps the reader guessing, and continues to offer top quality, character driven plots
MacBeth quickly gets drawn into a case, men are going missing but there’s no links and zero leads.. could these men have simply upped and left, or is there something more sinister afoot.. Well MacBeth will find out one way or another.
MacBeth does have that Sherlock Holmes feel about him but at the same time is certainly his own character, who has his own dark past that’s trying to catch up to him.
As MacBeth investigates his focus is distracted a lot by the man who followed him and he employees the services of a young lad to assist him with gathering information to help him. Little Johnnie was a really fun character, full of energy and just what the tale needed, he’s the perfect accompaniment to MacBeth.
The cases itself was really intriguing, the missing men, why them, where are they now, why they disappeared in the first place… all these questions get answered but it’s like a drug to the reader, being drip fed.. oh wow…not to spoil it but the motivations behind the disappearances… brilliant!
I really loved the dark tone of the story too..there’s moments you don’t see coming.
Now, MacBeth’s personal issues. As with any good character he’s flawed. His dark past is waiting to see the light of day but what Garrow did superbly was to blend both of these plots lines together, with neither overshadowing the other. It really gave some depth seeing the main character juggle things and try and move things along in the right direction without giving up his secrets.
I’m a big fan of the authors style of writing and always feel at home with their work… I know what to expect.. it’s going to be a good read no matter what.. but Garrow certainly knows how to keep upping his game, keeps the reader guessing, and continues to offer top quality, character driven plots
March 28, 2025
I’ve read most of Colin Garrow’s many books. I’ve enjoyed every one of them as I know his writing style like the back of my hand. Metropolis has everything I expected to find in one of his thrillers: humour, great characters, thrills and spills, vivid descriptions, and credible dialogue. Set in Edinburgh in 1936, this exciting, atmospheric first book in the Finlay MacBeth thriller series didn’t disappoint.
Several of the author’s previous books used mostly Scottish dialogue, so I had no problem understanding what the characters were saying in Metropolis. A glossary is in the book for any words the reader might struggle with.
Professor MacBeth investigates the mysterious disappearance of several men and finds himself involved with several interesting characters as he struggles to solve the puzzle. I particularly enjoyed MacBeth’s interactions with a cheeky youth called Johnnie Mack. Landlady Mrs Blackie is another intriguing character who I hope will appear in book two of the series when the author eventually writes it. I’ll be disappointed if more books in the Finlay MacBeth series fail to appear. I thoroughly recommend Metropolis and give it a well-deserved five stars.
Several of the author’s previous books used mostly Scottish dialogue, so I had no problem understanding what the characters were saying in Metropolis. A glossary is in the book for any words the reader might struggle with.
Professor MacBeth investigates the mysterious disappearance of several men and finds himself involved with several interesting characters as he struggles to solve the puzzle. I particularly enjoyed MacBeth’s interactions with a cheeky youth called Johnnie Mack. Landlady Mrs Blackie is another intriguing character who I hope will appear in book two of the series when the author eventually writes it. I’ll be disappointed if more books in the Finlay MacBeth series fail to appear. I thoroughly recommend Metropolis and give it a well-deserved five stars.
May 25, 2025
Suspense, regret, and danger, all a part of Finlay MacBeth's life in Metropolis. His notoriety comes from a case he helped to solve in London, then another that brought him regret and haunts his nights.
I enjoyed this thriller and the suspense of who the police were looking for was hidden very well, until closer to the end. I had an inkling of what the reasons were behind the disappearances mid way through, but I didn't have clue as to the who until later. I enjoy reading a thriller or mystery that keeps you wondering, guessing, and thinking throughout the story. This story did that. I enjoyed the characters and the plot of this book.
This was my first read of Colin Garrow, but I would pick up one his books again to read. I like his writing style and his character building. While I'm not a big reader on historical or past stories, this one was an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this thriller and the suspense of who the police were looking for was hidden very well, until closer to the end. I had an inkling of what the reasons were behind the disappearances mid way through, but I didn't have clue as to the who until later. I enjoy reading a thriller or mystery that keeps you wondering, guessing, and thinking throughout the story. This story did that. I enjoyed the characters and the plot of this book.
This was my first read of Colin Garrow, but I would pick up one his books again to read. I like his writing style and his character building. While I'm not a big reader on historical or past stories, this one was an enjoyable read.
May 30, 2025
This is the first historical mystery I read by Colin Garrow and I wanted to join the blog tour just after reading the blurb.
My gut were right as this is an excellent historical mystery set in Edimburgh during the 30s. Finlay McBeth is a complex and clever characters, he grew on me and I'm sure I'm ready to read another mystery featuring him.
A gripping, dark, and twisty story that kept me hooked and reading even when I was tired and Morpheus was calling.
If you love Tartan Noir this is the right book to read
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Colin Garrow and RAchel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
My gut were right as this is an excellent historical mystery set in Edimburgh during the 30s. Finlay McBeth is a complex and clever characters, he grew on me and I'm sure I'm ready to read another mystery featuring him.
A gripping, dark, and twisty story that kept me hooked and reading even when I was tired and Morpheus was calling.
If you love Tartan Noir this is the right book to read
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Colin Garrow and RAchel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews