Blood on Old Stones: Book 23 in the Sunday Times bestselling DSI William Lorimer series

DCI Lorimer #23

by Alex Gray

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES

'Move over Rebus' DAILY MAIL
'One of the best' LITERARY REVIEW
'Immensely exciting and atmospheric' ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH
'Few have matched the sustained quality of her output' THE TIMES
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The wildest places often conceal the darkest secrets...

DSI William Lorimer never expected that the next time he'd visit the Isle of Mull - where he and his wife, Maggie, have often wandered its windswept coasts and picturesque lochs - it would be for the funeral of an old friend.

Mary Grant's sudden heart attack was a shock to the small community on the island, but Lorimer has no reason to suspect foul play, until he is approached at the funeral by one of Mary's closest friends. She is convinced there was more to Mary's death than meets the eye. And when she, too, dies in a sudden accident, Lorimer finds himself investigating a double murder.

Mull is a place of spectacular beauty and characterful towns, but Lorimer knows that even here old secrets can resurface, resentments can run deep, and evil can lurk undetected.

Genres: Crime

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2026

About the author

Alex Gray was born and educated in Glasgow. She worked as a folk singer, a visiting officer in the DSS and an English teacher. She has been awarded the Scottish Association of Writers Constable and Pitlochry trophies for her crime writing.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always a racing read. A little disappointed that Solly and Rosie have disappeared over the last few books and molly and Daniel have stepped in. The story is based on Mull with lots of intrigue and swift changes. Two deaths, two burglaries and a coshing over the head so lots of drama. Some unfinished ends, what happened to Darinda the journalist who played a prominent role in most of the story but disappeared towards the end? A good read did not disappoint and the character of Lorimer remains true to his origins a sound judge and sniffs out anomalies. I think the series is becoming a tad tired but a page turning book and much loved series

[Anna Kucharska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

I have so much enjoyed reading this series, I haven’t been able to put this latest one down. Quite apart from the intriguing crimes, I love the descriptions of the island, such a lovely description of place.
I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next one. No pressure……!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often I take a genuine dislike to a character, but I found myself quietly cheering when the poisonous gossip got bumped on the head 😂
As always, a good tale with Lorimer showing his usual insights. Unfortunately I guessed the killer very early on but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the unfolding story

[Susanmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great addition to the series and hopefully a next book soon. Love the fact these books all in locations I no

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series.

[Roger Boorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

recently finished

I have read all the books in the Lorimar series and this is as good as any of the previous books. Thank you Alex

[Gerry Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong novel

As always twist and turns to keep you hooked although I decided who the killer was quite early in the story

[Sue Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful evocation of place despite the murders. I loved this book and escaped happily into it. So well written and informative.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Love this series

[Nicola Ferry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

[Michael S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unremarkable police murder mystery set on the islands of Scotland. An ok read, not a book you'll remember reading.

[Caroline McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab book from Alex in the Lorimer series. It was nice to have a change from Glasgow and enjoying the characters of Daniel and Molly.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 ⭐️
Review to follow