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DCI Lorimer #17
When Shadows Fall
When DCI Lorimer's old friend and colleague is shot dead, he is devastated by the loss. But things go from bad to worse when two more ex-cops are shot, professionally and without a trace. It soon becomes clear that someone is picking off ex-policemen, but DCI Lorimer and the team are struggling to find a link between the victims. And while Lorimer is hunting the killer, someone is hunting him . . .
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About the author
Alex Gray
88 books346 followersAlex 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 9, 2020
This is the latest addition in Alex Gray's Detective Superintendent William Lorimer series that I dip into every now and then, based in Glasgow. There is a strong focus on the families, marriages and relationships that have developed over time, but with little on the whole in the way of strife, conflict, competitive rivalries, traumas, or addictions common in crime fiction. In this well plotted story, it all begins with a landscape gardener, Joseph Alexander Flynn, friend of Lorimer, working in a well to do client's garden, when he shockingly digs up a skull and remains of a long dead corpse shot in the head. This brings Lorimer to the scene and the beginnings of the cold case team painstakingly trying to figure out the identity of the victim and what happened to him , with the only clue that his poor diet and its effects suggesting the possibility of someone who had been in prison.
Lorimer and Police Scotland have more trouble heading their way that is to culminate in stress, chaos and terror that they could never have forseen. It starts with the shooting dead in his garden of Lorimer's well respected and admired boss, George Phillips, now retired. Lorimer is left reeling, wondering who would want to kill George? He has scarcely taken this in, when another retired police officer in another part of the Scotland, ex-DI Stephen McAlpine, is gunned down. Two separate investigations are set up, when the news comes in that both men had been shot with the same gun. With no leads or any evidence, the police are left scrambling, the hits have been professional, and fear spreads amongst the police force when a current DC Sharon Carson, a member of Lorimer's MIT team is shot dead on her doorstep. There are differences and anomalies in Sharon's murder, but the killing of other retired police officers continues as the case comes under Lorimer's MIT team. It is the input of Professor Solly Brightman that begins to give them an inkling to where the truth might lie.
Alex Gray's great crime fiction series is one you can pick up at any stage and not feel lost, you can soon pick up where the characters are. In this complex, intriguing and tense storytelling, the connections between the cold case killing, and the present day shooting spree targeting retired police officers will begin to put the MIT team on the road to unmasking the 'Big Man', the organising mastermind behind the nightmare police murders. One of my favourite threads is the relationship between an older cancer-afflicted bad man and inmate of Barlinnie prison, John Ramsey, and the Reverend Donald Petrie, the non-judgemental chaplain, the unexpected and surprising path Ramsey's life takes, illustrating that redemption and salvation is not always out of reach. This is a wonderful crime read where I enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters caught up in a humdinger of a case. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
Lorimer and Police Scotland have more trouble heading their way that is to culminate in stress, chaos and terror that they could never have forseen. It starts with the shooting dead in his garden of Lorimer's well respected and admired boss, George Phillips, now retired. Lorimer is left reeling, wondering who would want to kill George? He has scarcely taken this in, when another retired police officer in another part of the Scotland, ex-DI Stephen McAlpine, is gunned down. Two separate investigations are set up, when the news comes in that both men had been shot with the same gun. With no leads or any evidence, the police are left scrambling, the hits have been professional, and fear spreads amongst the police force when a current DC Sharon Carson, a member of Lorimer's MIT team is shot dead on her doorstep. There are differences and anomalies in Sharon's murder, but the killing of other retired police officers continues as the case comes under Lorimer's MIT team. It is the input of Professor Solly Brightman that begins to give them an inkling to where the truth might lie.
Alex Gray's great crime fiction series is one you can pick up at any stage and not feel lost, you can soon pick up where the characters are. In this complex, intriguing and tense storytelling, the connections between the cold case killing, and the present day shooting spree targeting retired police officers will begin to put the MIT team on the road to unmasking the 'Big Man', the organising mastermind behind the nightmare police murders. One of my favourite threads is the relationship between an older cancer-afflicted bad man and inmate of Barlinnie prison, John Ramsey, and the Reverend Donald Petrie, the non-judgemental chaplain, the unexpected and surprising path Ramsey's life takes, illustrating that redemption and salvation is not always out of reach. This is a wonderful crime read where I enjoyed catching up with the familiar characters caught up in a humdinger of a case. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
November 9, 2025
This excellent Scottish crime novel is the 17th volume of the amazing and human "DSI Lorimer" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find two phrases, one from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring", and one from Isiah 1:18.
At the end you'll notice within the Acknowledgements experts who contributed to make this book a very well researched crime novel.
Storytelling is fabulous, all characters come vividly to life in this story about revenge, retribution, redemption and murder, and all this is brought to us in a most realistic and believable fashion.
The book starts off with the assassination of an ex-police officer, George Phillips, and after this killing more deaths will follow of ex-police officers, but one killing of a still serving woman police officer will stand out as a random action and treated as such.
The killings of ex-police officers are coming from a list which has been set up by the Big Man, who's a notorious inmate of HMP Barlinnie, and the last murder is to be committed by a very sick and old man named, John Ramsay, and with Lorimer as his target, but what will happen eventually will feature in a superbly conscientious plot and result in a most successful ending in all aspects.
Highly recommended, for this is a marvellous addition to this brilliant realistic series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Redeeming Sequel"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find two phrases, one from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring", and one from Isiah 1:18.
At the end you'll notice within the Acknowledgements experts who contributed to make this book a very well researched crime novel.
Storytelling is fabulous, all characters come vividly to life in this story about revenge, retribution, redemption and murder, and all this is brought to us in a most realistic and believable fashion.
The book starts off with the assassination of an ex-police officer, George Phillips, and after this killing more deaths will follow of ex-police officers, but one killing of a still serving woman police officer will stand out as a random action and treated as such.
The killings of ex-police officers are coming from a list which has been set up by the Big Man, who's a notorious inmate of HMP Barlinnie, and the last murder is to be committed by a very sick and old man named, John Ramsay, and with Lorimer as his target, but what will happen eventually will feature in a superbly conscientious plot and result in a most successful ending in all aspects.
Highly recommended, for this is a marvellous addition to this brilliant realistic series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Redeeming Sequel"!
June 27, 2020
While only having read the first book in the Glasgow-based Lorimer series by Alex Gray, I was happy to dive into this seventeenth installment anyway. Despite this, WHEN SHADOWS FALL works well as a standalone crime thriller that is no nonsense and makes a pleasant change from all the angst in everyone's lives found in other series.
When gardener, Joseph Flynn, uncovers human remains in the grounds of the estate in which he is working, he immediately calls up his old pal Detective Superintendent Lorimer. Scenes of crime are called as are uniform to cordon off the area and when the remains appear to be decades old with a bullet hole through the skull, Lorimer pays a vist to the scene. The skeletal remains predate the new owners moving in but the question remains why are they buried here and more importantly, whose remains are they?
Meanwhile, Lorimer receives the devastating news that his former boss and and close friend , ex-DSI George Phillips, has been shot dead in his own garden. A clean silent kill, it appears to be a professional hit but Phillips was a well respected officer now enjoying retirement - who would want him dead? With no forensics and no clear motive, Lorimer leaves the local police to investigate.
But when other retired police officers are killed in apparent professional hits, as the head of Police Scotland's MIT Lorimer is forced to take over the investigations. Then when ballistics return a match for all murders, including the decades old remains found buried in an affluent garden, Lorimer faces his toughest case yet in trying to track down the gun and the killer or killers responsible.
Then current serving DC Sharon Carson, a member of Lorimer's team, is shot on her doorstep on Halloween, changing the patterns of the murders. Is this the same gunman or an entirely different crime by someone else?
Throughout the story we also meet John Ramsay, who is currently coming to the end of his 15 year stretch in Glasgow's Barlinnie prison. He has lead a long life of crime, his last resulting in the death of someone during an armed robbery. Whilst in prison he has been questioning whether there is redemption for someone like him, having been diagnosed with lung cancer with just a few more months left. He has struck up an unlikely friendship with the prison chaplain Douglas Petrie, whom he calls the Padre. Their conversations show the Padre that Ramsay is facing an inner struggle he doesn't know what to do with. And knowing that he is soon to be released, the padre gives him the name of a church and priest where he can seek comfort on the outside. But Ramsay faces an even bigger challenge...he has been singled out to make one last hit upon his release.
The plotting throughout is clever and intricate with readers aware of "the Big Man" orchestrating events with no idea who he is or how he is doing it. There is honestly never a dull moment as the narrative switches perspectives throwing in multiple twists to throw us off the scent.
I love Lorimer and I really don't know why I haven't read more of the series...probably the fact I have so many on my TBR list as it is...but I love how there is no angst between the ranks or drunken detectives seeing life through the bottom of a pint glass. I love how Lorimer is happily married to Maggie who has been by his side throughout the series, playing her own important role as not just a housewife but a teacher and children's author. I also like Professor Solomon Brightman's (Solly) input into the case throughout, while small in part, is paramount to the story. I also notice that Solly has married pathologist Rosie and they now have two children. While I haven't read the other fifteen books in between and have missed Lorimer's transition from DCI to DSI, the thing about this series is that each book can be read as a standalone.
A brilliant tale from start to finish, WHEN SHADOWS FALL is fiendishly plotted with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing while at the same time whetting our appetites for more.
Cleverly constructed, WHEN SHADOWS FALL is an atmospheric read that will make readers seek out the rest of the series, if they haven't already done so. It is one that all Scottish crime thriller fans will love and I thoroughly recommend not just this book...but the entire series!
I thoroughly enjoyed WHEN SHADOWS FALL, just as much as the first, and look forward to reading more of Lorimer in the future.
I would like to thank #AlexGray, #NetGalley and #Sphere for an ARC of #WhenShadowsFall in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When gardener, Joseph Flynn, uncovers human remains in the grounds of the estate in which he is working, he immediately calls up his old pal Detective Superintendent Lorimer. Scenes of crime are called as are uniform to cordon off the area and when the remains appear to be decades old with a bullet hole through the skull, Lorimer pays a vist to the scene. The skeletal remains predate the new owners moving in but the question remains why are they buried here and more importantly, whose remains are they?
Meanwhile, Lorimer receives the devastating news that his former boss and and close friend , ex-DSI George Phillips, has been shot dead in his own garden. A clean silent kill, it appears to be a professional hit but Phillips was a well respected officer now enjoying retirement - who would want him dead? With no forensics and no clear motive, Lorimer leaves the local police to investigate.
But when other retired police officers are killed in apparent professional hits, as the head of Police Scotland's MIT Lorimer is forced to take over the investigations. Then when ballistics return a match for all murders, including the decades old remains found buried in an affluent garden, Lorimer faces his toughest case yet in trying to track down the gun and the killer or killers responsible.
Then current serving DC Sharon Carson, a member of Lorimer's team, is shot on her doorstep on Halloween, changing the patterns of the murders. Is this the same gunman or an entirely different crime by someone else?
Throughout the story we also meet John Ramsay, who is currently coming to the end of his 15 year stretch in Glasgow's Barlinnie prison. He has lead a long life of crime, his last resulting in the death of someone during an armed robbery. Whilst in prison he has been questioning whether there is redemption for someone like him, having been diagnosed with lung cancer with just a few more months left. He has struck up an unlikely friendship with the prison chaplain Douglas Petrie, whom he calls the Padre. Their conversations show the Padre that Ramsay is facing an inner struggle he doesn't know what to do with. And knowing that he is soon to be released, the padre gives him the name of a church and priest where he can seek comfort on the outside. But Ramsay faces an even bigger challenge...he has been singled out to make one last hit upon his release.
The plotting throughout is clever and intricate with readers aware of "the Big Man" orchestrating events with no idea who he is or how he is doing it. There is honestly never a dull moment as the narrative switches perspectives throwing in multiple twists to throw us off the scent.
I love Lorimer and I really don't know why I haven't read more of the series...probably the fact I have so many on my TBR list as it is...but I love how there is no angst between the ranks or drunken detectives seeing life through the bottom of a pint glass. I love how Lorimer is happily married to Maggie who has been by his side throughout the series, playing her own important role as not just a housewife but a teacher and children's author. I also like Professor Solomon Brightman's (Solly) input into the case throughout, while small in part, is paramount to the story. I also notice that Solly has married pathologist Rosie and they now have two children. While I haven't read the other fifteen books in between and have missed Lorimer's transition from DCI to DSI, the thing about this series is that each book can be read as a standalone.
A brilliant tale from start to finish, WHEN SHADOWS FALL is fiendishly plotted with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing while at the same time whetting our appetites for more.
Cleverly constructed, WHEN SHADOWS FALL is an atmospheric read that will make readers seek out the rest of the series, if they haven't already done so. It is one that all Scottish crime thriller fans will love and I thoroughly recommend not just this book...but the entire series!
I thoroughly enjoyed WHEN SHADOWS FALL, just as much as the first, and look forward to reading more of Lorimer in the future.
I would like to thank #AlexGray, #NetGalley and #Sphere for an ARC of #WhenShadowsFall in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 19, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for an advance copy of When Shadows Fall, the seventeenth novel to feature DSI William Lorimer, the Glasgow based head of Police Scotland’s MIT.
Lorimer is devastated when his former boss, George Phillips, is shot dead in his garden in what looks like a professional hit. Unfortunately he is not the last former police officer to be shot. With no forensics and no clear motive Lorimer and his team are facing one of the toughest cases of their careers.
I thoroughly enjoyed When Shadows Fall, which is an engrossing read with multiple twists and turns. It is told from multiple points of view so it is a real puzzle for the reader to work out how the various characters fit into the narrative and where the author will take them. I found some of the switches in point of view quicker than I expected so took a second or too to re-adjust but, on the whole, they whetted my appetite for more information rather than being a distraction. The plotting is clever and intricate, rather fiendish in fact, as the reader is aware of “the Big Man” manipulating events with no idea of who he is or how he is doing it. In fact, with all these mysteries to solve it seems as if there is never a dull moment.
I have dipped in and out of this series over the years and still have a few of the earlier novels to read but this is not a problem as this, like the others, will work well as a stand-alone. I had forgotten how much comfort is to be derived from the familiar. I was brought up on the South Side of Glasgow so I know many of the locations well and can picture them. It adds a certain something to the read, as does the language. There are a few Scottish terms that may be unfamiliar to readers from further afield, even some I haven’t heard in years but the meaning is clear and they won’t present problems.
I like the fact that the main characters are fairly normal in that they have few personal problems and are mostly content with themselves, apart from job stress. It makes a pleasant and welcome change to be able to concentrate on the investigation rather than a stream of neuroses.
When Shadows Fall is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lorimer is devastated when his former boss, George Phillips, is shot dead in his garden in what looks like a professional hit. Unfortunately he is not the last former police officer to be shot. With no forensics and no clear motive Lorimer and his team are facing one of the toughest cases of their careers.
I thoroughly enjoyed When Shadows Fall, which is an engrossing read with multiple twists and turns. It is told from multiple points of view so it is a real puzzle for the reader to work out how the various characters fit into the narrative and where the author will take them. I found some of the switches in point of view quicker than I expected so took a second or too to re-adjust but, on the whole, they whetted my appetite for more information rather than being a distraction. The plotting is clever and intricate, rather fiendish in fact, as the reader is aware of “the Big Man” manipulating events with no idea of who he is or how he is doing it. In fact, with all these mysteries to solve it seems as if there is never a dull moment.
I have dipped in and out of this series over the years and still have a few of the earlier novels to read but this is not a problem as this, like the others, will work well as a stand-alone. I had forgotten how much comfort is to be derived from the familiar. I was brought up on the South Side of Glasgow so I know many of the locations well and can picture them. It adds a certain something to the read, as does the language. There are a few Scottish terms that may be unfamiliar to readers from further afield, even some I haven’t heard in years but the meaning is clear and they won’t present problems.
I like the fact that the main characters are fairly normal in that they have few personal problems and are mostly content with themselves, apart from job stress. It makes a pleasant and welcome change to be able to concentrate on the investigation rather than a stream of neuroses.
When Shadows Fall is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 27, 2023
It takes a brave and clever author to create a series of interesting and likeable characters - and to murder them one by one! Alex Gray is just such an author.
'When Shadows Fall' - despite being #17 in the DCI Lorimer series - was my introduction to Alex Gray, and now I'm completely hooked. This was a superb read, beautifully crafted and set in a meticulously described Scottish background. The plot is ingenious and kept me guessing for a long time. The twist at the end was perfect!
Five stars and highly recommended. Would I read it again? Yes, except that I'm about to embark on the whole series!
'When Shadows Fall' - despite being #17 in the DCI Lorimer series - was my introduction to Alex Gray, and now I'm completely hooked. This was a superb read, beautifully crafted and set in a meticulously described Scottish background. The plot is ingenious and kept me guessing for a long time. The twist at the end was perfect!
Five stars and highly recommended. Would I read it again? Yes, except that I'm about to embark on the whole series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Another good tale from Alex Gray. I like her characters and Lorimer, the main character, is well written and likeable. A good pacy story with several twists and all set round about Glasgow. It doesn’t really matter if you haven’t read the back catalogue, as each is a kind of stand-alone story. Need to work through the other books now.
June 30, 2020
When Shadows Fall is Alex Gray’s seventeenth novel featuring Detective Superintendent Lorimer, now the head of the Major Incident Team based in Glasgow. Skeletal remains are discovered in the grounds of a large house in the West Renfrewshire countryside by the gardener, Joseph Alexander Flynn. Freaked out by his gruesome find, he phones Lorimer. They go back a long way as Lorimer helped Flynn escape his troubled past. When a bullet hole is discovered in the skull, they have to treat it as murder. This cold case seems unconnected to the recent killings of retired police officers, but analysis of the bullet still lodged in the skull tells a different story.
As the number of killings mounts up, tension is rising as to who will be next. This is greatly increased by the fact that the reader knows more than the police; we know what the killer is planning just not his identity. Can Lorimer’s team solve the case before it is too late?
One of the reasons I started reading this series was the Glasgow setting. Alex Gray brings the city to life on the page. I have, unfortunately, been away for more years than I would like, but, even after all this time, this is a Glasgow I recognise, and it makes a great setting for When Shadows Fall.
There are lot of familiar faces in this book, especially if you have, like me, been reading the series from the beginning; once again Dr Brightman’s insight helps to solve the case. Lorimer is unusual among fictional detectives in that he does not display self-destructive behaviour, but goes home every night to his wife and the cat.
Despite being part of a series, you could just as easily read this as a standalone, but I do recommend that you go back to the beginning and enjoy all the others. Alex Gray skillfully weaves the different strands of this complicated plot together into a nail-biting conclusion, and I hope that you feel like giving it a try.
Thanks to the author, Sphere and NetGalley for a review copy.
As the number of killings mounts up, tension is rising as to who will be next. This is greatly increased by the fact that the reader knows more than the police; we know what the killer is planning just not his identity. Can Lorimer’s team solve the case before it is too late?
One of the reasons I started reading this series was the Glasgow setting. Alex Gray brings the city to life on the page. I have, unfortunately, been away for more years than I would like, but, even after all this time, this is a Glasgow I recognise, and it makes a great setting for When Shadows Fall.
There are lot of familiar faces in this book, especially if you have, like me, been reading the series from the beginning; once again Dr Brightman’s insight helps to solve the case. Lorimer is unusual among fictional detectives in that he does not display self-destructive behaviour, but goes home every night to his wife and the cat.
Despite being part of a series, you could just as easily read this as a standalone, but I do recommend that you go back to the beginning and enjoy all the others. Alex Gray skillfully weaves the different strands of this complicated plot together into a nail-biting conclusion, and I hope that you feel like giving it a try.
Thanks to the author, Sphere and NetGalley for a review copy.
August 31, 2021
This is my first Alex Gray and, I'm ashamed to say, probably wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been recommended to me by my fellow crime fiction nut!
That I have picked up Bill Lorimer in his 17th adventure will be forever to my shame but better late than never eh?
I'm not gonna bore you with a synopsis that you can read elsewhere but save to say I thoroughly enjoyed Gray's story telling and characters. As new as they were to me I couldn't sense any staleness in their having another outing.
Thank you Alex Gray, and of course my friend Joyce, best start on 1-16!
That I have picked up Bill Lorimer in his 17th adventure will be forever to my shame but better late than never eh?
I'm not gonna bore you with a synopsis that you can read elsewhere but save to say I thoroughly enjoyed Gray's story telling and characters. As new as they were to me I couldn't sense any staleness in their having another outing.
Thank you Alex Gray, and of course my friend Joyce, best start on 1-16!
September 13, 2021
Gray seems to be very hit-and-miss lately, but this is so much better than the previous book in this set - far more plot and police-work and less soap-opera. Unfortunately, Gray is back on her religious soapbox again in this one with whole sections about it. I skim-read a lot of it as we get complete chapters with a prisoner talking to the prison Padre without adding anything to the plot. Other than that, I quite enjoyed this one.
March 3, 2020
Detective Superintendant Lorimer is gutted when his old friend and colleague is found dead at home,but there is worse to come when two more ex-policemen are found dead.It is now up to Lorimer and his team to solve the case and stop another murder of one of their own,but can he do it.5*
September 6, 2020
Absolutely love this series and this one was no exception.
October 26, 2021
Like all of Alex Grays books' it was easy to read. Enjoyed it.
April 2, 2020
A really no nonsense British based story which is a pleasant change from books where all the characters having so much angst in their lives. I enjoyed the book and will look for more from Alex Gray but whilst the plot was believable the solving of it pushed the boundaries a bit too much and the experts could have been called miracle workers.
Nevertheless a very good read.
Nevertheless a very good read.
June 20, 2021
I see I am going against the rating trend here..... was given this by my mum who likes the series. Now - sometimes when you read a late-in-series book, it inspires you to go back to the start and read them all (hello David Baldacci and several others recently!). This one.... nope.
Two-dimensional characters. The plot lacked oomph - it should have been good, but I worked out the methodology pretty early, and none of the victims had any characterisation. Maybe they appeared in books 1-16, and all those loyal readers knew all about them? Very ploddy book overall - had to force myself to finish it, hoping it would improve. It sort of did, but only from a 1* to a 2*.
Not for me - won't be rushing to find another in this series.
Two-dimensional characters. The plot lacked oomph - it should have been good, but I worked out the methodology pretty early, and none of the victims had any characterisation. Maybe they appeared in books 1-16, and all those loyal readers knew all about them? Very ploddy book overall - had to force myself to finish it, hoping it would improve. It sort of did, but only from a 1* to a 2*.
Not for me - won't be rushing to find another in this series.
July 24, 2023
Fast-passed, intriguing detective novel - well developed characters and some interesting twists and turns. Haven’t read Alex Gray’s other books in this series but was a decent standalone story. Will be looking out for others in this series!
April 21, 2020
So, this volume in the Lorimer series is good, in that it's well-paced and the crime at the center of it is interesting. That couldn't happen at a better time, as I was beginning to feel like we were treading familiar territory in Glasgow with the good detective. Then something odd happened.
A couple of books back, I can't remember exactly which one, there was a scene that was both completely, specifically religious and completely out of place. I mean, it came out of nowhere and stood out like a bloody nose. It was so specific as to be doctrinal and was memorable for that reason (full disclosure, I am an atheist but during my entire childhood I was a "son of the manse"). Obviously, religion is a part of the world we live in, and I don't hold to every view of the characters in anything I read much less crime novels. That said, this little wobble into bad writing (because it was, regardless of what I think of the content--it just didn't fit) struck me because it was, well, bad. Clumsy, like the lyrics of a Christian pop song that is obviously written in the style of a mainstream artist.
When I read the next in the series, it happened again, and I began to wonder if Ms Gray had some kind of religious experience that compelled to include yet another out there scene that really just didn't fit. Don't get me wrong--I know that the "Lewis man" Niall was religious from the beginning, but that was always what these two scenes were not. Niall was religious, even Christian, without it being a disquisition on some article of faith. These two scenes, one each in the two volumes preceding When Shadows Fall were just that: jarring, very specific to the point of being evangelical, and seemingly out of place.
So imagine my surprise, and disappointment, when yet again, When Shadows Fall included a very specific, doctrinal element with one of the characters. This time, it was different, however. This time, Jesus or the holy spirit or something (because it happens to a "bad" guy, the character doesn't have the language to fully describe it) actually solves the case. I won't go into spoiler territory, except to say that Lorimer doesn't solve this case except through an undeniably supernatural event that happens in Barlinney prison. Yes! And it's clear, this case would not have been solved without the deus ex vox midway through the novel.
I don't care if authors want to include religion in their novels. I've read the Rabbi Small series and loved them all. I love Tolkien in spite of the Catholicity of his fairy stories. Hell, I even admire how Stephanie Meyer slips Mormonism in through the backdoor in the Twilight refashioning of vampire mythology. But the effect of this particular inclusion is really no different than having a leprechaun appear and nudge the polis in the right direction. It felt sudden, out of place, and the effect was that it made Lorimer, one of the best recurring characters, seem weak. Not weak in an emasculating sense, but in the way that matters most: his ability to outthink the criminal element.
That said, it's still worth the read. I just can't help now wondering if this is some kind of proselytizing effort on Gray's part. I didn't think much about how openly stripped of Judaism Solly Brightman was in this series because hey, I live in a largely Jewish community and it happens, some Jews are just circumstantially Jewish. I used to think highly of Alex Gray for including one of the few religious minorities in Scottish crime fiction--now, I wonder if she stripped him down intentionally? It makes me hesitant to continue the series because that would be truly heartbreaking.
A couple of books back, I can't remember exactly which one, there was a scene that was both completely, specifically religious and completely out of place. I mean, it came out of nowhere and stood out like a bloody nose. It was so specific as to be doctrinal and was memorable for that reason (full disclosure, I am an atheist but during my entire childhood I was a "son of the manse"). Obviously, religion is a part of the world we live in, and I don't hold to every view of the characters in anything I read much less crime novels. That said, this little wobble into bad writing (because it was, regardless of what I think of the content--it just didn't fit) struck me because it was, well, bad. Clumsy, like the lyrics of a Christian pop song that is obviously written in the style of a mainstream artist.
When I read the next in the series, it happened again, and I began to wonder if Ms Gray had some kind of religious experience that compelled to include yet another out there scene that really just didn't fit. Don't get me wrong--I know that the "Lewis man" Niall was religious from the beginning, but that was always what these two scenes were not. Niall was religious, even Christian, without it being a disquisition on some article of faith. These two scenes, one each in the two volumes preceding When Shadows Fall were just that: jarring, very specific to the point of being evangelical, and seemingly out of place.
So imagine my surprise, and disappointment, when yet again, When Shadows Fall included a very specific, doctrinal element with one of the characters. This time, it was different, however. This time, Jesus or the holy spirit or something (because it happens to a "bad" guy, the character doesn't have the language to fully describe it) actually solves the case. I won't go into spoiler territory, except to say that Lorimer doesn't solve this case except through an undeniably supernatural event that happens in Barlinney prison. Yes! And it's clear, this case would not have been solved without the deus ex vox midway through the novel.
I don't care if authors want to include religion in their novels. I've read the Rabbi Small series and loved them all. I love Tolkien in spite of the Catholicity of his fairy stories. Hell, I even admire how Stephanie Meyer slips Mormonism in through the backdoor in the Twilight refashioning of vampire mythology. But the effect of this particular inclusion is really no different than having a leprechaun appear and nudge the polis in the right direction. It felt sudden, out of place, and the effect was that it made Lorimer, one of the best recurring characters, seem weak. Not weak in an emasculating sense, but in the way that matters most: his ability to outthink the criminal element.
That said, it's still worth the read. I just can't help now wondering if this is some kind of proselytizing effort on Gray's part. I didn't think much about how openly stripped of Judaism Solly Brightman was in this series because hey, I live in a largely Jewish community and it happens, some Jews are just circumstantially Jewish. I used to think highly of Alex Gray for including one of the few religious minorities in Scottish crime fiction--now, I wonder if she stripped him down intentionally? It makes me hesitant to continue the series because that would be truly heartbreaking.
April 20, 2020
😊 Although I have yet to read any of the other books in this series by Alex Gray, I was happy to dive into this 17th book,
When Shadows Fall
and I think it worked well as an individual crime/ thriller.
In this Glasgow based series, DSI William Lorimer comes across as an interesting character and a sharp-witted investigator. In this well plotted instalment, it all kicks off when Joseph Alexander Flynn, a landscape gardener and a friend of Superintendent Lorimer working in an affluent client's garden, digs up the remains of a skull, part of a long-dead corpse shot in the head. A quick phone call to his pal brings Lorimer to the scene and the cold case team painstakingly begin trying to figure out the victim's identity and what took place all those years ago. Then two further deaths are reported- the first is Lorimer's well respected and admired boss, George Phillips, now retired. This is followed by retiree DI Stephen McAlpine, gunned down in another area of Scotland. Without any leads or evidence, the police are struggling, and fear has started to spread amongst the police force when a current DC - Sharon Carson - a member of Lorimer's MIT team, is murdered on her own doorstep.
All of the characterisation by Alex Gray is exemplary, and each was adeptly constructed and believable in their role, whether intended to be good or bad. The clarity of Alex Gray's writing made it an easy story-line to follow, and the intricate and twisty plot went down a treat as it zigzagged along. With many misdirections and the unexpected events that added enrichment to the story, I continued to be surprised until the laudable finale.
This atmospheric and exhilarating read has inspired me to seek out copies of the other instalments in this highly acclaimed series. Very highly recommended, I am certain that crime fiction and thriller aficionados will love When Shadows Fall. My thanks must go to Alex Gray for writing such an awesome book! 😊
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK / Sphere via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
In this Glasgow based series, DSI William Lorimer comes across as an interesting character and a sharp-witted investigator. In this well plotted instalment, it all kicks off when Joseph Alexander Flynn, a landscape gardener and a friend of Superintendent Lorimer working in an affluent client's garden, digs up the remains of a skull, part of a long-dead corpse shot in the head. A quick phone call to his pal brings Lorimer to the scene and the cold case team painstakingly begin trying to figure out the victim's identity and what took place all those years ago. Then two further deaths are reported- the first is Lorimer's well respected and admired boss, George Phillips, now retired. This is followed by retiree DI Stephen McAlpine, gunned down in another area of Scotland. Without any leads or evidence, the police are struggling, and fear has started to spread amongst the police force when a current DC - Sharon Carson - a member of Lorimer's MIT team, is murdered on her own doorstep.
All of the characterisation by Alex Gray is exemplary, and each was adeptly constructed and believable in their role, whether intended to be good or bad. The clarity of Alex Gray's writing made it an easy story-line to follow, and the intricate and twisty plot went down a treat as it zigzagged along. With many misdirections and the unexpected events that added enrichment to the story, I continued to be surprised until the laudable finale.
This atmospheric and exhilarating read has inspired me to seek out copies of the other instalments in this highly acclaimed series. Very highly recommended, I am certain that crime fiction and thriller aficionados will love When Shadows Fall. My thanks must go to Alex Gray for writing such an awesome book! 😊
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Little, Brown Book Group UK / Sphere via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
October 11, 2020
Review of
WHEN SHADOWS FALL
by Alex Gray
www.alexgrayauthor.co.uk
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received the ARC from @netgalley. Sorry its taken so long to complete.
A long buried skeleton is discovered, shortly before a retired police officer is gunned down in his garden. And then another. Is there any connection between the victims, and do those skeletal remains provide that elusive link to join the dots?
This book is part of a series that follows senior detective William Lorimer, but is just as entertaining as a standalone story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I found it easier to understand the strong scottish dialect as my mother was a scot.
The characters were likeable, and more importantly, believable. The story conveys the sense of urgency of the investigation and the race to stop more killings. The were a few red herrings along the way and a twist of two. I don't want to ruin your read by saying too much.
Overall this is a skilfully written crime thriller, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, hence the five stars.
Do you agree? If you liked my review, please visit my reviews page at:
www.instagram.com/johns_bookshelf_by_....
Like and Follow for more content every week. As usual, your comments are most welcome.
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WHEN SHADOWS FALL
by Alex Gray
www.alexgrayauthor.co.uk
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received the ARC from @netgalley. Sorry its taken so long to complete.
A long buried skeleton is discovered, shortly before a retired police officer is gunned down in his garden. And then another. Is there any connection between the victims, and do those skeletal remains provide that elusive link to join the dots?
This book is part of a series that follows senior detective William Lorimer, but is just as entertaining as a standalone story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I found it easier to understand the strong scottish dialect as my mother was a scot.
The characters were likeable, and more importantly, believable. The story conveys the sense of urgency of the investigation and the race to stop more killings. The were a few red herrings along the way and a twist of two. I don't want to ruin your read by saying too much.
Overall this is a skilfully written crime thriller, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, hence the five stars.
Do you agree? If you liked my review, please visit my reviews page at:
www.instagram.com/johns_bookshelf_by_....
Like and Follow for more content every week. As usual, your comments are most welcome.
#bookreader #bookpost
#bookblogger #bookishcommunity
#booksofinstagram
#booklover #bookreaders #bookgasm #booknerd #bookreviews #booksarelife #bookstagramcommunity #bookish #books #bookraok #bookstagramming #bookreaderscommunity #bookreviewersofinstagram #bathtimebookblogger #bookquotes
#booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #reading #readingislife #readingaddict #readersofinstagram #goodreadschallenge2020 #alexgray #whenshadowsfall #netgalley
February 24, 2020
I was new to the DSI William Lorimer series and also to the author, but I’m so glad I’ve discovered them as this book was great and had everything you could ask for in a crime thriller.
When a gardener discovers a body when preparing a new flower bed, DSI Lorimer is called. The body seems to have been there a while and it appears that the person was shot. But why are they buried in a garden, and more importantly, who are they?
Then retired police officers start getting shot in their homes DSI William Lorimer head of the MIT for Police Scotland leaves the investigating to the local SIO’s in the different areas the officers were killed. But after more deaths and a ballistics link showing that the same gun is being used in each attack, he has no option but to take on the case before there is a public outcry.
At the same time a serving police officer is shot on her doorstep changing the pattern of murders, is this the same gunman or is it an entirely different crime committed by someone else?
Who is behind the attacks? Why can’t they find any connection between the murders? How can they stop them? Who will be next?
I really enjoyed this book, its well written and its great how all the different parts of the story connect for the ending. I will definitely be looking out for more Alex Gray books in the future!
When a gardener discovers a body when preparing a new flower bed, DSI Lorimer is called. The body seems to have been there a while and it appears that the person was shot. But why are they buried in a garden, and more importantly, who are they?
Then retired police officers start getting shot in their homes DSI William Lorimer head of the MIT for Police Scotland leaves the investigating to the local SIO’s in the different areas the officers were killed. But after more deaths and a ballistics link showing that the same gun is being used in each attack, he has no option but to take on the case before there is a public outcry.
At the same time a serving police officer is shot on her doorstep changing the pattern of murders, is this the same gunman or is it an entirely different crime committed by someone else?
Who is behind the attacks? Why can’t they find any connection between the murders? How can they stop them? Who will be next?
I really enjoyed this book, its well written and its great how all the different parts of the story connect for the ending. I will definitely be looking out for more Alex Gray books in the future!
May 15, 2020
Having read all the previous DS Lorimer books by Alex Gray and enjoyed them all, I have to say this book did not disappoint. Lorimer is devastated when his friend and former colleague George Phillips is shot dead in his own garden. Phillips was a much respected police officer enjoying retirement from the Police Force. The local police are called in to investigate. Shortly after another retired police officer is also executed in the same manner, by a shot to the head. It is only when a third retired officer is also killed that Lorimer and his team are called in. Also added to the mix, Flynn, a gardener friend of Lorimer uncovers a skeleton in a garden he is working on. It becomes apparent the cases are somehow connected when forensics discover the same gun was used on all shootings. Can Lorimer and his team solve these terrible killings including the cold case one unearthed in the garden. Lorimer S friend Solly soon takes an interest in the murders after yet another retired officer is killed. It is clear it is a targeted campaign against police officers but will Lorimer and his team be able to solve the case before the body count mounts up. A book full of twists and turns, it is a page turner, all the main characters are well drawn and likeable. You can read the book as a stand alone and I highly recommend it.
September 7, 2023
Ein ehemaliger Kollege und Freund von Will Lorrimer wird in seinem Haus erschossen. Alles sieht danach aus, dass einer der Verbrecher, die er überführt hat, Rache genommen hat. Doch dann wird ein weitere ehemaliger Polizist erschossen. Die beiden Opfer hatten keine gemeinsamen Fälle. Hat es jemand auf ehemalige Polizisten abgesehen?
Während der Ermittlungen stellen Will Lorrimer und sein Team fest, dass die einzige Gemeinsamkeit der beiden Opfer die Freundschaft zu Will ist. Ist er möglicherweise das Ziel der Mordserie?
Gleichzeitig muss er sich noch mit einem anderen Fall befassen. Ein Freund von ihm hat ihn dem Garten, den er für einen Kunden anlegen soll, ein Skelett gefunden. Auch wenn die Knochen schon einige Jahrzehnte alt sind, ermittelt Will auch in diesem Fall.
Bei den Krimis von Alex Gray steht nicht immer nur der aktuelle Fall im Vordergrund. Die Autorin räumt den Charakteren genau so viel Raum ein. Das ist gerade das, was mir an dieser Krimireihe gefällt. Dieses Mal war das Verhältnis aber zu sehr in Richtung Personen und weg von den Mordermittlungen verschoben. Die Mordermittlungen waren oberflächlich und der Fall so durchsichtig, dass ich ihn lange vor den Ermittlern gelöst hatte. Dieser Teil ist für mich der bisher schwächste Fall der Reihe.
Während der Ermittlungen stellen Will Lorrimer und sein Team fest, dass die einzige Gemeinsamkeit der beiden Opfer die Freundschaft zu Will ist. Ist er möglicherweise das Ziel der Mordserie?
Gleichzeitig muss er sich noch mit einem anderen Fall befassen. Ein Freund von ihm hat ihn dem Garten, den er für einen Kunden anlegen soll, ein Skelett gefunden. Auch wenn die Knochen schon einige Jahrzehnte alt sind, ermittelt Will auch in diesem Fall.
Bei den Krimis von Alex Gray steht nicht immer nur der aktuelle Fall im Vordergrund. Die Autorin räumt den Charakteren genau so viel Raum ein. Das ist gerade das, was mir an dieser Krimireihe gefällt. Dieses Mal war das Verhältnis aber zu sehr in Richtung Personen und weg von den Mordermittlungen verschoben. Die Mordermittlungen waren oberflächlich und der Fall so durchsichtig, dass ich ihn lange vor den Ermittlern gelöst hatte. Dieser Teil ist für mich der bisher schwächste Fall der Reihe.
April 4, 2020
With thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for the ARC.
Lorimar and the team are back for the 17th Chapter in Alex Gray's much loved series.
Lorimar's friend and gardener Flynn digs up a skeleton on a everyday gardening job, not much for Lorimar to get involved in although it soon becomes apparent that the skull has a bullet hole in it.
Elsewhere a couple of retired cops are murdered in different parts of the country, it raises a few eyebrows but it's kept local. When some more are targeted Lorimar and his MIT are called in.
It soon becomes apparent that 'Mr Big' is orchestrating the killings. He is not committing the crimes himself but using others.
The murders are scattered around Scotland, causing Lorimars team to be stretched very thinly.
As the murders multiply, so does the pressure on Lorimar.
As we might expect, the two disparate cases soon form a link and the team are looking into the current cases and the cold case uncovered by Flynn.
The pressure is on, not only to identify Mr Big but also the gunman or gunmen involved.
Gray is right back at her best with a brilliant tale from the excellent and much loved cast.
Highly recommended.
Lorimar and the team are back for the 17th Chapter in Alex Gray's much loved series.
Lorimar's friend and gardener Flynn digs up a skeleton on a everyday gardening job, not much for Lorimar to get involved in although it soon becomes apparent that the skull has a bullet hole in it.
Elsewhere a couple of retired cops are murdered in different parts of the country, it raises a few eyebrows but it's kept local. When some more are targeted Lorimar and his MIT are called in.
It soon becomes apparent that 'Mr Big' is orchestrating the killings. He is not committing the crimes himself but using others.
The murders are scattered around Scotland, causing Lorimars team to be stretched very thinly.
As the murders multiply, so does the pressure on Lorimar.
As we might expect, the two disparate cases soon form a link and the team are looking into the current cases and the cold case uncovered by Flynn.
The pressure is on, not only to identify Mr Big but also the gunman or gunmen involved.
Gray is right back at her best with a brilliant tale from the excellent and much loved cast.
Highly recommended.
February 21, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for this ARC of the latest in the DSI Lorimer series and oh my goodness what a welcome addition to the series this book is.
This series just gets better and better and is fast becoming one of my favourite series of books. I have read all of the previous books and Alex Gray certainly knows how to draw her readers in. All of the characters are entirely relatable and are not "perfect" the way some characters in other author's books are. Although this is the 17th in the series, everything still feels fresh. It is gritty without being too grim and is fast paced and I could not put it down. I was honoured to get this advanced copy as I love these books. I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series. 5 stars all the way.
This series just gets better and better and is fast becoming one of my favourite series of books. I have read all of the previous books and Alex Gray certainly knows how to draw her readers in. All of the characters are entirely relatable and are not "perfect" the way some characters in other author's books are. Although this is the 17th in the series, everything still feels fresh. It is gritty without being too grim and is fast paced and I could not put it down. I was honoured to get this advanced copy as I love these books. I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series. 5 stars all the way.
March 28, 2020
I have read all the Alex Grey books and look forward each year to hear the continuation of Lorimer and his team's cases . This certainly did not disappoint, in fact I think it is the best of the last few I have read. Situated throughout different areas of Scotland but concentrating on the Paisley/Renfrewshire area made it even more poignant to me as although I was born and bred in Paisley and left over 40 years ago, I still have family there and return as often as possible, so many of the areas were familiar to me. An excellent plot with many twists and turns and left us in suspense until the last few pages. I would certainly recommend and look forward to next year, hoping of course that you do not retire Lorimer and his team.
May 18, 2020
Easy to read, interesting characters, Glasgow-based, therefore, recognisable places (for those of us Weegies)
Having read them all, I enjoyed it, another easy to read, familiar & (mostly) likeable characters & decent storyline. I'm not so keen on all the recalling of the back-stories, but I guess that's necessary for first time 'visitors' to the Lorimer series. Nothing too complicated, or gory, so maybe not dramatic or suspenseful (like Jo Nesbo or Karin Slaughter-style) but Lorimer & Solly are like old pals now & all the Glasgow references are still good to see so still worth a read :)
Having read them all, I enjoyed it, another easy to read, familiar & (mostly) likeable characters & decent storyline. I'm not so keen on all the recalling of the back-stories, but I guess that's necessary for first time 'visitors' to the Lorimer series. Nothing too complicated, or gory, so maybe not dramatic or suspenseful (like Jo Nesbo or Karin Slaughter-style) but Lorimer & Solly are like old pals now & all the Glasgow references are still good to see so still worth a read :)
November 14, 2021
I have read the previous sixteen books in this police procedural series featuring Detective Superintendent Lorimer who is based in Glasgow though some stories are set elsewhere in Scotland. The author has come up with some interesting stories over the years though to me her characters have never come to life.
The plot here is of a criminal seeking revenge and several people are murdered. There is also a sub-plot about a hardened criminal finding religion in prison. I was puzzled by the fact that a skeleton had been buried twice and there were a couple of other things which did not quite make sense to me.
Not a bad read but the author has written better books than this.
The plot here is of a criminal seeking revenge and several people are murdered. There is also a sub-plot about a hardened criminal finding religion in prison. I was puzzled by the fact that a skeleton had been buried twice and there were a couple of other things which did not quite make sense to me.
Not a bad read but the author has written better books than this.
November 29, 2023
I haven't read many of the DCI Lorimer series, but having really enjoyed this one, I shall certainly be reading more of them in future.
In this book, Lorimer, now a Detective Superintendent, is horrified when retired detectives, some of them his personal friends, are murdered on their own doorsteps. The obvious suspect would be a disgruntled criminal seeking revenge for past convictions and imprisonment, but none of the detectives involved appear to have worked on the same cases.
As the killings escalate, it becomes apparent that one person is masterminding the whole plan. Can Lorimer and his team track him down before anyone else is killed ?
In this book, Lorimer, now a Detective Superintendent, is horrified when retired detectives, some of them his personal friends, are murdered on their own doorsteps. The obvious suspect would be a disgruntled criminal seeking revenge for past convictions and imprisonment, but none of the detectives involved appear to have worked on the same cases.
As the killings escalate, it becomes apparent that one person is masterminding the whole plan. Can Lorimer and his team track him down before anyone else is killed ?
March 28, 2021
This is the first time I have read an Alex Gray book and it was brilliant. The story just flowed from start to finish and kept me riveted, as the plot unravelled. A complex investigation which brought in all elements of detective work and associated sciences to resolve. It is only now I am aware this is one in a series of books featuring the character DCI Lorimer but this did not matter. This book stood up for itself and there was enough in the book to paint a picture of DCI Lorimer, without going over old ground and impacting the fast pace of the story.
November 10, 2022
Great book with an interesting sub stories
Another wonderful book in the DSup Lorimer series.
This time there are attacks on retired police officers for Lorimer and his team to investigate. A complicated case with red herrings & old clues.
Again Lorimer & Solly team up to solve the case.
I thought the book was helped by the two sub stories of Finlay & Erin and the story of John Ramsey in the Ryan up to his real ease, which made it one of the best books in an excellent series.
Another wonderful book in the DSup Lorimer series.
This time there are attacks on retired police officers for Lorimer and his team to investigate. A complicated case with red herrings & old clues.
Again Lorimer & Solly team up to solve the case.
I thought the book was helped by the two sub stories of Finlay & Erin and the story of John Ramsey in the Ryan up to his real ease, which made it one of the best books in an excellent series.
Read
September 21, 2023The latest William Lorimer investigation from bestselling author Alex Gray. Glasgow-set crime at its most thrilling.
When DCI Lorimer's old friend and colleague is shot dead, he is devastated by the loss. But things go from bad to worse when two more ex-cops are shot, professionally and without a trace.
It soon becomes clear that someone is picking off ex-policemen, but DCI Lorimer and the team are struggling to find a link between the victims. And while Lorimer is hunting the killer, someone is hunting him . . .
Great.
When DCI Lorimer's old friend and colleague is shot dead, he is devastated by the loss. But things go from bad to worse when two more ex-cops are shot, professionally and without a trace.
It soon becomes clear that someone is picking off ex-policemen, but DCI Lorimer and the team are struggling to find a link between the victims. And while Lorimer is hunting the killer, someone is hunting him . . .
Great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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