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DI Kelso Strang #1
Death on Skye
Please note this book was previously published as Human Face.
The Isle of Skye is a place where the air feels thick with silence. The inhabitants keep their distance, and the cold, drafty lodge across the bay is steeped in secrecy. Every glance lingers, every word measured. On this island, nothing is as it seems.
Detective Kelso Strang hasn’t been sent to Skye to solve a case — he’s been sent there to disappear.
Still reeling from the sudden death of his wife, Strang is a man on the edge and his behaviour is worrying the team.
When reports reach head office that a young woman has vanished from a remote lodge, Superintendent Jane Borthwick seizes the opportunity to get Strang out of Edinburgh and sends him to investigate.
Strang arrives at the remote coastal village of Balnasheil to find the case is darker than it first appeared. At the centre is Balnasheil Lodge, home to Human Face, a charity that claims to help the vulnerable. But Strang quickly senses there’s more to the lodge than its polished image.
The locals are tight-lipped. The charity operates behind closed doors. And its enigmatic director, Adam Carnegie, is clearly hiding something.
Then a body is found, half-buried in the moorland peat — and what began as a routine missing persons inquiry becomes a hunt for a killer.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
DI Kelso Strang, once an army sniper and now a senior officer with the Edinburgh police force, is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife. It left him hollow, short-tempered, and increasingly difficult to reach. His job is the only thing that keeps him going. He now lives alone in a harbour cottage, where silence suits him better than small talk and black coffee keeps him steady. He reads old poetry, owns far too many maps and has a scar down one side of his face that people don’t ask about twice.
The Isle of Skye is a place where the air feels thick with silence. The inhabitants keep their distance, and the cold, drafty lodge across the bay is steeped in secrecy. Every glance lingers, every word measured. On this island, nothing is as it seems.
Detective Kelso Strang hasn’t been sent to Skye to solve a case — he’s been sent there to disappear.
Still reeling from the sudden death of his wife, Strang is a man on the edge and his behaviour is worrying the team.
When reports reach head office that a young woman has vanished from a remote lodge, Superintendent Jane Borthwick seizes the opportunity to get Strang out of Edinburgh and sends him to investigate.
Strang arrives at the remote coastal village of Balnasheil to find the case is darker than it first appeared. At the centre is Balnasheil Lodge, home to Human Face, a charity that claims to help the vulnerable. But Strang quickly senses there’s more to the lodge than its polished image.
The locals are tight-lipped. The charity operates behind closed doors. And its enigmatic director, Adam Carnegie, is clearly hiding something.
Then a body is found, half-buried in the moorland peat — and what began as a routine missing persons inquiry becomes a hunt for a killer.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
DI Kelso Strang, once an army sniper and now a senior officer with the Edinburgh police force, is still reeling from the sudden death of his wife. It left him hollow, short-tempered, and increasingly difficult to reach. His job is the only thing that keeps him going. He now lives alone in a harbour cottage, where silence suits him better than small talk and black coffee keeps him steady. He reads old poetry, owns far too many maps and has a scar down one side of his face that people don’t ask about twice.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2018
1242 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Aline Templeton
32 books120 followersAline Templeton grew up in the East Neuk of Fife and was educated at St Leonards School, St Andrews and Cambridge University. She has worked in education and broadcasting and has written numerous stories and articles for national newspapers and magazines. Templeton was a bench Justice of the Peace for ten years and is a former Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland, now living in Edinburgh. She is married with a grown up family.
She has written nine crime novels, published by Hodder & Stoughton in Britain, and has also been published in the United States and several European countries. After writing seven stand-alone books, she started a series set in Galloway and featuring DI Marjory Fleming, the first of which – Cold In The Earth – was an Ottakar's Crime Novel of the Month and an Independent Best Summer Read. The second, The Darkness and the Deep, was published in July 2006, and there are now six books in the DI Fleming series.
She has written nine crime novels, published by Hodder & Stoughton in Britain, and has also been published in the United States and several European countries. After writing seven stand-alone books, she started a series set in Galloway and featuring DI Marjory Fleming, the first of which – Cold In The Earth – was an Ottakar's Crime Novel of the Month and an Independent Best Summer Read. The second, The Darkness and the Deep, was published in July 2006, and there are now six books in the DI Fleming series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 21, 2018
Aline Templeton is the author of one of my favorite crime fiction series, the DI Marjory Fleming mysteries set in southwestern Scotland. When I happened to stumble across the second book in this new Kelso Strang series and found out that the first book was set on the Isle of Skye (a place I love), I was all over Human Face like a rash.
Kelso Strang is a very interesting main character. A sniper in Afghanistan then a member of an Armed Response Team on the Edinburgh police force, he was seriously injured in the automobile accident in which his beloved wife was killed. The only thing that has the power to keep him going is his job, but his team feels his mood is bringing them down, so his superior officer (who truly has his best interests at heart) settles on the missing persons report on Skye to keep him busy and his team in Edinburgh sweet. I really liked watching how this man approaches cases and the way he interviews suspects and witnesses because not everyone is what they appear to be, and the villagers are extremely reluctant to open up to outsiders (with the exception of the hotel owner who's responsible for most of the gossip).
Strang is teamed up with local constable Livvy Murray, who is first seen as acerbic and lackadaisical, not really worthy of the uniform. One of the best things about Human Face is watching how Livvy transforms. She's not Wonder Woman by book's end, which would be totally unrealistic, but readers can now see her real potential. And it looks as though she may become Strang's partner in the series, which is another plus. In fact, this Serious Rural Crimes Squad is an excellent idea for a series because it will be able to take readers throughout Scotland to little-known places. Since I'm an armchair sleuth who absolutely loves Scotland, I can't wait! And in case you're wondering how well Templeton does settings, her brooding, atmospheric descriptions of the Black Cuillin towering over the village made the location a real character in the book.
As much as there is to enjoy in Human Face, I didn't find it to be a total success even though the revelation of whodunnit was a complete surprise. There was a bit too much emphasis on the delusional Beatrice Lacey and the despicable Adam Carnegie-- to the point where I found myself thinking more than once "get back to Strang and Murray!"-- and in general, the book needed more editing and tightening. But as it stands, Human Face definitely makes me want to read more of Templeton's new series, and since the next book in the series, Carrion Comfort, will be released shortly, I know what I'll be buying.
Kelso Strang is a very interesting main character. A sniper in Afghanistan then a member of an Armed Response Team on the Edinburgh police force, he was seriously injured in the automobile accident in which his beloved wife was killed. The only thing that has the power to keep him going is his job, but his team feels his mood is bringing them down, so his superior officer (who truly has his best interests at heart) settles on the missing persons report on Skye to keep him busy and his team in Edinburgh sweet. I really liked watching how this man approaches cases and the way he interviews suspects and witnesses because not everyone is what they appear to be, and the villagers are extremely reluctant to open up to outsiders (with the exception of the hotel owner who's responsible for most of the gossip).
Strang is teamed up with local constable Livvy Murray, who is first seen as acerbic and lackadaisical, not really worthy of the uniform. One of the best things about Human Face is watching how Livvy transforms. She's not Wonder Woman by book's end, which would be totally unrealistic, but readers can now see her real potential. And it looks as though she may become Strang's partner in the series, which is another plus. In fact, this Serious Rural Crimes Squad is an excellent idea for a series because it will be able to take readers throughout Scotland to little-known places. Since I'm an armchair sleuth who absolutely loves Scotland, I can't wait! And in case you're wondering how well Templeton does settings, her brooding, atmospheric descriptions of the Black Cuillin towering over the village made the location a real character in the book.
As much as there is to enjoy in Human Face, I didn't find it to be a total success even though the revelation of whodunnit was a complete surprise. There was a bit too much emphasis on the delusional Beatrice Lacey and the despicable Adam Carnegie-- to the point where I found myself thinking more than once "get back to Strang and Murray!"-- and in general, the book needed more editing and tightening. But as it stands, Human Face definitely makes me want to read more of Templeton's new series, and since the next book in the series, Carrion Comfort, will be released shortly, I know what I'll be buying.
March 10, 2023
Beautifully complicated plot and, as is usual with Ms. Templeton, well-developed characters. A very enjoyable read!
December 1, 2025
This is a terrific start to a series. DI Strang is sent to Skye to investigate the disappearance of a young woman and discovers there's more going on here than initially thought. He has to work with the local police, especially young PC Livvy Murray who is a very enjoyable character, headstrong , with no filter, and keen to improve her skills. The difference between the two is quite stark.
I loved the setting here. The sense of isolation is quite evident and added to the atmosphere in my head as I read it. I liked the character of Strang despite his many flaws and I look forward to seeing how he manages to work alongside Murray in the future.
I loved the setting here. The sense of isolation is quite evident and added to the atmosphere in my head as I read it. I liked the character of Strang despite his many flaws and I look forward to seeing how he manages to work alongside Murray in the future.
May 28, 2018
I read one of this author's other books a while back and enjoyed it. This one, however, made even more impression and I found difficult to put down. A really good story line and credible characters. It seems that Ann Cleeves has got some real competition for spellbinding detective dramas set in remote Scottish locations.
October 19, 2018
Well-written police procedural set in the Isle of Sky featuring a timely plot of a corrupt international charity.
September 22, 2025
DI Kelso is still recovering from the death of his wife and unborn child, when an opportunity comes he is sent to Skye to investigate the disappearance of a female employed at the Human Face charity. Then a death occurs.
An entertaining modern mystery. A good start to this new series
An entertaining modern mystery. A good start to this new series
February 22, 2019
When I started this book I absolutely hated it and wasn't sure I would keep reading it. I couldn't stand the story or any of the characters, but for some reason I kept reading and found myself unable to put the book down. It ended up being quite good.
December 20, 2021
Detective Kelso Strang of Edinburgh police has just lost his wife and unborn child to a car accident that has left him with a facial scar. He doesn’t want to take compassionate leave for fear of his own grief. His supervisor is sympathetic but worries about him fitting in with his team. A pilot program aimed at sending detectives to rural areas to look over crimes presents an opportunity for Kelso to work. He is sent to remote Skye to look over a missing persons case. He figures it will only take a day or two. Eve, probably an illegal immigrant, has gone missing from a lodge where she worked for a ruthless man who runs a charity called Human Face. Eve is an adult, so it seems that maybe she just took off on her own. A man she was seeing and a local woman who works as a cook at the lodge are convinced that Eve did not simply leave. Livvy Murray is the local constable who was originally assigned to the case. She is young, bored, and angry. She wants more than this rural policing. But she drops the ball about Eve. When Kelso arrives Livvy resents him, but realizes she needs to learn. Things are not what they seem at Human Face. Beatrice, an emotionally damaged woman, lives at the lodge and is Human Face’s main benefactor. She is hopelessly in love with the manipulative man who is the head of the charity. The book toggles back and forth between what each character is doing over the course of the investigation. Eve’s disappearance was indeed sinister and Kelso soon finds much more that a simple case. The remoteness and harshness of Skye is also a character in this drama. A missing person case turns into a murder case, a fraud case, and uncovers a cold case, too. liked the book.
August 30, 2025
Enthralling! Intriguing! And Totally Enjoyable!
This is a new author for me, but I found this novel so engrossing with realistic, finely drawn characters and a gripping plot. I was hooked from the first page and found it very hard to put down, turning pages far into the night. The main character, Detective Kelso, was a many-layered individual dealing with the tragedy of losing his wife and unborn child, burying himself in work. He accepts an assignment in Skye which starts out to be just the tying up of loose ends of a missing person case. But it soon morphs into something much bigger and very sinister.
A supposedly charitable organization established to help poor refugees in other countries is actually something else entirely. Also, the presence of illegal immigrants being exploited and used in a very questionable manner. The poor misguided backer of this so-called charity who is actually providing the bulk of the money and the founder who is not only a real piece of work but who is cruel and probably a psychopath. Added in is a detective in training who is eager to make good but keeps making blunders to the amazement of Detective Kelso. Other players in this drama, all with secrets, hidden agendas, and a very dangerous killer dog who is loyal to its master and acts on command from him, round out this unputdownable crime mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very happy to learn there is a second book to follow. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed!
This is a new author for me, but I found this novel so engrossing with realistic, finely drawn characters and a gripping plot. I was hooked from the first page and found it very hard to put down, turning pages far into the night. The main character, Detective Kelso, was a many-layered individual dealing with the tragedy of losing his wife and unborn child, burying himself in work. He accepts an assignment in Skye which starts out to be just the tying up of loose ends of a missing person case. But it soon morphs into something much bigger and very sinister.
A supposedly charitable organization established to help poor refugees in other countries is actually something else entirely. Also, the presence of illegal immigrants being exploited and used in a very questionable manner. The poor misguided backer of this so-called charity who is actually providing the bulk of the money and the founder who is not only a real piece of work but who is cruel and probably a psychopath. Added in is a detective in training who is eager to make good but keeps making blunders to the amazement of Detective Kelso. Other players in this drama, all with secrets, hidden agendas, and a very dangerous killer dog who is loyal to its master and acts on command from him, round out this unputdownable crime mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very happy to learn there is a second book to follow. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed!
March 21, 2019
The first in a new series featuring DI Kelso Strang.
After the tragic death of his wife and unborn child, Strang who is stationed in Edinburgh is sent to a small village on the Isle of Skye to investigate the disappearance of a young woman who has gone missing. The posting is partly a move by his superior to provide him with a project that will help him through the grieving process and partly a pilot project in a new rural policing project.
The case turns out to be more complicated than everyone first thought it was going to be. Part of Strang's challenge is to rein in an over eager young woman, PC Livvy Murray, who is the only police officer in the village.
With the recent death of his wife and child, Strang isn't without demons, but he isn't plagued by drink, drugs or any other kind of addiction. And counter to another common police fiction trope, both Stang's boss and Murray's immediate superior, are supportive and likeable.
A bit on the gothic side, but a solid plot, good characters and a nicely dramatic setting.
HUMAN FACE was book #17 on our 2019 Read-alouds List.
After the tragic death of his wife and unborn child, Strang who is stationed in Edinburgh is sent to a small village on the Isle of Skye to investigate the disappearance of a young woman who has gone missing. The posting is partly a move by his superior to provide him with a project that will help him through the grieving process and partly a pilot project in a new rural policing project.
The case turns out to be more complicated than everyone first thought it was going to be. Part of Strang's challenge is to rein in an over eager young woman, PC Livvy Murray, who is the only police officer in the village.
With the recent death of his wife and child, Strang isn't without demons, but he isn't plagued by drink, drugs or any other kind of addiction. And counter to another common police fiction trope, both Stang's boss and Murray's immediate superior, are supportive and likeable.
A bit on the gothic side, but a solid plot, good characters and a nicely dramatic setting.
HUMAN FACE was book #17 on our 2019 Read-alouds List.
November 14, 2024
Beatrice Lacey has helped to found a charity for third world children called Human Facewith Adam Carnegie in a remote area of Scotland. Unfortunately, she is not very sophisticated and is in love with Adam. She believes he loves her as much as she loves him, and she doesn't realize that he is using her money to become rich himself. Adam has hired "housekeepers" whose most important task is sleeping with him. Beatrice actually carries around a doll who she cares for as her daughter.
When the current "housekeeper" Eva disappears, the local police and DI Kelso Strang from Edinburgh are called in. They soon find that the housekeeper's friend Mr. Tennant is actually Detective Tennant from the fraud unit in London trying to find out what's going on at Human Face. Near the end we find that Adam and his "bookkeeper" Harry are not the wonderful charitable folks we thought. Near the end of the book it got very exciting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
When the current "housekeeper" Eva disappears, the local police and DI Kelso Strang from Edinburgh are called in. They soon find that the housekeeper's friend Mr. Tennant is actually Detective Tennant from the fraud unit in London trying to find out what's going on at Human Face. Near the end we find that Adam and his "bookkeeper" Harry are not the wonderful charitable folks we thought. Near the end of the book it got very exciting. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 27, 2024
I really enjoyed one of the author's books featuring Deective Inspector Marjory Fleming so I wondered what her other books were like. This is apparently the first book in a new series featuring Detective Inspector Strang. Although Strang is based in Edinburgh most of the story takes place in Skye as he is part of a new initiative called the Serious Rural Crime Squad. Strang's an interesting character as he has just returned to duty following a road traffic accident which killed his wife and their unborn child.
Much of the story deals with the people running a charity on Skye called Human Face. Strang is sent up there to investigate the disappearance of a young woman but finds that there are bigger mysteries to be solved. It's an exciting read and several people are dead before the end. I now plan to read the second book in this series.
Much of the story deals with the people running a charity on Skye called Human Face. Strang is sent up there to investigate the disappearance of a young woman but finds that there are bigger mysteries to be solved. It's an exciting read and several people are dead before the end. I now plan to read the second book in this series.
October 20, 2025
A gripping and atmospheric thriller
I bought this book on a whim, not really sure what to expect. Having read a few reviews, I was concerned it might be long-winded or dull—but I was completely wrong. This story is gripping and suspenseful from start to finish. Aline Templeton sets the scene beautifully, with rich, descriptive details that immerse the reader in the stunning landscape of Skye.
The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the plot is intense, full of twists that keep you turning the pages. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, the body count rises, and the race to catch the killer becomes even more urgent, complicated by a storm that threatens further tragedy.
Some characters are loathsome, others endearing, but I found DI Kelso Strang thoroughly likeable despite his flaws. I’m already looking forward to reading more in this series.
I bought this book on a whim, not really sure what to expect. Having read a few reviews, I was concerned it might be long-winded or dull—but I was completely wrong. This story is gripping and suspenseful from start to finish. Aline Templeton sets the scene beautifully, with rich, descriptive details that immerse the reader in the stunning landscape of Skye.
The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the plot is intense, full of twists that keep you turning the pages. As the story unfolds, the tension builds, the body count rises, and the race to catch the killer becomes even more urgent, complicated by a storm that threatens further tragedy.
Some characters are loathsome, others endearing, but I found DI Kelso Strang thoroughly likeable despite his flaws. I’m already looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 23, 2018
Aline Templeton's first non-DI Marjory Fleming novel for some fifteen years, so far as I can ascertain, is very good.
Quite different in plot and characterisation from the Fleming novels, it is at once more believable and far less soap-operatic than they had become.
This time the DI is male, Kelso Strang, who in this first outing has no children or spouse to take up chapters, so there is little or no padding.
In other words, it is a genuine police-procedural, with just enough about the private life of the main character to satisfy all.
The first of many such novels, I hope.
Quite different in plot and characterisation from the Fleming novels, it is at once more believable and far less soap-operatic than they had become.
This time the DI is male, Kelso Strang, who in this first outing has no children or spouse to take up chapters, so there is little or no padding.
In other words, it is a genuine police-procedural, with just enough about the private life of the main character to satisfy all.
The first of many such novels, I hope.
April 11, 2018
This book is a stand-alone dealing with crimes of money-laundering, illegal immigrants, murder and just about every human vice you could imagine. DI Strang is sent to the Island of Skye to implement the new centralized Scottish policing for serious crime. What is first assumed to be a case of a missing person grows into multiple murders and a very interesting, if corrupt, cast of characters. The culprits are revealed slowly against a forbidding landscape. I really liked this book and wonder if it will remain a stand-alone....?
August 5, 2019
3.5 rounded up.
I really enjoy Ms Templeton’s writing, and the Scotland landscape is a wonderful character in itself.
But. I’m still unsure why the creator of Big Marge has developed Kelso Strang, who still feels a bit like a cutout character. The immediacy of warmth and interest that DCS Borthwick brings to her every scene reminds me just how well Ms Templeton writes women, and I can’t help wishing JB had been the central character.
Also: not loving the fat shaming of Beatrice. We need character diversity, but not perpetuation of harmful tropes.
I really enjoy Ms Templeton’s writing, and the Scotland landscape is a wonderful character in itself.
But. I’m still unsure why the creator of Big Marge has developed Kelso Strang, who still feels a bit like a cutout character. The immediacy of warmth and interest that DCS Borthwick brings to her every scene reminds me just how well Ms Templeton writes women, and I can’t help wishing JB had been the central character.
Also: not loving the fat shaming of Beatrice. We need character diversity, but not perpetuation of harmful tropes.
April 20, 2020
Disappointing. As someone who has thoroughly enjoyed every one of the Marjorie Fleming series, this seemed far inferior to me. The DI, Kelso Strang was likable and the setting on the Isle of Skye was certainly atmospheric, but I am tired of mysteries where every single major suspect or major character, suspect or not seems just an unpleasant person. I had a problem with the constable who seems incapable of following orders but does OK anyway. There seem to be only two books in the series thus far so I will probably read the other one at some point.
November 6, 2025
Great Scottish Crime Thriller
Detective Inspector Kelso Strang, recently widowed, is sent to the Isle of Skye to investigate a missing person. What started as a simple exercise in dotting I’s and crossing T’s suddenly turns into something much more serious.
Death on Skye is a great introduction to the Kelso Strang series with enough twists to keep the avid crime reader enthralled. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend it to any lover of police procedurals, and Scottish Crime novels.
Detective Inspector Kelso Strang, recently widowed, is sent to the Isle of Skye to investigate a missing person. What started as a simple exercise in dotting I’s and crossing T’s suddenly turns into something much more serious.
Death on Skye is a great introduction to the Kelso Strang series with enough twists to keep the avid crime reader enthralled. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend it to any lover of police procedurals, and Scottish Crime novels.
October 14, 2019
Aline Templeton is, in my view, one of the top detective story writers and now introduces the DI Kelso Strang series. Strang, like Marjorie Fleming of Templeton's other series, is smart, intuitive...and human. In "Human Face," first in the series, Strang, is just returning to work after a personal tragedy and his superior, gives him an opportunity to lead an investigation, which seems straight forward. A bizarre crime, full of equally bizarre characters makes for fast paced, captivating tale.
June 8, 2020
Absolutely fabulous, love this book - so much I didn't want to finish reading it. I was immersed in the characters, loving the twists and turns and the descriptions, oh the descriptions - I am standing right there and can imagine every single part of the landscape. What a fabulous, fast-paced, fascinating fiction....I've started the next in the series and pre-ordered the third. Okay so it helps that I've read lots of other books by her.
September 1, 2025
Very emotive story.
I enjoyed this.story set on Skye where Detective Kelso is sent to investigate a disappearance of a young, Polish, woman. I liked the way that the story evolved, with one loose strand of evidence leading to unexpected outcomes. The characters were very well constructed, and interacted with each other well. I found the descriptions of the islands, and it's people edifying.
I enjoyed this.story set on Skye where Detective Kelso is sent to investigate a disappearance of a young, Polish, woman. I liked the way that the story evolved, with one loose strand of evidence leading to unexpected outcomes. The characters were very well constructed, and interacted with each other well. I found the descriptions of the islands, and it's people edifying.
September 25, 2025
A good start to a new series. I am pleased that I have the second one ready to read! The premise is a bit different and the main characters have interesting personalities.
This book had a good plot and the setting was used really well in terms of both narrative and character. There was also a threat of menace from descriptions of the setting - and very realistically portrayed weather! Got to love Scotland's four seasons in a day. 😉
Overall, an enjoyable read.
This book had a good plot and the setting was used really well in terms of both narrative and character. There was also a threat of menace from descriptions of the setting - and very realistically portrayed weather! Got to love Scotland's four seasons in a day. 😉
Overall, an enjoyable read.
October 22, 2025
I nearly DNF'ed several times in the first 5%. I found the introduction of the characters really confusing and the storyline difficult to follow.
I stuck with it but I don't think I can say that I actually enjoyed it...
There is not one single likeable character in the whole book, and I got completely fed up people saying things 'coldly'
The plot is is implausible and I didn't enjoy the writing style.
Although I didn't hate it. I was quite relieved when it was over.
I stuck with it but I don't think I can say that I actually enjoyed it...
There is not one single likeable character in the whole book, and I got completely fed up people saying things 'coldly'
The plot is is implausible and I didn't enjoy the writing style.
Although I didn't hate it. I was quite relieved when it was over.
November 1, 2025
Captivating
A bit of formula with detective and loss of spouse, but not overly done. Otherwise, terrific character development, combined with plenty of plot
twists make for pleasurable reading. Description of the landscape is very compelling. One can almost experience the harsh weather and obstacles encountered in police work in this part of the world.
A bit of formula with detective and loss of spouse, but not overly done. Otherwise, terrific character development, combined with plenty of plot
twists make for pleasurable reading. Description of the landscape is very compelling. One can almost experience the harsh weather and obstacles encountered in police work in this part of the world.
August 10, 2018
I liked the idea of this novel but the style of writing, (it reminded me of a historical romance) irked me. Except for DI Kelso Strang, the characters were unappealing. With 40 pages to go I gave up in annoyance at the implausability of the plot and the characters actions.
April 5, 2019
First in a new rural Scottish police series. It took a while to get going; but once it did it was pretty gripping. I loved her DI Fleming series set in Galloway - and probably prefer that series to this book at the moment. But that might change as the series beds in.
January 16, 2023
Beautifully written, descriptive and atmospheric. I took an instant like to Kelso and Livvy - good characters with their own backgrounds. Excellent storyline and wasn’t expecting the culprit to be who it was. Yeah really enjoyed this book and will be reading the rest of the series. 4.5⭐️
July 5, 2025
DI Kelso Strang is struggling with bereavement and not sure how he will cope back at work. An assignment to the Isle of Skye gives him focus and challenges. A very promising first in a series with some great characters.
September 21, 2025
Great read.
This was an excellent book. The characters were believable and the plots are clever and interesting. I will of course continue reading this series. I want to know what is next in DI Stang’s future.
This was an excellent book. The characters were believable and the plots are clever and interesting. I will of course continue reading this series. I want to know what is next in DI Stang’s future.
September 22, 2025
my first Aline Templeton read
This is my first read by Aline Templeton, but won’t be my last, a very enjoyable one, and I learnt a lot of the Scottish language (after a bit of googling)
This is my first read by Aline Templeton, but won’t be my last, a very enjoyable one, and I learnt a lot of the Scottish language (after a bit of googling)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews