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DI Rob Marshall #9
Cuts Both Ways
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 1, 2025
DCI Rob Marshall and DI Sam Winter should never have met, let alone worked together, but two phone calls received at exactly the same time in two different locations send them both rushing to locations where they witness horrifying crimes taking place which they are powerless to stop. Finding out their cases are linked means working together, travelling up and down the country trying to find a link, a reason why people are dying in such terrible ways. Gradually Rob and Sam begin to see what is happening, even if they find it hard to believe, but when links to an investigation years earlier comes to light everything changes including who might now be in danger.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the author and Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book nine in this fantastic series introduces new characters as well as continuing the story arcs of others. There are two storylines running alongside each other and both are suspenseful and eminently satisfying in every way while there are also cameos from much loved characters Ed James fans will recognise and rejoice in reconnecting with. Of the new characters Sam Winter is the obvious one to mention first. She is very likeable, determined, and focused, and the teasers of her backstory mean her own series, which starts in May, will definitely be one to look out for. Her husband Daniel seems like a good guy but there is also Creepy Nick who is definitely going to be someone who really needs to get his comeuppance very soon!
This is an excellent read and very easy to recommend highly.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the author and Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book nine in this fantastic series introduces new characters as well as continuing the story arcs of others. There are two storylines running alongside each other and both are suspenseful and eminently satisfying in every way while there are also cameos from much loved characters Ed James fans will recognise and rejoice in reconnecting with. Of the new characters Sam Winter is the obvious one to mention first. She is very likeable, determined, and focused, and the teasers of her backstory mean her own series, which starts in May, will definitely be one to look out for. Her husband Daniel seems like a good guy but there is also Creepy Nick who is definitely going to be someone who really needs to get his comeuppance very soon!
This is an excellent read and very easy to recommend highly.
January 5, 2026
Loved this book, as it moved Rob Marshall from his usual stomping ground, working alongside a DI (Sam Winter) from the metropolitan Police, on a case that flitted from Scotland to london, we have appearances from Simon Fenchurch, Dalton Unwin, profiler Liana, and Rakesh Siyal seconded back into the fold to help. We are led through the past lives of the murder victims, the tragedy of one of the friends, drug dealers and corrupt police ... everything one has come to expect from Ed James, another great read that's worthy of its 5🌟rating!
January 5, 2026
A complex plot as now DCI Rob Marshall in Edinburgh and DI Sam Winter in London take phone calls which lure them to the scenes of murders committed in front of each of them at exactly the same time in two different cities. When they discover the connection between the cases, the bureaucracy of two large police forces need to collaborate on finding a killer roaming between the cities. At the same time, a drugs case snares an unexpected suspect which complicates Marshall world.
I loved the settings of London and Edinburgh which allowed the author to sneak in various personalities. I was overjoyed when a certain Chief Inspector opened the door to the investigators in Kent. The book can be read as a standalone, but if you have read other books by the author, there are much to appreciate from the settings and a plot line from previous books get resolved. Highly recommend this book and series.
I loved the settings of London and Edinburgh which allowed the author to sneak in various personalities. I was overjoyed when a certain Chief Inspector opened the door to the investigators in Kent. The book can be read as a standalone, but if you have read other books by the author, there are much to appreciate from the settings and a plot line from previous books get resolved. Highly recommend this book and series.
January 2, 2026
Complicated
This is a wonderful series, and this is one of the best. A very complex set of characters which means careful proofing. Unfortunately there are errors in this text, beyond the typos common in Kindle unlimited texts. These however are textual errors with the occasional mistake in names. This makes a complex book occasionally confusing, and required back reading to make sense
Stick with it as it is an important part in an excellent series by a terrific storyteller
This is a wonderful series, and this is one of the best. A very complex set of characters which means careful proofing. Unfortunately there are errors in this text, beyond the typos common in Kindle unlimited texts. These however are textual errors with the occasional mistake in names. This makes a complex book occasionally confusing, and required back reading to make sense
Stick with it as it is an important part in an excellent series by a terrific storyteller
March 1, 2026
This book just seemed depressing - all the cops are a mess, their cars are a mess, the coffee sucks
It took reading until chapter 19 before we hear from Elliot - and as a copy she could not figure out a solution after trying to convince other people to do the same thing - turn on someone. I am not sure why it was part of the story -they just came back periodically. Multiple times Sam is not backed up by her boss - These things happen, eh? Your boss hasn’t backed up your version of events, but this case independently suggests you were unavoidably detained.
DCI Cathro took her home at 2 in the morning and did not make sure she got through the door - maybe walk her to the door. The next would not have happened if he used any sense.
Interesting twist (which I picked up on though they did not) - “‘Think about it, you both answered the calls by accident. You’re only here because you both picked up someone else’s phone. Cathro’s and Elliot’s. Which means I’m only in here by two twists of fate. It wasn’t supposed to be you two, you”
It took reading until chapter 19 before we hear from Elliot - and as a copy she could not figure out a solution after trying to convince other people to do the same thing - turn on someone. I am not sure why it was part of the story -they just came back periodically. Multiple times Sam is not backed up by her boss - These things happen, eh? Your boss hasn’t backed up your version of events, but this case independently suggests you were unavoidably detained.
DCI Cathro took her home at 2 in the morning and did not make sure she got through the door - maybe walk her to the door. The next would not have happened if he used any sense.
Interesting twist (which I picked up on though they did not) - “‘Think about it, you both answered the calls by accident. You’re only here because you both picked up someone else’s phone. Cathro’s and Elliot’s. Which means I’m only in here by two twists of fate. It wasn’t supposed to be you two, you”
February 2, 2026
Ed James at his best!
Gritty stuff in this introduction to Sam Winter working alongside Rob Marshall in their respective areas of the country with a very satisfactory conclusion. Finally getting Gary Hislop off the streets after much escapism and denial. Full of drama, well-written and page-turning.
Gritty stuff in this introduction to Sam Winter working alongside Rob Marshall in their respective areas of the country with a very satisfactory conclusion. Finally getting Gary Hislop off the streets after much escapism and denial. Full of drama, well-written and page-turning.
February 10, 2026
Another great novel with Marshall and Winter involved as well. 2 murders taking place at the same time but each end of the country. How and why takes the investigation back to a car crash 14 years ago. Then we have the added attraction of Hislop muddying the waters.
Brilliant read worthy of 5 stars.
Brilliant read worthy of 5 stars.
January 5, 2026
This Marshall book introduced us to Sam Winter (new series starting soon I believe!), when Marshall and Winters both receive phone calls to attend a venue at the same time - one in Scotland and one in London. The storyline keeps you on your toes,...
January 18, 2026
Excellent series
This series just gets better. This was an excellent read, a lot going on, some shockers and conclusions. I don't think it would make sense unless you start right back to the beginning. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
This series just gets better. This was an excellent read, a lot going on, some shockers and conclusions. I don't think it would make sense unless you start right back to the beginning. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
February 3, 2026
I’m back and Marshall is too
I’ve missed Marshall, he’s one of my favourites! Saying that, Sam, Vicky and Rakesh are all pretty cool too. I love Ed’s work and after a couple months of not reading, I needed something to take hold of me! This certainly did!
I’ve missed Marshall, he’s one of my favourites! Saying that, Sam, Vicky and Rakesh are all pretty cool too. I love Ed’s work and after a couple months of not reading, I needed something to take hold of me! This certainly did!
March 4, 2026
Cuts Both Ways
Another excellent Rob Marshall crime novel from Ed James.
Twists and turns all over the place, some expected others definitely not so. Nice to see two of Marshall's main protagonists finally getting their just desserts
Another excellent Rob Marshall crime novel from Ed James.
Twists and turns all over the place, some expected others definitely not so. Nice to see two of Marshall's main protagonists finally getting their just desserts
January 7, 2026
This story keeps you on your toes and Marshall and it introduces a new DI Sam Winters who just might join the team
January 10, 2026
Really enjoyed this book which introduces a new character for a new series. Highly recommended
January 14, 2026
Brilliant read
Love this book series. The story keeps you guessing to the end. Love that they are set where I live so I really feel part of the story
Love this book series. The story keeps you guessing to the end. Love that they are set where I live so I really feel part of the story
January 21, 2026
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
January 26, 2026
Another good story with the bonus of dual locations. Interesting new character too.
February 1, 2026
cuts both ways, book 9 DCI Rob Marshall
Couldn’t put it down. I could really put my teeth into this book. Lots of twists, to keep us guessing. Just brilliant.
Couldn’t put it down. I could really put my teeth into this book. Lots of twists, to keep us guessing. Just brilliant.
February 11, 2026
Another great book
I really enjoyed this one, the pace was a bit faster than others and made this one of those books I just didn't want to put down.
I really enjoyed this one, the pace was a bit faster than others and made this one of those books I just didn't want to put down.
February 25, 2026
Great stuff as always.
Great new character in Sam Winter! Can't wait for more Sam and Rob of course! Ed just gets better and better.
Great new character in Sam Winter! Can't wait for more Sam and Rob of course! Ed just gets better and better.
March 6, 2026
Sam & Rob make a great team in this 9th DI Rob Marshall adventure.
January 9, 2026
I came away from Cuts Both Ways enjoying myself, but also feeling a bit conflicted. It’s pretty obvious that Ed James is using this book to launch something new, and while I actually liked Sam Winter as a character, her introduction feels a little too forced into the DI Rob Marshall series. If she’d been introduced in her own, clearly separate book, I’d have happily given it a go—but here it slightly jars.
Part of that is the setting shift. I’ve grown really fond of the Borders through this series, so pulling Marshall and his team into Edinburgh felt like losing something that made these books special. It made the whole thing feel a bit disjointed, like I wasn’t quite reading the series I’d signed up for.
That said, the things Ed James does well are still very much here. The humour is spot on, the writing is sharp, and the story is cleverly put together even when it’s obviously busy laying groundwork for the future. And the return of Rakesh “Shunty” Siyal genuinely made me smile—he was easily one of the highlights for me.
Overall, Cuts Both Ways is a solid, entertaining read, and it introduces a new character I’d be interested in following. I just wish that introduction hadn’t come at the expense of a series and setting I was already really enjoying.
Part of that is the setting shift. I’ve grown really fond of the Borders through this series, so pulling Marshall and his team into Edinburgh felt like losing something that made these books special. It made the whole thing feel a bit disjointed, like I wasn’t quite reading the series I’d signed up for.
That said, the things Ed James does well are still very much here. The humour is spot on, the writing is sharp, and the story is cleverly put together even when it’s obviously busy laying groundwork for the future. And the return of Rakesh “Shunty” Siyal genuinely made me smile—he was easily one of the highlights for me.
Overall, Cuts Both Ways is a solid, entertaining read, and it introduces a new character I’d be interested in following. I just wish that introduction hadn’t come at the expense of a series and setting I was already really enjoying.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews