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DCI Lomond #5
The Long Dark
Some murders leave behind more than just a body...
Still mourning the devastating loss of a close colleague, DCI Lomond and his team are called in to investigate a murder on the set of a popular Scottish detective TV show.
But the victim isn’t a star actor. It’s the show’s official police advisor – legendary Serious Crime Squad detective Jack Beattie.
Beloved by all who worked with him, the crime appears to be without motive or suspects.
Until Lomond digs into Beattie’s seemingly unblemished career, and uncovers shocking secrets involving Lomond’s superiors.
With a brash new addition to his Major Investigations Team, and the press breathing down his neck, Lomond must risk his entire future – both personal and professional – to bring a brutal killer to justice.
If you like writers like JD Kirk, Ian Rankin, and Stuart MacBride, this addictive thriller will have you gripped long into the night, and a shocking final twist will leave you breathless.
What readers say about the DCI Lomond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I'm so jealous of people reading this book for the first time. I wish I could unread it, just to feel that ending again."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Kept me up. Wrecked me. Worth it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “One more chapter became the whole night.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "DCI Lomond is flawed. He’s brilliant. He’s unforgettable.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I miss these characters already.”
Still mourning the devastating loss of a close colleague, DCI Lomond and his team are called in to investigate a murder on the set of a popular Scottish detective TV show.
But the victim isn’t a star actor. It’s the show’s official police advisor – legendary Serious Crime Squad detective Jack Beattie.
Beloved by all who worked with him, the crime appears to be without motive or suspects.
Until Lomond digs into Beattie’s seemingly unblemished career, and uncovers shocking secrets involving Lomond’s superiors.
With a brash new addition to his Major Investigations Team, and the press breathing down his neck, Lomond must risk his entire future – both personal and professional – to bring a brutal killer to justice.
If you like writers like JD Kirk, Ian Rankin, and Stuart MacBride, this addictive thriller will have you gripped long into the night, and a shocking final twist will leave you breathless.
What readers say about the DCI Lomond
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I'm so jealous of people reading this book for the first time. I wish I could unread it, just to feel that ending again."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Kept me up. Wrecked me. Worth it.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “One more chapter became the whole night.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "DCI Lomond is flawed. He’s brilliant. He’s unforgettable.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I miss these characters already.”
- GenresCrime
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2025
187 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Raymond
21 books23 followersAndrew Raymond lives and writes in Glasgow, Scotland with his wife and little boy. His first book, Official Secrets, has sold over 100,000 copies, and the series in total has over 10 million Kindle Unlimited page reads. His first crime book, The Bonnie Dead, introduces Police Scotland's premier investigator DCI John Lomond. The first in a thrilling Scottish crime series, shot through with dark Glaswegian humour and gripping twists, that take you into the hidden depths of Andrew's home city, as well as the iconic hills and glens of the Scottish highlands.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of The Long Dark by Andrew Raymond.
As a long-time reader of this series, returning to DCI John Lomond and his team always feels a little like catching up with familiar colleagues. The Long Dark is another strong instalment and a reminder of why this series works so well. The author consistently blends tightly constructed crime plots with believable character development, all threaded through with a distinctly dry Scottish wit that cuts through even the bleakest moments.
In this fifth book, Lomond and the Major Investigations Team are still processing the emotional impact of losing one of their own when they are called to a rather unusual crime scene, the set of a well-known Scottish television detective drama. The victim is the show’s police adviser, Jack Beattie, a former Serious Crime Squad detective whose professional reputation initially appears spotless. However, as Lomond begins to investigate, it quickly becomes clear that Beattie’s past may not be quite as straightforward as it seemed. What begins as a puzzling murder gradually reveals hidden histories and uncomfortable connections that edge closer to Lomond’s own professional sphere than he would like.
Raymond once again tackles darker themes, including the lingering effects of trauma and the long shadow cast by childhood abuse, but does so with notable care and restraint. These elements deepen the emotional stakes of the story without ever overshadowing the investigative momentum. Lomond remains a compelling central character, determined, quietly empathetic, and realistically flawed, while the dynamics within his team continue to develop in believable and engaging ways.
The audiobook narration by Angus King adds enormously to the experience. His delivery captures both the tone and rhythm of the writing, handling the understated humour with perfect timing while also conveying the weight of the novel’s more serious moments. Each character voice is distinct and consistent, and the pacing maintains a steady build of tension right through to a satisfying conclusion.
A gripping and emotionally nuanced crime novel, The Long Dark is another excellent entry in a series that continues to go from strength to strength. A well-deserved five stars, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where Lomond’s next investigation will lead.
As a long-time reader of this series, returning to DCI John Lomond and his team always feels a little like catching up with familiar colleagues. The Long Dark is another strong instalment and a reminder of why this series works so well. The author consistently blends tightly constructed crime plots with believable character development, all threaded through with a distinctly dry Scottish wit that cuts through even the bleakest moments.
In this fifth book, Lomond and the Major Investigations Team are still processing the emotional impact of losing one of their own when they are called to a rather unusual crime scene, the set of a well-known Scottish television detective drama. The victim is the show’s police adviser, Jack Beattie, a former Serious Crime Squad detective whose professional reputation initially appears spotless. However, as Lomond begins to investigate, it quickly becomes clear that Beattie’s past may not be quite as straightforward as it seemed. What begins as a puzzling murder gradually reveals hidden histories and uncomfortable connections that edge closer to Lomond’s own professional sphere than he would like.
Raymond once again tackles darker themes, including the lingering effects of trauma and the long shadow cast by childhood abuse, but does so with notable care and restraint. These elements deepen the emotional stakes of the story without ever overshadowing the investigative momentum. Lomond remains a compelling central character, determined, quietly empathetic, and realistically flawed, while the dynamics within his team continue to develop in believable and engaging ways.
The audiobook narration by Angus King adds enormously to the experience. His delivery captures both the tone and rhythm of the writing, handling the understated humour with perfect timing while also conveying the weight of the novel’s more serious moments. Each character voice is distinct and consistent, and the pacing maintains a steady build of tension right through to a satisfying conclusion.
A gripping and emotionally nuanced crime novel, The Long Dark is another excellent entry in a series that continues to go from strength to strength. A well-deserved five stars, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where Lomond’s next investigation will lead.
October 31, 2025
better than the last one. not as rushed and the story flows on to the next encounter
January 13, 2026
Still really enjoyed this continuation of the series and the end setup really well for the next book but just didn’t find myself as hooked as the other books in the past
March 29, 2026
Another novel from a great Glasgow crime writer. Some parts of this book need proper proofreading as the errors start to mount up but that aside this is another good tale that moves the series on significantly.
Like others I felt the previous book was a bit rushed and this one should definitely be read as the second part in the mini trilogy within the series, followed by The Ferryman.
Lomond and co are joined by new recruit DC Grado who is an interesting character from the start. The dual aspects of the stories keep the reader guessing and sets up a tale that leaves you feeling unsettled and unsure who to trust, mimicking the dilemmas of Lomond and his team. The end few chapters of the book took me by surprise and made me order the next book before finishing as I want to know the ending to this story.
We see more of the personal lives of Ross, Willie and Donna which builds more rounded characters and explains a lot along the way. The only reason I wouldn’t give this five stars is the fact I still felt this was a book that was unfinished. While I understand the reasoning and building the suspense, having felt the same after reading Cold Open and waiting for the next novel, I had hoped more would be resolved here. However; the strategy has worked and my copy of The Ferryman is awaiting me.
The setting in a TV studio was interesting and as always the descriptions of local areas makes the grittiness of Glasgow jump off the page.
The audiobook narrated by Angus King is a great listen and he really brings the characters to life!
With thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
Like others I felt the previous book was a bit rushed and this one should definitely be read as the second part in the mini trilogy within the series, followed by The Ferryman.
Lomond and co are joined by new recruit DC Grado who is an interesting character from the start. The dual aspects of the stories keep the reader guessing and sets up a tale that leaves you feeling unsettled and unsure who to trust, mimicking the dilemmas of Lomond and his team. The end few chapters of the book took me by surprise and made me order the next book before finishing as I want to know the ending to this story.
We see more of the personal lives of Ross, Willie and Donna which builds more rounded characters and explains a lot along the way. The only reason I wouldn’t give this five stars is the fact I still felt this was a book that was unfinished. While I understand the reasoning and building the suspense, having felt the same after reading Cold Open and waiting for the next novel, I had hoped more would be resolved here. However; the strategy has worked and my copy of The Ferryman is awaiting me.
The setting in a TV studio was interesting and as always the descriptions of local areas makes the grittiness of Glasgow jump off the page.
The audiobook narrated by Angus King is a great listen and he really brings the characters to life!
With thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 12, 2026
The Long Dark is the fifth book in the DCI John Lomond series. The book starts in dramatic fashion, with a flashback to when he was a lowly DC. Back in contemporary times, John and the team have no idea that this tragic incident would have such repercussions.
Baxter is a long running popular TV police drama. The police consultant for the programme, is retired DCI Jack Beattie. The programme has come under pressure, to deliver a more attention grabbing, impactful storyline. What happens next, is not how they were hoping to hit the headlines.
If you love a good, long running police procedural series, as I do, I highly recommend this series. Start with The Bonnie Dead, and work your way through to The Long Dark. I haven’t read all the books in the series, but didn’t feel that it affected my understanding of the characters, or my enjoyment of the gripping, tense plot.
You know you are in the safest hands, when you find that your narrator is Angus King. The narration is fabulous, as you would expect.
The ending was very satisfying in some respects, but also a huge cliffhanger. As I am writing this review, I have spotted that the author has posted on Facebook, talking about the resolution of the cliffhanger, which is currently being written in book six. I am so eager to read what happens next, I hope Andrew has that book well under way.
Baxter is a long running popular TV police drama. The police consultant for the programme, is retired DCI Jack Beattie. The programme has come under pressure, to deliver a more attention grabbing, impactful storyline. What happens next, is not how they were hoping to hit the headlines.
If you love a good, long running police procedural series, as I do, I highly recommend this series. Start with The Bonnie Dead, and work your way through to The Long Dark. I haven’t read all the books in the series, but didn’t feel that it affected my understanding of the characters, or my enjoyment of the gripping, tense plot.
You know you are in the safest hands, when you find that your narrator is Angus King. The narration is fabulous, as you would expect.
The ending was very satisfying in some respects, but also a huge cliffhanger. As I am writing this review, I have spotted that the author has posted on Facebook, talking about the resolution of the cliffhanger, which is currently being written in book six. I am so eager to read what happens next, I hope Andrew has that book well under way.
March 26, 2026
I was definitely at a disadvantage not having read the previous four novels in this series as there was clearly a lot of catching up to do with individual characters and Team dynamics. That being said, this is an interesting and well paced police procedural novel set in the major crimes unit in Scotland.
When retired senior officer John Beatty is shot on set of a popular police detective series, he leaves a message for responders, written in his own blood. Lomand and his team, still reeling from the death of one of their colleagues, are now called upon to deal with the murder of this legend of the Force, Jumping Jack Flash. What they uncover well lead to a web of corruption that will rock the heart of police Scotland.
Although this was an interesting storyline at times I did find this a little slow, both literally a metaphorically. I turned the speed up to 1.25 and that seemed perfect to me.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this novel.
When retired senior officer John Beatty is shot on set of a popular police detective series, he leaves a message for responders, written in his own blood. Lomand and his team, still reeling from the death of one of their colleagues, are now called upon to deal with the murder of this legend of the Force, Jumping Jack Flash. What they uncover well lead to a web of corruption that will rock the heart of police Scotland.
Although this was an interesting storyline at times I did find this a little slow, both literally a metaphorically. I turned the speed up to 1.25 and that seemed perfect to me.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this novel.
October 15, 2025
It's been a while since the previous book came out so this was a very welcome release. It's also a riveting and fantastic read.
The team are still reeling from events in the prior book but are brought on board when an ex policeman is murdered on the set of a TV series. I loved how the links are strong here with the overall ongoing investigation from before and how certain senior management personnel seem to be determined to derail Lomond. The addition of a new team member isn't all that it seems and I found this quite intriguing while figuring out what his exact role was. While certain things get resolved, others are less so and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
The team are still reeling from events in the prior book but are brought on board when an ex policeman is murdered on the set of a TV series. I loved how the links are strong here with the overall ongoing investigation from before and how certain senior management personnel seem to be determined to derail Lomond. The addition of a new team member isn't all that it seems and I found this quite intriguing while figuring out what his exact role was. While certain things get resolved, others are less so and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
March 27, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It is gritty, dark, and sometimes a bit close to the bone, with definite John Rebus vibes. This is the 5th book in the series, and my first, but definitely not my last.
On the hunt for a brutal killer, DCI Lomond starts to scratch the surface, uncovering a very seedy underworld that appears to be rather close to home. The Long Dark depicts just how corrupt the so-called 'good guys' can be, and how the rot that lies just beneath the surface can corrupt and deaden the soul.
This is my second audiobook in a week with a Scottish setting and narrator, and oh my word, I want more of both!
On the hunt for a brutal killer, DCI Lomond starts to scratch the surface, uncovering a very seedy underworld that appears to be rather close to home. The Long Dark depicts just how corrupt the so-called 'good guys' can be, and how the rot that lies just beneath the surface can corrupt and deaden the soul.
This is my second audiobook in a week with a Scottish setting and narrator, and oh my word, I want more of both!
October 20, 2025
Brilliant
If there is one thing that Andrew Raymond does wonderfully well, it is his amazing and painstaking research that allows the reader to be fully immersed with the characters to the extent that you feel as if you are there with them. He has done this before in other series taking the reader into North Korea and darkest Africa.
A great story leaving you hungry for the follow up
If there is one thing that Andrew Raymond does wonderfully well, it is his amazing and painstaking research that allows the reader to be fully immersed with the characters to the extent that you feel as if you are there with them. He has done this before in other series taking the reader into North Korea and darkest Africa.
A great story leaving you hungry for the follow up
February 22, 2026
Great Story - Terrible editing and proofing
The characters and the storyline are great. Looking forward to continuing the story in the next book in the series. I have no issue with the story or the author, but the proof reading and editing in the kindle edition is really poor. There are several places where the same clause is repeated but with slightly different wording. Editor couldn’t decide which version so left both and proof reading didn’t pick it up.
The characters and the storyline are great. Looking forward to continuing the story in the next book in the series. I have no issue with the story or the author, but the proof reading and editing in the kindle edition is really poor. There are several places where the same clause is repeated but with slightly different wording. Editor couldn’t decide which version so left both and proof reading didn’t pick it up.
March 11, 2026
This series is too much like JD Kirk’s Jack Logan, but the Kirk series is so much better. Raymond has mirrored too many settings and characters from Kirk’s books.
The lead detective’s name, Tyler and Ross with the hair and their age and the family, older sidekicks Ben and Willy each having an abusive partners….the list goes on.
If you liked this even a little bit you would really enjoy JK Kirk’s books.
The lead detective’s name, Tyler and Ross with the hair and their age and the family, older sidekicks Ben and Willy each having an abusive partners….the list goes on.
If you liked this even a little bit you would really enjoy JK Kirk’s books.
March 22, 2026
The Long Dark by Andrew Raymond and narrated by Angus King is the 5th book in the excellent DCI Lomond Crime Thriller series and WoW what a brilliant audiobook this was, especially as it was the first book I have listened to by this author and I had no problems getting into this series. I loved it, It was fast-paced and full of excellent twists and turn which made it hard to stop listening to it.
The narrator Angus King and he bought this book alive and very addictive.
The narrator Angus King and he bought this book alive and very addictive.
October 25, 2025
A fantastic addition to the series,. There was more insight into the personal lives of John and the team, which added real depth and built on the emotional connections, I really feel these characters.
As always it was action packed, kept me turning the page and ended on one hell of a cliffhanger.
Can't wait for the next one
As always it was action packed, kept me turning the page and ended on one hell of a cliffhanger.
Can't wait for the next one
March 14, 2026
Well I'm caught up until the next 2 books by summer. The fall out from the death of one of the team continues. John is having a relationship with a nice woman, Reekie is still a rat. The case of a killed former famous DCI on the set of a long running crime show lead John to re-examine an incident 25 yrs ago. What was shocking was who the organized crime mole is. Shocking
March 21, 2026
If you haven't read book 4 yet, you might not want to continue reading...
It had been awhile since I was book 4 and I forgot he had killed off Pardeep.
This book was a page turner...I finished 3/4 of it in one day. My biggest disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book to get things resolved!
It had been awhile since I was book 4 and I forgot he had killed off Pardeep.
This book was a page turner...I finished 3/4 of it in one day. My biggest disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book to get things resolved!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
Great book
The best in the series so far I couldn't put it down .Limped and his team are great and I would never have been able to guess the ending. I hope the next book isn't to long in coming out as I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
The best in the series so far I couldn't put it down .Limped and his team are great and I would never have been able to guess the ending. I hope the next book isn't to long in coming out as I can hardly wait to see what happens next.
November 7, 2025
Kindle read.
Wow, another cracker from one of my favourite Glasgow authors. Love the development of the team and the ongoing threads through the series. The story is strong, hyper local and the end rather popped me on the nose by suprise as I didn't see it coming.
Wow, another cracker from one of my favourite Glasgow authors. Love the development of the team and the ongoing threads through the series. The story is strong, hyper local and the end rather popped me on the nose by suprise as I didn't see it coming.
January 18, 2026
Ten Stars for this one!!
Really absolutely enjoyed this one…. Am now 4 books into series and the only slightly iffy one was number 2 ! Now ct wait to start volume 5. This one really did hurry along from one suspect to the next to keep you guessing!
Really absolutely enjoyed this one…. Am now 4 books into series and the only slightly iffy one was number 2 ! Now ct wait to start volume 5. This one really did hurry along from one suspect to the next to keep you guessing!
February 14, 2026
I need more!!
These book are so phenomenally written, with a set of characters that just fit. It’s like being on a roller coaster, blindfolded!
I can’t recommend these books highly enough!
These book are so phenomenally written, with a set of characters that just fit. It’s like being on a roller coaster, blindfolded!
I can’t recommend these books highly enough!
October 22, 2025
This kept me gripped from start to finish. So many twists and turns. Left us on a real cliffhanger so I can’t wait to read what happens next. Loving the characters
October 25, 2025
I started to review this book on Amazon but knew it would not be accepted because all I had to say was:
NO! PLEASE DON'T DO THAT.
NO! PLEASE DON'T DO THAT.
November 7, 2025
Absolutely brilliant, I couldn’t put it down! Also, loved the wee mention of Thornly Park! Looking forward to
no6!
no6!
November 25, 2025
4.5 stars
January 16, 2026
Enjoyed! I’ve read every crime thriller book that Angus King has narrated. He’s my audiobook boyfriend. Just saying. I also recommend J.D. Kirk’s books narrated by King.
March 6, 2026
I was only going to give this book 4 stars because of the long slow lead up but the book more than made it up!
best book yet from Andrew Raymond can't wait for the next!
best book yet from Andrew Raymond can't wait for the next!
March 22, 2026
brilliant
Fantastic well written and was brilliant read. The story is well told and tied together with the characters and the storyline.
Fantastic well written and was brilliant read. The story is well told and tied together with the characters and the storyline.
January 25, 2026
Excellent. Took me a little while to get back into it as it seems a while since book 4. Good storyline and an ongoing saga. Good to hear the individual stories and to cover sensitive subjects such as abuse and controlling behaviour.
February 16, 2026
The Long Dark
Excellent and exciting book. There are so many twists and turns that keep it interesting…..can’t wait for the next one.
Excellent and exciting book. There are so many twists and turns that keep it interesting…..can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews