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The Long Isle: A DC Mairead Maclean Mystery
A dark Scottish island crime thriller featuring a compelling and brilliant female detective, a brutal murder, and a close-knit community where everyone has something to hide.
Home is where the lies are buried.
On the remote Hebridean island of South Uist, its rugged tranquillity is shattered by a brutal murder on a deserted beach.
In desperate need of local knowledge, Uist-born Detective Constable Mairead Maclean is sent to investigate. Long estranged from the island, she is forced back to the place she once called home and to a past she would rather forget.
But as Mairead rekindles old friendships and hostilities, she uncovers a network of deception and scandal that could shatter the close-knit community.
They have been harbouring more than just long-buried secrets.
Someone is watching Mairead’s every move. They have already killed to keep the past buried, and they’re ready to do it again.
The Long Isle is the gripping first novel in a haunting new Scottish crime series, perfect for readers of Peter May and Ann Cleeves, and lovers of atmospheric police procedurals and dark island noir.
___________________________________________________________________
Praise for Andrew
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ One of Scotland’s best tartan noir authors
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ For fans of Ian Rankin’s Rebus and JD Kirk-style Scottish crime…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A cracking twist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A nice surprise to find a new author whose writing is so interesting
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Raymond crafts a hypnotic story with many twists and turns
Home is where the lies are buried.
On the remote Hebridean island of South Uist, its rugged tranquillity is shattered by a brutal murder on a deserted beach.
In desperate need of local knowledge, Uist-born Detective Constable Mairead Maclean is sent to investigate. Long estranged from the island, she is forced back to the place she once called home and to a past she would rather forget.
But as Mairead rekindles old friendships and hostilities, she uncovers a network of deception and scandal that could shatter the close-knit community.
They have been harbouring more than just long-buried secrets.
Someone is watching Mairead’s every move. They have already killed to keep the past buried, and they’re ready to do it again.
The Long Isle is the gripping first novel in a haunting new Scottish crime series, perfect for readers of Peter May and Ann Cleeves, and lovers of atmospheric police procedurals and dark island noir.
___________________________________________________________________
Praise for Andrew
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ One of Scotland’s best tartan noir authors
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ For fans of Ian Rankin’s Rebus and JD Kirk-style Scottish crime…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A cracking twist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A nice surprise to find a new author whose writing is so interesting
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Raymond crafts a hypnotic story with many twists and turns
- GenresThriller
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Andrew Raymond
19 books31 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 28, 2026
Book 1 of Hebrides
A brutal murder on a beach in South Uist which is a shock in itself as this is an island where murder has never happened. DC Mairead Maclean is a former islander and works in Glasgow and is sent there as the team need local knowledge. She’s very reluctant to return as it will reignite a past that she’d rather forget. Can Mairead use any remaining friendships to get to the heart of what is going on in this close knit Outer Hebridean community or will hostility prevent it? One thing is certain, someone is watching her every move.
This is a really good mystery thriller in an incredible setting. It’s very atmospheric with excellent descriptions not just of Uist but right from the start with the journey from Glasgow to Oban and the ferry, with a musical accompaniment from Runrig. The changeable weather, the wild pitching Atlantic mirroring what’s to come or happening on Uist when the fog closes in and then there’s the silence….
The plot is constantly intriguing, the pace is spot on and it has me hooked, unwilling to put the book down. There are shocks in store for Mairead as situations worsen with the sense of dread hanging over this series of islands (North and South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula). Island attitudes with walls of silence add to the fascination of the plot which is as twisty as The Stations of the Cross on Eriskay (worth looking up!) where it reaches its conclusion and I’m all in for number two.
Finally, the characterisation is good, I really like Mairead and there’s a good contrast between her view of the world compared SIO DCI Sorley Barr, who I definitely warm to by the end.
I’ve not read this author before but I want to read more.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Vinci Books for the much appreciated copy in return for an honest review.
A brutal murder on a beach in South Uist which is a shock in itself as this is an island where murder has never happened. DC Mairead Maclean is a former islander and works in Glasgow and is sent there as the team need local knowledge. She’s very reluctant to return as it will reignite a past that she’d rather forget. Can Mairead use any remaining friendships to get to the heart of what is going on in this close knit Outer Hebridean community or will hostility prevent it? One thing is certain, someone is watching her every move.
This is a really good mystery thriller in an incredible setting. It’s very atmospheric with excellent descriptions not just of Uist but right from the start with the journey from Glasgow to Oban and the ferry, with a musical accompaniment from Runrig. The changeable weather, the wild pitching Atlantic mirroring what’s to come or happening on Uist when the fog closes in and then there’s the silence….
The plot is constantly intriguing, the pace is spot on and it has me hooked, unwilling to put the book down. There are shocks in store for Mairead as situations worsen with the sense of dread hanging over this series of islands (North and South Uist, Eriskay and Benbecula). Island attitudes with walls of silence add to the fascination of the plot which is as twisty as The Stations of the Cross on Eriskay (worth looking up!) where it reaches its conclusion and I’m all in for number two.
Finally, the characterisation is good, I really like Mairead and there’s a good contrast between her view of the world compared SIO DCI Sorley Barr, who I definitely warm to by the end.
I’ve not read this author before but I want to read more.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Vinci Books for the much appreciated copy in return for an honest review.
June 14, 2026
This is the first in a new series set in the Hebrides featuring Mairead Maclean, a young DC who left the Hebrides many years earlier under somewhat of a cloud. Forced to return as part of an investigation team when a young priest is brutally murdered and a separate attack on an old priest leaves him alive but badly hurt, it sets the tone for a lot of awkward conversations and scenes as everyone seems to look upon her with disgust and blame.
The story is told across two timelines, the present day and from twenty one years ago when we gradually piece together what happened involving Mairead. I was hooked from the start with the brutal murder but the gradual back and forth between the timelines ensured I wanted to keep reading to find out what had happened. This was not straightforward as there was several twists even with that side of things. I loved how everyone seems to have some sort of secret and there were a few shocks towards the end as we finally learn the truth about the past and the present.
I have loved anything I have read by this author and this is another brilliant read in what is sure to be another riveting series.
The story is told across two timelines, the present day and from twenty one years ago when we gradually piece together what happened involving Mairead. I was hooked from the start with the brutal murder but the gradual back and forth between the timelines ensured I wanted to keep reading to find out what had happened. This was not straightforward as there was several twists even with that side of things. I loved how everyone seems to have some sort of secret and there were a few shocks towards the end as we finally learn the truth about the past and the present.
I have loved anything I have read by this author and this is another brilliant read in what is sure to be another riveting series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
I hadn't read Andrew Raymond before The Long Isle, but this book has absolutely made me interested in his wider work.
The novel opens with a murder on a beach in South Uist, an event that sends shockwaves through the small island community. the killing itself is gruesome, but what really gives the book its strength is the way Raymond uses the setting, the history, and the weight of returning home. DC Mairead Maclean (I'm still unable to pronounce her name, even thought I'm Scottish!), a former islander now working in Glasgow, is sent back after twenty-one years, and that return gives the investigation an added emotional tension.
What impressed me most was the pacing. Every scene and chapter feels purposeful, moving the story forward without losing atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the ferry chapters, which build a real sense of dread as Mairead heads back towards the community she left behind. The twists are well handled, and Raymond clearly understands the dark pull of tartan noir, where secrets, place, memory, and violence all work together.
The atmosphere is excellent. South Uist comes through beautifully on the page. It's remote, historic and beautiful. The island setting never feels like backdrop. It feels central to the story.
The Long Isle is a gripping, atmospheric crime novel and a very strong introduction to an author I am glad to have discovered.
There's nothing better than being introduced to an author, especially a local one with a back catalogue.
I hadn't read Andrew Raymond before The Long Isle, but this book has absolutely made me interested in his wider work.
The novel opens with a murder on a beach in South Uist, an event that sends shockwaves through the small island community. the killing itself is gruesome, but what really gives the book its strength is the way Raymond uses the setting, the history, and the weight of returning home. DC Mairead Maclean (I'm still unable to pronounce her name, even thought I'm Scottish!), a former islander now working in Glasgow, is sent back after twenty-one years, and that return gives the investigation an added emotional tension.
What impressed me most was the pacing. Every scene and chapter feels purposeful, moving the story forward without losing atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed the ferry chapters, which build a real sense of dread as Mairead heads back towards the community she left behind. The twists are well handled, and Raymond clearly understands the dark pull of tartan noir, where secrets, place, memory, and violence all work together.
The atmosphere is excellent. South Uist comes through beautifully on the page. It's remote, historic and beautiful. The island setting never feels like backdrop. It feels central to the story.
The Long Isle is a gripping, atmospheric crime novel and a very strong introduction to an author I am glad to have discovered.
There's nothing better than being introduced to an author, especially a local one with a back catalogue.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Andrew and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Long Isle before the publication date.
It would make a good option for a book club discussion.
The story is told in 2 timeframes, 21 years ago and the current time with the author using personification of the elements to great effect.
When the body of a man is found nailed to a wooden cross on the beach in South Uist, DCI Sorley Barr and his team are sent to investigate. He is identified as Father Brendan O’Brien, a moderniser who is in the process of taking over from Father Calum MacDonald.
On the same evening, an inebriated Father Calum is attacked on his way home from the pub, having declined a lift by Father Brendan.
DC Mairead Maclean, who is originally from South Uist, moved to Glasgow 20 years ago.
Detective Superintendent Helen Armstrong has decided that her local knowledge and insight would be helpful to the enquiry t into the islanders. To refuse would damage Mairead’s career.
The journey on the MV Lord of the Isles is turbulent. Mairead’s choice of Tuireadh Iain Ruaidh by Runrig
conveys her mood better than words could describe.
Her arrival is soon common knowledge and it is obvious that her past has not been forgotten by the islanders.
Journalist Rowan Vance has arrived on the island and is soon causing problems.
As the investigation progresses, long buried secrets are revealed with potentially devastating consequences.
It would make a good option for a book club discussion.
The story is told in 2 timeframes, 21 years ago and the current time with the author using personification of the elements to great effect.
When the body of a man is found nailed to a wooden cross on the beach in South Uist, DCI Sorley Barr and his team are sent to investigate. He is identified as Father Brendan O’Brien, a moderniser who is in the process of taking over from Father Calum MacDonald.
On the same evening, an inebriated Father Calum is attacked on his way home from the pub, having declined a lift by Father Brendan.
DC Mairead Maclean, who is originally from South Uist, moved to Glasgow 20 years ago.
Detective Superintendent Helen Armstrong has decided that her local knowledge and insight would be helpful to the enquiry t into the islanders. To refuse would damage Mairead’s career.
The journey on the MV Lord of the Isles is turbulent. Mairead’s choice of Tuireadh Iain Ruaidh by Runrig
conveys her mood better than words could describe.
Her arrival is soon common knowledge and it is obvious that her past has not been forgotten by the islanders.
Journalist Rowan Vance has arrived on the island and is soon causing problems.
As the investigation progresses, long buried secrets are revealed with potentially devastating consequences.
June 11, 2026
The Long Isle by Andrew Raymond is the first book in a new and promising Hebrides series, it was well written and I really enjoyed it, especially as it was fast paced and I was hooked from the very beginning which was excellent and I ended up reading it in two sittings.
I loved reading about the new Detective Constable Mairead Maclean who was forced to returned the remote Hebridean island of South Uist, she has lived many years away from it. this was a place she once called home and to a past she would rather forget.
Mairead is there to help solve the murder of a priest, and now she has to rekindles old friendships and hostilities, and she uncovers a network of deception and scandal that could shatter the close-knit community.
Where they have been harbouring more than just long-buried secrets.
But, someone is watching Mairead’s every move. They have already killed to keep the past buried, and they’re ready to do it again.
Can Mairead stop them in time? or is she too late?
WoW. I am looking forward to the second book within this Hebrides series.
I loved reading about the new Detective Constable Mairead Maclean who was forced to returned the remote Hebridean island of South Uist, she has lived many years away from it. this was a place she once called home and to a past she would rather forget.
Mairead is there to help solve the murder of a priest, and now she has to rekindles old friendships and hostilities, and she uncovers a network of deception and scandal that could shatter the close-knit community.
Where they have been harbouring more than just long-buried secrets.
But, someone is watching Mairead’s every move. They have already killed to keep the past buried, and they’re ready to do it again.
Can Mairead stop them in time? or is she too late?
WoW. I am looking forward to the second book within this Hebrides series.
June 5, 2026
The long isle is Uist, part of the Outer Hebrides. There has never been a murder there until two priests are assaulted. One is horrifically killed, the other attacked and left barely conscious. DC Mairead Maclean, a native of Uist and a Gaelic speaker is assigned to the investigation because of her local knowledge. However, she brings a secret with her…a secret that caused her to flee from Uist when she was eighteen. However, as Faulkner wrote "The past is never dead. It's not even past.” The townspeople of Uist have long memories…and so does the killer.
The Long Isle is the first in the Mairead Maclean series and I can’t wait to read the next. Mairead is a a complicated character, defined by her early life on an isolated island. The plot is complex and full of surprises. Remote Uist is a character itself with its wild seas and rocky coast. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vinci Books and Andrew Raymond for this ARC.
The Long Isle is the first in the Mairead Maclean series and I can’t wait to read the next. Mairead is a a complicated character, defined by her early life on an isolated island. The plot is complex and full of surprises. Remote Uist is a character itself with its wild seas and rocky coast. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Vinci Books and Andrew Raymond for this ARC.
June 3, 2026
I have been eagerly waiting this book, the first in a new series, for such a long time and it lived up to all my expectations! My mother was a native of South Uist and it is my spiritual home which has been perfectly described by the author. The atmosphere is set right from the start and comes across from the start. I loved the characterisation, especially Mairead, and island characters were described to perfection. The plotting is full of twists, just when I thought I had it all figured it, off it went at a different tangent. An excellent crime thriller, set in a beautiful location and written by an author we will be hearing more from. I hope we don't have too long to wait for a follow up! Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
June 11, 2026
A new series with great potential
As a Scot I will admit to some bias when it comes to books based in my native country. However I am a lowlander and the Gaelic I have has been learned over the years.
DC Mairead MacLean is mother to a fourteen year old girl, separated wife to a wannabe Bono (U2) in Glasgow and daughter of the highlands.
Police Scotland covers the entire country and Mairead is called on to be part of the major crimes team alongside DCI Sorley Barr to investigate the first ever murder on her home island.
This book has everything. Secrets, deceit, twists, about turns, bribery, old scores to be settled, new battles to be fought.
As things begin to settle Mairead is heading off to Skye.
I look forward to it immensely.
Well done Andrew Raymond.
As a Scot I will admit to some bias when it comes to books based in my native country. However I am a lowlander and the Gaelic I have has been learned over the years.
DC Mairead MacLean is mother to a fourteen year old girl, separated wife to a wannabe Bono (U2) in Glasgow and daughter of the highlands.
Police Scotland covers the entire country and Mairead is called on to be part of the major crimes team alongside DCI Sorley Barr to investigate the first ever murder on her home island.
This book has everything. Secrets, deceit, twists, about turns, bribery, old scores to be settled, new battles to be fought.
As things begin to settle Mairead is heading off to Skye.
I look forward to it immensely.
Well done Andrew Raymond.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was really good! Not only was the plot chilling and intriguing, but the geographic setting was part of it, giving it an atmospheric thrill. I liked Mairead, though I couldn't understand nor condone her reaction to an incident in the past... Barr is an interesting character whose development is not really convincing though, but it did not disturb the plot. Overall, a solid investigation I enjoyed very much!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Detective Constable Mairead Maclean Is back on Uist 21 years after she left, this time to help solve the murder of the young priest who was found by a dog walker on the beach.
The investigation is hampered by lack of forensic evidence and hostility from the islanders, especially to Mairead. As the case progresses we hear about why she had to leave the island and what really happened all those years ago, as it impacts on the current murder. The priest had been digging and got too close to the truth.
Excellent start to a series, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
The investigation is hampered by lack of forensic evidence and hostility from the islanders, especially to Mairead. As the case progresses we hear about why she had to leave the island and what really happened all those years ago, as it impacts on the current murder. The priest had been digging and got too close to the truth.
Excellent start to a series, my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My oh my !! What an excellent story in the first of a new series from this author. He beautifully describes the Outer Hebrides and what life is like living there. And then there is a murder which is devastating at the best of times but on an island archipelago , it is incomprehensible. To try to help, ex islander Mairead is sent to help her boss although she may be doing more harm than good with long held grievances coming to the fore. Great pace throughout and I was page turning right to the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.
June 4, 2026
A new Series from Andrew Raymond featuring Mairead Mclean. Due to a homicide on the Hebridean island where Mairead was born she has to return with her colleagues to investigation. As a new series I would expect to have to take time to get used to the characters but these characters leap of the page and are friends before we are more than 5 or 6 chapters in. The descriptions of the isle is haunting and evocative and you can really feel the bleakness of the isles. This is a fantastic start to a new Series. With thanks to the author and Vinci Books for the opportunity to read this book.
June 6, 2026
DC Mairead Maclean is sent back to the Hebridean island of South Uist to help solve the murder of a priest. She is unhappy at returning to the island which had been her family home until events had forced her to leave many years ago.
The story is fast paced with lots of unexpected twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end. The characters are interesting and I look forward to seeing them further developed in future books in the series.
It’s the first novel I have read by this author and I enjoyed it so much that I intend reading some of his other series.
The story is fast paced with lots of unexpected twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end. The characters are interesting and I look forward to seeing them further developed in future books in the series.
It’s the first novel I have read by this author and I enjoyed it so much that I intend reading some of his other series.
June 5, 2026
I was looking forward to this book after reading all of the DCI Lomond series. I was not disappointed, A fast paced novel with believable characters and good interaction between the two main detectives.. Lots of twists as to who the suspect may be and a clever way as to how it finally all came together. It ends with another possible case coming to light and I look forward to reading the next instalment
June 9, 2026
The Long Isle By Andrew Raymond
The Long Isle by Andrew Raymond is the first of the Hebrides : a DC Mairead Maclean mystery.
I thought it was a really good read, the descriptions of the area, scenery, the mist were all very evocative and brought the story to life. Mairead as a policewomen, a wife, a daughter and a mother were really believable.
The storyline was also excellent and was in parts very sad. I look forward to reading more in this new series.
Highly recommended
The Long Isle by Andrew Raymond is the first of the Hebrides : a DC Mairead Maclean mystery.
I thought it was a really good read, the descriptions of the area, scenery, the mist were all very evocative and brought the story to life. Mairead as a policewomen, a wife, a daughter and a mother were really believable.
The storyline was also excellent and was in parts very sad. I look forward to reading more in this new series.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fantastic opening book in this new crime thriller series from Andrew Raymond. The gritty, dark aspects of this coupled with a duel timeline keep you enthralled in this book from start to finish. The scene is set perfectly in the remote Scottish Hebridean island, adding realism to the rich description coming off the pages. I cannot wait for the next one in this series. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'The Long Isle' is the first in hopefully a new series featuring DC Mairead Maclean. Told with 2 time-frames 21 years apart the plot hooks you from the start. A brutal murder, an atmospheric Hebridean setting and age old secrets all add up to a worthwhile read. I look forward to more. Thanks to netgalley author and publisher for an advance read.
June 9, 2026
This book was set on a very remote island, this is the start of a new series, I did get lost with some of the dialogue and scottish names / places, but for the most part I was able to keep up.
The characters were introduced really well, I was a bit worried as there were so many but the story unfolded well, there were a few twists and turns but we found the killer in the end.
The characters were introduced really well, I was a bit worried as there were so many but the story unfolded well, there were a few twists and turns but we found the killer in the end.
June 10, 2026
wow
What a brilliant book. Andrew Raymond has really hit the nail on the head with this(you’ll get the meaning when you read the book). It has everything you could possibly want. Great characters, location, story line, back stories, sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll. Absolutely brilliant. Can’t wait to head over to Skye for the next episode.
What a brilliant book. Andrew Raymond has really hit the nail on the head with this(you’ll get the meaning when you read the book). It has everything you could possibly want. Great characters, location, story line, back stories, sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll. Absolutely brilliant. Can’t wait to head over to Skye for the next episode.
June 13, 2026
This one of my top reads for 2026. Absolutely brilliant! Had me guessing a thrilling chase. The characters in this are really strong and I really hope for more hopefully from Skye! The setting for this is perfect. If you like Scottish Crime Fiction ( and who doesn"t?) Then you have to read this book. I give it the highest recommendation possible!
June 3, 2026
What a fantastic starting novel for Andrew’s new protagonist! The twists and turns were so well written that I was truly guessing right up to the reveal. Amazing storytelling and I can’t wait for the next one.
June 6, 2026
Absolutely Brilliant Book
I have read all of the Lomand books,this one is excellent and well-written,I really thought that I had worked it all out,but I was wrong!lovely
Don't miss out on reading this thriller,excellent
I have read all of the Lomand books,this one is excellent and well-written,I really thought that I had worked it all out,but I was wrong!lovely
Don't miss out on reading this thriller,excellent
June 8, 2026
Good first book in a new series. This is the first book I've read from this author but I've already downloaded the first DCI Lomond as I enjoyed this one.
Interesting characters and a good plot kept the pages turning.
I look forward to reading what Mairead gets up to next time.
3.5 stars.
Interesting characters and a good plot kept the pages turning.
I look forward to reading what Mairead gets up to next time.
3.5 stars.
June 9, 2026
Brilliant
Another great hook from Andrew Raymond.This book was Very different from the DCILomond books but every bit as good I am looking forward to the next instalment and to see what dc MacLean gets up to next
Another great hook from Andrew Raymond.This book was Very different from the DCILomond books but every bit as good I am looking forward to the next instalment and to see what dc MacLean gets up to next
June 10, 2026
Fabulous read
Andrew Raymond writes fabulous immersive stories and characters you really want to get to know and this first book of the new series already lives up to expectations. In fact it exceeds it.
Andrew Raymond writes fabulous immersive stories and characters you really want to get to know and this first book of the new series already lives up to expectations. In fact it exceeds it.
June 5, 2026
Couldn’t put it down! I love the foggy atmosphere of Uist, fully explored in this fast moving story. Great characters who have human failings. Love it!
June 5, 2026
Excellent story.great to find a new detective.very relatable characters.cant wait for the next one.
June 8, 2026
#1 KINDLE
June 8, 2026
Excellent. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews