The Broken Line

Police Scotland #15

by Ed James

A dead boy. A missing gun. A cop who won’t let go.When a teenager is arrested at the scene of a shooting at a rock festival in Roslin, DI Scott Cullen is dragged back from holiday to get the truth – fast.
The suspect? Covered in blood, gun in hand, claiming he’s innocent.
The victim? A student nobody seems to know.
The location? Just miles from Edinburgh, but crawling with secrets.
As Cullen digs deeper, he uncovers a hidden underworld of elite privilege, buried abuse and a conspiracy reaching higher than he dares imagine.
Someone wants this buried – permanently.
Cullen’s career, reputation and life are on the line. But will he toe it – or break it?
The Broken Line is a gripping Scottish police procedural for fans of Ian Rankin, JD Kirk and Stuart MacBride.
Binge the Police Scotland series in the WaterGhost in the MachineDevil in the DetailFire in the BloodStab in the DarkCops and RobbersLiars and ThievesCowboys and IndiansThe MissingThe HuntedHeroes and VillainsThe Black IsleThe Cold TruthThe Dead EndThe Broken Line

Genres: Scotland

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

CULLEN IS BACK! After The Last Drop, (the previous Scott Cullen book) it seemed as if Ed James had retired his popular detective but thankfully, no! He returns here, alongside some other familiar cops, in a twisty turny, danger laden story, which is almost impossible to put down. I read this in two sittings and although disappointed I'd finished it, I really, really, needed to know what happened!

There is jeopardy in all of this author's series and no-one is ever safe. This time DI Scott Cullen finds himself seconded to the Special Investigations Team under his nemesis Luke Shepherd where he is thrust into the middle of a case which started with a fatal shooting at a rock festival but soon has all the hallmarks of a high powered cover up. With his team being targeted, the newly promoted Acting Detective Chief Inspector Cullen knows time is not on his side as he rushes to discover who is behind the conspiracy and just how to bring them down.

There is mention of past investigations and trauma alongside cameos from characters who will be familiar to fans of the Cullen universe but you can still read this as a standalone as long as you don't mind missing some of the back story references. If however, you are a fan of this brilliant author what are you waiting for? Jump right in!

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.

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cullen and team are back in this high-stakes instalment when the son of a senior police officer is implicated in an armed attack at a music event. Set nearly 5 years after events in the previous book, changes are afoot in Police Scotland including an effort to root out corruption by Luke Shepherd's team. Cullen and Hunter find themselves seconded to the investigation into the shooting at the night club where it soon becomes clear that anyone associated with the investigation may become a target of someone desperate to cover their tracks. If you have read other books by the author, there are some nuggets which you will appreciate, but it can be read as a stand-alone. It was such fun to be back in Cullen's world in this fast-paced edition, I'm so happy to see that there will be another one later in the year. Highly recommend the whole series.

[Christine Ballantyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing mix of all my favourite cops in one big story!

Ed James has cracked open a huge can of worms in this book. A story of bent police, mistaken identity, murder and family secrets keep the reader turning page after page. Just buy the book and be transported into a deeply involved saga.

[Jill Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Broken Line

My first foray into the Scott Cullen series and ive started at the wrong end. I already read the Rob Marshall books and decided to give this one a go. I am now hooked and need to start from book one. Fast paced with plenty of twists and turns this book is right up my street and i look forward to reading more. Book one downloading as i write

[norma wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Scott!

I'm so happy that Cullen returned! Fantastic read, as usual. Lofthus is the kind of character that most of us encounter at some point during our lives, basically a public school boy with a blinkered vision and superiority complex. Michael could easily feature in any further Cullen novels...? Please! Loved every minute 😊

[Geoff Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Cullen yet!

Wow! I’ve loved Ed’s books from the very beginning and they just keep getting better and better!
The pace of this latest was stunning, particularly at the end, while Ed still manages to flesh out his characters and their private lives so well! Keep them coming Ed!🙏🏽

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

Ed James is an exceptional writer. These books are fast paced, great characters, and a thrill to read.
Kindle Unlimited has introduced me to so many, really talented writers. Over the moon to have found Ed James!

[Paul Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of Ed's work and thoroughly enjoy it. This book was by far the best so far. Great to see Cullen back - even though he has matured. Great plot with many twists. A page turner.

Thank you, Ed.

Paul

[Kyle Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cullen is back!!

!It was brilliant to find out that a new cullen book had come out, thought he was done and dusted. Great storyline (as always) and a great read. Roll on the next one!

[Blake Borate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like writing style. Great character development and exciting plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this tread.