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D.S. Roberta Steel #3
Blood, Rust and Steel
All good things must come to an end . . .
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she’s finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she’s all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly.
So, when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. But the Northeast of Scotland isn’t finished with her
There’s a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians, and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs, dogs, and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging her for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her . . .
Praise for Stuart
‘Stuart MacBride is an automatic must-read for me . . . always fast, hard, authentic – and different’ – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series
‘Dark and brilliantly written’ – Linwood Barclay, author of I Will Ruin You
‘MacBride is a damned fine writer’ – Peter James, author of Picture You Dead
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she’s finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she’s all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly.
So, when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. But the Northeast of Scotland isn’t finished with her
There’s a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians, and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs, dogs, and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging her for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her . . .
Praise for Stuart
‘Stuart MacBride is an automatic must-read for me . . . always fast, hard, authentic – and different’ – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series
‘Dark and brilliantly written’ – Linwood Barclay, author of I Will Ruin You
‘MacBride is a damned fine writer’ – Peter James, author of Picture You Dead
- GenresCrimeProcedural
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Stuart MacBride
88 books2,794 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 19, 2026
In thick fog, a couple make an essential stop and pull into a coned off lay-by where, to their horror, they discover a rotting corpse concealed in a wheelie bin, just Acting DI Roberta Steel is reflecting on her impending retirement. Still, it could be a good way to round off her illustrious career. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing on her detecting plate as there’s a violent political protest to nip in the bud. She’s up for the challenge, to stop them in their tracks and then solve the murder. Easy. However, her plate will get a bit more overloaded and if that’s not enough, there’s an ex colleague pestering her for information. It seems the Queen Street Irregulars are certainly pressed.
After the initial bout of oh yuk, Stuart MacBride has me laughing with the lively banter and totally not pc comments that emanate from the hilarious mouth of Roberta Steel. Not only is she suffering a blinder of a hangover but seems to be surrounded by idiots. Oh, and crows. There’s a £10 swear jar and so the creative faux cursing is a genius blend of language known to Scots kind. It’s just brilliant and I’m tempted to adopt some of them. Despite her potty mouth, Roberta is incredibly likeable as is Tufty a.k.a.DC Quirrel. You probably have to be a certain age to get that one. When this pair get going, brace yourself for multiple chuckles and a few groans but it’s also true from the motley crew of Irregulars. The end result is me chortling on many occasions throughout the novel. What a gift to be able to combine such humour with the grit of a detective novel. I admit it’s what I expected and I’m so not disappointed.
The plot isn’t fast paced. It’s more of a country stroll around various parts of Aberdeenshire rather than a brisk jog around the granite city. However, the pace absolutely suits the plot which is very varied but becomes connected and totally cohesive. Roberta certainly goes on a painful journey on this one and I like the way the author handles the situations.
There are so many colourful and well portrayed characters who are all given their own unique flavour, who blend in perfectly with the maverick band of police officers. The dialogue is just brilliant and is of course one of the authors special trademarks and I revel in it to be honest!
My only criticism is that it’s on the long side, but a big plus is that it means I’m in the company of the lesbian sex goddess that is the one and only Roberta Steel and she is such good entertainment value.
Overall, this is Tartan Noir at its best combined with the authors special brand of humour.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
After the initial bout of oh yuk, Stuart MacBride has me laughing with the lively banter and totally not pc comments that emanate from the hilarious mouth of Roberta Steel. Not only is she suffering a blinder of a hangover but seems to be surrounded by idiots. Oh, and crows. There’s a £10 swear jar and so the creative faux cursing is a genius blend of language known to Scots kind. It’s just brilliant and I’m tempted to adopt some of them. Despite her potty mouth, Roberta is incredibly likeable as is Tufty a.k.a.DC Quirrel. You probably have to be a certain age to get that one. When this pair get going, brace yourself for multiple chuckles and a few groans but it’s also true from the motley crew of Irregulars. The end result is me chortling on many occasions throughout the novel. What a gift to be able to combine such humour with the grit of a detective novel. I admit it’s what I expected and I’m so not disappointed.
The plot isn’t fast paced. It’s more of a country stroll around various parts of Aberdeenshire rather than a brisk jog around the granite city. However, the pace absolutely suits the plot which is very varied but becomes connected and totally cohesive. Roberta certainly goes on a painful journey on this one and I like the way the author handles the situations.
There are so many colourful and well portrayed characters who are all given their own unique flavour, who blend in perfectly with the maverick band of police officers. The dialogue is just brilliant and is of course one of the authors special trademarks and I revel in it to be honest!
My only criticism is that it’s on the long side, but a big plus is that it means I’m in the company of the lesbian sex goddess that is the one and only Roberta Steel and she is such good entertainment value.
Overall, this is Tartan Noir at its best combined with the authors special brand of humour.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of my favourite authors - his books featuring Logan McRae being one of my many go-to series, along with his Ash Henderson one and also, now this one featuring McRae's nemesis, Roberta Steel, who has had so many promotions and demotions that I often forget where we are with her! She is, once again, ably assisted by her Queen Street Irregulars who are also other spin off characters from the Logan McRae series, and I am especially happy that Tufty plays a decent part in the proceedings herein... Love that kid!
So... Acting DI Roberta Steel is finally retiring after a 30 year career which has been chequered to say the least. Some might say good riddance to bad rubbish - as she is rather an acquired taste - but I blooming love her - and if you haven't read her previous two books, I'd definitely go back and read them first. Anyway, she is in single figures on her countdown to R-Day when her interest is very much piqued by the case of a body found in a wheelie bin in a layby. Identification is initially impossible but she is determined to do whatever she can before she has to go... But if that wasn't enough, she is also drawn into the case of a stabbing during a political protest and all the fallout from that. The both of which she starts to investigate whilst still active, and then, surreptitiously, with the aid of her Irregulars, after she has handed in her warrant card.
The cases are exactly what you would expect from this author - brutal, convoluted, interconnected and all things bonkers - especially the crows. To be honest, I pretty much had no clue what in the heck was going on half the time, until the author eventually chose to let me in on it all and, boy was that satisfying!
Roberta is also as expected - potty mouthed and larger than life, although she does suffer a brutal loss in this book, so she is to be commiserated with. The swear jar does get quite a lot of action in the meanwhile. And some of her and Tufty's antics are a bit laugh out loud - nearly wet yourself funny! Oh and underneath that brutal standoffish exterior does beat a bit of a heart of gold just poking out. And, as a bonus, we also get more than just a glimpse into her private life - Susan, the monsters, and the animals. Oh Ghengis!
But she's gone - left the force. And boy will she leave a massive gaping hole in her place. But, please don't say it's the last we hear from her. By the way that this book ended, looks like she will be coming back, especially now she has an intriguing new contact...
All in all, another blindingly brilliant book from the pen of this author. I can't wait to get my hands on the Audiobook once released so I can revisit it all... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... Acting DI Roberta Steel is finally retiring after a 30 year career which has been chequered to say the least. Some might say good riddance to bad rubbish - as she is rather an acquired taste - but I blooming love her - and if you haven't read her previous two books, I'd definitely go back and read them first. Anyway, she is in single figures on her countdown to R-Day when her interest is very much piqued by the case of a body found in a wheelie bin in a layby. Identification is initially impossible but she is determined to do whatever she can before she has to go... But if that wasn't enough, she is also drawn into the case of a stabbing during a political protest and all the fallout from that. The both of which she starts to investigate whilst still active, and then, surreptitiously, with the aid of her Irregulars, after she has handed in her warrant card.
The cases are exactly what you would expect from this author - brutal, convoluted, interconnected and all things bonkers - especially the crows. To be honest, I pretty much had no clue what in the heck was going on half the time, until the author eventually chose to let me in on it all and, boy was that satisfying!
Roberta is also as expected - potty mouthed and larger than life, although she does suffer a brutal loss in this book, so she is to be commiserated with. The swear jar does get quite a lot of action in the meanwhile. And some of her and Tufty's antics are a bit laugh out loud - nearly wet yourself funny! Oh and underneath that brutal standoffish exterior does beat a bit of a heart of gold just poking out. And, as a bonus, we also get more than just a glimpse into her private life - Susan, the monsters, and the animals. Oh Ghengis!
But she's gone - left the force. And boy will she leave a massive gaping hole in her place. But, please don't say it's the last we hear from her. By the way that this book ended, looks like she will be coming back, especially now she has an intriguing new contact...
All in all, another blindingly brilliant book from the pen of this author. I can't wait to get my hands on the Audiobook once released so I can revisit it all... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
May 21, 2026
Having previously read And The Corpse Wore Tartan by Stuart MacBride and loved it, I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of Blood, Rust And Steel, which turned out to be another crazy, intoxicating crime caper set in and around Aberdeen, Scotland.
All good things must come to an end, and for acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel there’s only eight weeks remaining until she retires, which can’t come soon enough for her superiors. But for now, it’s
business as usual for this larger-than-life, politically incorrect, cursing police officer. She gets a call to investigate a decomposing body in a wheelie bin, then there’s a stabbing, a protest-turned riot, a few dodgy politicians and an ex- colleague asking for her help, to deal with first before she can hang up her uniform.
Peppered with Scottish slang and profanity, this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the humorous delivery and eccentric exploits of Roberta Steel and her maverick team, and found myself totally enmeshed in all the shenanigans. My only gripe is that there’s quite a lot of waffle with nothing much going on in places, and it could have been shorter and brisker paced.
I love the blend of humour and intensity that typifies these books, the pages are littered with laugh-out-loud moments and one-liners, and there’s no doubt that Stuart MacBride is a wonderful writer, subtly getting his point of view across in these pages. A couple of my favourite quotes, which sum up the humorous banter are -
“Starting to think he’s three or four marbles short of a Kerplunk.”
“They’re both suspected of possession with intent. A lot of intent. At least a kilo.”
Stuart MacBride’s books are a pleasure to read and I have a soft spot for Roberta Steel. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different, and don’t mind a bit of profanity, you’ll enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmcmillan for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
All good things must come to an end, and for acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel there’s only eight weeks remaining until she retires, which can’t come soon enough for her superiors. But for now, it’s
business as usual for this larger-than-life, politically incorrect, cursing police officer. She gets a call to investigate a decomposing body in a wheelie bin, then there’s a stabbing, a protest-turned riot, a few dodgy politicians and an ex- colleague asking for her help, to deal with first before she can hang up her uniform.
Peppered with Scottish slang and profanity, this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the humorous delivery and eccentric exploits of Roberta Steel and her maverick team, and found myself totally enmeshed in all the shenanigans. My only gripe is that there’s quite a lot of waffle with nothing much going on in places, and it could have been shorter and brisker paced.
I love the blend of humour and intensity that typifies these books, the pages are littered with laugh-out-loud moments and one-liners, and there’s no doubt that Stuart MacBride is a wonderful writer, subtly getting his point of view across in these pages. A couple of my favourite quotes, which sum up the humorous banter are -
“Starting to think he’s three or four marbles short of a Kerplunk.”
“They’re both suspected of possession with intent. A lot of intent. At least a kilo.”
Stuart MacBride’s books are a pleasure to read and I have a soft spot for Roberta Steel. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different, and don’t mind a bit of profanity, you’ll enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmcmillan for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blood, Rust and Steel is a brilliantly raucous, heartfelt farewell to one of crime fiction’s most unforgettable detectives. Acting DI Roberta Steel has never been the retiring type, and watching her attempt to glide into a life of gardening gloves and crossword puzzles is as entertaining as you’d expect. Naturally, Aberdeen has other plans.
When a body turns up in a wheelie bin, Steel seizes the case with the enthusiasm of someone who knows her days in the job are numbered—and refuses to fade out politely. What follows is a gloriously chaotic final act: violent protests, shady political manoeuvring, government spooks lurking in the shadows, and a desperate ex‑colleague begging for help. It’s messy, loud, and utterly Steel.
What makes the novel so compelling is the balance between grit and heart. Steel’s trademark bluntness is on full display, but there’s a tenderness beneath the bravado—a sense of a woman reckoning with the end of a life she’s lived at full tilt. Her ragtag “Queen Street Irregulars” bring humour and warmth, even as the stakes rise and the brass seem determined to shove her out the door.
The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles, and the sense of place—rain‑slicked streets, industrial edges, the stubborn pulse of the Northeast—is as vivid as ever. It’s a story about endings, yes, but also about loyalty, purpose, and the sheer refusal to go down without a fight.
Gritty, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Blood, Rust and Steel is a pitch‑perfect send‑off for a character who has never done anything by halves.
With thanks to Stuart MacBride, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
When a body turns up in a wheelie bin, Steel seizes the case with the enthusiasm of someone who knows her days in the job are numbered—and refuses to fade out politely. What follows is a gloriously chaotic final act: violent protests, shady political manoeuvring, government spooks lurking in the shadows, and a desperate ex‑colleague begging for help. It’s messy, loud, and utterly Steel.
What makes the novel so compelling is the balance between grit and heart. Steel’s trademark bluntness is on full display, but there’s a tenderness beneath the bravado—a sense of a woman reckoning with the end of a life she’s lived at full tilt. Her ragtag “Queen Street Irregulars” bring humour and warmth, even as the stakes rise and the brass seem determined to shove her out the door.
The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles, and the sense of place—rain‑slicked streets, industrial edges, the stubborn pulse of the Northeast—is as vivid as ever. It’s a story about endings, yes, but also about loyalty, purpose, and the sheer refusal to go down without a fight.
Gritty, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Blood, Rust and Steel is a pitch‑perfect send‑off for a character who has never done anything by halves.
With thanks to Stuart MacBride, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DI Roberta Steel #3
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the Northeast of Scotland isn't finished with her. There's a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians; and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs; dogs and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging for help. With only her Queen Street irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her.
Acting DI Roberta Steel is a few days away from retiring. So when a body is found in a wheelie bin, she thinks it's the perfect case to finish her career on.
The pace is perfectly set. You never know what's going to happen next. There was lots going on, but I could not read this book quickly enough, and Roberta Steel has been my favourite character. It' has been well-written with lots of Scottish vernacular - well what else would you expect from Tartan Noir?
Published 18th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #StuartMacBride for my ARC of #BloodRustandSteel in exchange for an honest review.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the Northeast of Scotland isn't finished with her. There's a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians; and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs; dogs and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging for help. With only her Queen Street irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her.
Acting DI Roberta Steel is a few days away from retiring. So when a body is found in a wheelie bin, she thinks it's the perfect case to finish her career on.
The pace is perfectly set. You never know what's going to happen next. There was lots going on, but I could not read this book quickly enough, and Roberta Steel has been my favourite character. It' has been well-written with lots of Scottish vernacular - well what else would you expect from Tartan Noir?
Published 18th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #StuartMacBride for my ARC of #BloodRustandSteel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 3 in the Roberta Steel Series featuring Acting Detective Inspector Steel and her band of Queen Street Irregulars aka her team! It could be read as a standalone although i definitely recommend reading the earlier books first. Steel is now nearing retirement and although wife Susan is really looking forward to it Steel most certainly is not.
Briefly, when a dismembered and decomposed body is found in a bin in a lay-by Steel is only too happy to get involved. On top of this she is then send to patrol a political demonstration where another person is stabbed. And then she is caught up in an explosion which puts her in hospital needing a steel plate in her head. Not put off by any of this she continues her extremely unconventional method of investigation in an effort to both annoy her bosses and bring closure to the cases before she heads off into the sunset.
With a total and complete wind up of the senior establishment of the police force this is both an entertaining read and a grim reminder of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Steel is just a wonderful character, terrible potty mouth, breaks every rule in the book, little respect for most of her bosses but determined and loyal and you’d want her on your side. It’s a great plot, quite complex and at times a bit crazy, dark and gruesome but oh so satisfying. As Roberta Steel sails away I do wonder if this really is goodbye. Very enjoyable.
Briefly, when a dismembered and decomposed body is found in a bin in a lay-by Steel is only too happy to get involved. On top of this she is then send to patrol a political demonstration where another person is stabbed. And then she is caught up in an explosion which puts her in hospital needing a steel plate in her head. Not put off by any of this she continues her extremely unconventional method of investigation in an effort to both annoy her bosses and bring closure to the cases before she heads off into the sunset.
With a total and complete wind up of the senior establishment of the police force this is both an entertaining read and a grim reminder of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Steel is just a wonderful character, terrible potty mouth, breaks every rule in the book, little respect for most of her bosses but determined and loyal and you’d want her on your side. It’s a great plot, quite complex and at times a bit crazy, dark and gruesome but oh so satisfying. As Roberta Steel sails away I do wonder if this really is goodbye. Very enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Impending retirement was never going to shut Roberta Steel up, and thank goodness for that.
Blood, Rust and Steel is the gloriously messy, foul-mouthed, and unexpectedly moving farewell that Steel absolutely deserves.
When a body turns up stuffed in an Aberdeen wheelie bin, any sensible person would let someone else deal with it. But Steel was never sensible, and we wouldn't have her any other way.
Stuart MacBride delivers a finale that's as sharp as Steel's tongue and as grey as a Northeast winter, with rain-lashed streets, political backstabbing, and dialogue that crackles like a livewire.
Yet beneath all the gloriously colourful language and trademark bravado, there's real heart here.
Watching Steel barrel headlong into one last case while quietly, stubbornly refusing to reckon with everything her career has cost her is genuinely affecting stuff.
This isn't just a cracking crime novel. It's a love letter to a character who swore too much, bent every rule in the book, and was magnificent for every single second of it.
MacBride intimates that this is the final chapter, but then, Steel never did pay much attention to what she was told.
Here's hoping she's got one more trick up her sleeve, because Aberdeen would feel an awful lot emptier without her.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Blood, Rust and Steel is the gloriously messy, foul-mouthed, and unexpectedly moving farewell that Steel absolutely deserves.
When a body turns up stuffed in an Aberdeen wheelie bin, any sensible person would let someone else deal with it. But Steel was never sensible, and we wouldn't have her any other way.
Stuart MacBride delivers a finale that's as sharp as Steel's tongue and as grey as a Northeast winter, with rain-lashed streets, political backstabbing, and dialogue that crackles like a livewire.
Yet beneath all the gloriously colourful language and trademark bravado, there's real heart here.
Watching Steel barrel headlong into one last case while quietly, stubbornly refusing to reckon with everything her career has cost her is genuinely affecting stuff.
This isn't just a cracking crime novel. It's a love letter to a character who swore too much, bent every rule in the book, and was magnificent for every single second of it.
MacBride intimates that this is the final chapter, but then, Steel never did pay much attention to what she was told.
Here's hoping she's got one more trick up her sleeve, because Aberdeen would feel an awful lot emptier without her.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
May 26, 2026
Stuart MacBride has already given us one Roberta Steel story this year, with the novella And The Corpse Wore Tartan, and has now followed it up with the substantially longer Blood, Rust, And Steel.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she is all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. However, there is also the matter of a stabbing at a political rally and an explosion. Meanwhile the members of her unofficial crime support group, the Queen Street Irregulars, also increasingly become caught up in events.
Those who have encountered Roberta before will know what to expect. There is a lot of swearing, inappropriate comments, good humour and a decent mystery kicking around. There is also an abundance of Scottish atmosphere, and some pointed observations. The plot is always interesting and the story builds to a good conclusion.
Regular readers of MacBride’s books will love this one and bemoan the possible end of Roberta’s career. Recommended.
See full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/b...
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she is all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. However, there is also the matter of a stabbing at a political rally and an explosion. Meanwhile the members of her unofficial crime support group, the Queen Street Irregulars, also increasingly become caught up in events.
Those who have encountered Roberta before will know what to expect. There is a lot of swearing, inappropriate comments, good humour and a decent mystery kicking around. There is also an abundance of Scottish atmosphere, and some pointed observations. The plot is always interesting and the story builds to a good conclusion.
Regular readers of MacBride’s books will love this one and bemoan the possible end of Roberta’s career. Recommended.
See full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/b...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is weeks away from retirement, when she and faithful sidekick Tufty stumble across a crime scene. It’s awful. A body in a wheelie bin and zero evidence. This is the perfect case for her to retire on and cement her legacy and go out with a bang.
But her last few weeks are full of surprises, with a protest that turns violent, an ex-work colleague asking for a favour that has more to it than meets the eye, a couple of sketchy government types bothering her, and an explosion that puts her in hospital and gets a far-right politician elected as the hero who saved her.
With her time running out and the powers that be desperate to get rid of her, Roberta Steel will have to lean on her faithful Queen Street Irregulars to help her solve her remaining cases, so she can retire in the glory she thinks she deserves.
I’ve read everything Stuart Macbride has written, and I have to say this is as good as anything he’s written.
The story is funny, dark, emotional, authentic and totally original.
I loved seeing all the emotions of Roberta Steel in this book, from the tears to the tantrums and everything in between.
This was just an utter delight to read, and I put this up there with one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s superb.
But her last few weeks are full of surprises, with a protest that turns violent, an ex-work colleague asking for a favour that has more to it than meets the eye, a couple of sketchy government types bothering her, and an explosion that puts her in hospital and gets a far-right politician elected as the hero who saved her.
With her time running out and the powers that be desperate to get rid of her, Roberta Steel will have to lean on her faithful Queen Street Irregulars to help her solve her remaining cases, so she can retire in the glory she thinks she deserves.
I’ve read everything Stuart Macbride has written, and I have to say this is as good as anything he’s written.
The story is funny, dark, emotional, authentic and totally original.
I loved seeing all the emotions of Roberta Steel in this book, from the tears to the tantrums and everything in between.
This was just an utter delight to read, and I put this up there with one of the best books I’ve read this year. It’s superb.
May 27, 2026
Acting DI Roberta Steel is nearing her retirement date. She’s kind of looking forward to it.
She and her trusty sidekick, Tufty, get called to the discovery of a body. A body that is more goo than solid since it’s been festering in a bin for God knows how long in a rare sunny spell in Aberdeen.
As the Police are shorthanded, they get called to a mini riot outside a would be MP’s offices. There is a stand off with some far-right thugs who are supporting the other side and someone gets knifed.
Steel is also being pestered by a former colleague turned PI for some PNC checks.
Whilst keeping an eye on the far-right candidate and having a spot of lunch, there is an explosion and in the aftermath Steel ends up in hospital with a plate in her head.
It looks as though Steel is going to be going straight to retirement from the sick. But as always she doesn’t follow straight lines and uses her expertise as a “consulting detective” to help out in her own sweet way.
As usual a brilliantly funny and dark book. I loved it. I hope we will still hear more from Steel, McRae and the Queen Street Irregulars
She and her trusty sidekick, Tufty, get called to the discovery of a body. A body that is more goo than solid since it’s been festering in a bin for God knows how long in a rare sunny spell in Aberdeen.
As the Police are shorthanded, they get called to a mini riot outside a would be MP’s offices. There is a stand off with some far-right thugs who are supporting the other side and someone gets knifed.
Steel is also being pestered by a former colleague turned PI for some PNC checks.
Whilst keeping an eye on the far-right candidate and having a spot of lunch, there is an explosion and in the aftermath Steel ends up in hospital with a plate in her head.
It looks as though Steel is going to be going straight to retirement from the sick. But as always she doesn’t follow straight lines and uses her expertise as a “consulting detective” to help out in her own sweet way.
As usual a brilliantly funny and dark book. I loved it. I hope we will still hear more from Steel, McRae and the Queen Street Irregulars
May 28, 2026
An easy 5🌟 I fear this book is going to put me in a reading slump, as how can anything follow Blood, Rust and Steel and hit the same. Stuart MacBride has done it again and created another masterpiece. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud, there is so much humour and banter in here. Absolutely loved it. Although this book was 607 pages, every page was necessary and had purpose, it never dragged or felt too long. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for the next book.
Roberta is definitely a lovable character to read, with the best personality and commentary. Stuart is masterful in creating a gripping brutal thriller with tension, and knowing when to add something in such the way to make us laugh or chuckle. He’s a genius at that. So many brilliant quotes. We get to see some of Roberta’s at home life as well which was great seeing that side of life. It’s definitely ended in a way that we know we will be with her again soon which makes it easier having to put the book down.
I think I will be adding the audiobook to my library when it’s released as I know it’s going to be brilliant and be great to revisit them again.
Roberta is definitely a lovable character to read, with the best personality and commentary. Stuart is masterful in creating a gripping brutal thriller with tension, and knowing when to add something in such the way to make us laugh or chuckle. He’s a genius at that. So many brilliant quotes. We get to see some of Roberta’s at home life as well which was great seeing that side of life. It’s definitely ended in a way that we know we will be with her again soon which makes it easier having to put the book down.
I think I will be adding the audiobook to my library when it’s released as I know it’s going to be brilliant and be great to revisit them again.
May 23, 2026
‘Blood,Rust and Steel’,by Stuart MacBride serves as a more than fitting conclusion to the matchless Police Scotland career of Acting Detective Inspector Steel.
As retirement beckons Roberta struggles to be a stay at home wifie and domestic goddess,with only some mindless hobbies for entertainment.Golf included FFS!
Before the clock chimes midnight on her illustrious crime solving life’s work,there are still some serious cases to be solved, with some assistance from some old colleagues who each have their own quirks and challenges to deal with.
Once again Roberta proves that blunt communication without a filter makes for a distinctly individual approach to dealing with potential suspects , her peers, and the populace in general, as she verbally takes no prisoners in searching for the truth.The Acting DI may be a stranger to tact and diplomacy yet remains genuinely one of the most uniquely entertaining and memorable characters among the heroines of investigative crime fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan, for an Advance Readers Copy for review.
As retirement beckons Roberta struggles to be a stay at home wifie and domestic goddess,with only some mindless hobbies for entertainment.Golf included FFS!
Before the clock chimes midnight on her illustrious crime solving life’s work,there are still some serious cases to be solved, with some assistance from some old colleagues who each have their own quirks and challenges to deal with.
Once again Roberta proves that blunt communication without a filter makes for a distinctly individual approach to dealing with potential suspects , her peers, and the populace in general, as she verbally takes no prisoners in searching for the truth.The Acting DI may be a stranger to tact and diplomacy yet remains genuinely one of the most uniquely entertaining and memorable characters among the heroines of investigative crime fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan, for an Advance Readers Copy for review.
April 12, 2026
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is an icon. Probably not one you would want, but she’s an icon non the less.
This was an absolutely fantastic story. It was by no means a fast paced high edge thriller, but the story was kept going and it kept your attention.
I fell away from detective/thriller books for a while because I felt the plot lines were becoming a bit predictable. That’s not the case with this one. Not even half way through this book a spanner is thrown in the works and I was left thinking “right well I have no idea what’s gonna happen here now”. And that made the book even more enjoyable, even though it’s already a brilliant read with “lesbian sex goddess Roberta Steel”.
This is a book I highly recommended if you are looking for a book with plot, gruesome murder and lots of humour.
This was an absolutely fantastic story. It was by no means a fast paced high edge thriller, but the story was kept going and it kept your attention.
I fell away from detective/thriller books for a while because I felt the plot lines were becoming a bit predictable. That’s not the case with this one. Not even half way through this book a spanner is thrown in the works and I was left thinking “right well I have no idea what’s gonna happen here now”. And that made the book even more enjoyable, even though it’s already a brilliant read with “lesbian sex goddess Roberta Steel”.
This is a book I highly recommended if you are looking for a book with plot, gruesome murder and lots of humour.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Roberta Steel is one of my favourite Stuart MacBride characters. She is definitely the star of this latest book. Blood Rust and Steel deals with Roberta's retirement from the force after 30 eventful years. She does not go willingly. As is her way she goes with lots of bangs and crashes both literal and metaphorical. On the whole I enjoyed reading this book but it did feel a little long in places and the continual use of the Scottish vernacular made reading a bit tiring at times to anyone not Scottish. The story, and there was a good story under everything else, was interesting and brought to a satisfying conclusion. I just think this time there was perhaps too much of the "everything else".
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I like my crime series with a lot of back story. It's what keeps me coming back to them. I want to know what happens to people. In that respect this is an extremely satisfying book. Sometimes I find MacBride's books just too noir for me and it is the brilliant characters and their ludicrous, slapstick lives that root the sometimes terrible things the perpetrators do in these books in a more accessible, humane world that keeps me reading. I enjoy the fact that with the Roberta Steel there is far more of the Keystone Cops in the books than with any of his other series. This is a delicious send off for Roberta and I really enjoyed the cases that ran alongside her countdown into retirement and out the other side. I really, really hope that she will refuse retirement without a life of solving crime and we get more from her. I ate this up.
May 10, 2026
This one was a bit of a slog.
Positives: the crimes were interesting and I was intrigued enough to read on and find out the conclusion of them. I also enjoyed the - very small - glimpses of a more earnest side to Roberta’s personality.
Negatives: far too long and Roberta only works as a side character - even then she can be too much. The book could easily have been half the length if she eased off on the constant sexualisation of women (even those half her age (🤢)), hitting/threatening colleagues and her awful “patter”. Whilst these attributes form her character (in lieu of bothering to give her a fully developed personality), when they make up the bulk of the book instead of the actual plot, it begins to wear thin very quickly.
Overall, I can’t recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan UK for the ARC.
Positives: the crimes were interesting and I was intrigued enough to read on and find out the conclusion of them. I also enjoyed the - very small - glimpses of a more earnest side to Roberta’s personality.
Negatives: far too long and Roberta only works as a side character - even then she can be too much. The book could easily have been half the length if she eased off on the constant sexualisation of women (even those half her age (🤢)), hitting/threatening colleagues and her awful “patter”. Whilst these attributes form her character (in lieu of bothering to give her a fully developed personality), when they make up the bulk of the book instead of the actual plot, it begins to wear thin very quickly.
Overall, I can’t recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan UK for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Roberta Steel's police career is coming to an end after thirty years. Of course, she is unlikely to go quietly and a series of cases occupy her until retirement day and beyond. With the usual cast of familiar characters to help, or mainly hinder, she fights for a last victory.
Blood, Rust and Steel is written in MacBride's normal style, with black humour and comedy on top of the dark subject matter. It all feels very familiar, perhaps too much so. And at over 600 pages long, the novel feels a little overdone. But it is a well crafted narrative and gives a good conclusion to the story arc of a major character from several series. Or does it?
Blood, Rust and Steel is written in MacBride's normal style, with black humour and comedy on top of the dark subject matter. It all feels very familiar, perhaps too much so. And at over 600 pages long, the novel feels a little overdone. But it is a well crafted narrative and gives a good conclusion to the story arc of a major character from several series. Or does it?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If this is indeed the last fling for Roberta Steel then what a way to go out! A great read and I will be sorry to see this character go, unless she pops up in a future Logan McRae book as she is so typical of a NE woman - gives it straight and doesn't let anyone walk over her... and determined to have the last word (or laugh) too! Good to see the other misfits back too as they are as much part of Steel's character. Very good storylines in the book and it definitely keeps you hooked until the very end. I can't but highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blood, Rust and Steel is book 3 with Detective Inspector Roberta Steel as the star. But she’s been around a good while as she also featured in the Logan McRae book series. I would recommend you meet her when she’s introduced in Cold Granite to really appreciate her character.
In this book, Steel is on the cusp of retirement but there’s no chance of it ever being that simple. Between bodies, protests and top brass desperate to get rid she’s in a for a crazy time.
Highly recommend this book, but do yourself a favour and check out MacBride in general.
In this book, Steel is on the cusp of retirement but there’s no chance of it ever being that simple. Between bodies, protests and top brass desperate to get rid she’s in a for a crazy time.
Highly recommend this book, but do yourself a favour and check out MacBride in general.
May 26, 2026
Yet another brilliantly, funny read in the popular Roberta Steel series with some serious touches of humour throughout! The author has a unique writing style, with one liners and Scottish slang throughout but this is what makes the books so popular with fans of his books. The north east setting is vividly portrayed in this gritty, complex crime thriller and it's a fitting farewell to Steel at the end of her career. My only complaint, I thought it was a bit too long but it's a very enjoyable read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have given a 3* review for this book, but I could understand readers who give more or less... I enjoyed the story very much, and Roberta is definitely very entertaining. However, her language and way of being were getting tiresome the more I read. I also liked the Scottish expressions though it is sometimes quite difficult to follow. Overall, an entertaining police investigation.
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.
May 25, 2026
I love a good tuart MacBride book and this was enjoyable, although a tad longwinded for me.
Some laugh out loud moments as Roberta Steel gambols her way towards retirement with her team overworked after having to investigate the murder of a dead body found in a wheelie bin and some violent protests.
MacBride 's humour draws me back to his work time and again
Some laugh out loud moments as Roberta Steel gambols her way towards retirement with her team overworked after having to investigate the murder of a dead body found in a wheelie bin and some violent protests.
MacBride 's humour draws me back to his work time and again
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my first Stuart MacBride book, it was a great crime/thriller with lots of different plots throughout the book. I felt it was hard sometimes to follow the Scottish dialect in the speech but still enjoyed thoroughly.
May 29, 2026
Brilliant wordsmith
I would love to see a Stuart MacBride written thesaurus. No dictionary with meanings. Just all the ridiculously invented vocabulary that he pushes through the heads of these characters.
Story really funny and enjoyable, typical MacBride.
I would love to see a Stuart MacBride written thesaurus. No dictionary with meanings. Just all the ridiculously invented vocabulary that he pushes through the heads of these characters.
Story really funny and enjoyable, typical MacBride.
May 23, 2026
Too much jargon
I have read everything Stuart has written but this was a disappointment, the overuse of jargon spoilt it for me
I have read everything Stuart has written but this was a disappointment, the overuse of jargon spoilt it for me
May 28, 2026
Disappointed. Again. Too much focus on being funny, Roberta’s character used to be believable, now it’s overdone. Hoping the next Logan McRae will restore my faith🤞🙏
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