What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Karen Pirie #8
Silent Bones: A Karen Pirie Novel
The new installment in the “relentlessly engrossing series” (
The Wall Street Journal
) finds Karen Pirie and her team investigating the murder of a journalist paved under a motorway—but was it his work or his private life that put him there?
Scotland, 2025. When torrential winter rain causes a landslide on a motorway, it dislodges more than mud and asphalt—it reveals a skeleton, concealed when the road was built eleven years prior.
Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who’d been poking his nose into the murky politics of the Scottish independence referendum, had become the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his girlfriend when he vanished. Now he’s reappeared, buried under the motorway. It’s the perfect cold case for DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. What was Nimmo investigating that was worth killing over? Or was it revenge for murdering his girlfriend? Meanwhile, an allegation of murder has surfaced over the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager. It may have links to another accident on a remote Highland road. It’s a series of puzzles that tests Karen and her team to their limits. And possibly beyond...
A darkly propulsive thriller of secrets hidden at the core of a Scottish Highlands town, Silent Bones reaffirms Val McDermid as a crime writer of inimitable power.
Scotland, 2025. When torrential winter rain causes a landslide on a motorway, it dislodges more than mud and asphalt—it reveals a skeleton, concealed when the road was built eleven years prior.
Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who’d been poking his nose into the murky politics of the Scottish independence referendum, had become the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his girlfriend when he vanished. Now he’s reappeared, buried under the motorway. It’s the perfect cold case for DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. What was Nimmo investigating that was worth killing over? Or was it revenge for murdering his girlfriend? Meanwhile, an allegation of murder has surfaced over the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager. It may have links to another accident on a remote Highland road. It’s a series of puzzles that tests Karen and her team to their limits. And possibly beyond...
A darkly propulsive thriller of secrets hidden at the core of a Scottish Highlands town, Silent Bones reaffirms Val McDermid as a crime writer of inimitable power.
Audible Audio
First published October 23, 2025
443 people are currently reading
6022 people want to read
About the author
Val McDermid
342 books5,320 followersVal McDermid is a No. 1 bestseller whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages, and have sold over eleven million copies.
She has won many awards internationally, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year and the LA Times Book of the Year Award. She was inducted into the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame in 2009 and was the recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for 2010. In 2011 she received the Lambda Literary Foundation Pioneer Award.
She writes full time and divides her time between Cheshire and Edinburgh.
She has won many awards internationally, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year and the LA Times Book of the Year Award. She was inducted into the ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame in 2009 and was the recipient of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for 2010. In 2011 she received the Lambda Literary Foundation Pioneer Award.
She writes full time and divides her time between Cheshire and Edinburgh.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
November 29, 2025
In my haste to give up on reading too many different mystery series, I forgot that I like this one, too. This book series, features DCI Karen Pirie who works in the Scottish Highlands. Who could resist reading a story based in an area with such scenic beauty?
Also, I love how real the characters feel. Especially when they say certain things that are relatable. Like when Detective Chief Inspector Niven is reflecting on how things have changed with him since Covid.
Setting…
He is at the scene of the crime, and he is reflecting how much it reminds him of the last film he saw in a movie theater since the pandemic. His thoughts reveal…
“These days, he’d lost the desire to sit in a confined space with a lot of strangers at close quarters.”
I can totally appreciate that feeling. Thank goodness for television streaming which brings the movie directly to us in our own comfy, cozy homes. Which leads readers eventually to…
“A TV series, that’s a different kind of justice.”
Speaking of which, what happens to the concept and reality of achieving justice with cold cases?
DCI Karen Pirie and her team are handed a couple of cold cases. One came at them via a highway mudslide and bones discovered. Who was this person and how did they end up there?
Another cold case to be investigated occurred because a character wasn’t convinced his brother accidentally died. He felt there was something more sinister that occurred. Perhaps murder? Why? What new evidence surfaced that could lead to this conclusion?
In this fast-paced, page-turning police procedural, readers will be thrust into a steady momentum of action as the team tries to reconcile the limited evidence, to get to the truth.
Pirie is a sharp, strong woman character who despite whatever personal stresses may be going on, will stand up for her team and what she believes in to get at the truth. With a strong well-developed supporting cast of characters, readers get the sense of camaraderie and effective detection skills that will lead them towards answers.
So, what happens when Pirie’s team discover the truth? Will justice prevail? Will families get the closure they deserve for their loved ones? And, will the powerful be held accountable?
In this scenic atmospheric series, with realistic characters and complicated cold cases, readers will appreciate the work it took to confront the wrongs, even if the outcome is not expected.
Short chapters also helped, for what may have been considered an otherwise intimidating sizeable book of 432 pages. Could it have been shorter with less of the character’s personal life details? Probably. But it still delivered good action and sleuthing to keep readers engaged.
And, for those who are new to the series, the author does an appreciable job of catch-up, so that this could be read as a stand-alone, or at least remind regular series followers of what occurred last. Especially when it may have been a while since reading the last book in the series. Of course, if one is looking for a series to start, best to start from the beginning to get a full understanding of the characters history.
Also, I love how real the characters feel. Especially when they say certain things that are relatable. Like when Detective Chief Inspector Niven is reflecting on how things have changed with him since Covid.
Setting…
He is at the scene of the crime, and he is reflecting how much it reminds him of the last film he saw in a movie theater since the pandemic. His thoughts reveal…
“These days, he’d lost the desire to sit in a confined space with a lot of strangers at close quarters.”
I can totally appreciate that feeling. Thank goodness for television streaming which brings the movie directly to us in our own comfy, cozy homes. Which leads readers eventually to…
“A TV series, that’s a different kind of justice.”
Speaking of which, what happens to the concept and reality of achieving justice with cold cases?
DCI Karen Pirie and her team are handed a couple of cold cases. One came at them via a highway mudslide and bones discovered. Who was this person and how did they end up there?
Another cold case to be investigated occurred because a character wasn’t convinced his brother accidentally died. He felt there was something more sinister that occurred. Perhaps murder? Why? What new evidence surfaced that could lead to this conclusion?
In this fast-paced, page-turning police procedural, readers will be thrust into a steady momentum of action as the team tries to reconcile the limited evidence, to get to the truth.
Pirie is a sharp, strong woman character who despite whatever personal stresses may be going on, will stand up for her team and what she believes in to get at the truth. With a strong well-developed supporting cast of characters, readers get the sense of camaraderie and effective detection skills that will lead them towards answers.
So, what happens when Pirie’s team discover the truth? Will justice prevail? Will families get the closure they deserve for their loved ones? And, will the powerful be held accountable?
In this scenic atmospheric series, with realistic characters and complicated cold cases, readers will appreciate the work it took to confront the wrongs, even if the outcome is not expected.
Short chapters also helped, for what may have been considered an otherwise intimidating sizeable book of 432 pages. Could it have been shorter with less of the character’s personal life details? Probably. But it still delivered good action and sleuthing to keep readers engaged.
And, for those who are new to the series, the author does an appreciable job of catch-up, so that this could be read as a stand-alone, or at least remind regular series followers of what occurred last. Especially when it may have been a while since reading the last book in the series. Of course, if one is looking for a series to start, best to start from the beginning to get a full understanding of the characters history.
November 8, 2025
Silent Bones is the 8th in the Karen Pirie series about a Historic Case Unit in Scotland. This time, the team has two different investigations. A hotel manager supposedly fell down the Scotsman Steps in Edinburgh but his brother is convinced it was murder. And a man under suspicion for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend disappeared. But now, bones turn up under a highway when a landslide damages it. The bones are that of the missing man.
These books are always well thought out with plots that keep me guessing. I was equally engaged by both investigations. And switching back and forth between the two kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. There’s a very interesting moral dilemma with a young woman caught in the crosshairs whose life will be ruined if Karen’s investigation is successful. I was wondering how McDermid would tie up the ending but her way was both believable and perfect in an art imitating life kind of way.
The team characters are fully fleshed out. Karen has a subtle sense of humor that I appreciate. “Karen was good at sounding grumpy when she cracked a joke. The only problem was that she also sounded very similar when she was actually grumpy. Daisy has learned that the telltale was her mouth; an upward twitch at one corner granted permission to smile.” There’s the perfect blend of professional investigation vs. their personal lives.
McDermid frequently uses Scottish slang. It helped set the story firmly in place.
I haven’t read all the books in this series. This is a good reminder to go back to the ones I’ve missed and proof the book works well as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this book.
These books are always well thought out with plots that keep me guessing. I was equally engaged by both investigations. And switching back and forth between the two kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. There’s a very interesting moral dilemma with a young woman caught in the crosshairs whose life will be ruined if Karen’s investigation is successful. I was wondering how McDermid would tie up the ending but her way was both believable and perfect in an art imitating life kind of way.
The team characters are fully fleshed out. Karen has a subtle sense of humor that I appreciate. “Karen was good at sounding grumpy when she cracked a joke. The only problem was that she also sounded very similar when she was actually grumpy. Daisy has learned that the telltale was her mouth; an upward twitch at one corner granted permission to smile.” There’s the perfect blend of professional investigation vs. their personal lives.
McDermid frequently uses Scottish slang. It helped set the story firmly in place.
I haven’t read all the books in this series. This is a good reminder to go back to the ones I’ve missed and proof the book works well as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of this book.
August 19, 2025
Val McDermid is at the top of her game. SILENT BONES is being added my "2025-favourites" folder immediately. Tartan Noir at its apex. Another great addition to the Karen Pirie series.
Strengths
1) My friends know how highly I value good writing, and McDermid's writing is beyond my usual high criteria. I have highlights all over the NetGalley proof that I received—highlights noting McDermid's outstanding word pictures. As this is a draft from NetGalley, I can't quote extensively, but hopefully the publisher won't mind one short excerpt:
...found themselves in a room recognisable as a kitchen...It was equipped with modern kit, from matching dark red Kitchen Aid appliances to an air fryer that looked like something Darth Vader could have worn.
2) Beautiful word pictures are important, but so is plot. And McDermid keeps the plot moving briskly, even though we know "who dunnit" from the prologue before the first chapter. How she accomplishes this is a marvel of her writing skills, honed by decades of work as a published author. I never wanted to stop reading, not once. I only rested, reluctantly, because of my aging eyes, and the fact that it's a long book (a 432 page hardcover according to Amazon).
3) McDermid is a proud Scot, and inserts Scottish words and phrases throughout SILENT BONES, although I don't know how many of them will end up in the North American version of her opus. But the plot is based on a historical Scottish turning point, and if one needs to google a few of these unique Scottish expressions, it seems appropriate.
(Note: As a result of a lawsuit filed by the Agatha Christie estate, McDermid now refers to herself as the "quine of crime". Quine is a Scottish dialect word, meaning "a young woman"—McDermid's joke—she does have a sense of humour and it shows in her Karen Pirie novels.)
Brief Synopsis
DCI Karen Pirie is head of Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit, and she has two assistants—DS Jason Murray (better known as The Mint), who has been with her since the beginning of the series, and DS Daisy Mortimer, who was recruited to the team in the previous book (#7). I have always prized The Mint with all his foibles, and appreciate how his investigative skills have developed over the past couple of books. I am still undecided with regards to how I feel about Daisy Mortimer. Unquestionably, her investigative skills add heft to the HCU, but I find her personality off-putting; I like her partner, Steph, a primary school teacher, much better.
Nonetheless, the three HCU officers are working well together when they are handed the case of a skeleton that was buried under a motorway that collapsed during a downpour. The skeleton was soon identified as Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who disappeared after his pregnant girlfriend was murdered; Sam was suspected of being the killer, and of having vanished voluntarily. Now that his body has been discovered, it's up to Karen and her team to unearth the truth. They can only do that by following up the leads he was investigating.
At the same time, another case lands on Daisy's desk—an accident that might not have been an accident.
There are many loose ends to unravel in this complex novel, even though we, the readers, are aware, from the prologue, of many details about the background of the major case Nimmo was investigating when his murder occurred.
Karen has strong political views, including a dislike of Trump (only two short quips) and a positive attitude towards the Scottish Independence Movement. Yet we are aware, from the prologue, that at least one of the villains is a supporter of that independence movement, and as Karen continues her investigation, she, too, uncovers unpleasant facts about this "yes" supporter. Still, she continues to search for the truth, however inconvenient to her beliefs.
This novel is easily read as a standalone.
For those of us who have followed Karen Pirie from the beginning, it provides a deeper understanding of Karen's background, as well as a snippet about The Mint's upbringing. In terms of Karen's personal life, the jump from book #7 to book #8 wasn't easy; a section seemed missing. Gone from her love life is Hamish Mackenzie, and instead she has been having a long-distance affair with Rafiq. She is also now thinner than she was in previous novels.
The ending is a bit disappointing in terms of a "lack of justice" re the real perpetrators of the primary storyline crime. Knowing that Val McDermid tends to include real-life events and people in her storylines, I wonder if she is "outing" things she knows but cannot prove, using fictional characters like Sam Nimmo and Karen Pirie as conduits.
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Distant Echo (Karen Pirie, #1)
A Darker Domain (Karen Pirie, #2)
Out Of Bounds (Karen Pirie, #4)
Broken Ground (Karen Pirie, #5)
Still Life (Karen Pirie, #6)
Past Lying (Karen Pirie, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Strengths
1) My friends know how highly I value good writing, and McDermid's writing is beyond my usual high criteria. I have highlights all over the NetGalley proof that I received—highlights noting McDermid's outstanding word pictures. As this is a draft from NetGalley, I can't quote extensively, but hopefully the publisher won't mind one short excerpt:
...found themselves in a room recognisable as a kitchen...It was equipped with modern kit, from matching dark red Kitchen Aid appliances to an air fryer that looked like something Darth Vader could have worn.
2) Beautiful word pictures are important, but so is plot. And McDermid keeps the plot moving briskly, even though we know "who dunnit" from the prologue before the first chapter. How she accomplishes this is a marvel of her writing skills, honed by decades of work as a published author. I never wanted to stop reading, not once. I only rested, reluctantly, because of my aging eyes, and the fact that it's a long book (a 432 page hardcover according to Amazon).
3) McDermid is a proud Scot, and inserts Scottish words and phrases throughout SILENT BONES, although I don't know how many of them will end up in the North American version of her opus. But the plot is based on a historical Scottish turning point, and if one needs to google a few of these unique Scottish expressions, it seems appropriate.
(Note: As a result of a lawsuit filed by the Agatha Christie estate, McDermid now refers to herself as the "quine of crime". Quine is a Scottish dialect word, meaning "a young woman"—McDermid's joke—she does have a sense of humour and it shows in her Karen Pirie novels.)
Brief Synopsis
DCI Karen Pirie is head of Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit, and she has two assistants—DS Jason Murray (better known as The Mint), who has been with her since the beginning of the series, and DS Daisy Mortimer, who was recruited to the team in the previous book (#7). I have always prized The Mint with all his foibles, and appreciate how his investigative skills have developed over the past couple of books. I am still undecided with regards to how I feel about Daisy Mortimer. Unquestionably, her investigative skills add heft to the HCU, but I find her personality off-putting; I like her partner, Steph, a primary school teacher, much better.
Nonetheless, the three HCU officers are working well together when they are handed the case of a skeleton that was buried under a motorway that collapsed during a downpour. The skeleton was soon identified as Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who disappeared after his pregnant girlfriend was murdered; Sam was suspected of being the killer, and of having vanished voluntarily. Now that his body has been discovered, it's up to Karen and her team to unearth the truth. They can only do that by following up the leads he was investigating.
At the same time, another case lands on Daisy's desk—an accident that might not have been an accident.
There are many loose ends to unravel in this complex novel, even though we, the readers, are aware, from the prologue, of many details about the background of the major case Nimmo was investigating when his murder occurred.
Karen has strong political views, including a dislike of Trump (only two short quips) and a positive attitude towards the Scottish Independence Movement. Yet we are aware, from the prologue, that at least one of the villains is a supporter of that independence movement, and as Karen continues her investigation, she, too, uncovers unpleasant facts about this "yes" supporter. Still, she continues to search for the truth, however inconvenient to her beliefs.
This novel is easily read as a standalone.
For those of us who have followed Karen Pirie from the beginning, it provides a deeper understanding of Karen's background, as well as a snippet about The Mint's upbringing. In terms of Karen's personal life, the jump from book #7 to book #8 wasn't easy; a section seemed missing. Gone from her love life is Hamish Mackenzie, and instead she has been having a long-distance affair with Rafiq. She is also now thinner than she was in previous novels.
The ending is a bit disappointing in terms of a "lack of justice" re the real perpetrators of the primary storyline crime. Knowing that Val McDermid tends to include real-life events and people in her storylines, I wonder if she is "outing" things she knows but cannot prove, using fictional characters like Sam Nimmo and Karen Pirie as conduits.
Thanks to Grove Atlantic for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for other books in this series:
The Distant Echo (Karen Pirie, #1)
A Darker Domain (Karen Pirie, #2)
Out Of Bounds (Karen Pirie, #4)
Broken Ground (Karen Pirie, #5)
Still Life (Karen Pirie, #6)
Past Lying (Karen Pirie, #7)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 19, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Officer, it's been hard enough to recover from Tommo's death knowing it was an accident. I can't stand that Drew has shown up and tried to turn it into a drama. Does he not see how insulting that is to the memory of a good man? To presume that Tommo could have provoked someone to murder.' Shaw's lip curled in disgust. 'I loved Tommo. I've not looked at another man since the night I lost him. He was a good man, a kind man. He was as honest as anybody in the hospitality business is, which is to say he'd sometimes sneak a drink from the bar or bring home some leftover pastries.' Another deep sigh. 'He just slipped on the steps. Yes, he might have had a wee drink. Yes, he might have been running, because he liked to shake the hotel from his heels and get back to his own life. But was he murdered? You'd have to say there are far more likely candidates for homicide in the hotel trade than my Tommo. You're wasting your time.'
It was hard to disagree, Karen thought, getting to her feet. 'And we won't waste any more of yours, Mr Shaw. I'm sorry for what you've been through. And sorry we've brought it all back.'
He walked them to the door. 'It never goes away, Detective. You're only doing your job. Imagine if Tommo had been murdered and nobody was paying attention. How much worse would that be?'
ABOUT 'SILENT BONES': Karen Pirie and her team are investigating the murder of a journalist paved under a motorway—but was it his work or his private life that put him there?
Scotland, 2025. When torrential winter rain causes a landslide on a motorway, it dislodges more than mud and asphalt – it reveals a skeleton, concealed when the road was built eleven years prior.
Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who’d been poking his nose into the murky politics of the Scottish independence referendum, had become the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his girlfriend when he vanished. Now he’s reappeared, buried under the motorway. It’s the perfect cold case for DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. What was Nimmo investigating that was worth killing over? Or was it revenge for murdering his girlfriend? Meanwhile, an allegation of murder has surfaced over the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager. It may have links to another accident on a remote Highland road. It’s a series of puzzles that tests Karen and her team to their limits. And possibly beyond . . .
MY THOUGHTS: Dark and disturbing - a perfect reminder that things are not always as they seem nor as you might expect them to be.
If you'd got away with murder the first time, would you roll the dice again? Would you have the balls to give it a second go?
I came to the Karen Pirie series late, book #4 - Out of Bounds - to be exact, but I had no trouble picking up the threads and I have never looked back. Each book contains a complete mystery and thus can be read as a stand-alone.
The HCU (Historical Crimes Unit) are running several investigations concurrently: a fatal road accident which may have been anything but accidental; a fall in a CCTV blind spot; the murder of a young pregnant woman supposedly by her partner who then disappeared; and an alleged assault, never reported, but which is uncovered in one of the above investigations. No wonder Karen truly can't see the wood for the mountain of matchsticks!'
Add in an elite, by invitation only Book Club, the Justified Sinners, whose members seem to have multiple fingers in places they perhaps shouldn't be, and the intrigue deepens.
I love Karen's character - she's a strong, independent woman who knows her own mind; one who stands up for her principles and those who work with her. She is fiercely loyal and compassionate and keeps her personal and work lives distinctly separate, not allowing what is happening in one to affect the other.
Silent Bones is not a quick read, but it is a compelling one. It is intricately plotted, the characters deftly portrayed. I appreciated the conclusion, as unexpected as it was. Justice is not always meted out in the courts.
A superb addition to a wonderful series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#SilentBones #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: VAL MCDERMID, FRSE, FRSL is a Scottish crime writer, best known for a series of novels featuring clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill in a grim sub-genre that McDermid and others have identified as Tartan Noir. At Raith Rovers football stadium, a stand has been named after McDermid.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Silent Bones by Val McDermid for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
It was hard to disagree, Karen thought, getting to her feet. 'And we won't waste any more of yours, Mr Shaw. I'm sorry for what you've been through. And sorry we've brought it all back.'
He walked them to the door. 'It never goes away, Detective. You're only doing your job. Imagine if Tommo had been murdered and nobody was paying attention. How much worse would that be?'
ABOUT 'SILENT BONES': Karen Pirie and her team are investigating the murder of a journalist paved under a motorway—but was it his work or his private life that put him there?
Scotland, 2025. When torrential winter rain causes a landslide on a motorway, it dislodges more than mud and asphalt – it reveals a skeleton, concealed when the road was built eleven years prior.
Sam Nimmo, an investigative journalist who’d been poking his nose into the murky politics of the Scottish independence referendum, had become the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his girlfriend when he vanished. Now he’s reappeared, buried under the motorway. It’s the perfect cold case for DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. What was Nimmo investigating that was worth killing over? Or was it revenge for murdering his girlfriend? Meanwhile, an allegation of murder has surfaced over the supposedly accidental death of a hotel manager. It may have links to another accident on a remote Highland road. It’s a series of puzzles that tests Karen and her team to their limits. And possibly beyond . . .
MY THOUGHTS: Dark and disturbing - a perfect reminder that things are not always as they seem nor as you might expect them to be.
If you'd got away with murder the first time, would you roll the dice again? Would you have the balls to give it a second go?
I came to the Karen Pirie series late, book #4 - Out of Bounds - to be exact, but I had no trouble picking up the threads and I have never looked back. Each book contains a complete mystery and thus can be read as a stand-alone.
The HCU (Historical Crimes Unit) are running several investigations concurrently: a fatal road accident which may have been anything but accidental; a fall in a CCTV blind spot; the murder of a young pregnant woman supposedly by her partner who then disappeared; and an alleged assault, never reported, but which is uncovered in one of the above investigations. No wonder Karen truly can't see the wood for the mountain of matchsticks!'
Add in an elite, by invitation only Book Club, the Justified Sinners, whose members seem to have multiple fingers in places they perhaps shouldn't be, and the intrigue deepens.
I love Karen's character - she's a strong, independent woman who knows her own mind; one who stands up for her principles and those who work with her. She is fiercely loyal and compassionate and keeps her personal and work lives distinctly separate, not allowing what is happening in one to affect the other.
Silent Bones is not a quick read, but it is a compelling one. It is intricately plotted, the characters deftly portrayed. I appreciated the conclusion, as unexpected as it was. Justice is not always meted out in the courts.
A superb addition to a wonderful series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#SilentBones #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: VAL MCDERMID, FRSE, FRSL is a Scottish crime writer, best known for a series of novels featuring clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill in a grim sub-genre that McDermid and others have identified as Tartan Noir. At Raith Rovers football stadium, a stand has been named after McDermid.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Silent Bones by Val McDermid for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
September 1, 2025
A body is found when a body is found under a previously paved motorway. It's a journalist who vanished several years earlier after his pregnant girlfriend was found dead and he was the presumptive killer. When DCI Pirie and her cold case team look into it, there are so many other crimes which come to light. The journalist was looking into a rape by an entitled rich man--could this be connected to an elite book club of other entitled men? And can they ever get a conviction of an amoral man who not only covers his tracks but is also very privileged and wealthy? The mystery has many twists, turns, and surprises, and is recommended for readers who enjoy Scottish police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 31, 2025
I didn’t feel this was quite as compelling as previous Karen Pirie novels. Not sure why. I wasn’t always convinced by the coincidences and by the motives. But it was still pretty good.
December 7, 2025
I’m always glad to read a book from Val McDermid and I have been looking forward to a return to the Karen Pirie series with Silent Bones. She and her team are working increasingly well together which is a good thing since they are about to be challenged by a couple of cases full of major twists and turns.
to be continued….
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
to be continued….
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This review is my own.
November 7, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Val McDermid, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to return to the work of Val McDermid, I picked up an ARC of the latest in the Inspector Karen Pirie series. McDermid has done well with this collection, now into its eighth novel, and never lets up when it comes to a great Scottish police procedural. After a heavy Spring rain creates a landslide on the motorway, the fallen mud and asphalt reveal the skeletal remains of someone who was tucked away eleven years ago, at the time the road was built. A call to Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit brings Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie and her team to the scene. They take up the case, soon able to identify the skeleton as belonging to Sam Nimmo, a one-time journalist who sought to uncover the dark-side of the Scottish Referendum debate. Nimmo was also accused of killing his girlfriend and going on the lam, though all that is up in the air with the recent discovery. As DCI Pirie and her team tackle this case, the seemingly accidental death of a hotel manager from years ago could have more sinister foundations. All this will surely keep DCI Pirie busy as she tries to make a name for the Historic Cases Unit to her superiors. Val McDermid definitely impresses with this piece, which adds depth to an already great series.
I have always enjoyed crime thrillers that span a period of time. Val McDermid does well with this piece, pulling on historic cases and bringing the action into the present. The story develops a strong foundation and collects its momentum from there. Working with a clear narrative that branches out in ways that complement the series well, keeping everything running smoothly as the two cases find their own footing. Set in the wonderful Scottish countryside, the reader can enjoy McDermid's depictions of that as well, as they play amateur sleuth alongside DCI Karen Pirie.
Character development is a key to keeping the reader invested in the piece. McDermid builds many decent individuals to serve the story well, while adding once more to DCI Karen Pirie in ways that series fans will appreciate. There is a clear connection for the reader to the various characters and how they fit into the larger narrative, hashing out their own perspectives and flavouring the story in the perfect way. The piece needs all these faces to be as impactful as McDermid wants, which is done so effectively throughout the reading experience.
McDermid takes the reader on a detailed set of police investigations that could lead to murder, making sure to develop a number of twists along the way. The surprises that lurk in the cases present a hunger for the reader to push onwards, always seeking to find the truth amongst the lies and deception. Val McDermid has never failed to impress me with her work, nor have I felt disappointed by this series. I simply wonder where things are headed in the foreseeable future, for DCI Pirie and McDermid herself.
Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another great police procedural.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to return to the work of Val McDermid, I picked up an ARC of the latest in the Inspector Karen Pirie series. McDermid has done well with this collection, now into its eighth novel, and never lets up when it comes to a great Scottish police procedural. After a heavy Spring rain creates a landslide on the motorway, the fallen mud and asphalt reveal the skeletal remains of someone who was tucked away eleven years ago, at the time the road was built. A call to Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit brings Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie and her team to the scene. They take up the case, soon able to identify the skeleton as belonging to Sam Nimmo, a one-time journalist who sought to uncover the dark-side of the Scottish Referendum debate. Nimmo was also accused of killing his girlfriend and going on the lam, though all that is up in the air with the recent discovery. As DCI Pirie and her team tackle this case, the seemingly accidental death of a hotel manager from years ago could have more sinister foundations. All this will surely keep DCI Pirie busy as she tries to make a name for the Historic Cases Unit to her superiors. Val McDermid definitely impresses with this piece, which adds depth to an already great series.
I have always enjoyed crime thrillers that span a period of time. Val McDermid does well with this piece, pulling on historic cases and bringing the action into the present. The story develops a strong foundation and collects its momentum from there. Working with a clear narrative that branches out in ways that complement the series well, keeping everything running smoothly as the two cases find their own footing. Set in the wonderful Scottish countryside, the reader can enjoy McDermid's depictions of that as well, as they play amateur sleuth alongside DCI Karen Pirie.
Character development is a key to keeping the reader invested in the piece. McDermid builds many decent individuals to serve the story well, while adding once more to DCI Karen Pirie in ways that series fans will appreciate. There is a clear connection for the reader to the various characters and how they fit into the larger narrative, hashing out their own perspectives and flavouring the story in the perfect way. The piece needs all these faces to be as impactful as McDermid wants, which is done so effectively throughout the reading experience.
McDermid takes the reader on a detailed set of police investigations that could lead to murder, making sure to develop a number of twists along the way. The surprises that lurk in the cases present a hunger for the reader to push onwards, always seeking to find the truth amongst the lies and deception. Val McDermid has never failed to impress me with her work, nor have I felt disappointed by this series. I simply wonder where things are headed in the foreseeable future, for DCI Pirie and McDermid herself.
Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another great police procedural.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 9, 2025
Karen Pirie is back with more controversial cold cases.
We begin on New Year's Eve 2013 when a young woman's life changes forever at a Yes to Independence party.
The second case is brought to Pirie's attention by a Kiwi trying to get justice for the brother whose death was deemed an accident. But now Drew Jamieson has new evidence that the Historic Case Unit cannot ignore.
As the cases develop more and more players are drawn in and Daisy, Jason and Karen are pulled in many different directions; some of them taking them to the highest echelons of Scottish gentry.
Val McDermid is an expert at weaving twisty tales of murder and intrigue. I have to admit to not being much of a Pirie fan in the beginning but she's grown on me. Plus the Daisy/Jason rivalry is good for entertainment value. I'm not a fan of wandering around detectives' private lives but McDermid uses a light touch with this too.
Another excellent novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the advance review copy.
We begin on New Year's Eve 2013 when a young woman's life changes forever at a Yes to Independence party.
The second case is brought to Pirie's attention by a Kiwi trying to get justice for the brother whose death was deemed an accident. But now Drew Jamieson has new evidence that the Historic Case Unit cannot ignore.
As the cases develop more and more players are drawn in and Daisy, Jason and Karen are pulled in many different directions; some of them taking them to the highest echelons of Scottish gentry.
Val McDermid is an expert at weaving twisty tales of murder and intrigue. I have to admit to not being much of a Pirie fan in the beginning but she's grown on me. Plus the Daisy/Jason rivalry is good for entertainment value. I'm not a fan of wandering around detectives' private lives but McDermid uses a light touch with this too.
Another excellent novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the advance review copy.
October 26, 2025
DCI Karen Pirie, Chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit, and her team are confronted with two chilling cold cases. A mudslide triggered by torrential rains uncovers the skeletal remains of an investigative journalist, long presumed to have murdered his fiancée and vanished. It transpires that he was murdered shortly after his fiancée, and the search intensifies to uncover the motive behind their deaths, which may have been related to one of his ongoing investigations.
When the brother of a man who supposedly died in an accidental fall turns up with evidence that it might not have been an accident after all, the team has its second case to investigate.
Val McDermid is one of my go-to authors. This is the eighth in her Karen Pirie series; it is the fifth that I have read. It would work as a stand-alone.
McDermid’s signature style is evident in this cleverly plotted, engrossing, and fast-paced read, filled with secrets, twists, and turns. I enjoyed learning a bit about Scottish politics and some of the procedures that are unique to their justice system.
I enjoy the main character, Pirie. She is portrayed as strong, intelligent, empathetic, and vulnerable. In her quest for truth and justice for victims’ families, she often makes no friends. DS Jason Murray, affectionately known as “The Mint”, is endearing. DS Daisy can be both earnest and flippant.
These complex cases lead to a thought-provoking ending that raises questions about the reality of seeking justice in the world of cold cases.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic @AtlanticCrime for the DRC.
When the brother of a man who supposedly died in an accidental fall turns up with evidence that it might not have been an accident after all, the team has its second case to investigate.
Val McDermid is one of my go-to authors. This is the eighth in her Karen Pirie series; it is the fifth that I have read. It would work as a stand-alone.
McDermid’s signature style is evident in this cleverly plotted, engrossing, and fast-paced read, filled with secrets, twists, and turns. I enjoyed learning a bit about Scottish politics and some of the procedures that are unique to their justice system.
I enjoy the main character, Pirie. She is portrayed as strong, intelligent, empathetic, and vulnerable. In her quest for truth and justice for victims’ families, she often makes no friends. DS Jason Murray, affectionately known as “The Mint”, is endearing. DS Daisy can be both earnest and flippant.
These complex cases lead to a thought-provoking ending that raises questions about the reality of seeking justice in the world of cold cases.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @GroveAtlantic @AtlanticCrime for the DRC.
November 15, 2025
Interesting to follow the characters, but there are too many different crimes in the story. Moreover, the ending is very sudden and a bit of an anticlimax.
December 3, 2025
Another excellent addition to the cold case expert - Karen Pirie series.
I love cold case detective stories, I love how different the procedurals are and how new evinced are discovered.
Val does an amazing job with these cases from the past; she brings an urgency to them that makes you really care about the outcome.
Karen and her team feels like old friends, and what happens in their lives feel just as important to me as the crimes they're investing. So I'm always rooting for their personal growth and relationships; and in this one Jason really had exceptional growth, in both personal and work related areas. Can't help feeling proud of him.
Now it's the long wait for the next one.
I love cold case detective stories, I love how different the procedurals are and how new evinced are discovered.
Val does an amazing job with these cases from the past; she brings an urgency to them that makes you really care about the outcome.
Karen and her team feels like old friends, and what happens in their lives feel just as important to me as the crimes they're investing. So I'm always rooting for their personal growth and relationships; and in this one Jason really had exceptional growth, in both personal and work related areas. Can't help feeling proud of him.
Now it's the long wait for the next one.
December 8, 2025
After a torrential rainfall causes a landslide on a Scottish motorway, a dead body is discovered. It turns out to be that of journalist Sam Nimmo who disappeared eleven years before, accused of murdering his fiancée, Rachel Morrison. Now it looks as if the same person murdered both Sam and Rachel.
At the same time, the brother of the late Tom Jamieson, a hotel manager is convinced Tom was murdered and who did it. But why, and what did it have to do with a mysterious book club called The Justified Sinners?
DCI Karen Pirie and her historic cases team consisting of Detective Sergeants Daisy Mortimer and Jason Murray are tasked with investigating both cases which lead them into discovering the truth behind four murders, a brutal rape at an Independence Ball and corrupt refereeing at football matches.
Once again, Val McDermid has managed to construct some thrilling serpentine plots which all weave together to a thrilling finale.
At the same time, the brother of the late Tom Jamieson, a hotel manager is convinced Tom was murdered and who did it. But why, and what did it have to do with a mysterious book club called The Justified Sinners?
DCI Karen Pirie and her historic cases team consisting of Detective Sergeants Daisy Mortimer and Jason Murray are tasked with investigating both cases which lead them into discovering the truth behind four murders, a brutal rape at an Independence Ball and corrupt refereeing at football matches.
Once again, Val McDermid has managed to construct some thrilling serpentine plots which all weave together to a thrilling finale.
December 21, 2025
Inclement weather with heavy rain causes a landslide on a freeway, dislodging human remains. Forensic testing reveals the victim was a journalist suspected of killing his pregnant girlfriend and going on the lam. He covered his tracks well laying under all that concrete. DCI Karen Pirie and her small Historical Crimes Unit team open an investigation to find a double murderer. At the same time, the brother of a man whose death was ruled an accident arrives in Scotland from New Zealand to challenge that conclusion. The HCU has a lot on their plate and will step on some toes while they investigate.
Val McDermid, the Queen of Crime, always brings intricate plotting to her books. One seemingly inconsequential moment can change the trajectory of a case. Reading a new Val McDermid novel was an early Christmas present. 4.5 stars
Val McDermid, the Queen of Crime, always brings intricate plotting to her books. One seemingly inconsequential moment can change the trajectory of a case. Reading a new Val McDermid novel was an early Christmas present. 4.5 stars
December 5, 2025
In the eighth outing in the Scottish police procedural series featuring DCI Karen Pirie, chief of police of the Historic Cases Unit, she and her team investigate two intriguing cases. In the first, a skeleton has been revealed when a motorway washes out, later to be identified as the remains of a freelance investigative journalist who disappeared after his pregnant fiancé was murdered some ten years ago. Was he working on something that got them killed?
The second case involves a man who died after what seemed to be an accidental fall down a hotel's slippery outdoor stairs. His brother, a New Zealander, makes the trip back to Scotland with evidence the police overlooked, the identity of a man who followed the brother down those stairs, and Karen's team looks into that case too.
This is a well-plotted and enjoyable addition to the series. Karen's team, Daisy and Jason, each has a unique set of investigative skills and work well together even though there's always a hint of competition, a bit of tension between the two. The pacing of the story is quite satisfying even though the conclusion has an unusual twist.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The second case involves a man who died after what seemed to be an accidental fall down a hotel's slippery outdoor stairs. His brother, a New Zealander, makes the trip back to Scotland with evidence the police overlooked, the identity of a man who followed the brother down those stairs, and Karen's team looks into that case too.
This is a well-plotted and enjoyable addition to the series. Karen's team, Daisy and Jason, each has a unique set of investigative skills and work well together even though there's always a hint of competition, a bit of tension between the two. The pacing of the story is quite satisfying even though the conclusion has an unusual twist.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2025
Silent Bones is the latest (#8) novel in the Karen Pirie series. It's a crime thriller that begins with DCI Karen Pirie and her team investigating a skeleton found under a motorway landslide caused by due to torrential winter rain, and takes off from there.
I really enjoy this series, especially all the characters. It's been interesting to see them all grow and evolve. Karen is brilliant, but also human at the same time. Jason really pulled his weight in Silent Bones. It makes me laugh to see Daisy and Jason being snarky with each other, although, like Karen tells them, it's not a competition!
I have to confess that I felt my eyes crossing as I read about the sports betting, however. I ended up skimming some of that (I apologize, Ms. McDermid), but I don't feel that my skimming affected the story for me. Once I got past that part, the plot thickened and I went back to being all in!
I'm looking forward to seeing what surprises #9 holds in store!!
Thank you, #AtlanticCrime, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Silent Bones has an expected publication date of December 2, 2025.
#ValMcDermid #Mystery #Suspense #Crime #Detective
I really enjoy this series, especially all the characters. It's been interesting to see them all grow and evolve. Karen is brilliant, but also human at the same time. Jason really pulled his weight in Silent Bones. It makes me laugh to see Daisy and Jason being snarky with each other, although, like Karen tells them, it's not a competition!
I have to confess that I felt my eyes crossing as I read about the sports betting, however. I ended up skimming some of that (I apologize, Ms. McDermid), but I don't feel that my skimming affected the story for me. Once I got past that part, the plot thickened and I went back to being all in!
I'm looking forward to seeing what surprises #9 holds in store!!
Thank you, #AtlanticCrime, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Silent Bones has an expected publication date of December 2, 2025.
#ValMcDermid #Mystery #Suspense #Crime #Detective
October 27, 2025
2 and a half stars.
I wanted to love this, I really did. I've read all the previous Karen Pirie books (as well as McDermid's other series) and have thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one was disappointing.
There seemed to be a very strong focus on various 'issues' - often, it seemed to me, at the expense of the story telling. I actually agree with the author ( or perhaps more accurately her characters) on most of the issues raised, but it became very irritating and felt like they were being shoehorned into the story. I wanted to shout "Yes, we get it! Move on!".
It was engaging enough to keep me reading, but overall it just felt a bit dull. There was a distinct lack of jeopardy or tension.
I will continue to follow the series, and hope that this one was just a glitch.
I wanted to love this, I really did. I've read all the previous Karen Pirie books (as well as McDermid's other series) and have thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one was disappointing.
There seemed to be a very strong focus on various 'issues' - often, it seemed to me, at the expense of the story telling. I actually agree with the author ( or perhaps more accurately her characters) on most of the issues raised, but it became very irritating and felt like they were being shoehorned into the story. I wanted to shout "Yes, we get it! Move on!".
It was engaging enough to keep me reading, but overall it just felt a bit dull. There was a distinct lack of jeopardy or tension.
I will continue to follow the series, and hope that this one was just a glitch.
October 19, 2025
As a long-time fan of Karen Pirie, returning to her world in Silent Bones was an absolute treat—and Val McDermid delivers once again. Known as the Queen of Crime for a reason, McDermid crafts a tightly woven mystery that hooked me from the atmospheric opening scene, where a crime scene tent is being set up under relentless Scottish rain. That small detail immediately grounded the story in gritty realism—reminding us that investigations don’t pause for bad weather or perfect conditions.
When a skeleton is uncovered beneath the tent, the case is handed over to the Historic Cases Unit. Mr Jamieson steps forward, convinced the remains belong to his brother Tom, who vanished five years earlier just before lockdown. At the time, the police wrote the disappearance off as an accident, but Jamieson insists it was murder—and Karen Pirie is determined to uncover the truth.
What always sets this series apart is Karen herself. Beyond the central mystery, her personal journey continues to resonate deeply. Still grieving Phil, she carries her loss quietly, and McDermid handles that emotional thread with sensitivity and nuance. Beneath her tough, clever exterior lies fierce loyalty, compassion, and a deep sense of justice—not just for the dead but for the living left behind. Watching her mentor Jason, with his growing confidence under her guidance, adds a heartfelt layer to the investigation and gives the story emotional weight.
McDermid strikes the perfect balance between intricate plotting and rich character development. Every chapter feels purposeful, every clue smartly placed. Her writing remains razor-sharp, intelligent, and deeply engaging—exactly what fans of thoughtful crime fiction crave.
Silent Bones is a standout instalment in the series—layered, emotionally resonant, and masterfully constructed. A must-read for fans of intelligent procedural crime, and especially rewarding for those who have followed Karen Pirie’s journey from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
When a skeleton is uncovered beneath the tent, the case is handed over to the Historic Cases Unit. Mr Jamieson steps forward, convinced the remains belong to his brother Tom, who vanished five years earlier just before lockdown. At the time, the police wrote the disappearance off as an accident, but Jamieson insists it was murder—and Karen Pirie is determined to uncover the truth.
What always sets this series apart is Karen herself. Beyond the central mystery, her personal journey continues to resonate deeply. Still grieving Phil, she carries her loss quietly, and McDermid handles that emotional thread with sensitivity and nuance. Beneath her tough, clever exterior lies fierce loyalty, compassion, and a deep sense of justice—not just for the dead but for the living left behind. Watching her mentor Jason, with his growing confidence under her guidance, adds a heartfelt layer to the investigation and gives the story emotional weight.
McDermid strikes the perfect balance between intricate plotting and rich character development. Every chapter feels purposeful, every clue smartly placed. Her writing remains razor-sharp, intelligent, and deeply engaging—exactly what fans of thoughtful crime fiction crave.
Silent Bones is a standout instalment in the series—layered, emotionally resonant, and masterfully constructed. A must-read for fans of intelligent procedural crime, and especially rewarding for those who have followed Karen Pirie’s journey from the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
October 18, 2025
I loved reading Silent Bones the new Karen Pirie novel!
Silent Bones by the Queen of crime is my new favourite crime novel by Val McDermid! I had never thought about that in torrential rain a crime scene tent has to be put up, it just goes to show that the weather isn’t always perfect when a tent has to be put up to cover a body.
In Scotland, Detective Inspector Pete Niven is leading the case he demands the Crime Scene Technicians to put up the crime scene tent in the pouring rain.
Under the tent, a skeleton of a man is found. Due to a skeleton has been found its now in the hands of Historical Cases Unit. Mr Jamieson claims that the skeleton is his brother, Tom, who went missing 5 years ago just before lockdown. Mr Jamieson isn’t happy as at the time of his brothers death, the police wrote it down as an accident. But it wasn’t an accident. His brother Tom was murdered. But who and why did someone murder Tom Jamieson?
Silent Bones by the Queen of crime is my new favourite crime novel by Val McDermid! I had never thought about that in torrential rain a crime scene tent has to be put up, it just goes to show that the weather isn’t always perfect when a tent has to be put up to cover a body.
In Scotland, Detective Inspector Pete Niven is leading the case he demands the Crime Scene Technicians to put up the crime scene tent in the pouring rain.
Under the tent, a skeleton of a man is found. Due to a skeleton has been found its now in the hands of Historical Cases Unit. Mr Jamieson claims that the skeleton is his brother, Tom, who went missing 5 years ago just before lockdown. Mr Jamieson isn’t happy as at the time of his brothers death, the police wrote it down as an accident. But it wasn’t an accident. His brother Tom was murdered. But who and why did someone murder Tom Jamieson?
November 21, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I have watched the tv adaptation of the Karen Pirie series, but even though it's the eighth book in the series, it's the first one I've read. There are differences between the two, but I think watching the show helped me to jump in so late in the series without any trouble.
DCI Karen Pine leads the Historic Cases Unit in Scotland. When human remains are found under a highway, it changes everything about an old case. The remains belong to an investigative journalist who was accused of killing his girlfriend - but if Sam himself was killed and didn't disappear as originally assumed, who really killed his girlfriend? The team is also working on a case of the accidental death of a hotel manager that may not have been an accident. Both cases are compelling and complex, and I'll admit sometimes I had to think twice to keep the two cases straight as I was reading.
Karen and her team work well together, but I like that Jason and Daisy also investigate some things on their own. Karen allows each of them to work according to their own strengths and together, they are able to find unexpected resolutions to the case. I have been wanting to read a book in this series for so long, so I'm glad I finally did. I liked the procedural aspect of the book and spending time with the characters. I enjoyed the book and would like to read more by McDermid.
Thank you to Atlantic Crime for the gifted copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
I have watched the tv adaptation of the Karen Pirie series, but even though it's the eighth book in the series, it's the first one I've read. There are differences between the two, but I think watching the show helped me to jump in so late in the series without any trouble.
DCI Karen Pine leads the Historic Cases Unit in Scotland. When human remains are found under a highway, it changes everything about an old case. The remains belong to an investigative journalist who was accused of killing his girlfriend - but if Sam himself was killed and didn't disappear as originally assumed, who really killed his girlfriend? The team is also working on a case of the accidental death of a hotel manager that may not have been an accident. Both cases are compelling and complex, and I'll admit sometimes I had to think twice to keep the two cases straight as I was reading.
Karen and her team work well together, but I like that Jason and Daisy also investigate some things on their own. Karen allows each of them to work according to their own strengths and together, they are able to find unexpected resolutions to the case. I have been wanting to read a book in this series for so long, so I'm glad I finally did. I liked the procedural aspect of the book and spending time with the characters. I enjoyed the book and would like to read more by McDermid.
Read
November 26, 2025I've been a Val McDermid fan for decades, but I'm really enjoying the Karen Pirie series, which McDermid started publishing in 2003 and I'm now catching up on. There's also a BritBox series that I really liked; I watched season one and need to get to season two!
This book has political themes and, like all the Pirie books, features a cold case. When a body turns up, everyone is shocked to learn it is that of a man missing since 2014 and suspected of killing his wife.
The time of the murder was the time in which Scotland was holding a referendum about becoming an independent country, and leaving the UK. The issue was heated and drew the largest turnout (nearly 85%) of any UK election since 1910. I vaguely remember this being in the news, but really enjoyed going back to that time and learning more about the issues (and rancor) surrounding the referendum.
While this wasn't my favorite KP book (that would be book seven, Past Lying and book one, A Distant Echo) all these books are great for those looking for a police procedural with a top notch female investigator.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!;
This book has political themes and, like all the Pirie books, features a cold case. When a body turns up, everyone is shocked to learn it is that of a man missing since 2014 and suspected of killing his wife.
The time of the murder was the time in which Scotland was holding a referendum about becoming an independent country, and leaving the UK. The issue was heated and drew the largest turnout (nearly 85%) of any UK election since 1910. I vaguely remember this being in the news, but really enjoyed going back to that time and learning more about the issues (and rancor) surrounding the referendum.
While this wasn't my favorite KP book (that would be book seven, Past Lying and book one, A Distant Echo) all these books are great for those looking for a police procedural with a top notch female investigator.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!;
November 30, 2025
Normally I love this author and I’ve previously found each instalment in this series to be enjoyable and fast paced, and I’ve not been able to put them down. Not this one though. It’s too fragmented, with too much going on and the ending seemed too abrupt. It’s like the author herself got bored with it.
I also think that part of my issue is that I no longer find Karen Pirie to be believable. In my mind she was probably in her 40s with a wealth of experience behind her, and had earned the respect of her team. The ITV dramatisation spoiled that for me.. I felt the actress that played her was far too young and unbelievable, and although we know the Karen Pirie of the books has her issues, I never had her down as being as immature as she’s portrayed on the screen.
For one of this authors most successful characters, I’m surprised she allowed this actress to be cast and for the character to be portrayed in the way she was. I fear the TV show has spoiled this series for me
I also think that part of my issue is that I no longer find Karen Pirie to be believable. In my mind she was probably in her 40s with a wealth of experience behind her, and had earned the respect of her team. The ITV dramatisation spoiled that for me.. I felt the actress that played her was far too young and unbelievable, and although we know the Karen Pirie of the books has her issues, I never had her down as being as immature as she’s portrayed on the screen.
For one of this authors most successful characters, I’m surprised she allowed this actress to be cast and for the character to be portrayed in the way she was. I fear the TV show has spoiled this series for me
October 12, 2025
Several years ago VAl McDermid added to her bona fides by serving as a judge for the Booker Awards. This seems to me to recognize the fact that although she is known for crime fiction, she is also one hell of an author, a historian, an examiner of the current political landscape. And this latest installment of her Karen Pirie series bears that out. Cold cases (a term the protagonist hates, preferring instead HCU or Historical Crime Unit) seem to be the norm these days. There are quite a few on the streaming services, even one bearing the Karen Pirie imprint. The crimes are in the past but the effects linger on indefinitely and the bad guys are increasingly smug about having pulled it off. Highly recommend. Yes it is #8 in a series, but could be read as a standal0ne, which would encourage a new reader to return to earlier works without any trouble.
September 4, 2025
This is another of my favourite series from Val McDermid and once again this instalment does not disappoint. DCI Karen Pirie, chief of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit and her two Detective Sergeant’s, Jason Murray and Daisy Mortimer are up against another difficult case. A journalist named Sam Nimmo has a dogmatic attitude when it comes to investigations, probing his way through information trying to discover the facts and get to the truth. Unfortunately for Sam, he ends up found buried under Scottish motorway after being accused of the murder of his girlfriend Rachel who was carrying his unborn child. We also have another case involving the death of a man which was initially thought of to be an accident until his brother becomes like a dog at a bone believing this was murder, so was he pushed?
Another extremely well written and executed story, of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, we made privy to more of the personal relationships with Karen having moved on after the death of the beloved Phil and the also the working relationship between Jason and Daisy. Jason is really coming into his own and his skills are very much developing as he plays a major part of assisting in solving these wo crimes. Daisy even though the newest on the team also brings a lot to the investigation and the three are becoming to really bond as a team.
I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Another extremely well written and executed story, of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, we made privy to more of the personal relationships with Karen having moved on after the death of the beloved Phil and the also the working relationship between Jason and Daisy. Jason is really coming into his own and his skills are very much developing as he plays a major part of assisting in solving these wo crimes. Daisy even though the newest on the team also brings a lot to the investigation and the three are becoming to really bond as a team.
I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2025
Silent Bones by Val McDermid is the recently released book in her Karen Pirie series, a new to me series and author.
Karen Pirie is the Detective Chief Inspector of Police Scotland's Historical Case Unit, investigating what we deem to be cold cases. She is assisted by Detective Sergeant Daisy Mortimer and her colleague Jason Murray- delightful characters still growing into their positions, eager to please Karen and fairly competitive. They are simultaneously investigating two cases: a hotel manager, Tom Jamieson, who apparently fell down a set of slippery steps five years ago, and the body of freelance journalist Sam Nimmo, found under a section of paved road eleven years after he went missing. Interestingly the one common link between the two men was their membership in an exclusive book club known as Justified Sinners. I enjoyed the storlines, yet occasionally was confused by which characters were part of which story. At one point I completely forgot the Jamieson case as the Nimmo case overrode it. I did enjoy the investigative team characters, their interaction and bits of their personal stories, the writing, occasionally laugh out loud funny and the ending was definitely a surprise. Thank you to NetGalley, Atlantic Crime and the author for an opportunity to read an ARC of Silent Bones; I look forward to reading more books from the Karen Pirie series. This review reflects my honest opinion. 4stars.
Karen Pirie is the Detective Chief Inspector of Police Scotland's Historical Case Unit, investigating what we deem to be cold cases. She is assisted by Detective Sergeant Daisy Mortimer and her colleague Jason Murray- delightful characters still growing into their positions, eager to please Karen and fairly competitive. They are simultaneously investigating two cases: a hotel manager, Tom Jamieson, who apparently fell down a set of slippery steps five years ago, and the body of freelance journalist Sam Nimmo, found under a section of paved road eleven years after he went missing. Interestingly the one common link between the two men was their membership in an exclusive book club known as Justified Sinners. I enjoyed the storlines, yet occasionally was confused by which characters were part of which story. At one point I completely forgot the Jamieson case as the Nimmo case overrode it. I did enjoy the investigative team characters, their interaction and bits of their personal stories, the writing, occasionally laugh out loud funny and the ending was definitely a surprise. Thank you to NetGalley, Atlantic Crime and the author for an opportunity to read an ARC of Silent Bones; I look forward to reading more books from the Karen Pirie series. This review reflects my honest opinion. 4stars.
August 28, 2025
As a long-time fan of Karen Pirie, I always look forward to diving back into her world and Silent Bones, the newest book in the series, does not disappoint. Val McDermid once again delivers a tightly woven mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I can never predict how things will unfold, and that’s part of what makes these books so addictive.
Beyond the central mystery, what truly resonates with me is Karen herself. Like Karen, I’m still grieving Phil, and McDermid handles that thread of personal loss with sensitivity and depth. Despite her tough exterior, Karen's kindness and loyalty to her team continue to shine through. It's been especially rewarding to watch her mentoring Jason; his growing confidence (both professionally and personally) under her guidance adds a satisfying emotional layer to the story.
McDermid’s writing is as sharp as ever, skillfully balancing complex plots with character-driven storytelling. This book is a testament to her talent and her deep understanding of what makes readers keep coming back.
Highly recommend for fans of intelligent crime fiction, and especially for those who’ve followed Karen’s journey from the beginning.
Beyond the central mystery, what truly resonates with me is Karen herself. Like Karen, I’m still grieving Phil, and McDermid handles that thread of personal loss with sensitivity and depth. Despite her tough exterior, Karen's kindness and loyalty to her team continue to shine through. It's been especially rewarding to watch her mentoring Jason; his growing confidence (both professionally and personally) under her guidance adds a satisfying emotional layer to the story.
McDermid’s writing is as sharp as ever, skillfully balancing complex plots with character-driven storytelling. This book is a testament to her talent and her deep understanding of what makes readers keep coming back.
Highly recommend for fans of intelligent crime fiction, and especially for those who’ve followed Karen’s journey from the beginning.
October 15, 2025
Silent Bones welcomes back Karen Pirie in the much anticipated book 8 in the series.
Val McDermid doesnt disappoint and this is my favourite book of the series (until book 9).
Karen and her cold case team are investigating two historic cases. One a victim is found buried under a highway and he himself was thought to have run when his fiancee was murdered. The second is was a tragic accident but the family feels it wasnt investigated properly.
The same names keep popping up in both cases and when one thread is unravelled it leads to another and before long the team will have their answers.
Now to prove it.
Val McDermid does her usual fantastic job of writing beautifully, the characters are all real and the plot is tightly woven.
Once you start reading Silent Bones you wont be able to stop.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the absolute privilege of reading and reviewing Silent Bones.
Val McDermid doesnt disappoint and this is my favourite book of the series (until book 9).
Karen and her cold case team are investigating two historic cases. One a victim is found buried under a highway and he himself was thought to have run when his fiancee was murdered. The second is was a tragic accident but the family feels it wasnt investigated properly.
The same names keep popping up in both cases and when one thread is unravelled it leads to another and before long the team will have their answers.
Now to prove it.
Val McDermid does her usual fantastic job of writing beautifully, the characters are all real and the plot is tightly woven.
Once you start reading Silent Bones you wont be able to stop.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/ Atlantic Crime for the absolute privilege of reading and reviewing Silent Bones.
December 20, 2025
Gripping, gritty, and entertaining!
In her latest novel, 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒, McDermid takes us back to Edinburgh, where DCI Pirie and her team in the Historic Cases Unit are investigating the homicide of an investigative reporter who vanished eleven years earlier after being accused of murdering his girlfriend, and delving into a potential scandal involving several politically powerful individuals.
The prose is tight and intense. The characters are driven, intuitive, and tenacious, and the plot unfolds as a complex web of deception, abuse, deprivation, manipulation, control, power, mayhem, violence, and murder.
Overall, 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 is a captivating, intricate, and menacing thriller that delivers everything I’ve come to expect from McDermid’s police procedurals, including strong pacing, meticulous deduction, and plenty of suspense.
In her latest novel, 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒, McDermid takes us back to Edinburgh, where DCI Pirie and her team in the Historic Cases Unit are investigating the homicide of an investigative reporter who vanished eleven years earlier after being accused of murdering his girlfriend, and delving into a potential scandal involving several politically powerful individuals.
The prose is tight and intense. The characters are driven, intuitive, and tenacious, and the plot unfolds as a complex web of deception, abuse, deprivation, manipulation, control, power, mayhem, violence, and murder.
Overall, 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 is a captivating, intricate, and menacing thriller that delivers everything I’ve come to expect from McDermid’s police procedurals, including strong pacing, meticulous deduction, and plenty of suspense.
December 9, 2025
Karen Pirie’s cold case unit pursue two parallel investigations - as usual an excellent read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews