What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector McLean #15
The Violent Hour
Festival season. The streets are filled to bursting with tourists, and Edinburgh is gripped by a stifling heatwave. Not the best time for one of the most violent murders the city has witnessed in years.
'Do yourself a favour and read James Oswald's series. I can almost guarantee you won't stop at one' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW
The victim of the murder cannot be identified; its brutal nature of the shocking both the public and the police. What could possibly have inflicted such gruesome injuries? Was it a wild animal on the loose, or the beginning of some horrific gang warfare?
Another body is found on Musselburgh naked, comatose, but this time still alive. DI Tony McLean can't shake the feeling that there is a connection to the killing - but there are few leads for him and the team to go by.
The police are at a loss, and the city is on edge - will the killer strike again?
Praise for James
'The new Ian Rankin' Daily Record
'Creepy, gritty and gruesome' Sunday Mirror
'Oswald's writing is in a class above most' Daily Express
'Do yourself a favour and read James Oswald's series. I can almost guarantee you won't stop at one' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW
The victim of the murder cannot be identified; its brutal nature of the shocking both the public and the police. What could possibly have inflicted such gruesome injuries? Was it a wild animal on the loose, or the beginning of some horrific gang warfare?
Another body is found on Musselburgh naked, comatose, but this time still alive. DI Tony McLean can't shake the feeling that there is a connection to the killing - but there are few leads for him and the team to go by.
The police are at a loss, and the city is on edge - will the killer strike again?
Praise for James
'The new Ian Rankin' Daily Record
'Creepy, gritty and gruesome' Sunday Mirror
'Oswald's writing is in a class above most' Daily Express
- GenresProcedural
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 18, 2026
The Violent Hour is the first book which I have ever read from James Oswald, and the 15th in the DI. Tony McLean series. But after really liking this, tensely, addictive thriller, I couldn’t wait to add the rest of the series to my (never ending) reading list.
This story is set amongst the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival, during a long, relentless heatwave. A brutal murder has taken place, with another, following a few days later. The killer seems to be someone with superhuman strength, and both bodies were found torn apart, ripped from limb to limb.
This book had a fantastical, supernatural vibe to it, which is something that I have never before, experienced with a police crime thriller, but I absolutely loved it, and the story kept my attention throughout. This is a solid read, which I am super impressed with, and can’t wait to read the rest of the series, from the beginning, though this can be read as a standalone. Highly recommended.
4 ⭐️
Thanks to James Oswald, Wildfire, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 2 July 2026
This story is set amongst the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival, during a long, relentless heatwave. A brutal murder has taken place, with another, following a few days later. The killer seems to be someone with superhuman strength, and both bodies were found torn apart, ripped from limb to limb.
This book had a fantastical, supernatural vibe to it, which is something that I have never before, experienced with a police crime thriller, but I absolutely loved it, and the story kept my attention throughout. This is a solid read, which I am super impressed with, and can’t wait to read the rest of the series, from the beginning, though this can be read as a standalone. Highly recommended.
4 ⭐️
Thanks to James Oswald, Wildfire, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: 2 July 2026
March 30, 2026
Another welcome addition to the DI McLean series.
Oswald’s book are always fast paced, well-written and intriguing. The Violent Hour is no exception.
Whilst I didn’t particularly enjoy the subject of the supernatural element, I found the story to be gripping, unsettling and I enjoyed the return of the usual cast of highly likeable characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline | Wildfire for the ARC.
Oswald’s book are always fast paced, well-written and intriguing. The Violent Hour is no exception.
Whilst I didn’t particularly enjoy the subject of the supernatural element, I found the story to be gripping, unsettling and I enjoyed the return of the usual cast of highly likeable characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline | Wildfire for the ARC.
July 16, 2026
The Violent Hour is book 15 of the Inspector McLean series by James Oswald.
This latest case is brutal, it starts during the Edinburgh festival season with the discovery of a dismembered body found in an alley way, it’s so brutal that it perplex’s the investigation. There’s lots of connections which start to unravel however, although the story indicates that it’s leading into something more supernatural the final discovery is a bit too far fetched for me.
This latest case is brutal, it starts during the Edinburgh festival season with the discovery of a dismembered body found in an alley way, it’s so brutal that it perplex’s the investigation. There’s lots of connections which start to unravel however, although the story indicates that it’s leading into something more supernatural the final discovery is a bit too far fetched for me.
April 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of The Violent Hour.
Set during a stiflingly hot Edinburgh festival season, there’s an underlying sense of tension from the outset. The investigation itself is particularly brutal, an unidentified victim and very little evidence to work with, which creates that slow, creeping sense of unease that builds as the story unfolds.
The atmosphere really stood out for me. Oswald has a way of making Edinburgh feel both busy and stifling at the same time, and that comes through strongly here. As the case develops, there’s a constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, which keeps the momentum going even in the quieter moments.
McLean is a reliable central character to it all. He’s steady, thoughtful, and driven without ever feeling overdone, and that consistency is part of what makes the series so readable. You trust him to keep digging, even when things start to get murky.
This is a dark, tense, and atmospheric thriller, with just enough of an edge to linger after you’ve finished. It is easily read as a standalone. A strong four stars.
Set during a stiflingly hot Edinburgh festival season, there’s an underlying sense of tension from the outset. The investigation itself is particularly brutal, an unidentified victim and very little evidence to work with, which creates that slow, creeping sense of unease that builds as the story unfolds.
The atmosphere really stood out for me. Oswald has a way of making Edinburgh feel both busy and stifling at the same time, and that comes through strongly here. As the case develops, there’s a constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, which keeps the momentum going even in the quieter moments.
McLean is a reliable central character to it all. He’s steady, thoughtful, and driven without ever feeling overdone, and that consistency is part of what makes the series so readable. You trust him to keep digging, even when things start to get murky.
This is a dark, tense, and atmospheric thriller, with just enough of an edge to linger after you’ve finished. It is easily read as a standalone. A strong four stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Violent Hour is the fifteenth book in the Inspector Tony McLean series and James Oswald once again demonstrates why this series is so popular. He blends police procedural, folklore, horror, and the supernatural with a confident flair.
Set during a sweltering Edinburgh Festival season, the city is overflowing with visitors and simmering beneath an oppressive heatwave. The novel opens with an extraordinarily brutal murder that leaves both police and public horrified.
The victim is unidentifiable, the injuries seemingly beyond rational explanation, and the investigation rapidly spirals into territory that challenges conventional policing methods.
Oswald’s pacing is pitch perfect, and The Violent Hour benefits from a structure that raises lots of questions while holding back answers. The discovery of a second victim on Musselburgh Beach, alive but unresponsive, adds urgency and complexity to the investigation.
The narrative steadily builds from a grisly murder mystery into something far stranger. The Violent Hour is tense, unsettling and immersive. Edinburgh is crowded, claustrophobic, and tension rises as people become increasingly fearful at the brutality in their midst.
DI Tony McLean has always occupied that liminal space between policeman and reluctant believer, and Oswald exploits this tension well. McLean’s instincts often lead him where the evidence cannot. McLean’s strength as a character lies in his humanity; he is thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly determined rather than flamboyant or abrasive. Though this is principally Janie Harrison’s investigation, it is his intuition that is crucial to solving the mystery.
Acting as Senior Investigating Officer for much of the case, Janie demonstrates confidence, competence and leadership. Her leading role allows Oswald to explore the investigation from multiple perspectives while highlighting the trust and professional respect that exists between her and McLean.
I love the way that James Oswald just has to waft Madame Rose under our noses for us to realise there is an additional dimension to the evidence. She is a bridge between the rational and irrational worlds that Oswald so skilfully intertwines.
Whenever McLean encounters mysteries that conventional policing cannot explain, she provides insight into older, darker forces at work. Her presence in this book isn’t overt, but reinforces that older reality that lies underneath modern Scotland and refuses to stay buried.
Oswald’s recurring use of “the Other” is the defining characteristic of this series. His use of the supernatural exists as an intrusion into everyday reality, challenging assumptions about justice, morality and human understanding.
In The Violent Hour, this concept is particularly strong. What initially resembles gang violence or animal savagery gradually reveals deeper connections to ancient history, myth and prophecy. References to Viking archaeology and long-buried legacies suggest that the past is not dead but actively shaping the present. The “Other” here is not simply monstrous; it is a manifestation of forgotten histories and ancient grievances erupting into the modern world.
The result is a novel that succeeds on multiple levels: a gripping police procedural, a chilling supernatural thriller, and a thoughtful look at the persistence of the past.
Verdict: Violent, atmospheric and imaginative, The Violent Hour is another excellent addition to the McLean canon.
Set during a sweltering Edinburgh Festival season, the city is overflowing with visitors and simmering beneath an oppressive heatwave. The novel opens with an extraordinarily brutal murder that leaves both police and public horrified.
The victim is unidentifiable, the injuries seemingly beyond rational explanation, and the investigation rapidly spirals into territory that challenges conventional policing methods.
Oswald’s pacing is pitch perfect, and The Violent Hour benefits from a structure that raises lots of questions while holding back answers. The discovery of a second victim on Musselburgh Beach, alive but unresponsive, adds urgency and complexity to the investigation.
The narrative steadily builds from a grisly murder mystery into something far stranger. The Violent Hour is tense, unsettling and immersive. Edinburgh is crowded, claustrophobic, and tension rises as people become increasingly fearful at the brutality in their midst.
DI Tony McLean has always occupied that liminal space between policeman and reluctant believer, and Oswald exploits this tension well. McLean’s instincts often lead him where the evidence cannot. McLean’s strength as a character lies in his humanity; he is thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly determined rather than flamboyant or abrasive. Though this is principally Janie Harrison’s investigation, it is his intuition that is crucial to solving the mystery.
Acting as Senior Investigating Officer for much of the case, Janie demonstrates confidence, competence and leadership. Her leading role allows Oswald to explore the investigation from multiple perspectives while highlighting the trust and professional respect that exists between her and McLean.
I love the way that James Oswald just has to waft Madame Rose under our noses for us to realise there is an additional dimension to the evidence. She is a bridge between the rational and irrational worlds that Oswald so skilfully intertwines.
Whenever McLean encounters mysteries that conventional policing cannot explain, she provides insight into older, darker forces at work. Her presence in this book isn’t overt, but reinforces that older reality that lies underneath modern Scotland and refuses to stay buried.
Oswald’s recurring use of “the Other” is the defining characteristic of this series. His use of the supernatural exists as an intrusion into everyday reality, challenging assumptions about justice, morality and human understanding.
In The Violent Hour, this concept is particularly strong. What initially resembles gang violence or animal savagery gradually reveals deeper connections to ancient history, myth and prophecy. References to Viking archaeology and long-buried legacies suggest that the past is not dead but actively shaping the present. The “Other” here is not simply monstrous; it is a manifestation of forgotten histories and ancient grievances erupting into the modern world.
The result is a novel that succeeds on multiple levels: a gripping police procedural, a chilling supernatural thriller, and a thoughtful look at the persistence of the past.
Verdict: Violent, atmospheric and imaginative, The Violent Hour is another excellent addition to the McLean canon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Violent Hour is the 15th novel in the DI Tony McLean series by James Oswald. Set against the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival, the novel transforms a city usually associated with culture and celebration into a sweltering, claustrophobic hunting ground.
Edinburgh is suffering through a stifling heatwave, its streets bursting with tourists. It is the worst possible time for a murder of such brutality and violence and it leaves even the most seasoned officers reeling. The injuries are so extreme they defy typical forensic explanation, leading the police to wonder if they are hunting a wild animal, a depraved gang, or something far more sinister.
The victim remains unidentified, a headless puzzle that sets the tone for the entire investigation. There is mounting pressure on DI Tony McLean and his team to solve the case quickly. The mystery deepens when a second body is discovered on the coast at Musselburgh. This victim is naked and comatose, but crucially, still alive. While there are “few leads” to go by, McLean’s intuition tells him there is a dark thread connecting this survivor to the carnage in the city. I have followed this series from the very start and was instantly drawn to the character of Tony McLean. An intuitive, dedicated and grounded detective who constantly has to face cases that lean toward the macabre and the bizarre. The story captures the “Violent Hour” with a sense of impending doom where the city is on edge, waiting for the next strike. I am not keen on supernatural, fantasy in novels but this series just about gets the balance right for me.
Tony McLean remains one of the most intriguing detectives in modern Scottish crime fiction. He is meticulous and principled, but it is his “gut feelings” that often lead him into the shadows where traditional police work fails. In The Violent Hour, the lack of forensic clarity forces the team to rely on old-fashioned legwork and McLean’s unique perspective to solve a puzzle that seems to have no edges.
The Violent Hour is a taut, visceral thriller that is still as fresh as the very first novel in this series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Headline for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Edinburgh is suffering through a stifling heatwave, its streets bursting with tourists. It is the worst possible time for a murder of such brutality and violence and it leaves even the most seasoned officers reeling. The injuries are so extreme they defy typical forensic explanation, leading the police to wonder if they are hunting a wild animal, a depraved gang, or something far more sinister.
The victim remains unidentified, a headless puzzle that sets the tone for the entire investigation. There is mounting pressure on DI Tony McLean and his team to solve the case quickly. The mystery deepens when a second body is discovered on the coast at Musselburgh. This victim is naked and comatose, but crucially, still alive. While there are “few leads” to go by, McLean’s intuition tells him there is a dark thread connecting this survivor to the carnage in the city. I have followed this series from the very start and was instantly drawn to the character of Tony McLean. An intuitive, dedicated and grounded detective who constantly has to face cases that lean toward the macabre and the bizarre. The story captures the “Violent Hour” with a sense of impending doom where the city is on edge, waiting for the next strike. I am not keen on supernatural, fantasy in novels but this series just about gets the balance right for me.
Tony McLean remains one of the most intriguing detectives in modern Scottish crime fiction. He is meticulous and principled, but it is his “gut feelings” that often lead him into the shadows where traditional police work fails. In The Violent Hour, the lack of forensic clarity forces the team to rely on old-fashioned legwork and McLean’s unique perspective to solve a puzzle that seems to have no edges.
The Violent Hour is a taut, visceral thriller that is still as fresh as the very first novel in this series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Headline for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So this was a highly addictive and brilliant read. The Violent Hour is the first book that I have read by James Oswald, and the 15th in the DI. Tony McLean series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but this worked perfectly fine as a standalone. Although it was so brilliant I now have to go back to the beginning of the series and start it! I love a police procedural but this had even more layers to the book that I really enjoyed.
This story is set amongst the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival, during a long, relentless heatwave. In amongst the celebrations that are usually associated with the Festival, a brutal murder has taken place, with another, following a few days later. The killer seems to be someone with superhuman strength, and both bodies were found torn apart, ripped from limb to limb. The setting is fantastic. I am completely drawn to Scottish settings at the moment. And the stifling heat plays the perfect backdrop to the drama unfolding on the streets of Edinburgh.
I loved meeting Tony McLean and I definitely want to go back through the earlier books in the series. He is a great character, intuitive, dedicated, high principles and knows to use his gut feelings to dig into the edges of a crime scene to discover the answers.
This book had a fantastical, supernatural element to it, which I really enjoyed. It brought a different aspect to the book but was well balanced and not far fetched. It is a raw, gruesome, visceral kind of read and I really loved that. I loved the Scottish heritage vibes that I got from this book too. That brought the book to a different level for me as well.
This was a brilliant read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, from the beginning, and to also see what comes next in the series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my chance to read this amazing eARC.
This story is set amongst the backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival, during a long, relentless heatwave. In amongst the celebrations that are usually associated with the Festival, a brutal murder has taken place, with another, following a few days later. The killer seems to be someone with superhuman strength, and both bodies were found torn apart, ripped from limb to limb. The setting is fantastic. I am completely drawn to Scottish settings at the moment. And the stifling heat plays the perfect backdrop to the drama unfolding on the streets of Edinburgh.
I loved meeting Tony McLean and I definitely want to go back through the earlier books in the series. He is a great character, intuitive, dedicated, high principles and knows to use his gut feelings to dig into the edges of a crime scene to discover the answers.
This book had a fantastical, supernatural element to it, which I really enjoyed. It brought a different aspect to the book but was well balanced and not far fetched. It is a raw, gruesome, visceral kind of read and I really loved that. I loved the Scottish heritage vibes that I got from this book too. That brought the book to a different level for me as well.
This was a brilliant read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, from the beginning, and to also see what comes next in the series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my chance to read this amazing eARC.
July 27, 2026
The Violent Hour takes place during a scorching hot summer in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival. It is the fifteenth book in this brilliant series and finds DI Janie Harrison investigating a particularly gruesome murder, while DCI Tony McLean is trying to identify an unconscious man discovered on Musselburgh beach. Meanwhile, Tony’s partner Emma is recovering well and working on an archeological dig of a Viking longship further down the coast at Gullane. As is often the case, the further into the story we go the more obvious it becomes that it is all connected.
What makes this series stand out from the rest is the supernatural element which is written in such a way as to not seem strange at all. Despite coming so far into a well-established series, The Violent Hour is one of his best yet. The characters are so familiar now, especially if, like me, you have been a fan of this series from the very beginning. An added bonus was the re-appearance of some old favourites such as Madame Rose, Grumpy Bob, DS Ritchie and Angus Cadwallader, as well as a few new faces.
This is James Oswald at the top of his game. He has painted a picture of Edinburgh with enough realism to make it identifiable, but taken liberties to make it all his own. I have been a huge fan of these books since the very first one, and look forward to reading many more in the future. Thanks to Wildfire and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A badly mutilated body is discovered, limbs appear to have been ripped from the victim in this unimaginable crime. Detective Inspector Jane Harrison is the CIO and is able to call on the services of DI Tony McClean. It is true to say that DI McClean has a more secondary role in this murder enquiry as it unfolds. For readers familiar with the series it is pleasing to note that the eccentric characters from earlier books are all present namely: Madame Rose, Grumpy Bob and Mrs McCutcheon’s cat.
What sets James Oswald’s books apart is the feeling of something supernatural in the background, something uncanny, something that adds to the great and growing uneasiness throughout. Due to the lack of evidence at the murder site it takes a considerable time for the victim to be identified and by then a second body is discovered with a similar modus operandi to the first. Tony’s girlfriend Emma is working at an archaeologist dig nearby uncovering a viking longship and most disturbingly a naked man, of great height and strength is discovered asleep on a beach. Who is this “herculean” figure and is he in any way connected to the police investigation.
This is a brilliant story, I love the use of the spooky, the unravelling of a bygone era and a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled. Thanks to netgalley for this early review copy which I enjoyed immensely. Highly recommended.
What sets James Oswald’s books apart is the feeling of something supernatural in the background, something uncanny, something that adds to the great and growing uneasiness throughout. Due to the lack of evidence at the murder site it takes a considerable time for the victim to be identified and by then a second body is discovered with a similar modus operandi to the first. Tony’s girlfriend Emma is working at an archaeologist dig nearby uncovering a viking longship and most disturbingly a naked man, of great height and strength is discovered asleep on a beach. Who is this “herculean” figure and is he in any way connected to the police investigation.
This is a brilliant story, I love the use of the spooky, the unravelling of a bygone era and a prophecy that needs to be fulfilled. Thanks to netgalley for this early review copy which I enjoyed immensely. Highly recommended.
July 19, 2026
Eerie & atmospheric murder during Edinburgh heat wave!
Edinburgh is in the middle of an extended heat wave in this 15th entry in the DCI McLean series. DI Janie Harrison and her team are desperately searching for a clue to who has murdered a young man in such a terrifying manner to shock even hardened officers. The oppressive heat and high stakes mean her team must push through exhaustion to solve the crime.
DCI Tony McLean is pursuing a connected crime, and a mysterious stranger who is comatose in the hospital. As DCI, Tony is less involved in day-to-day investigations but is still drawn into cases with supernatural elements. Harrison is searching for a murderer who appears to have superhuman strength.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Violent Hour. Oswald adds depth to the characters of DI Harrison and her friends. He revisits the spooky Madame Rose. We see more of McLean’s Emma, who is still fragile from her stroke but regaining her strength and interest in life. The story has an interesting contrast of the slow torturous investigation, evocative of the heat wave, and fast-paced pockets of intense violent actions of the murders and chase. McLean is at the center of the heart-pounding climax. Recommended for readers who enjoy police procedurals with eerie twists.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy.
Edinburgh is in the middle of an extended heat wave in this 15th entry in the DCI McLean series. DI Janie Harrison and her team are desperately searching for a clue to who has murdered a young man in such a terrifying manner to shock even hardened officers. The oppressive heat and high stakes mean her team must push through exhaustion to solve the crime.
DCI Tony McLean is pursuing a connected crime, and a mysterious stranger who is comatose in the hospital. As DCI, Tony is less involved in day-to-day investigations but is still drawn into cases with supernatural elements. Harrison is searching for a murderer who appears to have superhuman strength.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Violent Hour. Oswald adds depth to the characters of DI Harrison and her friends. He revisits the spooky Madame Rose. We see more of McLean’s Emma, who is still fragile from her stroke but regaining her strength and interest in life. The story has an interesting contrast of the slow torturous investigation, evocative of the heat wave, and fast-paced pockets of intense violent actions of the murders and chase. McLean is at the center of the heart-pounding climax. Recommended for readers who enjoy police procedurals with eerie twists.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for access to an advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love this series, set in Edinburgh, Tony is working together with Janie, now promoted to DI. A body is found during the Edinburgh festival. Seemingly pulled apart, but what would have strength like that. The team have little clue and another body is found soon after, the arms pulled off and beaten to death. This is someone who is involved with drug smuggling and who lives in the North. As well as the viewpoints of Tony and Janie, we also hear more viewpoints and when Tony and his senior officer go up North to investigate Malachi Quinn's home, there are more secrets and another body.
Emma and her team are involved in a dig of a Viking longboat on the coast, seemingly there may be links to the crimes. Despite the supernatural element, I loved the plot, the pacing is quick and easy to read and descriptions give a great picture of events, places and the oppressive heat in the summer festival season in Edinburgh. As before, Tony gets himself into trouble. Poor Janie is overworked and exhausted, looking forward to some time away , may be with her flatmates.
The supernatural/ mythological element is done well . Not too far fetched , relevant and interesting. All in alla great read
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Emma and her team are involved in a dig of a Viking longboat on the coast, seemingly there may be links to the crimes. Despite the supernatural element, I loved the plot, the pacing is quick and easy to read and descriptions give a great picture of events, places and the oppressive heat in the summer festival season in Edinburgh. As before, Tony gets himself into trouble. Poor Janie is overworked and exhausted, looking forward to some time away , may be with her flatmates.
The supernatural/ mythological element is done well . Not too far fetched , relevant and interesting. All in alla great read
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
July 8, 2026
The Violent Hour is the latest instalment in the long running popular DCI Tony McLean series, written by James Oswald.
DI Janie Harrison is woken from her sleep to attend a late night/early morning incident. What she sees in the filth of Cutter’s Vennel, will be seared into her mind forever. As seems to be the norm for Tony and the team, it is a most unusual case, and horrific in its level of brutality.
I feel so at home with these well written, likeable characters. Tony, Emma, the team, and others such as like Emma and Madame Rose feel like old friends now. The story is well paced, with the tension increasing, as the pages turn. The further I read, the more gripped I became.
I am a big fan of this series, and this book is one of my favourites so far. I really enjoy the otherness that these books feature, there is a sense of something that is just beyond our understanding, ancient forces at work.
If you love a long standing police procedural series, and also enjoy something a little different, then I highly recommend the Tony McLean series. The Violent Hour can easily be read as a standalone, but you would miss out on some fabulous books and a lot of backstory if you did. So I recommend you go back to the very beginning and read Natural Causes.
DI Janie Harrison is woken from her sleep to attend a late night/early morning incident. What she sees in the filth of Cutter’s Vennel, will be seared into her mind forever. As seems to be the norm for Tony and the team, it is a most unusual case, and horrific in its level of brutality.
I feel so at home with these well written, likeable characters. Tony, Emma, the team, and others such as like Emma and Madame Rose feel like old friends now. The story is well paced, with the tension increasing, as the pages turn. The further I read, the more gripped I became.
I am a big fan of this series, and this book is one of my favourites so far. I really enjoy the otherness that these books feature, there is a sense of something that is just beyond our understanding, ancient forces at work.
If you love a long standing police procedural series, and also enjoy something a little different, then I highly recommend the Tony McLean series. The Violent Hour can easily be read as a standalone, but you would miss out on some fabulous books and a lot of backstory if you did. So I recommend you go back to the very beginning and read Natural Causes.
July 12, 2026
A sweltering and gruesome addition to a fantastic series
I can't quite believe we're already at book fifteen in the Inspector McLean series but James Oswald has done it again. This time Edinburgh is absolutely baking in a summer heatwave right in the middle of the festival season which makes the city feel completely claustrophobic and chaotic. It's the perfect backdrop for a seriously grim murder where the injuries are so brutal that the police don't even know if they're looking for a person or a wild animal.
Tony McLean is as brilliant as ever trying to navigate the madness while balancing his usual down-to-earth policing with those eerie supernatural vibes that always seem to follow him around. When a second victim is found alive but comatose on Musselburgh Beach the team really have their work cut out for them.
The plot keeps you guessing all the way through and the pacing is spot on. My only tiny niggle is that it felt a bit slow in the middle sections but the build-up to the climax definitely makes up for it. If you're a fan of Scottish crime fiction with a dark twist you won't want to miss this one.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another excellent addition to this series.
I can't quite believe we're already at book fifteen in the Inspector McLean series but James Oswald has done it again. This time Edinburgh is absolutely baking in a summer heatwave right in the middle of the festival season which makes the city feel completely claustrophobic and chaotic. It's the perfect backdrop for a seriously grim murder where the injuries are so brutal that the police don't even know if they're looking for a person or a wild animal.
Tony McLean is as brilliant as ever trying to navigate the madness while balancing his usual down-to-earth policing with those eerie supernatural vibes that always seem to follow him around. When a second victim is found alive but comatose on Musselburgh Beach the team really have their work cut out for them.
The plot keeps you guessing all the way through and the pacing is spot on. My only tiny niggle is that it felt a bit slow in the middle sections but the build-up to the climax definitely makes up for it. If you're a fan of Scottish crime fiction with a dark twist you won't want to miss this one.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another excellent addition to this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Violent Hour is book fifteen in the Tony McLean series, which is a favourite of mine, and what an amazing read it is. The narrative is both gruesome and fascinating, and as always with this author, the words flow effortlessly from the page – immediately grabbing my attention and holding it right to the end. I enjoyed the Viking history that is touched upon in this book: Emma, Hattie and her team are working on excavating a Viking burial longship, and Tony realises it has significant ties to the case.
DCI McLean is a unique character, and I love the way his persona blends with that of the intriguing Madam Rose, and reliable ‘Grumpy Bob’. It was also good to see Janie Harrison feature so prominently in this instalment, and I am hoping that PC Gordon will be a recurring presence as I enjoyed the freshness she added to the cast of well-established (and well-loved) characters.
I have followed Tony McLean’s progression from his very first investigation, and I have enjoyed every single outing with him. These books have the right balance of police procedural coupled with a thrilling supernatural element. Very highly recommended.
DCI McLean is a unique character, and I love the way his persona blends with that of the intriguing Madam Rose, and reliable ‘Grumpy Bob’. It was also good to see Janie Harrison feature so prominently in this instalment, and I am hoping that PC Gordon will be a recurring presence as I enjoyed the freshness she added to the cast of well-established (and well-loved) characters.
I have followed Tony McLean’s progression from his very first investigation, and I have enjoyed every single outing with him. These books have the right balance of police procedural coupled with a thrilling supernatural element. Very highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although I have pre0rdered this book, the publisher were kind enough to allow me to read this early.
For full disclosure, I believe I have read all of James Oswald's books, so it was a genuine pleasure to read another one.
The Violent Hour is another superb installment in the Inspector McLean stories and is a very welcome return. This time around it is a return of most of the known and loved characters and the introduction of some new characters also. Once again it is that famous mixture of crime and supernatural, this time with the stronger mix of the unknown, which for me made it even more interesting to read.
I read this book in two days, as it is incredibly well written, engaging and addictive throughout. I don't think anyone has to read all the preceding books in order to enjoy this, as the story can stand on it's own, but you'll miss all the relationships and histories of all the characters and past events so I would recommend reading the previous books as they are all great.
It's Scottish heritage is strong and defining and enhances the fiction to a very high level once again.
For full disclosure, I believe I have read all of James Oswald's books, so it was a genuine pleasure to read another one.
The Violent Hour is another superb installment in the Inspector McLean stories and is a very welcome return. This time around it is a return of most of the known and loved characters and the introduction of some new characters also. Once again it is that famous mixture of crime and supernatural, this time with the stronger mix of the unknown, which for me made it even more interesting to read.
I read this book in two days, as it is incredibly well written, engaging and addictive throughout. I don't think anyone has to read all the preceding books in order to enjoy this, as the story can stand on it's own, but you'll miss all the relationships and histories of all the characters and past events so I would recommend reading the previous books as they are all great.
It's Scottish heritage is strong and defining and enhances the fiction to a very high level once again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The victim of the murder cannot be identified; its brutal nature of the shocking both the public and the police. What could possibly have inflicted such gruesome injuries? Another body is found on Musselburgh naked, comatose, but this time still alive. DI Tony McLean can't shake the feeling that there is a connection to the killing - but there are few leads for him and the team to go by.
The fifteenth book in the series & I’ve loved each & every one. I love Tony & the team, it was good to have Kirsty part of the investigation as well as Jane, Lofty & Grumpy plus it looks like Felicity may be joining the team or I hope so. Emma, Tony’s partner is working on a Viking dig on the coast & her health continues to improve. The case is intriguing, I did work out some of what was going on but not all. A riveting book which often had me on the edge of my seat, well paced & very good descriptions. I love that Tony’s eye for detail & his gut feelings are still going strong plus he proves yet again how fearless he is. I highly recommend it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifteenth book in the series & I’ve loved each & every one. I love Tony & the team, it was good to have Kirsty part of the investigation as well as Jane, Lofty & Grumpy plus it looks like Felicity may be joining the team or I hope so. Emma, Tony’s partner is working on a Viking dig on the coast & her health continues to improve. The case is intriguing, I did work out some of what was going on but not all. A riveting book which often had me on the edge of my seat, well paced & very good descriptions. I love that Tony’s eye for detail & his gut feelings are still going strong plus he proves yet again how fearless he is. I highly recommend it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 7, 2026
Outstanding.
What a wonderful read. James Oswald's work reaches into my imagination like no other writer of crime. But it is difficult to explain. I met his detective McLean in the first book Natural Causes and since then have dipped in and out of his work sparingly, never binging as with lesser writers. Why? Because his books affect me so much. His books are difficult to describe...set in Edinburgh, there is a strand of the supernatural running through them, incorporating old beliefs, legends, ancient horrors....but not in a Hollywood style Nightmare on Elm Street way, no, more subtle. McLean seems to be open to this phenomena...The current story opens with the killer's thoughts, then a truly shocking scene of crime. Not for a squeamish reader. Along the way the story touches on Viking berserkers, selkie legends and very modern crime. The supporting characters, many of whom we have become very familiar with, are great. Looking forward to the next story, once this one has settled in my mind. Highly recommended, but be warned you could become addicted.
What a wonderful read. James Oswald's work reaches into my imagination like no other writer of crime. But it is difficult to explain. I met his detective McLean in the first book Natural Causes and since then have dipped in and out of his work sparingly, never binging as with lesser writers. Why? Because his books affect me so much. His books are difficult to describe...set in Edinburgh, there is a strand of the supernatural running through them, incorporating old beliefs, legends, ancient horrors....but not in a Hollywood style Nightmare on Elm Street way, no, more subtle. McLean seems to be open to this phenomena...The current story opens with the killer's thoughts, then a truly shocking scene of crime. Not for a squeamish reader. Along the way the story touches on Viking berserkers, selkie legends and very modern crime. The supporting characters, many of whom we have become very familiar with, are great. Looking forward to the next story, once this one has settled in my mind. Highly recommended, but be warned you could become addicted.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Violent Hour by James Oswald is book 15 in the Inspector Tony McLean series. PC Charlene McKenzie, an undercover officer, is in an induced coma. Charlene was beaten horrifically. A body is found dismembered in a laneway. Another horrific attack. DI Janie Harrison is the SIO. Meanwhile McLean has taken it upon himself to investigate an unknown man found on the beach. Good to see Grumpy Bob (ex-DS Laird) make an appearance. I like him. He has a reputation for snoozing in a quiet corner but it’s all an act. Madame Rose is such a fascinating character, and she is there as well. We also have some Viking history as a burial longship starts to be uncovered. The answer to the mystery, to what is happening, is elusive and I had an idea, but it took to near the end to be sure. This is a fabulous series. I have followed Tony McLean’s progression from the first book and have enjoyed every one of them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just love the Tony McLean Books. 15th book in and they just keep getting better and better. There has been a murder but the police cannot identify the victim. The police and the public are shocked by the brutal nature of the killing. What could have inflicted these type of injuries, was it an animal or something else. Then another body is found naked but alive on the beach. Tony has a feeling the two cases are related but cannot find a connection between them. Will Tony be able to solve the case before it's too late. I really enjoyed this book, I love how much Janie features throughout the book, I have really enjoyed seeing her career progress through the series. My only complaint for this book was there wasn't enough Madam Rose for my liking. Thoroughly enjoyed this book as always and I always recommend this series to everyone. Now I just need to impatiently wait for the next one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this brilliant book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this brilliant book.
July 2, 2026
I love this series and this instalment kept me in thrall from the first chapter. I found myself turning pages late into the night and enjoying every dark twist and secret that surfaced.
The mix of paranormal elements and excellent police investigation works beautifully and gives the story a rich and unsettling atmosphere. The characters remain one of the strongest points and Tony McLean leads the cast with his usual blend of dark humour, empathy, determination and quiet intensity.
His presence grounds the more uncanny moments and makes the emotional stakes feel real. The mystery unfolds with confidence and never loses its grip.
By the end I was already craving the next book and hoping it will arrive soon.
Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for the copy, all opinions are mine.
The mix of paranormal elements and excellent police investigation works beautifully and gives the story a rich and unsettling atmosphere. The characters remain one of the strongest points and Tony McLean leads the cast with his usual blend of dark humour, empathy, determination and quiet intensity.
His presence grounds the more uncanny moments and makes the emotional stakes feel real. The mystery unfolds with confidence and never loses its grip.
By the end I was already craving the next book and hoping it will arrive soon.
Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for the copy, all opinions are mine.
August 3, 2026
Edinburgh is suffering from a summer heatwave but there are still crimes to be solved. When the body of a man is found, literally ripped apart, the Major Crimes team is struggling to find any clues. For McLean there is a feeling that this is linked to the discovery of a strange young man unconscious on the beach nearby. Then another man is also killed in a similar fashion...
I always struggle with Oswald's McLean novels as there is a challenge to my preferences in crime fiction. On one hand the police procedurals are absolutely brilliant, on the other I really do not like all the supernatural parts which are so central to the plot. In this book I think Oswald has hit a sweet spot for me! The story about the Beserkers and the Viking burial is great and I can cope with the 'servant to the sea goddess' bit. At least 80% of this book is just a great crime thriller!
I always struggle with Oswald's McLean novels as there is a challenge to my preferences in crime fiction. On one hand the police procedurals are absolutely brilliant, on the other I really do not like all the supernatural parts which are so central to the plot. In this book I think Oswald has hit a sweet spot for me! The story about the Beserkers and the Viking burial is great and I can cope with the 'servant to the sea goddess' bit. At least 80% of this book is just a great crime thriller!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m much more a fan of police procedurals than fantasy fiction, but I appreciate it when an author tries to do something different within the crime genre. ‘The Violent Hour’ is unusual in that it incorporates elements of myth and the supernatural alongside a gritty and realistic hunt for a killer in Edinburgh. I was intrigued to discover more and, at no point, was I required to suspend my disbelief unreasonably. Without wanting to give too much away, ‘The Violent Hour’ builds to a fascinating climax and I couldn’t help feeling a lot of sympathy for the villain. I have been a fan of Inspector McLean since ‘Natural Causes’ was published in 2012 and ‘The Violent Hour’ demonstrates that there is still a lot of life in this series.
July 7, 2026
It's almost fifteen years since James Oswald first strode onto the Scottish crime writing scene and set it ablaze with Tony McLean and his rare ability to peek behind the veil that separates this world from a darker realm.
James Oswald remains one of the true masters of contemporary crime fiction and each novel deepens our understanding of the world in which we live and the darkness that lurks beyond.
Fifteen novels in and most of these characters feel like old friends now. It is always a pleasure to meet them again and discover what their latest case involves.
The plot here is one of the author's very best combining dark elements of Nordic mythology with twenty-first century drug smuggling.
More please!
James Oswald remains one of the true masters of contemporary crime fiction and each novel deepens our understanding of the world in which we live and the darkness that lurks beyond.
Fifteen novels in and most of these characters feel like old friends now. It is always a pleasure to meet them again and discover what their latest case involves.
The plot here is one of the author's very best combining dark elements of Nordic mythology with twenty-first century drug smuggling.
More please!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 15 in the DCI Tony McLean series from James Oswald and as a devoted fan I can confirm they just keep getting better and better. The Violent Hour has everything you could want in a book. Familiarity with the characters so that it feels like you just popped out for a short while. A really gritty, convoluted, gory crime story. More than a touch of the supernatural and even some Viking history! James Oswald is superb at what he does and once again has succeeded 100% at telling a great story.
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.
July 8, 2026
Although I haven't read this series before, I invested in the characters and the investigation. It's a gritty, atmospheric police procedural with a strong team dynamic and a compelling setting. It takes place during a heatwave during the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. It has many possible suspects, and the brutal crimes pose a threat to the multitude of tourists in the city. Dark folklore and unexplained occurrences make it a claustrophobic and intense read. I like the dynamic within the investigative team, DCI McLean's acknowledgement of supernatural forces and the detailed investigation that draws you into the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 23, 2026
This was a great read! I haven't read a James Oswald in a while, and it was fantastic to catch up with DI Tony McLean and his gang again.
This was quite a dark read with some disturbing scenes that are not for sensitive readers. There is a terrible heatwave in Edinburgh, and to make matters worse is the discovery of a horrific scene. The body pieces of someone who was killed in such a brutal way that they are unable to identify the person. There are no clues as to who the person is or what happened. Could a person have done this, or something that is not human? But this is just the start....
There are some magical elements to the story that might not appeal to everyone, but I loved it!
This was quite a dark read with some disturbing scenes that are not for sensitive readers. There is a terrible heatwave in Edinburgh, and to make matters worse is the discovery of a horrific scene. The body pieces of someone who was killed in such a brutal way that they are unable to identify the person. There are no clues as to who the person is or what happened. Could a person have done this, or something that is not human? But this is just the start....
There are some magical elements to the story that might not appeal to everyone, but I loved it!
July 2, 2026
A gruesome murder in a vennel in Edinburgh gives Tony and Janie a bit of a headache. They can't identify the victim who has been dismember.
A naked man is found unconscious on the shore and taken to hospital. The same hospital where a young policewoman is fighting for her life after being viciously beaten by drug and people smuggler.
When another body is found killed in the same gruesome way, the people of Edinburgh are nervous and the politicians are desperate for a result.
This story is a bit woo, but thoroughly enjoyable.
A naked man is found unconscious on the shore and taken to hospital. The same hospital where a young policewoman is fighting for her life after being viciously beaten by drug and people smuggler.
When another body is found killed in the same gruesome way, the people of Edinburgh are nervous and the politicians are desperate for a result.
This story is a bit woo, but thoroughly enjoyable.
July 5, 2026
The Naked Man
What a brilliant story, he starts quite slowly before taking off like a jet engine on speed. It's great that Janie is back as his DI and that she is getting to grips with leading her team and she still doesn't understand that her flat mate really likes her!I
Emma has shown her true mettle especially at the end, metal bars beware.
McLean is as always needing to know exactly what is happening even before it does, loves his drams!!
Always a pleasure to read and I recommend this book without reserve.
What a brilliant story, he starts quite slowly before taking off like a jet engine on speed. It's great that Janie is back as his DI and that she is getting to grips with leading her team and she still doesn't understand that her flat mate really likes her!I
Emma has shown her true mettle especially at the end, metal bars beware.
McLean is as always needing to know exactly what is happening even before it does, loves his drams!!
Always a pleasure to read and I recommend this book without reserve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great to see another Tony McLean book again! And just like the previous ones, this is an excellent read! A very captivating storyline that took me a long time to figure out where it was going, but helped keep you very engaged and wanting to read on to find out what happened next. Good to see Janie Harrison feature prominently too, so it is not fully on DCI McLean. Great to see the regular characters back again too, in their supporting roles. Definitely a book to highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Wildfire for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
DCI McLean has an uncanny knack of seeking out trouble that involves the supernatural. One wonders how long his luck will last and is Edinburgh a safe place to visit? James Oswald delivers another gritty tale that spoon feeds you tidbits before the mystery unravels in the finale. Another good story well told.
DCI McLean has an uncanny knack of seeking out trouble that involves the supernatural. One wonders how long his luck will last and is Edinburgh a safe place to visit? James Oswald delivers another gritty tale that spoon feeds you tidbits before the mystery unravels in the finale. Another good story well told.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews