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D.S. Roberta Steel #3
Blood, Rust and Steel
'MacBride is a damned fine writer' – Peter James, UK Number One Bestselling Author
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid, Blood, Rust and Steel is darkly funny and gripping Scottish crime at its very best.
All good things must come to an end . . .
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she’s finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she’s all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly.
So, when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. But the Northeast of Scotland isn’t finished with her
There’s a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians, and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs, dogs, and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging her for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her . . .
* * *
Praise for Stuart
'Stuart MacBride is an automatic must-read for me . . . always fast, hard, authentic – and different' – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series
'Dark and brilliantly written' – Linwood Barclay, author of I Will Ruin You
'MacBride is a masterful storyteller with a terrific eye for detail and razor-sharp wit' – Karin Slaughter, author of This Is Why We Lied
'Crime fiction of the highest order' – Mark Billingham, author of The Last Dance
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid, Blood, Rust and Steel is darkly funny and gripping Scottish crime at its very best.
All good things must come to an end . . .
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she’s finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she’s all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly.
So, when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. But the Northeast of Scotland isn’t finished with her
There’s a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians, and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs, dogs, and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging her for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her . . .
* * *
Praise for Stuart
'Stuart MacBride is an automatic must-read for me . . . always fast, hard, authentic – and different' – Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series
'Dark and brilliantly written' – Linwood Barclay, author of I Will Ruin You
'MacBride is a masterful storyteller with a terrific eye for detail and razor-sharp wit' – Karin Slaughter, author of This Is Why We Lied
'Crime fiction of the highest order' – Mark Billingham, author of The Last Dance
Audible Audio
Published May 28, 2026
About the author
Stuart MacBride
87 books2,839 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 25, 2026
EXCERPT: He reached out with his other hand. Took a deep breath - which was a mistake, given the smell - and slid a single fingertip in beneath one of the handles of the bin's lid. Because it was probably crawling with bacteria and viruses and mould and all sorts. Every bit as germ-laden as the piddle-wipe napkins, if not worse.
Out on the road, what had to be a tractor growled past. Slow-moving and huge, with spotlights on the roof that made the fog glow a bright alien-abduction white.
OK.
Scott flipped the lid open and dropped the soggy napkins inside.
They landed with a 'slap', and a cloud of thrumming bluebottles erupted from the wheelie bin, riding a tidal wave of stench so foul that even a dozen feet away, Alice gagged.
The two crows flapped into the air, cawing, spiralling away from the smell.
And Scott ran - getting away from the stinking bin, knees high, back hunched, waving his hands over his head to ward off the flies. Eyes screwed shut, shrieking like a startled child.
ABOUT 'BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL': ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly.
So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the north-east of Scotland isn't finished with her yet.
There's a violent protest to stop, far-right populist politicians, scheming senior officers, a by-election, drugs, dogs, baby-doll nighties, and a desperate ex-colleague begging Roberta for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass eager to get shot of her, these final few weeks might be the death of her.
MY THOUGHTS: I never know whether to laugh or squirm when I'm reading a Stuart MacBride and usually end up doing an equal amount of each. There's a lot of things that entertain and enthrall me with MacBride's writing that I won't tolerate from other authors - a true testament to the quality of his writing.
And giving Roberta her own series is a pure stroke of genius. I was getting a tad tetchy and fed up with her in the Logan Macrae series. MacBride has given me a new appreciation of her unique character.
Don't be put off by the sheer size of this book. I romped through it in 4 days. I have read many far shorter books that have seemed much longer.
A bobby-dazzler!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BloodRustandSteel @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: STUART MACBRIDE lives in the north-east of Scotland with his wife Fiona, their cats, Gherkin, Onion and Beetroot, some hens, some horses, and an impressive collection of assorted weeds.
Out on the road, what had to be a tractor growled past. Slow-moving and huge, with spotlights on the roof that made the fog glow a bright alien-abduction white.
OK.
Scott flipped the lid open and dropped the soggy napkins inside.
They landed with a 'slap', and a cloud of thrumming bluebottles erupted from the wheelie bin, riding a tidal wave of stench so foul that even a dozen feet away, Alice gagged.
The two crows flapped into the air, cawing, spiralling away from the smell.
And Scott ran - getting away from the stinking bin, knees high, back hunched, waving his hands over his head to ward off the flies. Eyes screwed shut, shrieking like a startled child.
ABOUT 'BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL': ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly.
So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the north-east of Scotland isn't finished with her yet.
There's a violent protest to stop, far-right populist politicians, scheming senior officers, a by-election, drugs, dogs, baby-doll nighties, and a desperate ex-colleague begging Roberta for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars for backup, and the top brass eager to get shot of her, these final few weeks might be the death of her.
MY THOUGHTS: I never know whether to laugh or squirm when I'm reading a Stuart MacBride and usually end up doing an equal amount of each. There's a lot of things that entertain and enthrall me with MacBride's writing that I won't tolerate from other authors - a true testament to the quality of his writing.
And giving Roberta her own series is a pure stroke of genius. I was getting a tad tetchy and fed up with her in the Logan Macrae series. MacBride has given me a new appreciation of her unique character.
Don't be put off by the sheer size of this book. I romped through it in 4 days. I have read many far shorter books that have seemed much longer.
A bobby-dazzler!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BloodRustandSteel @WaitomoDistrictLibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: STUART MACBRIDE lives in the north-east of Scotland with his wife Fiona, their cats, Gherkin, Onion and Beetroot, some hens, some horses, and an impressive collection of assorted weeds.
April 19, 2026
In thick fog, a couple make an essential stop and pull into a coned off lay-by where, to their horror, they discover a rotting corpse concealed in a wheelie bin, just Acting DI Roberta Steel is reflecting on her impending retirement. Still, it could be a good way to round off her illustrious career. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing on her detecting plate as there’s a violent political protest to nip in the bud. She’s up for the challenge, to stop them in their tracks and then solve the murder. Easy. However, her plate will get a bit more overloaded and if that’s not enough, there’s an ex colleague pestering her for information. It seems the Queen Street Irregulars are certainly pressed.
After the initial bout of oh yuk, Stuart MacBride has me laughing with the lively banter and totally not pc comments that emanate from the hilarious mouth of Roberta Steel. Not only is she suffering a blinder of a hangover but seems to be surrounded by idiots. Oh, and crows. There’s a £10 swear jar and so the creative faux cursing is a genius blend of language known to Scots kind. It’s just brilliant and I’m tempted to adopt some of them. Despite her potty mouth, Roberta is incredibly likeable as is Tufty a.k.a.DC Quirrel. You probably have to be a certain age to get that one. When this pair get going, brace yourself for multiple chuckles and a few groans but it’s also true from the motley crew of Irregulars. The end result is me chortling on many occasions throughout the novel. What a gift to be able to combine such humour with the grit of a detective novel. I admit it’s what I expected and I’m so not disappointed.
The plot isn’t fast paced. It’s more of a country stroll around various parts of Aberdeenshire rather than a brisk jog around the granite city. However, the pace absolutely suits the plot which is very varied but becomes connected and totally cohesive. Roberta certainly goes on a painful journey on this one and I like the way the author handles the situations.
There are so many colourful and well portrayed characters who are all given their own unique flavour, who blend in perfectly with the maverick band of police officers. The dialogue is just brilliant and is of course one of the authors special trademarks and I revel in it to be honest!
My only criticism is that it’s on the long side, but a big plus is that it means I’m in the company of the lesbian sex goddess that is the one and only Roberta Steel and she is such good entertainment value.
Overall, this is Tartan Noir at its best combined with the authors special brand of humour.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
After the initial bout of oh yuk, Stuart MacBride has me laughing with the lively banter and totally not pc comments that emanate from the hilarious mouth of Roberta Steel. Not only is she suffering a blinder of a hangover but seems to be surrounded by idiots. Oh, and crows. There’s a £10 swear jar and so the creative faux cursing is a genius blend of language known to Scots kind. It’s just brilliant and I’m tempted to adopt some of them. Despite her potty mouth, Roberta is incredibly likeable as is Tufty a.k.a.DC Quirrel. You probably have to be a certain age to get that one. When this pair get going, brace yourself for multiple chuckles and a few groans but it’s also true from the motley crew of Irregulars. The end result is me chortling on many occasions throughout the novel. What a gift to be able to combine such humour with the grit of a detective novel. I admit it’s what I expected and I’m so not disappointed.
The plot isn’t fast paced. It’s more of a country stroll around various parts of Aberdeenshire rather than a brisk jog around the granite city. However, the pace absolutely suits the plot which is very varied but becomes connected and totally cohesive. Roberta certainly goes on a painful journey on this one and I like the way the author handles the situations.
There are so many colourful and well portrayed characters who are all given their own unique flavour, who blend in perfectly with the maverick band of police officers. The dialogue is just brilliant and is of course one of the authors special trademarks and I revel in it to be honest!
My only criticism is that it’s on the long side, but a big plus is that it means I’m in the company of the lesbian sex goddess that is the one and only Roberta Steel and she is such good entertainment value.
Overall, this is Tartan Noir at its best combined with the authors special brand of humour.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2026
I was so happy when NetGalley approved my request for BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL in early June because I love Stuart MacBride's novels. I have read most of his books, and have listed a few of my reviews below.
I started to read BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL soon after I downloaded it, but stopped shortly after I began. To fully enjoy a Stuart MacBride novel, I need to feel fully aware, and during June (and July) I was suffering from "old folks' ailments". So I started and stopped twice because I found it slow going. Then on July 29, I started again. Once I reached the 22% point, I couldn't stop because the story so engrossed me. Thus I read the majority of this very long novel during a period of two days, stopping only briefly to rest my eyes.
The story follows Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel as she investigates two cases during the countdown to her retirement. The first is a body (actually a rotting corpse) discovered in a wheelie bin at a rest stop located off a main highway. The second is a stabbing—a near murder—that occurs while her small team is trying to stop a violent political protest a few miles away from where the corpse was discovered. Plus there is an ex-colleague who is pestering her for information about the owners of three cars whose license plates he has sent to her. Then to top it off, Roberta is injured during another political rally; maybe she won't get to complete her investigations before she is forced to retire.
All this and I'm only at the 25% point in this novel—eight more hours of reading left to go.
I have always enjoyed MacBride's Logan McRae character better than his Roberta Steel one. Steel was comedy relief, whereas McRae was someone with whom I could easily empathize. In BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL, Roberta becomes someone I can understand. Not someone I like a lot; Steel is not a very likeable person. (Although dogs seem to love her.) But finally, in this novel, I found that I enjoyed riding along with her, viewing the world from her POV, while she tries to stay afloat with the help of her "crazy" Queen Street Irregulars—a band of misfit police officers whom she has taken under her wing. (Many of them appear to be neurodivergent.)
The novel branches off in many directions. And there were surprises—twists that I didn't expect—near the end. Yes, the novel is long. Yes, there are sections that are annoying. But overall, it is a magnificent opus. I highly recommend it for Stuart MacBride fans. (Although I suggest that newcomers to the MacBride universe start with an easier-to-read Logan McRae novel before attempting to tackle this one.)
Trigger warning: Swearing, lots of swearing. Plus quite a few dogs—and some tummy rubs (trigger warning for those who dislike dogs). Plus one standoffish cat (trigger warning for those allergic to cats). Plus Roberta's "monster" daughters (trigger warning for those afraid of children with an attitude).
Thanks to Pan MacMillan for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some Stuart MacBride novels:
And The Corpse Wore Tartan (D.S. Roberta Steel, #2)
This House of Burning Bones
In the Cold Dark Ground (Logan McRae, #10)
The Blood Road (Logan McRae, #11)
All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)
The Coffin Maker’s Garden (Ash Henderson, #3)
No Less the Devil (Oldcastle)
A Dark So Deadly (Oldcastle)
The Dead of Winter (Oldcastle)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I started to read BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL soon after I downloaded it, but stopped shortly after I began. To fully enjoy a Stuart MacBride novel, I need to feel fully aware, and during June (and July) I was suffering from "old folks' ailments". So I started and stopped twice because I found it slow going. Then on July 29, I started again. Once I reached the 22% point, I couldn't stop because the story so engrossed me. Thus I read the majority of this very long novel during a period of two days, stopping only briefly to rest my eyes.
The story follows Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel as she investigates two cases during the countdown to her retirement. The first is a body (actually a rotting corpse) discovered in a wheelie bin at a rest stop located off a main highway. The second is a stabbing—a near murder—that occurs while her small team is trying to stop a violent political protest a few miles away from where the corpse was discovered. Plus there is an ex-colleague who is pestering her for information about the owners of three cars whose license plates he has sent to her. Then to top it off, Roberta is injured during another political rally; maybe she won't get to complete her investigations before she is forced to retire.
All this and I'm only at the 25% point in this novel—eight more hours of reading left to go.
I have always enjoyed MacBride's Logan McRae character better than his Roberta Steel one. Steel was comedy relief, whereas McRae was someone with whom I could easily empathize. In BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL, Roberta becomes someone I can understand. Not someone I like a lot; Steel is not a very likeable person. (Although dogs seem to love her.) But finally, in this novel, I found that I enjoyed riding along with her, viewing the world from her POV, while she tries to stay afloat with the help of her "crazy" Queen Street Irregulars—a band of misfit police officers whom she has taken under her wing. (Many of them appear to be neurodivergent.)
The novel branches off in many directions. And there were surprises—twists that I didn't expect—near the end. Yes, the novel is long. Yes, there are sections that are annoying. But overall, it is a magnificent opus. I highly recommend it for Stuart MacBride fans. (Although I suggest that newcomers to the MacBride universe start with an easier-to-read Logan McRae novel before attempting to tackle this one.)
Trigger warning: Swearing, lots of swearing. Plus quite a few dogs—and some tummy rubs (trigger warning for those who dislike dogs). Plus one standoffish cat (trigger warning for those allergic to cats). Plus Roberta's "monster" daughters (trigger warning for those afraid of children with an attitude).
Thanks to Pan MacMillan for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My reviews for some Stuart MacBride novels:
And The Corpse Wore Tartan (D.S. Roberta Steel, #2)
This House of Burning Bones
In the Cold Dark Ground (Logan McRae, #10)
The Blood Road (Logan McRae, #11)
All That’s Dead (Logan McRae, #12)
The Coffin Maker’s Garden (Ash Henderson, #3)
No Less the Devil (Oldcastle)
A Dark So Deadly (Oldcastle)
The Dead of Winter (Oldcastle)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 19, 2026
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Blood, Rust and Steel by Stuart MacBride is a pacy detective story that involves a body in a wheelie bin, a horrifying bombing and a violent protest. What was different about this book was the foul mouthed banter which I found shocking at first but hilarious at the same time, the author certainly has a way with words! If you enjoy dark wit and chaos with your murder investigation you’ll love this, pure entertainment!
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is retiring after thirty years with the police force. I loved Steel’s character, she’s incredibly sharp, persistent, bends all the rules and never does what she’s told. One of the most colourful characters I’ve ever read, the profanity and Scottish slang are such a memorable part of her wonderful character.
The setting is Aberdeen, Scotland with its bleak weather and this is presumably Steel’s final investigation but I hope not! This is book 3 in the series and easily read as a standalone.
With compelling characters and a twisty and gruesome plot it’s gritty and deliciously entertaining. I hope there’s more to come in the future.
Publication Date 26 May 2026
Publisher Imprint Macmillan
Thank you so much Macmillan Australia for a copy of the book.
Blood, Rust and Steel by Stuart MacBride is a pacy detective story that involves a body in a wheelie bin, a horrifying bombing and a violent protest. What was different about this book was the foul mouthed banter which I found shocking at first but hilarious at the same time, the author certainly has a way with words! If you enjoy dark wit and chaos with your murder investigation you’ll love this, pure entertainment!
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is retiring after thirty years with the police force. I loved Steel’s character, she’s incredibly sharp, persistent, bends all the rules and never does what she’s told. One of the most colourful characters I’ve ever read, the profanity and Scottish slang are such a memorable part of her wonderful character.
The setting is Aberdeen, Scotland with its bleak weather and this is presumably Steel’s final investigation but I hope not! This is book 3 in the series and easily read as a standalone.
With compelling characters and a twisty and gruesome plot it’s gritty and deliciously entertaining. I hope there’s more to come in the future.
Publication Date 26 May 2026
Publisher Imprint Macmillan
Thank you so much Macmillan Australia for a copy of the book.
May 10, 2026
This one was a bit of a slog.
Positives: the crimes were interesting and I was intrigued enough to read on and find out the conclusion of them. I also enjoyed the - very small - glimpses of a more earnest side to Roberta’s personality.
Negatives: far too long and Roberta only works as a side character - even then she can be too much. The book could easily have been half the length if she eased off on the constant sexualisation of women (even those half her age (🤢)), hitting/threatening colleagues and her awful “patter”. Whilst these attributes form her character (in lieu of bothering to give her a fully developed personality), when they make up the bulk of the book instead of the actual plot, it begins to wear thin very quickly.
Overall, I can’t recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan UK for the ARC.
Positives: the crimes were interesting and I was intrigued enough to read on and find out the conclusion of them. I also enjoyed the - very small - glimpses of a more earnest side to Roberta’s personality.
Negatives: far too long and Roberta only works as a side character - even then she can be too much. The book could easily have been half the length if she eased off on the constant sexualisation of women (even those half her age (🤢)), hitting/threatening colleagues and her awful “patter”. Whilst these attributes form her character (in lieu of bothering to give her a fully developed personality), when they make up the bulk of the book instead of the actual plot, it begins to wear thin very quickly.
Overall, I can’t recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan UK for the ARC.
June 18, 2026
I love Stuart MacBride's writing, but I've always preferred the Logan McRae books.
Steel has worked brilliantly for years as the chaotic side character who bursts into the middle of grim, gritty investigations and completely wrecks the tone in the best possible way. Her outrageous behaviour, complete lack of filter, and general madness add a much needed dose of humour to some very dark stories.
The problem for me is that what works in small doses doesn't necessarily work across 600 pages.
When Steel takes centre stage, I found her antics went from entertaining to exhausting. There were genuinely times when she got on my nerves, and there were moments where her constant chaos seemed to derail the story rather than enhance it.
That said, the crime plot itself was classic MacBride. Plenty of twists, plenty of turns, and enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I can't say I was disappointed with how the investigation unfolded, and I particularly enjoyed the final 15% when everything started coming together.
Overall, I still had a good time with this one, but it confirmed something I'd suspected for a while: I love Steel as a side character. As the main attraction, she's just a bit too much for me.
A solid read, just not one of my favourites from MacBride.
Steel has worked brilliantly for years as the chaotic side character who bursts into the middle of grim, gritty investigations and completely wrecks the tone in the best possible way. Her outrageous behaviour, complete lack of filter, and general madness add a much needed dose of humour to some very dark stories.
The problem for me is that what works in small doses doesn't necessarily work across 600 pages.
When Steel takes centre stage, I found her antics went from entertaining to exhausting. There were genuinely times when she got on my nerves, and there were moments where her constant chaos seemed to derail the story rather than enhance it.
That said, the crime plot itself was classic MacBride. Plenty of twists, plenty of turns, and enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I can't say I was disappointed with how the investigation unfolded, and I particularly enjoyed the final 15% when everything started coming together.
Overall, I still had a good time with this one, but it confirmed something I'd suspected for a while: I love Steel as a side character. As the main attraction, she's just a bit too much for me.
A solid read, just not one of my favourites from MacBride.
June 10, 2026
The most shocking thing in this crazy story? The loss of Old Faithful... to be replaced by New Faithful 😉.
Honestly, I haven't laughed out loud much lately, but this book had me laughing and crying at the same time.
I sincerely hope we will read more about Roberta, now she's found a way to really make her retirement enjoyable.
Honestly, I haven't laughed out loud much lately, but this book had me laughing and crying at the same time.
I sincerely hope we will read more about Roberta, now she's found a way to really make her retirement enjoyable.
September 20, 2026
Well… Roberta Steel is apparently retiring.
And if you’ve read the Roberta Steel series, you already know that the words “Roberta Steel” and “peaceful retirement” probably shouldn’t be allowed in the same sentence.
After thirty years policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, Roberta is finally supposed to be heading off into the sunset with gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the television.
Sounds lovely, right?
Wrong.
Because naturally, just as she’s preparing to leave the force, a body turns up in a wheelie bin. Because what better way to finish thirty years of policing than with one final murder investigation?
And apparently Aberdeen has decided that Roberta isn’t allowed to retire quietly.
There’s a violent protest, far right politicians, government spooks behaving suspiciously, a by election, drugs, dogs, baby doll nighties… honestly, Stuart MacBride basically threw the entire kitchen sink at this book and then probably investigated the kitchen sink for suspicious behaviour.
And then there’s a desperate ex-colleague begging Roberta for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars around her and the higher ups seemingly desperate to get rid of her, Roberta’s final weeks on the job are anything but relaxing.
I absolutely love how much personality this series has. Roberta is blunt, stubborn, chaotic and completely unapologetic, and honestly… I wouldn’t want her investigating me, but I definitely want to read about her investigating everyone else.
There’s a great mix of dark humour, gritty crime, political tension and the wonderfully dysfunctional world of Aberdeen policing. The plot kept throwing new problems at Roberta, and every time I thought things couldn’t get any more ridiculous, Stuart MacBride basically said, “Oh, you thought THAT was bad?”
This felt like a fitting chapter in Roberta’s story, while still giving her plenty of trouble to deal with before she can even think about retirement.
Retirement plans:
🌱 Gardening
☕ Afternoon tea
🧩 Crosswords
📺 Shouting at the telly
🗑️ Investigating bodies in wheelie bins
💀 Accidentally getting herself into even more chaos
So much for a quiet life!
And if you’ve read the Roberta Steel series, you already know that the words “Roberta Steel” and “peaceful retirement” probably shouldn’t be allowed in the same sentence.
After thirty years policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, Roberta is finally supposed to be heading off into the sunset with gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the television.
Sounds lovely, right?
Wrong.
Because naturally, just as she’s preparing to leave the force, a body turns up in a wheelie bin. Because what better way to finish thirty years of policing than with one final murder investigation?
And apparently Aberdeen has decided that Roberta isn’t allowed to retire quietly.
There’s a violent protest, far right politicians, government spooks behaving suspiciously, a by election, drugs, dogs, baby doll nighties… honestly, Stuart MacBride basically threw the entire kitchen sink at this book and then probably investigated the kitchen sink for suspicious behaviour.
And then there’s a desperate ex-colleague begging Roberta for help.
With only her Queen Street Irregulars around her and the higher ups seemingly desperate to get rid of her, Roberta’s final weeks on the job are anything but relaxing.
I absolutely love how much personality this series has. Roberta is blunt, stubborn, chaotic and completely unapologetic, and honestly… I wouldn’t want her investigating me, but I definitely want to read about her investigating everyone else.
There’s a great mix of dark humour, gritty crime, political tension and the wonderfully dysfunctional world of Aberdeen policing. The plot kept throwing new problems at Roberta, and every time I thought things couldn’t get any more ridiculous, Stuart MacBride basically said, “Oh, you thought THAT was bad?”
This felt like a fitting chapter in Roberta’s story, while still giving her plenty of trouble to deal with before she can even think about retirement.
Retirement plans:
🌱 Gardening
☕ Afternoon tea
🧩 Crosswords
📺 Shouting at the telly
🗑️ Investigating bodies in wheelie bins
💀 Accidentally getting herself into even more chaos
So much for a quiet life!
May 31, 2026
Blood, Rust and Steel was an easy five star read for me. As a long time Stuart MacBride fan, this had everything I love about his books: a gritty crime story, brilliant character work and that uniquely Scottish humour that somehow makes even the darkest moments entertaining.
The plot is packed with twists, buried secrets and plenty of tension, while the Aberdeen setting adds its usual gritty atmosphere. MacBride has a real talent for creating memorable supporting characters too, and the dialogue is as sharp and funny as ever.
What I enjoy most about his books is the balance between the hard hitting crime elements and the humour. One minute I was completely caught up in the investigation, the next I was laughing out loud at a throwaway line.
Dark, witty, addictive and impossible to put down. Another outstanding addition to the series.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
The plot is packed with twists, buried secrets and plenty of tension, while the Aberdeen setting adds its usual gritty atmosphere. MacBride has a real talent for creating memorable supporting characters too, and the dialogue is as sharp and funny as ever.
What I enjoy most about his books is the balance between the hard hitting crime elements and the humour. One minute I was completely caught up in the investigation, the next I was laughing out loud at a throwaway line.
Dark, witty, addictive and impossible to put down. Another outstanding addition to the series.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2026
Acting DI Roberta Steel is nearing her retirement date. She’s kind of looking forward to it.
She and her trusty sidekick, Tufty, get called to the discovery of a body. A body that is more goo than solid since it’s been festering in a bin for God knows how long in a rare sunny spell in Aberdeen.
As the Police are shorthanded, they get called to a mini riot outside a would be MP’s offices. There is a stand off with some far-right thugs who are supporting the other side and someone gets knifed.
Steel is also being pestered by a former colleague turned PI for some PNC checks.
Whilst keeping an eye on the far-right candidate and having a spot of lunch, there is an explosion and in the aftermath Steel ends up in hospital with a plate in her head.
It looks as though Steel is going to be going straight to retirement from the sick. But as always she doesn’t follow straight lines and uses her expertise as a “consulting detective” to help out in her own sweet way.
As usual a brilliantly funny and dark book. I loved it. I hope we will still hear more from Steel, McRae and the Queen Street Irregulars
She and her trusty sidekick, Tufty, get called to the discovery of a body. A body that is more goo than solid since it’s been festering in a bin for God knows how long in a rare sunny spell in Aberdeen.
As the Police are shorthanded, they get called to a mini riot outside a would be MP’s offices. There is a stand off with some far-right thugs who are supporting the other side and someone gets knifed.
Steel is also being pestered by a former colleague turned PI for some PNC checks.
Whilst keeping an eye on the far-right candidate and having a spot of lunch, there is an explosion and in the aftermath Steel ends up in hospital with a plate in her head.
It looks as though Steel is going to be going straight to retirement from the sick. But as always she doesn’t follow straight lines and uses her expertise as a “consulting detective” to help out in her own sweet way.
As usual a brilliantly funny and dark book. I loved it. I hope we will still hear more from Steel, McRae and the Queen Street Irregulars
June 13, 2026
The book was way too long with so many side plots. The swearing was going over the roof. At the end I still wanted to see where the suspense went. I don’t think I would be picking this author’s book in the near future.
September 27, 2026
After being a bit disappointed by 'And The Corpse Wore Tartan', I was a bit anxious about picking up this 607-page monster! However, I really enjoyed it.
Roberta was more palatable in this book, and I loved the inclusion of her Queen Street Irregulars! Tufty will always be my favourite, but Rennie and Harmsworth and the odd messages from Logan made me smile!!
I was laughing out loud throughout and really enjoyed the plot and the cases being looked into.
I love Roberta and Susan's relationship, and I absolutely related to Roberta when she was having "conversations" with her pets - giving them different voices, as this may or may not be something I do! Even seeing the "monsters" Jasmine and Naomi growing up and gaining their own characters and personalities is nice! Makes me realise how much time has passed during the series!
There were no unnecessary twists, just plenty of good quality writing and police work!
I do really enjoy Stuart MacBride's books and I'm looking forward to any further Logan McRae and/or Roberta Steel books to come!!
R.I.P. Old Faithful 💔
Roberta was more palatable in this book, and I loved the inclusion of her Queen Street Irregulars! Tufty will always be my favourite, but Rennie and Harmsworth and the odd messages from Logan made me smile!!
I was laughing out loud throughout and really enjoyed the plot and the cases being looked into.
I love Roberta and Susan's relationship, and I absolutely related to Roberta when she was having "conversations" with her pets - giving them different voices, as this may or may not be something I do! Even seeing the "monsters" Jasmine and Naomi growing up and gaining their own characters and personalities is nice! Makes me realise how much time has passed during the series!
There were no unnecessary twists, just plenty of good quality writing and police work!
I do really enjoy Stuart MacBride's books and I'm looking forward to any further Logan McRae and/or Roberta Steel books to come!!
R.I.P. Old Faithful 💔
July 17, 2026
DS Roberta Steele book 3 - I loved the Logan McRae books but I really struggled with this one ! It was so slow and I felt the author dragged it out with annoying ‘sounds’ that the characters were making which eventually got on my nerves I would skip over them. I think this book was way too long and drawn out which really ruined it for me as I normally love this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
July 14, 2026
Pure, dead, brilliant as usual. Keeps you guessing and laughing. I love Roberta.
August 3, 2026
I love the abrasive, tough and take-no-prisoners style of Roberta. A long novel, but I enjoyed the immersion of this book. Great read.
June 24, 2026
I slogged my way through this. It may be my last Stuart McBride book I read as I didn’t enjoy the last one I read either 😐
The characters get on my nerves. Especially Tufty and his I is nonsense 😠 Steele came a close second 😠 think they are better as side characters rather than the main.
The characters get on my nerves. Especially Tufty and his I is nonsense 😠 Steele came a close second 😠 think they are better as side characters rather than the main.
Review of advance copy
If ever a book could've been doing with a good drag through an editing suit, it's this one! It's a fair old tome, particularly for a spin off, and it didn't help that the World Cup is on either! So the book's enormous word count, and the football fiesta, both conspired to take me well over a week to get through this amusing romp across the North East of Scotland.
The lack of editing, wasn't a major headache, just a bit annoying at times, making me think, 'Oh, just get on with it man!' rather than say, pulling my hair out in frustration. For example, one chapter had acting DI Roberta Steel's wife, Susan, coming home, thinking Roberta was also at home, and proceeding to describe everyday actions and events, that are normally just taken for granted, like take off her outdoor clothing, put the kettle on, and put away bits and bobs she had bought on her way home from work as a solicitor, all the while, speaking to her wife, about things that had happened throughout the course of her day, but without actually setting eyes upon her, and because she was getting no response from her spouse, occasionally shouting out her name, 'ROBERTA!', her calls getting louder and louder, RRROBBBERRRTTTAAAA! etc, etc, as they were repeatedly remaining unanswered. This went on for page, after page, after page (in reality, perhaps, it was just paragraph, after paragraph, after paragraph, haha! In any event, it was way, way too long), eventually finding Steel, out in the garden, in their half finished sauna, which Roberta had utilised as an 'incident room', to help her order the 'investigations’ she'd took over and effectively stolen from an ex colleague turned private detective and Police Scotland! Well, honestly, the author could have just cut that entire chapter down to Susan coming home, and finding her wife in her makeshift office, without all the other everyday nonsense of returning outdoor paraphernalia to it’s rightful place within the home and wandering about the house putting the kettle on and the like, it really added nothing to the overall story, it just made his book much, much thicker and added to my annoyance and piled on the grief!
Putting the book's lack of editing aside however, the rest of the story was truly grand. Full of Stuart McBride's deliciously wicked Scottish humour, and a wonderfully recognisable tour around the North East of Scotland’s geography.
A stinking primordial soup of human bones and rotting mush has been discovered in a council wheelie bin, in a layby, just up from the bus cafe that sits on the A96 West of Inverurie. Not only do I know this area and establishment well, I've actually stopped and had breakfast in that very cafe, which is made up of an old bus, that permanently sits in the layby. I can't reiterate enough, on how much enjoyment I get from reading novels which are set in places that I know and have frequented (spare me some sympathy please, as I honestly don’t get out much!), and as well as this particular bus cafe, the book also sees Roberta Steel and her Queen Street Irregulars (what acting DI Steel calls her immediate subordinates, whom she considers to be raving idiots, and to be fair, she’s not wrong, haha!), stake out suspects in other places I am well acquainted with, and have actually even lived in! Aberdeen itself obviously, as well as, Inverurie (the police station and supermarket opposite, which makes a perfect pee stop on the way to Portlethen), Muchalls, Portlethen (I've even worked at the Portlethen ‘McIntosh Donald’ abattoir, which got name checked in the book! Although I walked out at lunch on the first day, because it was facking GRIM, haha!), and no MacBride novel would be complete without a mention of Elgin, ‘Woohoo! Go Elgin!’.
There's also been a stabbing of a young girl at a demonstration by right wing gammon types, which gave the author plenty of scope to justifiably get stuck in about all things Reform and Farage, with some pretty on point and mightily deserved verbal abuse and satire, sometimes witty, and very often amusingly childish, but at all times, indelibly Scottish!
Acting DI Steel also managed to get herself blown up during the course of events, and all this was in the lead up to her retirement from Police Scotland. We also had a few small cameos from Logan McRae, whom was soon off to Dundee to help catch an egregious Tayside serial killer. An event Roberta was constantly trying to ingratiate herself into as an (see, I can do it too Tufty, haha!) 'consulting detective'.
If I wasn't guffawing out loud at the book, I permanently had a smile plastered across my phizog, as the gallows humour was constant, for example, PC 'Tufty' Quirrel aka, 'The Wee Loon' is addressing his superior, acting DI Steel,
'The wee loon's bottom lip poked out. "And what are you doing while I'm getting on with all the work?"
Fair question.
Roberts struck a noble pose, "I, my dear Watson....... am off for a poop."'
Haha! However, there then followed a paragraph or three of describing her actually on the toilet, another page or two that really should've ended up on the editing room floor!
In another highly amusing incident, after Chief Superintendent Pine has realised she has mistakenly lambasted Roberta for something, and has to apologize,
'Perhaps ..... under the circumstances .... I may have been a touch ..... hasty ... in my condemnation of your actions.'
Every word sounding as if she was squeezing a hedgehog out of her arse. The wrong way around. 'I apologise for any offence I may have inadvertently caused.'
Highly amusing, and Roberta, whom usually twists Pine's melons, by telling her that she has a cute and perky bottom, gives her the finger, grins and shouts ......... 'AND YOUR ARSE IS MEDIOCRE, SQUARE, AND FLAT!'
By the end of play, Roberta Steel has joined all the dots, retired (dis) gracefully, and has set up her very own Private Detective Agency, so....... Granite City scroats, beware, and watch this space! Superb! Just don’t forget to buy some scissors next time haha!
The lack of editing, wasn't a major headache, just a bit annoying at times, making me think, 'Oh, just get on with it man!' rather than say, pulling my hair out in frustration. For example, one chapter had acting DI Roberta Steel's wife, Susan, coming home, thinking Roberta was also at home, and proceeding to describe everyday actions and events, that are normally just taken for granted, like take off her outdoor clothing, put the kettle on, and put away bits and bobs she had bought on her way home from work as a solicitor, all the while, speaking to her wife, about things that had happened throughout the course of her day, but without actually setting eyes upon her, and because she was getting no response from her spouse, occasionally shouting out her name, 'ROBERTA!', her calls getting louder and louder, RRROBBBERRRTTTAAAA! etc, etc, as they were repeatedly remaining unanswered. This went on for page, after page, after page (in reality, perhaps, it was just paragraph, after paragraph, after paragraph, haha! In any event, it was way, way too long), eventually finding Steel, out in the garden, in their half finished sauna, which Roberta had utilised as an 'incident room', to help her order the 'investigations’ she'd took over and effectively stolen from an ex colleague turned private detective and Police Scotland! Well, honestly, the author could have just cut that entire chapter down to Susan coming home, and finding her wife in her makeshift office, without all the other everyday nonsense of returning outdoor paraphernalia to it’s rightful place within the home and wandering about the house putting the kettle on and the like, it really added nothing to the overall story, it just made his book much, much thicker and added to my annoyance and piled on the grief!
Putting the book's lack of editing aside however, the rest of the story was truly grand. Full of Stuart McBride's deliciously wicked Scottish humour, and a wonderfully recognisable tour around the North East of Scotland’s geography.
A stinking primordial soup of human bones and rotting mush has been discovered in a council wheelie bin, in a layby, just up from the bus cafe that sits on the A96 West of Inverurie. Not only do I know this area and establishment well, I've actually stopped and had breakfast in that very cafe, which is made up of an old bus, that permanently sits in the layby. I can't reiterate enough, on how much enjoyment I get from reading novels which are set in places that I know and have frequented (spare me some sympathy please, as I honestly don’t get out much!), and as well as this particular bus cafe, the book also sees Roberta Steel and her Queen Street Irregulars (what acting DI Steel calls her immediate subordinates, whom she considers to be raving idiots, and to be fair, she’s not wrong, haha!), stake out suspects in other places I am well acquainted with, and have actually even lived in! Aberdeen itself obviously, as well as, Inverurie (the police station and supermarket opposite, which makes a perfect pee stop on the way to Portlethen), Muchalls, Portlethen (I've even worked at the Portlethen ‘McIntosh Donald’ abattoir, which got name checked in the book! Although I walked out at lunch on the first day, because it was facking GRIM, haha!), and no MacBride novel would be complete without a mention of Elgin, ‘Woohoo! Go Elgin!’.
There's also been a stabbing of a young girl at a demonstration by right wing gammon types, which gave the author plenty of scope to justifiably get stuck in about all things Reform and Farage, with some pretty on point and mightily deserved verbal abuse and satire, sometimes witty, and very often amusingly childish, but at all times, indelibly Scottish!
Acting DI Steel also managed to get herself blown up during the course of events, and all this was in the lead up to her retirement from Police Scotland. We also had a few small cameos from Logan McRae, whom was soon off to Dundee to help catch an egregious Tayside serial killer. An event Roberta was constantly trying to ingratiate herself into as an (see, I can do it too Tufty, haha!) 'consulting detective'.
If I wasn't guffawing out loud at the book, I permanently had a smile plastered across my phizog, as the gallows humour was constant, for example, PC 'Tufty' Quirrel aka, 'The Wee Loon' is addressing his superior, acting DI Steel,
'The wee loon's bottom lip poked out. "And what are you doing while I'm getting on with all the work?"
Fair question.
Roberts struck a noble pose, "I, my dear Watson....... am off for a poop."'
Haha! However, there then followed a paragraph or three of describing her actually on the toilet, another page or two that really should've ended up on the editing room floor!
In another highly amusing incident, after Chief Superintendent Pine has realised she has mistakenly lambasted Roberta for something, and has to apologize,
'Perhaps ..... under the circumstances .... I may have been a touch ..... hasty ... in my condemnation of your actions.'
Every word sounding as if she was squeezing a hedgehog out of her arse. The wrong way around. 'I apologise for any offence I may have inadvertently caused.'
Highly amusing, and Roberta, whom usually twists Pine's melons, by telling her that she has a cute and perky bottom, gives her the finger, grins and shouts ......... 'AND YOUR ARSE IS MEDIOCRE, SQUARE, AND FLAT!'
By the end of play, Roberta Steel has joined all the dots, retired (dis) gracefully, and has set up her very own Private Detective Agency, so....... Granite City scroats, beware, and watch this space! Superb! Just don’t forget to buy some scissors next time haha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is one of my favourite authors - his books featuring Logan McRae being one of my many go-to series, along with his Ash Henderson one and also, now this one featuring McRae's nemesis, Roberta Steel, who has had so many promotions and demotions that I often forget where we are with her! She is, once again, ably assisted by her Queen Street Irregulars who are also other spin off characters from the Logan McRae series, and I am especially happy that Tufty plays a decent part in the proceedings herein... Love that kid!
So... Acting DI Roberta Steel is finally retiring after a 30 year career which has been chequered to say the least. Some might say good riddance to bad rubbish - as she is rather an acquired taste - but I blooming love her - and if you haven't read her previous two books, I'd definitely go back and read them first. Anyway, she is in single figures on her countdown to R-Day when her interest is very much piqued by the case of a body found in a wheelie bin in a layby. Identification is initially impossible but she is determined to do whatever she can before she has to go... But if that wasn't enough, she is also drawn into the case of a stabbing during a political protest and all the fallout from that. The both of which she starts to investigate whilst still active, and then, surreptitiously, with the aid of her Irregulars, after she has handed in her warrant card.
The cases are exactly what you would expect from this author - brutal, convoluted, interconnected and all things bonkers - especially the crows. To be honest, I pretty much had no clue what in the heck was going on half the time, until the author eventually chose to let me in on it all and, boy was that satisfying!
Roberta is also as expected - potty mouthed and larger than life, although she does suffer a brutal loss in this book, so she is to be commiserated with. The swear jar does get quite a lot of action in the meanwhile. And some of her and Tufty's antics are a bit laugh out loud - nearly wet yourself funny! Oh and underneath that brutal standoffish exterior does beat a bit of a heart of gold just poking out. And, as a bonus, we also get more than just a glimpse into her private life - Susan, the monsters, and the animals. Oh Ghengis!
But she's gone - left the force. And boy will she leave a massive gaping hole in her place. But, please don't say it's the last we hear from her. By the way that this book ended, looks like she will be coming back, especially now she has an intriguing new contact...
All in all, another blindingly brilliant book from the pen of this author. I can't wait to get my hands on the Audiobook once released so I can revisit it all... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... Acting DI Roberta Steel is finally retiring after a 30 year career which has been chequered to say the least. Some might say good riddance to bad rubbish - as she is rather an acquired taste - but I blooming love her - and if you haven't read her previous two books, I'd definitely go back and read them first. Anyway, she is in single figures on her countdown to R-Day when her interest is very much piqued by the case of a body found in a wheelie bin in a layby. Identification is initially impossible but she is determined to do whatever she can before she has to go... But if that wasn't enough, she is also drawn into the case of a stabbing during a political protest and all the fallout from that. The both of which she starts to investigate whilst still active, and then, surreptitiously, with the aid of her Irregulars, after she has handed in her warrant card.
The cases are exactly what you would expect from this author - brutal, convoluted, interconnected and all things bonkers - especially the crows. To be honest, I pretty much had no clue what in the heck was going on half the time, until the author eventually chose to let me in on it all and, boy was that satisfying!
Roberta is also as expected - potty mouthed and larger than life, although she does suffer a brutal loss in this book, so she is to be commiserated with. The swear jar does get quite a lot of action in the meanwhile. And some of her and Tufty's antics are a bit laugh out loud - nearly wet yourself funny! Oh and underneath that brutal standoffish exterior does beat a bit of a heart of gold just poking out. And, as a bonus, we also get more than just a glimpse into her private life - Susan, the monsters, and the animals. Oh Ghengis!
But she's gone - left the force. And boy will she leave a massive gaping hole in her place. But, please don't say it's the last we hear from her. By the way that this book ended, looks like she will be coming back, especially now she has an intriguing new contact...
All in all, another blindingly brilliant book from the pen of this author. I can't wait to get my hands on the Audiobook once released so I can revisit it all... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
July 16, 2026
A novel to bring an end to the ‘illustrious’ career of Roberta Steel at Police Scotland, much to the relief of the ‘top brass’. She is not one to go like a lamb to retirement though, more cursing and scrapping taking on one final case. As she sees it as a chance to go out with a bang, which she manages both figuratively and literally.
The story arc is the final few weeks of Steel’s career, the final cases and numerous incidents along the way. The Grampian division is laid low with the flu and so severely undermanned that rest days have been cancelled to great complaint. Steel, now back up to acting detective inspector rank, is near indestructible though, only being laid low by the monster hangovers she self-inflicts. She is thrust into the front line along with a motley bunch of flu survivors, as political confrontations on the streets of Aberdeen turn ugly, just as she is investigating a murder victim dumped in a wheelie bin by the railway. It turns into a shambles as a young woman is stabbed in the melee, chaos ensues and the law of unintended consequences is invoked, much to Steel’s disgust. Many things raise her ire, and she has many opportunities to vent her anger in this story.
If you enjoy Scots vernacular, inventive insults and expletives worthy of an entry in Viz, you are in for a treat as she has a broad canvas to paint her extensive repertoire. Once retired she won’t be able to clash and rail against her superiors, so she packs in plenty of confrontation before she goes. There are also injections of danger, a level or two above the regular slapstick style battering, which add a different dimension.
This is a slightly different Steel, at times reflective and clearly unprepared life ahead. Like many she put off thoughts of retirement for so long, when it finally comes it’s a big shock and despite her bluster her response feels authentic. Catching criminals has been the greater part of her life, now Susan expects her to take up golf and evening classes. Perhaps most importantly Susan makes her realise that occasionally it is necessary to apologise, it’s not a weakness, particularly when you are dropping your colleagues in the mire.
Without Logan MacRae it falls to Tufty to bear the brunt of Steel’s insults and unorthodox policing methods. It’s funny, like workplace bullying that apprentices endured dialled up to eleven, of the self-styled ‘bestest sidekick’ but the lad doesn’t help himself with all the nonsense he comes out with. The scenes where he tries to recruit her to his Dungeons and Dragons circle as a retirement hobby are painfully funny, especially as he begins to wear her down.
The end of one career, but the beginning of something new.
The story arc is the final few weeks of Steel’s career, the final cases and numerous incidents along the way. The Grampian division is laid low with the flu and so severely undermanned that rest days have been cancelled to great complaint. Steel, now back up to acting detective inspector rank, is near indestructible though, only being laid low by the monster hangovers she self-inflicts. She is thrust into the front line along with a motley bunch of flu survivors, as political confrontations on the streets of Aberdeen turn ugly, just as she is investigating a murder victim dumped in a wheelie bin by the railway. It turns into a shambles as a young woman is stabbed in the melee, chaos ensues and the law of unintended consequences is invoked, much to Steel’s disgust. Many things raise her ire, and she has many opportunities to vent her anger in this story.
If you enjoy Scots vernacular, inventive insults and expletives worthy of an entry in Viz, you are in for a treat as she has a broad canvas to paint her extensive repertoire. Once retired she won’t be able to clash and rail against her superiors, so she packs in plenty of confrontation before she goes. There are also injections of danger, a level or two above the regular slapstick style battering, which add a different dimension.
This is a slightly different Steel, at times reflective and clearly unprepared life ahead. Like many she put off thoughts of retirement for so long, when it finally comes it’s a big shock and despite her bluster her response feels authentic. Catching criminals has been the greater part of her life, now Susan expects her to take up golf and evening classes. Perhaps most importantly Susan makes her realise that occasionally it is necessary to apologise, it’s not a weakness, particularly when you are dropping your colleagues in the mire.
Without Logan MacRae it falls to Tufty to bear the brunt of Steel’s insults and unorthodox policing methods. It’s funny, like workplace bullying that apprentices endured dialled up to eleven, of the self-styled ‘bestest sidekick’ but the lad doesn’t help himself with all the nonsense he comes out with. The scenes where he tries to recruit her to his Dungeons and Dragons circle as a retirement hobby are painfully funny, especially as he begins to wear her down.
The end of one career, but the beginning of something new.
September 5, 2026
The third novel in U.K author Stuart MacBride’s D.I. Roberta Steel series, BLOOD, RUST AND STEEL is a deep exploration into the challenges she faces shorty after announcing her own upcoming retirement. It seems a deadly killer will refuse to allow her to leave quietly.
To begin with MacBride kicks things off with an interesting disclaimer that reads: -warning- the following is NOT based on a true story and anyone who says otherwise is lying. Hmm…definitely makes one approach this novel with a feeling of curiosity and trepidation. The final novel in the trilogy that is an offshoot of MacBride’s well-known Logan McRae series featuring the now retiring Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is a winner and features her eccentric team that she lovingly named the Queen Street Irregulars, in a tip of the hat to Sherlock Holmes.
The job is not about to let Steel go away without a fight, and what should be the easiest time of her career is about to become the most deadly and grueling. It opens with a grisly discovery near a train route where a couple came across a rolling bin containing human bones. Steel and her right-hand man, DC Tufty, are called to the scene and easily make the determination that whatever bodies were stuffed into that bin did not go there willingly. A symbolic piece of this novel are the crows gathering around the death site that seem to be speaking to Steel and Tufty. The cover of the novel boldly depicts one of them in its’ defiant glory.
That discovery was not the only case Steel was working on in her last few days on the job. She must also deal with a political protest that got quite violent and left one young woman stabbed and hospitalized. Throughout the story, Steel corresponds with the afore-mentioned Logan McRae, and these are all refreshing reminders of the terrific characters and world-building done by Stuart MacBride. McRae is one of the few who can commiserate with Steel over their mutual disdain for the leadership in their police force. In this situation, they are definitely making things difficult for Steel on her way out the door.
As Steel is finally saying goodbye, grisly remains continue to be discovered around the area and McRae is pulled directly into what is being called the work of the Tayside Ripper. Before she gets a chance to leave, Steel finds herself nearly killed in an explosion that finds her waking up in the hospital with a plate in her head for good measure. After finally healing she eventually finishes out her term but chooses to stay aboard as a Consulting Detective. Before the novel is over, Steel will come to mostly regret this decision as things are about to go awfully bad before they get better and finish up in some form of a resolution.
Steel finds herself sitting atop a powder keg in the form of a major drug operation which may also be behind the grisly body parts attributed to the Tayside Ripper. Just when she thought she was out --- well, you know the rest. It will take Steel’s entire former squad, who have come to doubt her prowess after some post-retirement setbacks, to successfully shut down this case. As with all of MacBride’s work, nothing is ever easy and the harsh realities depicted in modern-day Scotland law enforcement are as gritty as they come. Like the blurb on the front of the paperback reads: ‘Retirement is a killer.’
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
To begin with MacBride kicks things off with an interesting disclaimer that reads: -warning- the following is NOT based on a true story and anyone who says otherwise is lying. Hmm…definitely makes one approach this novel with a feeling of curiosity and trepidation. The final novel in the trilogy that is an offshoot of MacBride’s well-known Logan McRae series featuring the now retiring Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is a winner and features her eccentric team that she lovingly named the Queen Street Irregulars, in a tip of the hat to Sherlock Holmes.
The job is not about to let Steel go away without a fight, and what should be the easiest time of her career is about to become the most deadly and grueling. It opens with a grisly discovery near a train route where a couple came across a rolling bin containing human bones. Steel and her right-hand man, DC Tufty, are called to the scene and easily make the determination that whatever bodies were stuffed into that bin did not go there willingly. A symbolic piece of this novel are the crows gathering around the death site that seem to be speaking to Steel and Tufty. The cover of the novel boldly depicts one of them in its’ defiant glory.
That discovery was not the only case Steel was working on in her last few days on the job. She must also deal with a political protest that got quite violent and left one young woman stabbed and hospitalized. Throughout the story, Steel corresponds with the afore-mentioned Logan McRae, and these are all refreshing reminders of the terrific characters and world-building done by Stuart MacBride. McRae is one of the few who can commiserate with Steel over their mutual disdain for the leadership in their police force. In this situation, they are definitely making things difficult for Steel on her way out the door.
As Steel is finally saying goodbye, grisly remains continue to be discovered around the area and McRae is pulled directly into what is being called the work of the Tayside Ripper. Before she gets a chance to leave, Steel finds herself nearly killed in an explosion that finds her waking up in the hospital with a plate in her head for good measure. After finally healing she eventually finishes out her term but chooses to stay aboard as a Consulting Detective. Before the novel is over, Steel will come to mostly regret this decision as things are about to go awfully bad before they get better and finish up in some form of a resolution.
Steel finds herself sitting atop a powder keg in the form of a major drug operation which may also be behind the grisly body parts attributed to the Tayside Ripper. Just when she thought she was out --- well, you know the rest. It will take Steel’s entire former squad, who have come to doubt her prowess after some post-retirement setbacks, to successfully shut down this case. As with all of MacBride’s work, nothing is ever easy and the harsh realities depicted in modern-day Scotland law enforcement are as gritty as they come. Like the blurb on the front of the paperback reads: ‘Retirement is a killer.’
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
September 14, 2026
BLOOD, RUST, AND STEEL, the final installment in Stuart MacBride’s Roberta Steel series, is a deep exploration of the challenges that our protagonist faces shorty after announcing her retirement. It seems that a killer will refuse to allow her to leave quietly.
MacBride kicks things off with an interesting disclaimer that makes one approach the novel with a feeling of curiosity and trepidation: “Warning --- the following is NOT based on a true story and anyone who says otherwise is lying.” The conclusion to this trilogy, which is an offshoot of MacBride’s Logan McRae series featuring Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel, is a winner. It features her eccentric team, which she lovingly named the Queen Street Irregulars, in a tip of the hat to Sherlock Holmes.
The book opens with a grisly discovery near a train route: a rolling bin containing human bones. Steel and her righthand man, Detective Constable Stewart “Tufty” Quirrel, are called to the scene and determine that whatever bodies were stuffed into that bin did not go there willingly. A symbolic piece of this novel are the crows gathering around the death site that seem to be speaking to Steel and Tufty. The cover boldly depicts one of them in its defiant glory.
Steel also must deal with a political protest that got quite violent and left one young woman hospitalized after being stabbed. Throughout the story, she corresponds with Logan McRae, which are all refreshing reminders of MacBride’s terrific characters and worldbuilding. McRae is one of the few who can commiserate with Steel over their mutual disdain for the leadership in their police force. They are definitely making life difficult for Steel on her way out the door.
Meanwhile, grisly remains continue to be found around the area, and McRae is pulled directly into what is being called the work of the Tayside Ripper. Steel is nearly killed in an explosion and wakes up in the hospital with a plate in her head for good measure. After finally healing, she eventually finishes out her term but chooses to stay aboard as a consulting detective, a decision that she will come to mostly regret.
Steel finds herself sitting atop a powder keg in the form of a major drug operation that also may be behind the body parts attributed to the Tayside Ripper. Just when she thought she was out…well, you know the rest. It will take her entire former squad, who have come to doubt her prowess after some post-retirement setbacks, to successfully shut down this case.
As with all of MacBride’s work, nothing is ever easy, and the harsh realities depicted in modern-day Scotland law enforcement are as gritty as they come. Like the tagline on the front of the book reads, “Retirement is a killer.”
Reviewed by Ray Palen
MacBride kicks things off with an interesting disclaimer that makes one approach the novel with a feeling of curiosity and trepidation: “Warning --- the following is NOT based on a true story and anyone who says otherwise is lying.” The conclusion to this trilogy, which is an offshoot of MacBride’s Logan McRae series featuring Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel, is a winner. It features her eccentric team, which she lovingly named the Queen Street Irregulars, in a tip of the hat to Sherlock Holmes.
The book opens with a grisly discovery near a train route: a rolling bin containing human bones. Steel and her righthand man, Detective Constable Stewart “Tufty” Quirrel, are called to the scene and determine that whatever bodies were stuffed into that bin did not go there willingly. A symbolic piece of this novel are the crows gathering around the death site that seem to be speaking to Steel and Tufty. The cover boldly depicts one of them in its defiant glory.
Steel also must deal with a political protest that got quite violent and left one young woman hospitalized after being stabbed. Throughout the story, she corresponds with Logan McRae, which are all refreshing reminders of MacBride’s terrific characters and worldbuilding. McRae is one of the few who can commiserate with Steel over their mutual disdain for the leadership in their police force. They are definitely making life difficult for Steel on her way out the door.
Meanwhile, grisly remains continue to be found around the area, and McRae is pulled directly into what is being called the work of the Tayside Ripper. Steel is nearly killed in an explosion and wakes up in the hospital with a plate in her head for good measure. After finally healing, she eventually finishes out her term but chooses to stay aboard as a consulting detective, a decision that she will come to mostly regret.
Steel finds herself sitting atop a powder keg in the form of a major drug operation that also may be behind the body parts attributed to the Tayside Ripper. Just when she thought she was out…well, you know the rest. It will take her entire former squad, who have come to doubt her prowess after some post-retirement setbacks, to successfully shut down this case.
As with all of MacBride’s work, nothing is ever easy, and the harsh realities depicted in modern-day Scotland law enforcement are as gritty as they come. Like the tagline on the front of the book reads, “Retirement is a killer.”
Reviewed by Ray Palen
June 7, 2026
3.5 rounded up
I guess we need to talk about Roberta Steel, largely because this is the first of what I am guessing is planned to be a whole new series featuring the irrepressible Aberdonian Detective. She's kind of a Marmite character for me and I knew going into this that there was a risk that a whole Robert Steel book might prove a touch too much. And this is not a short book - some six hundred plus pages - so that is an awful lot of Roberta to handle. She's a larger than life character when lost in the world of Logan McRae, dominates every scene she is in, and so a book that is all Roberta, all of the time ... Well, it's a lot. And she is joined in this moderately macabre, almost entirely madcap adventure by Tufty who, even in small doses, is also someone who could try the patience of a saint, something Roberta Steel is definitely not.
If you are looking for a gritty story akin to the early days of Logan McRae or even Ash Henderson (the darker the better for both of those for me), well, this is not it. Roberta Steel is not a character known for taking life all that seriously, and her cutting and often acerbic barbs are on full display here. But this book is more A Dark So Deadly than Cold Granite and whilst I have loved Tufty's abstract nature in previous books, here it felt just a touch too much to handle at times, with the humour coming thick and fast. And there are a lot of comedic, slapstick moments, just not all of them lands, and they overshadow what could have been a really heart wrenching and gripping story. Certainly from the beginning, that is what I expected. Bones found in a dumpster, with an even more macabre revelation when they are moved back to the pathologists lab for review. But after a few short scenes at the beginning, which do, in fairness, lead us to more than the odd smile, this story almost felt secondary to Roberta's personal life.
For reasons that become clear in the reading, there is a whole lot of activity around Roberta in the run up to her pending retirement. There is a whole lot of activity where nothing seems to happen in the mid section of this book and that really did lead to wavering attention through large waves of the book which didn't in the longer run, actually stop me working out the whys and wherefores of what was to come to pass. The book does touch upon some very relevant themes, making it feel current, but in a slightly clumsy way. There are moments which cut through the noise of the humour, such as one of the only scenes where Tufty doesn't sound like an absolute idiot, and scenes towards the end of the book take a very dramatic and potentially deadly turn which really held my focus.
But there is a lot in the mid section of the book that felt unnecessary, or at least unnecessarily long. I don't want to say too much as it would count as a spoiler, but lets just say that Roberta's pre-retirement doesn't go to plan, neither does the new sauna that she had planned with her wife, Susan, although the latter is the least of her problems. If you can manage the constant sarcasm and Roberta's seemingly endless put downs of practically anyone who is not her, then there are some real stand out moments in the story, Roberta's constant quest for the truth, and to gain closure for the victim's family, key amongst them. As when all is said and done, Roberta may get people's backs up, but she is a stickler for the rule of law, even when she stretches it to its limits, and for justice for victims. That's not a bad thing, right?
Plenty for fans of Stuart MacBride's humour to love, and it retains the author's ability to create worlds that are easy to picture, communities on either side of the law that you can love to hate etc, but I'm not sure I would rush for the next book sadly. I love Mr M's earlier books, and can understand why he wants to write something with a touch more humour, to step away from the darkness, but this was just a touch too long, and Roberta Steel a trifle too sardonic for even my sarcastic mind to really gel with the overall story.
I guess we need to talk about Roberta Steel, largely because this is the first of what I am guessing is planned to be a whole new series featuring the irrepressible Aberdonian Detective. She's kind of a Marmite character for me and I knew going into this that there was a risk that a whole Robert Steel book might prove a touch too much. And this is not a short book - some six hundred plus pages - so that is an awful lot of Roberta to handle. She's a larger than life character when lost in the world of Logan McRae, dominates every scene she is in, and so a book that is all Roberta, all of the time ... Well, it's a lot. And she is joined in this moderately macabre, almost entirely madcap adventure by Tufty who, even in small doses, is also someone who could try the patience of a saint, something Roberta Steel is definitely not.
If you are looking for a gritty story akin to the early days of Logan McRae or even Ash Henderson (the darker the better for both of those for me), well, this is not it. Roberta Steel is not a character known for taking life all that seriously, and her cutting and often acerbic barbs are on full display here. But this book is more A Dark So Deadly than Cold Granite and whilst I have loved Tufty's abstract nature in previous books, here it felt just a touch too much to handle at times, with the humour coming thick and fast. And there are a lot of comedic, slapstick moments, just not all of them lands, and they overshadow what could have been a really heart wrenching and gripping story. Certainly from the beginning, that is what I expected. Bones found in a dumpster, with an even more macabre revelation when they are moved back to the pathologists lab for review. But after a few short scenes at the beginning, which do, in fairness, lead us to more than the odd smile, this story almost felt secondary to Roberta's personal life.
For reasons that become clear in the reading, there is a whole lot of activity around Roberta in the run up to her pending retirement. There is a whole lot of activity where nothing seems to happen in the mid section of this book and that really did lead to wavering attention through large waves of the book which didn't in the longer run, actually stop me working out the whys and wherefores of what was to come to pass. The book does touch upon some very relevant themes, making it feel current, but in a slightly clumsy way. There are moments which cut through the noise of the humour, such as one of the only scenes where Tufty doesn't sound like an absolute idiot, and scenes towards the end of the book take a very dramatic and potentially deadly turn which really held my focus.
But there is a lot in the mid section of the book that felt unnecessary, or at least unnecessarily long. I don't want to say too much as it would count as a spoiler, but lets just say that Roberta's pre-retirement doesn't go to plan, neither does the new sauna that she had planned with her wife, Susan, although the latter is the least of her problems. If you can manage the constant sarcasm and Roberta's seemingly endless put downs of practically anyone who is not her, then there are some real stand out moments in the story, Roberta's constant quest for the truth, and to gain closure for the victim's family, key amongst them. As when all is said and done, Roberta may get people's backs up, but she is a stickler for the rule of law, even when she stretches it to its limits, and for justice for victims. That's not a bad thing, right?
Plenty for fans of Stuart MacBride's humour to love, and it retains the author's ability to create worlds that are easy to picture, communities on either side of the law that you can love to hate etc, but I'm not sure I would rush for the next book sadly. I love Mr M's earlier books, and can understand why he wants to write something with a touch more humour, to step away from the darkness, but this was just a touch too long, and Roberta Steel a trifle too sardonic for even my sarcastic mind to really gel with the overall story.
May 21, 2026
Having previously read And The Corpse Wore Tartan by Stuart MacBride and loved it, I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of Blood, Rust And Steel, which turned out to be another crazy, intoxicating crime caper set in and around Aberdeen, Scotland.
All good things must come to an end, and for acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel there’s only eight weeks remaining until she retires, which can’t come soon enough for her superiors. But for now, it’s
business as usual for this larger-than-life, politically incorrect, cursing police officer. She gets a call to investigate a decomposing body in a wheelie bin, then there’s a stabbing, a protest-turned riot, a few dodgy politicians and an ex- colleague asking for her help, to deal with first before she can hang up her uniform.
Peppered with Scottish slang and profanity, this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the humorous delivery and eccentric exploits of Roberta Steel and her maverick team, and found myself totally enmeshed in all the shenanigans. My only gripe is that there’s quite a lot of waffle with nothing much going on in places, and it could have been shorter and brisker paced.
I love the blend of humour and intensity that typifies these books, the pages are littered with laugh-out-loud moments and one-liners, and there’s no doubt that Stuart MacBride is a wonderful writer, subtly getting his point of view across in these pages. A couple of my favourite quotes, which sum up the humorous banter are -
“Starting to think he’s three or four marbles short of a Kerplunk.”
“They’re both suspected of possession with intent. A lot of intent. At least a kilo.”
Stuart MacBride’s books are a pleasure to read and I have a soft spot for Roberta Steel. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different, and don’t mind a bit of profanity, you’ll enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmcmillan for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
All good things must come to an end, and for acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel there’s only eight weeks remaining until she retires, which can’t come soon enough for her superiors. But for now, it’s
business as usual for this larger-than-life, politically incorrect, cursing police officer. She gets a call to investigate a decomposing body in a wheelie bin, then there’s a stabbing, a protest-turned riot, a few dodgy politicians and an ex- colleague asking for her help, to deal with first before she can hang up her uniform.
Peppered with Scottish slang and profanity, this will not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the humorous delivery and eccentric exploits of Roberta Steel and her maverick team, and found myself totally enmeshed in all the shenanigans. My only gripe is that there’s quite a lot of waffle with nothing much going on in places, and it could have been shorter and brisker paced.
I love the blend of humour and intensity that typifies these books, the pages are littered with laugh-out-loud moments and one-liners, and there’s no doubt that Stuart MacBride is a wonderful writer, subtly getting his point of view across in these pages. A couple of my favourite quotes, which sum up the humorous banter are -
“Starting to think he’s three or four marbles short of a Kerplunk.”
“They’re both suspected of possession with intent. A lot of intent. At least a kilo.”
Stuart MacBride’s books are a pleasure to read and I have a soft spot for Roberta Steel. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different, and don’t mind a bit of profanity, you’ll enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @netgalley and @panmcmillan for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blood, Rust and Steel is a brilliantly raucous, heartfelt farewell to one of crime fiction’s most unforgettable detectives. Acting DI Roberta Steel has never been the retiring type, and watching her attempt to glide into a life of gardening gloves and crossword puzzles is as entertaining as you’d expect. Naturally, Aberdeen has other plans.
When a body turns up in a wheelie bin, Steel seizes the case with the enthusiasm of someone who knows her days in the job are numbered—and refuses to fade out politely. What follows is a gloriously chaotic final act: violent protests, shady political manoeuvring, government spooks lurking in the shadows, and a desperate ex‑colleague begging for help. It’s messy, loud, and utterly Steel.
What makes the novel so compelling is the balance between grit and heart. Steel’s trademark bluntness is on full display, but there’s a tenderness beneath the bravado—a sense of a woman reckoning with the end of a life she’s lived at full tilt. Her ragtag “Queen Street Irregulars” bring humour and warmth, even as the stakes rise and the brass seem determined to shove her out the door.
The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles, and the sense of place—rain‑slicked streets, industrial edges, the stubborn pulse of the Northeast—is as vivid as ever. It’s a story about endings, yes, but also about loyalty, purpose, and the sheer refusal to go down without a fight.
Gritty, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Blood, Rust and Steel is a pitch‑perfect send‑off for a character who has never done anything by halves.
With thanks to Stuart MacBride, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
When a body turns up in a wheelie bin, Steel seizes the case with the enthusiasm of someone who knows her days in the job are numbered—and refuses to fade out politely. What follows is a gloriously chaotic final act: violent protests, shady political manoeuvring, government spooks lurking in the shadows, and a desperate ex‑colleague begging for help. It’s messy, loud, and utterly Steel.
What makes the novel so compelling is the balance between grit and heart. Steel’s trademark bluntness is on full display, but there’s a tenderness beneath the bravado—a sense of a woman reckoning with the end of a life she’s lived at full tilt. Her ragtag “Queen Street Irregulars” bring humour and warmth, even as the stakes rise and the brass seem determined to shove her out the door.
The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles, and the sense of place—rain‑slicked streets, industrial edges, the stubborn pulse of the Northeast—is as vivid as ever. It’s a story about endings, yes, but also about loyalty, purpose, and the sheer refusal to go down without a fight.
Gritty, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Blood, Rust and Steel is a pitch‑perfect send‑off for a character who has never done anything by halves.
With thanks to Stuart MacBride, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
September 16, 2026
As a long-time Stuart MacBride fan, this was an easy five-star read — another outstanding addition to his series. I’ve always connected more deeply with Logan McRae than Roberta Steel in the past; Steel never felt as relatable, while McRae was someone I could truly empathise with. Here, though, Steel finally comes into her own. She may not be an especially likeable character (though the dogs certainly adore her!), but I found myself fully engaged seeing things through her perspective as she struggles to stay afloat, supported by the group of misfit officers she’s taken under her wing — many of whom appear neurodivergent.
Set against Aberdeen’s gritty, atmospheric backdrop, the story is packed with tension, buried secrets, and plenty of twists — including some genuinely unexpected turns toward the end. It’s a long book, and there are sections that feel frustrating, yet overall it’s a magnificent, immersive read. MacBride’s signature balance of hard-hitting crime and sharp, uniquely Scottish humour is as brilliant as ever: one minute you’re completely caught up in the investigation, the next laughing aloud at a perfectly timed line. The dialogue remains consistently sharp and funny, and his talent for bringing supporting characters vividly to life shines throughout.
Dark, witty, and truly addictive — impossible to put down. Highly recommended for all Stuart MacBride fans. If you’re new to his work, I’d suggest starting with an earlier Logan McRae novel first, as this one benefits from knowing the world already.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Set against Aberdeen’s gritty, atmospheric backdrop, the story is packed with tension, buried secrets, and plenty of twists — including some genuinely unexpected turns toward the end. It’s a long book, and there are sections that feel frustrating, yet overall it’s a magnificent, immersive read. MacBride’s signature balance of hard-hitting crime and sharp, uniquely Scottish humour is as brilliant as ever: one minute you’re completely caught up in the investigation, the next laughing aloud at a perfectly timed line. The dialogue remains consistently sharp and funny, and his talent for bringing supporting characters vividly to life shines throughout.
Dark, witty, and truly addictive — impossible to put down. Highly recommended for all Stuart MacBride fans. If you’re new to his work, I’d suggest starting with an earlier Logan McRae novel first, as this one benefits from knowing the world already.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DI Roberta Steel #3
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the Northeast of Scotland isn't finished with her. There's a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians; and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs; dogs and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging for help. With only her Queen Street irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her.
Acting DI Roberta Steel is a few days away from retiring. So when a body is found in a wheelie bin, she thinks it's the perfect case to finish her career on.
The pace is perfectly set. You never know what's going to happen next. There was lots going on, but I could not read this book quickly enough, and Roberta Steel has been my favourite character. It' has been well-written with lots of Scottish vernacular - well what else would you expect from Tartan Noir?
Published 18th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #StuartMacBride for my ARC of #BloodRustandSteel in exchange for an honest review.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel has never been shy, but she's finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen's underbelly, she's all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crossword puzzles and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. Only the Northeast of Scotland isn't finished with her. There's a violent protest to stop; far-right populist politicians; and sketchy government spooks; a by-election; drugs; dogs and baby-doll nighties; and a desperate ex-colleague, begging for help. With only her Queen Street irregulars for backup, and the top brass desperate to get shot of her, these final few weeks might just be the death of her.
Acting DI Roberta Steel is a few days away from retiring. So when a body is found in a wheelie bin, she thinks it's the perfect case to finish her career on.
The pace is perfectly set. You never know what's going to happen next. There was lots going on, but I could not read this book quickly enough, and Roberta Steel has been my favourite character. It' has been well-written with lots of Scottish vernacular - well what else would you expect from Tartan Noir?
Published 18th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #StuartMacBride for my ARC of #BloodRustandSteel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book 3 in the Roberta Steel Series featuring Acting Detective Inspector Steel and her band of Queen Street Irregulars aka her team! It could be read as a standalone although i definitely recommend reading the earlier books first. Steel is now nearing retirement and although wife Susan is really looking forward to it Steel most certainly is not.
Briefly, when a dismembered and decomposed body is found in a bin in a lay-by Steel is only too happy to get involved. On top of this she is then send to patrol a political demonstration where another person is stabbed. And then she is caught up in an explosion which puts her in hospital needing a steel plate in her head. Not put off by any of this she continues her extremely unconventional method of investigation in an effort to both annoy her bosses and bring closure to the cases before she heads off into the sunset.
With a total and complete wind up of the senior establishment of the police force this is both an entertaining read and a grim reminder of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Steel is just a wonderful character, terrible potty mouth, breaks every rule in the book, little respect for most of her bosses but determined and loyal and you’d want her on your side. It’s a great plot, quite complex and at times a bit crazy, dark and gruesome but oh so satisfying. As Roberta Steel sails away I do wonder if this really is goodbye. Very enjoyable.
Briefly, when a dismembered and decomposed body is found in a bin in a lay-by Steel is only too happy to get involved. On top of this she is then send to patrol a political demonstration where another person is stabbed. And then she is caught up in an explosion which puts her in hospital needing a steel plate in her head. Not put off by any of this she continues her extremely unconventional method of investigation in an effort to both annoy her bosses and bring closure to the cases before she heads off into the sunset.
With a total and complete wind up of the senior establishment of the police force this is both an entertaining read and a grim reminder of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Steel is just a wonderful character, terrible potty mouth, breaks every rule in the book, little respect for most of her bosses but determined and loyal and you’d want her on your side. It’s a great plot, quite complex and at times a bit crazy, dark and gruesome but oh so satisfying. As Roberta Steel sails away I do wonder if this really is goodbye. Very enjoyable.
July 24, 2026
Another book from this universe where DI Roberta Steel takes the lead rather than the usual Logan MacRae led stories.
It’s a decent enough read, funny at times, though it also feels padded out in places and could easily have been about a third shorter.
Roberta is not far off retiring when a series of crimes turn her world upside down. A dismembered body found in a wheelie bin is followed by a stabbing and an explosion at a political rally, which leaves her injured and recuperating with a lot of time on her hands to rage at the world. Amongst other things, this includes getting old, the stupidity of most of her colleagues and the scheming of those in power.
As she eventually recovers, only to then retire, she still manages to put all the pieces together and solve all the crimes that were on her plate before her injuries. Though not amazing, there’s some decent plotting as she puts together the pieces and works out the real story.
Where the book drags, though, is in all the bits that happen in between the action, with lots of garbled conversations between the cops which mostly seem to involve takeaway food, and lots of side plots that don’t really go anywhere. A few of these are left open, presumably to be resolved in future plots of Roberta in retirement.
Overall, it’s solid, and I enjoyed the dark humour, but it’s so long it feels exhausting, and a tighter edit would have made it a more gripping read.
It’s a decent enough read, funny at times, though it also feels padded out in places and could easily have been about a third shorter.
Roberta is not far off retiring when a series of crimes turn her world upside down. A dismembered body found in a wheelie bin is followed by a stabbing and an explosion at a political rally, which leaves her injured and recuperating with a lot of time on her hands to rage at the world. Amongst other things, this includes getting old, the stupidity of most of her colleagues and the scheming of those in power.
As she eventually recovers, only to then retire, she still manages to put all the pieces together and solve all the crimes that were on her plate before her injuries. Though not amazing, there’s some decent plotting as she puts together the pieces and works out the real story.
Where the book drags, though, is in all the bits that happen in between the action, with lots of garbled conversations between the cops which mostly seem to involve takeaway food, and lots of side plots that don’t really go anywhere. A few of these are left open, presumably to be resolved in future plots of Roberta in retirement.
Overall, it’s solid, and I enjoyed the dark humour, but it’s so long it feels exhausting, and a tighter edit would have made it a more gripping read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Impending retirement was never going to shut Roberta Steel up, and thank goodness for that.
Blood, Rust and Steel is the gloriously messy, foul-mouthed, and unexpectedly moving farewell that Steel absolutely deserves.
When a body turns up stuffed in an Aberdeen wheelie bin, any sensible person would let someone else deal with it. But Steel was never sensible, and we wouldn't have her any other way.
Stuart MacBride delivers a finale that's as sharp as Steel's tongue and as grey as a Northeast winter, with rain-lashed streets, political backstabbing, and dialogue that crackles like a livewire.
Yet beneath all the gloriously colourful language and trademark bravado, there's real heart here.
Watching Steel barrel headlong into one last case while quietly, stubbornly refusing to reckon with everything her career has cost her is genuinely affecting stuff.
This isn't just a cracking crime novel. It's a love letter to a character who swore too much, bent every rule in the book, and was magnificent for every single second of it.
MacBride intimates that this is the final chapter, but then, Steel never did pay much attention to what she was told.
Here's hoping she's got one more trick up her sleeve, because Aberdeen would feel an awful lot emptier without her.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Blood, Rust and Steel is the gloriously messy, foul-mouthed, and unexpectedly moving farewell that Steel absolutely deserves.
When a body turns up stuffed in an Aberdeen wheelie bin, any sensible person would let someone else deal with it. But Steel was never sensible, and we wouldn't have her any other way.
Stuart MacBride delivers a finale that's as sharp as Steel's tongue and as grey as a Northeast winter, with rain-lashed streets, political backstabbing, and dialogue that crackles like a livewire.
Yet beneath all the gloriously colourful language and trademark bravado, there's real heart here.
Watching Steel barrel headlong into one last case while quietly, stubbornly refusing to reckon with everything her career has cost her is genuinely affecting stuff.
This isn't just a cracking crime novel. It's a love letter to a character who swore too much, bent every rule in the book, and was magnificent for every single second of it.
MacBride intimates that this is the final chapter, but then, Steel never did pay much attention to what she was told.
Here's hoping she's got one more trick up her sleeve, because Aberdeen would feel an awful lot emptier without her.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
May 26, 2026
Stuart MacBride has already given us one Roberta Steel story this year, with the novella And The Corpse Wore Tartan, and has now followed it up with the substantially longer Blood, Rust, And Steel.
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she is all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. However, there is also the matter of a stabbing at a political rally and an explosion. Meanwhile the members of her unofficial crime support group, the Queen Street Irregulars, also increasingly become caught up in events.
Those who have encountered Roberta before will know what to expect. There is a lot of swearing, inappropriate comments, good humour and a decent mystery kicking around. There is also an abundance of Scottish atmosphere, and some pointed observations. The plot is always interesting and the story builds to a good conclusion.
Regular readers of MacBride’s books will love this one and bemoan the possible end of Roberta’s career. Recommended.
See full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/b...
Acting Detective Inspector Roberta Steel is finally retiring. After thirty years of policing Aberdeen’s underbelly, she is all set for her twilight years to feature gardening gloves, afternoon tea, crosswords puzzles, and shouting at the telly. So when a body turns up in a wheelie bin, it looks like an excellent way to round off her career and go out with a bang. However, there is also the matter of a stabbing at a political rally and an explosion. Meanwhile the members of her unofficial crime support group, the Queen Street Irregulars, also increasingly become caught up in events.
Those who have encountered Roberta before will know what to expect. There is a lot of swearing, inappropriate comments, good humour and a decent mystery kicking around. There is also an abundance of Scottish atmosphere, and some pointed observations. The plot is always interesting and the story builds to a good conclusion.
Regular readers of MacBride’s books will love this one and bemoan the possible end of Roberta’s career. Recommended.
See full review and more at: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/b...
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