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The Dark Loch: A Scottish Highlands Murder Mystery
Exiled from Glasgow. Hunting killers in the Highlands.
Detective Inspector Sarah Lynch thought her career was over when she exposed corruption in Glasgow CID. Her reward? Exile to Fort William—a backwater posting in the Scottish Highlands where she's meant to fade into obscurity.
But the Highlands have darker secrets than Glasgow ever did.
When an environmental consultant's body is pulled from a remote loch, Sarah uncovers an illegal deer poaching operation that stretches across Highland estates. The powerful landowners who run these estates don't take kindly to outsiders asking questions—especially a disgraced Glasgow detective with something to prove.
As Sarah digs deeper, the case spirals from poaching to murder, from local crime to a conspiracy that reaches into Scotland's highest circles. The wealthy aristocrats controlling vast Highland estates are willing to kill to protect their interests. And they have friends in places that matter.
Isolated, outnumbered, and under pressure to back off, Sarah faces a accept that remote doesn't mean justice, or prove that even in the wild Highlands, murder has consequences.
Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, and atmospheric British crime thrillers.
The first case in the Detective Sarah Lynch Mysteries—where exile becomes purpose, and Highland isolation hides deadly secrets.
Detective Inspector Sarah Lynch thought her career was over when she exposed corruption in Glasgow CID. Her reward? Exile to Fort William—a backwater posting in the Scottish Highlands where she's meant to fade into obscurity.
But the Highlands have darker secrets than Glasgow ever did.
When an environmental consultant's body is pulled from a remote loch, Sarah uncovers an illegal deer poaching operation that stretches across Highland estates. The powerful landowners who run these estates don't take kindly to outsiders asking questions—especially a disgraced Glasgow detective with something to prove.
As Sarah digs deeper, the case spirals from poaching to murder, from local crime to a conspiracy that reaches into Scotland's highest circles. The wealthy aristocrats controlling vast Highland estates are willing to kill to protect their interests. And they have friends in places that matter.
Isolated, outnumbered, and under pressure to back off, Sarah faces a accept that remote doesn't mean justice, or prove that even in the wild Highlands, murder has consequences.
Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, and atmospheric British crime thrillers.
The first case in the Detective Sarah Lynch Mysteries—where exile becomes purpose, and Highland isolation hides deadly secrets.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
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About the author
Phillip Strang
199 books82 followersPhillip Strang is a well-travelled writer who has spent considerable time in many remote and exotic parts of the World installing telecommunication networks.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
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January 11, 2026
Murder In The Mountains
Philip Strang has written a murder mystery with lots of details and suspense. Brilliant beginning of a series with an unforgettable protagonist.
Philip Strang has written a murder mystery with lots of details and suspense. Brilliant beginning of a series with an unforgettable protagonist.
Displaying 1 of 1 review