Pick up the first in a BRAND NEW Scottish crime series from bestselling author Daniel Sellers. A must-read for fans of Aline Templeton and Matt Brolly. 🔍👀🩸 Knapdale, Argyll. A place of beauty, tranquillity… and murder
When newly promoted DI Anna Vaughan is called to a case in remote Knapdale, on the Argyll coast, she welcomes the chance to escape her life in Glasgow - more specifically the mother-in-law from hell…
Ellen McIver, Baldrishaig’s local busybody, has been found dead. Run over — repeatedly — by a tractor belonging to local farmer Glen MacGibbon. The most likely culprit is Old Wullie, MacGibbon’s elderly father, who, despite his dementia, still likes to drive the tractor about the lanes. But once at the crime scene Anna can tell something sinister is afoot… this was no accident. Whoever drove that tractor did so with murder in mind.
With the help of local DC Jo McLean, Anna leads her first murder case as a DI. She soon finds that all is not as it should be in this corner of the Scottish Highlands. The locals have been living under a cloud of fear for months, and as Anna starts to uncover secrets buried for years, she is in a race against time to find a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Fans of Aline Templeton, Caro Ramsay and Marion Todd will not want to miss this brand new, gripping Scottish crime series.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Sellers, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to experience history and crime through the lens of a new-to-me author, I turned to this series debut by Daniel Sellers. Set in Scotland, this gripping police procedural immediately hooks the reader with its layered storytelling, vivid setting, and a compelling new lead detective.
Following her promotion, DI Anna Vaughn is reassigned from Glasgow to the remote coastal community of Knapdale in Argyll. Eager to escape both the city and her increasingly difficult mother-in-law, Vaughn hopes for a quieter posting. That hope is quickly dashed when she arrives to investigate the brutal death of Ellen McIver, whose body was found repeatedly run over by a tractor. McIver was widely disliked and had no shortage of enemies, making motive easy—but answers far more elusive. While suspicion initially falls on an elderly local man, something about the crime scene and the town itself feels off. Teaming up with local DC Jo McLean, Vaughn soon discovers that the Highlands are steeped in secrets.
Ellen McIver herself had been investigating mysteries of her own, keeping cryptic notes that may hold the key to her death. Meanwhile, Vaughn’s mother-in-law has gone missing, and authorities are suddenly interested in her connection to an incident in London. As these threads begin to converge, Vaughn must determine whether cracking one code might expose a killer desperate to keep the truth buried.
Sellers delivers a confident and engaging thriller that balances multiple storylines without ever losing focus. The police procedural at the center provides a strong backbone, while carefully placed subplots add depth and intrigue. With brisk, mid-length chapters, the pacing never falters, and once the story gains momentum, it’s hard to put down. Each narrative thread feels purposeful, drawing the reader forward with the promise that everything will eventually click into place.
The characters are a particular strength. DI Anna Vaughn is a well-drawn protagonist whose personal baggage and professional instincts complement one another nicely. She’s surrounded by a strong supporting cast, each bringing their own perspective and expertise to the investigation. Rather than serving as background filler, these secondary characters actively enrich the mystery, adding texture and tension through their choices and motivations. Sellers clearly understands how to make characters work in service of both plot and atmosphere.
The plot itself steadily builds, offering well-timed surprises that enhance tension and keep the reader guessing. While the murder investigation remains front and center, additional revelations emerge organically, deepening the story and expanding its scope. Twists are thoughtfully executed, taking the narrative in unexpected directions without feeling forced.
This was an impressive introduction to Daniel Sellers and a promising start to a new series. With sharp writing, a compelling lead, and an evocative Scottish setting, this novel delivers everything I look for in a strong thriller. I’m eager to return to the Highlands and see what lies ahead for DI Anna Vaughn.
Kudos, Mr. Sellers, for a wonderfully Scottish police procedural.
The Knapdale Murders is a strong and really enjoyable opener to Daniel Sellers’ new Scottish crime series. It has everything I love in a rural‑set mystery — a close‑knit community full of secrets, an isolated landscape that adds to the tension, and a detective who feels both capable and wonderfully human.
DI Anna Vaughan is a great lead. She’s smart, dry‑humoured, and more than ready for a break from her stressful Glasgow life (especially the mother‑in‑law…), so the call to a remote murder in Knapdale seems like a welcome change. But the moment she arrives at the scene — a local busybody run over multiple times by a tractor — it’s clear this small village isn’t as peaceful as it looks.
I loved the partnership between Anna and local DC Jo McLean. There’s an easy rapport between them, and Jo’s knowledge of the area adds a nice balance to Anna’s outsider perspective. As they dig deeper, layers of tension in the community start to surface, and the sense of unease builds really nicely.
The mystery is well paced, full of red herrings, and rooted in long‑buried secrets that give the story a satisfying depth. Sellers captures the atmosphere of rural Argyll beautifully — the wild landscape, the sense of isolation, and the way everyone knows everyone’s business, even when they pretend they don’t.
By the final reveal, I was fully invested in both the case and Anna as a character. This series has tons of potential, and I’m already looking forward to the next book.
A great pick for fans of Aline Templeton and Scottish‑set crime with plenty of grit but not too heavy on the darkness.
With thanks to Daniel Sellers, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Thanks to Daniel and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Knapdale Murders prior to the publication date. This is the 1st book in a new series, with the author using a character, D.I. Anna Vaughan, from the previous series. It is an easy and engaging read. Daniel has created a cast of interesting characters in the book, some local born and bred and others are incomers. To date, Anna;s experience has mainly been in the urban environment of London and Glasgow where the forensic teams are within easy reach. The rural setting will see Anna relying on the services of the local officers and their knowledge to contain the scene overnight in a country lane. Anna has been tholing the uninvited presence of her sharp tongued mother-in-law, Melinda. In an attempt to keep the peace, Anna’s husband, Nick, has taken them to an upmarket restaurant. However Melinda immediately orders and demolishes an expensive bottle of wine, whilst loudly criticising everything and everyone. Anna is relieved to receive the call to attend a suspicious death ( I suspect that she might otherwise have committed murder). The victim, Ellen McIver, has taken an unofficial neighbour watch role, spying on the residents and documenting their perceived misdemeanours in her little black book. Whilst farmer, old Wullie Cameron, is the likely culprit, details of Ellen’s behaviour are gradually revealed and the suspect list grows.
Daniel Sellers is no stranger to writing mystery/thrillers and creating series around the main characters. “The Knapdale Murders” is the start of a new series by Mr. Sellers. This series stars DI Anna Vaughan. And what a protagonist she is!
I had seen Daniel Sellers’ novels from time to time. They have popped up as suggested reading on many occasions. But to be honest, I wasn’t looking for a new writer or series to dive into. But when I read up the blurb on this novel, I thought, “Why not.” I am so glad I did.
The characters are so richly written. The procedural is engaging and never boring. They mystery will keep you guessing right up till the big reveal. I even had to go back and reread the prologue after finishing the book. And to be honest, I started to go through the book again. There are very few authors that can grab my attention that much.
Now I have to deal with the fact that when I didn’t heed the advice and check out Daniel Sellers in the past, I was the one that missed out. He is one of the best writers in the mystery/thriller genre. So do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on this. People will be talking about this book and the series to come.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Knapdale Murders by Daniel Sellers was a really enjoyable cozy-leaning mystery with a classic small-town setup done well.
The victim is the village’s notorious busybody — always watching, judging, and threatening to report her neighbors for every perceived wrongdoing. So when her body is discovered, it quickly becomes clear that almost everyone had a motive. As the investigation unfolds, the suspect list keeps growing, making it frustrating (in a good way!) to sort through what actually matters versus what’s just local resentment and gossip.
I really loved the characters and the sense of community — even with all its secrets. The dynamics between the investigators and the villagers were engaging and kept me invested throughout. I did find the side plot involving Nick’s mother a bit distracting at times, as it pulled focus away from the central mystery, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
This was a completely satisfying read, and I’d happily continue with this series. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
✨ I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘The Knapdale Murders’, by Daniel Sellers.
In this new mystery series by Sellers, DI Anna Vaughan is called out to the scene of a suspicious death in the Scottish highlands. Ellen McIver, the local busybody and village pest, was run over by a tractor (several times). DI Vaughan and local DC Jo McLean have to sift through several possible suspects, before they eventually get closer to a suspect with a real motive. At the same time, Anna’s husband is dealing with his mother, who evidently has gotten into trouble in London, causing Anna some distraction.
I really enjoy the Scottish setting for this mystery, as well as the storyline. Anna and Jo’s determination to solve the original case, as well as an additional murder, leads them to the reason why Ellen was the first victim and the secrets she had uncovered. This was a very nice cozy mystery/police procedural that kept my interest throughout.
This is my first book by this author and I'll definitely be working through his backlist! This is my kind of crime thriller. Not too gritty, but very intriguing with a host of suspects in a small community. I loved how we got to know everyone and all the reasons behind animosity. I also loved that our main character, a newly promoted detective inspector was a normal functioning human being, in a positive relationship. How refreshing! A love a puzzle to solve and this book provided that. A knotty mystery, with prickly suspects and a murder victim who nobody liked. I enjoyed finding out the why out of it as much as the who. Cleverly written, an absorbing read that I whizzed through in a couple of days. ready for the next one!
I’m giving this a 4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ A massive thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC! This was an absolutely engaging thriller that pulled me in from the very first page. If you love a mystery that keeps you guessing until the final reveal, this is a must-read. The characters are incredibly rich and well-written. I was especially impressed with the protagonist—they are a well-drawn lead with a genuinely interesting background that adds so much layers to the story. The pacing is spot-on, never letting the tension slip as the mystery unfolds. Truly a great thriller read! Obsessed with atmospheric mysteries? Follow my profile @TheLitWhisperer for more spine-tingling Highlands thrillers!
I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Just another police procedural - 3*
Don't get me wrong! I'm a huge fan of police procedurals and I did enjoy this. I did. This is not one of those reviews where you criticise the author for every tiny thing. It absolutely isn't.
I enjoyed this novel. I did. I liked it and it stole a few hours away from me and I enjoyed it but did I love it? No. I didn't love it and that's okay.
I liked the characters but they're not memorable. I liked the plot but I'm not going to think about it after I've read this book. The subplot was there and I just have no feelings about that.
If you want a good police procedural, then this is the book for you.
Recently promoted DI Anna Vaughn is sent to the remote community of Knapdale to investigate the death of Ellen McIver. Teaming up with local DC Jo McLean, she learns Ellen McIver was widely disliked, leading to a large number of suspects. As the investigation continues, it is learned that Ellen was carrying on her own investigation regarding a killer who has gone unnoticed. As Anna uncovers what Ellen was researching at the library, she realizes who the killer is. Multiple storylines keeps the reader turning the pages for the identity of the killer. Strong police procedural - looking forward to reading the next book. #TheKnapdaleMurders #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley
This is the first book by Daniel Sellers that I have read - and it is the first of a new series. Lucky me!! Also, I love a Police Procedural with a strong female lead, and DI Anna Vaughan is exactly that. She is smart, and experienced in her investigations. Also good is that her personal life is also mentioned - which is a must for me - as the police officers do have a life away from the station! It gives the story a 'real feel'.
I really enjoyed the novel, and raced through it, and finished it in under 24 hours. I am looking forward to the next Anna Vaughan book, and will definitely look out for more Daniel Sellers books!
An interesting plot where the local busybody is murdered by someone driving a tractor, just after she has found proof of someone committing crimes in the local area. There are many suspects because Ellen has made a lot of enemies among the community with her regular complaints and reporting to the authorities. It's a reminder of how small rural police forces can be and how they have to bring in services from other areas at times. The reveal about who committed the murder comes a bit out of the blue in terms of the why, but the who is quite obvious early on because of their behaviour. I will read others in this series now.
I really enjoyed this investigation set in a beautiful landscape. I found the plot gripping and loved the fact that no clue appeared till rather late in the book! A very suspenseful plot, indeed! I also enjoyed the fact that the author did not spend much narrative about the police team's private lives, and focused on the investigation itself. This allowed the tension of the plot to remain suspenseful. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely read his books! I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
This was my first read by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. It’s the kind of crime thriller I really enjoy—not too gritty, but full of intrigue, with plenty of suspects in a close-knit community. The story hooked me almost immediately, and I couldn’t put it down. I’m already eager for the next book in the series, and I’ll be adding the author’s other novels to my wishlist in the meantime. I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Boldwood Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
This is a riveting good read. It kept me intrigued until the end. Daniel Sellers managed to bring freshness and originality to a genre which has become quite predictable. The unveiling of a serial killer was unexpected and very clever. Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more books in this series, set in the Scottish Highlands.
This started of really good but it seemed an open and shut case but it wasn't. I wasn't expecting the suspect . it was quite slow at parts though . it just seemed to drag but the outcome made sense .