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Misty Isle #7
The Missing Dead
One murder. Three empty graves. And a secret worth killing for...
D.I. Duncan McAdam is called to a cemetery to investigate a desecrated grave. The deceased was the skipper of a trawler with a chequered past. Its crew all died in mysterious circumstances — one man fell to his death; the second took his own life; the third jumped from a rocky clifftop. Only one crewman remains.
When Duncan goes to interview the skipper’s widow, he finds her house ransacked, blood on the floor, and a body in the boot of her car. He soon realises that everyone on board that trawler was hiding something — and it all leads back to one stormy night at sea years ago.
As the case begins to spiral, Duncan’s own personal challenges with his son come back to haunt him. Can he find the only surviving crew member before it’s too late? What secrets did these men take with them to their graves? And why is someone willing to kill to unearth them now?
D.I. Duncan McAdam is called to a cemetery to investigate a desecrated grave. The deceased was the skipper of a trawler with a chequered past. Its crew all died in mysterious circumstances — one man fell to his death; the second took his own life; the third jumped from a rocky clifftop. Only one crewman remains.
When Duncan goes to interview the skipper’s widow, he finds her house ransacked, blood on the floor, and a body in the boot of her car. He soon realises that everyone on board that trawler was hiding something — and it all leads back to one stormy night at sea years ago.
As the case begins to spiral, Duncan’s own personal challenges with his son come back to haunt him. Can he find the only surviving crew member before it’s too late? What secrets did these men take with them to their graves? And why is someone willing to kill to unearth them now?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2026
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
45 books983 followersJason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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June 26, 2026I can highly recommend The Missing Dead (Misty Isle book 7) Kindle edition a Scottish mystery crime novel by J.M. Dalgliesh which I thoroughly enjoyed.
DI Duncan McAdam investigates a desecrated grave belonging to the former skipper of a commercial trawler on the Isle of Skye. As Duncan delves deeper into the skipper's past and suspicious deaths of three of his crew and empty graves, leaving only one remaining member of the crew still alive.
As Duncan investigates further, he confronts the skipper's widow, which in turn, escalates into a treacherous revelation of dark hidden secrets connected to the trawler and someone is on a mission to silence anyone who gets in his way.
Duncan's personal life is also in turmoil as his son Callum has left his Mother, Becky's home to live with Duncan and Grace his partner. All is not what it seems as Duncan wil find out the real reason that Callum left home.
"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin 1789 is a quote within this novel which is very apt indeed under the circumstances.
I love the way the author describes the way the weather can change within a matter of minutes from being cruel to calm as the weather fluctuates.
There is menace in the air, greed, treachery, deception all rolled in one in this exciting crime mystery.
DI Duncan McAdam investigates a desecrated grave belonging to the former skipper of a commercial trawler on the Isle of Skye. As Duncan delves deeper into the skipper's past and suspicious deaths of three of his crew and empty graves, leaving only one remaining member of the crew still alive.
As Duncan investigates further, he confronts the skipper's widow, which in turn, escalates into a treacherous revelation of dark hidden secrets connected to the trawler and someone is on a mission to silence anyone who gets in his way.
Duncan's personal life is also in turmoil as his son Callum has left his Mother, Becky's home to live with Duncan and Grace his partner. All is not what it seems as Duncan wil find out the real reason that Callum left home.
"In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin 1789 is a quote within this novel which is very apt indeed under the circumstances.
I love the way the author describes the way the weather can change within a matter of minutes from being cruel to calm as the weather fluctuates.
There is menace in the air, greed, treachery, deception all rolled in one in this exciting crime mystery.
July 6, 2026
This is another great book in the Misty Isle Mysteries. Although it's book 7 in the series, it can be read as a standalone in its own right.
It's a well written, twisty, gripping, page-turner of a storyline and plot, with surprising revelations, strong characters, and many a twist and turn, leading to a twisty conclusion.
This kept my guessing and suspecting, all the way through. In the end I was slightly right with my suspicions, but there was more twisty goings on than I'd anticipated.
As always the author's descriptive is wonderful, and you can visualise the story unfolding in your minds eye, as you read.
I loved this book from start to finish and it certainly was hard to lay it down for long
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's a book you don't want to miss.
As always I have JM Dalgliesh's books on pre-order as I don't want to miss any.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It's a well written, twisty, gripping, page-turner of a storyline and plot, with surprising revelations, strong characters, and many a twist and turn, leading to a twisty conclusion.
This kept my guessing and suspecting, all the way through. In the end I was slightly right with my suspicions, but there was more twisty goings on than I'd anticipated.
As always the author's descriptive is wonderful, and you can visualise the story unfolding in your minds eye, as you read.
I loved this book from start to finish and it certainly was hard to lay it down for long
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's a book you don't want to miss.
As always I have JM Dalgliesh's books on pre-order as I don't want to miss any.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This my honest and unbiased review of this book.
July 4, 2026
Penguin gets solid gold
I have been a fan of the books written by JM Dalgliesh for a few years now. Binge reading and waiting not too patiently for his next book.
This is hid first book published by Penguin. He has done them proud already.
This book is based on the isle of Skye; firmly enmeshed in the local fishing community.
The starting point is a night of wild stormy seas and winds when a fishing trawler comes across a yacht all lit up but in serious trouble with no power; and no crew.
As tragedy befalls four of the five trawler crew it soon becomes Skye's Marie Celeste and tales of curses grow with the telling.
Eighteen years later the grave of the trawler's captain is dug up and his remains scattered.
Then the book gallops on at a pace that could leave you spinning with more twists and turns than you'd find if you were driving round the island.
This is another marvellous book by the author and I would recommend it to all fans of this genre.
Then check out some of his other gems.
I have been a fan of the books written by JM Dalgliesh for a few years now. Binge reading and waiting not too patiently for his next book.
This is hid first book published by Penguin. He has done them proud already.
This book is based on the isle of Skye; firmly enmeshed in the local fishing community.
The starting point is a night of wild stormy seas and winds when a fishing trawler comes across a yacht all lit up but in serious trouble with no power; and no crew.
As tragedy befalls four of the five trawler crew it soon becomes Skye's Marie Celeste and tales of curses grow with the telling.
Eighteen years later the grave of the trawler's captain is dug up and his remains scattered.
Then the book gallops on at a pace that could leave you spinning with more twists and turns than you'd find if you were driving round the island.
This is another marvellous book by the author and I would recommend it to all fans of this genre.
Then check out some of his other gems.
July 4, 2026
Once again, well written. This author's works are always done right with believable characters and in-depth storylines. I will always suggest his work because they are always, in my eyes, worthy.
May 22, 2026
The Missing Dead is a dark, atmospheric police procedural set against the rugged Northumberland coastline, where the landscape itself adds to the tension and isolation running through the story. When D.I. Duncan McAdam investigates a desecrated grave, the case soon uncovers links to a trawler crew whose deaths years earlier were surrounded by suspicion and secrets.
I really liked Duncan as a lead character. He feels believable and grounded, carrying personal struggles with his son alongside the pressures of the investigation. The character development throughout the book is strong, not just for Duncan but across the wider cast, with relationships and histories unfolding naturally as the case deepens.
The plotting felt authentic and well paced, gradually revealing what happened on that stormy night at sea without relying on unrealistic twists. There is a steady sense of unease throughout, helped by the bleak coastal setting and the feeling that everyone involved is hiding something.
A gripping and immersive crime thriller with strong atmosphere and a genuinely engaging central character.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I really liked Duncan as a lead character. He feels believable and grounded, carrying personal struggles with his son alongside the pressures of the investigation. The character development throughout the book is strong, not just for Duncan but across the wider cast, with relationships and histories unfolding naturally as the case deepens.
The plotting felt authentic and well paced, gradually revealing what happened on that stormy night at sea without relying on unrealistic twists. There is a steady sense of unease throughout, helped by the bleak coastal setting and the feeling that everyone involved is hiding something.
A gripping and immersive crime thriller with strong atmosphere and a genuinely engaging central character.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 7, 2026
The Missing Dead is a D.I. Duncan McAdam book.
Book #7 in The Misty Isle series written by J.M. Dalgliesh.
“D.I. Duncan McAdam is called to a cemetery to investigate a desecrated grave.
The deceased was the skipper of a trawler with a chequered past. Its crew all
died in mysterious circumstances. Only one crewman remains alive.
When Duncan interviews the skipper’s widow, he finds her house ransacked,
blood on the floor and a body in the boot of her car. Duncan soon realizes that
everyone on board that trawler was hiding something. And it all leads back to
one stormy night at sea years ago.”
I enjoy reading this series very much. The main characters are very well-written
with an interesting, beautiful and remote location - the Isle of Skye.
Once I begin, it’s hard to put the book down.
I can’t wait for the next title!
*****
Book #7 in The Misty Isle series written by J.M. Dalgliesh.
“D.I. Duncan McAdam is called to a cemetery to investigate a desecrated grave.
The deceased was the skipper of a trawler with a chequered past. Its crew all
died in mysterious circumstances. Only one crewman remains alive.
When Duncan interviews the skipper’s widow, he finds her house ransacked,
blood on the floor and a body in the boot of her car. Duncan soon realizes that
everyone on board that trawler was hiding something. And it all leads back to
one stormy night at sea years ago.”
I enjoy reading this series very much. The main characters are very well-written
with an interesting, beautiful and remote location - the Isle of Skye.
Once I begin, it’s hard to put the book down.
I can’t wait for the next title!
*****
July 4, 2026
The Missing Dead - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A historic maritime mystery set in the Scottish Isles featuring the misdeeds and misdirection from long ago, surfaces after various graves are vandalized and horrifying discoveries made, in JM Dalgliesh's The Missing Dead. DI Duncan is already struggling with family issues, when a 'dead' man's resurrection and revenge-seeking leads to some graves being assigned their correct corpses and other - new ones - being required...two of which could be Duncan's and Alistair's.
A dynamic, well-written suspense-thriller, with lots of action, great characters and an engaging storyline that draws the reader in and makes you want to read more by the author, (if you haven't already).
Grab a copy of The Missing Dead today - and avoid graveyards after dark!
A historic maritime mystery set in the Scottish Isles featuring the misdeeds and misdirection from long ago, surfaces after various graves are vandalized and horrifying discoveries made, in JM Dalgliesh's The Missing Dead. DI Duncan is already struggling with family issues, when a 'dead' man's resurrection and revenge-seeking leads to some graves being assigned their correct corpses and other - new ones - being required...two of which could be Duncan's and Alistair's.
A dynamic, well-written suspense-thriller, with lots of action, great characters and an engaging storyline that draws the reader in and makes you want to read more by the author, (if you haven't already).
Grab a copy of The Missing Dead today - and avoid graveyards after dark!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the first book I have read written by the author and I really enjoyed it! I love the fact that the weather is also part of the investigation, with the sea always in the background. It makes the novel chilly and atmospheric and a real pleasure to read. As to the police team, I like them a lot, the way they interact with each other gives a nice touch to the novel. The plot is complex, intriguing and somewhat creepy... Only towards the conclusion did I get an inkling to how it all actually summed up.... A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Skye. The police are called to the Ashaig cemetery because of a desecrated grave. But this is only the first, all were the crew of a fishing vessel which encountered an abandoned yacht eighteen years ago.
But the skipper’s widow, is discovered murdered. What did really happen 18 years ago. DI McAdam and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own
But the skipper’s widow, is discovered murdered. What did really happen 18 years ago. DI McAdam and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 6, 2026
3.5* Dragged a lot, maybe because I'm new to the series and am missing what's happened so far?
This is bogged down in Scottish life and wasn't a very entertaining read. Add in some personal drama for the lead, and I got a bit bored. Of course there was a cover-up - that much was clear from the prologue. It's normally always money or sex, and here, things took 20-odd years to unravel, with innocents sacrificed because of greed.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for my reading pleasure.
This is bogged down in Scottish life and wasn't a very entertaining read. Add in some personal drama for the lead, and I got a bit bored. Of course there was a cover-up - that much was clear from the prologue. It's normally always money or sex, and here, things took 20-odd years to unravel, with innocents sacrificed because of greed.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The latest in the Misty Isles series is an excellent read. Grebes are being desecrated on Skye, then a widow is found dead in her home, are these events linked? The graves belonged to the crew of the Aria, and the widow had been married to one of the crew. Duncan and the team dig deeper and find more confusion.
Well written as usual, full of twists and turns. My thanks to NetGalley and JM Dalgleish for the arc. Well worth reading
Well written as usual, full of twists and turns. My thanks to NetGalley and JM Dalgleish for the arc. Well worth reading
July 8, 2026
Best Murder Mystery Series - EVER!!
Even if you haven’t read the other books in the Misty Isle series (and you WILL want to after you read this one I guarantee) - each one is complete in itself so just buy it! You won’t be disappointed.
You WILL get completely immersed in this murder mystery based on the beautiful Isle of Skye. I couldn’t put it down honestly.
The evolving case being investigated by DI Duncan McCallum and his team, real characters one and all, will have you gripped from the start. The story unfolds and develops.
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful place and if you’ve never been lucky enough to visit, will surely be on your bucket list after reading this story.
I’ve never managed to figure out the end till I get there with JM Dalgleish’s books and this one is no different. Love, love, it - thanks for an other cracking tale Mr D!
Keep em coming
Even if you haven’t read the other books in the Misty Isle series (and you WILL want to after you read this one I guarantee) - each one is complete in itself so just buy it! You won’t be disappointed.
You WILL get completely immersed in this murder mystery based on the beautiful Isle of Skye. I couldn’t put it down honestly.
The evolving case being investigated by DI Duncan McCallum and his team, real characters one and all, will have you gripped from the start. The story unfolds and develops.
The Isle of Skye is a beautiful place and if you’ve never been lucky enough to visit, will surely be on your bucket list after reading this story.
I’ve never managed to figure out the end till I get there with JM Dalgleish’s books and this one is no different. Love, love, it - thanks for an other cracking tale Mr D!
Keep em coming
July 9, 2026
Excellent
I love reading these books all the books I've read by the author have me totally invoved... I have never been further than Edinburgh but can imagine what island life is like through these books the plots are really well written and keep you guessing until the end ...thank you and keep the good work ccoming
I love reading these books all the books I've read by the author have me totally invoved... I have never been further than Edinburgh but can imagine what island life is like through these books the plots are really well written and keep you guessing until the end ...thank you and keep the good work ccoming
July 2, 2026
This latest book in the Isle of Skye series surpasses the high standard already set by the author. The exciting and well thought out story swept me up from the opening paragraph. I love the fact that the places mentioned in the book are real. What a beautiful place Skye is.
July 4, 2026
The Missing Dead
Another cracking read from JM. Never sure what was happening, little snippets from the past popping up, but the storyline is excellent. Always surprising, keeping us on our toes, with such a great ending!!
Another cracking read from JM. Never sure what was happening, little snippets from the past popping up, but the storyline is excellent. Always surprising, keeping us on our toes, with such a great ending!!
July 7, 2026
surprise ending
I always enjoy JM Dalglies’s mysteries. Love the locations, the atmosphere, the storylines and characters. I’ve really enjoyed Wee Duncan and his return to his home island of Skye.
I always enjoy JM Dalglies’s mysteries. Love the locations, the atmosphere, the storylines and characters. I’ve really enjoyed Wee Duncan and his return to his home island of Skye.
July 8, 2026
D.I. Duncan McAdam had an interesting new criminal case. The whole team done an excellent work on it. What I missed in this book, was just one meaningful chat with his son Callum. That would be awesome. But I guess Callum's mom finally done the right choice at the end.
July 15, 2026
fabulous reading
Dalgleish never disappoints with his murder mysteries. I have read them all : every series! The Misty Isles are my favourites … he describes Skye so well that I have to go back!
Please hurry and write book 8 !!
Dalgleish never disappoints with his murder mysteries. I have read them all : every series! The Misty Isles are my favourites … he describes Skye so well that I have to go back!
Please hurry and write book 8 !!
July 4, 2026
Solid mystery and great to get back to this series.
July 5, 2026
AMAZING. Couldn't put it down. Such brilliant story-telling and no loose ends, which can frustratingly be the case with some authors. Shame we have to wait 6 months for the Orkney series.
July 5, 2026
Good Read
As usual an excellent read and from J M Dalgliesh He writes a very good enthralling novel Well done again
As usual an excellent read and from J M Dalgliesh He writes a very good enthralling novel Well done again
July 7, 2026
This Is An Excellent Mystery
I have read all the books in this series and have loved them all. This one was exceptionally good. Don’t overlook this one.
I have read all the books in this series and have loved them all. This one was exceptionally good. Don’t overlook this one.
July 9, 2026
Kept me glued to the book.
July 10, 2026
This was a reasonably good read. But not the best in the “Misty Isles” series. I thought it was all a bit rushed towards the end of the book.
July 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book but I did have a hard time remembering all the characters.
Review of advance copy
One of the best yet. Waiting for the next read
July 13, 2026
Another great addition to the series, great characters and there's a motto there.
July 9, 2026
I love this series but found this book confusing. Too many characters to keep track of between the crew of the 2 boats, their spouses, family members, etc. By the end I was just glad it was over. I did enjoy the character development though between Duncan, Grace, Callam and Becky.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews