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The Blackbird Conspiracy
A dead man’s secret. A government that kills to keep it. And a PI who won’t let go.
When PI Callie Munro finds her tech specialist murdered inside his fortress-like Edinburgh flat, she knows the killing wasn’t random. He let his killer in.
What he left behind is far more surveillance footage of a hit-and-run that official records insist never happened. As Callie digs deeper, witnesses begin to vanish. She suspects that a covert government operation is monitoring civilians and silencing anyone who gets too close.
With police stonewalled and a hunter closing in, Callie has no one to trust but herself. And as the conspiracy tightens around her, questions about her own past resurface—questions she has spent a lifetime trying to bury.
It’s a simple equation. Expose the conspiracy…or disappear with it.
When PI Callie Munro finds her tech specialist murdered inside his fortress-like Edinburgh flat, she knows the killing wasn’t random. He let his killer in.
What he left behind is far more surveillance footage of a hit-and-run that official records insist never happened. As Callie digs deeper, witnesses begin to vanish. She suspects that a covert government operation is monitoring civilians and silencing anyone who gets too close.
With police stonewalled and a hunter closing in, Callie has no one to trust but herself. And as the conspiracy tightens around her, questions about her own past resurface—questions she has spent a lifetime trying to bury.
It’s a simple equation. Expose the conspiracy…or disappear with it.
267 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 27, 2026
Rating 4.5⭐️
Well this was a fab second instalment of this series. I bloody love Callie as a character and found she had developed from book 1. This one was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat…. And that ending 😵💫
Well this was a fab second instalment of this series. I bloody love Callie as a character and found she had developed from book 1. This one was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat…. And that ending 😵💫
August 23, 2026
This is the second book in the Callie Munro series, and OMG, what a read! 🤯🔥
Private Investigator Callie Munro gets pulled into a dangerous case when a woman asks her to look into something that just doesn’t make any sense. 🧐 But when the people involved start turning up dead, Callie knows she has to find the answers. 🕵🏼 As she digs deeper, she uncovers a much bigger and darker conspiracy involving people who are being targeted and killed for knowing dangerous secrets. 😳
Callie soon realises she has put herself right in the middle of something far bigger than she ever expected. 🫣 But will she be able to uncover the truth and solve the case before it’s too late?! 🤔
I was absolutely hooked! 📖👀 This had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing, and there were so many moments where I was literally saying, “What the actual fuck?!” 🤣🤭 The twists kept coming, the pace was insane, and that ending left me jaw-dropped! 😱
And that bloody cliffhanger?! Tariq, how could you leave us like that?! I need book 3 nowww! 😭🔥
A massive thank you to Tariq and Tandem for gifting me a copy and letting me join this amazing readalong! ♥️ This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I absolutely loved every second! 😍
Private Investigator Callie Munro gets pulled into a dangerous case when a woman asks her to look into something that just doesn’t make any sense. 🧐 But when the people involved start turning up dead, Callie knows she has to find the answers. 🕵🏼 As she digs deeper, she uncovers a much bigger and darker conspiracy involving people who are being targeted and killed for knowing dangerous secrets. 😳
Callie soon realises she has put herself right in the middle of something far bigger than she ever expected. 🫣 But will she be able to uncover the truth and solve the case before it’s too late?! 🤔
I was absolutely hooked! 📖👀 This had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing, and there were so many moments where I was literally saying, “What the actual fuck?!” 🤣🤭 The twists kept coming, the pace was insane, and that ending left me jaw-dropped! 😱
And that bloody cliffhanger?! Tariq, how could you leave us like that?! I need book 3 nowww! 😭🔥
A massive thank you to Tariq and Tandem for gifting me a copy and letting me join this amazing readalong! ♥️ This is honestly one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I absolutely loved every second! 😍
August 21, 2026
Fast moving thriller that has it all!
Callie Munro became a Private Investigator in part to search for her parents who’d abandoned her at a homeless shelter when she was a baby.
When Callie finds her mentor, Martin Walsh shot in his ultra security protected apartment she’s shocked.
Needing to avenge Martin’s death Callie pulls out all the stops to find his killer. Except that person keeps on murdering anyone connected to a mysterious document labeled only “Blackbird”.
Great read when you want something that entertains and keeps your interest. The pace is terrific, with many unexpected twists.
I enjoyed this so much I have to go back and read #1
An Amazon UK ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Callie Munro became a Private Investigator in part to search for her parents who’d abandoned her at a homeless shelter when she was a baby.
When Callie finds her mentor, Martin Walsh shot in his ultra security protected apartment she’s shocked.
Needing to avenge Martin’s death Callie pulls out all the stops to find his killer. Except that person keeps on murdering anyone connected to a mysterious document labeled only “Blackbird”.
Great read when you want something that entertains and keeps your interest. The pace is terrific, with many unexpected twists.
I enjoyed this so much I have to go back and read #1
An Amazon UK ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
August 5, 2026
Callie is a determined and stubborn PI, out to right wrongs as a result of her time in foster care. When she finds her former mentor dead in his PI office, she must get to the bottom of who, what, and why. This leads her into dark places and into conflict with very powerful people. The audiobook is well narrated, and I listened compulsively to this excellent, multi-layered Scottish thriller. I look forward to more in the series!
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheBlackbirdConspiracy for review purposes. Publication date: 14 August 2026.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheBlackbirdConspiracy for review purposes. Publication date: 14 August 2026.
August 17, 2026
He does it again! I am loving the Callie Munro series and cannot wait for the next.
As ever Tariq Ashkanani is such a joy to read. Clear and concise, taking you on a real rollercoaster of a journey with the twists and turns. It’s so nice to read something that doesn’t have a predictable line in it!
On a personal level, living in Edinburgh, it’s so nice to finally read something that is accurate to the area. I can easily imagine where Callie is taking us around the city which I find a really lovely bonus.
Now we wait to find out what happens next, I just hope it’s not too long!!
As ever Tariq Ashkanani is such a joy to read. Clear and concise, taking you on a real rollercoaster of a journey with the twists and turns. It’s so nice to read something that doesn’t have a predictable line in it!
On a personal level, living in Edinburgh, it’s so nice to finally read something that is accurate to the area. I can easily imagine where Callie is taking us around the city which I find a really lovely bonus.
Now we wait to find out what happens next, I just hope it’s not too long!!
June 23, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC after just reading the first book in the Callie Munro series. Great thriller with Callie trying to discover who murdered her friend. She enlists the help of detective Mac to uncover the twists and turns in this thriller. Entertaining read 3.75⭐️
August 23, 2026
Banger - already looking forward to the next one.
August 25, 2026
An action-packed 2nd outing for Callie Munro. Interesting plot developments & characters. After that ending can't wait for the 3rd installment
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Tariq Ashkanani, and Brilliance Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There is always a thrill in discovering a new crime writer who feels confident in their craft from the outset. Having recently found Tariq Ashkanani's work, I was eager to see where he would take Callie Munro next, and this second outing confirms that he is an author thriller fans should be watching closely.
When Callie Munro's trusted tech specialist is found murdered inside his heavily secured Edinburgh flat, the circumstances immediately raise questions. The victim clearly knew his killer, but the answers are buried beneath layers of deception, surveillance, and official denials. What begins as a murder investigation soon evolves into something much larger, as Callie uncovers evidence that points towards a covert operation determined to keep its secrets hidden at any cost. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes.
Ashkanani excels at creating an atmosphere of unease. Edinburgh's streets, back alleys, and hidden corners provide the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in paranoia and suspicion. The sense that someone is always watching, always one step ahead, hangs over the narrative and helps build tension from the opening chapters through to the final pages.
Callie Munro continues to impress as a protagonist. She is resilient, intelligent, and relentless in her pursuit of answers, but it is her flaws and personal baggage that truly make her memorable. Her troubled past never overshadows the investigation, yet it adds emotional depth and raises the stakes whenever old wounds threaten to resurface. She feels authentic, and that authenticity anchors even the novel's most chilling moments.
The pacing is another major strength. Ashkanani keeps the story moving with short, sharp chapters and a steady stream of revelations that rarely allow the reader to become comfortable. Twists emerge naturally from the investigation rather than feeling manufactured, and while some genre conventions will be familiar to seasoned thriller readers, they are handled with enough confidence and originality to remain effective.
The novel's eagerness to impress shines on every page. The conspiracy at its heart is layered and unsettling, blending investigative thriller elements with psychological tension and political intrigue. There were moments when I felt the story was on the verge of becoming something truly exceptional, though it never quite reached the heights its strongest ideas seemed to promise. Even so, this remains a compelling and highly entertaining thriller that demonstrates just how much potential exists within both the series and its author.
With two strong novels already under his belt in this series, Tariq Ashkanani has crafted a series that continues to build momentum. Callie Munro is a character worth investing in, and I can only hope there are many more investigations waiting for her. This is a confident, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging Scottish thriller that left me eager for whatever comes next.
Kudos, Mr. Ashkanani, for a story that kept me hooked in a series I hope extends.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
There is always a thrill in discovering a new crime writer who feels confident in their craft from the outset. Having recently found Tariq Ashkanani's work, I was eager to see where he would take Callie Munro next, and this second outing confirms that he is an author thriller fans should be watching closely.
When Callie Munro's trusted tech specialist is found murdered inside his heavily secured Edinburgh flat, the circumstances immediately raise questions. The victim clearly knew his killer, but the answers are buried beneath layers of deception, surveillance, and official denials. What begins as a murder investigation soon evolves into something much larger, as Callie uncovers evidence that points towards a covert operation determined to keep its secrets hidden at any cost. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes.
Ashkanani excels at creating an atmosphere of unease. Edinburgh's streets, back alleys, and hidden corners provide the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in paranoia and suspicion. The sense that someone is always watching, always one step ahead, hangs over the narrative and helps build tension from the opening chapters through to the final pages.
Callie Munro continues to impress as a protagonist. She is resilient, intelligent, and relentless in her pursuit of answers, but it is her flaws and personal baggage that truly make her memorable. Her troubled past never overshadows the investigation, yet it adds emotional depth and raises the stakes whenever old wounds threaten to resurface. She feels authentic, and that authenticity anchors even the novel's most chilling moments.
The pacing is another major strength. Ashkanani keeps the story moving with short, sharp chapters and a steady stream of revelations that rarely allow the reader to become comfortable. Twists emerge naturally from the investigation rather than feeling manufactured, and while some genre conventions will be familiar to seasoned thriller readers, they are handled with enough confidence and originality to remain effective.
The novel's eagerness to impress shines on every page. The conspiracy at its heart is layered and unsettling, blending investigative thriller elements with psychological tension and political intrigue. There were moments when I felt the story was on the verge of becoming something truly exceptional, though it never quite reached the heights its strongest ideas seemed to promise. Even so, this remains a compelling and highly entertaining thriller that demonstrates just how much potential exists within both the series and its author.
With two strong novels already under his belt in this series, Tariq Ashkanani has crafted a series that continues to build momentum. Callie Munro is a character worth investing in, and I can only hope there are many more investigations waiting for her. This is a confident, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging Scottish thriller that left me eager for whatever comes next.
Kudos, Mr. Ashkanani, for a story that kept me hooked in a series I hope extends.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finished reading: August 4th 2026
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing / Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dead man’s secret. A government that kills to keep it. And a private investigator who won’t let it go.
When PI Callie Munro finds her technology specialist and dear friend Malcolm dead inside his fortress-like Edinburgh flat, she knows the killing wasn’t random. He must have let his killer in. But what Malcolm left behind is far more than just his surveillance equipment. Callie finds footage of a hit-and-run that official records insist never happened.
As Callie digs deeper into this incident, witnesses begin to vanish and the body count begins to mounts up. She suspects that a covert government operation is monitoring civilians and silencing anyone who gets too close. With police stonewalled and the hunter closing in, Callie has no one to trust but herself. As the conspiracy tightens around her, questions about her own past resurface - questions she has spent a lifetime trying to bury.
Callie has very little time to try to get answers and to try and keep safe. It’s a simple equation; expose the conspiracy … or disappear with it.
A dark story layered with suspicion, doubt and twist after twist involving the highest office in Scotland. Focusing on Callie and her hunt for the truth, The Blackbird Conspiracy is all from her POV and experience and had me wondering the entire way through, right up until the end of the book.
Callie is a great protagonist who we can see is driven, fearless and stubborn, but I really wanted her to win! A positive female character who knows her worth and won’t stand to be pushed about by relationships or people in power. We see her learning to lower her guard and accept help and friendship in some unlikely places as well as her desperate need for closure into her childhood. These events show why she focuses so hard on the cases she works on.
The setting of Edinburgh was also a character in its own right! As a lover of the city, it was amazing recognising lots of places TA discussed and it made the book feel so real.
Although second in the Callie Munro series, this could be a stand alone book but I would recommend reading the first book ‘The Night Watcher’ for a better understanding of characters and previous history. I’ve ordered this from Amazon so I can read this too! My first Tariq Ashkanani book and most certainly not my last! 🤩
With thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Tariq Ashkanani for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
When PI Callie Munro finds her technology specialist and dear friend Malcolm dead inside his fortress-like Edinburgh flat, she knows the killing wasn’t random. He must have let his killer in. But what Malcolm left behind is far more than just his surveillance equipment. Callie finds footage of a hit-and-run that official records insist never happened.
As Callie digs deeper into this incident, witnesses begin to vanish and the body count begins to mounts up. She suspects that a covert government operation is monitoring civilians and silencing anyone who gets too close. With police stonewalled and the hunter closing in, Callie has no one to trust but herself. As the conspiracy tightens around her, questions about her own past resurface - questions she has spent a lifetime trying to bury.
Callie has very little time to try to get answers and to try and keep safe. It’s a simple equation; expose the conspiracy … or disappear with it.
A dark story layered with suspicion, doubt and twist after twist involving the highest office in Scotland. Focusing on Callie and her hunt for the truth, The Blackbird Conspiracy is all from her POV and experience and had me wondering the entire way through, right up until the end of the book.
Callie is a great protagonist who we can see is driven, fearless and stubborn, but I really wanted her to win! A positive female character who knows her worth and won’t stand to be pushed about by relationships or people in power. We see her learning to lower her guard and accept help and friendship in some unlikely places as well as her desperate need for closure into her childhood. These events show why she focuses so hard on the cases she works on.
The setting of Edinburgh was also a character in its own right! As a lover of the city, it was amazing recognising lots of places TA discussed and it made the book feel so real.
Although second in the Callie Munro series, this could be a stand alone book but I would recommend reading the first book ‘The Night Watcher’ for a better understanding of characters and previous history. I’ve ordered this from Amazon so I can read this too! My first Tariq Ashkanani book and most certainly not my last! 🤩
With thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Tariq Ashkanani for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A murder sparked it all. But that murder has more to it than meets the eye.
In present day Scotland, PI Callie Munro discovers one of her colleagues dead, and to her shock she doesn’t know how it could have happened. The police want her to stay away from this because of past events that would cloud the issue. However, Callie can’t do that and she needs to know WHY it happened, just as much as The Who, when, where and how it could have occurred. The deeper Callie gets, the more twisted it becomes and uncovers something bigger than she expected. But she’s come too far to quit, but will this case be her end or another disaster in the making?
This was an absolutely refreshing experience away from my usual fantasy and scifi genre binges. This murder/mystery offered everything someone could want in a book. Political conspiracy? Check. Possible corruption? Check. Strategic red herrings? Check. The plot was well written, with in depth details and descriptions that made this book seem very surreal. The usage of modern day events to drive the narrative was a good choice, because it made the story more believable. I thought the murder that was the catalyst for the whole story was a good jumping point. The extensive amount of research that went into this book is plain to read and listen to. Since I got the audiobook version, the narrator was lively, engaging and did not over do the action sequences. There were no overly pitched scenes and the accent was great to hear.
However, I find that Callie is sort of bland in this book to me, she’s traumatized and has been through a lot but it doesn’t really equate to that with the reader. We find out she’s been through an ordeal but we really don’t see a lot of the aftermath of her recovery from it. Although, I liked her for the most part, she was not as interesting to me as I hoped she would be. There were also some parts of each chapter that I felt like was filler material just to take away from the onslaught of everything happening in the main plot. Even though alot happened, it felt like at times the book strayed off in several directions in an attempt to confuse the reader.
Overall, it was still a well written book, and continues right after the events of book one. My only other gripe is that this seemed to be a standalone on its own, and not marketed in an interconnected series.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced listeners arc.
In present day Scotland, PI Callie Munro discovers one of her colleagues dead, and to her shock she doesn’t know how it could have happened. The police want her to stay away from this because of past events that would cloud the issue. However, Callie can’t do that and she needs to know WHY it happened, just as much as The Who, when, where and how it could have occurred. The deeper Callie gets, the more twisted it becomes and uncovers something bigger than she expected. But she’s come too far to quit, but will this case be her end or another disaster in the making?
This was an absolutely refreshing experience away from my usual fantasy and scifi genre binges. This murder/mystery offered everything someone could want in a book. Political conspiracy? Check. Possible corruption? Check. Strategic red herrings? Check. The plot was well written, with in depth details and descriptions that made this book seem very surreal. The usage of modern day events to drive the narrative was a good choice, because it made the story more believable. I thought the murder that was the catalyst for the whole story was a good jumping point. The extensive amount of research that went into this book is plain to read and listen to. Since I got the audiobook version, the narrator was lively, engaging and did not over do the action sequences. There were no overly pitched scenes and the accent was great to hear.
However, I find that Callie is sort of bland in this book to me, she’s traumatized and has been through a lot but it doesn’t really equate to that with the reader. We find out she’s been through an ordeal but we really don’t see a lot of the aftermath of her recovery from it. Although, I liked her for the most part, she was not as interesting to me as I hoped she would be. There were also some parts of each chapter that I felt like was filler material just to take away from the onslaught of everything happening in the main plot. Even though alot happened, it felt like at times the book strayed off in several directions in an attempt to confuse the reader.
Overall, it was still a well written book, and continues right after the events of book one. My only other gripe is that this seemed to be a standalone on its own, and not marketed in an interconnected series.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advanced listeners arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s always a thrill in discovering a new thriller writer who seems completely confident in their craft from the very beginning. After recently discovering Tariq Ashkanani’s work, I was eager to see where he would take Callie Munro next—and this second outing confirms that he is an author thriller fans should be watching closely.
A dead man’s secret. A government willing to kill to keep it. And a private investigator who refuses to let it go. A murder sets everything in motion, but as Callie soon discovers, there is far more to that murder than meets the eye.
Tariq has a real talent for making Edinburgh feel as though it has secrets of its own. The city’s winding streets, shadowy closes, back alleys, and tucked-away corners become the perfect playground for a story where nothing—and no one—can quite be trusted. There is an underlying sense of menace throughout the book, the feeling that something is happening just outside Callie’s line of sight and that the people around her may not be who they appear to be.
Elle Newlands is an excellent choice as the narrator. Her delivery fits the story beautifully, bringing just the right amount of intensity and restraint to Callie’s investigation. She captures Callie’s determination and stubbornness without overplaying the drama, while allowing the darker moments to carry their own weight. Her narration adds another layer to the already unsettling atmosphere and makes it easy to get swept into Callie’s increasingly dangerous search for answers.
Without giving too much away, I particularly appreciated the way the story exposes the racist and violent actions of powerful people within the current government—individuals whose extreme nationalism has convinced them of their own superiority. It’s unsettling precisely because the attitudes and abuses of power feel disturbingly plausible.
Callie finds herself piecing together the truth with the help of journalists and a few good cops as she investigates footage of a hit-and-run that, officially, never happened. But when important witnesses begin disappearing, Callie’s stubborn determination pushes her deeper and deeper into a conspiracy that reaches far beyond a single murder.
Thank you to Tariq Ashkanani, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
A dead man’s secret. A government willing to kill to keep it. And a private investigator who refuses to let it go. A murder sets everything in motion, but as Callie soon discovers, there is far more to that murder than meets the eye.
Tariq has a real talent for making Edinburgh feel as though it has secrets of its own. The city’s winding streets, shadowy closes, back alleys, and tucked-away corners become the perfect playground for a story where nothing—and no one—can quite be trusted. There is an underlying sense of menace throughout the book, the feeling that something is happening just outside Callie’s line of sight and that the people around her may not be who they appear to be.
Elle Newlands is an excellent choice as the narrator. Her delivery fits the story beautifully, bringing just the right amount of intensity and restraint to Callie’s investigation. She captures Callie’s determination and stubbornness without overplaying the drama, while allowing the darker moments to carry their own weight. Her narration adds another layer to the already unsettling atmosphere and makes it easy to get swept into Callie’s increasingly dangerous search for answers.
Without giving too much away, I particularly appreciated the way the story exposes the racist and violent actions of powerful people within the current government—individuals whose extreme nationalism has convinced them of their own superiority. It’s unsettling precisely because the attitudes and abuses of power feel disturbingly plausible.
Callie finds herself piecing together the truth with the help of journalists and a few good cops as she investigates footage of a hit-and-run that, officially, never happened. But when important witnesses begin disappearing, Callie’s stubborn determination pushes her deeper and deeper into a conspiracy that reaches far beyond a single murder.
Thank you to Tariq Ashkanani, Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Callie Munro discovers her colleague and friend has been murdered, she's convinced he must have known his killer. As she hunts for the reason behind the attack, she uncovers a government conspiracy that puts her own life at risk.
I loved the first book in the Callie Munro series, The Night Watcher, so I approached the second book in the series with high expectations and lots of excitement. The Blackbird Conspiracy from Tariq Ashkanani turned out to be even better than the first book.
The book opens shortly after the events of the previous book. Callie is still coming to terms with the horror of what happened, but she knows she has to work if she's to survive, and work will keep her occupied. A visit to her friend Martin, who helps Callie with the technical side of her job as a private investigator, leads to the horrifying discovery of his body.
Martin's home was a fortress, so Callie is convinced he knew his killer. As she digs into possible reasons for his murder, she uncovers a video, one that someone is keen to keep secret. Callie is tenacious. As we found in the first book, she refuses to back down from anything. Her obstinacy leads her in to ever increasing danger. The writing is sparse, and as a result, the pace never lets up. I found myself holding my breath as I quickly turned the pages. Not only is Callie trying to avoid a brutal killer intent on covering up a conspiracy, but she's also staying one step ahead of the police, who have determined she's a prime suspect in her friend's murder.
Mystery surrounds Callie; she was abandoned as a baby. The quest to find her birth mother still plays a part in the storyline, but it never breaks the pace of this adrenaline-fueled thriller. The secrecy surrounding the conspiracy proves to be both shocking and entirely probable, but it's the aftermath that will leave the reader gasping as events take an extremely dark turn. I can't wait to see what happens next.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
I loved the first book in the Callie Munro series, The Night Watcher, so I approached the second book in the series with high expectations and lots of excitement. The Blackbird Conspiracy from Tariq Ashkanani turned out to be even better than the first book.
The book opens shortly after the events of the previous book. Callie is still coming to terms with the horror of what happened, but she knows she has to work if she's to survive, and work will keep her occupied. A visit to her friend Martin, who helps Callie with the technical side of her job as a private investigator, leads to the horrifying discovery of his body.
Martin's home was a fortress, so Callie is convinced he knew his killer. As she digs into possible reasons for his murder, she uncovers a video, one that someone is keen to keep secret. Callie is tenacious. As we found in the first book, she refuses to back down from anything. Her obstinacy leads her in to ever increasing danger. The writing is sparse, and as a result, the pace never lets up. I found myself holding my breath as I quickly turned the pages. Not only is Callie trying to avoid a brutal killer intent on covering up a conspiracy, but she's also staying one step ahead of the police, who have determined she's a prime suspect in her friend's murder.
Mystery surrounds Callie; she was abandoned as a baby. The quest to find her birth mother still plays a part in the storyline, but it never breaks the pace of this adrenaline-fueled thriller. The secrecy surrounding the conspiracy proves to be both shocking and entirely probable, but it's the aftermath that will leave the reader gasping as events take an extremely dark turn. I can't wait to see what happens next.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tariq Ashkanani is a solicitor in Edinburgh who has written six novels since 2021! Along the way he has received the Bloody Scotland Debut Award, the McIlvanney Prize and was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger. Not to mention another list of nominations for various mystery/thriller awards.
I had not only never read Ashkanani, but until I read The Blackbird Conspiracy, I had never heard of him. Thankfully, Netgalley offered me a read for a review, and now I plan to go back and read his other novels. You will want to read Ashkanani as well – perhaps by starting with the first PI Calle Monro novel, The Midnight Watcher, in which Calle investigates cheating spouses and stumbles upon a number of missing women cases being ignored by the police. The Blackbird Conspiracy is the second in that series, and you can read it as a standalone, but my advice is to start with the first so you don’t have to play catchup.
In the second book Calle investigates the murder of her mentor-- the first of several murders that lead boozing, junk food eating, never sleeping Calle down a step rabbit hole. Our heroine is strangely likable given her insanely bad judgment. I often do not like when main characters act recklessly, but except for a couple of “OH, Come On!” comments from me, I was with Calle on her quest.
Without giving much away, I really liked the reveal of the racist, violent actions of current government types who think their nationalism makes them superior. Callie stumbles around with the help of journalists and good cops, investigating footage of a hit-and-run that officially did not happen. And as important witnesses disappear, Calle stubborn nature leads her deeper and deeper into a growing conspiracy in well-drawn out Edinburgh.
I will be reading more of Ashkanani; and if you are an avid mystery/thriller reader, you too will want to check this new talented author.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Blackbird Conspiracy will be published on August 14, 2026.
I had not only never read Ashkanani, but until I read The Blackbird Conspiracy, I had never heard of him. Thankfully, Netgalley offered me a read for a review, and now I plan to go back and read his other novels. You will want to read Ashkanani as well – perhaps by starting with the first PI Calle Monro novel, The Midnight Watcher, in which Calle investigates cheating spouses and stumbles upon a number of missing women cases being ignored by the police. The Blackbird Conspiracy is the second in that series, and you can read it as a standalone, but my advice is to start with the first so you don’t have to play catchup.
In the second book Calle investigates the murder of her mentor-- the first of several murders that lead boozing, junk food eating, never sleeping Calle down a step rabbit hole. Our heroine is strangely likable given her insanely bad judgment. I often do not like when main characters act recklessly, but except for a couple of “OH, Come On!” comments from me, I was with Calle on her quest.
Without giving much away, I really liked the reveal of the racist, violent actions of current government types who think their nationalism makes them superior. Callie stumbles around with the help of journalists and good cops, investigating footage of a hit-and-run that officially did not happen. And as important witnesses disappear, Calle stubborn nature leads her deeper and deeper into a growing conspiracy in well-drawn out Edinburgh.
I will be reading more of Ashkanani; and if you are an avid mystery/thriller reader, you too will want to check this new talented author.
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.
The Blackbird Conspiracy will be published on August 14, 2026.
August 18, 2026
4.5⭐️💫 When PI Callie Munro finds her tech specialist murdered inside his fortress-like Edinburgh flat, she knows the killing wasn’t random. He let his killer in. What he left behind is far more dangerous: surveillance footage of a hit-and-run that official records insist never happened. As Callie digs deeper, witnesses begin to vanish. She suspects that a covert government operation is monitoring civilians and silencing anyone who gets too close. With police stonewalled and a hunter closing in, Callie has no one to trust but herself. And as the conspiracy tightens around her, questions about her own past resurface—questions she has spent a lifetime trying to bury. It’s a simple equation. Expose the conspiracy…or disappear with it.
It’s safe to say that pretty much none of us stuck to the readalong schedule for this one, it was just too difficult to stop reading on to find out what came next!
I haven’t read the first book in this series but there are explanations in relation to how previous content in that book relate to events happening now, this meant I never felt that I was missing out on anything and is one that can be read as a standalone.
Callie is a fabulous character, she has that tough outer edge but with an underlying emotional side that makes her easy for the reader to connect with. Alongside the case she’s trying to solve it was really interesting to see her delve into her past and I feel this is definitely something that will continue through the series.
This is a fast-paced read that I completely devoured, the writing is intense and perfectly plotted, with the short chapters making it way too easy to keep turning those pages. And oh my god that ending!!! Seriously, I need to know what happens next! I am already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, let the countdown begin!
It’s safe to say that pretty much none of us stuck to the readalong schedule for this one, it was just too difficult to stop reading on to find out what came next!
I haven’t read the first book in this series but there are explanations in relation to how previous content in that book relate to events happening now, this meant I never felt that I was missing out on anything and is one that can be read as a standalone.
Callie is a fabulous character, she has that tough outer edge but with an underlying emotional side that makes her easy for the reader to connect with. Alongside the case she’s trying to solve it was really interesting to see her delve into her past and I feel this is definitely something that will continue through the series.
This is a fast-paced read that I completely devoured, the writing is intense and perfectly plotted, with the short chapters making it way too easy to keep turning those pages. And oh my god that ending!!! Seriously, I need to know what happens next! I am already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, let the countdown begin!
Review of advance copy
The Blackbird Conspiracy is an intelligent, fast-paced thriller that delivers suspense from the very first chapter and refuses to let go until its final shocking reveal.
What impressed me most was the way Tariq Ashkanani carefully builds layer upon layer of mystery, revealing just enough information to keep the reader constantly questioning what is really happening. Every twist felt earned, and the conspiracy at the centre of the story unfolded with remarkable precision.
The protagonist is believable, determined, and refreshingly flawed, making it easy to become invested in every decision they make. Rather than relying on an invincible hero, the novel presents a character whose vulnerabilities add genuine emotional weight to the story. The antagonist is equally compelling, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps the stakes consistently high.
The pacing is relentless. Short chapters, sharp dialogue, and frequent cliffhangers make this a genuine page-turner that is difficult to put down. The atmosphere is cinematic throughout, creating an underlying sense of paranoia and tension that perfectly suits the conspiracy thriller genre.
If I had one minor criticism, it would be that the number of twists occasionally required a little extra concentration, and I would have enjoyed slightly more development for a few of the supporting characters. However, these are only small observations in what is otherwise a thoroughly gripping novel.
Overall, The Blackbird Conspiracy is a suspenseful, intelligently constructed thriller with memorable characters, high emotional stakes, and an ending that lingers long after the final page. I would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy conspiracy thrillers, psychological suspense, and tightly plotted mysteries.
What impressed me most was the way Tariq Ashkanani carefully builds layer upon layer of mystery, revealing just enough information to keep the reader constantly questioning what is really happening. Every twist felt earned, and the conspiracy at the centre of the story unfolded with remarkable precision.
The protagonist is believable, determined, and refreshingly flawed, making it easy to become invested in every decision they make. Rather than relying on an invincible hero, the novel presents a character whose vulnerabilities add genuine emotional weight to the story. The antagonist is equally compelling, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic that keeps the stakes consistently high.
The pacing is relentless. Short chapters, sharp dialogue, and frequent cliffhangers make this a genuine page-turner that is difficult to put down. The atmosphere is cinematic throughout, creating an underlying sense of paranoia and tension that perfectly suits the conspiracy thriller genre.
If I had one minor criticism, it would be that the number of twists occasionally required a little extra concentration, and I would have enjoyed slightly more development for a few of the supporting characters. However, these are only small observations in what is otherwise a thoroughly gripping novel.
Overall, The Blackbird Conspiracy is a suspenseful, intelligently constructed thriller with memorable characters, high emotional stakes, and an ending that lingers long after the final page. I would happily recommend it to readers who enjoy conspiracy thrillers, psychological suspense, and tightly plotted mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5* Struggling to think of a title for one of my best reads this year. It's beautifully British, believable, and it ends in a way that makes me impatient for book 3.
This picks up immediately where book 1 ends, with the police and Callie trying to figure out her mentor's murder. And there's more death. Senseless death, it seems until someone presumed dead happens not to be and Blackbird comes to light.
The author's drawn on some of the frankly shit, abominable, unpalatable, racist, private militia stuff that's come out in that orange twat's 2nd administration in the formerly decent US of A, now more so the plaything of said orange twat. It's only a small part of the tale but it's the thing that set things into motion, with an abuse of power - or maybe a head trip - and political lies and eventual cover-up. It's utterly believable and dovetailed.
Callie's her usual self - boozing, smoking, junk eating, but wised-up to Richard, despite her guilt at their shared trauma. Because of him she ends up indebted to someone who'll exact their price one day, and that'll make for a smoking start to book 3. And that's without the discovery she makes that's Callie-years overdue. And, without the loss that this book ends in, just as she thought a door might be being opened. Or, is it an opening and closure of sorts? Can't wait for the next.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.
This picks up immediately where book 1 ends, with the police and Callie trying to figure out her mentor's murder. And there's more death. Senseless death, it seems until someone presumed dead happens not to be and Blackbird comes to light.
The author's drawn on some of the frankly shit, abominable, unpalatable, racist, private militia stuff that's come out in that orange twat's 2nd administration in the formerly decent US of A, now more so the plaything of said orange twat. It's only a small part of the tale but it's the thing that set things into motion, with an abuse of power - or maybe a head trip - and political lies and eventual cover-up. It's utterly believable and dovetailed.
Callie's her usual self - boozing, smoking, junk eating, but wised-up to Richard, despite her guilt at their shared trauma. Because of him she ends up indebted to someone who'll exact their price one day, and that'll make for a smoking start to book 3. And that's without the discovery she makes that's Callie-years overdue. And, without the loss that this book ends in, just as she thought a door might be being opened. Or, is it an opening and closure of sorts? Can't wait for the next.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fine installment in the Callie Munro series, but one that didn't rise to the level of The Night Watcher for me.
The Night Watcher, the first in the series, ends with the cliffhanger of Callie finding a dead body, and the Blackbird Conspiracy (at long last!) explores that suspected murder.
I have been waiting for this book since I finished The Night Watcher, to answer the question of why that person was found dead. And for the first half or so, I was on the edge of my seat, following a twisted web as more and more people were connected to the crime.
But I'm afraid the ending to this one just doesn't hold up for me.
I like Elle Newlands as a narrator for this series. There are a few pickups that aren't integrated as well as they could be, but not so many as to take me out of the story.
Overall, not a fave, but I will certainly be interested in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for a free ALC of this title for review.
The Night Watcher, the first in the series, ends with the cliffhanger of Callie finding a dead body, and the Blackbird Conspiracy (at long last!) explores that suspected murder.
I have been waiting for this book since I finished The Night Watcher, to answer the question of why that person was found dead. And for the first half or so, I was on the edge of my seat, following a twisted web as more and more people were connected to the crime.
But I'm afraid the ending to this one just doesn't hold up for me.
I like Elle Newlands as a narrator for this series. There are a few pickups that aren't integrated as well as they could be, but not so many as to take me out of the story.
Overall, not a fave, but I will certainly be interested in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for a free ALC of this title for review.
August 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
The second instalment in the Callie Munro series picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Private investigator Callie is back and determined to find out what happened to her friend Martin. However, she soon realises that whatever Martin was involved in, someone else is determined to keep it hidden…
The short chapters kept the pace moving, and I absolutely flew through this one! I really enjoyed being back with Callie, and I particularly enjoyed the PI twist in this series compared to the more traditional police procedurals.
I must admit, I was expecting a little more from the conspiracy, especially after such a brilliant build-up around what people were trying to hide. I would have loved a few more pages to really explore that side of the story and give it a little more depth. That said, I definitely couldn’t predict where everything was heading, and it kept me guessing right until the end!
I also really enjoyed seeing Callie and Mac’s relationship develop throughout this one. I was, however, very disappointed that Callie didn’t make it to the Christmas Markets!
It was also fantastic to see Eddie return. I would have loved to see even more of him, but I think this book does a brilliant job of setting up his involvement and presence for the next instalment. I’m really excited to see where his story goes next!
Overall, another really enjoyable instalment, with plenty to keep me invested and looking forward to the next book!
The second instalment in the Callie Munro series picks up shortly after the events of the first book. Private investigator Callie is back and determined to find out what happened to her friend Martin. However, she soon realises that whatever Martin was involved in, someone else is determined to keep it hidden…
The short chapters kept the pace moving, and I absolutely flew through this one! I really enjoyed being back with Callie, and I particularly enjoyed the PI twist in this series compared to the more traditional police procedurals.
I must admit, I was expecting a little more from the conspiracy, especially after such a brilliant build-up around what people were trying to hide. I would have loved a few more pages to really explore that side of the story and give it a little more depth. That said, I definitely couldn’t predict where everything was heading, and it kept me guessing right until the end!
I also really enjoyed seeing Callie and Mac’s relationship develop throughout this one. I was, however, very disappointed that Callie didn’t make it to the Christmas Markets!
It was also fantastic to see Eddie return. I would have loved to see even more of him, but I think this book does a brilliant job of setting up his involvement and presence for the next instalment. I’m really excited to see where his story goes next!
Overall, another really enjoyable instalment, with plenty to keep me invested and looking forward to the next book!
August 21, 2026
The Blackbird Conspiracy, the second Callie Munro book, picks up very soon after the conclusion of The Night Watcher. Our story starts with a flashback to how Callie met her work associate, and maybe friend, Martin; who died at the end of the previous book. The events of Callie’s close encounter with her own mortality are still, understandably, having a huge impact on her, and also those around her.
While Callie, a PI, is still processing, and investigating, Martin’s death, she stumbles into further dangerous territory, while chasing the truth.
The pacing of the book is good, and pared with the short chapters, it gives a quick compulsive read. The twists and turns are sharp, and present until the very last page.
I really like Callie, and appreciate her gutsy, if sometimes impulsive, character. This instalment also gives a tantalising new insight into her own personal history, which I am so eager to read more of.
As for the last chapter, what a cliffhanger. I turned the page to read the next chapter, and found the acknowledgements! The author, Tariq Ashkanani, has 100% guaranteed that I will be ready and waiting for the third Callie book, whenever that may be published. I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
Both The Blackbird Conspiracy and The Night Watcher are included on audio with Kindle Unlimited, which gives fantastic value. I highly recommend both books for fans of a good Scottish crime series.
While Callie, a PI, is still processing, and investigating, Martin’s death, she stumbles into further dangerous territory, while chasing the truth.
The pacing of the book is good, and pared with the short chapters, it gives a quick compulsive read. The twists and turns are sharp, and present until the very last page.
I really like Callie, and appreciate her gutsy, if sometimes impulsive, character. This instalment also gives a tantalising new insight into her own personal history, which I am so eager to read more of.
As for the last chapter, what a cliffhanger. I turned the page to read the next chapter, and found the acknowledgements! The author, Tariq Ashkanani, has 100% guaranteed that I will be ready and waiting for the third Callie book, whenever that may be published. I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
Both The Blackbird Conspiracy and The Night Watcher are included on audio with Kindle Unlimited, which gives fantastic value. I highly recommend both books for fans of a good Scottish crime series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fast-paced Scottish crime novel? Yes please! The Blackbird Conspiracy captured my attention and kept it the whole time.
PI Callie enters her friend and tech specialist’s VERY secure flat only to find him murdered in cold blood. And she’s determined to get to the bottom of what happened. But, in doing that, what is she stepping into? Something much more complex than she thought. Dark. Somehow involving the government and a cover up and powerful people…
So the mystery/crime angle is fast-paced and thrilling, and Callie herself is also an interesting character. Abandoned at birth at an orphanage, she’s trying to piece some of her past together, but that brings some pain with it too.
Callie is so strong and driven, determined to find answers and uncover whatever devious plot is going on, even if it puts her in danger. I really resonated with how she went about analyzing everything and putting the pieces together, and watching out for people too.
I loved it, but think I probably would have loved it even more if I’d read the first book in the series. I felt like maybe I missed too much. The writing style was sharp and high-quality, perfect for a crime novel. It really sets the tense tone and vibes. I’ll definitely be reading more of Tariq Ashkanani’s books.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
PI Callie enters her friend and tech specialist’s VERY secure flat only to find him murdered in cold blood. And she’s determined to get to the bottom of what happened. But, in doing that, what is she stepping into? Something much more complex than she thought. Dark. Somehow involving the government and a cover up and powerful people…
So the mystery/crime angle is fast-paced and thrilling, and Callie herself is also an interesting character. Abandoned at birth at an orphanage, she’s trying to piece some of her past together, but that brings some pain with it too.
Callie is so strong and driven, determined to find answers and uncover whatever devious plot is going on, even if it puts her in danger. I really resonated with how she went about analyzing everything and putting the pieces together, and watching out for people too.
I loved it, but think I probably would have loved it even more if I’d read the first book in the series. I felt like maybe I missed too much. The writing style was sharp and high-quality, perfect for a crime novel. It really sets the tense tone and vibes. I’ll definitely be reading more of Tariq Ashkanani’s books.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Brillance for an Advanced Listener's Copy of this book.
Callie Munro is such a person, which happens less than you'd imagined in crime fiction. I think the book offers up twist upon twist and gets you invested even if you didn't think you particularly cared for any of the characters here. I love aloof female protagonists, even if it's a bit of a cliché, because you often see them teeter on the edge of self preservation and keeping faith in a dangerous world, especially when they're in this kind of world. It's what makes crime so comforting to so many of us, and Callie is just one of us. You want to believe in her best faith reads of the world, and this book proves her right exactly half the time- as it is in real life. I tried looking for the first volume of her adventures even as I started reading this one, I want to know it all, but it's a difficult series to come by. I think I'm invested, it's been a while since I found a writer with such a novel perspective and voice in crime thrillers. A Scottish Camilla Låckberg almost, which brings into question how much crime actually happens in small to medium size cities because the sheer number of violent crimes that need to be committed to keep these series going is eventually going to not pass the sniff test. And as long as I'm able to suspend my disbelief, I'm locked in.
Callie Munro is such a person, which happens less than you'd imagined in crime fiction. I think the book offers up twist upon twist and gets you invested even if you didn't think you particularly cared for any of the characters here. I love aloof female protagonists, even if it's a bit of a cliché, because you often see them teeter on the edge of self preservation and keeping faith in a dangerous world, especially when they're in this kind of world. It's what makes crime so comforting to so many of us, and Callie is just one of us. You want to believe in her best faith reads of the world, and this book proves her right exactly half the time- as it is in real life. I tried looking for the first volume of her adventures even as I started reading this one, I want to know it all, but it's a difficult series to come by. I think I'm invested, it's been a while since I found a writer with such a novel perspective and voice in crime thrillers. A Scottish Camilla Låckberg almost, which brings into question how much crime actually happens in small to medium size cities because the sheer number of violent crimes that need to be committed to keep these series going is eventually going to not pass the sniff test. And as long as I'm able to suspend my disbelief, I'm locked in.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the first book in this series, so I was super excited to get the second book. The story picks up pretty much where the first book left off. I was immediately reminded why I was so pissed at the ending of the first book (and I mean that in a good way). As writers, we are often asked what is the worst thing that can happen to our characters, then told to write that while twisting the knife a little more. The first book definitely did that. The second one does it even more, and you don’t even realize it until it lands in your lap—not once, but twice. I love Callie’s character because she’s so incredibly damaged and you feel so much for her that you automatically excuse her lack of social graces. She’s like that one friend that you ask yourself how life could possibly get any worse for her. But she still manages to get dragged into all these terrible situations, and not all due to her PI career. Describing this book as a page turner would be an understatement. My head was already spinning by the end. But that ending? I can predict a lot of endings, but I did NOT see that one coming! I think I actually said “what the f—-!”I can’t wait to read the next one because Callie is in a situation she will be hard-pressed to get out of!
Huge thanks to Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
August 4, 2026
The Blackbird Conspiracy is book two in the P.I. Callie Munro series by Tariq Ashkanani. I have not read the first book in the series, but the author cleverly written some information what went from the first book into the second, so you got an idea of the previous story line.
Callie is still suffering some trauma from her previous case, but she must work. So, she visits her friend Martin who is a tech generous who lives in a fortress to help with her case. But news the day finds that Martin has being found dead expected suicide. But Callie knows that is not the case. So, she starts digging and puts herself in danger. There is a government cover up and all the people which are associated with it are found dead.
I have heard good things about this author, and I do have a kindle copy of the first book in this series which I am yet to read. So, I was looking forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed. This is a fantastic read, a tense twisty thriller that I couldn’t get enough of. I like the character of Callie. She is a unique likeable character, that has her own flaws. But she is good at her job.
I loved the ending of this story which was not expecting at all, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. In the meantime, I will read book 1. 5 stars from me.
Callie is still suffering some trauma from her previous case, but she must work. So, she visits her friend Martin who is a tech generous who lives in a fortress to help with her case. But news the day finds that Martin has being found dead expected suicide. But Callie knows that is not the case. So, she starts digging and puts herself in danger. There is a government cover up and all the people which are associated with it are found dead.
I have heard good things about this author, and I do have a kindle copy of the first book in this series which I am yet to read. So, I was looking forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed. This is a fantastic read, a tense twisty thriller that I couldn’t get enough of. I like the character of Callie. She is a unique likeable character, that has her own flaws. But she is good at her job.
I loved the ending of this story which was not expecting at all, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. In the meantime, I will read book 1. 5 stars from me.
August 16, 2026
The Blackbird Conspiracy is a fast-paced thriller about a Scottish private investigator looking into a friend’s murder and stumbling into multiple murders and a government conspiracy. Callie, the flawed and compelling main character, is a fearless PI who discovers her friend and tech advisor Malcolm dead in his home from a gunshot wound. The story takes off after Malcolm’s murder and does not let go until the end.
I read this book as a standalone, though she references her recent experiences multiple times in this book, so it would be helpful to read the entire series. More murders keep happening, a journalist is attacked and left for dead, and all signs are pointing Callie to the government. With the help of Zoe, the recovering journalist, they uncover the truth about a government effort to track its citizens using private contractors. The story twists and turns and feels very sinister. In this day and age, government surveillance is a frightening yet all too common occurrence.
Overall, I enjoyed this thriller, though I would have liked to connect more with Callie. I also would have liked the mystery to reveal itself more slowly and in more detail. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I read this book as a standalone, though she references her recent experiences multiple times in this book, so it would be helpful to read the entire series. More murders keep happening, a journalist is attacked and left for dead, and all signs are pointing Callie to the government. With the help of Zoe, the recovering journalist, they uncover the truth about a government effort to track its citizens using private contractors. The story twists and turns and feels very sinister. In this day and age, government surveillance is a frightening yet all too common occurrence.
Overall, I enjoyed this thriller, though I would have liked to connect more with Callie. I also would have liked the mystery to reveal itself more slowly and in more detail. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There's nothing better than finding a new author you love.
Tariq Ashkanani is not a new author, actually. I think this is his 6th novel. His other books don't seem to have been released in Canada though he's an award-winning writer in his native Scotland.
The Blackbird Conspiracy in the second book in the Callie Munro series. I usually try to read books in series order but Ashkanani does a good job of recapping the events of the first book.
Callie Munro is a plucky private investigator in Edinburgh. Dealing with trauma from a previous case, she decides to investigate a more personal case--the mystery of her own life. Abandoned as a newborn at a shelter she is running out of time. The shelter is permanently closing and she is going to lose access to the people who worked there when she was found and any records from the time.
When Callie's mentor and friend is murdered, however, she has another crime to solve.
The book is well-written. Callie is an engaging character. Some readers might be disturbed by the violence.
The book ends on a cliffhanger--something that usually annoys me. In this case however, I can't wait for the third Callie Munro book.
Tariq Ashkanani is not a new author, actually. I think this is his 6th novel. His other books don't seem to have been released in Canada though he's an award-winning writer in his native Scotland.
The Blackbird Conspiracy in the second book in the Callie Munro series. I usually try to read books in series order but Ashkanani does a good job of recapping the events of the first book.
Callie Munro is a plucky private investigator in Edinburgh. Dealing with trauma from a previous case, she decides to investigate a more personal case--the mystery of her own life. Abandoned as a newborn at a shelter she is running out of time. The shelter is permanently closing and she is going to lose access to the people who worked there when she was found and any records from the time.
When Callie's mentor and friend is murdered, however, she has another crime to solve.
The book is well-written. Callie is an engaging character. Some readers might be disturbed by the violence.
The book ends on a cliffhanger--something that usually annoys me. In this case however, I can't wait for the third Callie Munro book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to preview The Blackbird Conspiracy. I received a copy of The Night Watcher, the first volume in the Callie Munro series as a Prime Read, and enjoyed this private inspector with the troubled past and tenacity to put the disparate pieces together to solve a case. Along the way, bumps, bruises and bullying don't discourage her from seeing things through until the very end. A teaser there served as a bridge to what she would be investigating next.
Fast forward to this volume, as Callie not only picks up the pieces from The Night Watcher but investigates who killer her tech specialist and why, she soon realizes that something bigger is going on after bodies start to drop. With her skillset and continued drive, through more spills, chills and close calls, you can be assured she'll figure it all out and the bad guys will pay.
While I enjoyed this volume and the plot developments throughout, the ending and it's teaser for the next book didn't resonate as well as The Night Watcher ending, which left me scratching my head a bit. That said, it still whet my appetite for what comes next for this intrepid PI who doesn't take no for an answer.
Fast forward to this volume, as Callie not only picks up the pieces from The Night Watcher but investigates who killer her tech specialist and why, she soon realizes that something bigger is going on after bodies start to drop. With her skillset and continued drive, through more spills, chills and close calls, you can be assured she'll figure it all out and the bad guys will pay.
While I enjoyed this volume and the plot developments throughout, the ending and it's teaser for the next book didn't resonate as well as The Night Watcher ending, which left me scratching my head a bit. That said, it still whet my appetite for what comes next for this intrepid PI who doesn't take no for an answer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"A Hell of a Story"! How far would you go to uncover the truth when the murder of your friend points to a dangerous cover-up?
Tariq Ashkanani solidifies his status as a standout crime writer in this gripping second outing for Private Investigator Callie Munro.
When Callie's surveillance expert, trusted friend and mentor, is found murdered inside his fortified Edinburgh flat, what starts as a tragic investigation quickly unravels into a dangerous web of covert operations, political cover ups, and silenced witnesses.
Ashkanani makes full use of Edinburgh's shadowy streets to build an atmosphere dripping with paranoia and tension.
Unexpected twists keep the pacing relentless and I was turning the pages into the wee small hours. Munro shines as a flawed, authentic lead whose tragic history blends with the story's most chilling moments, while her determination to expose the truth never lets up.
I was chuffed to bits to see Mac return, and the final pages left me desperate to get my hands on book three.
Confident, atmospheric, and fast paced, this is a must read for crime thriller fans.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC.
Tariq Ashkanani solidifies his status as a standout crime writer in this gripping second outing for Private Investigator Callie Munro.
When Callie's surveillance expert, trusted friend and mentor, is found murdered inside his fortified Edinburgh flat, what starts as a tragic investigation quickly unravels into a dangerous web of covert operations, political cover ups, and silenced witnesses.
Ashkanani makes full use of Edinburgh's shadowy streets to build an atmosphere dripping with paranoia and tension.
Unexpected twists keep the pacing relentless and I was turning the pages into the wee small hours. Munro shines as a flawed, authentic lead whose tragic history blends with the story's most chilling moments, while her determination to expose the truth never lets up.
I was chuffed to bits to see Mac return, and the final pages left me desperate to get my hands on book three.
Confident, atmospheric, and fast paced, this is a must read for crime thriller fans.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC.
June 7, 2026
Callie Munro is back and finds herself in the middle of another mess. Callie’s friend and mentor has been murdered and the police have no leads…twelve days, a funeral, and nothing. Callie knows that if her friend’s murder is going to be solved she’s going to have to do something about it. Starting her investigation Callie is lead down rabbit holes that twist and turn with shocking and sometimes deadly consequences. Callie seems to be a magnet for trouble, but this time she might be in over her head.
This was a fantastic follow-up to the first novel that introduced our feisty and stubborn PI Callie Munro. Callie is one of those characters that’s easy to root for and then has you on the edge of your seat with consequences of her decisions. This was a great story and kept the momentum of the first book going. It never slowed down and just when you thought you’d figured everything out…twist…you’re wrong! This was great, and I’m looking forward to the next book! Can’t wait for more Callie!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my honest review.
This was a fantastic follow-up to the first novel that introduced our feisty and stubborn PI Callie Munro. Callie is one of those characters that’s easy to root for and then has you on the edge of your seat with consequences of her decisions. This was a great story and kept the momentum of the first book going. It never slowed down and just when you thought you’d figured everything out…twist…you’re wrong! This was great, and I’m looking forward to the next book! Can’t wait for more Callie!
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my honest review.
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