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Inspector McLean #6
The Damage Done
No good deed goes unpunished...
When a police raid in Edinburgh goes horribly wrong, the only silver lining for Inspector Tony McLean is a discovery that could lead to a long-lost girl from his early days on the beat.
Haunted by the mystery of what happened to her, McLean begins to dig into a case he thought long buried.
But the shadows of the past are soon eclipsed by crimes in the present as a series of strange and gruesome deaths shock the city.
As McLean's investigation draws him ever deeper into the upper echelons of Edinburgh society, it will not only be his career on the line - but his life as well...
Praise for James Oswald
'The new Ian Rankin'
Daily Record
'Oswald's writing is in a class above'
Express
'Creepy gritty and gruesome'
Sunday Mirror
When a police raid in Edinburgh goes horribly wrong, the only silver lining for Inspector Tony McLean is a discovery that could lead to a long-lost girl from his early days on the beat.
Haunted by the mystery of what happened to her, McLean begins to dig into a case he thought long buried.
But the shadows of the past are soon eclipsed by crimes in the present as a series of strange and gruesome deaths shock the city.
As McLean's investigation draws him ever deeper into the upper echelons of Edinburgh society, it will not only be his career on the line - but his life as well...
Praise for James Oswald
'The new Ian Rankin'
Daily Record
'Oswald's writing is in a class above'
Express
'Creepy gritty and gruesome'
Sunday Mirror
464 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2016
109 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 3, 2017
This is the sixth in the DI Tony McLean series set in Edinburgh. In this one DS Ritchie joins Tony at the Sexual Crimes Unit at the point of carrying out vice raid on a suspected brothel. However, the raid is a failure when it becomes clear that what they have is a private swingers party, suggesting there was a tip off. Tony recognises a woman, Heather Marchmont, but for the life of him cannot think where from. Surprisingly, it takes him much longer to place her than I would have expected. The police hierarchy want him to drop the investigation leaving him wondering why. Tony is frustrated as his witnesses are dying as a series of gruesome deaths take place in the city, such as the death of a salesman. Tony's refusal to let the investigation go leads to him being transferred to the Cold Case Unit run by the retired Chief Superintendent Daguid, with whom he now has a more comfortable relationship. They pursue an old cold case from when McLean was a lowly beat cop. Tony also finds himself unsettled as he reconnects and works with Jo Dalgleish, the reporter. In a case that takes in child abuse, prostitution, conspiracies, police corruption, and the activities of the rich and privileged, once again Tony's faces life threatening danger. There is the usual low key element of the supernatural in the story. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
March 1, 2016
An Edinburgh police vice squad raid goes embarrassingly wrong when the house they raid is not a brothel, but a private home. However, it seems that the people there seem to be having sex (kinky sex in a cage kind of sex), but it's not illegal. But, there is something about the place that is familiar with Tony McLean, it reminds him of a case when he was a young cop.
My mother read the first book a little while ago and she loved it. So, I didn't hesitate when I got the chance to read this one. Strangely enough, I had some problem getting really into the story which confused me since I couldn't really find anything faulty with the tale. It felt more like there was just something about the story that just didn't work for me. I'm thinking the case, sex crimes aren't really my favorite book subject. And, I felt like I kept waiting for the story to take off, but it never did. I was actually on the verge of giving up. But, instead, I closed the book, well closed my Ipad and decided to continue the next day.
And, the next day the book started to work, either a break was what I needed or the book's story took off. It's probably a combination I was a bit tired at the end the day before. Anyway, the last around 160 sides of the book was quite enjoyable and the ending was intriguing. And, after I read the book did I ask my mother if there is anything supernatural going on in the book she had read and sure it was. And, that explained a lot that mystified me during the time I read the book.
The case was in a way interesting, but it felt like it took forever for Tony McLean to figure things out. I kept waiting for him to realize who the Heather was and it was frustrating to read about how he knew he had seen her before, but couldn't place her. It just took a bit too long time for the penny to drop. The case got better when Tony and the rest figured out the connection a cold case had with the deaths in the present. And, now thinking back to the story with knowledge about the paranormal aspect of the story makes some things that happened so much more sense. Especially the confrontation towards the end,
The book and I had a shaky start, I was thinking of giving up, but I prevailed and I was rewarded with a book that in the end turned out to be quite good. I'm looking forward to reading the first book in the series.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
My mother read the first book a little while ago and she loved it. So, I didn't hesitate when I got the chance to read this one. Strangely enough, I had some problem getting really into the story which confused me since I couldn't really find anything faulty with the tale. It felt more like there was just something about the story that just didn't work for me. I'm thinking the case, sex crimes aren't really my favorite book subject. And, I felt like I kept waiting for the story to take off, but it never did. I was actually on the verge of giving up. But, instead, I closed the book, well closed my Ipad and decided to continue the next day.
And, the next day the book started to work, either a break was what I needed or the book's story took off. It's probably a combination I was a bit tired at the end the day before. Anyway, the last around 160 sides of the book was quite enjoyable and the ending was intriguing. And, after I read the book did I ask my mother if there is anything supernatural going on in the book she had read and sure it was. And, that explained a lot that mystified me during the time I read the book.
The case was in a way interesting, but it felt like it took forever for Tony McLean to figure things out. I kept waiting for him to realize who the Heather was and it was frustrating to read about how he knew he had seen her before, but couldn't place her. It just took a bit too long time for the penny to drop. The case got better when Tony and the rest figured out the connection a cold case had with the deaths in the present. And, now thinking back to the story with knowledge about the paranormal aspect of the story makes some things that happened so much more sense. Especially the confrontation towards the end,
The book and I had a shaky start, I was thinking of giving up, but I prevailed and I was rewarded with a book that in the end turned out to be quite good. I'm looking forward to reading the first book in the series.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
March 4, 2017
This is the 6th book in the Inspector McLean series by James Oswald and I am struggling to find anything different to say in praise of these books. "The Damage Done" is more of the same, great characters, well paced stories and plenty of sub plots to keep you interested, in fact every ingredient needed to keep a series of books going. These books feature a small amount of supernatural throughout and for me personally is just about right.
This novel has McLean working at the Sexual Crimes Unit and carrying out a raid on a suspected brothel that turns into an embarrassment when it becomes evident that they have raided a private swingers party. When McLean refuses to let the case drop, insisting there was a tip off, he is transferred to the Cold Case Unit run by the retired Chief Superintendent Daguid who he has had less than an enjoyable relationship with previously. They look in to an old cold case from when McLean was a young policeman and make some startling discoveries. McLean's life is threatened when this case that featuring child abuse, police corruption and prostitution reaches a climax.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This novel has McLean working at the Sexual Crimes Unit and carrying out a raid on a suspected brothel that turns into an embarrassment when it becomes evident that they have raided a private swingers party. When McLean refuses to let the case drop, insisting there was a tip off, he is transferred to the Cold Case Unit run by the retired Chief Superintendent Daguid who he has had less than an enjoyable relationship with previously. They look in to an old cold case from when McLean was a young policeman and make some startling discoveries. McLean's life is threatened when this case that featuring child abuse, police corruption and prostitution reaches a climax.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2017
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is because of the supernatural aspect, it's just a small sprinkling but it works well and helps build Tony's character and the stories.
I don't know how to tag someone else's review in my own review but if I did I would tell you all to check out Gary's reviews of this series as he rocks!!
How Tony manages to work with some of these idiots I will never know, I'm surprised he's not hit one of them yet. The ongoing politics, the secrets and the lies flying about makes you wonder why no-one wears a hard hat in the police station.
Still loving this series and need more!!
*Huge thanks to James Oswald, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
I don't know how to tag someone else's review in my own review but if I did I would tell you all to check out Gary's reviews of this series as he rocks!!
How Tony manages to work with some of these idiots I will never know, I'm surprised he's not hit one of them yet. The ongoing politics, the secrets and the lies flying about makes you wonder why no-one wears a hard hat in the police station.
Still loving this series and need more!!
*Huge thanks to James Oswald, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
January 3, 2018
I can't rave about this series enough and The Damage Done is a fine addition to it. Hugely atmospheric and both chilly and warm at the same time. How I love Inspector McLean...
April 12, 2017
James Oswald was originally a fantasy author, so it's hardly surprising that his forays into crime fiction with DCI Tony McLean (this is the sixth) feature a slight supernatural element. It is perhaps more pronounced here than in the five previous books.
The start of the novel finds McLean working in the Sexual Crimes Unit, but, when a raid on a suspected brothel goes wrong, he becomes the scapegoat and is transferred to the Cold Case Squad. However, the crime he and his former boss Superintendant Charles Duguid begin investigating there leads them back to suspected brothel case and a mysterious woman called Heather Marchmont.
A highly absorbing and disturbing tale that takes in child abuse, police and political corruption and conspiracy theories.
The start of the novel finds McLean working in the Sexual Crimes Unit, but, when a raid on a suspected brothel goes wrong, he becomes the scapegoat and is transferred to the Cold Case Squad. However, the crime he and his former boss Superintendant Charles Duguid begin investigating there leads them back to suspected brothel case and a mysterious woman called Heather Marchmont.
A highly absorbing and disturbing tale that takes in child abuse, police and political corruption and conspiracy theories.
October 4, 2016
I'll start by disclosing that I received this book free from the author as a gift. I usually lean more toward what I call the classic mysteries like Christie, Sayers, and Allingham. I also enjoy some of the more modern writers such as Ann Cleeves and Elizabeth George. I can now add James Oswald to that list. I loved the writing in this book. The plot wasn't overly complicated. There is the main "mystery" as well as some nice side stories going on. The protagonist is well developed. I couldn't help but like the guy. He seems to be the calm in a sea of police corruption and chaos. You root for him and he deserves it. I was very intrigued by the
August 2, 2019
A police raid on a suspected house of prostitution doesn't go well for Inspector Tony McLean in Book #6 of this series. Turns out the cops got some erroneous information - it's not a house of prostitution after all - it's consenting adults just having some fun - or is it? Nothing is ever "open and shut" for the inspector even though his superiors want him to write the final report and close the case. So our illustrious inspector keeps digging and digging even though he's ordered not to. And you know he always finds more than he needs to so they move him out of the Sex Crimes Unit and into the Cold Case Unit. And that's where he finds his link.
Always love the setting - Edinburgh - loved the police procedural - crimes are a little gruesome and some of the "higher ups" in the police department might not have the cleanest of hands - but the supernatural element worked well in this one - so I am looking forward to Inspector McLean's next adventure.
Always love the setting - Edinburgh - loved the police procedural - crimes are a little gruesome and some of the "higher ups" in the police department might not have the cleanest of hands - but the supernatural element worked well in this one - so I am looking forward to Inspector McLean's next adventure.
July 25, 2016
When a police raid in Edinburgh goes horribly wrong, the only silver lining for Inspector Tony McLean is a discovery that could lead to a long-lost girl from his early days on the beat.
Haunted by the mystery of what happened to her, McLean begins to dig into a case he thought long buried.
But the shadows of the past are soon eclipsed by crimes in the present as a series of strange and gruesome deaths shock the city.
As McLean's investigation draws him ever deeper into the upper echelons of Edinburgh society, it will not only be his career on the line - but his life as well...
I am a massive fan of James Oswald and the Inspector McLean series - read them in order from book one, Natural Causes.
I always get a sense of excitement when I start one of these books and I have never been disappointed. Unfortunately, I didn't get the whole experience this time. Don't get me wrong, this is a brilliant and intelligently written book, but I found it just lacked the wow factor in comparison to his previous books. The supernatural aspect worked very well and kept a mystique flowing through the book
A very steady and entertaining read. Very well plotted and written with the famous usual characters as brilliant as ever.
I do highly recommend this book, though, with no doubts at all.
3.5/5* A good read!
Haunted by the mystery of what happened to her, McLean begins to dig into a case he thought long buried.
But the shadows of the past are soon eclipsed by crimes in the present as a series of strange and gruesome deaths shock the city.
As McLean's investigation draws him ever deeper into the upper echelons of Edinburgh society, it will not only be his career on the line - but his life as well...
I am a massive fan of James Oswald and the Inspector McLean series - read them in order from book one, Natural Causes.
I always get a sense of excitement when I start one of these books and I have never been disappointed. Unfortunately, I didn't get the whole experience this time. Don't get me wrong, this is a brilliant and intelligently written book, but I found it just lacked the wow factor in comparison to his previous books. The supernatural aspect worked very well and kept a mystique flowing through the book
A very steady and entertaining read. Very well plotted and written with the famous usual characters as brilliant as ever.
I do highly recommend this book, though, with no doubts at all.
3.5/5* A good read!
March 29, 2018
I love the way Oswald combines elements of the supernatural with the world of crime. It's a perfect blend of two of my favorite topics, and he does it so well! Through a series of gruesome murders and botched police raids on brothels, all the elements come together to once again put Inspector Tony McLean and his colleagues in danger. All of these characters are thoroughly enjoyable, even Tony's ever-spiteful superiors. The only character I don't care for in this series is Tony's long-time traveling girlfriend, Emma. There is the always present awareness that somehow she will return, but in this book I got my hopes up that Tony would become more involved with someone else. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that is going to happen. I'll be looking forward to the next book to see how Oswald develops Tony's romantic, as well as his professional, life. And, of course, I love Mrs. McCutcheon's cat!!
January 13, 2017
SLOW BURNER THAT FIZZLES OUT
A hard bitten Edinburgh detective who likes to bend the rules in the face of superiors who are either incompetent or corrupt. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, Oswald does not have Ian Rankin's ear for dialogue or gift for telling a good yarn. I felt empathy with Inspector McLean as he investigated a series of mysterious deaths and stuck with the slow burning story hoping it would lead to a satisfying conclusion. No such luck. The slow burner fizzled out and the ending was utter tosh. On the plus side, McLean is an interesting addition to the school of Scottish Noir and Oswald knows how to build up an atmosphere of suspense and menace, Just a pity that, on this outing at least, it all ends in such a silly way.
A hard bitten Edinburgh detective who likes to bend the rules in the face of superiors who are either incompetent or corrupt. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, Oswald does not have Ian Rankin's ear for dialogue or gift for telling a good yarn. I felt empathy with Inspector McLean as he investigated a series of mysterious deaths and stuck with the slow burning story hoping it would lead to a satisfying conclusion. No such luck. The slow burner fizzled out and the ending was utter tosh. On the plus side, McLean is an interesting addition to the school of Scottish Noir and Oswald knows how to build up an atmosphere of suspense and menace, Just a pity that, on this outing at least, it all ends in such a silly way.
June 20, 2018
Vielen lieben Dank an den Goldmann Verlag für das zur Verfügung stellen des Rezensionsexemplars. Das hat keinen Einfluss auf meine Meinung.
Am Anfang die Schuld ist Buch 6 in der Reihe um Detective McLean und das erste das ich gelesen habe.
Ich bin trotzdem sehr schnell in die Geschichte herein gekommen und mochte den Hauptcharakter von der ersten Sekunde an.
Es geht um eine vermasselte Bordellrazzia, um Geheimnisse die unter den Teppich gekehrt werden sollen, Verbindungen zwischen sehr unwahrscheinlichen Ereignissen und einen Detective der seine Spürnase nicht aus Schwierigkeiten halten kann und weiter macht auch wenn ihm alle Steine in den Weg legen.
Zuerst einmal: das Cover ist wunderschön und war ehrlich gesagt das was mich dazu veranlasst hat, das Buch anzufragen. Ich liebe die Farben und die Stimmung die es rüberbringt. Aber davon abgesehen war die Geschichte auch wirklich spannend, und ich habe nach langer Zeit meine Liebe zu Krimis wiederentdeckt. Ich lese in letzter Zeit sehr wenig Krimis, dabei weiß ich gar nicht wieso. Wenn ich einen lese gefällt er mir fast immer wirklich gut!
Wie schon anfangs erwähnt McLean ist ein fantastischer Hauptcharakter. Super sympathisch und ich konnte immer verstehen warum er etwas tat. Er hat liebenswerte Macken und ich bin wirklich gespannt wie es mit ihm weiter geht. Ich konnte mich auch immer mal wieder mit ihm identifizieren (abends eigentlich alleine zuhause sein wollen, aber irgendwie ist es dann doch auch schön Gesellschaft zu haben?). Ich fand es auch erfrischend wie er viele Dinge angegangen ist. Oder dass er eigentlich nicht arbeiten müsste, da er genug Geld hat. er ist stur, freundlich (meistens), clever und verlässt sich auf seinen Instinkt.
Auch seine unerwarteten Hausgäste haben mir gut gefallen. Ich schätze man bekam in den vorherigen Büchern noch etwas Hintergrundinformationen über Phil, seinen besten Freund, Rachel, dessen Frau und deren Schwester Jenny. Nach dem Ende bin ich wirklich gespannt wie es mit denen allen weitergeht. (Denn die letzte Szene war gemein! Ich hätte direkt weiter gelesen, wenn ich das nächste Buch gehabt hätte)
Der Fall (die Fälle) waren wirklich miteinander verwoben und ich wollte unbedingt wissen wie sich alles klärt. Und da ist mein einziges Problem mit dem Buch. Es hatte einen Hauch Übernatürliches und das hatte ich ganz einfach überhaupt nicht erwartet. Das scheinen allerdings auch alle vorherigen Bände zu haben, also war es nur so überraschend weil dies mein erster war. Ich weiß immer noch nicht ganz wie ich das finde. Ich glaube ich hätte eine 'normale' Erklärung bevorzugt, aber ich werde trotzdem bestimmt die nächsten (und vllt die vorherigen) Bände noch lesen. Jetzt weiß ich ja auch was mich erwartet.
Also alles in allem, eine klare Leseempfehlung!
Am Anfang die Schuld ist Buch 6 in der Reihe um Detective McLean und das erste das ich gelesen habe.
Ich bin trotzdem sehr schnell in die Geschichte herein gekommen und mochte den Hauptcharakter von der ersten Sekunde an.
Es geht um eine vermasselte Bordellrazzia, um Geheimnisse die unter den Teppich gekehrt werden sollen, Verbindungen zwischen sehr unwahrscheinlichen Ereignissen und einen Detective der seine Spürnase nicht aus Schwierigkeiten halten kann und weiter macht auch wenn ihm alle Steine in den Weg legen.
Zuerst einmal: das Cover ist wunderschön und war ehrlich gesagt das was mich dazu veranlasst hat, das Buch anzufragen. Ich liebe die Farben und die Stimmung die es rüberbringt. Aber davon abgesehen war die Geschichte auch wirklich spannend, und ich habe nach langer Zeit meine Liebe zu Krimis wiederentdeckt. Ich lese in letzter Zeit sehr wenig Krimis, dabei weiß ich gar nicht wieso. Wenn ich einen lese gefällt er mir fast immer wirklich gut!
Wie schon anfangs erwähnt McLean ist ein fantastischer Hauptcharakter. Super sympathisch und ich konnte immer verstehen warum er etwas tat. Er hat liebenswerte Macken und ich bin wirklich gespannt wie es mit ihm weiter geht. Ich konnte mich auch immer mal wieder mit ihm identifizieren (abends eigentlich alleine zuhause sein wollen, aber irgendwie ist es dann doch auch schön Gesellschaft zu haben?). Ich fand es auch erfrischend wie er viele Dinge angegangen ist. Oder dass er eigentlich nicht arbeiten müsste, da er genug Geld hat. er ist stur, freundlich (meistens), clever und verlässt sich auf seinen Instinkt.
Auch seine unerwarteten Hausgäste haben mir gut gefallen. Ich schätze man bekam in den vorherigen Büchern noch etwas Hintergrundinformationen über Phil, seinen besten Freund, Rachel, dessen Frau und deren Schwester Jenny. Nach dem Ende bin ich wirklich gespannt wie es mit denen allen weitergeht. (Denn die letzte Szene war gemein! Ich hätte direkt weiter gelesen, wenn ich das nächste Buch gehabt hätte)
Der Fall (die Fälle) waren wirklich miteinander verwoben und ich wollte unbedingt wissen wie sich alles klärt. Und da ist mein einziges Problem mit dem Buch. Es hatte einen Hauch Übernatürliches und das hatte ich ganz einfach überhaupt nicht erwartet. Das scheinen allerdings auch alle vorherigen Bände zu haben, also war es nur so überraschend weil dies mein erster war. Ich weiß immer noch nicht ganz wie ich das finde. Ich glaube ich hätte eine 'normale' Erklärung bevorzugt, aber ich werde trotzdem bestimmt die nächsten (und vllt die vorherigen) Bände noch lesen. Jetzt weiß ich ja auch was mich erwartet.
Also alles in allem, eine klare Leseempfehlung!
January 22, 2019
This took a little while to get completely up to speed, but it was in the end a very satisfying read. McLean and a whole cast of recurring characters, a colourfully painted Edinburgh setting, an interesting and challenging plot, it was very much just as good as the five preceding books in the series. There's a confidence in Oswald's writing this far into the series, a benefit to the reader familiar with preceding books, a realism to the 'not needing to put everything in context', an added interest in familiar people and places.
I just wish there wasn't quite so much of the supernatural schtick. Some of the others in the series didn't rely so much on the ghostly mumbo-jumbo to explain the plot (as I have said before, there is a difference in 'people's belief in the supernatural' as a motive, compared to 'the supernatural' as a reason) and this for me weakened it - though 90% of the book was excellent police procedural which stood on its own two feet.
I just wish there wasn't quite so much of the supernatural schtick. Some of the others in the series didn't rely so much on the ghostly mumbo-jumbo to explain the plot (as I have said before, there is a difference in 'people's belief in the supernatural' as a motive, compared to 'the supernatural' as a reason) and this for me weakened it - though 90% of the book was excellent police procedural which stood on its own two feet.
March 2, 2019
I always enjoy Oswald's Inspector Tony McLean series but I did not like reading about the Sex Unit Crimes. Too explicit for me! But other than that, I really liked the story. The evil twins were the supernatural part of the story and I have a feeling they will be back in the future. I was glad to see that Tony finally heard from Emma after her travels of two years. Looking forward to what happens with their relationship. I love Oswald's writing - he is one talented writer. Can't wait to get to his new Constance Fairchild series. If you haven't read about Inspector Tony McLean - What the hell are you waiting for?
June 19, 2017
The damage done by James Oswald.
Mclean is back. McLean must investigate the seedy goings on of an exclusive and secretive society, catering for the rich and powerful of the city. Somehow it is linked to a particularly gruesome cold case from twenty years ago, McLean's first case with the force.
Another fantastic read from James Oswald. I love this series. And mclean is still my favourite character. I love how he works. Definitely worth more than 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks netgalley and penguin books.
Mclean is back. McLean must investigate the seedy goings on of an exclusive and secretive society, catering for the rich and powerful of the city. Somehow it is linked to a particularly gruesome cold case from twenty years ago, McLean's first case with the force.
Another fantastic read from James Oswald. I love this series. And mclean is still my favourite character. I love how he works. Definitely worth more than 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks netgalley and penguin books.
October 3, 2024
It's been a while since I read any of this series, I enjoyed this one and won't leave it so long before I get to the next.
June 22, 2019
The Damage Done to this mystery story was near the end. While Oswald has introduced spiritual or "other worldly" powers, in previous stories, this one ends with a horrible mixture of reality and myth. When one of the humans stabs another of the characters in the chest with a knife and that character gets up, removes the knife from her chest and stables the person who stabbed her, and the first character dies and the Sexual Goddess does not, then this story has lost its focus. Also the Sexual goddess has McLean under her spell and then just decides to leave, "Our work here is done" after she has killed three other people. Why does she suddenly decide to leave and not finish off McLean?
I will read the next one, but if it really is a dragon that drop Bill Chalmers into the trees, I am done.
I will read the next one, but if it really is a dragon that drop Bill Chalmers into the trees, I am done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2016
My first McLean book (or indeed, any book by James Oswald), but on the strength of it, I can safely say it won't be my last. I do think, however, that I would have done well to read the series in order, although the author does try to bring you up to speed on what has happened in the past.
This is a rock-solid police procedural, with both endearing and annoying characters within the police forces, the usual politicking and intrigues, and McLean straddles several cases and units over the course of the book. There is also the paranormal element, which is handled with a light touch, never becoming overbearing.
This is a rock-solid police procedural, with both endearing and annoying characters within the police forces, the usual politicking and intrigues, and McLean straddles several cases and units over the course of the book. There is also the paranormal element, which is handled with a light touch, never becoming overbearing.
March 25, 2016
Another very good read in the Inspector Tony McLean series. Still finding himself unwanted by the hierarchy McLean is back in the sex crime unit when a big raid on a brothel goes wrong. This leads to his finding conspiracy and cover-ups. Then there are the sinister twins that form the supernatural element. Still running through the book are his relationship with Emma, who is still away chasing ghosts and his friend Phil and his wife Rachel. The Alfa Romeo and Mrs McCutcheon's cat are there as well.
September 21, 2020
This was not the book for me. The raid on the potential brothel deserved more by involving corrupt cops and cover ups but no. Sexual deviants were interesting !! Apart from McLean I not only didn’t like the characters but their relationships with each other was confusing. I understood the discovery of an historical association but the ending was weird and mysterious. Did McLean only survive to live another day. I’m moving on to more concrete crime thrillers and conclusions.
October 8, 2018
nothing is lazier and more unworthy of a decent crime writer than a supernatural cop-out.
October 23, 2017
This felt like two distinct books. The first half I found really plodding and dull, a 2 star read. The second half was where all the action was (thank goodness for that) and it got a lot more interesting (4 star stuff) so an average of 3.
It all starts with a raid on a brothel that isn't a brothel, just a house where invited guests can have kinky sex but no-one gets paid. The police have egg on their faces. But Inspector McLean has a feeling he recognises the house's owner, Heather Marchmont, from somewhere. That somewhere becomes obvious pretty quickly but it takes McLean most of the book to figure it out. He is told to wrap up the case quickly but, as per usual, he feels there is something hinky about it all and just can't leave it alone.
A few of the people connected with the failed raid die in strange circumstances A cold case inquiry seems to have links to the brothel raid. And Heather Marchmont keeps contacting McLean trying to tell him something but always chickens out. Actually I found that all a bit annoying, he should have given her the flick early on.
And the weird twins, brother and sister...they're not quite normal but there is no explanation for what they are. Mr Oswald you can't just keep throwing weird stuff in there as a plot device and not explaining it. I might be done with this series.
It all starts with a raid on a brothel that isn't a brothel, just a house where invited guests can have kinky sex but no-one gets paid. The police have egg on their faces. But Inspector McLean has a feeling he recognises the house's owner, Heather Marchmont, from somewhere. That somewhere becomes obvious pretty quickly but it takes McLean most of the book to figure it out. He is told to wrap up the case quickly but, as per usual, he feels there is something hinky about it all and just can't leave it alone.
A few of the people connected with the failed raid die in strange circumstances A cold case inquiry seems to have links to the brothel raid. And Heather Marchmont keeps contacting McLean trying to tell him something but always chickens out. Actually I found that all a bit annoying, he should have given her the flick early on.
And the weird twins, brother and sister...they're not quite normal but there is no explanation for what they are. Mr Oswald you can't just keep throwing weird stuff in there as a plot device and not explaining it. I might be done with this series.
July 16, 2018
Etwas zwischen 3 und 3,5.
Das Buch hatte für mich 4 Phasen, also Phasen, wie ich sie gelesen habe.
Die erste Phase aka der Anfang des Buchs war ein pures Suchtlesen. Ich habe jede Sekunde gelesen, wenn ich konnte und habe jede Information eingesaugt und die Charaktere kennen gelernt und war unfassbar auf den Fall gespannt.
Die zweite Phase war die, dass es sich etwas gezogen hat, aber ich damit klar gekommen bin, weil es immer wieder neue Informationen gab und ich mehr Tipps bekommen habe, um mir selber ein Bild zu machen.
Die dritte Phase war dann die, wenn ich schon fast alles für mich zusammengereimt habe und das meiste am Ende auch gestimmt hat und dann mich schon etwas langweilte, weil ich so langsam wollte, dass die handlung voran geht und die Ermittler auch endlich das große Ganze sehen.
In der letzten Phase war ich dann wieder etwas hyped, weil es aufs Ende zuging und fühlte mich vom Ende aber wirklich etwas veräppelt, weil es kein wirklliches Ende hatte, also wirklich überhaupt nicht.
Auch wenn ich McLean sehr mag und das Buch super angefangen hat, waren da ein paar Dinge, weswegen ich dem Buch am Ende "nur" 3- 3,5 Sterne gegeben habe.
Das Buch hatte für mich 4 Phasen, also Phasen, wie ich sie gelesen habe.
Die erste Phase aka der Anfang des Buchs war ein pures Suchtlesen. Ich habe jede Sekunde gelesen, wenn ich konnte und habe jede Information eingesaugt und die Charaktere kennen gelernt und war unfassbar auf den Fall gespannt.
Die zweite Phase war die, dass es sich etwas gezogen hat, aber ich damit klar gekommen bin, weil es immer wieder neue Informationen gab und ich mehr Tipps bekommen habe, um mir selber ein Bild zu machen.
Die dritte Phase war dann die, wenn ich schon fast alles für mich zusammengereimt habe und das meiste am Ende auch gestimmt hat und dann mich schon etwas langweilte, weil ich so langsam wollte, dass die handlung voran geht und die Ermittler auch endlich das große Ganze sehen.
In der letzten Phase war ich dann wieder etwas hyped, weil es aufs Ende zuging und fühlte mich vom Ende aber wirklich etwas veräppelt, weil es kein wirklliches Ende hatte, also wirklich überhaupt nicht.
Auch wenn ich McLean sehr mag und das Buch super angefangen hat, waren da ein paar Dinge, weswegen ich dem Buch am Ende "nur" 3- 3,5 Sterne gegeben habe.
July 29, 2020
It's the sixth in the Inspector McLean series and the 8th of Oswald's novels I've read since Lockdown began 4 months ago so it's fairly safe to say I really enjoy his work.
A lot of the same here - McLean is annoying his bosses (who generally hate him), McLean is 'sticking his nose' into cases he isn't officially part off, there's a supernatural element to the story.
But for all that sameness 'Damage' had me hooked, to the point that the last 2 nights has found me reading as late into the night as possible. I think this may be down to the characters more than the story. Oswald develops the back story more with each volume. McLean is a likeable character even if he often cannot see what is right in front of his eyes (most volumes see him saying "I'm so stupid/thick" at some point")
The Damage Done finishes a bit open-ended and with Oswald probably has a decision to make. And I'll be joining him very soon to see what he does
A lot of the same here - McLean is annoying his bosses (who generally hate him), McLean is 'sticking his nose' into cases he isn't officially part off, there's a supernatural element to the story.
But for all that sameness 'Damage' had me hooked, to the point that the last 2 nights has found me reading as late into the night as possible. I think this may be down to the characters more than the story. Oswald develops the back story more with each volume. McLean is a likeable character even if he often cannot see what is right in front of his eyes (most volumes see him saying "I'm so stupid/thick" at some point")
The Damage Done finishes a bit open-ended and with Oswald probably has a decision to make. And I'll be joining him very soon to see what he does
November 1, 2021
James Oswald has a solid series going for him with Inspector McLean and company. A solid police story/investigation, mystery with just a touch of the supernatural.
McLean continues to have difficulty finding favor with his superiors, the new superintendent being even more anti-McLean than his predecessor, "Dagwood." McLean finds himself bouncing back and forth between CID and Vice. If you've read any of the earlier books in the series, you'll know that McLean is like a dog going after a bone when he has any inkling of hidden depths in an investigation -- or, especially if, a superior tries to call him off the scent.
I'm making my way through the entire series and enjoying the reading journey tremendously.
McLean continues to have difficulty finding favor with his superiors, the new superintendent being even more anti-McLean than his predecessor, "Dagwood." McLean finds himself bouncing back and forth between CID and Vice. If you've read any of the earlier books in the series, you'll know that McLean is like a dog going after a bone when he has any inkling of hidden depths in an investigation -- or, especially if, a superior tries to call him off the scent.
I'm making my way through the entire series and enjoying the reading journey tremendously.
March 1, 2019
I really did enjoy the book in spite of the fact that it left me a bit mystified at the end. The ending was the reason it only received the 4.5 star rating instead of 5 I love Tony McLean, his total bafflement at how he winds up in the messes he finds himself in...and I enjoy the paranormal aspects of the stories....the community of both good and bad cops. I believe these cops are a little over the top rude sometimes but that is one of the things that make the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 29, 2024
guys I'm sort of confused on this like the book as a thriller mystery was very interesting, they go through very strange topics though very gritty.
The writing style was really good and led onto plot twists really well, this was the only James Oswald book I read but I did enjoy it ( I think ).
The ending confused me a bit , not really sure what's happening or what will happen next, still confused on who some of the characters are and what they're motives are and what they are doing.
I think this is part of a series but I don't know if I was supposed to read all of them first for it to make sense?
But it was definitely an interesting read.
The writing style was really good and led onto plot twists really well, this was the only James Oswald book I read but I did enjoy it ( I think ).
The ending confused me a bit , not really sure what's happening or what will happen next, still confused on who some of the characters are and what they're motives are and what they are doing.
I think this is part of a series but I don't know if I was supposed to read all of them first for it to make sense?
But it was definitely an interesting read.
July 5, 2019
Secret societies, shadowy figures, whiff of something bad and spooky, a hint of a world of sexual activity not normally talked about in the society this book is set in. Murder, mayhem, and an ending that veers far from the normal. Excellent read!
September 3, 2017
Fantasy!!
How can anyone write such unbelievable rubbish.. Don't bother to read this book. It is not worth the effort or time.
How can anyone write such unbelievable rubbish.. Don't bother to read this book. It is not worth the effort or time.
February 21, 2016
Detective Inspector Tony McLean is back, and it is a most welcomed return.
Now working with the Sexual Crimes Unit, McLean has been joined by DS Ritchie, both having put behind them the harrowing events which occured in Prayer for the Dead. After a brief introduction to two very mysterious characters, the action opens with the SCU about to conduct a raid upon a suspected brothel. Needless to say, as this is a McLean story, nothing is quite as straight forward as it is meant to be and what should be big coup for the team turns quickly into a big embarrassment. They are able to salvage something from the raid, albeit something minor, but as always McLean's sixth sense is sent into overdrive, and when he meets a young woman who he is certain he knows from somewhere, you know that this is yet another job which is not going to end well.
With pressure on from the top brass to investigate how the raid went so wrong with as little fuss as possible, McLean is left wondering just why everyone is so keen to let it drop. To add to the confusion, McLean finds himself having to deal with the case of a Salesman who has died in somewhat awkward and unusual circumstances, circumstances which lead him back full circle to that fateful raid and an increasing pressure to close the case pronto.
Never one to like being told to walk away, you know that this will not happen now, and McLean's natural curiosity is set to get him into trouble. As a result of his continued investigation into the case, he finds himself transferred to the Cold Case Squad, alongside former Chief Super Duguid and Grumpy Bob Laird. This is a move the Senior Officers may soon regret, as Duguid has his own agenda and personal reasons for wanting to run a particular cold case, one which leads McLean, Grumpy Bob and co back to an old investigation that occured when McLean was just a fresh faced beat copper and Duguid a mere DS, a case with more than just an echo of the recent raid.
The pace of the book felt a touch more pedestrian after the intensity of some of the previous books, and based around sex crimes, cold cases and death by natural causes rather than outright gruesome ritual murder, you might probably expect it. Don't let this fool you. It still moves along at a good pace, is as engrossing as all of the rest, and I found that I got through the whole thing in just a day. Despite Duguid having 'retired', there is the usual cast of antagonists, like Brooks and Spencer, making McLean's day to day working life just that fraction more irritating than it needs to be, as well as an uneasy and unexpected alliance with the incessant, boys club hating, and now conspiracy obsessed journalist Jo Dalgliesh. With the return of best friend Phil and his heavily pregnant wife Rachel, along with her sister Jenny, McLean's social life is suddenly full once more, much to the disgust of Mrs McCutcheon's Cat. By the end of the book it also looks set to be a whole lot more complicated.
The writing is as sharp as ever, the characters well observed, and while it may be obvious to the reader early on how McLean knows the mysterious Heather Marchmont, with the distractions in his work and home life, it is no wonder it takes him a while to cotton on. The undercurrent of the supernatural/ritualistic element which has characterised this series is a lot more understated in this book, but still there, along with the promise of more to come as the reasons for or the ultimate source of the attempted whitewash are never fully explained and the mysterious duo from the start of the novel are still at large, giving us the impression that there is still more to be uncovered about this particular tale. We know from past history that McLean doesn't like to let things like that rest.
And so, as an avid reader of this series, I am left with only one question.
When's the next one out? ;)
Now working with the Sexual Crimes Unit, McLean has been joined by DS Ritchie, both having put behind them the harrowing events which occured in Prayer for the Dead. After a brief introduction to two very mysterious characters, the action opens with the SCU about to conduct a raid upon a suspected brothel. Needless to say, as this is a McLean story, nothing is quite as straight forward as it is meant to be and what should be big coup for the team turns quickly into a big embarrassment. They are able to salvage something from the raid, albeit something minor, but as always McLean's sixth sense is sent into overdrive, and when he meets a young woman who he is certain he knows from somewhere, you know that this is yet another job which is not going to end well.
With pressure on from the top brass to investigate how the raid went so wrong with as little fuss as possible, McLean is left wondering just why everyone is so keen to let it drop. To add to the confusion, McLean finds himself having to deal with the case of a Salesman who has died in somewhat awkward and unusual circumstances, circumstances which lead him back full circle to that fateful raid and an increasing pressure to close the case pronto.
Never one to like being told to walk away, you know that this will not happen now, and McLean's natural curiosity is set to get him into trouble. As a result of his continued investigation into the case, he finds himself transferred to the Cold Case Squad, alongside former Chief Super Duguid and Grumpy Bob Laird. This is a move the Senior Officers may soon regret, as Duguid has his own agenda and personal reasons for wanting to run a particular cold case, one which leads McLean, Grumpy Bob and co back to an old investigation that occured when McLean was just a fresh faced beat copper and Duguid a mere DS, a case with more than just an echo of the recent raid.
The pace of the book felt a touch more pedestrian after the intensity of some of the previous books, and based around sex crimes, cold cases and death by natural causes rather than outright gruesome ritual murder, you might probably expect it. Don't let this fool you. It still moves along at a good pace, is as engrossing as all of the rest, and I found that I got through the whole thing in just a day. Despite Duguid having 'retired', there is the usual cast of antagonists, like Brooks and Spencer, making McLean's day to day working life just that fraction more irritating than it needs to be, as well as an uneasy and unexpected alliance with the incessant, boys club hating, and now conspiracy obsessed journalist Jo Dalgliesh. With the return of best friend Phil and his heavily pregnant wife Rachel, along with her sister Jenny, McLean's social life is suddenly full once more, much to the disgust of Mrs McCutcheon's Cat. By the end of the book it also looks set to be a whole lot more complicated.
The writing is as sharp as ever, the characters well observed, and while it may be obvious to the reader early on how McLean knows the mysterious Heather Marchmont, with the distractions in his work and home life, it is no wonder it takes him a while to cotton on. The undercurrent of the supernatural/ritualistic element which has characterised this series is a lot more understated in this book, but still there, along with the promise of more to come as the reasons for or the ultimate source of the attempted whitewash are never fully explained and the mysterious duo from the start of the novel are still at large, giving us the impression that there is still more to be uncovered about this particular tale. We know from past history that McLean doesn't like to let things like that rest.
And so, as an avid reader of this series, I am left with only one question.
When's the next one out? ;)
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