Rain Town

DI Frank Miller #3

by John Carson

Who's more dangerous? The serial killer you're hunting, or the one you never knew existed? Every year, thousands of women go missing in the UK, some of them never to be seen again. A killer stalks the streets of Edinburgh, trawling through the thousands of tourists during the Edinburgh International Festival, looking for prey. He finds a target, and she disappears, and despite a missing persons report, she's never seen again. This time he's made a mistake; the American female isn't a tourist. She's a local. And there was a witness. But shortly after seeing the woman die, the witness is incarcerated for an unconnected crime. When he's released, instead of going to the police, he decides to profit from the American's death. The killer is taking out anybody he thinks might have been told, but DI Frank Miller is assigned the case, and soon, the witness, the killer and the detective will clash in an explosive showdown...but not before more lives are taken...and somebody close to Miller is on the list...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Scotland, Thriller

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2016

About the author

John Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belter!!

For those not of Scottish origin Belted means bloody great!!

I had previously read the first 2 books in this as is and was over in he moon when I came across book 3.

John Carson has an enviable seamless way of story telling, the plot builds, twists and turns and builds some more. The main character Frank is likeable and relatable and the banter between him and Purcell reminded me of a few folk I know here in Glasgow. Purcell took me by surprise, his less than subtle intro into the story marking him out as arrogant and hard nosed, I could see him and Frank going toe to toe. Without spoiling the plot I'll just say I was wrong (a recurring theme for me throughout the book).

Mr Carson has a gift, as with the other books in the series his writing is so descriptive and atmospheric Im instantly transported to the streets of Edinburgh. There's never a dull moment with so much going on and how all the characters and dirty deeds start to link together.



If like me you consider yourself somewhat of an expert, with detective skills Agathy Christy would be envious of and pride yourself on working out who did what to whom, where and when and with what! Then this book/series is right up you're cobbled street. Plenty of surprises right to the end.

Another braw (brilliant) book Mr Carson. Bring on the next... X

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐: Best in the series thus far. I read the DCI Bracken series first and absolutely enjoyed those so I decided to try Carson's other works. Since he wrote DI Miller first I figured why not start there. The 1st book Crash Point wasn't great but was still a decent read, book 2 Silent Marker didn't get good until about 60% of the way through. I'm glad I stuck it out though cause this book was definitely worth the read. My only problem with it was that Samantha blamed Jack, I could've done without that bit, especially since it was obviously who her perp was after the 2nd phone call.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not rating this as high as I did the previous two books. While it didn't seen as long as the previous book, the author's writing style is beginning to get on my nerves. There is probably too much dialog and it tends to be wordy. I didn't think that all the characters were believable. There is also a diatribe on the difficulties of getting published which I think has no business being put in the mouth of one of the characters. Quite a few characters but not as many as the first two books.

[Diane E]

Too many plots

I'm enjoying this author , but does it seem to anyone else that too many plots make it confusing . Plot 1, Matt Spencer . Plot 2 Craig Spencer . Plot 3 Sam's threatener. Romance Purcell and Suzy, Miller and Kim, Jack and Sam. A lot of police work spent trying to find the dirt on Matt Spencer . What a messed up family the Spencers are.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brolly Necessary

I am aware of John Carson’s DCI Harry McNeil series and am very fond of it. I originally started reading DI Frank Miller’s series as a means to continue reading Carson’s excellent writing between Harry McNeil books. After three helpings, I appreciate Frank Miller’s storyline for itself. Hurrah! Keep ‘em coming! But have yer brolly handy, it’s awfy rainy in Edinburgh.

[Nicole John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

I usually enjoy John Carson books, but unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. First of all, way too many characters. Second, a lot of conversations between the characters were choppy, open ended and made the story feel rushed. I did enjoy the humor. I'm going to try the next book in this series and hopefully that one will be better. On a last note, I did notice may punctuation errors.

[Lora King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think these books get better and better .... and this one was on the verge or very freaky. Someone is abducting women tourists but it seems more women are missing and not all tourists....throw in a family of morticians (creepy) one son who has mental issues, a maybe normal brother, another a bad cop who gets fired and a weird father all who could be the serial killer....plus Samantha Jack's gf becomes a total bitch for absolutely no reason...oh my it's a roller coaster!

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great series! Lots of characters, many ancillary situations, and too much confusion make an interesting and exciting murder mystery. Main characters are very genuine and their personal relationships provide enjoyable softer moments. As usual, the conclusion is heart pounding , unexpected, and extremely satisfying!

[Jean Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book BUT as a man who grew up in Edinburgh he should know that the High street he talks about is actually known as THE HIGH STREET in Edinburgh as against the Corstorphine High street, the Portobello High Street. There should be some spelling checks and grammar checks made too. BUT I am really enjoying the stories as long as he keeps the description of our home city accurate.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oy! I love a series where the books just get better and better. I truly enjoyed Rain Town. As always, I should keep a list of all the characters and try to keep straight who is related to whom...ha! Tons of action, good twists, and great banter among the main characters. I've already downloaded book four :)

[Pamela Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting All The Way To The End

Great read, wonderful characters, exciting plot. I love the personalities of the police officers in your books. I am a true fan of Frank Miller and can't wait to see what he's up to in the next book. Keep them coming!

[Marlan Glock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rain Town Review

Twists and turn and surprises around every corner! One might think you know what’s about to happen but Carson proves you wrong and keeps your heart beating faster at each new encounter.

[JAMES MORRIS]

A smashing read

I was drawn I almost from the first few words.
Lie meeting old friends
Miller makes you feel like your on his side and he Letts you in on
a secret but you're not sure what will come of it.

[Cheryl Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-read

Love this author. Always a page turner. Keeps the reader involved and anticipating. Another great work. Looking forward to the next.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entirely excellent. Keeps me glued to the page as the mystery infolds. Love the setting and the characters are so real and interesting.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series

[Paul Crowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Had me coming back for more every time I had to put the book down. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. The characters are really coming together.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearly 5* but for me the narrative became a bit wooly in a couple of places.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cast and plot!

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Another fantastic JC plot. Gripping from start to finish. Throughly enjoyed this book as I have all the others. Highly recommended

[ian Tailford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A right riviting read !

This is the third book in the series I have read.they just keep getting better.the storyline is absorbing and the geography of 'auld reekie' is just how I remember it was when I stayed there.Most definitely a series I would recommend must stop now got to start next book.
Regards ICT.

[John Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

One scary thriller. The whole series is good but this book is great for the genre enthusiasts. Every chapter seemingly "oh sh$t what now". Looking forward to Mr. Carlson's next installment.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great 3rd installment of the Frank Miller series, this one is fast paced and full of twists and turns that keep you turning those pages!

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild tale of murder, lust, deceit, profit, derangement. Reread may, 2023.

[A]

Quick, easy, old fashioned, read. Interesting and violent