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Logan McRae #10.5
Now We Are Dead
Detective Chief Inspector Roberta Steel got caught fitting up Jack Wallace – that’s why they demoted her and quashed his sentence. Now he’s back on the streets and women are being attacked again. Wallace has to be responsible, but if Detective Sergeant Steel goes anywhere near him, his lawyers will get her thrown off the force for good.
The Powers That Be won’t listen to her, not after what happened last time. According to them, she’s got more than enough ongoing cases to keep her busy. Perhaps she could try solving a few instead of harassing an innocent man?
Steel knows Wallace is guilty. And the longer he gets away with it, the more women will suffer. The question is: how much is she willing to sacrifice to stop him?
The Powers That Be won’t listen to her, not after what happened last time. According to them, she’s got more than enough ongoing cases to keep her busy. Perhaps she could try solving a few instead of harassing an innocent man?
Steel knows Wallace is guilty. And the longer he gets away with it, the more women will suffer. The question is: how much is she willing to sacrifice to stop him?
396 pages, ebook
First published November 2, 2017
394 people are currently reading
2053 people want to read
About the author
Stuart MacBride
87 books2,725 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
March 19, 2018
Stuart McBride takes us back into Aberdeen and the mayhem that marks its policing with what Tufty describes as 'The Wrinkled Filthy Horror of Doom' that is DS Steel. In a story structured in the manner of Winnie the Pooh, and oh, that seems so apt, the shambolic Steel gets to be the star of show, with the almost complete absence of Logan McRae. Roberta Steel has been caught fitting up a suspect for a crime he actually committed, and she has been demoted from DCI Steel to Detective Sergeant, she is not a happy woman. She is cursing and avoiding Logan McRae who grassed her up, holding him responsible for all her woes. Steel's life drifts from bad to even worse as she slams into the worst of Aberdeen's lowlifes as she tries to recall the expletive of the day.
Steel gets landed with stolen mobile phones, a matter that she believes is far beneath her, goes off the scale when she discovers a beaten up elderly Agnes Galloway and the killing of her beloved dog, Pudding, who has been microwaved by a loan shark. Two children of prostitutes are found hidden in Kenny Milne's home, and there is the body of a heroin addict with her neglected infant left eating dog food for several days prior to being rescued. The scum that is the raping Jack Wallace is receiving an intense media focus as he vows to help clean up a corrupt police force. Wallace has it in for Steel as he stalks her, with Hissing Sid his legal representation. More women are getting raped, and Wallace is on video with his mates, providing him with cast iron alibis at the relevant times. Steel struggles to stay away from him, only to be threatened by her superiors that her crimes will become Tufty's crimes in their efforts to curb Steel. In a story full of comic wit, slapstick humour, and numerous obstacles, Steel and her team are unfazed in their determination to secure justice, despite being covered by slurry and the occurrence of other mishaps.
To be honest, I was quite a way into the novel feeling short changed because whilst Steel is a scene stealing central character, McBride was failing to generate the alchemy of her partnership with Logan McRae. Then somehow it all came to together about two thirds of the way in, making me an extremely happy reader. I began to really appreciate the genius of McBride in his creation of the iconic lesbian that is Roberta Steel in this novel, who despite her unprepossessing manner, appearance and character traits, has a heart of solid gold. Nevertheless, I am hoping that in the future the Steel and McRae partnership is restored whilst keeping the fantastic Tufty. A great read with flashes of the brilliance that McBride is famous for, and long live Roberta Steel.
Steel gets landed with stolen mobile phones, a matter that she believes is far beneath her, goes off the scale when she discovers a beaten up elderly Agnes Galloway and the killing of her beloved dog, Pudding, who has been microwaved by a loan shark. Two children of prostitutes are found hidden in Kenny Milne's home, and there is the body of a heroin addict with her neglected infant left eating dog food for several days prior to being rescued. The scum that is the raping Jack Wallace is receiving an intense media focus as he vows to help clean up a corrupt police force. Wallace has it in for Steel as he stalks her, with Hissing Sid his legal representation. More women are getting raped, and Wallace is on video with his mates, providing him with cast iron alibis at the relevant times. Steel struggles to stay away from him, only to be threatened by her superiors that her crimes will become Tufty's crimes in their efforts to curb Steel. In a story full of comic wit, slapstick humour, and numerous obstacles, Steel and her team are unfazed in their determination to secure justice, despite being covered by slurry and the occurrence of other mishaps.
To be honest, I was quite a way into the novel feeling short changed because whilst Steel is a scene stealing central character, McBride was failing to generate the alchemy of her partnership with Logan McRae. Then somehow it all came to together about two thirds of the way in, making me an extremely happy reader. I began to really appreciate the genius of McBride in his creation of the iconic lesbian that is Roberta Steel in this novel, who despite her unprepossessing manner, appearance and character traits, has a heart of solid gold. Nevertheless, I am hoping that in the future the Steel and McRae partnership is restored whilst keeping the fantastic Tufty. A great read with flashes of the brilliance that McBride is famous for, and long live Roberta Steel.
January 1, 2018
3.5 stars
Oh man…this is a tough one. First let me say I’m a huge fan of this author. HUGE. When I see a new book of his on the horizon, I break out the happy dance. And immediately begin plotting how to make it mine.
I’ve read all the Logan McRae & Ash Henderson books & although this one is tagged as belonging to the former, it heads off in a new direction starring DS Roberta Steel, Logan’s sometime partner & author of his nightmares. She was his boss, then peer but after events of the last book, she’s been busted down to DS & tasked with chasing down pickpockets & wandering pensioners. So it comes as no surprise that Roberta is not happy. And if Roberta’s not happy, no one in Aberdeen is safe.
Except Jack Wallace. He’s the reason she was demoted & ok, maybe she did “find” some evidence in an effort to put him away for the rape/assault of local women. But now he’s free & proclaiming to anyone who’ll listen that he plans to sue Police Scotland. So Roberta is duly warned: do not approach, speak to or even look at Jack Wallace. Apparently she’s supposed to let him live his scumbag, dickhead, perverted, weaselly life unhindered.
Fine. There are other men to use for target practice such as Logan (who she’s not speaking to) & DC “Tufty” Quirrel, her shiny new partner. But then a woman is violently assaulted…..and another. Roberta knows Wallace is responsible but she’s on a short leash where he’s concerned & another screw-up won’t mean further demotion. She’ll lose her career.
So here’s the deal. Like other books this one has the multiple cases & eccentric characters that make the stories so entertaining. Full points for providing a bad guy we desperately want to see get what he karmically deserves. And bonus points for turning a farmer’s demonstration into a literal shit-show.
What I discovered was that, while I’ve enjoyed Roberta in a supporting role, she’s a bit much for me as the MC. She’s an original, you have to give her that. But shadowing her raunchy, potty mouthed, perpetually itchy character 24/7 soon lost its appeal. For me, she’s like cilantro…a little goes a long way.
Also, while there are multiple story lines that unfold & wrap up, the emphasis is on putting Roberta & Tufty in situations that become slapstick routines. Bumping heads, tripping, falling, knocking things over, being sprayed with multiple substances…some of it is genuinely funny but the sheer number of incidents causes the book to quickly devolve into the Roberta & Tufty Show. Which is ok if you’re a fan of bathroom humour & the Three Stooges. It all depends on where you keep your funny bone. Having said all that, I give full props to her & wife Susan for the final scenes. High five, girl. (em…note to any male readers: you may want to down a few beverages before you hit this part. Just sayin’.)
So there you have it. Just one person’s opinion & as always, it’s a matter of personal preference. I’ll continue to wait impatiently for the next book featuring Logan or Ash. As for Roberta, I think it’s best we maintain our relationship as casual acquaintances.
Oh man…this is a tough one. First let me say I’m a huge fan of this author. HUGE. When I see a new book of his on the horizon, I break out the happy dance. And immediately begin plotting how to make it mine.
I’ve read all the Logan McRae & Ash Henderson books & although this one is tagged as belonging to the former, it heads off in a new direction starring DS Roberta Steel, Logan’s sometime partner & author of his nightmares. She was his boss, then peer but after events of the last book, she’s been busted down to DS & tasked with chasing down pickpockets & wandering pensioners. So it comes as no surprise that Roberta is not happy. And if Roberta’s not happy, no one in Aberdeen is safe.
Except Jack Wallace. He’s the reason she was demoted & ok, maybe she did “find” some evidence in an effort to put him away for the rape/assault of local women. But now he’s free & proclaiming to anyone who’ll listen that he plans to sue Police Scotland. So Roberta is duly warned: do not approach, speak to or even look at Jack Wallace. Apparently she’s supposed to let him live his scumbag, dickhead, perverted, weaselly life unhindered.
Fine. There are other men to use for target practice such as Logan (who she’s not speaking to) & DC “Tufty” Quirrel, her shiny new partner. But then a woman is violently assaulted…..and another. Roberta knows Wallace is responsible but she’s on a short leash where he’s concerned & another screw-up won’t mean further demotion. She’ll lose her career.
So here’s the deal. Like other books this one has the multiple cases & eccentric characters that make the stories so entertaining. Full points for providing a bad guy we desperately want to see get what he karmically deserves. And bonus points for turning a farmer’s demonstration into a literal shit-show.
What I discovered was that, while I’ve enjoyed Roberta in a supporting role, she’s a bit much for me as the MC. She’s an original, you have to give her that. But shadowing her raunchy, potty mouthed, perpetually itchy character 24/7 soon lost its appeal. For me, she’s like cilantro…a little goes a long way.
Also, while there are multiple story lines that unfold & wrap up, the emphasis is on putting Roberta & Tufty in situations that become slapstick routines. Bumping heads, tripping, falling, knocking things over, being sprayed with multiple substances…some of it is genuinely funny but the sheer number of incidents causes the book to quickly devolve into the Roberta & Tufty Show. Which is ok if you’re a fan of bathroom humour & the Three Stooges. It all depends on where you keep your funny bone. Having said all that, I give full props to her & wife Susan for the final scenes. High five, girl. (em…note to any male readers: you may want to down a few beverages before you hit this part. Just sayin’.)
So there you have it. Just one person’s opinion & as always, it’s a matter of personal preference. I’ll continue to wait impatiently for the next book featuring Logan or Ash. As for Roberta, I think it’s best we maintain our relationship as casual acquaintances.
October 14, 2017
Is there a single detective anywhere created in fiction who could outdo Roberta Steel? No is what I say – she is (subjectively) the single most entertaining and cleverly written police protagonist on the block. All the blocks. In my humble opinion anyway – therefore a book from the uber talented Mr MacBride focusing on her was probably the biggest book treat I’ve had this year.
I rocketed through this like a grasshopper on acid, immediately compelling, laugh out loud funny, the dialogue crackles, the plot is both exciting and incredibly immersive, there is actually not a single downside to reading this book. Unless you count eating too much chocolate and being incapable of coherent thought on any other subject until you have finished it. I don’t count that because for me that is what books are supposed to do. Even the lack (apart from a cameo) of one of my other favourite fictional detectives Logan McCrae didn’t put a dent in my enjoyment of this one.
Poor Roberta, she’s been demoted for planting evidence – something that anyone who read the novel where that happened can sympathise with. Still now she’s sorting out stolen goods, dealing with violent loan sharks and still determined to bring down her nemesis – unfortunately she’s under the spotlight, in danger of losing her job entirely – yeah right, like that is going to stop her. Throw into the mix the incredibly lovable DC Stuart Quirrel, whose attempts to keep up with Roberta and keep her under control create some of the best moments in Now We Are Dead and boy you have a read and a half on your hands. I just loved it. Loved loved loved. And my gosh that last little bit had me quite literally on the edge of my seat – brilliant brilliant finale that I’ll never forget. Just the icing on the top of the most delicious bookish cake.
I have to give a nod to the beautiful little hardback too – the author’s introduction is fantastic and the end papers provide some hilarious and beautiful drawings which I considered taking pictures of to show y’all but in the end decided that it was best unwrapped like the best looking Christmas gift ever – and I can’t believe I just said the C word considering my hatred of all things festive season – but honestly perfect present material.
All the positive, none of the negative, a banging good read that will engulf you in madness but it is the best madness ever. Bring it on.
Highly Recommended.
I rocketed through this like a grasshopper on acid, immediately compelling, laugh out loud funny, the dialogue crackles, the plot is both exciting and incredibly immersive, there is actually not a single downside to reading this book. Unless you count eating too much chocolate and being incapable of coherent thought on any other subject until you have finished it. I don’t count that because for me that is what books are supposed to do. Even the lack (apart from a cameo) of one of my other favourite fictional detectives Logan McCrae didn’t put a dent in my enjoyment of this one.
Poor Roberta, she’s been demoted for planting evidence – something that anyone who read the novel where that happened can sympathise with. Still now she’s sorting out stolen goods, dealing with violent loan sharks and still determined to bring down her nemesis – unfortunately she’s under the spotlight, in danger of losing her job entirely – yeah right, like that is going to stop her. Throw into the mix the incredibly lovable DC Stuart Quirrel, whose attempts to keep up with Roberta and keep her under control create some of the best moments in Now We Are Dead and boy you have a read and a half on your hands. I just loved it. Loved loved loved. And my gosh that last little bit had me quite literally on the edge of my seat – brilliant brilliant finale that I’ll never forget. Just the icing on the top of the most delicious bookish cake.
I have to give a nod to the beautiful little hardback too – the author’s introduction is fantastic and the end papers provide some hilarious and beautiful drawings which I considered taking pictures of to show y’all but in the end decided that it was best unwrapped like the best looking Christmas gift ever – and I can’t believe I just said the C word considering my hatred of all things festive season – but honestly perfect present material.
All the positive, none of the negative, a banging good read that will engulf you in madness but it is the best madness ever. Bring it on.
Highly Recommended.
January 10, 2018
A novel starring DS Roberta Steel? Can that really work? I mean I like her, she is a great character in the Logan McRae series. But, can she really front her own own book? Oh yes, she can!
If you have read any of Stuart MacBride's books, then you already know he's a terrific writer, a man that can write a crime book that feels like three books crammed into one (it works, don't know how, but it does) and mix action, humor and tragedy and hilarious banter (trust me, listening to any of the books he has written can be both entertaining and hard work keeping the smile from your face and scaring the people around you who don't understand why you are giggling).
Where was I? Oh, yes the book, man I can't express enough how wonderful this book is. Although I should perhaps have written down notes. Although it had probably not have helped that much trying to explain this book story without giving away the plot.
So, I will just say this, yes this book can be read as a stand-alone without having read ANY of Stuart MacBride books before (although it's a plus if you have done that, then you know more about her "relationship" with Logan). Also, this book is way thinner than the other books I have read, at least it felt like that, still the story is marvelous, the time just flies when I started to read this book so it could be that. And, finally I just want to say, I want more. Yes, I need more books starring Roberta Steel!
So, there you have it, a very messy review, but it just reflects my messy brain as I try to summarize my feelings towards this book...
I want to thank Harper Collins for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
If you have read any of Stuart MacBride's books, then you already know he's a terrific writer, a man that can write a crime book that feels like three books crammed into one (it works, don't know how, but it does) and mix action, humor and tragedy and hilarious banter (trust me, listening to any of the books he has written can be both entertaining and hard work keeping the smile from your face and scaring the people around you who don't understand why you are giggling).
Where was I? Oh, yes the book, man I can't express enough how wonderful this book is. Although I should perhaps have written down notes. Although it had probably not have helped that much trying to explain this book story without giving away the plot.
So, I will just say this, yes this book can be read as a stand-alone without having read ANY of Stuart MacBride books before (although it's a plus if you have done that, then you know more about her "relationship" with Logan). Also, this book is way thinner than the other books I have read, at least it felt like that, still the story is marvelous, the time just flies when I started to read this book so it could be that. And, finally I just want to say, I want more. Yes, I need more books starring Roberta Steel!
So, there you have it, a very messy review, but it just reflects my messy brain as I try to summarize my feelings towards this book...
I want to thank Harper Collins for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review!
January 3, 2018
The fans of Stuart McBride's Logan McRae series will certainly recognize DS Roberta Steel is this standalone spinoff.
DS Roberta Steel ... .she's a rather unique character. She's rude to the point of being obnoxious to everyone. She's definitely no lady by any stretch of the imagination. But she fights hard for victims of crime... and she's willing to cross that line to get it.
DS Steel was recently demoted from DCI. Actually, she's lucky she didn't lose her job altogether. Jack Wallace was suspected of attacking multiple women. Steel knew he was guilty, but she couldn't prove it. Crossing that line, she framed the man .. but she got caught doing it. Hence the demotion.
Wallace is back on the streets and more women are being targeted. Coincidence ... or is he really an innocent man? Is Steel obsessed with taking this man down? Steel wants to go after him, but her supervisor won't hear of it. Will she cross that line again? If she does, she may lose more than just her job.
This is more of a character driven novel, rather than a crime thriller. Steel is such a crude person, what she sees as humor comes across as just offensive and coarse. The story line is okay ... just not up to par with this author's previous series.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins / Edelweiss for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DS Roberta Steel ... .she's a rather unique character. She's rude to the point of being obnoxious to everyone. She's definitely no lady by any stretch of the imagination. But she fights hard for victims of crime... and she's willing to cross that line to get it.
DS Steel was recently demoted from DCI. Actually, she's lucky she didn't lose her job altogether. Jack Wallace was suspected of attacking multiple women. Steel knew he was guilty, but she couldn't prove it. Crossing that line, she framed the man .. but she got caught doing it. Hence the demotion.
Wallace is back on the streets and more women are being targeted. Coincidence ... or is he really an innocent man? Is Steel obsessed with taking this man down? Steel wants to go after him, but her supervisor won't hear of it. Will she cross that line again? If she does, she may lose more than just her job.
This is more of a character driven novel, rather than a crime thriller. Steel is such a crude person, what she sees as humor comes across as just offensive and coarse. The story line is okay ... just not up to par with this author's previous series.
Many thanks to the author / Harper Collins / Edelweiss for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 29, 2021
Won this book on first reads,really good cop thriller.
May 28, 2018
When I read this back in January I posted a review. Or at least I thought I did. Imagine my surprise when I found it here in the draft queue. Whoops.
NOW WE ARE DEAD is a spinoff from the Logan McRae series featuring the glorious DS Roberta Steel. I say glorious in a "slightly ironic / well of course she's a bit gross but she's unapologetically over the top about everything / has a heart of gold / seriously / if you can't handle your women strong, forceful, and a bit sweary what are you doing reading Stuart MacBride books - especially one about Roberta Steel" way.
I love Roberta Steel. I love everything about the woman from her constant mining in her not insubstantial bosom, to her terrorising of the "deserves to be put upon half the time" Logan McRae, right down to her determination that no scroat will go unpunished on her watch.
Honestly, if you've not read any of Stuart MacBride's books then you really do need to be getting on with them. This is a series that's unashamedly right versus wrong, with a twist. They are police procedurals with the procedures manual propping open the door, and a hefty dose of dry, dark, slightly grotty humour. DS (yep she's been demoted from DI) Roberta Steel deserved her own book yonks ago and I, for one am extremely pleased she's got it.
I'm particularly pleased that NOW WE ARE DEAD is it as well. Of course Steel's not going to be happy when somebody she firmly believed did something, gets his sentence quashed. She's obviously going to take demotion personally as well, and there are times when everybody could be forgiven for thinking she's more than a bit obsessed about all of this for the wrong reasons. But Steel is, aside from everything else, a copper and she's got a copper's nose for a villain, and quite possibly, a big appetite for sacrifice in the line of duty.
If you're a fan of any of Stuart MacBride's books - the Logan McRae series, the Ash Henderson series, his Christmas series (I kid you not), or his standalones then you will have hot footed it to the bookshop for this one already. If for some reason you missed it, then off you go.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
NOW WE ARE DEAD is a spinoff from the Logan McRae series featuring the glorious DS Roberta Steel. I say glorious in a "slightly ironic / well of course she's a bit gross but she's unapologetically over the top about everything / has a heart of gold / seriously / if you can't handle your women strong, forceful, and a bit sweary what are you doing reading Stuart MacBride books - especially one about Roberta Steel" way.
I love Roberta Steel. I love everything about the woman from her constant mining in her not insubstantial bosom, to her terrorising of the "deserves to be put upon half the time" Logan McRae, right down to her determination that no scroat will go unpunished on her watch.
Honestly, if you've not read any of Stuart MacBride's books then you really do need to be getting on with them. This is a series that's unashamedly right versus wrong, with a twist. They are police procedurals with the procedures manual propping open the door, and a hefty dose of dry, dark, slightly grotty humour. DS (yep she's been demoted from DI) Roberta Steel deserved her own book yonks ago and I, for one am extremely pleased she's got it.
I'm particularly pleased that NOW WE ARE DEAD is it as well. Of course Steel's not going to be happy when somebody she firmly believed did something, gets his sentence quashed. She's obviously going to take demotion personally as well, and there are times when everybody could be forgiven for thinking she's more than a bit obsessed about all of this for the wrong reasons. But Steel is, aside from everything else, a copper and she's got a copper's nose for a villain, and quite possibly, a big appetite for sacrifice in the line of duty.
If you're a fan of any of Stuart MacBride's books - the Logan McRae series, the Ash Henderson series, his Christmas series (I kid you not), or his standalones then you will have hot footed it to the bookshop for this one already. If for some reason you missed it, then off you go.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 1, 2019
Stuart MacBride is one of my favourite authors, and his Logan McRae series is in my top three crime series. I will gladly read anything he releases, but I was particularly excited to dive into Now We Are Dead. With Now We Are Dead, we get a story following one of my favourite characters from the series – Steel.
Steel brings the large majority of the humour to the Logan McRae books, and I constantly find myself loving the scenes where she appears. A part of me was nervous to follow her as a main character, but a larger part of me was excited to see her in the limelight. Although I did enjoy Now We Are Dead, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed the main books in the Logan McRae series.
Now We Are Dead has all I expect from a Stuart MacBride book. We have an interesting, multi-layered crime. We have great characters. We have plenty of humour. However, I feel as though these things weren’t quite to the same level as they are in the main books. The crime was interesting, but I feel as though it was not as complex as the other books in the series – in many ways, I feel it was a necessity to close of the Steel story arc we were introduced to. The characters were fun, but I did not enjoy them quite as much as I enjoy the main team – sure, we get to see some of our favourites, but it wasn’t the same. The humour did bring about giggles, but it wasn’t as funny as I’d expected – in fact, I felt as though some of the humour was overly desperate and felt a bit too childish for my liking.
Nevertheless, despite the fact Now We Are Dead was not quite all I had hoped it would be, I did have a lot of fun with Steel’s book.
Steel brings the large majority of the humour to the Logan McRae books, and I constantly find myself loving the scenes where she appears. A part of me was nervous to follow her as a main character, but a larger part of me was excited to see her in the limelight. Although I did enjoy Now We Are Dead, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I enjoyed the main books in the Logan McRae series.
Now We Are Dead has all I expect from a Stuart MacBride book. We have an interesting, multi-layered crime. We have great characters. We have plenty of humour. However, I feel as though these things weren’t quite to the same level as they are in the main books. The crime was interesting, but I feel as though it was not as complex as the other books in the series – in many ways, I feel it was a necessity to close of the Steel story arc we were introduced to. The characters were fun, but I did not enjoy them quite as much as I enjoy the main team – sure, we get to see some of our favourites, but it wasn’t the same. The humour did bring about giggles, but it wasn’t as funny as I’d expected – in fact, I felt as though some of the humour was overly desperate and felt a bit too childish for my liking.
Nevertheless, despite the fact Now We Are Dead was not quite all I had hoped it would be, I did have a lot of fun with Steel’s book.
January 3, 2018
Absolutely flaming brilliant!!! Yet again Stuart MacBride is the best.
June 26, 2018
I'm on a roll with these 5-star books. This one could be nothing less.
November 8, 2017
I Would give this 6 0r 7 Stars if I Could .. Steele is the Greatest Cop Character I Have Ever Read ,,,This Book I think is My Favourite Stuart MacBride .. Wonderful ..Wonderful
February 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this spin-off from the detective series featuring Logan McRae; this one features another of my fave characters Roberta Steel.
She is hard, bitchy, crude and lewd but with a good heart (if you can get anywhere near it!).
I also loved Tufty too - had to give him a mention as he's so endearing and loyal.
This book is not going to be for everyone; it's pretty slapstick and it's choc full of swearing, violence and playing the fool (I loved the incident in the school with the downtrodden constable - so funny I laughed out loud on the train...especially the chant 'PANTS, PANTS, PANTS'...haha).
This book pushes the boundaries of farcical and can't really be taken seriously as a police procedural...
...but as a break from the traditional and for indulgence purposes I thought this was highly entertaining and extremely funny.
If you can cope with breaking from the norm and being a bit silly then it's well worth a read (or listen, the audio is great).
For me it was a huge hit! I think you could still read this if you didn't know the characters but that's easy for me to say as I've already read several books from the series so maybe get a second opinion on that!
She is hard, bitchy, crude and lewd but with a good heart (if you can get anywhere near it!).
I also loved Tufty too - had to give him a mention as he's so endearing and loyal.
This book is not going to be for everyone; it's pretty slapstick and it's choc full of swearing, violence and playing the fool (I loved the incident in the school with the downtrodden constable - so funny I laughed out loud on the train...especially the chant 'PANTS, PANTS, PANTS'...haha).
This book pushes the boundaries of farcical and can't really be taken seriously as a police procedural...
...but as a break from the traditional and for indulgence purposes I thought this was highly entertaining and extremely funny.
If you can cope with breaking from the norm and being a bit silly then it's well worth a read (or listen, the audio is great).
For me it was a huge hit! I think you could still read this if you didn't know the characters but that's easy for me to say as I've already read several books from the series so maybe get a second opinion on that!
August 17, 2018
4.5
All’inizio temevo che un libro tutto su Roberta Steel senza Logan, potesse risultare pesante invece si legge che è un piacere, grazia anche alla presenza di Ciuffo che stempera un po’ di situazioni.
Ci sono alcune scene terribili (quella del bambino!) che tirano fuori un insospettabile lato umano della Steel.
Spettacolare la scena finale XD e per fortuna Logan e il suo ex capo .
Adesso non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo, The Blood Road, (quando esce in italiano?) anche perchè adesso tutti temono Lazarus" McRae!
L’ultima cosa: che senso ha il titolo Il ponte dei cadaveri? Di ponti proprio non ce ne sono, di cadavere uno. Mah!
All’inizio temevo che un libro tutto su Roberta Steel senza Logan, potesse risultare pesante invece si legge che è un piacere, grazia anche alla presenza di Ciuffo che stempera un po’ di situazioni.
Ci sono alcune scene terribili (quella del bambino!) che tirano fuori un insospettabile lato umano della Steel.
Spettacolare la scena finale XD e per fortuna Logan e il suo ex capo .
Adesso non vedo l’ora di leggere il prossimo, The Blood Road, (quando esce in italiano?) anche perchè adesso tutti temono Lazarus" McRae!
L’ultima cosa: che senso ha il titolo Il ponte dei cadaveri? Di ponti proprio non ce ne sono, di cadavere uno. Mah!
February 4, 2023
This wasn't what I expected from this book but in the best way possible. Following on from events of In the Cold Dark Ground this is a shorter than usual novel with Roberta Steel as the main focus of the story and as one of the two POVs we follow. Given that whenever I read a Logan Macrae book I always question how she even got on to the force let alone remains there I wasn't wholy excited about it. So I'm very glad to say it was excellent from start to finish.
To say anything about the things going on with Steel would spoil the previous book so I'll just say she's not in a good head space and is a woman on a mission. But lo and behold she's actually doing some genuine police work. Being inside her head actually made me appreciate her as a character a lot more. All her terrible traits are present and correct but we do get to understand why they exist. And, shockingly, we get to see aspects of her personality that is buried deep, deep down. This wasn't exactly a character study but it was easily the most I felt I've ever gotten to know about her and her, her motives and private life outside the surface level stuff we've always been told.
The other POV is Tufty who I like immensely. At first I thought he was just another Rennie given that he's called an idiot by both Logan and Steel but here he proves that he has a very sharp mind and is a very endearing character who just needs to get over his shyness. Whether he'll make any more appearances I don't know but I'd love to see him as he made for a perfect sidekick to Steel with some very witty banter and he didn't lie down to be trodden all over like Macrae has done numerous times.
Given that this is a Macbride novel the subject matters are quite harrowing. I found myself sympathising with Steel over the lack of support she got from higher ups and the way she was shackled (not in that way, THANK GOD!!) by the unhelpfulness of the general public, yet expected to do her job and keep everyone safe.
The ending, while satisfactory and certainly fitting for what had come earlier, felt like it HAD to happen or there wasn't going to be an ending. There was no way things could have been resolved and it replaced detective skills which was somewhat of a shame.
I'm not sure how much time passed between the last Logan book and this one but I was left confused when I read about a smaller side character given their interaction with Logan previously. Hopefully when I pick up The Blood Road all will be resolved.
A pleasant surprise of a read. I've not read many Macbride offerings that I've not loved but I thought this may buck the trend. Oh and the illustrations at the end of the book were phenomenal
To say anything about the things going on with Steel would spoil the previous book so I'll just say she's not in a good head space and is a woman on a mission. But lo and behold she's actually doing some genuine police work. Being inside her head actually made me appreciate her as a character a lot more. All her terrible traits are present and correct but we do get to understand why they exist. And, shockingly, we get to see aspects of her personality that is buried deep, deep down. This wasn't exactly a character study but it was easily the most I felt I've ever gotten to know about her and her, her motives and private life outside the surface level stuff we've always been told.
The other POV is Tufty who I like immensely. At first I thought he was just another Rennie given that he's called an idiot by both Logan and Steel but here he proves that he has a very sharp mind and is a very endearing character who just needs to get over his shyness. Whether he'll make any more appearances I don't know but I'd love to see him as he made for a perfect sidekick to Steel with some very witty banter and he didn't lie down to be trodden all over like Macrae has done numerous times.
Given that this is a Macbride novel the subject matters are quite harrowing. I found myself sympathising with Steel over the lack of support she got from higher ups and the way she was shackled (not in that way, THANK GOD!!) by the unhelpfulness of the general public, yet expected to do her job and keep everyone safe.
The ending, while satisfactory and certainly fitting for what had come earlier, felt like it HAD to happen or there wasn't going to be an ending. There was no way things could have been resolved and it replaced detective skills which was somewhat of a shame.
I'm not sure how much time passed between the last Logan book and this one but I was left confused when I read about a smaller side character given their interaction with Logan previously. Hopefully when I pick up The Blood Road all will be resolved.
A pleasant surprise of a read. I've not read many Macbride offerings that I've not loved but I thought this may buck the trend. Oh and the illustrations at the end of the book were phenomenal
January 10, 2019
Being a great fan of DCI Logan McRea I was curious to see how the author would handle (handle is probably the appropriate word as DS Steel is a bit of a rogue to curtail) setting one of the main characters and indeed one of the much loved characters into her very own book! The now newly demoted Detective Sergeant Roberta Steel is still determined to bring to justice pedophile Jack Wallace even though she has been warned to stay away from him and if she disobeys runs the risk of being thrown of the force for good. It is not so much the plot that I love in Stuart MacBrides books but his larger than life characters and none are more electric than Roberta Steel. In Now we are Dead two things struck me as worthy of mention. Roberta's long suffering partner Susan, taking away all the joking and bravado these two ladies love eachother and this love brings a great stability to Roberta's life. The second thing worthy of note is that once all the cursing and bad language has faded Steel has a heart of gold and will fight with her life where she sees injustice...."Roberta gave Beatrice's hand another gentle squeeze. It gets better. I know it doesn't seem like it but it does. There comes a time when you won't flinch if someone touches you. When your heart doesn't feel like you're going to die if you feel footsteps coming up behind you. When the darkness doesn't make you want to scream. She stood leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead."....( Could this really be the Roberta Steel we all love to laugh at the lady who is always scratching shifting and re positioning her knickers and bra!)
Setting Steel in her own adventure has it seems allowed MacBride to add some very human observations and gentle touches...."Oh to be five again. When the only things you had to worry about was how many marbles you could fit up your nose and how dinosaurs brushed their teeth with those stubby wee arms of theirs. When the scariest thing in the world was running out of chocolate biscuits and the monster that lived under the bed".....Having said that the trademark dur Celtic humour is still very much present..."Ten to four on a Wednesday and the regulars were well into their fourth or fifth pint- the empties littering their tables. Some hadn't even bothered changing out of their overalls before coming in to quench the demon thirst"....."She killed the engine. You got a girlfriend, Tufty? Or boyfriend? Or favourite sheep?"......
Having paid the above compliments I need to be more convinced that Steel is worthy of a second outing? She simply flouts the rules (ok we all know this happens) to an extent that any police force would have discharged her a long time ago. I think she is more suited to a secondary role acting as a buffer or comical aside for Logan McRae. So not a bad book, enjoyable with limitations....
Setting Steel in her own adventure has it seems allowed MacBride to add some very human observations and gentle touches...."Oh to be five again. When the only things you had to worry about was how many marbles you could fit up your nose and how dinosaurs brushed their teeth with those stubby wee arms of theirs. When the scariest thing in the world was running out of chocolate biscuits and the monster that lived under the bed".....Having said that the trademark dur Celtic humour is still very much present..."Ten to four on a Wednesday and the regulars were well into their fourth or fifth pint- the empties littering their tables. Some hadn't even bothered changing out of their overalls before coming in to quench the demon thirst"....."She killed the engine. You got a girlfriend, Tufty? Or boyfriend? Or favourite sheep?"......
Having paid the above compliments I need to be more convinced that Steel is worthy of a second outing? She simply flouts the rules (ok we all know this happens) to an extent that any police force would have discharged her a long time ago. I think she is more suited to a secondary role acting as a buffer or comical aside for Logan McRae. So not a bad book, enjoyable with limitations....
December 9, 2017
This is described as "Logan McRae 10.5" and it picks up the story of Roberta post-demotion (you do need to have read the others for this, I think). It's full of farce and very funny (I get so much more out of this now that I know what "sharny" means ...) The title, and the opening scene, are inspired by, of all things, Winnie the Pooh, and Roberta's new sidekick, who has the improbable name of S. Quirrel (nickname, obviously, Tufty), is a Tigger figure. The grim and gritty stuff is here too, but perhaps farce has taken over. The come-uppance of the baddie is spectacular if nauseating. Logan appears a couple of times and a reconciliation is more or less reached. Perhaps the purpose of this book is to make it possible to resume the working partnership again - or at least to reassure us about Roberta's future.
Read
July 4, 2017Pre-ordered
September 10, 2019
This hovered somewhere between a three and a four for me, all the way through, till the ending pulled it up a little. MacBride is one of my very favourite authors, and his two other series' have proven very substantial entertainment and pleasure to me as a reader - dark humour and drama, characters you can really get along with, all described with colour.
This, focusing as it did, on recently demoted DS Roberta Steele, didn't *quite* hit the spot as compared to the DCI Locan McRea series. Back on the streets getting her hands dirty, a web of chaotic events are described, some of which link together, and a handful of minor characters provide comedic relief. It was good fun, but struck me as a little too cartoonish, high on action and relentless humour, less of the realism that I have previously enjoyed - it felt a bit rushed in places. It did however provide more of an insight into Steele's character, painted her more sympathetically as opposed to how she has sometimes come over as just a grumpy ol' lesbian in previous books.
This, focusing as it did, on recently demoted DS Roberta Steele, didn't *quite* hit the spot as compared to the DCI Locan McRea series. Back on the streets getting her hands dirty, a web of chaotic events are described, some of which link together, and a handful of minor characters provide comedic relief. It was good fun, but struck me as a little too cartoonish, high on action and relentless humour, less of the realism that I have previously enjoyed - it felt a bit rushed in places. It did however provide more of an insight into Steele's character, painted her more sympathetically as opposed to how she has sometimes come over as just a grumpy ol' lesbian in previous books.
Read
February 14, 2018Gave up around the 60/70 page mark. I didnt like Roberta Steel as a main character. Felt weird. I think for me she will always be a sidekick who pops in with her humour once in a while.
January 19, 2018
The presentation of this book is some sort of tribute to A A Milne and comic book add-ons did little to enhance the story. Roberta Steele has been demoted to Sergeant and is back chasing shop lifters and other petty criminals while still seeking to catch the rapist Jack Wallace and bring to book the crazed villain who is also a loan shark. Logan McRae, now an inspector, has only a cameo role. Lots of mindless foul language finally soured the fairly good plot.
2 stars only for me.
2 stars only for me.
May 5, 2019
Some bonkers vignettes giving an insight into crime fighting in Aberdeen with DS Roberta Steel and her sidekick, Tufty. It was so kooky in that it's written in the style of the Winnie the Pooh books but is definitely not for the kiddies. It was very funny at times but I concede that the humour may not be for everyone. I just wish the main story, catching Jack Wallace, had more page time.
July 9, 2018
NOW WE ARE DEAD is the 11th book in Stuart MacBride’s DS Logan McRae series.
But NOW WE ARE DEAD is very different from the other entries in the police procedurals series set in Aberdeen, Scotland because this time DI Roberta Steel is the protagonist, with a new character, DC Quirrel (who is known by his nickname of “Tufty” by everyone) as HER sidekick. We actually get a few scenes from Tufty’s perspective, which is fun.
The best part of the Logan McRae books is that they combine humor with thoughtful moral/ethical quandaries that honorable policeman have to face as they try to solve crime in an urban setting.
For some reason in NOW WE ARE DEAD MacBride has decided to recalibrate his writing so that humor is the primary or central aspect of the book, with crime solving and ethical quandaries talking second or third priority. Steel has been demoted down to DS Steel because of her decision to plant evidence on a horrible man named Jack Wallace who everyone is pretty sure is guilty of attacking and raping multiple women. But the case is thrown out when Logan turns Steel in for “fitting up” Jack for a crime they can’t prove he did. It becomes clear by the end of the book that Jack is actually guilty of a number of crimes but that doesn’t mean that Steel was right to attempt to frame him. For most of the book Logan is persona non grata with Steel because she’s furious he “narced” her out to their superiors, which resulted in significant negative career consequences. (When the series started Steel outranked McRae but with her demotion their roles are now reversed.)
The focus on including more funny scenes and situations in NOW WE ARE DEAD made the book less appealing, not more, for me. I’m not sure why, but I think it reduced the level of verisimilitude I’m used to compared to MacBride’s other police procedurals in the series, thus making me less engaged with the story. Of course, others may have a different reaction. Generally the Logan McRae books are some of my favorite genre reads. I only have 3 more to read and am being patient because I know a 12th McRae book will be our soon.
OVERALL: 3 Stars.
But NOW WE ARE DEAD is very different from the other entries in the police procedurals series set in Aberdeen, Scotland because this time DI Roberta Steel is the protagonist, with a new character, DC Quirrel (who is known by his nickname of “Tufty” by everyone) as HER sidekick. We actually get a few scenes from Tufty’s perspective, which is fun.
The best part of the Logan McRae books is that they combine humor with thoughtful moral/ethical quandaries that honorable policeman have to face as they try to solve crime in an urban setting.
For some reason in NOW WE ARE DEAD MacBride has decided to recalibrate his writing so that humor is the primary or central aspect of the book, with crime solving and ethical quandaries talking second or third priority. Steel has been demoted down to DS Steel because of her decision to plant evidence on a horrible man named Jack Wallace who everyone is pretty sure is guilty of attacking and raping multiple women. But the case is thrown out when Logan turns Steel in for “fitting up” Jack for a crime they can’t prove he did. It becomes clear by the end of the book that Jack is actually guilty of a number of crimes but that doesn’t mean that Steel was right to attempt to frame him. For most of the book Logan is persona non grata with Steel because she’s furious he “narced” her out to their superiors, which resulted in significant negative career consequences. (When the series started Steel outranked McRae but with her demotion their roles are now reversed.)
The focus on including more funny scenes and situations in NOW WE ARE DEAD made the book less appealing, not more, for me. I’m not sure why, but I think it reduced the level of verisimilitude I’m used to compared to MacBride’s other police procedurals in the series, thus making me less engaged with the story. Of course, others may have a different reaction. Generally the Logan McRae books are some of my favorite genre reads. I only have 3 more to read and am being patient because I know a 12th McRae book will be our soon.
OVERALL: 3 Stars.
December 5, 2020
Now We Are Dead, Stuart MacBride
Well that was a rollicking ride! Now We Are Dead by Stuart MacBride gives us Roberta Steel unleashed as she thrashes through each day with DC Quirrel, aka Tufty, doing his best at damage control, by her side. Steel has recently been demoted from Detective Inspector to Detective Sergeant for violating police standards - and getting caught! Now she’s having a wretched time chasing down underaged thieves knocking off smartphones. Roberta Steel’s clashes with her bosses increasingly threaten her job when she uncovers a case of underage sex (after finding compromising photos on one of the said smartphones) in addition to cases involving a violent loan shark, drug trafficking and abuse of minors. If that’s not enough, there’s a serial rapist still on the scene and Steel’s convinced this is the same Jack Wallace she tried to fit up resulting in her demotion. Determined to bring him down, despite directives to stay away from the case, Steel and Tufty attempt to break Wallace’s alibis bringing them to the brink along with heavy doses of frustration, exhaustion and injury.
MacBride’s laugh out loud dialogue plus nonstop action fuels every page developing the camaraderie between Roberta and Tufty. The nod to author A. A. Milne sets each chapter up in contrast to his delicious noir. I even began to see a bit of Tigger in Tufty and Eeyore when Logan McRae occasionally drifted in. I shouldn’t have read it so quickly! More please!
Well that was a rollicking ride! Now We Are Dead by Stuart MacBride gives us Roberta Steel unleashed as she thrashes through each day with DC Quirrel, aka Tufty, doing his best at damage control, by her side. Steel has recently been demoted from Detective Inspector to Detective Sergeant for violating police standards - and getting caught! Now she’s having a wretched time chasing down underaged thieves knocking off smartphones. Roberta Steel’s clashes with her bosses increasingly threaten her job when she uncovers a case of underage sex (after finding compromising photos on one of the said smartphones) in addition to cases involving a violent loan shark, drug trafficking and abuse of minors. If that’s not enough, there’s a serial rapist still on the scene and Steel’s convinced this is the same Jack Wallace she tried to fit up resulting in her demotion. Determined to bring him down, despite directives to stay away from the case, Steel and Tufty attempt to break Wallace’s alibis bringing them to the brink along with heavy doses of frustration, exhaustion and injury.
MacBride’s laugh out loud dialogue plus nonstop action fuels every page developing the camaraderie between Roberta and Tufty. The nod to author A. A. Milne sets each chapter up in contrast to his delicious noir. I even began to see a bit of Tigger in Tufty and Eeyore when Logan McRae occasionally drifted in. I shouldn’t have read it so quickly! More please!
November 18, 2017
I received this book from Good Reads.
"No 1 Times Bestseller".
I thought I was in for a good read, as I love detective stories, but I did not enjoy this one. I did read quite a bit of it, hoping my opinion would change, but it did not, so in the end I gave up on it.
Too much trying to be funny for me. It was not my kind of humour.
"No 1 Times Bestseller".
I thought I was in for a good read, as I love detective stories, but I did not enjoy this one. I did read quite a bit of it, hoping my opinion would change, but it did not, so in the end I gave up on it.
Too much trying to be funny for me. It was not my kind of humour.
January 9, 2018
My favourite offering from Stuart McBride so far, from the winnie the pooh opening to the doodles of Tufty at the end, this was an entertaining read of one of my favourite characters of his. Sure it was farcical in parts but it helped lift the heaviness of the storyline and just suited the frame of mind i was in perfectly, though i daresay it won't be everyone's cup of tea. More please!
October 26, 2019
Wohlwollende 4 Sterne. Das Buch reicht nicht ganz an die erstklassige Hauptreihe heran. Der Humor ist m.E. etwas flacher, weniger zynisch und leicht überstrapaziert. Einige der MacBride-charakteristischen WTF Momente sind aber dabei.
February 1, 2018
I really liked this one-such good dialogue with lots of humour thrown in. Logan Macrae does not really appear but does not detract in my opinion. Roberta Steel and Tufty are brilliant!
November 26, 2017
Any book which can incorporate my most favourite not-a-swear-word, fudgemonkeys, is always going to make me chuckle. Any book which combines the aforementioned not-a-swear-word and the irrepressible Roberta Steel – well you are pretty much guaranteed a cover to cover chucklefest of the grandest nature, all wrapped around issues so serious they can make your heart sink and your blood boil. And that is exactly what you are served by Stuart MacBride in this darkly humorous spinoff from the Logan McRae series, Now We Are Dead.
Now in some ways, it is hard to review this book without some minor spoilers to its sort of predecessor, In The Cold Dark Ground, but I will try. As the blurb suggests, Ms Steel has been a little bit naughty, and found guilty of not entirely following the Police Scotland guidelines for evidentiary support in the conviction of the vile piece of scum that is Jack Wallace. I.e. she set him up. With his sentence overturned he is back on the street and free to start attacking other women.
This doesn’t sit well with Steel, but from her new lowly position as DS she doesn’t get to pick and choose her cases and is warned, in no uncertain terms, to stay away from Wallace. When violent assaults against women begin again, Wallace seems to have an unbreakable alibi. Steel doesn’t believe it for one moment, but there is little she can do other than wait for Wallace to show his hand. Of course, for Steel, and those she loves, that moment could come a touch too late …
From the moment you open this book and start reading, it is like being welcomed back into the safe arms of your more than slightly dysfunctional family. The team of the North East Division are a hoot, a complete mismatch of characters and personalities which, somehow, just seem to compliment each other, whilst creating an overwhelmingly comedic effect. At the head of the team you have Steel, with her inimitable style – her sarcasm, her gruffness, even crudeness, which affects the team in a variety of ways. All of them, I might add, are great value for money for the reader. You are guaranteed entertainment from every single madcap situation that they find themselves in.
Now if you have read any of the Logan McRae books then you will be well aware of Roberta Steel. There really should be no need for an introduction. For the uninitiated, then suffice to say this is a women for whom the term politically correct has little meaning, other than ticking the right box on an election or referendum ballot paper, assuming that is, that she takes time to vote. She drinks, she swears, she has been known to cut the occasional corner to further a case, and if there is a way to avoid physical exertion then she has probably found it. That said, she has a true desire for justice which can sometimes lead her into trouble. You get a sense of her softer (?) side, when it comes to a harrowing case involving a neglected child, and also her relationship with her partner Susan and their two daughters, even if she could well swing for their father right now. She definitely isn’t the warm and fuzzy kind at work, but while she doesn’t always show it, in her own way she has a real affection for her team, especially young DC Quirrel, a.k.a. Tufty.
Ah Tufty. What a star. Newly transferred to Aberdeen as a Detective Constable having served under Sergeant McRae, you cannot help but fall for his bashful naivety, determination and youthful enthusiasm. He is an absolute scream. With much of the action told from his perspective you will find yourself both laughing with, and occasionally at, our hapless hero. From his awkward attempts to chat up fellow Police Officer, PC Kate Mackintosh, to an ill-advised attempt to call a halt to a demonstration by local farmers which results in a rather unsavoury shower, everything the poor chap is put through – well to be fair it just made me laugh. A lot. Despite his comic interludes though, Tufty is a fluffing good copper.
Now if there is one thing that Stuart MacBride excels in, it’s bringing out the dark humour in a book without it overshadowing what is, in essence, a really dark and sometimes disturbing, story. There are moments which make the skin crawl; where the violent attacks occurring around Aberdeen make you wonder if Steel didn’t have the right approach towards Wallace in the first place, however ill-advised her actions were. The book moves seamlessly between the serious and the frivolous, Stuart MacBride being able to flick the switch between making you want to laugh and then cry. It would take a heartless cow not to be upset by what happens in poor Mrs Galloway’s flat. I mean, don’t you just hate it when your Pudding explodes all over the microwave … But I have to be honest, as much as that scene made me both grimace and go awwww, it led to quite a few smiles a bit later on in the book. If you read it, you’ll know why. You’re a brave man though, Mr MacBride. There’s not many folk would tackle that taboo a subject.
The cast of characters are perfectly sculpted – everything you would expect from a Stuart MacBride novel. From a truly evil, cunning and manipulative bad guy in Jack Wallace, to the moaning, put upon and quite literally set upon DC ‘where are ma pants’ Harmsworth, you have the full gamut of MacBride classics all in one place. There is even a representation of Marvel heroes that I don’t think you’d find in any of their licensed comics. Holy hand-cramp Batman!!! Christ, so many things pretty much had me chuckling. Even the style of the book, the layout, each chapter preceded by a description of what is to follow, adds to the tone of what you are about to experience. The sub headings will make you smile/frown as you puzzle over what they mean. Their execution will have you chortling for days. The illustrations that accompany the hardback are just spot on, especially ‘Tufty’s Super Secret Map of Aberdeen.’ It’s worth getting the book for that alone, although you’re missing a real treat if you don’t read what comes before it.
If you are a fan of the Logan McRae series, or of Mr MacBride in general, especially his wonderfully dry, very astute observations of the human character, or if you just think Roberta Steel is a real scream, then you will love this book. If you are easily offended and don’t like tales of ‘fudgemonkery’ or ‘Womble wallopers’ … ahhhh, stuff it. Read it anyway. If you haven’t read any of these books before? Okay, so there will be spoilers (sort of) but only in a very (very) minor way as to the ending of the last Logan McRae book, but nothing that will stop you enjoying this or any of the other books in that series. Don’t get me wrong. While the McRae books can be occasionally dark, this book too at times, this in particular is a lesson in Stuart MacBride’s pure comic genius, more akin to A Dark So Deadly, than Cold Granite and certainly lighter in tone than the Ash Henderson series. But by god this is good.
Very, very (very) good. My only regret? Ferreting fudgemonkeys – it’s having finished so dang fast. There is a reason these books are on my absolutely must read list. It’s because they are absolutely bloody brilliant. This is no exception.
Very highly recommended ‘snake-alicious’ read. Most definitely in my top reads of 2017. I loved it. Can you tell? I know I’ve been somewhat reticent about making my feelings clear on the subject, but just in case you were in any doubt, it really is rather good.
Now in some ways, it is hard to review this book without some minor spoilers to its sort of predecessor, In The Cold Dark Ground, but I will try. As the blurb suggests, Ms Steel has been a little bit naughty, and found guilty of not entirely following the Police Scotland guidelines for evidentiary support in the conviction of the vile piece of scum that is Jack Wallace. I.e. she set him up. With his sentence overturned he is back on the street and free to start attacking other women.
This doesn’t sit well with Steel, but from her new lowly position as DS she doesn’t get to pick and choose her cases and is warned, in no uncertain terms, to stay away from Wallace. When violent assaults against women begin again, Wallace seems to have an unbreakable alibi. Steel doesn’t believe it for one moment, but there is little she can do other than wait for Wallace to show his hand. Of course, for Steel, and those she loves, that moment could come a touch too late …
From the moment you open this book and start reading, it is like being welcomed back into the safe arms of your more than slightly dysfunctional family. The team of the North East Division are a hoot, a complete mismatch of characters and personalities which, somehow, just seem to compliment each other, whilst creating an overwhelmingly comedic effect. At the head of the team you have Steel, with her inimitable style – her sarcasm, her gruffness, even crudeness, which affects the team in a variety of ways. All of them, I might add, are great value for money for the reader. You are guaranteed entertainment from every single madcap situation that they find themselves in.
Now if you have read any of the Logan McRae books then you will be well aware of Roberta Steel. There really should be no need for an introduction. For the uninitiated, then suffice to say this is a women for whom the term politically correct has little meaning, other than ticking the right box on an election or referendum ballot paper, assuming that is, that she takes time to vote. She drinks, she swears, she has been known to cut the occasional corner to further a case, and if there is a way to avoid physical exertion then she has probably found it. That said, she has a true desire for justice which can sometimes lead her into trouble. You get a sense of her softer (?) side, when it comes to a harrowing case involving a neglected child, and also her relationship with her partner Susan and their two daughters, even if she could well swing for their father right now. She definitely isn’t the warm and fuzzy kind at work, but while she doesn’t always show it, in her own way she has a real affection for her team, especially young DC Quirrel, a.k.a. Tufty.
Ah Tufty. What a star. Newly transferred to Aberdeen as a Detective Constable having served under Sergeant McRae, you cannot help but fall for his bashful naivety, determination and youthful enthusiasm. He is an absolute scream. With much of the action told from his perspective you will find yourself both laughing with, and occasionally at, our hapless hero. From his awkward attempts to chat up fellow Police Officer, PC Kate Mackintosh, to an ill-advised attempt to call a halt to a demonstration by local farmers which results in a rather unsavoury shower, everything the poor chap is put through – well to be fair it just made me laugh. A lot. Despite his comic interludes though, Tufty is a fluffing good copper.
Now if there is one thing that Stuart MacBride excels in, it’s bringing out the dark humour in a book without it overshadowing what is, in essence, a really dark and sometimes disturbing, story. There are moments which make the skin crawl; where the violent attacks occurring around Aberdeen make you wonder if Steel didn’t have the right approach towards Wallace in the first place, however ill-advised her actions were. The book moves seamlessly between the serious and the frivolous, Stuart MacBride being able to flick the switch between making you want to laugh and then cry. It would take a heartless cow not to be upset by what happens in poor Mrs Galloway’s flat. I mean, don’t you just hate it when your Pudding explodes all over the microwave … But I have to be honest, as much as that scene made me both grimace and go awwww, it led to quite a few smiles a bit later on in the book. If you read it, you’ll know why. You’re a brave man though, Mr MacBride. There’s not many folk would tackle that taboo a subject.
The cast of characters are perfectly sculpted – everything you would expect from a Stuart MacBride novel. From a truly evil, cunning and manipulative bad guy in Jack Wallace, to the moaning, put upon and quite literally set upon DC ‘where are ma pants’ Harmsworth, you have the full gamut of MacBride classics all in one place. There is even a representation of Marvel heroes that I don’t think you’d find in any of their licensed comics. Holy hand-cramp Batman!!! Christ, so many things pretty much had me chuckling. Even the style of the book, the layout, each chapter preceded by a description of what is to follow, adds to the tone of what you are about to experience. The sub headings will make you smile/frown as you puzzle over what they mean. Their execution will have you chortling for days. The illustrations that accompany the hardback are just spot on, especially ‘Tufty’s Super Secret Map of Aberdeen.’ It’s worth getting the book for that alone, although you’re missing a real treat if you don’t read what comes before it.
If you are a fan of the Logan McRae series, or of Mr MacBride in general, especially his wonderfully dry, very astute observations of the human character, or if you just think Roberta Steel is a real scream, then you will love this book. If you are easily offended and don’t like tales of ‘fudgemonkery’ or ‘Womble wallopers’ … ahhhh, stuff it. Read it anyway. If you haven’t read any of these books before? Okay, so there will be spoilers (sort of) but only in a very (very) minor way as to the ending of the last Logan McRae book, but nothing that will stop you enjoying this or any of the other books in that series. Don’t get me wrong. While the McRae books can be occasionally dark, this book too at times, this in particular is a lesson in Stuart MacBride’s pure comic genius, more akin to A Dark So Deadly, than Cold Granite and certainly lighter in tone than the Ash Henderson series. But by god this is good.
Very, very (very) good. My only regret? Ferreting fudgemonkeys – it’s having finished so dang fast. There is a reason these books are on my absolutely must read list. It’s because they are absolutely bloody brilliant. This is no exception.
Very highly recommended ‘snake-alicious’ read. Most definitely in my top reads of 2017. I loved it. Can you tell? I know I’ve been somewhat reticent about making my feelings clear on the subject, but just in case you were in any doubt, it really is rather good.
May 3, 2020
Che spasso! All'inizio temevo mi sarebbe mancato Logan e quindi di non apprezzare la lettura del mio autore preferito, ma invece Stuart MacBride non mi delude mai! Un concentrato di ilarità e noir degno del suo stile, con il sovrapporsi di diversi casi che lo rende unico. Grande finale, il morso di Roberta é fenomenale, e Ciuffo é il mio nuovo idolo. Esperimento azzeccato, spero ci saranno altri libro con la Steele come protagonista. Unico neo, se così vogliamo chiamarlo, l'alternanza di pov senza stacco (almeno nella mia versione di e-book) che può creare un po' di confusione. Ma un'infima pecca all'interno di un bel romanzo.
January 6, 2019
I can’t say it often enough - I love Stuart MacBride. Every single thing he writes. And he’s such a genius for giving Steel a boo of her own. Written in the style of Winnie the Pooh - brilliant! How many people were arrested in this one? How many off comments were made that had me giggling and reading parts aloud? I’ll read anything that’s written by MacBride. And he’s one of three authors I’ll pay full price for his books because they are worth every penny if I do devour them in two days.
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