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Dania Gorska #1
The Polish Detective
Volatile times in a volatile city...
Polish-born detective Dania Gorska, seconded to Dundee's Specialist Crime Division, is called to investigate three murders in which the bodies of the victims are posed in different ways; the first is dressed and staged as a scarecrow while the other two are displayed in an equally bizarre manner. She is unable to establish what links them but clues point to their having been members of a druidic cult - something which her investigative journalist brother Marek is pursuing for his paper.
Although Dania's main focus is in solving the murders, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the case of two runaway teenage girls. But when she learns that they were members of the same druid group, she becomes convinced that their disappearance is linked to the murders. And her growing suspicion that the local laird of Backmuir is involved puts her in grave danger...
Polish-born detective Dania Gorska, seconded to Dundee's Specialist Crime Division, is called to investigate three murders in which the bodies of the victims are posed in different ways; the first is dressed and staged as a scarecrow while the other two are displayed in an equally bizarre manner. She is unable to establish what links them but clues point to their having been members of a druidic cult - something which her investigative journalist brother Marek is pursuing for his paper.
Although Dania's main focus is in solving the murders, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the case of two runaway teenage girls. But when she learns that they were members of the same druid group, she becomes convinced that their disappearance is linked to the murders. And her growing suspicion that the local laird of Backmuir is involved puts her in grave danger...
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2018
24 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Hania Allen
9 books36 followers Hania Allen was born in Liverpool of Polish refugees. She always wanted to go into space and came a fair way (but not far enough) in the Project Juno competition to find Britain's first astronaut. Her career in education culminated in information management at the University of St Andrews, a post she left to write full-time. When not writing, she plays the piano with her musically gifted godchildren, making up for in enthusiasm what she lacks in talent. Hania has lived in Scotland longer than anywhere else and loves the country and its people, despite the nine months of rain and three months of bad weather. She currently resides in a fishing village in Fife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 19, 2024
*3.5 stars*
DS Dania Gorska, a young Polish officer, ends up in Dundee after issues in the Met.
This doesn’t seem to be her first case in Scotland, but it’s clear she is still finding her feet. And what a case it is, a series of corpses deposited in places guaranteed to grab everyone’s attention. Another connection is the obscure and very unpleasant poisons favoured by the killer or killers.
Police Scotland mounts a surprisingly low key investigation into a group of druids, who may or may not be connected with the disappearance of two local girls. But then, as the protagonist points out, police services everywhere have been cut to the bone. Brexit also looms, likely to have a major effect on the Polish community in Dundee, some of whom are on the receiving end of xenophobic abuse.
The plot is intricate and the background very well-researched, with a couple of very satisfying twists at the end.
Perhaps I wish she had exploited the Polish connection in a more meaningful way, and that she used Dundee as more of a character than simply a back-drop. But this is a good read, and with luck DS Gorska will be able to stay in the UK despite Brexit and have more cases to deal with.
DS Dania Gorska, a young Polish officer, ends up in Dundee after issues in the Met.
This doesn’t seem to be her first case in Scotland, but it’s clear she is still finding her feet. And what a case it is, a series of corpses deposited in places guaranteed to grab everyone’s attention. Another connection is the obscure and very unpleasant poisons favoured by the killer or killers.
Police Scotland mounts a surprisingly low key investigation into a group of druids, who may or may not be connected with the disappearance of two local girls. But then, as the protagonist points out, police services everywhere have been cut to the bone. Brexit also looms, likely to have a major effect on the Polish community in Dundee, some of whom are on the receiving end of xenophobic abuse.
The plot is intricate and the background very well-researched, with a couple of very satisfying twists at the end.
Perhaps I wish she had exploited the Polish connection in a more meaningful way, and that she used Dundee as more of a character than simply a back-drop. But this is a good read, and with luck DS Gorska will be able to stay in the UK despite Brexit and have more cases to deal with.
January 26, 2018
Hania Allen enters the crowded field of Scottish Crime with her Polish DS Dania Gorska who has recently arrived at Tayside Police in Dundee from the London Met after the breakdown of her marriage. She is living with her brother, Marek Gorski, a journalist. The Brexit vote is imminent and there is a highly charged political atmosphere surrounding the issue with ugly expressions of racism, Dania and Marek find themselves targets. Dania's boss, DI Blair Chirnside has been encouraging and supportive of Dania, standing up for her when other police officers have been less than welcoming. The discovery of the murdered Judith Johnstone dressed as a scarecrow on the land of the local laird, Sir Graham Farquhar, kick starts a complicated and difficult investigation. A stressed DI Chirnside is struggling and other pressures lead to Dania leading the case with the evidence she uncovers with the help of DC Honor Randall.
Johnstone is employed the Institute of Religious and Belief Systems, and turns out to be a leading light in the local Druid chapter. As other bodies with a similar MO turn up, poisoned by different toxic plants, it is suspected that the killer is targeting practicing druids. Schoolgirl Jenn McLaughlin, is the sister of Ailsa, Ailsa and her friend, Kerry, are runaways assumed to be in London after texts are received. Jenn does not believe Ailsa or Kerry ran away, and Dania is inclined to believe her after she learns that both were actively involved with druids. She is convinced there is a connection between the missing girls and the murders. The powerful laird comes under suspicion, and despite Chirnside's sceptism, Dania determinedly follows her gut instincts by operating under the radar. The closer Dania gets to the truth, the greater the danger she finds herself in.
Allen's debut is a tense police procedural that is a welcome addition to the crime genre with its unique selling point of the Polish Dania, and her brother, Marek. The history of Poles, the role they played in Scottish history and World War 2 provides a historical and cultural backdrop to the central role played by Dania. The current antagonism faced by the Polish reflects contemporary British politics and Brexit. I found this an engrossing and exciting debut read, although at times the writing was uneven. I look forward to encountering Dania again in her next outing! Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
Johnstone is employed the Institute of Religious and Belief Systems, and turns out to be a leading light in the local Druid chapter. As other bodies with a similar MO turn up, poisoned by different toxic plants, it is suspected that the killer is targeting practicing druids. Schoolgirl Jenn McLaughlin, is the sister of Ailsa, Ailsa and her friend, Kerry, are runaways assumed to be in London after texts are received. Jenn does not believe Ailsa or Kerry ran away, and Dania is inclined to believe her after she learns that both were actively involved with druids. She is convinced there is a connection between the missing girls and the murders. The powerful laird comes under suspicion, and despite Chirnside's sceptism, Dania determinedly follows her gut instincts by operating under the radar. The closer Dania gets to the truth, the greater the danger she finds herself in.
Allen's debut is a tense police procedural that is a welcome addition to the crime genre with its unique selling point of the Polish Dania, and her brother, Marek. The history of Poles, the role they played in Scottish history and World War 2 provides a historical and cultural backdrop to the central role played by Dania. The current antagonism faced by the Polish reflects contemporary British politics and Brexit. I found this an engrossing and exciting debut read, although at times the writing was uneven. I look forward to encountering Dania again in her next outing! Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
July 19, 2019
Actual rating 3 - 4 stars but as the ☀️ is shining in UK (rare at mo) in a spirit of generosity and sunniness I’ve rounded it up. There was a lot I liked about this book and I think if the story had flowed better throughout it would have been a solid 4⭐️. I really liked the central character of DS Dania Gorska who had a lot about her. Apart from being a good, hard working police officer, I liked that she was an exceptionally good pianist. The musical elements were very enjoyable and being Polish the emphasis for her musical talents was on Chopin. I admired what she did for her ex husband but felt sad that he had to hide who he really was. I liked her brother Marek and I suspect if he’d been real I might have fallen for his obvious charms 🤣 and probably his cooking skills too!
It was a total coincidence that I read this during the solstice (Alban Hefin) as a lot of the book featured Druids and I also enjoyed that. I’ve visited Stonehenge ( and other possible Druid sites) and chatted happily and with fascination with a Druid when I was there. I’ve always been interested in people’s beliefs so this was a bonus element. I also liked the Scottish setting and I’m drawn to stories that are set in a country I love a great deal.
On to the not so good for me. First of all, the storyline dipped and peaked and the peaks were not sustained! There were parts of the story that were a bit silly and hammy. I’m prone to an eye roll when that happens and there was a bit of that going on. I might take up gurning. 😂. I got cheesed off with the over zealous commentary on the bleep bleep referendum which led to the B word. Eyes almost on my forehead, accompanied by an unattractive grimace and a shudder when that was mentioned. Did it help the story? Absolutely not, except to give it a time frame and I suppose inject some bigoted comments from some lesser characters directed towards Dania. I’m sure that bigotry was the authors point but I wasn’t keen.
I also found the murders over the top but I’ll say this for them - there was originality there. The autopsy of one victim was stomach churning. Literally.
Overall, there was a lot to like but with some reservations. The ending was good and as I liked Dania I’ll definitely read the next book in the series.
It was a total coincidence that I read this during the solstice (Alban Hefin) as a lot of the book featured Druids and I also enjoyed that. I’ve visited Stonehenge ( and other possible Druid sites) and chatted happily and with fascination with a Druid when I was there. I’ve always been interested in people’s beliefs so this was a bonus element. I also liked the Scottish setting and I’m drawn to stories that are set in a country I love a great deal.
On to the not so good for me. First of all, the storyline dipped and peaked and the peaks were not sustained! There were parts of the story that were a bit silly and hammy. I’m prone to an eye roll when that happens and there was a bit of that going on. I might take up gurning. 😂. I got cheesed off with the over zealous commentary on the bleep bleep referendum which led to the B word. Eyes almost on my forehead, accompanied by an unattractive grimace and a shudder when that was mentioned. Did it help the story? Absolutely not, except to give it a time frame and I suppose inject some bigoted comments from some lesser characters directed towards Dania. I’m sure that bigotry was the authors point but I wasn’t keen.
I also found the murders over the top but I’ll say this for them - there was originality there. The autopsy of one victim was stomach churning. Literally.
Overall, there was a lot to like but with some reservations. The ending was good and as I liked Dania I’ll definitely read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2019
The story is quite interesting, nice narrative, good ending...
But really we get it - Dania is Polish... there is no need to constantly mention she drinks different types of vodka (all the time might i add), when she goes for a beer she drinks specifically the polish one, she eats kielbasa, bigos and plenty of other polish specialties... we get it! she is Polish!!! She is way more polish than any Pole I have ever met!!!
But really we get it - Dania is Polish... there is no need to constantly mention she drinks different types of vodka (all the time might i add), when she goes for a beer she drinks specifically the polish one, she eats kielbasa, bigos and plenty of other polish specialties... we get it! she is Polish!!! She is way more polish than any Pole I have ever met!!!
February 7, 2019
A new series introducing Detective Sergeant Dania Gorsk, seconded to the Dundee Special Criminal Investigation Division that shows a lot of promise.
Great story, well plotted, totally engrossing, and what a clever, unsettling twist to the end. Look forward to further in the series.
Great story, well plotted, totally engrossing, and what a clever, unsettling twist to the end. Look forward to further in the series.
January 26, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review of The Polish Detective, the first novel to feature DS Dania Gorska of the Dundee Police.
Danka as she is known is called out to a macabre murder site where a woman has been attached to a scarecrow frame and dressed in its clothes. With no forensics or leads as to why someone would want to kill university lecturer, Judith Johnstone, the team are stumped. When more bodies turn up they really have their work cut out for them. In the background to this Danka is intrigued by the disappearance of 2 local girls who have apparently run off to London with just their phones and the clothes on their backs.
I enjoyed The Polish Detective which is a well crafted police procedural with an unusual protagonist. The plot is well paced with reveals coming on a regular basis and a twist at the end. I guessed a certain amount of it in advance due to the way the novel is written but not all of it so there were still some surprises. I like that it is a straightforward third person, linear narrative with very few changes of viewpoint as I find it easier to get and stay involved in the read. Having said that I found the writing style rather flat and not at all gripping. It did however improve my vocabulary of Scots as there were several words I had never heard of before (must be an east coast thing) despite being Scottish.
Danka is an interesting protagonist. After several years with The Met and a failed marriage she has returned to Scotland where she immigrated as a 14 year old. It means, therefore, that she straddles two worlds although, apart from several mentions of Brexit, this is not really explored. Maybe in a future novel? She is smart, resourceful and dedicated so watching her thought processes is a pleasure.
The Polish Detective is an interesting read which I can recommend. 3.5*
Danka as she is known is called out to a macabre murder site where a woman has been attached to a scarecrow frame and dressed in its clothes. With no forensics or leads as to why someone would want to kill university lecturer, Judith Johnstone, the team are stumped. When more bodies turn up they really have their work cut out for them. In the background to this Danka is intrigued by the disappearance of 2 local girls who have apparently run off to London with just their phones and the clothes on their backs.
I enjoyed The Polish Detective which is a well crafted police procedural with an unusual protagonist. The plot is well paced with reveals coming on a regular basis and a twist at the end. I guessed a certain amount of it in advance due to the way the novel is written but not all of it so there were still some surprises. I like that it is a straightforward third person, linear narrative with very few changes of viewpoint as I find it easier to get and stay involved in the read. Having said that I found the writing style rather flat and not at all gripping. It did however improve my vocabulary of Scots as there were several words I had never heard of before (must be an east coast thing) despite being Scottish.
Danka is an interesting protagonist. After several years with The Met and a failed marriage she has returned to Scotland where she immigrated as a 14 year old. It means, therefore, that she straddles two worlds although, apart from several mentions of Brexit, this is not really explored. Maybe in a future novel? She is smart, resourceful and dedicated so watching her thought processes is a pleasure.
The Polish Detective is an interesting read which I can recommend. 3.5*
September 30, 2018
This was my first time in meeting this author, I was introduced to this book through the customers who bought this also section, it's always interesting to see the sort of books that get read together. It peaked my interest due to it being set up in Scotland and this is not a setting I have ventured into that often. I'm also always a sucker for a new female lead crime novel. I like the different perspective it gives me, also it seems to me that when it comes to male lead crime novels more often now we get the broken down detective, and while they have their charms you can always use a break from them.
I think for me it was interesting that the heroine of this book while serving in the British police force was from Poland. It allows us the readers to get a perspective a step removed from the usual viewpoint. We get to see her having to navigate a whole new set of problems as well as the usual bunch. To me she felt well written and fleshed out, she likes to deal with problems head-on and she has a life outside of work. Her life outside of work mostly comes in the form of her brother who she also lives with. In giving him his own separate life it means that he doesn't just feel like he is there for her to bounce off. These two feel like people you might just live next door to and see on the street. Overall I was satisfied in the amount of detail I got for each of the supporting characters and possible antagonist throughout the book. At no point did it feel like I was getting lost in their back stories and thus straying too much from the cases at hand.
The story is an interesting case having to deal with the history of the land and people superstition. While for someone who is from the area they might have a basic knowledge of this thing for Gorska having been born in Poland she has to piece together the small bits of information she can pry from the locals to catch up, this also working in the favor of the reader. It helps to build tension into the story and leads to some interesting situation. The book moves along at a steady pace and flows well, in doing so it kept my curiosity the whole way through and allowed for an enjoyable experience. As we tour Dundee and the countryside that surrounds it the author allowed me to build up a good mental image of these places without having ever been there. While I can't say that the ending was one of those shocking twists, I was left happy with its conclusion and enough intrigue to want to pick the next one up when it comes out. The authors choose to set her story against the backdrop of the Brexit vote works well with her heroine as it allows her to raise questions about how these people view there country and others who have come here to try for a better life. This obviously leads to dealing with racism within our borders and how at times this has brought out the very worst in people.
Overall I felt this was a well plotted and thought out book, it not only gave me a solid crime novel allowing me to try and piece together the crime but due to some of the topics raised within it asked some bigger questions that are still rumbling on now.
March 26, 2020
I had high hopes for this detective novel but was disappointed in it by its finish.The main character is a young Polish woman who came to the UK as a child in the early 1990's after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. He parents later returned to their motherland but she and her brother Marek stayed. Dania, as the main character is called, became a policewoman with the Metropolitan police in London but after a divorce, ended up living and working in Dundee, which sounds like an interesting Scottish city though by the intricate descriptions of it, I felt I needed a map to get my bearings. The main character was believeable enough but remained ambiguous to me. I didn't feel I got to know anything much about her. The main letdown was the plot,however. It just seemed a bit pedestrian despite its suspenseful beginning with the finding of a dead body dressed as a scarecrow. The story was okay but a bit humdrum and there were so many, many mentions of different types of vodka and Polish dishes, I was bored. As with author Peter Robinson and his endless descriptions of music in the Banks series, I found this tedious. And I don't really like vodka that much anyway !! However, maybe the series will pick up pace with its second book. The ending was a bit macabre and a little fantastic.
December 21, 2023
It took me more than a month to finish this and I think it says it all.
It was one of the worst books I've read in a while.
Plot wise, it had potential; the story itself was pretty interesting.
But oh my..., the Polish Detective DS Dania Gorska was the most annoying character on this planet. Like OK, we get it, you're Polish and addicted to Żubrówka. Can we not mention it in every line of the book? She was intelligent but also incredibly dumb. I just couldn't stand her.
I also didn't like how the Poles were described in this book - as people addicted to Chopin and vodka. All Poles were just thrown into this one category and it was very annoying.
I also didn't like how the story was revealing itself. It was quite boring and sometimes I had a feeling of reading about the same thing all over again.
I definitely wouldn't recommend this book.
It was one of the worst books I've read in a while.
Plot wise, it had potential; the story itself was pretty interesting.
But oh my..., the Polish Detective DS Dania Gorska was the most annoying character on this planet. Like OK, we get it, you're Polish and addicted to Żubrówka. Can we not mention it in every line of the book? She was intelligent but also incredibly dumb. I just couldn't stand her.
I also didn't like how the Poles were described in this book - as people addicted to Chopin and vodka. All Poles were just thrown into this one category and it was very annoying.
I also didn't like how the story was revealing itself. It was quite boring and sometimes I had a feeling of reading about the same thing all over again.
I definitely wouldn't recommend this book.
November 27, 2024
Good story, great characters, excellent start of a series. I look forward to the next book.
July 3, 2019
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. What a refreshing change to find characters who are eminently likeable and considerably more interesting than those who pepper so many 'police procedurals'!
I've deducted half a star because, being a wimp, I had to skip the rather graphic post-mortem details - which others may find extremely interesting. The author writes well and handles the build-up of suspense most cleverly.
Four and a half stars.
Would I read it again? Not yet, but I'll definitely read more from this author.
I've deducted half a star because, being a wimp, I had to skip the rather graphic post-mortem details - which others may find extremely interesting. The author writes well and handles the build-up of suspense most cleverly.
Four and a half stars.
Would I read it again? Not yet, but I'll definitely read more from this author.
August 28, 2018
A detective investigates a series of gruesome murders.
The basic plot was good but the writing was clunky and the storyline drifted along. The last chapter was reasonable but not unexpected.
Overall rating 2.5
The basic plot was good but the writing was clunky and the storyline drifted along. The last chapter was reasonable but not unexpected.
Overall rating 2.5
February 12, 2018
I always look foward to a new female detective and this one was no exception. I love the cover and given that I have quite a few Polish friends myself it was easy to visualise Dania. There were quite a bit of descriptive paragraphs but for me this did not detract from the storyline and I enjoyed being in the wilds of Scotland, and seeing the seedier side of Dundee not to mention learning about Druids. The scenes were quite atmospheric at times. There were quite a few characters but easy to distinguish and although I was trying to guess early on there were enough twists and turns to make you wonder and I liked the ending in particular. I look forward to reading more about Dania's crime solving. Well worth a read. I loved it.
July 30, 2020
The Polish Detective by Hania Allen - Good
DS Dania Gorska is the eponomous detective recently moved to Dundee and staying with her brother Marek who is a journalist there.
When a body is discovered dressed up as a scarecrow, she is part of the team investigating and is soon embroiled in a story of murder, runaways and druids! I did find the murders all a bit far fetched, but it was very readable.
In some respects it is another police procedural in a different city. The difference is the female lead, the intriguing brother and a dash of Polish culture (although I found that quite heavy handed but that's probably because I'm part eastern European too... I already know more than enough about various vodkas!).
I shalln't rush to look for the next in the series, but if it falls into my hands, as this did, I shall definitely read it.
DS Dania Gorska is the eponomous detective recently moved to Dundee and staying with her brother Marek who is a journalist there.
When a body is discovered dressed up as a scarecrow, she is part of the team investigating and is soon embroiled in a story of murder, runaways and druids! I did find the murders all a bit far fetched, but it was very readable.
In some respects it is another police procedural in a different city. The difference is the female lead, the intriguing brother and a dash of Polish culture (although I found that quite heavy handed but that's probably because I'm part eastern European too... I already know more than enough about various vodkas!).
I shalln't rush to look for the next in the series, but if it falls into my hands, as this did, I shall definitely read it.
June 2, 2025
The first in a series, Polish-born detective Dania Gorska works at Dundee's Specialist Crime Division and is called on to investigate a series of bizarre murders with links to two missing teenagers and a local Druid group.
There was a lot to like about this novel, interesting cases, an author that did not shy away from the gory details, a protagonist that has an interesting back story, although with some questionable traits as she goes off-piste with the investigation. Add an interesting twist at the end, although occurring after some predictable solutions.
I will certainly seek out book two.
There was a lot to like about this novel, interesting cases, an author that did not shy away from the gory details, a protagonist that has an interesting back story, although with some questionable traits as she goes off-piste with the investigation. Add an interesting twist at the end, although occurring after some predictable solutions.
I will certainly seek out book two.
January 5, 2019
Wow wow wow... loved it the characters feel alive and fully rounded the plot is full of twists and turns that every crime reader should love. I especially love the relationship between the brother and sister and their place as a polish migrant in Dundee is fascinating. Can’t wait for more
February 8, 2018
I liked this a lot. But there was a too much detailed description of the location in the opening chapter. I hope she writes more books about DS Gorska. I liked reading about Warsaw .
June 26, 2019
A good start to the series, would definitely read more by this author
October 2, 2018
The start of what should be a great series. I liked it, and the ending was genuinely frightening.
September 11, 2018
Dundee is the setting for Hania Allen’s new detective series featuring Detective Sergeant Dania Gorska. Gorska is working in in Dundee’s Specialist Crime Division, having transferred out of the Met following the failure of her marriage. She moves into her brother Marek’s flat. Marek Gorski, a journalist, is attractive and unattached and the pair get on well flat sharing.
Set against the backdrop of the Brexit vote, Dania and Marek are not immune from the more ugly displays of racism and Dania finds that though she makes friends easily, not everyone in the West Bell Street station is as welcoming as she would have hoped, though that may be down to the competition for promotion possibilities. DI Blair Chirnside is her boss and appears happy to have another capable D.S. in his team.
When the body of university lecturer Judith Johnstone is found dressed as a scarecrow Dania is put on the investigation. This turns out to be the first in a series of macabre murders, and suspicion begins to fall on a local druidic chapter.
Despite a lack of strong forensic evidence, Dania is determined to solve the case, but she is also intrigued by the seemingly unconnected disappearance of two teenage girls.
Utilising the setting of Dundee and surrounding Tayside to her advantage, Allen takes us on a tour of the city and its underbelly as well as some of the lovely countryside.
With a decent amount of tension and some well plotted misdirects, Hania Allen has created a well fleshed out and interesting plot with a central protagonist you want to know more about. The addition of a journalist brother is also a bonus as it allows for more unorthodox methods of investigation when the plot calls for it, though Dania herself is not always entirely by the book.
The setting, the political backdrop and the Polish heritage are all big plus points in making this a book you want to read and Allen’s characters are convincing.
I did find it slightly over-written and in need of more tension to keep the action propulsive, but all in all this was an excellent start to a new series I’ll want to read more of.
Verdict: Great debut of a promising new character in the tartan noir canon.
Set against the backdrop of the Brexit vote, Dania and Marek are not immune from the more ugly displays of racism and Dania finds that though she makes friends easily, not everyone in the West Bell Street station is as welcoming as she would have hoped, though that may be down to the competition for promotion possibilities. DI Blair Chirnside is her boss and appears happy to have another capable D.S. in his team.
When the body of university lecturer Judith Johnstone is found dressed as a scarecrow Dania is put on the investigation. This turns out to be the first in a series of macabre murders, and suspicion begins to fall on a local druidic chapter.
Despite a lack of strong forensic evidence, Dania is determined to solve the case, but she is also intrigued by the seemingly unconnected disappearance of two teenage girls.
Utilising the setting of Dundee and surrounding Tayside to her advantage, Allen takes us on a tour of the city and its underbelly as well as some of the lovely countryside.
With a decent amount of tension and some well plotted misdirects, Hania Allen has created a well fleshed out and interesting plot with a central protagonist you want to know more about. The addition of a journalist brother is also a bonus as it allows for more unorthodox methods of investigation when the plot calls for it, though Dania herself is not always entirely by the book.
The setting, the political backdrop and the Polish heritage are all big plus points in making this a book you want to read and Allen’s characters are convincing.
I did find it slightly over-written and in need of more tension to keep the action propulsive, but all in all this was an excellent start to a new series I’ll want to read more of.
Verdict: Great debut of a promising new character in the tartan noir canon.
August 20, 2018
I thought I'd like this book a lot more than I did and I'm a little disappointed by how vile some parts where. It was a readable book but I found it pretty average.
December 28, 2018
Another good detective series in the making.
July 31, 2022
I was given this book second hand, and being willing to give new authors a try, I gave it a read. The 'Scottish Detective' scene is crowded so I was interested to see if this would be a new take. I also generally like books focused on the lower ranks of the police. I think it's fair to say that this book was average to good. Some good stuff, some less good stuff.
The main plot investigation was well conceived and written with some interesting twists and turns. The way that several cases worked their way together was obviously carefully crafted and spoke well to the human condition. The characters were also well developed, I felt like I got to know Dania well in the space of one book. I liked the fact that Brexit was openly discussed, and the references to the contribution of Poles during WWII although I worry this will date the story quickly.
However, it was painfully slow to read at times. Some of the extra detail just wasn't necessary and could be a little distracting. As an example, I don't what readers gained from learning DI Chirnside's home life. Then at other points important background felt rushed; the situation with Tony was only very briefly mentioned and DCI Ireland just appeared. I feel like they were more important in Dania's life, and potentially to the rest of the upcoming series, but got only passing comment.
All in all, a reasonable read but a bit frustrating.
The main plot investigation was well conceived and written with some interesting twists and turns. The way that several cases worked their way together was obviously carefully crafted and spoke well to the human condition. The characters were also well developed, I felt like I got to know Dania well in the space of one book. I liked the fact that Brexit was openly discussed, and the references to the contribution of Poles during WWII although I worry this will date the story quickly.
However, it was painfully slow to read at times. Some of the extra detail just wasn't necessary and could be a little distracting. As an example, I don't what readers gained from learning DI Chirnside's home life. Then at other points important background felt rushed; the situation with Tony was only very briefly mentioned and DCI Ireland just appeared. I feel like they were more important in Dania's life, and potentially to the rest of the upcoming series, but got only passing comment.
All in all, a reasonable read but a bit frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Relocated from the Met to Dundee Polish born DS Dania Gorska is hoping for a new start. One of her first cases involves the grotesque murder of several pillars of the local community. The crimes have a strong ritual element and may be linked to the activities of the local druid group and the earlier disappearance of two teenagers.
As a genre crime fiction often draws from a limited range of characters and voices, with any deviation from these celebrated with a lot of needless drums and trumpets. This has more to do with ‘look at me’ virtue signaling than a genuine desire to be inclusive.
Hania Allen has managed to bring a fresh new voice to the crime genre, that of the UK’s growing Eastern European community, without doing so in a way that is self-consciously worthy.
The Polish Detective is a solid, well written police procedural with an engaging central character and plenty of local colour. It is also one of the few crime books I have read that treats paganism, represented by the local druids, with genuine respect. The usual approach, sadly, is to treat it as a sort of half silly, half sinister curiosity best viewed through the distorting prism of old Hammer Horror films.
This is an excellent opening installment in a series that may play a small part in redefining the crime genre.
As a genre crime fiction often draws from a limited range of characters and voices, with any deviation from these celebrated with a lot of needless drums and trumpets. This has more to do with ‘look at me’ virtue signaling than a genuine desire to be inclusive.
Hania Allen has managed to bring a fresh new voice to the crime genre, that of the UK’s growing Eastern European community, without doing so in a way that is self-consciously worthy.
The Polish Detective is a solid, well written police procedural with an engaging central character and plenty of local colour. It is also one of the few crime books I have read that treats paganism, represented by the local druids, with genuine respect. The usual approach, sadly, is to treat it as a sort of half silly, half sinister curiosity best viewed through the distorting prism of old Hammer Horror films.
This is an excellent opening installment in a series that may play a small part in redefining the crime genre.
February 19, 2018
Recently arrived in Dundee, Dania Gorksa is trying to move away from her failed marriage and establish herself in a new area. When the body of a woman is found strung up as a scarecrow Dania is plunged into a mystery that has many turns. Set on the eve of the Brexit referendum Dania has to face lots of opposing factions before the mystery is solved.
The Scottish police procedural field is packed with outstanding writers and for a new voice to be heard the material needs to be fresh. In this respect Allen hits the mark, the story of a polish woman moving to Dundee plays well against the backdrop of the Brexit vote. Paralleled with this is the reaction of the population to the increasing numbers of people turning to alternative religion. There is a little more to this book than merely a procedural bit it is handled a little too lightly for it to impact. Whilst the ending was tidy, the twist was little too obvious. However this is a strong debut and sets up well for a series.
The Scottish police procedural field is packed with outstanding writers and for a new voice to be heard the material needs to be fresh. In this respect Allen hits the mark, the story of a polish woman moving to Dundee plays well against the backdrop of the Brexit vote. Paralleled with this is the reaction of the population to the increasing numbers of people turning to alternative religion. There is a little more to this book than merely a procedural bit it is handled a little too lightly for it to impact. Whilst the ending was tidy, the twist was little too obvious. However this is a strong debut and sets up well for a series.
February 3, 2025
I enjoyed this, it was a good read. There are a few frustrating plot holes though: yew trees are evergreens for example; and someone who is using a mower can't hear someone calling them from behind. Various others too, and things that made me feel the author just didn't bother to look things up.
The plot was nicely complex, I like that there were different possibilities going on. A surprise near the end, I won't spoil it, but I always like a surprise. At one point I was feeling frustrated that there was too much tell not enough show, then I realised the author was using a different writing style for sections that focused on a particular character who was younger. I like that, we can get inside the characters' heads that way.
I read this in 2 days with my feet up resting a bad ankle. It's not that it's a light read, but it's a page turner and not overly difficult.
The plot was nicely complex, I like that there were different possibilities going on. A surprise near the end, I won't spoil it, but I always like a surprise. At one point I was feeling frustrated that there was too much tell not enough show, then I realised the author was using a different writing style for sections that focused on a particular character who was younger. I like that, we can get inside the characters' heads that way.
I read this in 2 days with my feet up resting a bad ankle. It's not that it's a light read, but it's a page turner and not overly difficult.
April 30, 2019
An interesting looking new series featuring a Polish detective from London who moves to Dundee.
A series of brutal murders with bodies staged in the countryside. A pair of runaway teenagers. A group of Druids meeting in the woods/ DS Dania Gorska must try to work out how they are all connected.
The novel doesn't really live up to the promise though. Most of the investigation seems to involve waiting for something to reveal itself and the odd actions of DI Chirnside are not questioned until very late in the day. The EU referendum is also mentioned several times without ever really becoming a factor.
The ending was something of a let down. Much is revealed in several large chunks of exposition that could have been handled far more deftly.
A series of brutal murders with bodies staged in the countryside. A pair of runaway teenagers. A group of Druids meeting in the woods/ DS Dania Gorska must try to work out how they are all connected.
The novel doesn't really live up to the promise though. Most of the investigation seems to involve waiting for something to reveal itself and the odd actions of DI Chirnside are not questioned until very late in the day. The EU referendum is also mentioned several times without ever really becoming a factor.
The ending was something of a let down. Much is revealed in several large chunks of exposition that could have been handled far more deftly.
February 18, 2020
Detective Sergeant Dania is new on the scene, as she has just moved from London, she is the
. She investigates an unusual murder in small rural Scotland. I am unsure that Dania needs to be Polish or that her background is pertinent to this storyline. I do like her and her brother's characters, he is a journalist. There are a few twists that were not too predictable. I would read another book by Hania Allen.
. She investigates an unusual murder in small rural Scotland. I am unsure that Dania needs to be Polish or that her background is pertinent to this storyline. I do like her and her brother's characters, he is a journalist. There are a few twists that were not too predictable. I would read another book by Hania Allen.
December 15, 2025
Death is everywhere in the woodlands and surrounds of Dundee, Scotland. But whodunnit?
This was an okay read, though I found myself puzzled near the end—I couldn't see how the story could wrap up convincingly in so few pages, and the conclusion left me wanting. There were a few loose threads left hanging, things I'm curious to find out. Perhaps the plot continues in the next book?
What did resonate: Chirnside's reflections on aging parents hit home, as this is a stage of life I'm heading into myself.
Not particularly gory or fast-paced, but there's quite a lot of death and discussion of decay. Could have been better and not highly recommended, but I'm curious enough to continue with the series.
This was an okay read, though I found myself puzzled near the end—I couldn't see how the story could wrap up convincingly in so few pages, and the conclusion left me wanting. There were a few loose threads left hanging, things I'm curious to find out. Perhaps the plot continues in the next book?
What did resonate: Chirnside's reflections on aging parents hit home, as this is a stage of life I'm heading into myself.
Not particularly gory or fast-paced, but there's quite a lot of death and discussion of decay. Could have been better and not highly recommended, but I'm curious enough to continue with the series.
July 11, 2018
An absorbing entertaining series start
Set in Dundee just before the EU referendum Dania Gorska is the Polish detective of the title, she is recently divorced and moved to Scotland from the Met, and his living with her brother Marek. She is brave clever resourceful and not afraid to bend or break the rules This is a well written Police procedural with excellent characterization, absorbing and entertaining with more than enough twists to keep you guessing, well it did me anyway, also some loose ends to be picked up in the next book in this series, this is all assuming our heroine does not get kicked out of the country thanks to Brexit.
Set in Dundee just before the EU referendum Dania Gorska is the Polish detective of the title, she is recently divorced and moved to Scotland from the Met, and his living with her brother Marek. She is brave clever resourceful and not afraid to bend or break the rules This is a well written Police procedural with excellent characterization, absorbing and entertaining with more than enough twists to keep you guessing, well it did me anyway, also some loose ends to be picked up in the next book in this series, this is all assuming our heroine does not get kicked out of the country thanks to Brexit.
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