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DCI Grace Macallan #2
Evidence of Death
Billy Nelson is back home in Belfast, but the Troubles have cut this ex-Army Loyalist hard man deep and his city's allegiances have shifted. An outbreak of gang violence forces him to Edinburgh, where he muscles in on the drug trade. Underworld rivalries between Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast spill onto the streets. The pressure mounts for Grace Macallan, new superintendent of the Crime & Counter Terrorism Directorate. Troubled by her own demons and with everyone baying for the blood of Billy Nelson, can Grace hold her nerve?
- GenresCrime
416 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 16, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Black and White Publishing for an advance copy of Evidence of Death, the second police procedural to feature Supt Grace Macallan of the Edinburgh Specialist Crime and Counter Terrorism Directorate.
When Billy Nelson returns to Belfast after several tours in the army both he and the city have changed. His former Loyalist comrades have no interest in sectarianism and are intent only on making money but neither has Billy having shifted his hatred to Muslims. After some ill advised beatings he and his crew are forced out of Belfast and sent to Edinburgh to set up a drugs network. How they do it soon attracts the atten of Grace and her team.
I thoroughly enjoyed Evidence of Death which is full of twists and turns and held my attention throughout. It is a long read but worthwhile as it is full of detail on procedure and in the plotting. The relationships between the characters and their thinking are complicated but Mr Ritchie takes the time to explore and explain them completely so the reader never feels lost or in the dark. It takes time to gather evidence and build a case but Mr Ritchie guides us effortlessly through the process. I am very impressed with his plotting and grasp of the subject.
He puts this attention to detail to great use in his characterisation. I really feel as I know his principal characters well from the uncontrolled violence of the drug dealers to Billy's cold, measured violence and psychopathy. His descent into unthinking violence is well done and extremely believable. In comparison Grace is understated, but that seems to be a favourite description of her. She is smart and dedicated in her job but rather aimless and lonely outside of it. I was pleased to see that her personal life might be taking a turn for the better. I like the way she handles her incompetent superior and his transparent machinations and the fact that they bother her - it makes her very human.
Evidence of Death is a good if violent novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Billy Nelson returns to Belfast after several tours in the army both he and the city have changed. His former Loyalist comrades have no interest in sectarianism and are intent only on making money but neither has Billy having shifted his hatred to Muslims. After some ill advised beatings he and his crew are forced out of Belfast and sent to Edinburgh to set up a drugs network. How they do it soon attracts the atten of Grace and her team.
I thoroughly enjoyed Evidence of Death which is full of twists and turns and held my attention throughout. It is a long read but worthwhile as it is full of detail on procedure and in the plotting. The relationships between the characters and their thinking are complicated but Mr Ritchie takes the time to explore and explain them completely so the reader never feels lost or in the dark. It takes time to gather evidence and build a case but Mr Ritchie guides us effortlessly through the process. I am very impressed with his plotting and grasp of the subject.
He puts this attention to detail to great use in his characterisation. I really feel as I know his principal characters well from the uncontrolled violence of the drug dealers to Billy's cold, measured violence and psychopathy. His descent into unthinking violence is well done and extremely believable. In comparison Grace is understated, but that seems to be a favourite description of her. She is smart and dedicated in her job but rather aimless and lonely outside of it. I was pleased to see that her personal life might be taking a turn for the better. I like the way she handles her incompetent superior and his transparent machinations and the fact that they bother her - it makes her very human.
Evidence of Death is a good if violent novel which I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 21, 2018
Evidence of Death is the second book in the Detective Grace Macallan series, it picks up shortly after the events of Cause of Death. Grace is now the superintendent of the Crime & Counter Terrorism Directorate and soon has a heavy and dangerous case to work on in the form of a drugs-trade (violent) take over in Edinburgh.
Billy Nelson has vivid memories from a young age of the Troubles, he remembers witnessing the destruction of an IRA bomb which killed nine people in a local fish shop. As such he was desperate to join the Ulster Volunteer Force as soon as he was old enough however he ended up leaving Ireland and joining the Parachute Regiment has returned to Belfast. However, this meant he saw more horrific sights, first in Iraq and then Afghanistan whereby saw too many friends and comrades maimed and killed by the opposition. As such, when Billy returns to Ireland he is in a very dark place, however the Ireland he left is no longer in existence now the Troubles are over. It is clear from the outset that Ritchie has created a very volatile character in Billy!
Billy starts to cause a bit too much trouble in Ireland so is sent over to Edinburgh to muscle into the drugs trade and overturn the family who currently run it. What ensues is a very violent takeover which applies great pressure on Grace and her team. There are some violent scenes in this book however they are not at all gratuitous, they are needed to ensure that the plot flows and to demonstrate that both the drugs trade and Grace’s team are facing with regards to Billy and his crew.
The author has created a very authentic cast of characters who are dealing in the shady world of drugs – some that the reader even empathises with to a degree! Also, the general plot of the book comes across as very realistic, I believe that the author’s background goes a long way to giving the fiction an authentic voice.
Evidence of Death is most definitely a slow burn – it draws its reader into its dark and violent world and demonstrates the pressures and frustration that Grace and her team are facing as the horrific incidents keep happening. There are different sides to this story, we hear from Billy and his crew, from those who are impacted by their actions as well as the investigation itself and are privy to the operation of a covert surveillance. This is a multi-layered, complex narrative that needs time to unravel itself – the multiple perspectives gave, at times, a terrifying edge to the events that were unfolding, especially as Billy’s head is an extremely dark place to be!
At the start of the book there is a very useful list of jargon and acronyms – I liked that this was in place as it meant that the book could stay true to its Scottish and Irish dialect without losing its English readers!
I recommend this book but would suggest that you read Cause of Death first as this gives background into both the Troubles in Ireland and to Grace herself, as to how she has ended up in Edinburgh and why everyone isn’t too happy about her superintendent position.
Billy Nelson has vivid memories from a young age of the Troubles, he remembers witnessing the destruction of an IRA bomb which killed nine people in a local fish shop. As such he was desperate to join the Ulster Volunteer Force as soon as he was old enough however he ended up leaving Ireland and joining the Parachute Regiment has returned to Belfast. However, this meant he saw more horrific sights, first in Iraq and then Afghanistan whereby saw too many friends and comrades maimed and killed by the opposition. As such, when Billy returns to Ireland he is in a very dark place, however the Ireland he left is no longer in existence now the Troubles are over. It is clear from the outset that Ritchie has created a very volatile character in Billy!
Billy starts to cause a bit too much trouble in Ireland so is sent over to Edinburgh to muscle into the drugs trade and overturn the family who currently run it. What ensues is a very violent takeover which applies great pressure on Grace and her team. There are some violent scenes in this book however they are not at all gratuitous, they are needed to ensure that the plot flows and to demonstrate that both the drugs trade and Grace’s team are facing with regards to Billy and his crew.
The author has created a very authentic cast of characters who are dealing in the shady world of drugs – some that the reader even empathises with to a degree! Also, the general plot of the book comes across as very realistic, I believe that the author’s background goes a long way to giving the fiction an authentic voice.
Evidence of Death is most definitely a slow burn – it draws its reader into its dark and violent world and demonstrates the pressures and frustration that Grace and her team are facing as the horrific incidents keep happening. There are different sides to this story, we hear from Billy and his crew, from those who are impacted by their actions as well as the investigation itself and are privy to the operation of a covert surveillance. This is a multi-layered, complex narrative that needs time to unravel itself – the multiple perspectives gave, at times, a terrifying edge to the events that were unfolding, especially as Billy’s head is an extremely dark place to be!
At the start of the book there is a very useful list of jargon and acronyms – I liked that this was in place as it meant that the book could stay true to its Scottish and Irish dialect without losing its English readers!
I recommend this book but would suggest that you read Cause of Death first as this gives background into both the Troubles in Ireland and to Grace herself, as to how she has ended up in Edinburgh and why everyone isn’t too happy about her superintendent position.
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March 6, 2018Description
Book 2 in the Grace Macallan detective series
Scarred by the Troubles in Belfast, Billy Nelson returns to his Loyalist roots following his discharge from army service. But Belfast and the people he knew have changed, and after his gang are responsible for a series of violent attacks on innocent victims, he is forced out of the city and moves in on the drugs business in Edinburgh.
Taking on the family who have been the main players in the city for years, a battle for control amongst the criminal underworld of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast ensues, and the balance of power is upset...
Grace Macallan, recently promoted to Superintendent in the Specialist Crime and Counter Terrorism Directorate, has her hands full as a series of incidents leave a trail of victims. As the old demons of the Troubles come back to haunt her again, can Grace keep the streets of Scotland safe, as well as balancing the conflicting interests of the police in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Security Services, who all have an interest in Nelson and his paramilitary contacts in Belfast...
My Thoughts
This is my first Peter Ritchie book and Evidence of Death is the second in his Detective Grace Macallan series, though it worked as a stand-alone for me. Typically, I tend to read more psychological thrillers or murder mysteries where after a crime has been committed the plot focuses more on the whodunit. Be aware that the characters and their actions are often quite violent and if that bothers you, this might not be the book for you. For me, though while this didn't fit neatly in my usual genre box, the violence was an integral part of the story and wasn't there just for shock value.
While the story initially focused on Billy Nelson, his gang, and their criminal endeavors, it was Detective Macallan's appearance and the subsequent action that really drew me into this book. The plot was engaging, the characters are well written and the ending made me hope I will have the opportunity to read the third in this series(after going back and reading the first).
Thank you, Peter Ritchie, Black and White Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy to read and review. I would recommend to any fans of police and crime stories.
Book 2 in the Grace Macallan detective series
Scarred by the Troubles in Belfast, Billy Nelson returns to his Loyalist roots following his discharge from army service. But Belfast and the people he knew have changed, and after his gang are responsible for a series of violent attacks on innocent victims, he is forced out of the city and moves in on the drugs business in Edinburgh.
Taking on the family who have been the main players in the city for years, a battle for control amongst the criminal underworld of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast ensues, and the balance of power is upset...
Grace Macallan, recently promoted to Superintendent in the Specialist Crime and Counter Terrorism Directorate, has her hands full as a series of incidents leave a trail of victims. As the old demons of the Troubles come back to haunt her again, can Grace keep the streets of Scotland safe, as well as balancing the conflicting interests of the police in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Security Services, who all have an interest in Nelson and his paramilitary contacts in Belfast...
My Thoughts
This is my first Peter Ritchie book and Evidence of Death is the second in his Detective Grace Macallan series, though it worked as a stand-alone for me. Typically, I tend to read more psychological thrillers or murder mysteries where after a crime has been committed the plot focuses more on the whodunit. Be aware that the characters and their actions are often quite violent and if that bothers you, this might not be the book for you. For me, though while this didn't fit neatly in my usual genre box, the violence was an integral part of the story and wasn't there just for shock value.
While the story initially focused on Billy Nelson, his gang, and their criminal endeavors, it was Detective Macallan's appearance and the subsequent action that really drew me into this book. The plot was engaging, the characters are well written and the ending made me hope I will have the opportunity to read the third in this series(after going back and reading the first).
Thank you, Peter Ritchie, Black and White Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy to read and review. I would recommend to any fans of police and crime stories.
March 8, 2018
Billy Nelson has returned to a changed Dublin. When he left for the army, he left with horror and destruction in his wake. But now the Troubles are over and people are starting to recover, their allegiances shifting, their lives changing. Billy isn’t ready to forget though, he wants revenge. And soon his actions are stirring the attention of Jackie Martin, a man he does not want to cross. Sent to Edinburgh to ply his seedy trade, Nelson’s rise up the ladder of the drugs trade is laced with blood and gore. Nothing will hinder his progress to be king of the hierarchy and no one – not even the family who run it – will stand in his way.
Grace Macallan is grieving the loss of a dear friend when she is hit by a blast from the past. Jack Fraser, a former lover who broke her heart, steals into her new life. Just as charming, handsome and successful as ever. But he abandoned her when she was at her lowest point and now, as she embraces a forgive and forget life philosophy, those feelings she discarded so long ago reemerge. Investigating a new foe who has taken over the drugs trade, she is faced with frightening battles, one with her past and one with a group of men who are determined to win.
Peter Ritchie’s past as a Senior Police officer has lent this book an authenticity that is hard to match. He’s poured his knowledge and experience into Evidence of Death and you can really feel depth of it shot through the prose. It this aspect of the book that made it really feel as if I was in the middle of it all. I was by Grace’s side as she investigated Billy Nelson and his gang, her life continuously at risk. I was with Billy as he climbed the ranks, utilising his armoury of violence, manipulation and deceit. I was right there in the thick of it! It’s thrilling stuff!
Evidence of Death follows the tug-and-war for power and ranking amid the seedy underbelly of three capitals. It’s a fiercely gripping, surprising novel that will grip you from cover to cover.
Dark. Intriguing. Gripping.
February 26, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I haven’t read book one in the series, however it Evidence of Death can exist in its own and the reader doesn’t lose anything, having said that, I’m definitely going to go back and read book one!
This is quite a dark and brutal book at times, so if you’re not keen on violence I’d steer clear. If you’re like me and don’t mind (reading us escapism and I’m not violent so to me it’s fine in fiction) then this book is great; the plot is interesting and full of a whole wealth of twists and turns and I had no idea how it’d end up.
Definitely recommended for fans of val mcdermid and Stuart MacBride.
I haven’t read book one in the series, however it Evidence of Death can exist in its own and the reader doesn’t lose anything, having said that, I’m definitely going to go back and read book one!
This is quite a dark and brutal book at times, so if you’re not keen on violence I’d steer clear. If you’re like me and don’t mind (reading us escapism and I’m not violent so to me it’s fine in fiction) then this book is great; the plot is interesting and full of a whole wealth of twists and turns and I had no idea how it’d end up.
Definitely recommended for fans of val mcdermid and Stuart MacBride.
March 4, 2018
Review to come!
February 25, 2018
Edinburgh is about to become a battleground as a new gang aim to muscle their way into the city and take over the top spot among the city drug suppliers. As Edinburgh already had a family at the top of the pecking order who were supplying drugs to their needy customers it is safe to assume that things are going to get messy.
Billy Nelson grew up in Belfast. He hated Catholics and, after a life defining incident as a child, he wants to devote his time hurting as many Catholics as he can. His intelligence and focus comes to the attention of the head of Belfast’s most influential crime family. He identifies Billy as a resource to be harnessed and encourages the boy to join the army and learn new skills which he can bring back to Belfast in future. Billy agrees and as readers pick up events in Evidence of Death, Billy is home from the army, discharged after an incident which made it impossible to remain in service. He is changed but remains an angry, focused and dangerous individual.
Billy’s return to Belfast is attracting the wrong sort of attention and he is brought back before the kingpin of Belfast’s underworld and given a choice – head to Edinburgh and set up as the new drug suppliers…or die. Billy heads to Scotland, armed and ready to take out any competition.
What follows, Billy and his gang finding a path to challenge the incumbent suppliers, was gripping, at times harrowing and was what the phrase “page turner” was made for. The callous brutality of their path to power, contrasted brilliantly by the author with the lives they are destroying to there, was terrific.
Although the book is part of the Grace Macallen series (book 2) she very much takes a back seat for the first third of the story. There is no requirement to have read the first book (Cause of Death) as all the backstory is nicely threaded through Evidence but we know Grace is enjoying some much needed rest and recuperation. While she rests the story is building up the various bad guys so that Grace returns from her break as all Hell is about to be unleashed on her turf.
Evidence of Death was a delight to read. It is brutal in places, melancholy in others, the characters so well defined that it made the impact of their respective fates more meaningful for the reader. There are more books to come from Peter Ritchie and Grace’s story will continue – these are stories you should be reading.
Billy Nelson grew up in Belfast. He hated Catholics and, after a life defining incident as a child, he wants to devote his time hurting as many Catholics as he can. His intelligence and focus comes to the attention of the head of Belfast’s most influential crime family. He identifies Billy as a resource to be harnessed and encourages the boy to join the army and learn new skills which he can bring back to Belfast in future. Billy agrees and as readers pick up events in Evidence of Death, Billy is home from the army, discharged after an incident which made it impossible to remain in service. He is changed but remains an angry, focused and dangerous individual.
Billy’s return to Belfast is attracting the wrong sort of attention and he is brought back before the kingpin of Belfast’s underworld and given a choice – head to Edinburgh and set up as the new drug suppliers…or die. Billy heads to Scotland, armed and ready to take out any competition.
What follows, Billy and his gang finding a path to challenge the incumbent suppliers, was gripping, at times harrowing and was what the phrase “page turner” was made for. The callous brutality of their path to power, contrasted brilliantly by the author with the lives they are destroying to there, was terrific.
Although the book is part of the Grace Macallen series (book 2) she very much takes a back seat for the first third of the story. There is no requirement to have read the first book (Cause of Death) as all the backstory is nicely threaded through Evidence but we know Grace is enjoying some much needed rest and recuperation. While she rests the story is building up the various bad guys so that Grace returns from her break as all Hell is about to be unleashed on her turf.
Evidence of Death was a delight to read. It is brutal in places, melancholy in others, the characters so well defined that it made the impact of their respective fates more meaningful for the reader. There are more books to come from Peter Ritchie and Grace’s story will continue – these are stories you should be reading.
February 27, 2018
Rating 4.5/5
I was so excited to get reacquainted with Grace and the team and see what they would be up against this time and it didn’t disappoint.
This was a little bit slower to start as it focuses on Billy’s backstory and how he ends up in Edinburgh, not that it lost my attention but I knew that the action would start to ramp up at some point and I was impatient for it. However, the detail that has gone into the characters and their origins was wonderful, I felt like I could really get into their headspace and it helped to build up just how scary Billy and his crew were, I found it easy to believe the fear they could instil in the people they came across.
Grace was every bit as brilliant as she was in the first book, this time though she’s dealing with the politics of the job and the games of her superior and I loved the way she handled herself even when facing a lot of undue pressure in that regard. This time though we don’t just get to see the hardworking and clever Grace we also get a little bit more of a peek into that more vulnerable side and it’s nice to see her open up and find someone so that she isn’t so lonely.
The plot is complex and intriguing, I’m not going to say much about it because there are so many different storylines that intersect that I couldn’t possibly do it justice even if I tried. What I will mention is that this one has a lot of violence, I think it is reasonable for the subject matter in the book, but be prepared if you are squeamish.
Yet again the attention to detail involving the procedures of the cases that the team deal with keep you totally gripped and once the action kicks in I couldn’t put it down desperate to see how it would all unfold.
That ending!!! All I can say is I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if Grace manages to conquer her next set of challenges. This is a perfect read for any crime fans and one that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I was so excited to get reacquainted with Grace and the team and see what they would be up against this time and it didn’t disappoint.
This was a little bit slower to start as it focuses on Billy’s backstory and how he ends up in Edinburgh, not that it lost my attention but I knew that the action would start to ramp up at some point and I was impatient for it. However, the detail that has gone into the characters and their origins was wonderful, I felt like I could really get into their headspace and it helped to build up just how scary Billy and his crew were, I found it easy to believe the fear they could instil in the people they came across.
Grace was every bit as brilliant as she was in the first book, this time though she’s dealing with the politics of the job and the games of her superior and I loved the way she handled herself even when facing a lot of undue pressure in that regard. This time though we don’t just get to see the hardworking and clever Grace we also get a little bit more of a peek into that more vulnerable side and it’s nice to see her open up and find someone so that she isn’t so lonely.
The plot is complex and intriguing, I’m not going to say much about it because there are so many different storylines that intersect that I couldn’t possibly do it justice even if I tried. What I will mention is that this one has a lot of violence, I think it is reasonable for the subject matter in the book, but be prepared if you are squeamish.
Yet again the attention to detail involving the procedures of the cases that the team deal with keep you totally gripped and once the action kicks in I couldn’t put it down desperate to see how it would all unfold.
That ending!!! All I can say is I am looking forward to the next book and seeing if Grace manages to conquer her next set of challenges. This is a perfect read for any crime fans and one that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
March 13, 2018
Evidence of Death is the second book in the Grace Macallan series and even though I started with this book I would still say that it can be read without any confusion. However as with all series it can be best to start at the beginning to just get a better feel for the character history.
This book moves at a steady and constant pace but this helped me to get a better understanding of both the characters and story. The characters in this book definitely have a realistic feel to them there is definitely a dark and violent edge to some of them. I thought that Grace's character was developed really well and felt like I got to know her along with her vulnerable side too.
Evidence of Death had an intricate plot which easily drew me in along with some hard hitting themes such as drugs, violence and murders but it is all packaged into a very immersive story. It's safe to say that there are a few uncomfortably dark moments throughout this book and if it had been a film I would have probably been watching through my fingers. However I just couldn't stop reading and that just shows you how descriptive and well written it was that I was completely pulled into the story even for the more graphic scenes.
Evidence of Death has some dark and gritty elements with a very authentic feel!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Lina Langlee at Black & White publishing for the invite to join the tour and for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This book moves at a steady and constant pace but this helped me to get a better understanding of both the characters and story. The characters in this book definitely have a realistic feel to them there is definitely a dark and violent edge to some of them. I thought that Grace's character was developed really well and felt like I got to know her along with her vulnerable side too.
Evidence of Death had an intricate plot which easily drew me in along with some hard hitting themes such as drugs, violence and murders but it is all packaged into a very immersive story. It's safe to say that there are a few uncomfortably dark moments throughout this book and if it had been a film I would have probably been watching through my fingers. However I just couldn't stop reading and that just shows you how descriptive and well written it was that I was completely pulled into the story even for the more graphic scenes.
Evidence of Death has some dark and gritty elements with a very authentic feel!
Four stars from me!
With thanks to Lina Langlee at Black & White publishing for the invite to join the tour and for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 2, 2018
*Review by Nicola*
As Peter Ritchie’s latest book hits the shelves it has left me….. well….. gobsmacked!
Knowing that he comes from a police background I knew that Peter would have a different style of writing when it came to the details no matter how BIG or small, I think this is what had me gripped, hooked and turning those pages well into the early hours….. Peter you are to blame for my zombie look on a morning!
This book is pretty different from my usual reads, I’m used to murders and bad guys but not in the form of gangs, each fighting amoungset themselves for a higher peg or to get one over on their rival gangs, a total eye opener and I loved every second of it!
This book drips violence, along with the cover. It’s a slow and steady plot that has you tangled in it’s web before you know it and still has you thinking about it well after you have pit the book down. It’s characters are believable, especilly Billy (if he was real he’d be on an episode of Ross Kemp!) He’s definitely someone you don’t want to meet on a dark night. Grace on the other hand, you want her rooting for you just like you’ll root for her in this book. I also loved the addition of the jargon list at the front of the book, it definitely helped.
Peter is fast becoming a must read author with both books gaining themselves 5 golden apples (no pressure for the next book) and if this book is anything to go by I certainly can’t wait for my next fix!
*Advanced copy supplied by Black and White Publishing*
As Peter Ritchie’s latest book hits the shelves it has left me….. well….. gobsmacked!
Knowing that he comes from a police background I knew that Peter would have a different style of writing when it came to the details no matter how BIG or small, I think this is what had me gripped, hooked and turning those pages well into the early hours….. Peter you are to blame for my zombie look on a morning!
This book is pretty different from my usual reads, I’m used to murders and bad guys but not in the form of gangs, each fighting amoungset themselves for a higher peg or to get one over on their rival gangs, a total eye opener and I loved every second of it!
This book drips violence, along with the cover. It’s a slow and steady plot that has you tangled in it’s web before you know it and still has you thinking about it well after you have pit the book down. It’s characters are believable, especilly Billy (if he was real he’d be on an episode of Ross Kemp!) He’s definitely someone you don’t want to meet on a dark night. Grace on the other hand, you want her rooting for you just like you’ll root for her in this book. I also loved the addition of the jargon list at the front of the book, it definitely helped.
Peter is fast becoming a must read author with both books gaining themselves 5 golden apples (no pressure for the next book) and if this book is anything to go by I certainly can’t wait for my next fix!
*Advanced copy supplied by Black and White Publishing*
March 7, 2018
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
I hadn’t read the first book in the series but could follow this easily enough, there are no spoilers despite a few characters reappearing and it could easily be read as a standalone novel.
When Billy is forced to leave Belfast to set up in Edinburgh he takes along some equally violent and unbalanced friends. But they are not all as loyal and respectful towards him as he expects them to be. As you can work out from the synopsis the crimes committed are drug and gang related. There are drug dealers, drug users, plenty of murders, corrupt police officers and there is some brilliant Irish and Scottish humour. There is something about this type of humour in novels that delivers a low punch that has you gasping and then laughing with delight.
It has multiple threads, there is a lot more happening than I initially thought. At times I was back tracking, thinking that I had missed something, but I hadn’t. I was just cleverly played.
I hope that this will develop into a long running series, I know there is at least three books. It was refreshing, slightly intimidating and worryingly believable.
I hadn’t read the first book in the series but could follow this easily enough, there are no spoilers despite a few characters reappearing and it could easily be read as a standalone novel.
When Billy is forced to leave Belfast to set up in Edinburgh he takes along some equally violent and unbalanced friends. But they are not all as loyal and respectful towards him as he expects them to be. As you can work out from the synopsis the crimes committed are drug and gang related. There are drug dealers, drug users, plenty of murders, corrupt police officers and there is some brilliant Irish and Scottish humour. There is something about this type of humour in novels that delivers a low punch that has you gasping and then laughing with delight.
It has multiple threads, there is a lot more happening than I initially thought. At times I was back tracking, thinking that I had missed something, but I hadn’t. I was just cleverly played.
I hope that this will develop into a long running series, I know there is at least three books. It was refreshing, slightly intimidating and worryingly believable.
March 12, 2018
A great follow up to Cause of Death, this is book 2 in the Grace Macallan series and another very good read. Not for the faint hearted as there are some pretty violent scenes in this book. It starts slowly but the reader is soon drawn in to the murky world of drugs. Set in Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow, this book is well written with some interesting characters, especially Billy Nelson. The book is told in two parts and written by a former police officer. I would recommend this book and I enjoyed it thoroughly, despite the violence! many thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
August 31, 2024
I read the fourth book in this series back in 2019 and while I was not impressed it did not put me off the author. Most of the story in this second book of this series is set in Edinburgh where Grace Macallan is a Detective Superintendent. Some criminals have come over from Belfast to muscle in on the Edinburgh drug scene and there are quite a few violent incidents as the criminals are extremely vicious. However it is a compelling read and I could not put the book down. I will try and find the other books and may even give the fourth book another try.
April 30, 2024
A well written story but oh so gruesome at times. Much of the story is around the use of police informants/handlers and the subjective ‘for the greater good’ decisions which were hard to accept. The troubles in NI are certainly not black and white, but the role and tactics of the security forces as shown here left me questioning, upset and disillusioned. How much of this continues to blight our wee country in 2024? Of course I will be reading book 3!
February 14, 2018
Thank you Net Galley. I enjoyed this second installment of Grace Macallan's as much as I did the first book. Mr. Ritchie has the knack of keeping the reader engrossed. I am looking forward to the next one.
January 16, 2019
Dark, complex and gruesome in places. Compelling storyline with clever referencing to NI troubles and gangland drug dealing both sides of the water.
May 30, 2020
This was such a great read had me gripped throughout Would highly recommend
November 1, 2021
Not as good as the first one and I'm not a fan of the overused twist which came in right at the end. Still very engaging, though, and the actor who reads the audiobook is fantastic.
April 1, 2018
Now it is becoming somewhat of a habit with me, but this is the second book in the series and the first one that I've read. That said, I don't think I was at too much of a disadvantage and the writing is such that I was easily able to slip into the world of Grace Macallan and her team of the Crime & Counter Terrorism unit. It may be my first read, but it won't be my last as this was an exciting, well plotted and ultimately believable read clearly informed by the author's own knowledge and experience.
Without going too far into the plot, the blurb really does tell you all you need to know, the story is set in the world of organised crime and gang violence. Former soldier and wanna be gang leader, Billy Nelson, is sent from Belfast in infiltrate and take over the drugs scene in Edinburgh. Billy is hard, merciless even, and is the perfect front man for a new drugs crew. He has his team of followers, those who support him without question, at least initially, and between them they are set to shake up the status quo in Edinburgh with deadly precision.
Grace Macallan and her team are the ones tasked with preventing it from happening. Faced with little information and a limited flow of intelligence from her counterparts in Ireland, Grace has a massive job on her hands. None of it is helped by an apparent ill wind from within the Police force, those who would happily see her fail. What we are left with as a result is a high tension, high stakes game of sorts in which the casualties will be plenty and the violence quite intense.
I really liked the character of Grace Macallan. She has her demons and her detractors, and she cannot do right for doing wrong, at least in the eyes of her colleagues, all of whom seem to be in fear of her success and her integrity. Her honesty and her willingness to stand up to corruption have cost her dearly and yet still she perseveres. She is intelligent, courageous but also vulnerable and watching her wrestle with her emotions when faced with her former lover, ultimately very human. She's a great protagonist and backed up by a fabulous team, particularly McGovern who while a man who plays it quite straight, absolutely has Grace's back. You can't help but like and respect him. Then again you can't help but respect Grace and root for her against those who would see her fail.
As for Billy Nelson. What a piece of work. He is highly intelligent but unfortunately uses his intelligence, and his skills, in an altogether vile and uncompromising way. Unafraid of violence, he has been shaped by his past on the turbulent streets of Belfast but this is not all that is driving him to do what he does. He has no capacity for pity and although his ultimate motives are not entirely clear, you know that he is a man on a mission. The violence he and his crew visit upon rival gangs and those who are associated with them will make your toes curl and Peter Ritchie pulls no punches in that regard. You may not be present in the moment of violence per se, but it is the implication and the description of the aftermath which makes everything abundantly clear.
This is no cosy crime. This is a combination of violence, gang culture and even a touch of terrorism with the capacity to shock but most definitely the ability to engross the reader and compel them to read on to the end. Pacing is sharp and perfectly pitched to match the storyline and there is no doubting the credentials of the writer which shine through in every element of the narrative. If you like a crime read with an edge, a grittier story which sits in start contrast to the beauty of the city in which is it set, Edinburgh, one which walks on the precipice of a darker shade of fiction, then definitely pick up this series. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Without going too far into the plot, the blurb really does tell you all you need to know, the story is set in the world of organised crime and gang violence. Former soldier and wanna be gang leader, Billy Nelson, is sent from Belfast in infiltrate and take over the drugs scene in Edinburgh. Billy is hard, merciless even, and is the perfect front man for a new drugs crew. He has his team of followers, those who support him without question, at least initially, and between them they are set to shake up the status quo in Edinburgh with deadly precision.
Grace Macallan and her team are the ones tasked with preventing it from happening. Faced with little information and a limited flow of intelligence from her counterparts in Ireland, Grace has a massive job on her hands. None of it is helped by an apparent ill wind from within the Police force, those who would happily see her fail. What we are left with as a result is a high tension, high stakes game of sorts in which the casualties will be plenty and the violence quite intense.
I really liked the character of Grace Macallan. She has her demons and her detractors, and she cannot do right for doing wrong, at least in the eyes of her colleagues, all of whom seem to be in fear of her success and her integrity. Her honesty and her willingness to stand up to corruption have cost her dearly and yet still she perseveres. She is intelligent, courageous but also vulnerable and watching her wrestle with her emotions when faced with her former lover, ultimately very human. She's a great protagonist and backed up by a fabulous team, particularly McGovern who while a man who plays it quite straight, absolutely has Grace's back. You can't help but like and respect him. Then again you can't help but respect Grace and root for her against those who would see her fail.
As for Billy Nelson. What a piece of work. He is highly intelligent but unfortunately uses his intelligence, and his skills, in an altogether vile and uncompromising way. Unafraid of violence, he has been shaped by his past on the turbulent streets of Belfast but this is not all that is driving him to do what he does. He has no capacity for pity and although his ultimate motives are not entirely clear, you know that he is a man on a mission. The violence he and his crew visit upon rival gangs and those who are associated with them will make your toes curl and Peter Ritchie pulls no punches in that regard. You may not be present in the moment of violence per se, but it is the implication and the description of the aftermath which makes everything abundantly clear.
This is no cosy crime. This is a combination of violence, gang culture and even a touch of terrorism with the capacity to shock but most definitely the ability to engross the reader and compel them to read on to the end. Pacing is sharp and perfectly pitched to match the storyline and there is no doubting the credentials of the writer which shine through in every element of the narrative. If you like a crime read with an edge, a grittier story which sits in start contrast to the beauty of the city in which is it set, Edinburgh, one which walks on the precipice of a darker shade of fiction, then definitely pick up this series. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
August 7, 2020
Really enjoyed this novel had plenty of twists to keep you guessing what will happen next.
February 23, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Black and White Publishing for the eARC.
This is the 2nd Superintendent Grace Magellan book. I had not read no. 1 in the series,but found this story easy to follow.
Grace was sent to Edinburgh after an unfortunate event in her Belfast police force career. She was not to blame, but her bosses found it an easy solution to just send her away.
Billy Nelson returned to Belfast, a city much changed, after several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Finding it difficult to adjust and after committing racist and sexist attacks, he and his team are sent to Edinburgh to set up a new drugs network. This involves brutalities the city has never experienced before.
Grace and her team are under intense pressure to apprehend these goons and send them packing, especially from Grace's superior, a despicable superior who'd like nothing more than get rid of her. She's much more capable than he is and he feels threatened (as well as drawn to her) by her professionalism and excellence.
Billy Nelson is an expertly drawn character. He is dark, full of hate and practically dead inside, only brought to life when he inflicts extreme pain and terror.
Grace was a little difficult for me to like, but I admired her and would like to see her less lonely and happier in no. 3 of the series.
This was an intricate police procedural that I enjoyed and I eagerly await no.3.
This is the 2nd Superintendent Grace Magellan book. I had not read no. 1 in the series,but found this story easy to follow.
Grace was sent to Edinburgh after an unfortunate event in her Belfast police force career. She was not to blame, but her bosses found it an easy solution to just send her away.
Billy Nelson returned to Belfast, a city much changed, after several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Finding it difficult to adjust and after committing racist and sexist attacks, he and his team are sent to Edinburgh to set up a new drugs network. This involves brutalities the city has never experienced before.
Grace and her team are under intense pressure to apprehend these goons and send them packing, especially from Grace's superior, a despicable superior who'd like nothing more than get rid of her. She's much more capable than he is and he feels threatened (as well as drawn to her) by her professionalism and excellence.
Billy Nelson is an expertly drawn character. He is dark, full of hate and practically dead inside, only brought to life when he inflicts extreme pain and terror.
Grace was a little difficult for me to like, but I admired her and would like to see her less lonely and happier in no. 3 of the series.
This was an intricate police procedural that I enjoyed and I eagerly await no.3.
March 10, 2018
Evidence of Death is well written with a good plot and well developed characters. I enjoyed the settings and the author’s writing.
April 4, 2018
As Peter Ritchie’s latest book hits the shelves it has left me….. well….. gobsmacked!
Knowing that he comes from a police background I knew that Peter would have a different style of writing when it came to the details no matter how BIG or small, I think this is what had me gripped, hooked and turning those pages well into the early hours….. Peter you are to blame for my zombie look on a morning!
This book is pretty different from my usual reads, I’m used to murders and bad guys but not in the form of gangs, each fighting amoungset themselves for a higher peg or to get one over on their rival gangs, a total eye opener and I loved every second of it!
This book drips violence, along with the cover. It’s a slow and steady plot that has you tangled in it’s web before you know it and still has you thinking about it well after you have pit the book down. It’s characters are believable, especilly Billy (if he was real he’d be on an episode of Ross Kemp!) He’s definitely someone you don’t want to meet on a dark night. Grace on the other hand, you want her rooting for you just like you’ll root for her in this book. I also loved the addition of the jargon list at the front of the book, it definitely helped.
Peter is fast becoming a must read author with both books gaining themselves 5 golden apples (no pressure for the next book) and if this book is anything to go by I certainly can’t wait for my next fix!
Knowing that he comes from a police background I knew that Peter would have a different style of writing when it came to the details no matter how BIG or small, I think this is what had me gripped, hooked and turning those pages well into the early hours….. Peter you are to blame for my zombie look on a morning!
This book is pretty different from my usual reads, I’m used to murders and bad guys but not in the form of gangs, each fighting amoungset themselves for a higher peg or to get one over on their rival gangs, a total eye opener and I loved every second of it!
This book drips violence, along with the cover. It’s a slow and steady plot that has you tangled in it’s web before you know it and still has you thinking about it well after you have pit the book down. It’s characters are believable, especilly Billy (if he was real he’d be on an episode of Ross Kemp!) He’s definitely someone you don’t want to meet on a dark night. Grace on the other hand, you want her rooting for you just like you’ll root for her in this book. I also loved the addition of the jargon list at the front of the book, it definitely helped.
Peter is fast becoming a must read author with both books gaining themselves 5 golden apples (no pressure for the next book) and if this book is anything to go by I certainly can’t wait for my next fix!
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