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Logan McRae #2
Το φως που χάνεται
Η Ρόζι Γουίλιαµς πέθανε όπως ακριβώς έζησε: άσχηµα… Η µέρα ξεκινά µε ένα ιδιαίτερα φριχτό έγκληµα, έναν εµπρησµό που καταλήγει στον θάνατο έξι ανθρώπων, εγκλωβισµένων µέσα σε ένα διαµέρισµα το οποίο έχει σφραγίσει ο δολοφόνος· το ίδιο βράδυ, στην καρδιά της συνοικίας µε τα κόκκινα φανάρια στην πόλη του Αµπερντίν, ανακαλύπτεται το πτώµα µιας ιερόδουλης, η οποία έχει χτυπηθεί µέχρι θανάτου. Για τον αρχιφύλακα ντετέκτιβ Λόγκαν ΜακΡέι αυτό σηµατοδοτεί µια κακή αρχή σε µια ακόµη δύσκολη βάρδια. Ο πάλαι ποτέ ήρωας της Αστυνοµίας του Γκράµπιαν έχει ενταχθεί µε δυσµενή µετάθεση στην «Οµάδα των Χαµένων» της αστυνοµίας και περιµένει την καρατόµησή του ανά πάσα στιγµή. Μέρες καλοκαιριού στην Πόλη του Γρανίτη, µε το νεκροτοµείο να γεµίζει ασφυκτικά µε απανθρακωµένα πτώµατα, δολοφονηµένα πρεζόνια, διαµελισµένα λαµπραντόρ και ξυλοκοπηµένες µέχρι θανάτου ιερόδουλες. Και σαν να µην έφταναν όλα αυτά, ένας από τους αστυφύλακες χαροπαλεύει στα Επείγοντα, βαριά τραυµατισµένος από σοβαρή αµέλεια του Λόγκαν. Οι περισσότεροι από τους συναδέλφους του τον αποφεύγουν, ο επιθεωρητής Νάπιερ των Εσωτερικών Υποθέσεων είναι αποφασισµένος να πετύχει την απόλυσή του από το Σώµα, και η επιθεωρήτρια Στιλ παίρνει τα εύσηµα για οτιδήποτε κάνει σωστά ο Λόγκαν. Απ’ ό,τι φαίνεται, θα είναι µια από εκείνες τις ανάποδες εβδοµάδες…
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
891 people are currently reading
3147 people want to read
About the author
Stuart MacBride
87 books2,719 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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April 24, 2018
Dying Light (Stuart McBride) review—April 24, 2018
4.5 (rounded to 4)
Poor DS Logan McRae. Because of consequences from his last case he has been re-assigned from DI Insch’s team to DI Steel’s team. The Screw Up Squad. DI Steel knows this is her chance to shine if she plays her cards right as she knows Logan is actually a good copper. DI Steel is different. Let’s just say she’s a little…uh, unorthodox.
Logan is not a perfect guy. Far from it. But he has integrity (sort of) and is a tireless investigator (thanks to his inability to ignore the phone when DI Steel calls him relentlessly on his days off). I guess the term would be incessantly tired rather than tireless. But yes, he’s a good copper. I like him. A lot.
This book has a ton of characters, and I admit, I had to utilize the search button a number of times to keep everyone straight. Not sure whether that’s Mr. McBride’s fault or mine for getting old. A little of both, perhaps. I enjoyed the gross DI Steel. She is a character that is unique from any other cop I’ve run across in my readings. But I also love DI Insch with his unending supply of interesting British candy treats. I can’t decide whose team I want Logan to end up on. I am liking his shacking up with Ball Breaker WPC Jackie Watson and his partnership with DC Rennie.
Some reviewers have called this book too long. Too full of banter. Geez, I loved the banter. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. Mr. McBride has a great way of instilling a laughable moment just at the right time.
Despite it being summertime in Scotland, Mr. McBride continues to paint a bleak dreary picture of Aberdeen. Thanks, Mr. McBride, for warning me to never save a spot on my bucket list for a visit to your fair city.
Speaking of bleak, a warning to those who are not keen on graphic descriptions of the baddies’ deeds. You may want to have skim mode ready to go or even skip this book altogether.
There are numerous little plot-lets to keep in mind. I really should have taken notes, but I’m too lazy for that. We are dealing with murder after murder, torture, drug issues, firebombs, prostitution, fractured family relationships, dicey police decisions, and more. The impressive maze of plot-lets finally comes together though in a bang up ending. That was exciting! I did like the fact that the plot pieces are wrapped up nicely though the personal relationships and fates of some of the characters are left hanging a bit, enticing readers like me to continue on with the series. If it weren’t for the fact that one of my very favorite writers just made a new book available, I would be moving on to book 3 right now.
I’m getting tougher in my ratings this year. Last year this 4.5 rating would have been rounded to 5.0.
The DS Logan McRae series is in the high quality tier of crime fiction. I am sure I will work my way through all eleven books and jump on any others that follow. I hoping this will be one of those iconic 20-book runs. Thanks, Mr. McBride, for giving us Logan McRae and his gang.
4.5 (rounded to 4)
Poor DS Logan McRae. Because of consequences from his last case he has been re-assigned from DI Insch’s team to DI Steel’s team. The Screw Up Squad. DI Steel knows this is her chance to shine if she plays her cards right as she knows Logan is actually a good copper. DI Steel is different. Let’s just say she’s a little…uh, unorthodox.
Logan is not a perfect guy. Far from it. But he has integrity (sort of) and is a tireless investigator (thanks to his inability to ignore the phone when DI Steel calls him relentlessly on his days off). I guess the term would be incessantly tired rather than tireless. But yes, he’s a good copper. I like him. A lot.
This book has a ton of characters, and I admit, I had to utilize the search button a number of times to keep everyone straight. Not sure whether that’s Mr. McBride’s fault or mine for getting old. A little of both, perhaps. I enjoyed the gross DI Steel. She is a character that is unique from any other cop I’ve run across in my readings. But I also love DI Insch with his unending supply of interesting British candy treats. I can’t decide whose team I want Logan to end up on. I am liking his shacking up with Ball Breaker WPC Jackie Watson and his partnership with DC Rennie.
Some reviewers have called this book too long. Too full of banter. Geez, I loved the banter. I can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud while reading this book. Mr. McBride has a great way of instilling a laughable moment just at the right time.
Despite it being summertime in Scotland, Mr. McBride continues to paint a bleak dreary picture of Aberdeen. Thanks, Mr. McBride, for warning me to never save a spot on my bucket list for a visit to your fair city.
Speaking of bleak, a warning to those who are not keen on graphic descriptions of the baddies’ deeds. You may want to have skim mode ready to go or even skip this book altogether.
There are numerous little plot-lets to keep in mind. I really should have taken notes, but I’m too lazy for that. We are dealing with murder after murder, torture, drug issues, firebombs, prostitution, fractured family relationships, dicey police decisions, and more. The impressive maze of plot-lets finally comes together though in a bang up ending. That was exciting! I did like the fact that the plot pieces are wrapped up nicely though the personal relationships and fates of some of the characters are left hanging a bit, enticing readers like me to continue on with the series. If it weren’t for the fact that one of my very favorite writers just made a new book available, I would be moving on to book 3 right now.
I’m getting tougher in my ratings this year. Last year this 4.5 rating would have been rounded to 5.0.
The DS Logan McRae series is in the high quality tier of crime fiction. I am sure I will work my way through all eleven books and jump on any others that follow. I hoping this will be one of those iconic 20-book runs. Thanks, Mr. McBride, for giving us Logan McRae and his gang.
September 25, 2018
This book was not a joy to read. It was easily put down and hard to pick back up. There was an overall feeling of negativity throughout the entire book. Characters were unhappy, worried, snotty, insubordinate, bitchy, and mean. And those were the good guys. The criminals were torturers and arsonists and killers.
The plot was okay, but the investigations dragged. There were too many trips to the morgue for autopsies, too much time spent on stakeouts, and too much involvement in personal relationships. There were segues into sexual fantasies and prostitution, playing games to pass the time, and drinking to excess.
And, like the first book in the series, it was too long. A savvy editor could have made this book better. I will try the third book, and that will help me make a decision whether to continue with the series or not.
The plot was okay, but the investigations dragged. There were too many trips to the morgue for autopsies, too much time spent on stakeouts, and too much involvement in personal relationships. There were segues into sexual fantasies and prostitution, playing games to pass the time, and drinking to excess.
And, like the first book in the series, it was too long. A savvy editor could have made this book better. I will try the third book, and that will help me make a decision whether to continue with the series or not.
October 31, 2019
"Dood kalm was iets chaotischer dan het voorgaande deel en het plot was misschien iets te gemakkelijk op het laatste."
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2019...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2019...
September 13, 2015
3.5★s
DS Logan McRae was in disgrace from the botched warehouse raid in which DC Maitland was shot – his punishment was to be transferred to DI Steel’s team. He was horrified – everyone knew her team had the name of “Screw Up” and that she couldn’t do a thing right. He could tell things weren’t going to end well…
Prostitute Rosie Williams had been beaten, viciously, to death. Across town an old squat with all exits screwed shut, from the outside, burned down – incinerating the six people inside. DI Insch along with DS McRae and DI Steel had their work cut out. There were maniacs on the loose and it seemed the police were chasing their tails.
As the evidence began to mount, another prostitute was found, beaten to death. A serial killer was striking, and McRae knew they would lose more if the team of police didn’t find the culprit and fast. As the cases became entwined, the clock was ticking – more suspects; more evidence; more corruption. Would they find the killers before disaster struck again?
After having loved my introduction to Stuart MacBride in Cold Granite, I was a little disappointed in Dying Light. Long and drawn out, it seemed to rattle on tediously with a lot of side “stuff” that didn't seem relevant. DS McRae came across as less than the good detective he was in the previous novel, and there were a large amount of characters floating around in this one. The plot was good but a reduction in blather would have made it much tighter. Having said all of that, I still read to the end (with some skimming) and found the last few chapters to be gripping and page turning. I will definitely read #3 in the series and hope it’s as good as the first.
DS Logan McRae was in disgrace from the botched warehouse raid in which DC Maitland was shot – his punishment was to be transferred to DI Steel’s team. He was horrified – everyone knew her team had the name of “Screw Up” and that she couldn’t do a thing right. He could tell things weren’t going to end well…
Prostitute Rosie Williams had been beaten, viciously, to death. Across town an old squat with all exits screwed shut, from the outside, burned down – incinerating the six people inside. DI Insch along with DS McRae and DI Steel had their work cut out. There were maniacs on the loose and it seemed the police were chasing their tails.
As the evidence began to mount, another prostitute was found, beaten to death. A serial killer was striking, and McRae knew they would lose more if the team of police didn’t find the culprit and fast. As the cases became entwined, the clock was ticking – more suspects; more evidence; more corruption. Would they find the killers before disaster struck again?
After having loved my introduction to Stuart MacBride in Cold Granite, I was a little disappointed in Dying Light. Long and drawn out, it seemed to rattle on tediously with a lot of side “stuff” that didn't seem relevant. DS McRae came across as less than the good detective he was in the previous novel, and there were a large amount of characters floating around in this one. The plot was good but a reduction in blather would have made it much tighter. Having said all of that, I still read to the end (with some skimming) and found the last few chapters to be gripping and page turning. I will definitely read #3 in the series and hope it’s as good as the first.
June 27, 2024
The raw darkness of the Tartan Noir genre is in full swing again in Dying Light, the second book in the Logan McRae series. This hardboiled police procedural simply reeks of atmosphere in its Aberdeen, Scotland setting.
Logan McRae has been relegated to DI Steel’s so-called Screw-Up Squad while he awaits the fallout for a bungled warehouse raid in which a colleague was seriously injured. Professional Standards are on his case and are just waiting for any excuse to have his badge or, at least, a demotion in rank.
Steel’s not mucking around though, she knows a useful copper when she sees one and she’s soon put Logan’s nose firmly to the grindstone. Some of Aberdeen’s prostitutes are being severely beaten and strangled, the work of what appears to be a serial killer. It doesn’t take long for a suspect to be identified and leant on…only problem is, the killings continue while he’s banged up in prison.
An arsonist is on the loose, nailing up doors to houses before pouring petrol in through letterboxes and setting it alight.
A couple of heavies are up from Edinburgh and are making their presence felt as they muscle in on some major property developments. These guys have links to one of the biggest gangsters in Scotland as well a predilection for lopping off fingers. Trouble is brewing.
Despite her constant cigarette habit, DI Steel is a breath of fresh air, with her incessant inappropriate comments, deliberate flouting of most rules and ruthless delegation of crap jobs to Logan and other subordinates. Her techniques aren’t quite what might be considered standard and they tend to test Logan’s patience, probably to the detriment of both himself and his boss.
As mentioned at the top, this is a prime example of good tartan noir complete with some pretty dark themes being explored. The grim and gritty city of Aberdeen is key to setting the tone of the novel, hiding all manner of desperate and downtrodden. But out of the gloomy surrounds comes the darkest of dark humour spouted with irreverence and all types of inappropriateness. It’s jarring at times but it works to lift the tone.
A quick warning should be given here that violence dominates throughout the course of Dying Light. There are quite a few vivid descriptions of dead bodies and mutilations which will be distressing for those who have trouble with that type of descriptive prose.
I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed Dying Light. The various strands of the story came together seamlessly. Logan is proving to be a relatable flawed protagonist who, despite his faults is proving to be an insightful investigator who is more than capable of picking his way through the minefields of erratic inspectors and ruthless bad guys.
Logan McRae has been relegated to DI Steel’s so-called Screw-Up Squad while he awaits the fallout for a bungled warehouse raid in which a colleague was seriously injured. Professional Standards are on his case and are just waiting for any excuse to have his badge or, at least, a demotion in rank.
Steel’s not mucking around though, she knows a useful copper when she sees one and she’s soon put Logan’s nose firmly to the grindstone. Some of Aberdeen’s prostitutes are being severely beaten and strangled, the work of what appears to be a serial killer. It doesn’t take long for a suspect to be identified and leant on…only problem is, the killings continue while he’s banged up in prison.
An arsonist is on the loose, nailing up doors to houses before pouring petrol in through letterboxes and setting it alight.
A couple of heavies are up from Edinburgh and are making their presence felt as they muscle in on some major property developments. These guys have links to one of the biggest gangsters in Scotland as well a predilection for lopping off fingers. Trouble is brewing.
Despite her constant cigarette habit, DI Steel is a breath of fresh air, with her incessant inappropriate comments, deliberate flouting of most rules and ruthless delegation of crap jobs to Logan and other subordinates. Her techniques aren’t quite what might be considered standard and they tend to test Logan’s patience, probably to the detriment of both himself and his boss.
As mentioned at the top, this is a prime example of good tartan noir complete with some pretty dark themes being explored. The grim and gritty city of Aberdeen is key to setting the tone of the novel, hiding all manner of desperate and downtrodden. But out of the gloomy surrounds comes the darkest of dark humour spouted with irreverence and all types of inappropriateness. It’s jarring at times but it works to lift the tone.
A quick warning should be given here that violence dominates throughout the course of Dying Light. There are quite a few vivid descriptions of dead bodies and mutilations which will be distressing for those who have trouble with that type of descriptive prose.
I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed Dying Light. The various strands of the story came together seamlessly. Logan is proving to be a relatable flawed protagonist who, despite his faults is proving to be an insightful investigator who is more than capable of picking his way through the minefields of erratic inspectors and ruthless bad guys.
October 14, 2018
Dying Light
by Stuart MacBride is set in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is book two in the Logan MacBride series. Prostitutes are being found murdered. Not just murdered, but battered to death. An arsonist is sadistically sealing the exits of the dwellings he torches before setting them alight. He gets his thrills hearing his victims scream. DS Logan McRae has been assigned to DI Steel’s team – the Screw-Up Squad – thanks to the way his last case ended. Steel, whose name is apropos, is a chain-smoking, no-nonsense tough broad who begins her morning team meetings by leading with a cheer: “We are not at home to Mr. F**k –Up.” Every member is expected to say it, with gusto.
McRae has the makings of a good cop. He has good instincts, but things don’t always turn out well for him. He absolutely does not want to be part of Steel’s squad, so he tries his darndest to solve his assigned case to get himself reassigned to DI Insch, the candy-holic whom we also met in Granite City. Logan's now cohabitating with WPC Jackie “Ball Breaker” Watson. This relationship proves to be the source of some angst as well as much humor throughout the book. I’ll say one thing for McRae – he’s like a Doberman with a steak. Once he gets his teeth into an investigation, he won’t let go. It doesn’t matter if he has Steel’s okay or not. If he has a hunch, he’s going to go with it.
I like the characters in this book. Even the nasty ones, and there are some very loathsome low-life slimeballs in this book. The main characters, especially Insch, Steel, and McRae seem a bit stereotyped. Each has a vice that dominates nearly every interaction, it seems. Candy, smoking, drinking. That seemed a bit overdone.
Others have mentioned that the book is too long. I tend to agree. I think we’d have gotten the same story with one or two fewer bodies. However, the vernacular repartee is fantastic. Even without knowing all the colloquialisms, it makes for entertaining reading. I even laughed out loud a few times.
However, there are some very disgusting crimes in this book, including torture. For those who offend easily, there is a fair amount of foul language as well. So if you are someone who does not enjoy this type of reading, I suggest you skip this series altogether.
If I compare Dying Light to Granite City, I have to say that I enjoyed the first book much more. But I will definitely read the third installment, Broken Skin. I hope Logan McRae finally gets off the Screw-Up Squad for good!
3.5 stars
McRae has the makings of a good cop. He has good instincts, but things don’t always turn out well for him. He absolutely does not want to be part of Steel’s squad, so he tries his darndest to solve his assigned case to get himself reassigned to DI Insch, the candy-holic whom we also met in Granite City. Logan's now cohabitating with WPC Jackie “Ball Breaker” Watson. This relationship proves to be the source of some angst as well as much humor throughout the book. I’ll say one thing for McRae – he’s like a Doberman with a steak. Once he gets his teeth into an investigation, he won’t let go. It doesn’t matter if he has Steel’s okay or not. If he has a hunch, he’s going to go with it.
I like the characters in this book. Even the nasty ones, and there are some very loathsome low-life slimeballs in this book. The main characters, especially Insch, Steel, and McRae seem a bit stereotyped. Each has a vice that dominates nearly every interaction, it seems. Candy, smoking, drinking. That seemed a bit overdone.
Others have mentioned that the book is too long. I tend to agree. I think we’d have gotten the same story with one or two fewer bodies. However, the vernacular repartee is fantastic. Even without knowing all the colloquialisms, it makes for entertaining reading. I even laughed out loud a few times.
However, there are some very disgusting crimes in this book, including torture. For those who offend easily, there is a fair amount of foul language as well. So if you are someone who does not enjoy this type of reading, I suggest you skip this series altogether.
If I compare Dying Light to Granite City, I have to say that I enjoyed the first book much more. But I will definitely read the third installment, Broken Skin. I hope Logan McRae finally gets off the Screw-Up Squad for good!
3.5 stars
June 9, 2024
I enjoyed dying light just as much as cold cranite, straight on to broken skin for me then a few different books because I could keep reading book after book, and I don't want to finish them to quickly.
Brilliant, graphic, dark, and absolutely addictive reading.
Brilliant, graphic, dark, and absolutely addictive reading.
November 26, 2018
This is the second Logan McRae novel, following on from Cold Granite. Aberdeen is slightly warmer in this book, but that is more of less the only concession to being light hearted in a gritty and compelling thriller. Not that there is no humour– the author has the ability to bring an ironic touch to the darkest scenes – but this is not a crime novel for the faint hearted. However, sometimes you want a crime novel which is realistic and violent, and this ticks every box; brilliantly plotted and fantastically written.
When we meet up with McRae again, he is in disgrace after being in charge of a raid which ended with a police constable being shot. Now he is under investigation and working with D.I. Steele, who is in charge of a squad known for failure and general incompetence. Can he escape D.I. Steele’s clutches, by solving a big case? There is certainly no lack of crimes to choose from? Firstly, someone is stalking and killing prostitutes, secondly, an arsonist is locking buildings securely before torching those inside and, thirdly, bizarrely, a dogs torso is found in a suitcase...
I have to say that I really enjoy this series. Logan McRae is witty, intelligent and vulnerable enough to care about and the author has created a great supporting cast. This is certainly a series I will continue to read and I am glad I discovered it. The next book in the series is “Broken Skin.”
When we meet up with McRae again, he is in disgrace after being in charge of a raid which ended with a police constable being shot. Now he is under investigation and working with D.I. Steele, who is in charge of a squad known for failure and general incompetence. Can he escape D.I. Steele’s clutches, by solving a big case? There is certainly no lack of crimes to choose from? Firstly, someone is stalking and killing prostitutes, secondly, an arsonist is locking buildings securely before torching those inside and, thirdly, bizarrely, a dogs torso is found in a suitcase...
I have to say that I really enjoy this series. Logan McRae is witty, intelligent and vulnerable enough to care about and the author has created a great supporting cast. This is certainly a series I will continue to read and I am glad I discovered it. The next book in the series is “Broken Skin.”
September 13, 2015
DI Logan McRae is in disgrace after a police raid went wrong and one of his squad was shot and left in a coma on life support. He's being internally investigated by Professional Standards and demoted to the "Screw-Up Squad" headed by DI Steel. In the mean time, he's got enough to worry about with prostitutes being mutilated and killed and an arsonist setting fire to random buildings.
I enjoy this crime series set in Aberdeen, the granite city. That somehow makes the stories more grim and gritty, even if it is currently summertime and it's not always raining. There is a dark, ironic humour through the book that works well with the characters and location. DI Steel is not your typical DI and works in very different ways to Logan and his previous boss DI Insch. This makes for an edginess in their interactions as Logan tries to fit in with Steel's commands but also follow his own intuition.
Overall, an excellent second book in the series and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
February 20, 2016
Second in the series and I liked it just as much as the first. It did get a little graphic at times. I had to speed read the scene with the finger tips, especially what he had to do with them. However I very much enjoyed Logan and his work colleagues and the fact that there is humour as well as darkness in the book. I wonder what the people of Aberdeen feel about having their city and their police force portrayed in such a grim light. Nevertheless it was a good story well told and I am ready to try book three.
September 24, 2009
I am a fan of Stuart MacBride, and usually scarf up his books with delight, but with this one it has to be said that the constant trouble with his superiors is taking too much time away from the plot. It is as if in his search for realism, MacBride has decided that if a third of the book isn't devoted to the other police who have it out for him, then there isn't any point to writing the book.
This book was good in so far as plot, bad guys, scare, etc., but by the time some of the best parts were gotten to, I was already tired of the internecine warfare with DCI Steel, the credit stealing boss. DCI Steel is in charge of the, so-called, screw up squad, to which our hero Logan has been placed after a botched warehouse raid. So if DCI Steel keeps stealing credit for what she has not done, then why is she still in charge of the screw up squad? Why not promote her?
Stuart MacBride is a very good writer, his sentences are packed with all the right words in the right order, unlike many mystery writers, but the constant battle with DCI Steel and DCI Inch just seem like padding.
Therefore, three stars. I'm tired of having to read through writers who think that in order for a character to be believable, said character must have an abundance of enemies on the force. Well, that just slows the plot down and makes me want to skip pages until we get back to what the plot actually is.
Police procedural novels are not written to be, or meant to be, works of literature. That does not mean it is forbidden, it just is not what the genre calls for. Ian Rankin's Rebus character has many enemies, but they do not slow the plot to the extent MacBride's does.
After a while the same character, under the same thumbs, because just another same old same old. The rescue in MacBride's case is his stories.
This book was good in so far as plot, bad guys, scare, etc., but by the time some of the best parts were gotten to, I was already tired of the internecine warfare with DCI Steel, the credit stealing boss. DCI Steel is in charge of the, so-called, screw up squad, to which our hero Logan has been placed after a botched warehouse raid. So if DCI Steel keeps stealing credit for what she has not done, then why is she still in charge of the screw up squad? Why not promote her?
Stuart MacBride is a very good writer, his sentences are packed with all the right words in the right order, unlike many mystery writers, but the constant battle with DCI Steel and DCI Inch just seem like padding.
Therefore, three stars. I'm tired of having to read through writers who think that in order for a character to be believable, said character must have an abundance of enemies on the force. Well, that just slows the plot down and makes me want to skip pages until we get back to what the plot actually is.
Police procedural novels are not written to be, or meant to be, works of literature. That does not mean it is forbidden, it just is not what the genre calls for. Ian Rankin's Rebus character has many enemies, but they do not slow the plot to the extent MacBride's does.
After a while the same character, under the same thumbs, because just another same old same old. The rescue in MacBride's case is his stories.
June 22, 2021
I do so love Goodreads where friends recommend books and authors I have never heard of. In this case, it was Stuart MacBride. I decided to start with his Logan McRae detective series but couldn’t get the first book on my Libby app so started with book number two. No worries, as I jumped right in with no troubles to this outrageous Scottish detective series based in Aberdeen, Scotland. This is not for the faint of heart as it deals with dark, gritty subjects and the good guys are rather rough around the edges as well.
After a police raid ended badly, DS Logan McRae has been demoted to the “Screw Up” squad under the supervision of DI Steel, a chain-smoking, hard-assed lesbian. She is not very likable, but she has the talented DS MacBride in her clutches, and she isn’t letting him go. She is counting on him to make her look good and get her promoted out of the squad.
I know there are some who don’t like this story for its darkness, but I live for a gritty tale like this. The characters are flawed, and the Scottish humor was delightful. I was sad when it ended and immediately signed up for the next in the series. I gave this book four stars.
After a police raid ended badly, DS Logan McRae has been demoted to the “Screw Up” squad under the supervision of DI Steel, a chain-smoking, hard-assed lesbian. She is not very likable, but she has the talented DS MacBride in her clutches, and she isn’t letting him go. She is counting on him to make her look good and get her promoted out of the squad.
I know there are some who don’t like this story for its darkness, but I live for a gritty tale like this. The characters are flawed, and the Scottish humor was delightful. I was sad when it ended and immediately signed up for the next in the series. I gave this book four stars.
January 9, 2016
Detective Sergeant Logan McRae has been reassigned to D.I. Steels “ screw-up Squad” after a sting operation went wrong and a police officer got hurt badly. Now he must prove that he isn't a screw-up so that he can go back to work with his old group instead of D.I. Steels. But in Aberdeen crime never sleeps and soon he is working on different cases; arson, prostitutes getting murdered and a dead dog in a suitcase.
I found this book not as intense as the first one in the series, it was good, no doubt about it and I loved that Logan now had to work with Steel, but the cases just really never got that interesting. I mean when I was writing about what happened in the book, about the murder of the prostitutes did I have to think for a moment to remember who the killer was. And, I had some problems with the main suspect of the suitcase murders,
But I still enjoyed the book. It's well written, and the most interesting part of the book was, the one part that I felt most anxious about was
And yes I blamed Logan for that. He should have known that he put Miller in danger. Also, Steel is such a great character, sure she can be a bit brash sometimes, well always, but it's really refreshing to have someone being so vulgar sometimes.
I found this book not as intense as the first one in the series, it was good, no doubt about it and I loved that Logan now had to work with Steel, but the cases just really never got that interesting. I mean when I was writing about what happened in the book, about the murder of the prostitutes did I have to think for a moment to remember who the killer was. And, I had some problems with the main suspect of the suitcase murders,
But I still enjoyed the book. It's well written, and the most interesting part of the book was, the one part that I felt most anxious about was
And yes I blamed Logan for that. He should have known that he put Miller in danger. Also, Steel is such a great character, sure she can be a bit brash sometimes, well always, but it's really refreshing to have someone being so vulgar sometimes.
July 11, 2023
I really enjoy MacBride's style of "Tartan Noir", and this was no exception.
Det. Sgt. Logan McRae has been shifted sideways into the "screw up squad" after an operation he recently led went disastrously pear-shaped. His new boss is the cantakerous chain-smoking DI Steele, who sees McRae as her opportunity to rise out of ignominy.
The body of a local prostitute is found beaten to death and dumped, shortly followed by another. The screw-up squad investigate, running an undercover operation in Aberdeen's blue light district. Meanwhile, DI Insch's team are investigating a case of arson with multiple fatalities, into which McRae also becomes drawn. Added to which, a couple of Edinburgh heavies have recently arrived in town and are throwing their weight around. Increasingly sleep-deprived from back-to-back shifts and dealing with Steele's constant demands, his relationship with WPC Jackie Watson is under strain, and internal investigations are on his back about the bungled warehouse raid in which P.C. Maitland was seriously injured.
This series won't appeal to everyone - the violence and torture scenes are somewhat graphic, the characters and setting often quite gloomy. However, I found the grittiness and dark humour well-executed and the complicated intertwining plot-lines stimulating. Highly recommended.
Det. Sgt. Logan McRae has been shifted sideways into the "screw up squad" after an operation he recently led went disastrously pear-shaped. His new boss is the cantakerous chain-smoking DI Steele, who sees McRae as her opportunity to rise out of ignominy.
The body of a local prostitute is found beaten to death and dumped, shortly followed by another. The screw-up squad investigate, running an undercover operation in Aberdeen's blue light district. Meanwhile, DI Insch's team are investigating a case of arson with multiple fatalities, into which McRae also becomes drawn. Added to which, a couple of Edinburgh heavies have recently arrived in town and are throwing their weight around. Increasingly sleep-deprived from back-to-back shifts and dealing with Steele's constant demands, his relationship with WPC Jackie Watson is under strain, and internal investigations are on his back about the bungled warehouse raid in which P.C. Maitland was seriously injured.
This series won't appeal to everyone - the violence and torture scenes are somewhat graphic, the characters and setting often quite gloomy. However, I found the grittiness and dark humour well-executed and the complicated intertwining plot-lines stimulating. Highly recommended.
July 2, 2018
What a ghastly book!
The first was so promising; an interesting flawed bunch characters, a number of crimes. The police were slow reaching obvious conclusions but the writing tight enough to hold it together. Some nastiness in the details mainly due to the age of the victims, but not gratuitous.
This though. Oh dear. The violence has become gratuitous, there's almost glee at it's awfulness. The characters have without exception become unsympathetic; self-serving or whinging. And then the crimes; no-one cares about victims it's all about seeking personal glory. Before the halfway point I'd lost track of who any of the suspects were, sudden mentions of them would throw me. Again obvious connections weren't made, but then 'Laz' Logan was very tired between his long shifts and his off-duty shifts and being the only person in Aberdeen police station capable of connecting two dots armed with a ruler and multi-pack of crayons. And even he's dumbed down to miss obvious connections; blatant warnings.
Misogyny is rife. Inescapable. Every woman character is negatively portrayed. Skanky 'tarts', ice-queen, general bad-attitude. A person described as 'knobbing' four hooters in a w/e is considered a star. Watson for most of the book was relegated as 'that tasty WPC' their relationship appears to be souring due to her being a human being, oh and how dare the woman wear sensible bras. She's kick-arse, literally, and deserves better. Some of that would be down to pov - but that in itself doesn't endear dear Logan to me.
All senior officers appear incompetent. Constables don't fare much better. There's no care shown towards victims, apparent friends, or that poor guy who got shot on your raid - the one whose name you've not bothered to learn. Blatant endangerment of a friend that has ill consequences - well it's not your fault, you didn't do the harm yourself.
The writing is capable, I got to the end, it has potential. But less smooth that in the debut book; here we're faced with random pov changes throughout the book. It's clumsy and often disconcerting.
My main issue is no longer liking anyone in the book. DI Steele was interesting but there's only so many times I can read about her fag-ash and scratching of her sweaty arm-pits. Watson isn't allowed to shine - her replacement is already clear, and she'll likely wear flimsy lace bras. 'Laz' too much the martyr - the lone 'good cop' while not being overly moral or good.
Can get through gory reads if I care about the main character, but need that someone to champion, or that victim to worry about or want revenge for. Unfortunately that was missing here.
Disappointed and wont be continuing the series.
The first was so promising; an interesting flawed bunch characters, a number of crimes. The police were slow reaching obvious conclusions but the writing tight enough to hold it together. Some nastiness in the details mainly due to the age of the victims, but not gratuitous.
This though. Oh dear. The violence has become gratuitous, there's almost glee at it's awfulness. The characters have without exception become unsympathetic; self-serving or whinging. And then the crimes; no-one cares about victims it's all about seeking personal glory. Before the halfway point I'd lost track of who any of the suspects were, sudden mentions of them would throw me. Again obvious connections weren't made, but then 'Laz' Logan was very tired between his long shifts and his off-duty shifts and being the only person in Aberdeen police station capable of connecting two dots armed with a ruler and multi-pack of crayons. And even he's dumbed down to miss obvious connections; blatant warnings.
Misogyny is rife. Inescapable. Every woman character is negatively portrayed. Skanky 'tarts', ice-queen, general bad-attitude. A person described as 'knobbing' four hooters in a w/e is considered a star. Watson for most of the book was relegated as 'that tasty WPC' their relationship appears to be souring due to her being a human being, oh and how dare the woman wear sensible bras. She's kick-arse, literally, and deserves better. Some of that would be down to pov - but that in itself doesn't endear dear Logan to me.
All senior officers appear incompetent. Constables don't fare much better. There's no care shown towards victims, apparent friends, or that poor guy who got shot on your raid - the one whose name you've not bothered to learn. Blatant endangerment of a friend that has ill consequences - well it's not your fault, you didn't do the harm yourself.
The writing is capable, I got to the end, it has potential. But less smooth that in the debut book; here we're faced with random pov changes throughout the book. It's clumsy and often disconcerting.
My main issue is no longer liking anyone in the book. DI Steele was interesting but there's only so many times I can read about her fag-ash and scratching of her sweaty arm-pits. Watson isn't allowed to shine - her replacement is already clear, and she'll likely wear flimsy lace bras. 'Laz' too much the martyr - the lone 'good cop' while not being overly moral or good.
Can get through gory reads if I care about the main character, but need that someone to champion, or that victim to worry about or want revenge for. Unfortunately that was missing here.
Disappointed and wont be continuing the series.
November 17, 2017
Dying Light by Stuart MacBride.
I'm still attempting to catch my breath! This was a book that took over. My thoughts were of -how soon can I get back to my story? Everything else in everyday life was secondary and I'm dead serious.
Detective Logan has been demoted to the "Screw-up Squad" headed by D.I. Steel. Could there be anything worse? The answer is read the story and find out!
A hideous arsonist is at large targeting innocent people in in their homes and then nailing the door to their escape route shut. At the same time Logan is called to a beating death of a prostitute in the red light district of Aberdeen. The victim's mount while Detective Logan sets to work finding the perpetrators in spite of all the obstacles thrown in front of him by Steel.
Just when you think the end is near ...you find it isn't even the beginning. the most baffling is yet to come.
Let me say that I did not enjoy the 1st book in this series and thought I might drop the series altogether. This book has set that decision to rest. I will most definitely be continuing this series and highly recommend it to serious mystery/crime fans.
I'm still attempting to catch my breath! This was a book that took over. My thoughts were of -how soon can I get back to my story? Everything else in everyday life was secondary and I'm dead serious.
Detective Logan has been demoted to the "Screw-up Squad" headed by D.I. Steel. Could there be anything worse? The answer is read the story and find out!
A hideous arsonist is at large targeting innocent people in in their homes and then nailing the door to their escape route shut. At the same time Logan is called to a beating death of a prostitute in the red light district of Aberdeen. The victim's mount while Detective Logan sets to work finding the perpetrators in spite of all the obstacles thrown in front of him by Steel.
Just when you think the end is near ...you find it isn't even the beginning. the most baffling is yet to come.
Let me say that I did not enjoy the 1st book in this series and thought I might drop the series altogether. This book has set that decision to rest. I will most definitely be continuing this series and highly recommend it to serious mystery/crime fans.
October 31, 2020
This is the second book in the Logan McRae series. This one is divided between Inspector Steele and Insch cases and somehow Logan is helping both. There are more cases in this book compared to the first one. Some felt that they were fillers and not necessarily needed.
The development so far is good. The characters are human and with a dry sense of humour.
The author tries to bring Aberdeen to life to the reader and he does a really good job. I would still read the next book to see what will happen to Logan McRae
The second read still made it enjoyable. Even thought too many coincidences and cases to fill the pages, it was still a good read.
The development so far is good. The characters are human and with a dry sense of humour.
The author tries to bring Aberdeen to life to the reader and he does a really good job. I would still read the next book to see what will happen to Logan McRae
The second read still made it enjoyable. Even thought too many coincidences and cases to fill the pages, it was still a good read.
May 19, 2019
Simply brilliant! There were so many sub-plots, interwoven cases and excellent twists, it honestly felt half its length. DS Logan MacRae is now one of my favourite detectives. Flawed, as an under-dog in all he seems to go but how I want him to come out on top. Highly recommend this for crime/thriller lovers.
October 5, 2015
4.5 stars
I'm always nervous when picking up a second book in a series. Will it live up to the first book? Not only did Dying Light by Stuart MacBride, live up to the first, I thought it actually surpassed it.
I don't know how MacBride manages to make a story based on solving gruesome crimes fun, but somehow he always does. I feel almost guilty describing it that way given its content, but it is fun watching these guys work. The characters are just so well-drawn, and endearing, even the prickly, insensitive ones, and I love the dark humor.
The one character who stole the show, though, was Detective Inspector Roberta Steel. She is a vulgar, crass, chain-smoking, hot mess, and I just adored her. I hope Logan has to work every case with her from now until eternity. I just couldn't get enough of her. Watching her interaction with Logan was so much fun. Hell, watching her interaction with any of the characters was fun.
Logan, of course, is great as well. The one thing that drives me nuts about him, though, is that just like the first book, he sometimes misses obvious links or clues. I found myself catching onto something and then waiting for him to catch up. That was a little frustrating, but not enough to ruin my affection for him or my love of the story.
The crime solving portion of the story was as good as the first book. I like that more than one crime is featured, even though one takes center stage. It keeps things interesting.
So, if like me you are always a bit hesitant when picking up a second book in a series, I wouldn't worry too much when it comes to Dying Light. It's a great addition to the Logan McRae series. Highly recommended.
Final rating: 4.5 stars
I'm always nervous when picking up a second book in a series. Will it live up to the first book? Not only did Dying Light by Stuart MacBride, live up to the first, I thought it actually surpassed it.
"How? How does writing rubbish about the fires being a sexual thing help us catch the bastard doing it? What am I supposed to do with that? Put an ad in the personal columns? 'Looking for white, male GSOH, mid twenties -- into setting fire to people's houses, with them inside, and masturbating while they burn -- for long-term commitment at Her Majesty's pleasure. Genuine psychos only: no time wasters.' Can really see that working." - DI Insch
I don't know how MacBride manages to make a story based on solving gruesome crimes fun, but somehow he always does. I feel almost guilty describing it that way given its content, but it is fun watching these guys work. The characters are just so well-drawn, and endearing, even the prickly, insensitive ones, and I love the dark humor.
"DI Insch ran a tight ship. A stickler for punctuality, preparation and professionalism, his briefings were clear and concise. DI Steel's, on the other hand, seemed to be pretty much a shambles. There was no clear agenda and everyone talked at once, while Steel sat by an open window puffing away on an endless chain of cigarettes, scratching her armpit...[s]omething terrible had happened to her hair, but everyone was too afraid to mention it."
The one character who stole the show, though, was Detective Inspector Roberta Steel. She is a vulgar, crass, chain-smoking, hot mess, and I just adored her. I hope Logan has to work every case with her from now until eternity. I just couldn't get enough of her. Watching her interaction with Logan was so much fun. Hell, watching her interaction with any of the characters was fun.
Logan, of course, is great as well. The one thing that drives me nuts about him, though, is that just like the first book, he sometimes misses obvious links or clues. I found myself catching onto something and then waiting for him to catch up. That was a little frustrating, but not enough to ruin my affection for him or my love of the story.
The crime solving portion of the story was as good as the first book. I like that more than one crime is featured, even though one takes center stage. It keeps things interesting.
So, if like me you are always a bit hesitant when picking up a second book in a series, I wouldn't worry too much when it comes to Dying Light. It's a great addition to the Logan McRae series. Highly recommended.
Final rating: 4.5 stars
March 27, 2024
Гаснеща светлина - Стюарт Макбрайд
Много свеж полъх от влажна и студена Шотландия,и в частност Абърдийн,се оказа тази книга,при все че започнах от втората книга от поредицата,а не от първата,но не смятам,че е фатално - оказа се различна от обичайното,на моменти забавна, цинична и с нужната доза бруталност,но без да е кървава каша и да има излишни анализи дали бащата на извършителя го е малтретирал или не - просто има извършител и главния герой трябва да го спипа.
А главният герой направо си го съжалявам човечеца. Мачкан, изхвърлен в отдела на неудачниците заради провалена акция,с невъзможност да отдели време и на изискващата си приятелка,с гадна шефка,която цели само да го използва като трамплин в кариерата и с постоянния страх,че може да бъде уволнен заради едно или друго грешно решение и в центъра на всичко това изникват трупове на пребити проститутки, кучета в куфари с намерение и хора да бъдат поставени там ,жена,която търси изчезналия си мъж и какво ли още не,което чака само детектив -сержант Логан "Лазар" Макрей да го реши след като обаче се е наспал и се е нагушкал със сексапилната полицай Уотсън. Евентуално после може да разгадае загадката.
Ще се впусна и в Студен гранит,но определено тази ме впечатли и ме изненада със своя край. Препоръчвам с две ръце !
Много свеж полъх от влажна и студена Шотландия,и в частност Абърдийн,се оказа тази книга,при все че започнах от втората книга от поредицата,а не от първата,но не смятам,че е фатално - оказа се различна от обичайното,на моменти забавна, цинична и с нужната доза бруталност,но без да е кървава каша и да има излишни анализи дали бащата на извършителя го е малтретирал или не - просто има извършител и главния герой трябва да го спипа.
А главният герой направо си го съжалявам човечеца. Мачкан, изхвърлен в отдела на неудачниците заради провалена акция,с невъзможност да отдели време и на изискващата си приятелка,с гадна шефка,която цели само да го използва като трамплин в кариерата и с постоянния страх,че може да бъде уволнен заради едно или друго грешно решение и в центъра на всичко това изникват трупове на пребити проститутки, кучета в куфари с намерение и хора да бъдат поставени там ,жена,която търси изчезналия си мъж и какво ли още не,което чака само детектив -сержант Логан "Лазар" Макрей да го реши след като обаче се е наспал и се е нагушкал със сексапилната полицай Уотсън. Евентуално после може да разгадае загадката.
Ще се впусна и в Студен гранит,но определено тази ме впечатли и ме изненада със своя край. Препоръчвам с две ръце !
March 6, 2016
I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed it. Both the story and the narrator were perfect for each other and I was glued to my ear buds.
Another great installment of the DS Logan MacRae series. A Solid 4 Stars! and Highly recommended. I am looking forward to seeing what Logan can get himself into next.
Another great installment of the DS Logan MacRae series. A Solid 4 Stars! and Highly recommended. I am looking forward to seeing what Logan can get himself into next.
January 15, 2024
Labai nebloga ši serija. Buvo keletas šiek tiek nuobodesnių vietų, bet visumoje gana smagiai skaitėsi. Tik dar niekaip negaliu apsispręsti ar tuo pat metu vyniojami keli skirtingi nusikaltimai prideda knygai įtraukumo, ar vis dėlto tik verčia nuolat būti įsitempus, kad nepasimestų siužeto galai, o galvoje nekiltų chaosas.
June 4, 2022
I have read this series it seems since time began. I enjoyed the first book of the series which this is a part of...but as the series progresses some of the characters began to become more than slightly annoying and progressed to nearly unreadable. My trouble with the characters actually started with this one. The story begins with Logan McRae in trouble with his squad commander and going through disciplinary actions. This becomes a common occurrence. He finds himself being sent down to D.I. Steele’s squad, (horrible character by the way) also known throughout Aberdeen law enforcement as the “fuck-up squad.” I had forgotten how much I had always hated the character of D.I. Steele. She has no integrity, the manners of an untrained chimp, talks like a drunken sailor, and smokes like a chimney. She thinks nothing of miss-treating or “using” members of her squad. This is what our super cop, Logan McRae, enters into. D.I. Steele has every intention of using Logan for whatever means is at her disposal to get herself some fame and glory and on to better pastures than the “fuck-up squad.” Logan, on the other hand will do just about whatever it takes to get out of this squad and back into his former squad. The book is filled with flawed characters and bad habits. Then there are the bad guys and the REALLY bad guys. A lot of losers. There is plenty of action going on. You will never figure out what is happening in this story before it ends. I've read it before, and I still couldn't do it. There are fire bombings, prostitutes galore that have seen their better days, unfaithful men by the truck load, drug dealers, murdered girls, and even a dog. The dog is innocent. Well good people...we're not in Mayberry anymore that's for sure.
March 22, 2021
Pues otras 4 estrellitas para el subinspector Logan McRae. Me tiene enganchado. Mantiene el nivel de la primera de la serie, tanto es así, que acto seguido voy a por la tercera de la serie "Piel herida".
July 19, 2016
Meh. I bought three of these on super sale, & I haven't loved either of the first two. Not sure if I will ever read the third.
I don't mind gritty, but the general tenor of these books makes Aberdeen sound like the most disgusting place on earth.
I don't mind gritty, but the general tenor of these books makes Aberdeen sound like the most disgusting place on earth.
July 6, 2025
Well this Screw-Up Squad is starting to sound like The Misfit Mob in “A Dark So Deadly” and “The Coffin Maker Garden”. Both are run by women, very different I must say, Misfit’s Mother is attentive and nurturing while Steel is a force to be reckoned with but deep deep inside, under all that smoke, she cares. Steel is one of my favorite characters, with her creation McBride started to bring more unusual and quirky characters. My favorite lines from DI Steel when they are looking at who is killing prostitutes in Aberdeen are “Dispatch said “naked and beaten”, I said, mine!” Then how do you know it was a prostitute? asks Logan to which She replies “Handbag full of condoms. No ID, but loads and loads of condoms. Could have been an erotic balloon modeller I suppose, but my money’s on tart.”
I have read this author’s work not in chronological order because I did not want to invest my time in another long series at the time, so I started with his standalones and wow was I impressed. The Ash Henderson series which I devoured show us a broken man who is also a detective, he is willing to break all the rules to get some justice but with Logan things are different, he is a by the book kind of DS, kind and bright. I am willing to bet the farm I do not own that after five books in the series Logan is going to start bending rules in order to achieve balance in those scales. I am going to read the next in the series right now. This is Tartan Noir at its best!
I have read this author’s work not in chronological order because I did not want to invest my time in another long series at the time, so I started with his standalones and wow was I impressed. The Ash Henderson series which I devoured show us a broken man who is also a detective, he is willing to break all the rules to get some justice but with Logan things are different, he is a by the book kind of DS, kind and bright. I am willing to bet the farm I do not own that after five books in the series Logan is going to start bending rules in order to achieve balance in those scales. I am going to read the next in the series right now. This is Tartan Noir at its best!
September 17, 2017
Another episode in the Logan McRae series. Dark and disturbing, with alot of humour for contrast. Great plotting with the main crimes surrounding murders of prostitutes as well as fire deaths. Internal relationships and workplace struggles are also highlighted. Not as well written as the 1st book. Not as realistic or noirish as other crime novels, it does have a real comical sense to it, however I enjoy it just as much. Some wont like the witty humourous tone and I think thats what distances alot of readers. Onto the next episode.
September 12, 2018
DS McRae has been sent to work with DI Steele of the “fuck-up” squad after a raid gone wrong in which a constable was badly wounded. Everyone is looking at him askance. Jackie, his WPC squeeze is mad at him for not standing up to Steele who never seems to recognize his time off.
Steele, who never goes by the book and thinks nothing of destroying evidence if it doesn’t seem to match her prior conception of guilt or innocence.
Written with a sardonic and often sarcastic wit, this series has become a favorite and I have bought them all. Not to be read by the squeamish.
On to the next one.
Steele, who never goes by the book and thinks nothing of destroying evidence if it doesn’t seem to match her prior conception of guilt or innocence.
Written with a sardonic and often sarcastic wit, this series has become a favorite and I have bought them all. Not to be read by the squeamish.
On to the next one.
August 3, 2024
Официално приключвам със Стюарт Макбрайд. Имах проблеми, отново, с абсолютно всички герои - толкова зле изградени по мое мнение, че направо не можех да ги търпя и ми беше все тая какво се случва с тях - ще живеят ли, ще умрат ли. Макбрайд решава да отдели повече време за описание на природата, крушката, вратата и кажи-речи за всичко, което не е важно, с абзаци, но за самата развръзка има два реда. Два реда.
Спирам официално.
Спирам официално.
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