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Detective Watters #1
The Fireraisers
Dundee, Scotland, 1862. After the mill of businessman Matthew Beaumont burns to the ground, Detective Sergeant George Watters is sent to investigate.
Soon, George discovers that this is not the first property that has been targeted. When a man is found dead in the hold of a trade ship, George discovers a shocking connection between Beaumont and foreign powers threatening the very country.
George tries to get to the bottom of the mystery, but clues are few and far between. What connects the enigmatic Beaumont to the murder and strange events taking place in the Dundee shipyard?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2019
188 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Archibald
130 books71 followersMy primary interest is historical, either fiction or non fiction, but I can enjoy most anything from Jane Austin to Kipling to J K Rowling. I have been very quiet on this site, but I think I might be a bit more active now.
I also enjoy the stimulation of meeting people and finding out about them.
I also enjoy the stimulation of meeting people and finding out about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 2, 2019
History brought to life
Malcolm Archibald has created a brilliant and complex mystery centered on the events in 19th century Dundee, when Sergeant George Watters is tasked with solving a murder at sea and a series of fires that are targeting the properties of a wealthy local business man. This is a superb nail biting mystery that had me gripped in its intricate complexities from beginning to end. The end when it came was a total surprise to me and emphasised the talent of the author.
Mr. Archibald's knowledge of the history of 19th century Dundee brings a stark reality to the proceedings as the sights, sounds and smells of the city are brought vividly to life. Superb!
to life and the book becomes instantly believable. I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars.
Malcolm Archibald has created a brilliant and complex mystery centered on the events in 19th century Dundee, when Sergeant George Watters is tasked with solving a murder at sea and a series of fires that are targeting the properties of a wealthy local business man. This is a superb nail biting mystery that had me gripped in its intricate complexities from beginning to end. The end when it came was a total surprise to me and emphasised the talent of the author.
Mr. Archibald's knowledge of the history of 19th century Dundee brings a stark reality to the proceedings as the sights, sounds and smells of the city are brought vividly to life. Superb!
to life and the book becomes instantly believable. I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars.
July 20, 2020
The Union sends agents to England in 1862 to prevent the South from receiving assistance or being able to sell cotton. It then switches to Dundee where one of Mr. Beaumont’s factories has burnt to the ground. Then a dead man with fire incendiary items is found in one of his ships from India. Detective Sergeant George Watters is assigned to the job. His investigation leads him to believe somehow France is involved also. He’s told to back off, but he also winds up protecting the Beaumont’s during a high society wedding. He discovers a Southern trying to sneak and a red bearded man trying the same thing. Then he and his underlings discover more incendiary devices in Beaumont’s other factories and a young waif that was paid to start them. His investigation discovers an anti-slavery group that was involved and attacked Beaumont’s youngest daughter. Watters is sent with the youngest daughter and friend to the seacoast for her protection and as he suspects away from the investigation. From there things become a bit wild. He discovers a ship that doesn’t belong, is nearly drowned, restored by his wife, and the wild chase begins. Who is the murderer? Who is financing all of the ship building and someone really wants him gone, one way or another. Not only that, they want Beaumont gone too, but who will believe him? The writing is first rate and you really wish that the pages would turn faster
May 9, 2019
Exciting and interesting plot!
I love reading books by this author. This is another great example of creating a vigorous, interesting and suspenseful plot full of history.
Reading staid history books can put you to sleep, but the creation of a good fiction plot using solid historical facts like this book can truly be educational when such attention to detail like this is employed in a very well contrived story.
This is exactly why I'm a fan of Malcolm Archibald's books. It amazing to me how any good author creates such work. This book of a Dundee police sergeant investigated a series of fires started in factories and then a murder in a ship's hold which seem to tie in becomes even more exciting with the addition of political intrigue and involvement by several countries during the United States' Civil War. How this local policeman gets involved in such a convoluted mess is the basis for adventure, suspense, thrill and some comedy along the way.
To say I absolutely loved this one is toi obvious. So just let me add my recommendation to readers of historical fiction and those who like detective stories. I hope to see more of Sergeant Watters' stories in future! Great book!
I love reading books by this author. This is another great example of creating a vigorous, interesting and suspenseful plot full of history.
Reading staid history books can put you to sleep, but the creation of a good fiction plot using solid historical facts like this book can truly be educational when such attention to detail like this is employed in a very well contrived story.
This is exactly why I'm a fan of Malcolm Archibald's books. It amazing to me how any good author creates such work. This book of a Dundee police sergeant investigated a series of fires started in factories and then a murder in a ship's hold which seem to tie in becomes even more exciting with the addition of political intrigue and involvement by several countries during the United States' Civil War. How this local policeman gets involved in such a convoluted mess is the basis for adventure, suspense, thrill and some comedy along the way.
To say I absolutely loved this one is toi obvious. So just let me add my recommendation to readers of historical fiction and those who like detective stories. I hope to see more of Sergeant Watters' stories in future! Great book!
March 11, 2019
A detective adventure type novel based in and around Dundee, Scotland in the 1860s. Sergeant Watters of the Dundee Police is investigating a murder on board a ship when he finds evidence that the murdered man had intended to set the ship alight. The arson tied in with another case he was working on, and Watters was soon involved in a case that had international repercussions.
The book mixed 19th century police work with adventure on the high seas. An excellent read.
The book mixed 19th century police work with adventure on the high seas. An excellent read.
March 22, 2022
A truly magnificent read
This is not the first book I have read by Malcom Archibald, a most prolific author, and I am already considering reading the extensive complete list.
Fireraisers is set in Dundee in the early 1860’s and features a detective sergeant Watters, a policeman with some twenty years under his belt. In summary this book starts off with a corpse found on a boat from Calcutta, a tricky murder to solve. However, Archibald introduces so many threads, both political and criminal, murder and intrigue, that in next to no time the reader is apprised of the intricate social situation in Dundee; The Mills with their wealthy owners and the downtrodden and subjugated workers. The American Civil War, the Federal Government of the North, vying for influence over the Confederate South, in trade and in ship building. There is also the growing anti-slave movement and how this can be manipulated, along with geopolitical influences from France and Russia and, the British government keen to be seen as neutral, but subtly favouring the Confederacy as they fear the US will invade Canada, but need to reserve forces to deal with any conflict in Europe.
In just a few chapters Archibald masterfully engages the reader in all of this whist sensing that DS Watters is treading his own diplomatic tightrope within the police force, as well as, I suspect, harbouring socialist views and a sensitivity to the growing Chartist organisation.
I loved the blending social moirés especially as it appears that a major mill owner is having his mills set alight; but why? Why is this mill owner in particular being targeted?
What follows is no ordinary ‘police procedural’. It is a complex plot that is told simply and, is thoroughly engaging. And then, almost with a third of the book still to go, the narrative explodes and I defy anyone to put the book down until completed. It is heart racing stuff and had me on the edge of my seat; I loved every moment.
I cannot recommend this book enough, 5 stars all of the way and I have already bought the next book, a prequel to Fireraisers.
This is not the first book I have read by Malcom Archibald, a most prolific author, and I am already considering reading the extensive complete list.
Fireraisers is set in Dundee in the early 1860’s and features a detective sergeant Watters, a policeman with some twenty years under his belt. In summary this book starts off with a corpse found on a boat from Calcutta, a tricky murder to solve. However, Archibald introduces so many threads, both political and criminal, murder and intrigue, that in next to no time the reader is apprised of the intricate social situation in Dundee; The Mills with their wealthy owners and the downtrodden and subjugated workers. The American Civil War, the Federal Government of the North, vying for influence over the Confederate South, in trade and in ship building. There is also the growing anti-slave movement and how this can be manipulated, along with geopolitical influences from France and Russia and, the British government keen to be seen as neutral, but subtly favouring the Confederacy as they fear the US will invade Canada, but need to reserve forces to deal with any conflict in Europe.
In just a few chapters Archibald masterfully engages the reader in all of this whist sensing that DS Watters is treading his own diplomatic tightrope within the police force, as well as, I suspect, harbouring socialist views and a sensitivity to the growing Chartist organisation.
I loved the blending social moirés especially as it appears that a major mill owner is having his mills set alight; but why? Why is this mill owner in particular being targeted?
What follows is no ordinary ‘police procedural’. It is a complex plot that is told simply and, is thoroughly engaging. And then, almost with a third of the book still to go, the narrative explodes and I defy anyone to put the book down until completed. It is heart racing stuff and had me on the edge of my seat; I loved every moment.
I cannot recommend this book enough, 5 stars all of the way and I have already bought the next book, a prequel to Fireraisers.
February 27, 2020
The Fireraisers consist of a series of mysteries within one another and although they do not appear connected, Detective Sergeant Watters of the Dundee Police discovers far more than he was expecting including arson, murder and disturbing connections. When I first started to listen to this book, I discovered it needed a more dedicated listen in order to follow the events. I have discovered that the author, Malcolm Archibald is very adept at creating intricate mysteries and a variety of intrigues. His use of historical facts to create his fiction and his not being content to staying on one continent is uniquely done.
His character and plot development were solid and well done. His dialog was spot on as well, making the story flow easily. I thought his twists were well executed as well. This story has it all – mystery, suspense, history, intrigue, adventure with a touch of humor.
The narrator, Max Best, performed the book very well although in the beginning his accent was a bit hard to understand but that gave a more realistic feel to the characters and plot. After a short bit, I enjoyed his performance thoroughly and became enthralled in the story. I hope to hear more performances by Max Best.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
His character and plot development were solid and well done. His dialog was spot on as well, making the story flow easily. I thought his twists were well executed as well. This story has it all – mystery, suspense, history, intrigue, adventure with a touch of humor.
The narrator, Max Best, performed the book very well although in the beginning his accent was a bit hard to understand but that gave a more realistic feel to the characters and plot. After a short bit, I enjoyed his performance thoroughly and became enthralled in the story. I hope to hear more performances by Max Best.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.
February 10, 2021
Again, I do not recall why and when I got this book on my Kindle, but this was a nice read.
As this was a Kindle book, there were actually 2 places that I would have flipped back, if I were reading a paper book, to confirm something. Rather by the end, in the great big chase, I thought Mackay was shot? But then he was back? I might have misremembered the name. And then a little after that, where Mr. Caskie was supposed to be MIA, but then he was calling at Mr. Beaumont’s “with Mr. and Mrs. Caskie”. Should have flipped back to make sure I did not misread it, but... yeah, I know, excuses, sorry. But overall this was indeed a good read.
I did get a bit lost with all the different names, but it wasn’t that bad either. Oooooh yeah and why did Marie suddenly decide to show up at that... fishing village place all of a sudden? Did I miss something.
Fast paced, not boring, makes sense (really important), a fun read. I’ll keep an eye out for other books in the series.
As this was a Kindle book, there were actually 2 places that I would have flipped back, if I were reading a paper book, to confirm something. Rather by the end, in the great big chase, I thought Mackay was shot? But then he was back? I might have misremembered the name. And then a little after that, where Mr. Caskie was supposed to be MIA, but then he was calling at Mr. Beaumont’s “with Mr. and Mrs. Caskie”. Should have flipped back to make sure I did not misread it, but... yeah, I know, excuses, sorry. But overall this was indeed a good read.
I did get a bit lost with all the different names, but it wasn’t that bad either. Oooooh yeah and why did Marie suddenly decide to show up at that... fishing village place all of a sudden? Did I miss something.
Fast paced, not boring, makes sense (really important), a fun read. I’ll keep an eye out for other books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2020
Although I feel the plot of the story was a good one. A story of mystery, murder, arson, with a little war, plots and schemes.
I found this Audiobook a little hard to get into, I really had to listen to understand what was being said.
The heavy Scottish accent for me made it a chore to listen to. I feel that if the narrator had made the storyline with not such a heavy Scottish accent the narration would’ve been much more enjoyable to listen to.
Although I feel the Scottish accent does contribute to the story it would’ve been better if it had of just been with the Scottish characters.
In saying that the narrator still does a good job giving each character their own unique voice. In doing so each character recognisable.
Violence did not go into great details.
Corse language I don’t think there were any. If there was it was only minimal.
I found this Audiobook a little hard to get into, I really had to listen to understand what was being said.
The heavy Scottish accent for me made it a chore to listen to. I feel that if the narrator had made the storyline with not such a heavy Scottish accent the narration would’ve been much more enjoyable to listen to.
Although I feel the Scottish accent does contribute to the story it would’ve been better if it had of just been with the Scottish characters.
In saying that the narrator still does a good job giving each character their own unique voice. In doing so each character recognisable.
Violence did not go into great details.
Corse language I don’t think there were any. If there was it was only minimal.
August 24, 2021
The Fireraisers (Detective Watters Mysteries Book 1) opens in Dundee in 1862. An upbeat, punchy and well-written police procedural, The Fireraisers opens with a small fire at the cotton mill followed closely by a murder on the Lady of Blackness. The sleuth Sergeant Watters is an authoritative character, commanding and tenacious. And then there’s his passion for golf. Watters and his team are taken on a wild ride full of surprises and there’s a satisfying twist at the end. Archibald knows his town and his history. Packed with intrigue and tied to the history of the American Civil War, the cotton trade from America’s South, and the involvement of the Union’s secret service. A highly entertaining page turner.
March 2, 2020
Audible:It is 1862 ,in Scotland and Mills are burning.Luckilly no one has been injured.Sargent Ward is sent to chcek into it and finds it is not this owners first fire,then he finds himself thrown into an adventure in chaos that will lead him into the American Civil war and back.A very good story with a lot of adventure. Max Best was a very good narrator.While he does a believable USA Southern accent his is a Scottish brogue.During regular speech he is understandable,but when he talks to himself in a lower tone,or mumbles I have no idea what he said. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 28, 2020
Called upon to investigate arson at the Beaumont mill in Dundee, Sergeant Watters soon realises that the crimes are related to a murder aboard ship & has to pull out all the stops to find the culprits. With locals, seamen & street urchins leading him a merry dance, there are plenty of twists & turns before the mysteries are solved. Set in the mid 1800s, the author proves his knowledge of the era by perfectly describing the social scenes & backdrop, you can almost smell the whale oil & sea salty air as the tale progresses. I love this author’s work & was delighted to discover such a well plotted story by this superb storyteller.
April 14, 2019
This detective adventure is set in Dundee, Scotland, in the 1860s. It starts with a fire in a mill and moved quickly to a murder. Within a few chapters the reader is taken on an adventure that includes an international dimension that links the American Civil War and France to Scottish business and shipbuilding. Definitely not a conventional detective story, Fireraisers may raise a few eyebrows with those readers who did not realise how close the UK was to war with the US during this period. Not a book to miss!
March 4, 2020
Exciting Sorry
My first time reading this author and this genre, and I can’t believe how much I did enjoy the story. From the first chapter you are gripped, the description of the Scottish area and the characters are perfect. I feel the reader is transported back to this time and is in the footsteps of Sargent Watters has he battles everything thrown into his path. Full of action and excitement to the last page.
The narrator has the perfect voice for this book. A beautiful accent and very clear voice.
I have this book for free for an unbiased review.
My first time reading this author and this genre, and I can’t believe how much I did enjoy the story. From the first chapter you are gripped, the description of the Scottish area and the characters are perfect. I feel the reader is transported back to this time and is in the footsteps of Sargent Watters has he battles everything thrown into his path. Full of action and excitement to the last page.
The narrator has the perfect voice for this book. A beautiful accent and very clear voice.
I have this book for free for an unbiased review.
April 12, 2022
This is a good book.
Nothing too irritating.
The protagonist, Watters, has no personality and no internal life to speak of. No back story. No history. No WHY?
What’s this deal with him and Marie (or Maria or whatever the fok her name is.)
No reason for me to root for Watters to win. He is nobody and nothing.
No real thrills or chills in this book; no mystery or suspense, no heart-stopping action, but a nice, little, good, convoluted book, with twists.
No too much “sipping” or “accepting,” or other likewise irritating devices.
.
Nothing too irritating.
The protagonist, Watters, has no personality and no internal life to speak of. No back story. No history. No WHY?
What’s this deal with him and Marie (or Maria or whatever the fok her name is.)
No reason for me to root for Watters to win. He is nobody and nothing.
No real thrills or chills in this book; no mystery or suspense, no heart-stopping action, but a nice, little, good, convoluted book, with twists.
No too much “sipping” or “accepting,” or other likewise irritating devices.
.
June 25, 2019
It was a good read.
It was a good read. The characters were well described and the flow of reading was easy. I think the main character Waters was well established however it was a little confusing with the beginning of the book in the president's office where he sent the people out to the various places. I'm assuming that the first one who was sent to Scotland was the character who was trying to kill Beaumont.
It was a good read. The characters were well described and the flow of reading was easy. I think the main character Waters was well established however it was a little confusing with the beginning of the book in the president's office where he sent the people out to the various places. I'm assuming that the first one who was sent to Scotland was the character who was trying to kill Beaumont.
September 14, 2019
Beginning with a fire, Detective Sergeant George Watters is going to find himself discovering more than he bargained for, including murder. The author writes an intriguing book that combines history that starts before the century is beginning to turn into the 1900's with mystery and detective work. The author uses a story line that crosses continents and will take readers on an epic read. Great characters, especially the Sergeant makes this a novel to grab.
February 28, 2022
Good read
Detective Watters comes across as a slow plodder but as the story gained momentum I was well and truly hooked. He reminds me of detective Columbo. Plods along slowly till he caught the culprits. Very descriptive when reading about the Mills and the
ships. I was with Watters when he leapt in the sea to rescue some fishermen. Felt exhausted as he was when he reached dry land! Worthy of 5*
Detective Watters comes across as a slow plodder but as the story gained momentum I was well and truly hooked. He reminds me of detective Columbo. Plods along slowly till he caught the culprits. Very descriptive when reading about the Mills and the
ships. I was with Watters when he leapt in the sea to rescue some fishermen. Felt exhausted as he was when he reached dry land! Worthy of 5*
April 16, 2019
A detective mystery with a Scottish bent
Keeps you guessing, second guessing and on the edge of your seat right to the end. The obvious set up for a sequel leaves you wanting more. The accuracy of the life and times makes the book all the more intriguing, some historic facts are indeed stranger than fiction.
Keeps you guessing, second guessing and on the edge of your seat right to the end. The obvious set up for a sequel leaves you wanting more. The accuracy of the life and times makes the book all the more intriguing, some historic facts are indeed stranger than fiction.
March 3, 2020
A great mystery read that has great world building as well as the story really flows and the characters come out really well. The Narrator does a fantastic job at bringing the voices. And the Author has done a great job with all the twists and turns. This is definitely a great mystery that I definitely recommend.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
September 12, 2021
An American civil war themed mystery.
Sergeant Watters is a doggedly determined policeman who is tasked with solving a murder and fire raising. An action packed page turner with the plot complicated and gripping. Easy five stars. I will look forward eagerly to the rest of this series.
Sergeant Watters is a doggedly determined policeman who is tasked with solving a murder and fire raising. An action packed page turner with the plot complicated and gripping. Easy five stars. I will look forward eagerly to the rest of this series.
December 13, 2019
Interesting historical story.
While I enjoyed the book parts of it were wordy. When there is to much action or to many characters I tend to get confused. I think this could have been at least a 2 or 3 series.
While I enjoyed the book parts of it were wordy. When there is to much action or to many characters I tend to get confused. I think this could have been at least a 2 or 3 series.
February 27, 2020
Low 3 stars
I would probably have rated it higher if not for the prologue. The setup there created expectations throughout the book that had me looking in particular directions all along. So the read felt less like a mystery.
I would probably have rated it higher if not for the prologue. The setup there created expectations throughout the book that had me looking in particular directions all along. So the read felt less like a mystery.
March 30, 2022
What a good read
When I first started reading this I was disappointed that it was set in the 1880s. But the more you read the better it got a real page turner twists turns no swearing some violent action and a cracking story
When I first started reading this I was disappointed that it was set in the 1880s. But the more you read the better it got a real page turner twists turns no swearing some violent action and a cracking story
April 9, 2019
Good story. It is engaging and easy to read.
November 1, 2019
A look at some history
Very interesting to a history buff. Much different then I thought it would be from the cover picture. Harder then usual to pick out the culprits.
Very interesting to a history buff. Much different then I thought it would be from the cover picture. Harder then usual to pick out the culprits.
August 2, 2020
Wonderful Victorian Mystery!
My favorite book genre is Victorian Mysteries and this book and series is really wonderful! Read them both and enjoy!
My favorite book genre is Victorian Mysteries and this book and series is really wonderful! Read them both and enjoy!
January 7, 2021
Pretty good all round. Historically, politically and a good detective story. Lots of twists in the tale.
March 18, 2021
Very enjoyable, contains historical content I knew nothing about.
Looking forward to reading Book 2.
Looking forward to reading Book 2.
August 22, 2021
Good story, good characters
Really enjoyed reading this book. Good twisting plot with a believable central character. Looking forward to the next instalment of the series
Really enjoyed reading this book. Good twisting plot with a believable central character. Looking forward to the next instalment of the series
February 20, 2022
Good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews