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Inspector Jim Carruthers #4
Dark is the Day
A crazed killer. Unsuspecting victims. A town gripped by terror.
DI Jim Carruthers has to put his personal feelings for newly- appointed DCI Sandra McTavish aside when a young student is brutally attacked and left for dead.
Meanwhile, when a university lecturer is stalked by one of her own students, Carruthers is horrified to discover that the academic is none other than his ex-wife, Mairi. Are the attacker and stalker one and the same, and if so, will Carruthers’ ex-wife be next?
When a second then a third victim is discovered, not only dead but mutilated, Carruthers and his team are tasked with searching for a murderer. A murderer who takes great pleasure from killing.
What is the victims’ connection to a cult in North America, which seems to be getting a stranglehold in a Scottish university? Why have these women been targeted? And who is doing the killing?
It looks like there might be a serial killer on the loose in Castletown but can DI Jim Carruthers stop this depraved murderer before they strike again?
DI Jim Carruthers is back for the next instalment in the bestselling mystery series. Also available:
Robbing The Dead
Care to Die
Mark of the Devil
Tana Collins' critically acclaimed and best-selling Inspector Jim Carruthers Series are must-reads for all fans of crime fiction, fast-paced and utterly gripping they will appeal to fans of authors like Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Angela Marsons and Robert Byrndza.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2019
34 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 6, 2019
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Dark is the Day is the first novel I've read from the Inspector Jim Carruthers series, but it certainly won't be my last. It's a briliantly crafted, punchy and enjoyable novel which focuses on the investigation into the attack on a young woman, and its possible links to other similar attacks in the Scottish town of Castleford.
Dark is the Day tells the story mostly from the perspective of Detective Carruthers, but also from some other members of the team and people involved in the story. It's one of those stories where the plot makes for addictive reading, as it has elements of 'whodunnit', police procedures, the personal lives of some of the police and an eerie atmosphere at times, particularly when following some of the victims as the tension builds and you're not sure what might happen to them.
The plot is gritty (without being overly gory for people who prefer their crime novels a little less bloody) and I really liked Jim and (most of) his team. I was rooting for them to solve the case as they navigated some red herrings, suspicious characters and a very rude senior member of staff. I really liked Carruther's sidekick, Fletcher, and would happily have read more about her too.I'd really recommend this book for fans of well-written crime/ detective novels, and I am excited to read more from this series too.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
Dark is the Day is the first novel I've read from the Inspector Jim Carruthers series, but it certainly won't be my last. It's a briliantly crafted, punchy and enjoyable novel which focuses on the investigation into the attack on a young woman, and its possible links to other similar attacks in the Scottish town of Castleford.
Dark is the Day tells the story mostly from the perspective of Detective Carruthers, but also from some other members of the team and people involved in the story. It's one of those stories where the plot makes for addictive reading, as it has elements of 'whodunnit', police procedures, the personal lives of some of the police and an eerie atmosphere at times, particularly when following some of the victims as the tension builds and you're not sure what might happen to them.
The plot is gritty (without being overly gory for people who prefer their crime novels a little less bloody) and I really liked Jim and (most of) his team. I was rooting for them to solve the case as they navigated some red herrings, suspicious characters and a very rude senior member of staff. I really liked Carruther's sidekick, Fletcher, and would happily have read more about her too.I'd really recommend this book for fans of well-written crime/ detective novels, and I am excited to read more from this series too.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
May 7, 2019
I really do need to stop putting myself into this situation. I read a book in a series that can be read as a standalone then I find myself wanting to read the previous books in the series. This is book four in the Inspector Jim Carruthers series.
As a killer roams the streets DI Jim Carruthers must work with DS Andrea Fletcher to find out who it is. He’s also got to adjust to having a new boss DCI Sandra McTavish. Then to top it off Jim realises his ex wife could be in danger too.
This is a well told compelling read. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. I’ll certainly be reading more from this series.
As a killer roams the streets DI Jim Carruthers must work with DS Andrea Fletcher to find out who it is. He’s also got to adjust to having a new boss DCI Sandra McTavish. Then to top it off Jim realises his ex wife could be in danger too.
This is a well told compelling read. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. I’ll certainly be reading more from this series.
April 23, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy the DI Jim Carruthers series, and looked forward to reading the latest book. I have not been disappointed, it has a great plot to it. Young girls are being assaulted or murdered and Jim and his team have to try and quickly apprehend the suspect. This is made harder by Jim’s ex wife being back on the scene. Jim also has to get used to DCI Sandra McTavish being in the job he was demoted from, can he accept it and get on with his job?
I could not put this book down, I couldn’t wait to find the answers in the story. A well written crime book that had me on the edge of my seat plenty of times!
I would highly recommend this book and the series.
I could not put this book down, I couldn’t wait to find the answers in the story. A well written crime book that had me on the edge of my seat plenty of times!
I would highly recommend this book and the series.
June 7, 2019
I have been a follower of this series since I won book 1 at Noir at the Bar Edinburgh. I would like to think Tana has become a friend as well as a entertaining writer!
Now we are on to book four and this series just gets better with every book. This was no exception.
Carruthers has been demoted to DI. , Fletcher his loyal sidekick. All the usual suspects are in this tale and some new. Jim's new boss is DCI. Sandra McTavish. Will they get on? The tale is set in the fictional town of Castletown, and if you know the east coast of Scotland you will know what it is! The story starts off with an attack on a young woman Serena Davies. More attacks follow leading to murder, Jim and team must solve these, meanwhile fighting against office politics. Also Jim has family problems to deal with, concerning his brother and mother; and did I mention an ex wife?
Tana has given us a great police investigation but has also fleshed up previously minor characters, and has made her characters more human by introducing family dynamics, office politics etc.
But the biggest compliment I can pay her, is that her writing continues to improve considerably. Well done Tana
Now we are on to book four and this series just gets better with every book. This was no exception.
Carruthers has been demoted to DI. , Fletcher his loyal sidekick. All the usual suspects are in this tale and some new. Jim's new boss is DCI. Sandra McTavish. Will they get on? The tale is set in the fictional town of Castletown, and if you know the east coast of Scotland you will know what it is! The story starts off with an attack on a young woman Serena Davies. More attacks follow leading to murder, Jim and team must solve these, meanwhile fighting against office politics. Also Jim has family problems to deal with, concerning his brother and mother; and did I mention an ex wife?
Tana has given us a great police investigation but has also fleshed up previously minor characters, and has made her characters more human by introducing family dynamics, office politics etc.
But the biggest compliment I can pay her, is that her writing continues to improve considerably. Well done Tana
May 7, 2019
This is #4 in the DI Jim Carruthers series by Tana Collins.
It starts with a young woman being followed by someone who grabs her and she sees a mask and a knife……
A young woman’s body has been found, slashed and strangled…..is there a link between the two attacks…..?
The tension is palpable…..as a woman it feels so close to home as I hate hearing footsteps behind me when walking so this really touched a nerve!
The main character, is DI Jim Carruthers and his DS Andrea Fletcher…..both have their personal issues but work well together. I really liked both characters and Tana Collins is a master at building a sense of familiarity that you really do care about them.
This is an incredibly tense tale that will keep you looking over your shoulder…..very well plotted and will keep you guessing right to the end…..brilliant.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
It starts with a young woman being followed by someone who grabs her and she sees a mask and a knife……
A young woman’s body has been found, slashed and strangled…..is there a link between the two attacks…..?
The tension is palpable…..as a woman it feels so close to home as I hate hearing footsteps behind me when walking so this really touched a nerve!
The main character, is DI Jim Carruthers and his DS Andrea Fletcher…..both have their personal issues but work well together. I really liked both characters and Tana Collins is a master at building a sense of familiarity that you really do care about them.
This is an incredibly tense tale that will keep you looking over your shoulder…..very well plotted and will keep you guessing right to the end…..brilliant.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
April 24, 2019
I was privileged to receive an advanced review copy of Dark is the Day by Tana Collins.
DI Jim Carruthers, now demoted from DCI has to come to terms with a new DCI Sandra McTavish. He is on the trail of a murderer who has been killing young female students. There is a philosophy link between the attacks and killings, and one of the victims is an art student but has the same philosophy book as the other victims. To Jim's dismay, he finds that his ex-wife Mairi, professor of philosophy is involved with the students, and may even be at risk herself.
This book which could be read as a standalone, but chances are if you do you will be compelled to read the whole series. There is so much back story that adds weight to a really gripping plot. Carruthers doesn't do things by the book, but he is one hell of a decent bloke. The whole story was intriguing and the ending did not disappoint.
DI Jim Carruthers, now demoted from DCI has to come to terms with a new DCI Sandra McTavish. He is on the trail of a murderer who has been killing young female students. There is a philosophy link between the attacks and killings, and one of the victims is an art student but has the same philosophy book as the other victims. To Jim's dismay, he finds that his ex-wife Mairi, professor of philosophy is involved with the students, and may even be at risk herself.
This book which could be read as a standalone, but chances are if you do you will be compelled to read the whole series. There is so much back story that adds weight to a really gripping plot. Carruthers doesn't do things by the book, but he is one hell of a decent bloke. The whole story was intriguing and the ending did not disappoint.
April 23, 2019
This fourth book in the series by Tana Collins is everything we have come to expect from this first rate author. In fact, it is even better than her previous three instalments. This time she ramps the tension up to fever pitch and the unknown killer, who stalks the streets looking for his prey, could well be lurking behind us as we read. I was most definitely jumpy for most of the time I was reading this book.
Once again the main characters are DI Jim Carruthers and his sidekick DS Andrea Fletcher, but this time you start to wonder if they have what it takes to win the day: Women are being picked off the streets at night. They are being slashed and strangled in an extremely violent manner and their bodies unceremoniously dumped where they are slain. Carruthers and Fletcher have no idea where to begin. They have no clues, no leads and a victim who miraculously survived but, frustratingly, is giving away less than she knows. With victims’ families demanding answers and the females in the famous old university town becoming increasingly terrified, the pressure is on to solve this one as quickly as possible. And to top it all off they have a new boss, DCI Sandra McTavish, to placate. But the body count keeps on rising.
I am really enjoying this book series by Tana Collins. Castletown, the setting for the series, can be found in the East Neuk of Fife and brings back memories of my student days in the same part of the world. That aside, Tana’s characters are always extremely well developed and, after reading all the books in this series, I have come to look on them as old friends. Tana pays such close attention to detail that you experience the same terror as her victims. In the opening scene of this latest book, you are witness to the first murder and run down the narrow street alongside the victim, willing her to go faster but knowing she is running out of time. The tension leads you on a real roller coaster ride and then spits you out, exhausted.
If you enjoy high tension thrillers that keep you guessing to the end, then this book is most definitely for you. It is part of a series but you don’t need to have read the other 3 books in order to enjoy this one. Except you should because they are equally brilliant!
I am delighted and honoured to have been given a copy of this book prior to publication for review. Huge thanks to Tana and to Bloodhound Books for asking me to do this. All views are my own.
Once again the main characters are DI Jim Carruthers and his sidekick DS Andrea Fletcher, but this time you start to wonder if they have what it takes to win the day: Women are being picked off the streets at night. They are being slashed and strangled in an extremely violent manner and their bodies unceremoniously dumped where they are slain. Carruthers and Fletcher have no idea where to begin. They have no clues, no leads and a victim who miraculously survived but, frustratingly, is giving away less than she knows. With victims’ families demanding answers and the females in the famous old university town becoming increasingly terrified, the pressure is on to solve this one as quickly as possible. And to top it all off they have a new boss, DCI Sandra McTavish, to placate. But the body count keeps on rising.
I am really enjoying this book series by Tana Collins. Castletown, the setting for the series, can be found in the East Neuk of Fife and brings back memories of my student days in the same part of the world. That aside, Tana’s characters are always extremely well developed and, after reading all the books in this series, I have come to look on them as old friends. Tana pays such close attention to detail that you experience the same terror as her victims. In the opening scene of this latest book, you are witness to the first murder and run down the narrow street alongside the victim, willing her to go faster but knowing she is running out of time. The tension leads you on a real roller coaster ride and then spits you out, exhausted.
If you enjoy high tension thrillers that keep you guessing to the end, then this book is most definitely for you. It is part of a series but you don’t need to have read the other 3 books in order to enjoy this one. Except you should because they are equally brilliant!
I am delighted and honoured to have been given a copy of this book prior to publication for review. Huge thanks to Tana and to Bloodhound Books for asking me to do this. All views are my own.
May 8, 2019
This is the fourth book in the excellent series featuring Fife detective Jim Carruthers and I am a big fan! He is still a DI following his demotion from DCI due to a hot headed outburst against his nemesis Supt Alistair Ghee and wonders if he will ever make it back up the ranks. He has his loyal team including DS Angela Fletcher around him, but sometimes he is apt to forget that he is not actually in charge anymore. That role falls to newly promoted DCI Sandra McTavish, someone Carruthers wants to hate (after all, she got his job!) but he is finding a grudging respect for her as both a police officer and a colleague. Sensibly (for once) he is realising she makes a better ally than enemy. The story starts with a young female university student being brutally attacked and left for dead. She survives but has seen little of her attacker and there are no witnesses. When a second girl, also a student in a different department, is slashed and strangled a few days later the town of Castletown is gripped by terror and there are worries that this might be the start for a serial killer, but the team of detectives struggle to find a motive or link between the victims apart from having a old philosophy book. Carruthers' life becomes more complicated when his ex-wife Mairi, now back working as a philosophy lecturer at the university, reports that she has a stalker and voices concerns about one of her students. With very few leads, the detectives wonder whether her stalker could also be the killer that they are seeking and what could be at the heart of the killer's motive in seemingly deriving such pleasure from his attacks. This is a solid police procedural with a great plot, and full of well developed characters who all have their own problems but work well together as a team. As the body count rises, the police are under increasing pressure from all sides to catch the killer before they strike again. The tension builds throughout the book and will keep the reader guessing right up to a clever and most satisfying ending. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a great detective story.
May 8, 2019
Why haven't I read any novels by Tana Collins before now? Sometimes I think there are just too many good books - then I think 'Nope .. I need to read faster!'
When a young university student suffers a vicious attack, Di Jim Carruthers and his team investigate. Carruthers not only has to deal with a murder a few days later but the recently demoted detective also needs to find a way to work comfortably with his new DCI. Is there a serial killer on the loose in the town, or is it too soon to tell?
This is a beautifully structured, well-written crime thriller. The mix of police politics, personal lives along with the details of the investigation are perfectly balanced; just enough of each to keep the readers' attention glued to the page. The story unravels at a good pace with enough clues to whet the appetite for more - how I wish I had read this series from the beginning! A gripping story which flows well and has easily earned a full five stars. Definitely an author to add to my 'must watch' list!
When a young university student suffers a vicious attack, Di Jim Carruthers and his team investigate. Carruthers not only has to deal with a murder a few days later but the recently demoted detective also needs to find a way to work comfortably with his new DCI. Is there a serial killer on the loose in the town, or is it too soon to tell?
This is a beautifully structured, well-written crime thriller. The mix of police politics, personal lives along with the details of the investigation are perfectly balanced; just enough of each to keep the readers' attention glued to the page. The story unravels at a good pace with enough clues to whet the appetite for more - how I wish I had read this series from the beginning! A gripping story which flows well and has easily earned a full five stars. Definitely an author to add to my 'must watch' list!
April 24, 2019
The latest book featuring the enigmatic detective, Jim Carruthers, certainly doesn’t disappoint . The central plot is gripping from beginning to end and evokes a whole range of emotions with many unexpected twists and turns throughout. We also learn more about the private lives of the main characters. The appearances of Jim’s ex-wife and brother (he’s certainly a complex character!) provide a distraction he can well do without, and the personal problems his new boss is (unsuccessfully) trying to avoid reveal a human side she would rather have kept private.
A great, unputdownable sequel to the first three books in this fantastic series by Tana Collins - more please!
A great, unputdownable sequel to the first three books in this fantastic series by Tana Collins - more please!
April 30, 2019
Well, what can I say without any spoilers? Book 4 is an exciting and thrilling next episode in the series but is also a great stand-alone thriller. I love the characters and I love how they continue to develop. Fletcher and Carruthers make a great team and the nuances of the other characters play well to provide a realistic feel that leaves you feeling like you know these people. A great plot that kept me guessing to the end. My hands were shaking at the end - what a rush! Great story, great tension and left me wanting more! I thoroughly recommend this unputdownable read. And if you haven't yet books one to three are great too and available as a boxset on discount just now. Grab a bargain.
April 27, 2019
This was a well thought out, well written story which was full of surprises and twists and it kept me hooked until I had finished the book. Once I had started this story, I could not put this book down.
In this story, Tana takes the reader further into the world of DI Carruthers as we find out more about his private life and the reader is introduced to his ex-wife too who plays a pivotal role. We see him having to cope with a number of personal dilemmas while solving a series of murders as quickly as possible.
I highly recommend this for those who enjoy a great detective story.
In this story, Tana takes the reader further into the world of DI Carruthers as we find out more about his private life and the reader is introduced to his ex-wife too who plays a pivotal role. We see him having to cope with a number of personal dilemmas while solving a series of murders as quickly as possible.
I highly recommend this for those who enjoy a great detective story.
May 5, 2019
4th installment in the excellent Inspector Carruthers series. A spate of assaults on a Scottish University campus brings the familiar team back into play, with Jim Carruthers struggling with his demotion and adjusting to the style of his new boss. As if that's not enough, there's a personal blast from his past to deal with as well.
I was gifted an advanced release copy and it kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. The pace was exciting, without stinting on well researched local detail or teaching readers a thing or two about the field of philosophy.
I was gifted an advanced release copy and it kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. The pace was exciting, without stinting on well researched local detail or teaching readers a thing or two about the field of philosophy.
May 5, 2019
4th installment in the excellent Inspector Carruthers series. A spate of assaults on a Scottish University campus brings the familiar team back into play, with Jim Carruthers struggling with his demotion and adjusting to the style of his new boss. As if that's not enough, there's a personal blast from his past to deal with as well.
I was gifted an advanced release copy and it kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. The pace was exciting, without stinting on well researched local detail or teaching readers a thing or two about the field of philosophy.
I was gifted an advanced release copy and it kept me on tenterhooks until the very last page. The pace was exciting, without stinting on well researched local detail or teaching readers a thing or two about the field of philosophy.
September 18, 2020
And dark is the story!
A student is murdered near the main college which starts off a chain of events. As if this is not enough for Jim, his ex wife becomes part of the investigation. This makes things a bit awkward and then his brother ends up staying with him bringing his problems with him.
All in all a complicated investigation for all the team under a new DCI. Everything is laid bare with the team and makes for good reading which, as expected, draws you into their lives.
Best read in order to get the best enjoyment, so now onto Book 5.
A student is murdered near the main college which starts off a chain of events. As if this is not enough for Jim, his ex wife becomes part of the investigation. This makes things a bit awkward and then his brother ends up staying with him bringing his problems with him.
All in all a complicated investigation for all the team under a new DCI. Everything is laid bare with the team and makes for good reading which, as expected, draws you into their lives.
Best read in order to get the best enjoyment, so now onto Book 5.
September 26, 2022
GREAT READ!!
Liked the storyline, kept me interested and guessing. Impressive Inspector Carruthers and Team. Not sure how i feel about Jim's feelings towards ex. But for what it's worth, he should find someone else. Even someone from his Team. I'm hooked on this series. Buy the book.
Liked the storyline, kept me interested and guessing. Impressive Inspector Carruthers and Team. Not sure how i feel about Jim's feelings towards ex. But for what it's worth, he should find someone else. Even someone from his Team. I'm hooked on this series. Buy the book.
August 6, 2019
Riveting
I have read all of these series and they are enthralling, the characters are like one big family together but all hold their secret side which they find hard to share. Very well written and hard to put down when started.
I have read all of these series and they are enthralling, the characters are like one big family together but all hold their secret side which they find hard to share. Very well written and hard to put down when started.
April 23, 2019
An excellent fourth book, good suspense throughout and a brilliant ending leaving the way open for book 5 - well done Tana!
April 23, 2019
Really good read. Exciting case and great to get to know the characters better.
April 24, 2019
Rattling good story with plenty of twists and turns, and an edge-of-the-seat climax. Well worth a read!
July 8, 2019
Tana never disappoints and neither does Jim Carruthers
July 12, 2019
Outstanding, good Characters,Good plot, Great book.
March 31, 2020
3.5 stars.
October 27, 2020
Another great read in the series. This book deals with a depraved serial killer. One more book in the series to read. Hopefully a new one comes soon
January 9, 2022
Serial killer books aren't for me and I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't par of the series. A bit odd but still enjoyable.
November 26, 2019
Another fantastic read in this series. The characters are brilliant and another cracking case for them to work on
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews