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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #4
Blood and Treachery
How far would you go to bury the truth?
While searching for a missing hill walker, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team uncovers a body - just not the one they were looking for.
Still dealing with the fallout from their last case, DCI Jack Logan and his team venture south from Inverness to investigate a brutal, gangland-style execution in the wilds of the Highland countryside.
As the victim's dark secrets are gradually revealed, Jack uncovers the rot lurking beneath the stunning scenery, making himself the target of a criminal more dangerous than any he has faced before.
If he isn't careful, it won't just be a murder he's dealing with in Glencoe.
It'll be a massacre.
While searching for a missing hill walker, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team uncovers a body - just not the one they were looking for.
Still dealing with the fallout from their last case, DCI Jack Logan and his team venture south from Inverness to investigate a brutal, gangland-style execution in the wilds of the Highland countryside.
As the victim's dark secrets are gradually revealed, Jack uncovers the rot lurking beneath the stunning scenery, making himself the target of a criminal more dangerous than any he has faced before.
If he isn't careful, it won't just be a murder he's dealing with in Glencoe.
It'll be a massacre.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2019
2874 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,749 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 447 reviews
July 29, 2020
The trouble with reading a series back-to-back very quickly is that you run out of things to say in your reviews. At least I do.
This was as good as all the others. J.D. Kirk writes these crime thrillers consistently well. In this one the police follow a false trail that leads to a really tragic outcome. And then I read the next one.
This was as good as all the others. J.D. Kirk writes these crime thrillers consistently well. In this one the police follow a false trail that leads to a really tragic outcome. And then I read the next one.
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May 2, 2024
3.5-Stars ^^ 4.0-Stars - I liked It A Lot"
- Blood and Treachery (DCI Logan, #4)
"Blood and Treachery" was my first full read/listen after about six weeks of illness, during which time the lack of desire or inclination to put on my headphones sadly left me bereft of my favourite form of entertainment.
This was another excellent episode of the DCI Logan series. I confess that I struggled a little with concentration while listening to Angus King's superb narration. I can only assume King's Scottish brogue is the real thing; if not, it doesn't matter, because he sounds terrific and concentration is necessary at the best of times with DCI Logan's exploits!
DCI Logan #5, "The Last Bloody Straw" is cued up and ready to go🤩!
- Blood and Treachery (DCI Logan, #4)
"Blood and Treachery" was my first full read/listen after about six weeks of illness, during which time the lack of desire or inclination to put on my headphones sadly left me bereft of my favourite form of entertainment.
This was another excellent episode of the DCI Logan series. I confess that I struggled a little with concentration while listening to Angus King's superb narration. I can only assume King's Scottish brogue is the real thing; if not, it doesn't matter, because he sounds terrific and concentration is necessary at the best of times with DCI Logan's exploits!
DCI Logan #5, "The Last Bloody Straw" is cued up and ready to go🤩!
May 6, 2023
I appreciate that I jumped into the middle of a series but overall I was a bit disappointed with this book. It has a wonderful Highland setting but unfortunately I found the story rather bland and predictable. However I will try another book in the series as the author has attracted many positive reviews.
September 5, 2020
*Audiobook
December 20, 2022
Blood and Treachery is the fourth book in the DCI Logan series, and I was eager to dive into this one after enjoying the prior books in the series. While this did make for a quick and easy read, I did not love it in the way I enjoyed the prior books.
For me, this one felt a little too easy. There were plenty of interesting elements throughout, yet things were a bit too obvious from early on. I kept waiting for a big twist to happen, yet the twist at the end was not big enough for me. In fact, it was not overly shocking at all. Add in the fact that there were a few things in this one that I dislike in stories, and the fourth book in the series did not wow me to the degree I had hoped.
Although not my favourite in the series, I remain invested and am eager to dive into the next.
For me, this one felt a little too easy. There were plenty of interesting elements throughout, yet things were a bit too obvious from early on. I kept waiting for a big twist to happen, yet the twist at the end was not big enough for me. In fact, it was not overly shocking at all. Add in the fact that there were a few things in this one that I dislike in stories, and the fourth book in the series did not wow me to the degree I had hoped.
Although not my favourite in the series, I remain invested and am eager to dive into the next.
September 29, 2022
One of those thrillers that actually is a thriller. Suspenseful with unexpected twists.
July 16, 2023
Yea, as I surmised after number 3, becoming more outrageous, more violent. Close to the edge of my acceptance. On to number 5 eventually.
October 26, 2025
Прекрасна криминална поредица, прекрасен Кърк! Отново интересен сюжет, четивен и последователно развит без нищо излишно. И отново преплетено с точното количество тънък хумор, запазена марка на автора. Даже на няколко места се изхилих с глас. 😁 Всички герои си имат своите странности и няма как да не станат симпатични на читателите. Малко ми липсваше мафиота Боско ( очаквах да се появи в някой момент) и жалко, че един от героите си замина без време, но пък има още доста книги от поредицата и се надявам да ги издадат всичките. Заслужени пълни 5 ⭐️
June 21, 2025
За пореден път Дж. Д. Кърк е написал книга, която не можете да оставите, голям поглед върху героите и невероятни описания, които ви позволяват действително да си представите историята, която съчетава много ироничен хумор с някои зрелищни убийства. Толкова ми харесва тази поредица. Чувствам се присъщ на историята и напълно губя представа какво се случва около мен. Нищо друго не съществува.
Влюбен съм в тази поредица и героите. Обратът тук е перфектно направен и отново прекрасните герои наистина карат историята да блести. Това е четвърта книга, героите са се разширили, така че с всяка книга да станете малко по-ангажирани в живота им.
Тази история има някои действия, но по-малко от другите, които съм чел в поредицата досега. По отношение на историята имаше всичко, което очаквах. Това е сложна мистерия, с няколко нишки, които могат или не могат да се отнасят един към друг. За щастие всичко се събира до края на книгата. Докато е доста тъмен сюжет като цяло има моменти на хумор, които помагат да се облекчи натоварването. Нямам търпение за следващата книга :)
Влюбен съм в тази поредица и героите. Обратът тук е перфектно направен и отново прекрасните герои наистина карат историята да блести. Това е четвърта книга, героите са се разширили, така че с всяка книга да станете малко по-ангажирани в живота им.
Тази история има някои действия, но по-малко от другите, които съм чел в поредицата досега. По отношение на историята имаше всичко, което очаквах. Това е сложна мистерия, с няколко нишки, които могат или не могат да се отнасят един към друг. За щастие всичко се събира до края на книгата. Докато е доста тъмен сюжет като цяло има моменти на хумор, които помагат да се облекчи натоварването. Нямам търпение за следващата книга :)
November 14, 2023
Another fast moving plot that starts with a buried body and turns into a hunt for a drug ring. The book has plenty of humour and sarcasm from the main character which I really loved.
I am enjoying the development of Jack Logan’s personality and the supporting cast very much. I find it never gets too personal to be overly dramatic, there’s just enough to give you a sense of the people in the story and their daily lives. There’s not a lot of police jargon to bog down the story. I think it’s a wonderful look at policing without the grind.
To some up another very enjoyable read but with a shocking development. The story is full of interesting characters, Scottish whit, sarcasm and a plot that’s exciting and gripping. I would highly recommend this series of books to those new to crime/thrillers as they are really easy to get into but very hard to put down.
I am enjoying the development of Jack Logan’s personality and the supporting cast very much. I find it never gets too personal to be overly dramatic, there’s just enough to give you a sense of the people in the story and their daily lives. There’s not a lot of police jargon to bog down the story. I think it’s a wonderful look at policing without the grind.
To some up another very enjoyable read but with a shocking development. The story is full of interesting characters, Scottish whit, sarcasm and a plot that’s exciting and gripping. I would highly recommend this series of books to those new to crime/thrillers as they are really easy to get into but very hard to put down.
December 19, 2020
Yeah, this was a good one. A nice, solid procedural with great writing and the odd comic moment to break the tension.
This installment features a primary character death, and I should not have been surprised at who it was, but... I honestly expected it to be someone else and I'm (as bad as it makes me sound) glad I was wrong.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it'll be released in audiobook format because they really are perfect to listen to at work.
This installment features a primary character death, and I should not have been surprised at who it was, but... I honestly expected it to be someone else and I'm (as bad as it makes me sound) glad I was wrong.
I'm looking forward to the next book. I hope it'll be released in audiobook format because they really are perfect to listen to at work.
July 17, 2020
Another awesome book, J D Kirk writes like no another! The words he uses, the banter between colleagues, how I can visualise each of the characters shows how great the descriptive writing is, I cannot praise highly enough. The story line is gripping, nothing is ever what it seems, the books just draw you in. 5 Stars plus. You will not be disappointed with this series.
January 28, 2020
I've loved reading the DCI Jack Logan up series and can't wait for the next book to be out. Once again JD Kirk has written a book that you can't put down; a great insight into the characters, and amazing descriptions which allow you to actually picture the story.
These books are a must read!
These books are a must read!
December 7, 2022
Still enjoying this series four books in. It's nothing spectacular, I'm a little pissed that they announced a lesbian character and killed her in essentially the same breath, and the cases are getting a little predictable, but I just downloaded the next two audiobooks so I guess I'm not done yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
Jd Kirk is fully mister consistent. Man just doesn’t seem to miss
November 4, 2025
Such good books
January 25, 2021
Notes:
Another great addition to the series. The case was pretty good! Though, these stories are not the kind where you are given clues to figure it out easily on your own. It's more like a story in progress that you can watch.
Another great addition to the series. The case was pretty good! Though, these stories are not the kind where you are given clues to figure it out easily on your own. It's more like a story in progress that you can watch.
May 20, 2020
Can’t agree with the overall rating, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t to the level of say Peter Grainger either.
November 2, 2024
JD Kirk discovers the word 'niggling'
December 14, 2024
*** Mělký hrob ***
Tato kniha nabízí několik akčních scén, i když jich je méně než v předchozích dílech série. Co však opravdu vyniká, je precizně napsaný konflikt Logana s alkoholem, který byl zpracován velmi citlivě a realisticky. Příběh se zaměřuje na případ nalezeného těla během pátrání po jiném zmizelém člověku. Vyšetřování odhalí, že jde o mladého muže s rodinou, což přináší mnoho otázek. Postupně se však ukazuje, že některé stopy do sebe nezapadají. Logan a jeho tým narazí na rodinu, která má problémy se zákonem, a zjistí, že ji vyšetřuje jiný tým. I přesto, že dostanou pokyn se stáhnout, stopy je stále vedou stejným směrem. Když se tým rozdělí, aby prověřil různé stopy, věci se dramaticky zkomplikují a Logan se ukáže ve velmi primitivní podobě. Brutální, zlomyslný, a přesto naprosto se ovládající, což mi hodně připomíná Jacka Reachera v momentě ztráty kontroly.
Příběh je napínavý, od začátku jsem měla pocit, že Loganovo vnitřní napětí neustále roste, což nakonec přispívá i k velmi silné atmosféře. Postavy jsou věrohodné, a bohužel i události, které se v příběhu odehrávají. Zvrat na konci mě opravdu překvapil.
Po přečtení prvních čtyř knih o DCI Loganovi vím, že si ráda přečtu i další díly této série.
Tato kniha nabízí několik akčních scén, i když jich je méně než v předchozích dílech série. Co však opravdu vyniká, je precizně napsaný konflikt Logana s alkoholem, který byl zpracován velmi citlivě a realisticky. Příběh se zaměřuje na případ nalezeného těla během pátrání po jiném zmizelém člověku. Vyšetřování odhalí, že jde o mladého muže s rodinou, což přináší mnoho otázek. Postupně se však ukazuje, že některé stopy do sebe nezapadají. Logan a jeho tým narazí na rodinu, která má problémy se zákonem, a zjistí, že ji vyšetřuje jiný tým. I přesto, že dostanou pokyn se stáhnout, stopy je stále vedou stejným směrem. Když se tým rozdělí, aby prověřil různé stopy, věci se dramaticky zkomplikují a Logan se ukáže ve velmi primitivní podobě. Brutální, zlomyslný, a přesto naprosto se ovládající, což mi hodně připomíná Jacka Reachera v momentě ztráty kontroly.
Příběh je napínavý, od začátku jsem měla pocit, že Loganovo vnitřní napětí neustále roste, což nakonec přispívá i k velmi silné atmosféře. Postavy jsou věrohodné, a bohužel i události, které se v příběhu odehrávají. Zvrat na konci mě opravdu překvapil.
Po přečtení prvních čtyř knih o DCI Loganovi vím, že si ráda přečtu i další díly této série.
June 26, 2024
So sad
This one was hard. First off Logan wouldn't get away with doing everything he does. He's not politically correct and he can be downright combative with people. But I really like him. I am having trouble picturing him however. I know he's tall and big but I can't remember his hair color or age from previous books. I know he's older but just not a clear picture of his looks. But his determination is what I like. He fights for justice and he really does love his staff. And there is a very sad and depressing scenario towards the end of the book that totally shocked me. I cried a little even. It was horrid and I wish it didn't happen, but the book was still excellent. I habe no idea why I love this crabby old man but I do. He's far from perfect but he's relatable. And a good man.
This one was hard. First off Logan wouldn't get away with doing everything he does. He's not politically correct and he can be downright combative with people. But I really like him. I am having trouble picturing him however. I know he's tall and big but I can't remember his hair color or age from previous books. I know he's older but just not a clear picture of his looks. But his determination is what I like. He fights for justice and he really does love his staff. And there is a very sad and depressing scenario towards the end of the book that totally shocked me. I cried a little even. It was horrid and I wish it didn't happen, but the book was still excellent. I habe no idea why I love this crabby old man but I do. He's far from perfect but he's relatable. And a good man.
February 10, 2021
Having retired 18 months ago (at age 75) from careers in the police (30 years) and defence solicitor (28 years) reading has become a major pastime. The books of several Scottish crime writers fill the shelves of my Kindle and bearing in mind the current social circumstances, they have been a Godsend. Having read all Denzil Meyrick and TF Muir, I got started on James Oswald, and on Ann Cleeves' Shetland series and then looked out for the next good reads. I found them in the DCI Logan series written by JD Kirk which I have almost finished. The books are not major tomes (about 350 pages) and so I can read a book in a day and a half which is just about right. The plots and stories themselves, the portrayed camaraderie within the job and the investigations detailed fit my reading requirements like an old glove and bring back my memories of a police service of old, or, should I say, traditional policing methods which seemingly no longer exist. What strikes me particularly is that JD Kirk has woven all his plots and investigations together without detailing the infinite number of legal rules and procedures which tend to merely clog up the plot. There are some Scottish literary delights that I didn't quite get but they didn't spoil the flow. I guessed at their meanings. The books of JD Kirk are excellent and brighten up my days. I hope he keeps them coming.
August 6, 2020
This is basically a penny dreadful western novel with a Scottish accent. It’s a pity. I was looking for something lightweight, but this is positively airborne.
The author writes well, but knows almost nothing about character development. DCI Logan is a cardboard cutout John Wayne wannabe who spends most of his time looming over people to intimidate them - that’s when he’s not losing his temper. I read two of these before giving up on him. I can read no more.
The author writes well, but knows almost nothing about character development. DCI Logan is a cardboard cutout John Wayne wannabe who spends most of his time looming over people to intimidate them - that’s when he’s not losing his temper. I read two of these before giving up on him. I can read no more.
February 5, 2022
The story of a body found buried on a mountain and the aftermath set up a great story that became slow and predictable. The alcoholic cop with anger issues and a bad prior marriage is typical of many real life police, but becoming a cliche.
After a while, the characters tutting or blowing their cheeks out got old. This book is fine for a quick police procedural read, but just didn’t do it for me.
After a while, the characters tutting or blowing their cheeks out got old. This book is fine for a quick police procedural read, but just didn’t do it for me.
November 26, 2025
This was great
I love the character interactions so much
I did have a inkling about the culprit (I was right) and some of the events were just so sad 😔
I love the character interactions so much
I did have a inkling about the culprit (I was right) and some of the events were just so sad 😔
May 28, 2022
This is the sixth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I have enjoyed all that I have read, the first 4 in the DCI Logan series and the first two in the Robert Hoon series. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give Kirk’s a try. Like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk.
Both series under the pen name J.D . Kirk are definitely are Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. The Logan books are between Smith and Mayhew for violence and intensity. But the Hoon books are much closer to Smith’s Extreme end. This one was another great read. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it take willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. The description of this novel is:
“How far would you go to bury the truth?
While searching for a missing hill walker, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team uncovers a body - just not the one they were looking for.
Still dealing with the fallout from their last case, DCI Jack Logan and his team venture south from Inverness to investigate a brutal, gangland-style execution in the wilds of the Highland countryside.
As the victim's dark secrets are gradually revealed, Jack uncovers the rot lurking beneath the stunning scenery, making himself the target of a criminal more dangerous than any he has faced before.
If he isn't careful, it won't just be a murder he's dealing with in Glencoe.
It'll be a massacre.”
This story has some action, but less than the others I have read in the series so far. And Logan’s struggle with the drink, was masterfully written. The story follows the case of a body found while search and rescue are out looking for someone else. It turns out to be a young man with a wife and daughter at home. But soon the pieces are not fitting well. Logan and the team cross paths with a family known to the law, and one that a different team is investigating. They are told to back off, but the clues keep leading them in the same direction. When they split up to do some interviews, things take a decided turn for the worse. And we get to see Logan at his most primeval or primitive. In this incident it was like watching Jack Reacher if he lost his temper. Brutal, vicious, and yet completely in control and in reality controlling the situation and the outcome, mostly by sheer force of will.
But from the very beginning something is not sitting well with Logan. And as it keeps niggling the back of his brain they work the case trying to put all the pieces together.
I started this book late at night and should have waited. I stayed up way later than I should have that first evening. I just could not put the book down. I have stated before that the characters are believable, and the events unfortunately are also. The turn of events at the end did take me by surprise.
After having read the first four DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this pen name of J.D. Kirk. This is an excellent offering if you love crime procedural books, or books along the lines of the TV Series The Commander or Wired in the Blood, this would be a great story to pick up. It is an excellent crime thriller and a great mystery. I love that it is set in Scotland! It would be great for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series. I highly recommend it.
Both series under the pen name J.D . Kirk are definitely are Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. The Logan books are between Smith and Mayhew for violence and intensity. But the Hoon books are much closer to Smith’s Extreme end. This one was another great read. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it take willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. The description of this novel is:
“How far would you go to bury the truth?
While searching for a missing hill walker, Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team uncovers a body - just not the one they were looking for.
Still dealing with the fallout from their last case, DCI Jack Logan and his team venture south from Inverness to investigate a brutal, gangland-style execution in the wilds of the Highland countryside.
As the victim's dark secrets are gradually revealed, Jack uncovers the rot lurking beneath the stunning scenery, making himself the target of a criminal more dangerous than any he has faced before.
If he isn't careful, it won't just be a murder he's dealing with in Glencoe.
It'll be a massacre.”
This story has some action, but less than the others I have read in the series so far. And Logan’s struggle with the drink, was masterfully written. The story follows the case of a body found while search and rescue are out looking for someone else. It turns out to be a young man with a wife and daughter at home. But soon the pieces are not fitting well. Logan and the team cross paths with a family known to the law, and one that a different team is investigating. They are told to back off, but the clues keep leading them in the same direction. When they split up to do some interviews, things take a decided turn for the worse. And we get to see Logan at his most primeval or primitive. In this incident it was like watching Jack Reacher if he lost his temper. Brutal, vicious, and yet completely in control and in reality controlling the situation and the outcome, mostly by sheer force of will.
But from the very beginning something is not sitting well with Logan. And as it keeps niggling the back of his brain they work the case trying to put all the pieces together.
I started this book late at night and should have waited. I stayed up way later than I should have that first evening. I just could not put the book down. I have stated before that the characters are believable, and the events unfortunately are also. The turn of events at the end did take me by surprise.
After having read the first four DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this pen name of J.D. Kirk. This is an excellent offering if you love crime procedural books, or books along the lines of the TV Series The Commander or Wired in the Blood, this would be a great story to pick up. It is an excellent crime thriller and a great mystery. I love that it is set in Scotland! It would be great for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series. I highly recommend it.
January 26, 2025
Rating: 3.5
It's a good thing that I love this series' writing, characters, and sense of humour, because I felt that the plotlines in this book (both the main mystery as well as a certain character's side plot) were rather uninspired. It also doesn't help that I did not find the victims/suspects in this case to be particularly interesting nor likable.
(Also, I found 2 errors in this book where characters are referred to with the wrong name, which really threw me off. It definitely could have used another round of editing)
I was able to figure out the motive/culprit for the murder quite early on in the book just based on familiarity with cliches. Reading the rest of the book, seeing my predictions come true one by one, was a bit of an eye-roller at times. I was honestly hoping that my guess would be wrong, because holy mother of cliches, could the plot be any MORE obvious???
Also regarding the side plot, I almost facepalmed when it turned out that I managed to predict every last detail of it. Again, be more obvious, why don't you? (To be fair, familiarity with the series helped me a bit here too)
I'm not saying that either of these plotlines are necessarily badly written, I think they're both perfectly serviceable. They were just so painfully predictable.
I did still enjoy this book overall, so here's some things I enjoyed to offset my complaining:
- The sense of humour is absolutely on point on usual! I got a particularly good kick out of the return of the sheep dude from the first book, as well as the Pokemon joke (I'd literally had the exact same thought a few chapters earlier).
- Tyler and Sinead are so cute uwu, if bad anything happens to them, I'm going to be mad.
- We're finally getting a look into Jack's previous marriage, which we've only received crumbs about in the previous books.
- Ben has really grown on me. I never disliked him, but compared to protegees, he just seemed like a gruff old man type that didn't particularly interest me right off the bat. I absolutely love his friendship and banter with Jack.
Onto the next book!
It's a good thing that I love this series' writing, characters, and sense of humour, because I felt that the plotlines in this book (both the main mystery as well as a certain character's side plot) were rather uninspired. It also doesn't help that I did not find the victims/suspects in this case to be particularly interesting nor likable.
(Also, I found 2 errors in this book where characters are referred to with the wrong name, which really threw me off. It definitely could have used another round of editing)
I was able to figure out the motive/culprit for the murder quite early on in the book just based on familiarity with cliches. Reading the rest of the book, seeing my predictions come true one by one, was a bit of an eye-roller at times. I was honestly hoping that my guess would be wrong, because holy mother of cliches, could the plot be any MORE obvious???
Also regarding the side plot, I almost facepalmed when it turned out that I managed to predict every last detail of it. Again, be more obvious, why don't you? (To be fair, familiarity with the series helped me a bit here too)
I'm not saying that either of these plotlines are necessarily badly written, I think they're both perfectly serviceable. They were just so painfully predictable.
I did still enjoy this book overall, so here's some things I enjoyed to offset my complaining:
- The sense of humour is absolutely on point on usual! I got a particularly good kick out of the return of the sheep dude from the first book, as well as the Pokemon joke (I'd literally had the exact same thought a few chapters earlier).
- Tyler and Sinead are so cute uwu, if bad anything happens to them, I'm going to be mad.
- We're finally getting a look into Jack's previous marriage, which we've only received crumbs about in the previous books.
- Ben has really grown on me. I never disliked him, but compared to protegees, he just seemed like a gruff old man type that didn't particularly interest me right off the bat. I absolutely love his friendship and banter with Jack.
Onto the next book!
July 7, 2025
When a body is found, DCI Logan and his team are thrown into a world of drugs and mayhem. However, the more Logan delves into the case, the more it’s clear that everything isn’t as it appears. The victim has been abusing his wife, so was he really killed based on his dealing, or was his murder much more personal? Logan has to figure this out, but when another body is discovered the case becomes more complicated than ever.
This was another great plot and, like book three of the series, this novel has helped me warm more toward Logan. He has clear love for his team and that shows more with each book.
However, as much as I enjoyed the storyline, I wasn’t as keen on the ending. It always frustrates me when certain elements of cases are left unresolved, and this book ends with many questions unanswered which was a bit annoying.
SPOILER AHEAD! One thing I really disliked about this book was that DS Caitlyn McQuarrie told one of her colleagues she was dating a woman, but no sooner is she revealed as being a queer character she is murdered in the very same chapter! Kirk shows her as all excited about her new relationship only to kill her off right away! It’s one of my biggest pet peeves that queer characters always seem to get killed off quickly and I was looking forward to finally having one in the book. Now she is gone there are only two other female characters, so I think it was a mistake to kill off one of the only female characters.
Overall, a thrilling case, but several elements of the book frustrated me.
This was another great plot and, like book three of the series, this novel has helped me warm more toward Logan. He has clear love for his team and that shows more with each book.
However, as much as I enjoyed the storyline, I wasn’t as keen on the ending. It always frustrates me when certain elements of cases are left unresolved, and this book ends with many questions unanswered which was a bit annoying.
SPOILER AHEAD! One thing I really disliked about this book was that DS Caitlyn McQuarrie told one of her colleagues she was dating a woman, but no sooner is she revealed as being a queer character she is murdered in the very same chapter! Kirk shows her as all excited about her new relationship only to kill her off right away! It’s one of my biggest pet peeves that queer characters always seem to get killed off quickly and I was looking forward to finally having one in the book. Now she is gone there are only two other female characters, so I think it was a mistake to kill off one of the only female characters.
Overall, a thrilling case, but several elements of the book frustrated me.
October 23, 2025
Look. Are these the best books ever written? No. Are they ridiculously enjoyable? Absolutely yes.
You know when you’re hungry but you just want something easy and satisfying, so you make yourself a plate of beans on toast? That’s what these books are to me. Simple, comforting and bloody brilliant.
Plot wise, this one kicks off when search and rescue stumble across a body while out looking for someone else. The victim’s a young man with a wife and daughter waiting at home, but the details of his supposed accident just aren’t adding up. Logan and his team dig deep to uncover what really went down, and as always, the twists keep you hooked right to the end. A few moments are a bit predictable, but honestly, it doesn’t take away from the fun one bit.
I can’t not mention how much I love the wee team of police officers - every character adds something to the dynamic. They’re flawed, funny, loyal and just chaotic enough to feel real. It’s that sense of camaraderie and humour that makes these books so easy to come back to.
I particularly love the crankiest of cranks, DCI Logan. He takes no nonsense, and while he probably wouldn’t get away with half of what he says in real life, his chat is unmatched. The banter and back and forth between him and his team is pure gold; the kind of sharp, dry Scottish humour that makes you grin mid-murder scene.
Also, one of the lines I highlighted in this book was the line: “A smir of rain was falling.” And honestly, I just don’t think you hear ‘smir’ often enough. It’s such a perfectly specific Scottish rain description, and I adore it.
Anyway, solid police procedural with cracking writing, clever twists, and genuinely funny moments that break the tension perfectly.
You know when you’re hungry but you just want something easy and satisfying, so you make yourself a plate of beans on toast? That’s what these books are to me. Simple, comforting and bloody brilliant.
Plot wise, this one kicks off when search and rescue stumble across a body while out looking for someone else. The victim’s a young man with a wife and daughter waiting at home, but the details of his supposed accident just aren’t adding up. Logan and his team dig deep to uncover what really went down, and as always, the twists keep you hooked right to the end. A few moments are a bit predictable, but honestly, it doesn’t take away from the fun one bit.
I can’t not mention how much I love the wee team of police officers - every character adds something to the dynamic. They’re flawed, funny, loyal and just chaotic enough to feel real. It’s that sense of camaraderie and humour that makes these books so easy to come back to.
I particularly love the crankiest of cranks, DCI Logan. He takes no nonsense, and while he probably wouldn’t get away with half of what he says in real life, his chat is unmatched. The banter and back and forth between him and his team is pure gold; the kind of sharp, dry Scottish humour that makes you grin mid-murder scene.
Also, one of the lines I highlighted in this book was the line: “A smir of rain was falling.” And honestly, I just don’t think you hear ‘smir’ often enough. It’s such a perfectly specific Scottish rain description, and I adore it.
Anyway, solid police procedural with cracking writing, clever twists, and genuinely funny moments that break the tension perfectly.
September 20, 2021
Blood and Treachery is book 4 in the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers by J. D. Kirk. DCI Logan caught a case of a body found on the Scottish Highlands near Glencoe during searching for a missing hiker. At first, DCI Jack Logan did not know why he died. However, the more DCI Jack Logan and his team investigate more he uncovers the dark side of his life. The readers of Blood and Treachery will continue to follow DCI Logan and his team to find out what happens.
Blood and Treachery is another fantastic addition to the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers series. I always enjoy the way J. D. Kirk incorporate the twists and turns in her plots. I engage with the characters and the story of this book from the first page. I love J. D. Kirk's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Blood and Treachery are well written and research by J. D. Kirk. I like K. D. Kirk's description of the settings of Blood and Treachery that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood and Treachery will understand the importance and the role of a Mountain Rescue Team. Also, the readers of Blood and Treachery will learn about the devastation of domestic violence on a family.
I recommend this book.
Blood and Treachery is another fantastic addition to the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers series. I always enjoy the way J. D. Kirk incorporate the twists and turns in her plots. I engage with the characters and the story of this book from the first page. I love J. D. Kirk's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Blood and Treachery are well written and research by J. D. Kirk. I like K. D. Kirk's description of the settings of Blood and Treachery that allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood and Treachery will understand the importance and the role of a Mountain Rescue Team. Also, the readers of Blood and Treachery will learn about the devastation of domestic violence on a family.
I recommend this book.
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