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Scott Cullen Mysteries #8
Heroes and Villains
'Classic Scottish noir: bad food, bad moods, too much booze and tight plots' @ey0k1, Twitter Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride and Christopher Brookmyre, Heroes and Villains is the seventh book in the dark and gripping Scottish police procedural series that has set the bestseller charts alight. After a previous case got him sidelined to a drugs investigation, DS Scott Cullen closes in on a long-time adversary. Dean Vardy, Edinburgh's latest drug kingpin, and notorious rapist. Every time they close in on him, he gets off, aided and abetted by his lawyer, Campbell McLintock. But this time Vardy goes too far.Or does he? After a witness dies, Cullen is soon desperately trying to hold the case together, with Vardy's conviction dangling by a thread. Will McLintock get Vardy off yet again?But soon, Cullen and Police Scotland's Edinburgh Major Investigation Team are facing a different threat. A brutal vigilante, doling out frontier justice and obeying no laws. Can Cullen catch a killer who could be one of their own?From bestselling author Ed James, Heroes and Villains is a tightly woven, gripping crime novel that shows both sides of the crime coin.
396 pages, Paperback
Published March 11, 2020
326 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 16, 2020
I don't have much to say about this one. James kept up the breakneck pacing, the characters still seem hell bent on drinking all the booze in Scotland and reducing the police force by death, burnout, corruption and what have you. At this point in the series the only mystery is trying to figure out who is going to screw over whom next. Meh.
February 4, 2019
A police procedural featuring characters from James’s previous books, particularly Scott Cullen, as the various attempts to put an Edinburgh villain behind bars all fail. The plot gets very complex from that point over a tightly compressed week - with Cullen following his own path in the maelstrom.
November 5, 2018
Oh, Scott Cullen how I've missed you!
It's been three years since the previous book in this series but DS Cullen's life is just as precariously balanced and fast paced as ever. I was delighted to see the promise of further books mentioned in the author's notes because a lot of previously loose ends were dealt with in this very satisfying instalment of one of my favourite detective series and the chance of it being the end seemed highly possible.
As always Ed James writes a tightly wound novel full of excitement, murder and mayhem. Scott Cullen was his first major protagonist and has always been a relatable character. He has no deep, psychologically traumatic background, instead he is a normal guy in a world most of us would consider abnormal, with his own everyday problems conflicting with his work ones.
In Heroes and Villains he comes up against the nemesis of many of his colleagues as well as himself; Dean Vardy, a Teflon coated lowlife who seems to always be one step ahead of an arresting officer or crown prosecutor. This time however, the prospect of a vigilante also hunting down his prey makes Cullen's life even more complicated.
There is no holding back on the descriptions of murder scenes, decrepit apartment buildings and the helpless members of society preyed on by the likes of Dean Vardy. The images of squalid living, underage mothers and traumatised employees juxtapose with the overstated wealth of criminals and underhand lawyers, before spilling into the overwhelming, 24/7, stress laden existence of the Police Scotland officers. They are fighting a losing battle against violent crime, prostitution and the job itself, which never gives them a chance to recharge and reflect before hurtling head first into the next problem.
This is an excellent addition to the series, I just hope it's less than three years before the next one!
It's been three years since the previous book in this series but DS Cullen's life is just as precariously balanced and fast paced as ever. I was delighted to see the promise of further books mentioned in the author's notes because a lot of previously loose ends were dealt with in this very satisfying instalment of one of my favourite detective series and the chance of it being the end seemed highly possible.
As always Ed James writes a tightly wound novel full of excitement, murder and mayhem. Scott Cullen was his first major protagonist and has always been a relatable character. He has no deep, psychologically traumatic background, instead he is a normal guy in a world most of us would consider abnormal, with his own everyday problems conflicting with his work ones.
In Heroes and Villains he comes up against the nemesis of many of his colleagues as well as himself; Dean Vardy, a Teflon coated lowlife who seems to always be one step ahead of an arresting officer or crown prosecutor. This time however, the prospect of a vigilante also hunting down his prey makes Cullen's life even more complicated.
There is no holding back on the descriptions of murder scenes, decrepit apartment buildings and the helpless members of society preyed on by the likes of Dean Vardy. The images of squalid living, underage mothers and traumatised employees juxtapose with the overstated wealth of criminals and underhand lawyers, before spilling into the overwhelming, 24/7, stress laden existence of the Police Scotland officers. They are fighting a losing battle against violent crime, prostitution and the job itself, which never gives them a chance to recharge and reflect before hurtling head first into the next problem.
This is an excellent addition to the series, I just hope it's less than three years before the next one!
November 10, 2018
Boy, this was a tough one for Cullen and the rest of his colleagues, the ones he likes (a very short list) and the ones he dislikes (a much longer list). Hard to talk about the plot without giving away a lot, so suffice it to say it starts with a sting operation to bring down a slimy drug dealer and rapist that balloons into something much, much more as the bodies begin to pile up.
There's twists galore, Cullen's personal life takes a turn or two, and Things Happen.
And of course, let's not forget the colorful language, that readers need to be aware of. But this is book #8, so that should be a given by now!
Be very glad that Ed James knows how to create compelling plot lines that are solvable by compelling characters like Scott Cullen, who rises above the awfulness of what's happening around him and manages to get through it all. Because he will. Book #9 beckons.
There's twists galore, Cullen's personal life takes a turn or two, and Things Happen.
And of course, let's not forget the colorful language, that readers need to be aware of. But this is book #8, so that should be a given by now!
Be very glad that Ed James knows how to create compelling plot lines that are solvable by compelling characters like Scott Cullen, who rises above the awfulness of what's happening around him and manages to get through it all. Because he will. Book #9 beckons.
January 21, 2023
This is the eighth book in the Scott Cullen series by author Ed James. This is a great series if you like good procedural crime novels with interesting characters. This is another good solid read,
DS Scott Cullen is closing in on a long-time adversary. Dean Vardy, Edinburgh’s latest drug kingpin, and notorious rapist. In the past Vardy has always managed to escape conviction with the help of his lawyer, Campbell McLintock. Cullen is desperate to get his man, but when a witness dies it leaves with Vardy’s conviction less likely. To add to Cullen’s woes there is a vigilante, dishing his out his own version of justice.
This is another fast paced crime novel that makes a very good addition to the series.
DS Scott Cullen is closing in on a long-time adversary. Dean Vardy, Edinburgh’s latest drug kingpin, and notorious rapist. In the past Vardy has always managed to escape conviction with the help of his lawyer, Campbell McLintock. Cullen is desperate to get his man, but when a witness dies it leaves with Vardy’s conviction less likely. To add to Cullen’s woes there is a vigilante, dishing his out his own version of justice.
This is another fast paced crime novel that makes a very good addition to the series.
November 6, 2018
Another utterly fantastic book in the Scott Cullen series from Ed James. This one was full of story and had so many characters to keep up with throughout, I was convinced that it was leading one way and was very surprised when it went off in another. I love James's writing style, so easy to read and the story flows really well. He writes characters really well, with all their normal human flaws, but always leaves you wanting to know more about them. I look forward to his next release, whether it's Cullen, Hunter, Fenchurch or even Dodds (please write another in her series Ed).
February 17, 2024
This was by far the most satisfying book in the Scott Cullen series to date! This tied up a lot of the ongoing story lines, went in directions that were completely unexpected after the first third and left me wanting more.
I will recommend - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go to the Ed James website and read through the reading order of his books. I did this because of the intertwining story lines between this series and the Hunter series, and reading them in order helps immensely.
Looking forward to where the Cullen character goes!
I will recommend - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go to the Ed James website and read through the reading order of his books. I did this because of the intertwining story lines between this series and the Hunter series, and reading them in order helps immensely.
Looking forward to where the Cullen character goes!
November 5, 2018
Sheer delight
You don't need to have read Ed's previous books to read this book but if like me you are a big fan of his series, you are in for a delight. So many lovely touches. As well as the storylines I love Ed's characters and their relationships - work and personal.
I read this book in a day because I couldn't stop reading it. Cannot wait for book 9 as well as Fenchurch, Dodds and Hunter. Ed James is a busy writer at the moment.
You don't need to have read Ed's previous books to read this book but if like me you are a big fan of his series, you are in for a delight. So many lovely touches. As well as the storylines I love Ed's characters and their relationships - work and personal.
I read this book in a day because I couldn't stop reading it. Cannot wait for book 9 as well as Fenchurch, Dodds and Hunter. Ed James is a busy writer at the moment.
November 12, 2018
Ed James just gets better and better. This, the eighth in the Scott Cullen series, in my opinion is one of his best yet. I love the relationship between him and the ever annoying Bain; the fact that Ed writes the speech in ‘Scottish speak’; and the fact that it’s just so gritty. I can’t wait for the ninth in this series - not to mention the other series that he so brilliantly writes.
March 3, 2020
Rollercoaster ride
Trying to pin anything on an old adversary has never succeeded. Rapes, murders are thrown out of court & witnesses disappear. The stakes are now raised. A vigilante joins in & rumours of a Police mole about. Everyone becomes a suspect. No-one knows who to blame not even Cullen, at least not yet. Excellent book. The best in the Cullen series so far.
Trying to pin anything on an old adversary has never succeeded. Rapes, murders are thrown out of court & witnesses disappear. The stakes are now raised. A vigilante joins in & rumours of a Police mole about. Everyone becomes a suspect. No-one knows who to blame not even Cullen, at least not yet. Excellent book. The best in the Cullen series so far.
Read
May 16, 2025Villains and their lawyers are dying. Someone has been leaking information to career criminal and serial rapist Dean Vardy so that all legal cases against him collapse. Cullen is drifting back into drinking and his relationship with Sharon is over. Meanwhile there is a vigilante dressed as Batman on the streets
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2018
My 5* review of 'Heroes & Villains' by Ed James.
A Fantastic read with Scott on top form, digging into the Scottish underworld. Dark in some places and with the usual Scott Cullen humour. I loved it.
A Fantastic read with Scott on top form, digging into the Scottish underworld. Dark in some places and with the usual Scott Cullen humour. I loved it.
January 6, 2019
What can I say - another fantastic Cullen book. Another book that I didn't want to put down.
Always great storylines and always lots of twists in the story, can't wait for the next book to come out now.
Always great storylines and always lots of twists in the story, can't wait for the next book to come out now.
July 23, 2019
Less of Bain more of Cullen
Excellent mix between the police angle and Cullens private life. Good twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book even if it could be a while coming.
Excellent mix between the police angle and Cullens private life. Good twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book even if it could be a while coming.
January 22, 2020
Excellent series
Edge of your seat stuff! Not knowing right up until near the end how it was all going to work out both professionally and personally for DS Scott Cullen. He is a one off policeman and deserves his place at the top of Scottish noir.
Edge of your seat stuff! Not knowing right up until near the end how it was all going to work out both professionally and personally for DS Scott Cullen. He is a one off policeman and deserves his place at the top of Scottish noir.
July 22, 2024
It was ok -but not as good as others I’ve read in the series if honest. I found it quite slow & repetitive in police behaviour towards each other in first 2/3 but became more exciting towards the end.
November 15, 2018
Fabulous book
A long wait from last Cullen book, but well worth it. By far this is the best of a brilliant series. Please Ed, make the next one, not so long.
A long wait from last Cullen book, but well worth it. By far this is the best of a brilliant series. Please Ed, make the next one, not so long.
November 18, 2018
Compulsive read
Another great piece of writing from Ed. Can see some hope for Scott Cullen yet. Keep up the good work Ed !😁
Another great piece of writing from Ed. Can see some hope for Scott Cullen yet. Keep up the good work Ed !😁
November 21, 2018
Another superb installment in the Scott Cullen series. Plenty of twists and a couple of main characters deaths...roll on book 9
March 27, 2019
There will never be enough Scott Cullen books. Thanks Ed
May 27, 2019
Waiting for the next in the series.
June 20, 2019
Great!!
Loved it, great twist I never seen coming. As with the others in the series kept me enthralled through out
Loved it, great twist I never seen coming. As with the others in the series kept me enthralled through out
September 9, 2019
Just brilliant. Just how does Ed James keep producing brilliant reads after 9 books.
October 2, 2019
Excellent as usual
Latest Cullen novel after a long break, a great story, well-written and with great characters and and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end
Latest Cullen novel after a long break, a great story, well-written and with great characters and and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end
December 17, 2019
Fascinating
Possibly the best of the series to date, please don't be long before book 9 comes out. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put it down. Brilliant!
Possibly the best of the series to date, please don't be long before book 9 comes out. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put it down. Brilliant!
February 3, 2020
Cullen series is excellent
I have really enjoyed the Cullen series. I have read the 9 of them and look forward to more in the future
I have really enjoyed the Cullen series. I have read the 9 of them and look forward to more in the future
May 31, 2020
After being disappointed with 'Craig Hunter' book I really enjoyed this latest book in Scott Cullen series
July 2, 2020
Oh my gosh the main character annoyed me so much in this book. I don't remember disliking him before.
The plot was generally well thought out apart from the flawed MC.
The plot was generally well thought out apart from the flawed MC.
September 23, 2020
Review to follow ...................
November 7, 2020
This was a great series, i'm going straight into the cullen and bain books, intrigued to see how their relationship develops...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews