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D.I. Clare Mackay #4
What They Knew
Don’t miss this compulsive new addition to the gripping DI Clare Mackay series from Bloody Scotland Scottish Debut Crime Novel 2020 shortlisted author Marion Todd.
It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews. Clare and her team will have to look past the obvious conclusions and delve deeper into the lives of the victims to get to the truth. But who else risks meeting the same fate while the clock is ticking?
It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews. Clare and her team will have to look past the obvious conclusions and delve deeper into the lives of the victims to get to the truth. But who else risks meeting the same fate while the clock is ticking?
10 pages, Audiobook
First published February 11, 2021
280 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Marion Todd
39 books357 followersMarion grew up in the City of Dundee, now home to the magnificent V&A Museum. Always a keen writer, she has had point-of-view pieces published in the Dundee Courier and short stories in My Weekly magazine. She won first prize in the Family Circle Magazine Short Story for Children Competition in 1987.
More recently, Marion has turned her hand to crime fiction and was one of only six commercial fiction writers selected to pitch to an industry panel at XPONorth in Inverness in 2017. In 2018 Marion was long-listed for the Sunstory Award and the Scottish Arts Council Short Story Award. This year she was short-listed for Dundee Rep’s Stripped programme. She is represented by Northbank Talent Management and her debut novel, See Them Run, will be published as an eBook by Canelo on 31 October 2019.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Marion worked as a lecturer, candle-maker and hotel lounge pianist, a job which provided rich material for her novels. When she isn’t writing, Marion can be found tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking in the beautiful Scotish countryside.
Marion lives in North East Fife overlooking the River Tay and is a sometime babysitter for her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.
More recently, Marion has turned her hand to crime fiction and was one of only six commercial fiction writers selected to pitch to an industry panel at XPONorth in Inverness in 2017. In 2018 Marion was long-listed for the Sunstory Award and the Scottish Arts Council Short Story Award. This year she was short-listed for Dundee Rep’s Stripped programme. She is represented by Northbank Talent Management and her debut novel, See Them Run, will be published as an eBook by Canelo on 31 October 2019.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Marion worked as a lecturer, candle-maker and hotel lounge pianist, a job which provided rich material for her novels. When she isn’t writing, Marion can be found tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking in the beautiful Scotish countryside.
Marion lives in North East Fife overlooking the River Tay and is a sometime babysitter for her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
January 7, 2021
This is the fourth in Marion Todd's Scottish crime series featuring DI Clare Mackay, based in the freezing cold and snowy blizzards of St Andrews. This is my first taste of the series, and to be honest it took me a little while to settle into it, the pacing felt a little laboured at the beginning, but once I did, like so many other readers, I loved it. For 33 year old accountant, Alison Reid, who lets in a late night visitor on Hogmanay, it all ends in tragedy with her death, and for Clare, and her trusty partner, DS Chris West, and her team, it brings a suspicious suicide of a woman in her bath. This has her delving into the life of Alison, her ex-husband, Miles Sharp, and his current wife and business partner, both of them clearly being less than truthful upon being interviewed.
Matters become a little clearer when the earlier death of another woman with a similar MO is bought to Clare's attention, raising worries and concerns that they many have a serial killer on their hands who is drugging victims with Rohypnol and murdering them using methods that require specialist medical knowledge. The police team look into connections between the two victims, they are both the same age and attended the same primary school, but St Andrews is a small place, these factors could arguably just be coincidences. However, both women were on the same dating site, Attracto, could someone be preying on women signed up to the site? Clare is delighted that she has at long last been granted a admin assistant, Zoe McManus, who proves to be worth her weight in gold and provides mouth watering home baked cakes for the team too. In a complex and intricate case, Clare and her team hunt for a killer before they can claim further victims.
Todd's crime series has Clare firmly at the centre of the series, a more than competent DI who endeavours to look after her team and clearly cares about getting justice for the murdered victims. Her personal life is firmly intertwined with her professional life as she despairs about ever being able to form a long lasting relationship. She finally makes the decision to throw off the shackles of a relationship with no future with Geoffrey Dark who has moved to Boston, and is plagued with regrets about a potential relationship with DCI Alastair Gibson that she jettisoned earlier. This has turned out to be a Scottish crime series that I have found both entertaining and engaging, and I look forward to reading the next in the series! Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
Matters become a little clearer when the earlier death of another woman with a similar MO is bought to Clare's attention, raising worries and concerns that they many have a serial killer on their hands who is drugging victims with Rohypnol and murdering them using methods that require specialist medical knowledge. The police team look into connections between the two victims, they are both the same age and attended the same primary school, but St Andrews is a small place, these factors could arguably just be coincidences. However, both women were on the same dating site, Attracto, could someone be preying on women signed up to the site? Clare is delighted that she has at long last been granted a admin assistant, Zoe McManus, who proves to be worth her weight in gold and provides mouth watering home baked cakes for the team too. In a complex and intricate case, Clare and her team hunt for a killer before they can claim further victims.
Todd's crime series has Clare firmly at the centre of the series, a more than competent DI who endeavours to look after her team and clearly cares about getting justice for the murdered victims. Her personal life is firmly intertwined with her professional life as she despairs about ever being able to form a long lasting relationship. She finally makes the decision to throw off the shackles of a relationship with no future with Geoffrey Dark who has moved to Boston, and is plagued with regrets about a potential relationship with DCI Alastair Gibson that she jettisoned earlier. This has turned out to be a Scottish crime series that I have found both entertaining and engaging, and I look forward to reading the next in the series! Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
January 23, 2021
Alison Reid uses the dating site ‘Attracto’. It’s New Years Eve, Jools Holland’s Hootenanny is on the television, she’s expecting a guest who arrives late, clutching a bottle of wine. A few days later, Alison is found dead in the bath and over the next few weeks of a cold January in St Andrews, DI Clare Mackay, DS Chris West and the team have their work cut out as more victims are murdered using the same mo. A spate of shoplifting occupies the team too, is there any connection?
Although the story takes a little while to get going once the momentum increases it then becomes a compelling and fascinating read. The case is gritty and complex, exercising all the team’s ingenuity to make connections between the victims to achieve a break in the case. The characters in the police team are excellent, they’re all really likeable especially Clare but they all feel authentic and individual. I like how their personal life is also included as it allows you to understand them better. I love the camaraderie between the officers and the good humoured banter especially between Clare and Chris. There’s one joke the team play at the end which is really funny, makes you laugh and you can imagine it actually happening! The novel is easy to read, meticulously plotted, it’s well written with real attention to detail. The end is fantastic, it’s very exciting and utilises a well known landmark in the area very creatively. I like how the novel ends on a good note with things looking up personally for Clare. The author always evokes a good atmosphere using the local St Andrews area and the weather adds an extra dimension to the storyline.
Overall, this is a very good quality police procedural and a worthy addition to a really good series.
Although the story takes a little while to get going once the momentum increases it then becomes a compelling and fascinating read. The case is gritty and complex, exercising all the team’s ingenuity to make connections between the victims to achieve a break in the case. The characters in the police team are excellent, they’re all really likeable especially Clare but they all feel authentic and individual. I like how their personal life is also included as it allows you to understand them better. I love the camaraderie between the officers and the good humoured banter especially between Clare and Chris. There’s one joke the team play at the end which is really funny, makes you laugh and you can imagine it actually happening! The novel is easy to read, meticulously plotted, it’s well written with real attention to detail. The end is fantastic, it’s very exciting and utilises a well known landmark in the area very creatively. I like how the novel ends on a good note with things looking up personally for Clare. The author always evokes a good atmosphere using the local St Andrews area and the weather adds an extra dimension to the storyline.
Overall, this is a very good quality police procedural and a worthy addition to a really good series.
August 16, 2025
3.5 stars!
A good with few plot twist book #4 in the 'D.I. Clare Mackay' ongoing police procedural series -- just not as twisty as the previous books and not feeling that sorta romance between her and her boss.
Still recommended book and series!
A good with few plot twist book #4 in the 'D.I. Clare Mackay' ongoing police procedural series -- just not as twisty as the previous books and not feeling that sorta romance between her and her boss.
Still recommended book and series!
January 31, 2021
Detective Clare Mackay #4
It's the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve ehrn Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is reported, DI Clare MacKay attends the scene. The inital evidence does not rule out murder. But when the pathologist inform Clare about the post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn with some similarities to Alison, it seems that there's a strong chance that there's a serial killer on the loose in St. Andrews.
This is a well written and gripping read. Over the first three books we have learned some of the back stories to the main characters personal lives which continue to develop. With the body count rising, Clare and her dedicated team have their work cut out. The investigation takes us through many twist and turns before reaching a satisfactory conclusion. This is another fantastic addition to the series. I hope there's more to come!
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Canelo and the author #MarionTodd for my ARC in exchance for an honest review.
It's the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve ehrn Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is reported, DI Clare MacKay attends the scene. The inital evidence does not rule out murder. But when the pathologist inform Clare about the post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn with some similarities to Alison, it seems that there's a strong chance that there's a serial killer on the loose in St. Andrews.
This is a well written and gripping read. Over the first three books we have learned some of the back stories to the main characters personal lives which continue to develop. With the body count rising, Clare and her dedicated team have their work cut out. The investigation takes us through many twist and turns before reaching a satisfactory conclusion. This is another fantastic addition to the series. I hope there's more to come!
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Canelo and the author #MarionTodd for my ARC in exchance for an honest review.
December 25, 2020
What they Knew is the fourth book in the DI Clare Mackay series by author Marion Todd.
After a foray into thriller territory, Marion Todd brings her series back to its police procedural roots.
A new killer plagues the Scottish town of St Andrews. Returning from winter holiday, DI Mackay and her team have to deal with the murder of two women strangled in a very specific manner, and left in bodies of water after having been drugged with Rohypnol. They're apparently unrelated, but for being the exact same age.
A complex tapestry is weaved all along the book, with a shifty ex-husband and even worse new wife, a dating website, a string of shoplifting incidents, offering either leads or deadends. DI Mackay leads a detailed investigation. Her team would need to delve deep in the past of the victims, in search for links or motive to the serial murders. However, the victims mostly kept to themselves. What is buried might remain there, while the killer may strike again, maybe even praying onto a new addition to Claire Mackay's team.
Marion Todd offers us another very enjoyable book, full of the usual charm of great Scottish procedurals. The author's intimate knowledge of the area is particularly present this time around. The chill of the Scottish winter can be felt while reading, and the sceneries alternate between white beauty and depressing sludge, setting the mood of the characters, and of the book.
What they Knew keeps advancing the lives of the ensemble of characters in an authentic way, leaving us wanting them to return for yet another mystery.
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
After a foray into thriller territory, Marion Todd brings her series back to its police procedural roots.
A new killer plagues the Scottish town of St Andrews. Returning from winter holiday, DI Mackay and her team have to deal with the murder of two women strangled in a very specific manner, and left in bodies of water after having been drugged with Rohypnol. They're apparently unrelated, but for being the exact same age.
A complex tapestry is weaved all along the book, with a shifty ex-husband and even worse new wife, a dating website, a string of shoplifting incidents, offering either leads or deadends. DI Mackay leads a detailed investigation. Her team would need to delve deep in the past of the victims, in search for links or motive to the serial murders. However, the victims mostly kept to themselves. What is buried might remain there, while the killer may strike again, maybe even praying onto a new addition to Claire Mackay's team.
Marion Todd offers us another very enjoyable book, full of the usual charm of great Scottish procedurals. The author's intimate knowledge of the area is particularly present this time around. The chill of the Scottish winter can be felt while reading, and the sceneries alternate between white beauty and depressing sludge, setting the mood of the characters, and of the book.
What they Knew keeps advancing the lives of the ensemble of characters in an authentic way, leaving us wanting them to return for yet another mystery.
Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
October 7, 2025
* A quick 3.5 star read - a "guilty pleasures" police procedural *
When I want to relax, I'll often choose an easy police procedural. What is probably a four-star read for me in terms of enjoyment, is legitimately only a three-star novel overall in the mystery/thriller genre. I was aware of some of the deficiencies of this novel as I raced through it, but I did complete it quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience, in spite of its flaws.
WHAT THEY KNEW is #4 in the DI Clare Mackay series, but easily read as a stand alone. It takes place in St. Andrews, Scotland, as the New Year begins, and follows a murder investigation over a two-week period. One thing I found so attractive in this particular episode was the description of the changing weather of St. Andrews—snow, slushy rain, icy streets, rain again—it reminded me of the time I lived in Newfoundland.
The story begins with a planned murder of an unexceptional woman, not the type of person who is normally killed in a systematic way. Soon, DI Clare Mackay links her death to the murder of another woman, who died two weeks previously—both were drugged with Rohypnol and strangled using a method that required specialized medical knowledge. There are a few red herrings as the police team search for a connecting thread. Plus, the identification and motive of the killer was a surprise, which is why, I believe, this novel received so many four-star reviews.
To me, this novel had too much emphasis on the romantic fluctuations of Clare and other members of the police team, but now I am old, and I still remember that when I was in my forties and fifties, I fully enjoyed reading crime novels with a "harlequin romance" tone. So, this one definitely falls into the "guilty pleasures" category.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for another book from this series:
See Them Run (DI Clare Mackay, #1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
When I want to relax, I'll often choose an easy police procedural. What is probably a four-star read for me in terms of enjoyment, is legitimately only a three-star novel overall in the mystery/thriller genre. I was aware of some of the deficiencies of this novel as I raced through it, but I did complete it quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience, in spite of its flaws.
WHAT THEY KNEW is #4 in the DI Clare Mackay series, but easily read as a stand alone. It takes place in St. Andrews, Scotland, as the New Year begins, and follows a murder investigation over a two-week period. One thing I found so attractive in this particular episode was the description of the changing weather of St. Andrews—snow, slushy rain, icy streets, rain again—it reminded me of the time I lived in Newfoundland.
The story begins with a planned murder of an unexceptional woman, not the type of person who is normally killed in a systematic way. Soon, DI Clare Mackay links her death to the murder of another woman, who died two weeks previously—both were drugged with Rohypnol and strangled using a method that required specialized medical knowledge. There are a few red herrings as the police team search for a connecting thread. Plus, the identification and motive of the killer was a surprise, which is why, I believe, this novel received so many four-star reviews.
To me, this novel had too much emphasis on the romantic fluctuations of Clare and other members of the police team, but now I am old, and I still remember that when I was in my forties and fifties, I fully enjoyed reading crime novels with a "harlequin romance" tone. So, this one definitely falls into the "guilty pleasures" category.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My review for another book from this series:
See Them Run (DI Clare Mackay, #1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing the ebook that I read.
April 28, 2021
Although this was a good read it wasn’t as good as her others which kept me on the edge of my seat. This one wasn’t as twisty and at times was a little boring. Hopefully her next one will be better.
December 30, 2020
This is the fourth in what has become one of my favorite police procedurals. It’s like taking a trip to Scotland and hanging out with a savvy detective and her team as they investigate the latest murder. The secondary characters are interesting, with just enough substance to add to the overall world inhabited by DCI Clare MacKay. DCI MacKay is a smart, single woman who is in charge of her small unit. Recurring characters include Chris, her DS, Sarah, his now fiance, Jim the desk sergeant, and several others who work with the Scottish police force either in Clare’s precinct or in other units.
In this book Clare is alerted to a body which initially looks like a suicie, although a very awkward one. As the postmortem is completed, the coroner suspects murder, and Clare begins her investigation of the woman’s life. Before she can get too far into the investigation, there’s another murder using the same method and Clare begins looking for connections between the two cases. As things progress, there is a third murder and Clare becomes certain they are looking at a serial killer who is targeting a group of old primary school friends who have been out of school for over 20 years.
The plotting is tight and the writing is well paced, offering the reader the opportunity to accompany the detectives as they investigate. Local businesses and people are introduced as the investigation progresses, adding substance to the story and also pulling the reader through the book and a reasonable pace. There is just enough information rolled out in an on-going fashion to allow the reader to explore the town, it’s inhabitants, and the surrounding area in a way that allows for becoming comfortably acquainted in a way that feels totally natural.
There is a lovely twist at the end, and while I anticipated it, I still enjoyed the reveal. The solution unfolds at such a measured pace, it is enjoyable whether you’ve solved it or not. There are also just enough personal relationships that advance to leave you looking forward to the next book for both solving a new mystery and to learn what is happening in the lives of some of the primary characters.
For Full review, click here: https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
In this book Clare is alerted to a body which initially looks like a suicie, although a very awkward one. As the postmortem is completed, the coroner suspects murder, and Clare begins her investigation of the woman’s life. Before she can get too far into the investigation, there’s another murder using the same method and Clare begins looking for connections between the two cases. As things progress, there is a third murder and Clare becomes certain they are looking at a serial killer who is targeting a group of old primary school friends who have been out of school for over 20 years.
The plotting is tight and the writing is well paced, offering the reader the opportunity to accompany the detectives as they investigate. Local businesses and people are introduced as the investigation progresses, adding substance to the story and also pulling the reader through the book and a reasonable pace. There is just enough information rolled out in an on-going fashion to allow the reader to explore the town, it’s inhabitants, and the surrounding area in a way that allows for becoming comfortably acquainted in a way that feels totally natural.
There is a lovely twist at the end, and while I anticipated it, I still enjoyed the reveal. The solution unfolds at such a measured pace, it is enjoyable whether you’ve solved it or not. There are also just enough personal relationships that advance to leave you looking forward to the next book for both solving a new mystery and to learn what is happening in the lives of some of the primary characters.
For Full review, click here: https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/re...
January 8, 2021
What they new by Marion Todd is the fourth book in the Scottish Detective Clare Mackay series and what a great epilotssode it is.
It’s New Year’s Eve Alison Reid is at home and its nearly midnight when she gets a visitor to her home. The next day she is found dead drowned in her bath by her neighbour. But looks can be deceiving, when the pathologist arrives, they find marks on her neck due to strangulation. Alison was murdered, not drowned. Soon another body turns up with the same marks Detective Clare Mackay has a huge task and a race against time with her team to find out who the killer is before they try and strike again. It seems that it is connected to a dating app that both women are on.
There are also problems in her own personal life. he feelings between her boyfriend and her boss.
I really enjoyed the 4th episode in the series. I have followed this series from the start and this series does not disappoint. This is a gripping episode with lots of twists and turns and I love the camaraderie between the members of the team. It shows they are there for each other and makes the characters more realistic.
It’s New Year’s Eve Alison Reid is at home and its nearly midnight when she gets a visitor to her home. The next day she is found dead drowned in her bath by her neighbour. But looks can be deceiving, when the pathologist arrives, they find marks on her neck due to strangulation. Alison was murdered, not drowned. Soon another body turns up with the same marks Detective Clare Mackay has a huge task and a race against time with her team to find out who the killer is before they try and strike again. It seems that it is connected to a dating app that both women are on.
There are also problems in her own personal life. he feelings between her boyfriend and her boss.
I really enjoyed the 4th episode in the series. I have followed this series from the start and this series does not disappoint. This is a gripping episode with lots of twists and turns and I love the camaraderie between the members of the team. It shows they are there for each other and makes the characters more realistic.
June 9, 2022
Another brilliant crime thriller set in Scotland featuring Claire McKey by one of my new fave authors and narrators, Marion Todd.
Todd’s voice is as smooth as buttah and she could read the newspaper for hours and no one would complain. Or at least I wouldn’t.
Todd’s writing is sharp and witty, and this one is #4 in a series, which features most of the regulars who have become delightful old “friends”. I enjoy the clever repartee amongst the characters and nothing is repetitive bc Todd knows her readers are intelligent and don’t want obvious or trite plots or characters.
What I also love is just how different her books are, yet they continue the series without getting old or dull. As usual, Claire’s love life is mentioned but not dwelled on but we see her vulnerabilities at times while also her strengths as a strong lead. Bravo Marion Todd. Keep them coming.
Todd’s voice is as smooth as buttah and she could read the newspaper for hours and no one would complain. Or at least I wouldn’t.
Todd’s writing is sharp and witty, and this one is #4 in a series, which features most of the regulars who have become delightful old “friends”. I enjoy the clever repartee amongst the characters and nothing is repetitive bc Todd knows her readers are intelligent and don’t want obvious or trite plots or characters.
What I also love is just how different her books are, yet they continue the series without getting old or dull. As usual, Claire’s love life is mentioned but not dwelled on but we see her vulnerabilities at times while also her strengths as a strong lead. Bravo Marion Todd. Keep them coming.
February 11, 2021
What They Knew is the fourth instalment in the Detective Inspector Clare Mackay series, set in St Andrews, Scotland. DI Mackay and DS Chris West are called out just after the New Year celebrations when the body of Alison Reid is discovered in her bathtub. She had invited a guest over who brought a bottle of wine to celebrate the forthcoming year and wave goodbye to the last. It had been midnight and Jools Holland's annual Hootenanny was well underway on television. Unfortunately when the corpse is found two days later the scene does not allow the police to conclusively rule either way as to whether it was an accident, suicide or murder. Noting the striking similarities between this case and the death of another woman in almost identical fashion are enough to put the police on notice that a cunning killer may be on the prowl around the town. Does the dating site Attracto have anything to do with the murders? Could the recent spate of shoplifting be connected in any way? The team carry out their due diligence and work on trying to identify the commonalities between the now three dead women.
This is a riveting, compulsive and exciting police procedural with an interesting plot where police must do a whole load of intensive leg work to discover exactly what is going on. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists so to be treated to the great dynamic between Clare and her team is a real treat and learning more about her as a person is always intriguing. Todd, as always, makes excellent use of twists, turns and misdirection throughout bringing some surprises to the narrative and the whole thing moves at a pretty brisk pace. It's a refreshingly original thriller with plenty of suspicion surrounding dating apps and the whole online dating scene particularly it's safety and how it can easily be misused by criminals to find their next victim. An entertaining and enthralling, clever and engrossing tale, which is an easy read. Todd and this series are both going from strength to strength; I find her books to be extremely well woven, she ensures there's never a lull or boring part and crafts it with a whole lot of action. Roll on book five. Highly recommended.
This is a riveting, compulsive and exciting police procedural with an interesting plot where police must do a whole load of intensive leg work to discover exactly what is going on. I am always a fan of strong female protagonists so to be treated to the great dynamic between Clare and her team is a real treat and learning more about her as a person is always intriguing. Todd, as always, makes excellent use of twists, turns and misdirection throughout bringing some surprises to the narrative and the whole thing moves at a pretty brisk pace. It's a refreshingly original thriller with plenty of suspicion surrounding dating apps and the whole online dating scene particularly it's safety and how it can easily be misused by criminals to find their next victim. An entertaining and enthralling, clever and engrossing tale, which is an easy read. Todd and this series are both going from strength to strength; I find her books to be extremely well woven, she ensures there's never a lull or boring part and crafts it with a whole lot of action. Roll on book five. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2025
again just a really good plot and really easy and quick to read. i also like how the endings are done in this series they don’t feel random and rushed
March 18, 2021
This is the fourth instalment in Marion Todd's Detective Inspector Clare Mackay series, set in St Andrews, Scotland.
Thirty-three-year-old Alison Reid and her late-night visitor are celebrating New Year with a bottle of wine. For Clare and DS Chris West, it brings with it the suspicious suicide of a woman found in her bathtub. However, the striking similarities between this case and the death of another woman are enough to alert the police that a serial killer may be on the prowl, drugging the victims. In a complex case, Clare and her team hunt for the killer before they can claim any more lives.
I have to say I was completely and thoroughly hooked by this compelling story right from the start. I think What They Knew would be fine as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first ones in the series as you'd be missing out if you didn't! I thoroughly enjoyed What They Knew, an extremely engrossing read which is composed of multiple threads and several great twists. The narrative resolutely remains with Clare's point of view. I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and I felt as though I was shadowing her as she worked at chasing her leads and following her instincts. Marion Todd's writing-style continues to be impressive and noteworthy as I tried to second-guess along the way until the big reveal. Clare is a more than competent DI who always strives to look after her team and cares about getting justice. Her personal life is interconnected with her professional one as she despairs about ever being in a long-lasting relationship and is ridden by regret about a prospective relationship with DCI Alastair Gibson. This is a Scottish crime series that I have found highly appealing and engaging, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Thirty-three-year-old Alison Reid and her late-night visitor are celebrating New Year with a bottle of wine. For Clare and DS Chris West, it brings with it the suspicious suicide of a woman found in her bathtub. However, the striking similarities between this case and the death of another woman are enough to alert the police that a serial killer may be on the prowl, drugging the victims. In a complex case, Clare and her team hunt for the killer before they can claim any more lives.
I have to say I was completely and thoroughly hooked by this compelling story right from the start. I think What They Knew would be fine as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first ones in the series as you'd be missing out if you didn't! I thoroughly enjoyed What They Knew, an extremely engrossing read which is composed of multiple threads and several great twists. The narrative resolutely remains with Clare's point of view. I fell right into this well-crafted and absorbing tale and I felt as though I was shadowing her as she worked at chasing her leads and following her instincts. Marion Todd's writing-style continues to be impressive and noteworthy as I tried to second-guess along the way until the big reveal. Clare is a more than competent DI who always strives to look after her team and cares about getting justice. Her personal life is interconnected with her professional one as she despairs about ever being in a long-lasting relationship and is ridden by regret about a prospective relationship with DCI Alastair Gibson. This is a Scottish crime series that I have found highly appealing and engaging, and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Canelo via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 25, 2021
A huge thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book which I have been eagerly awaiting, having read the previous three books in the series. I started reading it immediately and was straight back in the world of DI Clare MacKay, just like visiting an old friend. If gripping crime / police procedurals are your thing you will love this series.
A fantastic opening chapter which grabbed me immediately and the pace of the book kept my interest right to the last page.
A girl is found dead in her bath. She has light bruising on her neck but it does not look like she has been strangled. DI MacKay is called to investigate. Another body of a girl is found in a small river. Could the deaths be related? Is there a serial killer out there?
The investigation takes Clare down many avenues including an online dating app and to a possible connection with a school reunion.
Just when you think you know where the investigation is going it takes another turn to keep you on your toes!
Clare is also at a bit of a crossroads in her personal life as her fairly new partner has moved to Boston and she is considering ending their relationship. Could a dating app be her way of finding Mr Right? Or is there a possibility of a relationship with a work colleague which almost happened before she chose her current partner?
Very highly recommended and a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
A fantastic opening chapter which grabbed me immediately and the pace of the book kept my interest right to the last page.
A girl is found dead in her bath. She has light bruising on her neck but it does not look like she has been strangled. DI MacKay is called to investigate. Another body of a girl is found in a small river. Could the deaths be related? Is there a serial killer out there?
The investigation takes Clare down many avenues including an online dating app and to a possible connection with a school reunion.
Just when you think you know where the investigation is going it takes another turn to keep you on your toes!
Clare is also at a bit of a crossroads in her personal life as her fairly new partner has moved to Boston and she is considering ending their relationship. Could a dating app be her way of finding Mr Right? Or is there a possibility of a relationship with a work colleague which almost happened before she chose her current partner?
Very highly recommended and a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
December 7, 2021
The fourth instalment of this Scottish police procedural series.
It's New Year's Eve and for one woman it will be her last night on earth, her late night visitor has more than just Bombay Mix and prosecco in mind. When DI Clare Mackay is called in to investigate it looks like a tragic accident, falling asleep in the bath and drowning after too much alcohol. But the neighbour who found the body is convinced that there are several things that are out of character for her precise neighbour. Then the SOCO team point out that there is a corkscrew on the kitchen side with a cork, but no bottle of wine or glasses. Then the pathologist mentions another case of drowning with some similarities - could this be a serial killer?
I enjoyed this one, again there were some things which I as a reader picked up on quicker than the police investigation team, but then I'm reading a crime novel and I know the deaths are murders and they are linked!
It's New Year's Eve and for one woman it will be her last night on earth, her late night visitor has more than just Bombay Mix and prosecco in mind. When DI Clare Mackay is called in to investigate it looks like a tragic accident, falling asleep in the bath and drowning after too much alcohol. But the neighbour who found the body is convinced that there are several things that are out of character for her precise neighbour. Then the SOCO team point out that there is a corkscrew on the kitchen side with a cork, but no bottle of wine or glasses. Then the pathologist mentions another case of drowning with some similarities - could this be a serial killer?
I enjoyed this one, again there were some things which I as a reader picked up on quicker than the police investigation team, but then I'm reading a crime novel and I know the deaths are murders and they are linked!
February 11, 2021
It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews.
This is the fourth book in the series & another page turner. The tight plot has twists and turns as well as some red herrings. I was drawn in from the first page & gripped until the end. I love Clare & the dynamics within the team also the glimpses we get into Clare’s personal life. Ilook forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth book in the series & another page turner. The tight plot has twists and turns as well as some red herrings. I was drawn in from the first page & gripped until the end. I love Clare & the dynamics within the team also the glimpses we get into Clare’s personal life. Ilook forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 4, 2021
I give it 3,5 stars.
I thought it was one of the better ones in the series. Liked the focus on one case and the details regarding the involved.
Wished the ending had been a bit longer, needed some more information.
I thought it was one of the better ones in the series. Liked the focus on one case and the details regarding the involved.
Wished the ending had been a bit longer, needed some more information.
December 4, 2021
Really enjoyed it. Guessed who the murderer was at same time as the detectives. I've missed my vocation obviously!!!
March 17, 2024
An interesting and compelling mystery.
August 16, 2024
Loved this one
August 24, 2025
I am enjoying this series.
June 21, 2022
Excellent Scottish police procedural. Great story, and characters.
July 18, 2024
Continuing to love this Scottish series! The mystery is always solid and I feel like I’ve found my new thriller series for the summer!
July 16, 2022
Another deft procedural. Nicely written, lovely character development. The investigation procedure is fascinating, as always. Action moves at a steady clip.
Would definitely reread.
Would definitely reread.
February 2, 2025
This is the fourth book I’ve read of this author and have loved every one of them the story begins New Year’s Eve and a woman is obviously expecting someone at or after the bells. The person arrives wine in hand and later is found dead in her home. So who was the visitor ? Then other things begin to happen with other women and someone else is found dead shortly after that. Once the story get going it’s well written. Took me a little bit to get into it then it just flies. Will have to get the next one now as I’m loving all the characters and the banter between them.
December 14, 2020
I am such a Marion Todd superfan! I have been invested in this series since the first book so was delighted to be given the opportunity from the publisher to submit an early (honest, obvs) review of book 4. "What They Knew" opens on Hogmanay just before the Bells. Suffice it to say, I'll be watching Jools Holland's Hootenanny with a degree of trepidation this year.
Being reintroduced to the team is like seeing old friends. DI Clare Mackay is a stoic character so on the rare occasion we are allowed to see glimpses of her humanity, the impact is greater. This is a woman who cares deeply about the people in her life yet keeps everyone at a distance. That said, she does have romantic interests and it's nice to see this from the perspective of someone who is not a terribly young woman. This book in particular looks at the notion of staying in a relationship past its sell-by date because the alternative is loneliness. We don't see as much of Clare's family in book 4 but there is mention of James, her young nephew recently diagnosed with autism. All of these wee clues remind us that, whilst DI Mackay is ever the consummate professional, she does have a personal life which is as mundane and challenging at times as the rest of us. I love the relationship between Clare and her subordinate DS Chris West. I was pleased to see a quip about his trousers in this book and wonder whether that's going to be a running joke, as per the opening of book 2.
Now, I had a buddy reading along with me and as a result I received the following message "Is 'outside in' a Scottish thing?" Oh, how we laughed! I'm delighted that this expression has been included and that my English pal now has some new patter. As always, Todd's extensive and meticulous research shows in this book. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the fact that "most violent crimes against women are committed by men they know". I was also fascinated to learn about the role of a Faraday cage in shoplifting!
In terms of Marion Todd's writing, the DI Mackay series is a solid police procedural. Todd has the syntax of police speak down to a tee. Her descriptions of place are so vivid the reader could be standing beside DI Mackay as she visits a potential suspect. I also love the way that Todd explains the more complicated elements of plot for the avoidance of doubt. She doesn't assume knowledge or understanding on the part of the reader and I really appreciate that, especially when there's various plot strands to pull together.
Overall "What They Knew" is another cracking read, the tension really building in the latter half of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Todd sustains her current rate of production because I can't get enough of the DI Mackay series.
Being reintroduced to the team is like seeing old friends. DI Clare Mackay is a stoic character so on the rare occasion we are allowed to see glimpses of her humanity, the impact is greater. This is a woman who cares deeply about the people in her life yet keeps everyone at a distance. That said, she does have romantic interests and it's nice to see this from the perspective of someone who is not a terribly young woman. This book in particular looks at the notion of staying in a relationship past its sell-by date because the alternative is loneliness. We don't see as much of Clare's family in book 4 but there is mention of James, her young nephew recently diagnosed with autism. All of these wee clues remind us that, whilst DI Mackay is ever the consummate professional, she does have a personal life which is as mundane and challenging at times as the rest of us. I love the relationship between Clare and her subordinate DS Chris West. I was pleased to see a quip about his trousers in this book and wonder whether that's going to be a running joke, as per the opening of book 2.
Now, I had a buddy reading along with me and as a result I received the following message "Is 'outside in' a Scottish thing?" Oh, how we laughed! I'm delighted that this expression has been included and that my English pal now has some new patter. As always, Todd's extensive and meticulous research shows in this book. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the fact that "most violent crimes against women are committed by men they know". I was also fascinated to learn about the role of a Faraday cage in shoplifting!
In terms of Marion Todd's writing, the DI Mackay series is a solid police procedural. Todd has the syntax of police speak down to a tee. Her descriptions of place are so vivid the reader could be standing beside DI Mackay as she visits a potential suspect. I also love the way that Todd explains the more complicated elements of plot for the avoidance of doubt. She doesn't assume knowledge or understanding on the part of the reader and I really appreciate that, especially when there's various plot strands to pull together.
Overall "What They Knew" is another cracking read, the tension really building in the latter half of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Todd sustains her current rate of production because I can't get enough of the DI Mackay series.
January 15, 2021
would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this exceptional book
marion todd has done it again... written a book that keeps you on the edge of the seat right to the end of the book
from the first chapter right up until the last chapter there is action all the way
new years eve and before the first hour into the new year is gone the first victim is murdered...at first its a suspected suicide but with the results of the post mortem in, its quickly becomes a murder investigation
all hands are on deck but with the next victim found in suspicious circumstances and the post mortem reveals a pattern, could there be a serial killer out there and what is the motive and what links the two victims?
claire and her team have their work cut out for them and with added manpower can they find their murderer
brilliantly written, cant wait for the next one in this series, love the characters, they feel so real and friendly, its never a dull moment when you are back in this world
marion todd has done it again... written a book that keeps you on the edge of the seat right to the end of the book
from the first chapter right up until the last chapter there is action all the way
new years eve and before the first hour into the new year is gone the first victim is murdered...at first its a suspected suicide but with the results of the post mortem in, its quickly becomes a murder investigation
all hands are on deck but with the next victim found in suspicious circumstances and the post mortem reveals a pattern, could there be a serial killer out there and what is the motive and what links the two victims?
claire and her team have their work cut out for them and with added manpower can they find their murderer
brilliantly written, cant wait for the next one in this series, love the characters, they feel so real and friendly, its never a dull moment when you are back in this world
March 31, 2021
This is not quite as good as her previous, although it's certainly still very engaging. DI Clare Mackay and her team investigate a few staged killings which leads to a race against time and several red herrings with an icy winter blast complicating matters in St Andrews. The investigation is good, although a bit linear and some plot-delaying devices are a bit obvious (for example, the ex-school head in heart surgery who eventually unveils a vital clue; surely any teacher at the time from the school would be equally informative if time was of the essence). The initially seemingly irrelevant subplot is also a bit obvious. Nevertheless, the supporting cast is well-delineated, the motive is plausible as these stories go and it is a page-turning read.
February 7, 2021
A detective story set in St Andrews in Scotland . I thought the plot was well thought out, did not drag too much and seemed reasonably believable. I liked the characters of the detectives and the banter and the personal relationships. This book is the fourth in the series, but is fine as a stand alone read too . There is a twist in the plot though I guessed it along the way , this book definitely encourages the reader to think about what has happened and who did it .
A quick and interesting read , will read more from this author. Thanks to Net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
A quick and interesting read , will read more from this author. Thanks to Net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
January 20, 2021
How did I miss the earlier books by this author? The publisher is right, this IS an utterly gripping Scottish detective story. The individuals in the department are well developed and relatable and the rest of the characters are interesting and believable as well. There are some interesting twists and red herrings to push things right along as well as simple references to past histories and interactions. Loved it and finished it in one day. No summary and no spoilers here.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Canelo via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Canelo via NetGalley. Thank you!
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