The Dead of Jura

Inspector Angus Blue #2

by Allan Martin

Marion Todd - “A ‘must read’ for fans of Scottish crime fiction”Olga Wojtas - “Subtle, complex and intense as a fine island malt.” where the rich and the powerful come to play away from the prying eyes of the press.But when there is an assassination attempt on a Cabinet Minister whiles he's on his island estate, questions must be asked, and Inspector Angus Blue and his team return to the Hebrides to investigate.Deemed a matter of 'National Security' by London, local protocols are overruled, and Special Branch officers are sent to hunt down the assassin. By the time Inspector Blue and his team arrive the estate staff have been scared into silence, and the crime scene has been disturbed.His investigation hampered at every turn, Inspector Blue must discover what Special Branch are hiding - and who they are protecting.The Dead of Jura is the second novel in Inspector Angus Blue Series.

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2020

Reviews

[Evelyn Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in the series of Angus Blue novels.

Another island. Another crime, this time involving an attempted assassination. Inspector Blue is sent in to investigate…and to butt heads with officers from down south.

For a while, I wondered whether calling the book ‘The Dead of Jura’ was apt when the only people who had died had been involved in a car crash. But only about five pages after having the thought, there was a body. And then they kept piling up. I’m not sure what the final tally comes to. I lost track.

The main characters, and a few minor ones, are familiar from The Peat Dead. By now, they feel like old friends, comfortable and reassuring. Similar strengths as before; no drop in standards between books 1 and 2.

Again a twisty plot, with national politics, interests, and agendas bleeding into it. Apparently, no corner of the country is immune to the evils of the (British/English) establishment.

It’s another great story; a definite page turner. Good just about triumphs over evil in the end but it’s a close run thing, and I was left with a faintly sour taste in my mouth, along with an appetite to find out what happens to Blue and his colleagues next. Will there be repercussions from this outing in the next?

(In case you care about this kind of things, there were fewer errant quotes than in the first book. Note: I read the paperback, but can only find the Kindle edition listed on Goodreads.)

[Jill Stirling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not know what to make of this book. The back story of failed Royal progress was bit lame, given recent events. The special branch and Mi5 involvement was a bit overplayed. The characters were very stereotyped. The police investigation was interesting. The setting was lovely. The author's political views shone through and it was very annoying. The government officials were obviously Tories. Not sure if I will read this author again. His books are well written and make you want to go the end, which was predictable.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the inspector Blue series, it takes place on Jura and features Islay, Oban, Ireland and Germany as well. The plot is twisting and turning and keeps you on your toes. It is a political book, focus is on the super rich and the rules that they make for themselves. Present day subjects like the power of politics and crimes against women are part of it as well. I really like his style, the characters are very plausible and the story was gripping till the last page.

[Hugh McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of reading (and enjoying) American cop thrillers, it is great to now have a slew of authors writing about the area I live in. Allan Martin is on of these writers. His first book, The Peat Dead was based on the Isle of Islay. This one is based on the Isle of Jura and follows the investigation into a shooting at a private mansion on the island. It is well written with good descriptions of the area and some nice whisky tasting notes too. The story is exciting and intriguing and the climax is swift and satisfying. An excellent story.

[mary grech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author to follow

An excellent plot made compelling by the vivid description of the islands life and atmospheric location. A new team of believable characters who love their jobs and the West coast islands and their inhabitants. Can't wait for book 3.

[Lorna Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline but the book was a bit disappointing. The characters were firmly painted as good or bad from the start, the ‘bad’ portrayed as caricatures and for me, lacking depth and not believable. A bit self indulgent at times.

[William McEachern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I loved this book. The characters, the setting, and the plot were all first rate. Islay and Jura were perfectly depicted. My familial roots are on the Isle of Islay, so the novel was especially appreciated.

[Robert Koterbay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good people good cops

Having traveled Scotland and the Uk, the description of the surroundings was well done. The main people made me feel safe in a world where there is much distrust.At times I thought it was a little bit wordy.

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The attempted assassination of a politician on the isle of Jura sets off an investigation where the Security Services will do anything to prevent Di Angus Blue and team from uncovering the truth. I highly recommend this series.

[James Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dead of Jura

Enjoyed this story to the first novel, I will certainly look out for further novels by Allan, hope he continues with other Island tales.

[Piisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hear there's a third Angus Blue book on its way, can't wait.

[Mrs Janet S Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dead of Jura


This is the first book of Allan Martin that I have read, but it won't be the last. Good read

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and well thought out story however, I felt the end needed a proper bit of tidying up.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good holiday read if you're in Islay or Jura and you enjoy a who dunnit.

[Michael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, especially as I've spent a great deal of time on Jura and Islay

[shelagh milbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Couldn't put it down .I've quite fallen in love with Inspector Blue cat wait to read his next adventure .

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allan Martin has interwoven royalty , MI5 , politics and Police Scotland into an entertaining tweed or a fine blended whisky.
A good read .

[Christina Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this series so far. Will recommend to my friends and family. The storylines are brilliant and love the characters. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Anne MacLennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book by this author, thoroughly enjoyed it, almost read it in a day, highly recommend it as well as The Peat Dead

[Jacqueline Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good story but investigation was very pedestrian. Some really bad editing, no Scot says we'se😧