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Frey & McGray #7
The Sign of the Devil
THE FINAL FREY & McGRAY MYSTERY
All will be revealed…
* * * * *
The Devil Has Come to Edinburgh…
An ill-fated grave-robbery unearths a corpse with a most disturbing symbol on it. The very same sign is daubed in blood on the walls of Edinburgh’s lunatic asylum, on the night that one of the patients is murdered.
The mark in question? The mark of the devil.
The prime suspect: Amy McGray, the asylum’s most infamous inmate, a young woman who has grown up behind bars after she killed her parents many years ago.
Her brother, Detective ‘Nine-Nails’ McGray, knows the evidence is stacked against her. To prove her innocence, he needs the help of an old friend…
Inspector Ian Frey insists he is retired. But when called upon, he reluctantly agrees to their final case.
Because this is the case in which all will be revealed – as twists follow bombshells on the way to the secrets that have been waiting in the shadows…
All will be revealed…
* * * * *
The Devil Has Come to Edinburgh…
An ill-fated grave-robbery unearths a corpse with a most disturbing symbol on it. The very same sign is daubed in blood on the walls of Edinburgh’s lunatic asylum, on the night that one of the patients is murdered.
The mark in question? The mark of the devil.
The prime suspect: Amy McGray, the asylum’s most infamous inmate, a young woman who has grown up behind bars after she killed her parents many years ago.
Her brother, Detective ‘Nine-Nails’ McGray, knows the evidence is stacked against her. To prove her innocence, he needs the help of an old friend…
Inspector Ian Frey insists he is retired. But when called upon, he reluctantly agrees to their final case.
Because this is the case in which all will be revealed – as twists follow bombshells on the way to the secrets that have been waiting in the shadows…
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2022
26 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Óscar de Muriel
22 books566 followersOscar de Muriel was born in Mexico City in 1983 and moved to the UK to complete his PhD. He is a chemist, translator and violinist who now lives and works in Manchester. The Loch of the Dead is his fourth novel, following A Mask of Shadows, A Fever of the Blood and The Strings of Murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
July 2, 2022
This is the latest and final addition to Oscar de Muriel's wonderfully chilling and melodramatic Victorian Edinburgh based historical mystery series, featuring Inspector Ian Frey and Adolphus 'Nine-Nails' McGray, it draws together the various threads that start with the first book in the series. Frey is having a difficult time of it, his father has died and he is no longer a police officer, but when he hears of McGray and his troubles in Edinburgh from Caroline Ardlass, despite everything, he just knows he has to help McGray. On a dark and cold night, McGray, after receiving information that bodies are being taken from Greyfriars Kirkyard, chases bodysnatchers and is able to retrieve one of the corpses, which is shockingly marked with the sign of the devil. The same sign is found at Edinburgh's Royal Asylum for the Insane run by Dr Clouston, where a patient, John MacDonnell, suffering from extreme delusions is murdered.
As readers of this series will remember, the asylum is where Pansy, McGray's 'mad sister' who killed her parents is, and rumours and hysteria have people pointing the finger at her, even though she could not possibly bear any responsibility for what happened. McGray is grateful for Frey's return, irrespective of the ambiguity of his no longer be a serving police officer, but Superintendent Trevelyan has no problems with the two of them investigating, although he warns them the likelihood is that they will only be able to do so for a couple of days at most before they will have be removed. Frey soon uncovers information that he must keep secret from the volatile McGray, who struggles to keep his feelings under control and has a fearsome temper. As the narrative builds towards a horrifying conclusion, a web of intrigue, behind the scenes machinations, secrets, lies and deception are revealed, whilst Frey is shocked to discover that McGray is engaged to be married.
This is a particularly atmospheric addition to the series, I particularly loved the deadly mob scenes near the end, the crowds out of control and baying for blood, and where it appears as if all is lost. One of the highlights of the series is the chalk and cheese characters of Frey and McGray and the relationship that develops between them, Frey with his logical mind, copious taking of notes, and McGray with his suffering, and absolute loyalty and commitment to his sister, Pansy, a man who so often acts first without consideration of the consequences. I am sorry to hear that this is the end of what has been a brilliant historical series, but it finishes with a bang, a well plotted, tense and suspenseful novel where all the pieces of the puzzle finally come together beautifully. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
As readers of this series will remember, the asylum is where Pansy, McGray's 'mad sister' who killed her parents is, and rumours and hysteria have people pointing the finger at her, even though she could not possibly bear any responsibility for what happened. McGray is grateful for Frey's return, irrespective of the ambiguity of his no longer be a serving police officer, but Superintendent Trevelyan has no problems with the two of them investigating, although he warns them the likelihood is that they will only be able to do so for a couple of days at most before they will have be removed. Frey soon uncovers information that he must keep secret from the volatile McGray, who struggles to keep his feelings under control and has a fearsome temper. As the narrative builds towards a horrifying conclusion, a web of intrigue, behind the scenes machinations, secrets, lies and deception are revealed, whilst Frey is shocked to discover that McGray is engaged to be married.
This is a particularly atmospheric addition to the series, I particularly loved the deadly mob scenes near the end, the crowds out of control and baying for blood, and where it appears as if all is lost. One of the highlights of the series is the chalk and cheese characters of Frey and McGray and the relationship that develops between them, Frey with his logical mind, copious taking of notes, and McGray with his suffering, and absolute loyalty and commitment to his sister, Pansy, a man who so often acts first without consideration of the consequences. I am sorry to hear that this is the end of what has been a brilliant historical series, but it finishes with a bang, a well plotted, tense and suspenseful novel where all the pieces of the puzzle finally come together beautifully. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
November 26, 2024
Redemption Through Fire: A Triumphant Farewell
I’m currently reading books from the depths of my Kobo - things that haven’t been on my radar for a long time or which I was afraid to read. “The Sign of the Devil” by Óscar de Muriel was one from the latter category.
The previous two instalments simply stank: bland stories, bad writing, character regressions instead of development — it was Murphy’s Law materialised as a book.
And yet, I needed closure — “all will be revealed”, de Muriel promised for this final novel in his Frey and McGray series.
To my immense surprise, not only did he keep his promise, but he actually wrote a fast-paced, interesting, suspenseful, yes, even thrilling swan song for both his eponymous protagonists and even some side characters. First among the latter is, of course, Ms. Amy “Pansy” McGray (nothing will be revealed here, though!).
Like the phoenix from the ashes, de Muriel rises and shines: The writing is finally engaging again, the story expands at breakneck speed which is extremely fitting as this time, it’s — sometimes literally — a race against time, and Frey is back at the top of his game and changed by it…
»‘And I am sure Nine-Nails will be a bottomless pit of information on the odd and ghostly!’
‘Do not say it so disparagingly. You must know almost as much as he does by now.’
‘Hardly,’ I lied, the ingredients for a witch’s bottle at once coming to mind.«
… whereas McGray finally starts developing a character that doesn’t comprise just his signature “Och nae”.
»McGray poked my sternum quite harshly. ‘Don’t milk it, Percy. I ken yer balls’ve finally dropped, but patience is nae my strongest suit.’«
Much of what made me like the early novels is back, and the lengths, illogical and nonsensical actions are gone. We’re back to something that actually resembles (to some positive extent) a police procedural with a better balance between science and the “supernatural”.
This is one of the kinds of farewells that I for one wish for: for the characters, the readers, and, of course, the author. For any fan of this series, this is most certainly a must-read. For newcomers, start with the first novel, make sure to ignore the mere existence of books five and six, and head to this seventh one instead. Nothing of value, story-wise, will be lost.
For me, this book is very likely the last one by Óscar de Muriel I’ll ever read since his inclusion of the “supernatural” in the first place always was a gripe of mine and, ultimately, neither his writing nor his stories entice me enough to keep up with whatever he’s going to write next.
Still, this novel garners a full five stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
I’m currently reading books from the depths of my Kobo - things that haven’t been on my radar for a long time or which I was afraid to read. “The Sign of the Devil” by Óscar de Muriel was one from the latter category.
The previous two instalments simply stank: bland stories, bad writing, character regressions instead of development — it was Murphy’s Law materialised as a book.
And yet, I needed closure — “all will be revealed”, de Muriel promised for this final novel in his Frey and McGray series.
To my immense surprise, not only did he keep his promise, but he actually wrote a fast-paced, interesting, suspenseful, yes, even thrilling swan song for both his eponymous protagonists and even some side characters. First among the latter is, of course, Ms. Amy “Pansy” McGray (nothing will be revealed here, though!).
Like the phoenix from the ashes, de Muriel rises and shines: The writing is finally engaging again, the story expands at breakneck speed which is extremely fitting as this time, it’s — sometimes literally — a race against time, and Frey is back at the top of his game and changed by it…
»‘And I am sure Nine-Nails will be a bottomless pit of information on the odd and ghostly!’
‘Do not say it so disparagingly. You must know almost as much as he does by now.’
‘Hardly,’ I lied, the ingredients for a witch’s bottle at once coming to mind.«
… whereas McGray finally starts developing a character that doesn’t comprise just his signature “Och nae”.
»McGray poked my sternum quite harshly. ‘Don’t milk it, Percy. I ken yer balls’ve finally dropped, but patience is nae my strongest suit.’«
Much of what made me like the early novels is back, and the lengths, illogical and nonsensical actions are gone. We’re back to something that actually resembles (to some positive extent) a police procedural with a better balance between science and the “supernatural”.
This is one of the kinds of farewells that I for one wish for: for the characters, the readers, and, of course, the author. For any fan of this series, this is most certainly a must-read. For newcomers, start with the first novel, make sure to ignore the mere existence of books five and six, and head to this seventh one instead. Nothing of value, story-wise, will be lost.
For me, this book is very likely the last one by Óscar de Muriel I’ll ever read since his inclusion of the “supernatural” in the first place always was a gripe of mine and, ultimately, neither his writing nor his stories entice me enough to keep up with whatever he’s going to write next.
Still, this novel garners a full five stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
July 4, 2022
Another Frey and Mc Gray mystery thriller has landed in my inbox. I am doing the happy dance. Historical mystery at it's best. Poor Frey just wants a quiet life after his last two dices with death but he is intrigued when he is accosted by two dark clothed women are they witches? This book has everything from gruesome murders, an asylum full of lunatics or are they? Set in Victorian Scotland this was a reading feast which I found very hard to put down. Once again I am an invisible bystander witnessing first hand how Frey will solve his deadliest case yet. Loved it!!! A very happy reader and I can't wait to see where this very talented author's imagination leads me next.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
October 5, 2022
This was the final book in the Frey and McGray series and it just didn't feel as grand as the others. The pace of the book was very slow then at the end it sped up to the point where there were a few pages left and it seemed impossible that the plot would be resolved in those few pages. I did like the main plot and found it solved the main mystery of Pansy. However my biggest gripe with the book was the romantic element. I felt it very unfair that the couple that was hinted at in previous books did not get together and the lead up to the engagement of two characters that had seldom interactions was only spoken about, not shown so very confusing for the reader. As Ian Frey was the narrator I felt he should have gotten a more satisfactory ending.
July 18, 2023
4,5 Sterne für das große Finale von Frey und MacGray. Ich bin wirklich traurig, dass das der letzte Band war, denn ich habe tolle Lesestunden mit der Serie verbracht.
Achtung, ab hier milde Spoiler!
Ich enthülle keine Geheimnisse, aber meine Eindrücke könnte Aufschlüsse zu den Entwicklungen zulassen.
Das war also das große Ende? Bis auf die Längen im ersten Teil war es für mich ein gelungener Abschluss. Die Geschichte ist wirklich rund, lose Fäden wurden gut aufgenommen und alles bildet eine schlüssige Geschichte. Trotzdem ich mir etwas grandioseres erhofft hatte, war es ein tolles Leseerlebnis.
Achtung, ab hier milde Spoiler!
Ich enthülle keine Geheimnisse, aber meine Eindrücke könnte Aufschlüsse zu den Entwicklungen zulassen.
Das war also das große Ende? Bis auf die Längen im ersten Teil war es für mich ein gelungener Abschluss. Die Geschichte ist wirklich rund, lose Fäden wurden gut aufgenommen und alles bildet eine schlüssige Geschichte. Trotzdem ich mir etwas grandioseres erhofft hatte, war es ein tolles Leseerlebnis.
August 14, 2022
A very fitting end to what was a very enjoyable series.
February 28, 2023
So sad that it's over :(
January 15, 2023
This is the final book in the Frey and McGray series and I am sad to see it end. I have loved these characters with their humorous banter, intense investigations and hair raising adventures. In this final book, we get the answers to what really happened on the night of the fateful McGray family tragedy, how it all happened and why. Long kept secrets are revealed. It wraps up well but I still hope that one day we might see them return. I will look forward to whatever de Muriel's next book brings. On a side note, I want to mention this dedication that leads into this seventh and final book because I just love it! "The seventh one's for all o' youse, for putting up with mah clishmaclaiver till the very end. I owe youse all a wee dram." How cool is that? Thank you Mr. de Muriel, for all the fun!
October 25, 2024
Das war ja mal eine Fahrt 😳
Abschlussband, und die einzelnen Fäden, die so ein bisschen in den anderen Bänden liegen gelassen wurden für uns als Leser, wo ich immer dachte : WTF is happening? Wo führt das hin; sind hier zusammengekommen.
Einzig die persönliche Entwicklung von Macgray hätte ich gerne auch gelesen 🤭
Das Pacing ist schnell, langsam dann wieder echt mir keine Lesepause gönnen.
Mir hat die Reihe einfach super gefallen!
Abschlussband, und die einzelnen Fäden, die so ein bisschen in den anderen Bänden liegen gelassen wurden für uns als Leser, wo ich immer dachte : WTF is happening? Wo führt das hin; sind hier zusammengekommen.
Einzig die persönliche Entwicklung von Macgray hätte ich gerne auch gelesen 🤭
Das Pacing ist schnell, langsam dann wieder echt mir keine Lesepause gönnen.
Mir hat die Reihe einfach super gefallen!
September 2, 2022
Hugely entertaining and I'm very sorry to see this wonderful series end, but it is a very satisfactory conclusion. Review to follow shortly on For Winter NIghts.
June 15, 2023
CHANGED MY LIFE WORK OF ART I WAS SCREAMING ON THE FLOOR AFTERWARDS BECAUSE IM SO SAD FREY & MCGRAY IS OVER!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGHSGHHFHDGFHDGHDHFGDHFGDHFGDHFGDHFHDGFHDGDHFGSHDGSJDGSJDGSJDGSJDGSJDHF
edit a day later:
i have gathered my thoughts. this was such an excellent finale for my absolute favourite series of all time. more crazy twists and high jinks from the funniest little duo, although things were less funny this time around as the stakes somehow became higher than ever before.
i knew pansy was hiding something major. i just KNEW IT!! i’m so pleased with the direction de muriel took with her character, i couldn’t have imagined her going in a better direction. i also couldn’t help but hope that despite everything, after some time to readjust to regular society, she and frey may have had something together. i was a little disappointed that they didn’t come to fruition by the end but the open ending was pretty telling enough (in my opinion).
mcgray was somehow more unhinged than usual in this one (understandably) and i loved once again the juxtaposition to frey in everything they do. while mcgray is willing to put his life on the line for the sake of others, almost throwing it away, frey fears death and cowers in the face of danger. of course, that’s not to say he isn’t brave, but just a realistic guy. of course he would be afraid. mcgray is just… crazy. i loved the way pansy and frey clung together in fear on the carriage ride towards the crag.
i loved the ending, as terrifying as it was when frey was walking mcgray’s dog at the beginning of the epilogue (that had me stressing). the way frey teases him at the end really shows their positive development and understanding of one another. they are the dream team!!!!!
caroline and mcgray was not something i expected, but i slowly accepted it and began to see where it was coming from at the same pace frey also did. there seemed to be lingering feelings between frey and caroline that made my heart hurt because i really thought they were going to be set up together but it’s okay. mcgray honestly needs some love after all he’s been through.
i will be rereading this series in its entirety over the summer. i cant get it out of my head!!!!!!
oscar de muriel let me buy you a drink my guy
edit a day later:
i have gathered my thoughts. this was such an excellent finale for my absolute favourite series of all time. more crazy twists and high jinks from the funniest little duo, although things were less funny this time around as the stakes somehow became higher than ever before.
i knew pansy was hiding something major. i just KNEW IT!! i’m so pleased with the direction de muriel took with her character, i couldn’t have imagined her going in a better direction. i also couldn’t help but hope that despite everything, after some time to readjust to regular society, she and frey may have had something together. i was a little disappointed that they didn’t come to fruition by the end but the open ending was pretty telling enough (in my opinion).
mcgray was somehow more unhinged than usual in this one (understandably) and i loved once again the juxtaposition to frey in everything they do. while mcgray is willing to put his life on the line for the sake of others, almost throwing it away, frey fears death and cowers in the face of danger. of course, that’s not to say he isn’t brave, but just a realistic guy. of course he would be afraid. mcgray is just… crazy. i loved the way pansy and frey clung together in fear on the carriage ride towards the crag.
i loved the ending, as terrifying as it was when frey was walking mcgray’s dog at the beginning of the epilogue (that had me stressing). the way frey teases him at the end really shows their positive development and understanding of one another. they are the dream team!!!!!
caroline and mcgray was not something i expected, but i slowly accepted it and began to see where it was coming from at the same pace frey also did. there seemed to be lingering feelings between frey and caroline that made my heart hurt because i really thought they were going to be set up together but it’s okay. mcgray honestly needs some love after all he’s been through.
i will be rereading this series in its entirety over the summer. i cant get it out of my head!!!!!!
oscar de muriel let me buy you a drink my guy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
Bara en kort liten rant om denna bok och hela Frey & McGray serien.
Som en avslutande bok till hela serien så var den helt okej, kändes ändå skönt att många lösa trådar reddes ut och det blev bra i slutet. Dock tycker jag själva romans delen av boken var ganska påtvingad, den finns en logisk mening till den, men det föll lite platt för mig. Dessutom var bokens takt ganska svajig vid punkter. 200 sidor in i boken och det var fortfarande segare än övriga böcker i serien. Det kändes som det var en hel del mer som kunde ha hänt och "the sign of the devil" tappade sin slagkraft genom bokens gång och blev bara ord istället för något demoniskt.
Serien som helhet har ändå varit en rolig resa. Det är värt att påpeka att bok 1 och 2 är nog de bästa för dem är absolut överallt och Frey och McGrays "vänskap" inleds. Genom seriens gång blir den lite för generisk mysterium serie. Den är ändå 7 böcker lång och ja, mysterium/deckare är oftast uppbyggda på liknande vis men det serien gjorde bra var ändå den märkliga vänskapen mellan huvudkaraktärerna. Jag lyssnade även på alla ljudböckerna då inläsaren (som är engelsman) ska försöka sig på en skotsk dialekt. Ibland är det toppen och ibland känns det lite halvt jäkla forcerat. Jag uppskattade inarbetningen av verkliga historiska människor och händelser och konceptet av serien som utspelar sig i Edinburgh i slutet av 1890-talet är kanske inte helt ny men den var ändå väldigt rolig. Böckerna är enkla att flyga igenom med relativt snabb handling och inte allt för komplicerade. Men mot slutet av serien kände jag mig nästan utbränd emellan böckerna för det blev lite av samma sak hela tiden. Men det kan vara för att jag inte är van vid denna typ av genre av böcker eller så är det så för att det faktiskt blev en konstant upprepning av händelseförloppen. Ett plus för denna bok var ändå hur mysterierna var uppbyggda och utförda. Det har lagts ned mycket tankekraft och tid på att allt ska ha en logisk förklarning i tidsandan men det är även en del som lämnas som olästa mysterier då de är lite för övernaturliga för en realistisk förklaring. Det var ändå roligt!
Det var en kul serie att ha läst och jag är glad att jag har tagit mig igenom den. Jag hade hoppats på ett mer bombastiskt slut då sista boken lovade en hel del. Tyvärr så blev det inte så men aja jag tror jag överlever ändå.
Som en avslutande bok till hela serien så var den helt okej, kändes ändå skönt att många lösa trådar reddes ut och det blev bra i slutet. Dock tycker jag själva romans delen av boken var ganska påtvingad, den finns en logisk mening till den, men det föll lite platt för mig. Dessutom var bokens takt ganska svajig vid punkter. 200 sidor in i boken och det var fortfarande segare än övriga böcker i serien. Det kändes som det var en hel del mer som kunde ha hänt och "the sign of the devil" tappade sin slagkraft genom bokens gång och blev bara ord istället för något demoniskt.
Serien som helhet har ändå varit en rolig resa. Det är värt att påpeka att bok 1 och 2 är nog de bästa för dem är absolut överallt och Frey och McGrays "vänskap" inleds. Genom seriens gång blir den lite för generisk mysterium serie. Den är ändå 7 böcker lång och ja, mysterium/deckare är oftast uppbyggda på liknande vis men det serien gjorde bra var ändå den märkliga vänskapen mellan huvudkaraktärerna. Jag lyssnade även på alla ljudböckerna då inläsaren (som är engelsman) ska försöka sig på en skotsk dialekt. Ibland är det toppen och ibland känns det lite halvt jäkla forcerat. Jag uppskattade inarbetningen av verkliga historiska människor och händelser och konceptet av serien som utspelar sig i Edinburgh i slutet av 1890-talet är kanske inte helt ny men den var ändå väldigt rolig. Böckerna är enkla att flyga igenom med relativt snabb handling och inte allt för komplicerade. Men mot slutet av serien kände jag mig nästan utbränd emellan böckerna för det blev lite av samma sak hela tiden. Men det kan vara för att jag inte är van vid denna typ av genre av böcker eller så är det så för att det faktiskt blev en konstant upprepning av händelseförloppen. Ett plus för denna bok var ändå hur mysterierna var uppbyggda och utförda. Det har lagts ned mycket tankekraft och tid på att allt ska ha en logisk förklarning i tidsandan men det är även en del som lämnas som olästa mysterier då de är lite för övernaturliga för en realistisk förklaring. Det var ändå roligt!
Det var en kul serie att ha läst och jag är glad att jag har tagit mig igenom den. Jag hade hoppats på ett mer bombastiskt slut då sista boken lovade en hel del. Tyvärr så blev det inte så men aja jag tror jag överlever ändå.
December 10, 2023
My mind was ready but my heart was not...
I powered through this last novel in the Frey and McGray series by Oscar de Muriel because I could not take it anymore. I wanted to know how everything ends...and now I am both relived and very sad to leave this incredible book series behind me.
This is the final part where the tragedy about the McGray family is finally revealed. Throughout all the other books we heard snippets and triggers that gave us many clues...which now make a lot of sense!
This is also one of the very strong suits of this part. Oscar the Murel managed to stay true to his red thread and bring it all together in a brilliant finale!
"The Sign of the Devil" was yet another murder mystery sprinkled with action and thriller as well as supernatural elements, which made it extremly exciting to read. I picked my nails and skin while reading through some chapters and could not put it down.
I don't want to spoil to much but get ready for a lot of plot twists and surprises as well as an ending that will leave you both pensive and open for imagination.
I powered through this last novel in the Frey and McGray series by Oscar de Muriel because I could not take it anymore. I wanted to know how everything ends...and now I am both relived and very sad to leave this incredible book series behind me.
This is the final part where the tragedy about the McGray family is finally revealed. Throughout all the other books we heard snippets and triggers that gave us many clues...which now make a lot of sense!
This is also one of the very strong suits of this part. Oscar the Murel managed to stay true to his red thread and bring it all together in a brilliant finale!
"The Sign of the Devil" was yet another murder mystery sprinkled with action and thriller as well as supernatural elements, which made it extremly exciting to read. I picked my nails and skin while reading through some chapters and could not put it down.
I don't want to spoil to much but get ready for a lot of plot twists and surprises as well as an ending that will leave you both pensive and open for imagination.
October 15, 2023
Eindeutig das beste Buch der Reihe.
July 25, 2022
I'm bereft, this is the final part of the Frey and McGray Victorian crime series and what a final part. After The Dance of the Serpents, Frey has retired from the force and is recuperating at his Gloucestershire home. However, Caroline Ardglass arrives on his doorstep begging him to return to Edinburgh to help his friend and partner Adolphus McGray, there has been a murder at the asylum where McGray's sister Pansy is kept, and unfortunately she has become the centre of the case. How can Frey ignore Caroline's plea?
With plenty of action, wit, cracking dialogue and the perfect partnership between the Englishman and the Scotsman you will not be disappointed with this edge of your seat finale, my only sadness is that this is the final book in one of the most enjoyable crime series to hit the shelves in years. My hope is that Oscar de Muriel may miss his characters as much as his readership will.
With plenty of action, wit, cracking dialogue and the perfect partnership between the Englishman and the Scotsman you will not be disappointed with this edge of your seat finale, my only sadness is that this is the final book in one of the most enjoyable crime series to hit the shelves in years. My hope is that Oscar de Muriel may miss his characters as much as his readership will.
July 25, 2022
I'm bereft, this is the final part of the Frey and McGray Victorian crime series and what a final part. After The Dance of the Serpents, Frey has retired from the force and is recuperating at his Gloucestershire home. However, Caroline Ardglass arrives on his doorstep begging him to return to Edinburgh to help his friend and partner Adolphus McGray, there has been a murder at the asylum where McGray's sister Pansy is kept, and unfortunately she has become the centre of the case. How can Frey ignore Caroline's plea?
With plenty of action, wit, cracking dialogue and the perfect partnership between the Englishman and the Scotsman you will not be disappointed with this edge of your seat finale, my only sadness is that this is the final book in one of the most enjoyable crime series to hit the shelves in years. My hope is that Oscar de Muriel may miss his characters as much as his readership will.
With plenty of action, wit, cracking dialogue and the perfect partnership between the Englishman and the Scotsman you will not be disappointed with this edge of your seat finale, my only sadness is that this is the final book in one of the most enjoyable crime series to hit the shelves in years. My hope is that Oscar de Muriel may miss his characters as much as his readership will.
August 9, 2022
I have adored this series, and I am sad to see it end, but also glad that it ends on a point of resolution of all the story arcs. and literally ends with a bang.
Murders, body snatchers, insane asylums and the mark of the devil - oh my.
Mysterious deaths in the asylum are often laid at the feet of Nine Nail’s sister Pansy.
Frey is in a bad way when Caroline Ardglass shows up and insists he come back to Scotland to help.
At the moment, I can’t think of any loose ends that have not been sewn up; all the mysteries laid to rest,
I buy these in the audio format as I am utterly in awe of Andy Secombe’s narration. here he even does voices of characters imitating other characters. he is brilliant.
5 stars
Murders, body snatchers, insane asylums and the mark of the devil - oh my.
Mysterious deaths in the asylum are often laid at the feet of Nine Nail’s sister Pansy.
Frey is in a bad way when Caroline Ardglass shows up and insists he come back to Scotland to help.
At the moment, I can’t think of any loose ends that have not been sewn up; all the mysteries laid to rest,
I buy these in the audio format as I am utterly in awe of Andy Secombe’s narration. here he even does voices of characters imitating other characters. he is brilliant.
5 stars
November 30, 2023
Am Anfang fand ich es etwas zäh, aber dann hat es mich voll gepackt. 4,5 Sterne für den Abschlussband dieser Reihe.
January 11, 2023
Des Teufels letztes Gefecht
Edinburgh 1890, in mitten des Friedhofes, zwischen alten Gräbern ist Inspektor McGray zwei Grabräubern auf den Fersen, doch beim Anblick der geraubten Leiche scheint sich die Welt kurz schneller zu drehen. Eingebrannt, starrt ihn das Zeichen des Teufels, auf dem Gesicht der Toten entgegen. Als das selbe Zeichen blutend von einer Wand in der Irrenanstalt tropft steht für das gemeine Volk schnell fest, wer die Schuld trägt- McGrays Schwester. Jene, die vor fast 7 Jahren vom Teufel besessen ihre Eltern tötete, ihren Bruder einen Finger kostete und seitdem Patientin dieser Anstalt ist. Frey und McGray müssen schnellstens Amys Unschuld beweisen, doch die Zeit sitzt ihnen im Nacken und der wahre Schrecken jener vergangenen Nacht in Dundee gibt keine Ruhe. Wird Amys Teufel sich offenbaren?
Ein letztes Mal müssen Frey & McGray alles an kluger Kombinationsgabe und rüpelhaftem Verhalten geben um Wahrheit zu finden. Doch die Wahrheit kann Erlösung und Schmerz zugleich sein. Der 7. und zugleich letzte Band aus Oscar deMuriels Feder, um okkulte Kriminalfälle im Edinburgh des 19. Jahrhunderts, ist ein fulminantes und würdiges Ende einer großartigen Reihe. Im Laufe der Jahre ist er sich seiner Linie immer treu geblieben, dennoch gab es ausgefeilte Fälle und eine stetige Charakterentwicklung, die bis zum Ende auf einander aufbaut. Für gewöhnlich neigt der Autor zu der ein oder anderen Länge, die es in diesem Fall jedoch nicht gab. Die Spannung wuchs kontinuierlich, was nicht zuletzt auch an den parallelen Handlungssträngen und der wechselnden Perspektive lag. Auch Freys Kombinationsgabe und McGrays rüpelhafte und charmant unflätige Durchsetzungskraft dürfen wir ein letztes Mal genießen aber gut festhalten, auf einige Plot Twists war selbst ich nicht gefasst. Dieser Band bringt endlich Licht in Nine Nails dunkle Vergangenheit, doch wo sich Licht befindet ist auch Schatten allgegenwärtig, lässt er sich in diesen ziehen? Rein theoretisch lässt sich dieses Buch auch einzeln lesen, da es eine in sich abgeschlossene Geschichte ist und relevante Details aus vorangegangenen Büchern kurze Erwähnungen finden. Doch, um sich für die vorher spielenden Bücher nicht zu Spoilern und wirklich alle zusammenhänge verstehen zu können würde ich empfehlen sie der Reihe nach zu lesen. Es ist ein Erlebnis mit den Protagonisten 7 Jahre im Edinburgh des 19. Jahrhunderts, spannenden, mysteriösen und okkulten Kriminalfilmen auf den Grund zu gehen.
Fazit: ein aufregender und würdiger Abschluss dieser großartigen historischen Kriminalreihe.
Edinburgh 1890, in mitten des Friedhofes, zwischen alten Gräbern ist Inspektor McGray zwei Grabräubern auf den Fersen, doch beim Anblick der geraubten Leiche scheint sich die Welt kurz schneller zu drehen. Eingebrannt, starrt ihn das Zeichen des Teufels, auf dem Gesicht der Toten entgegen. Als das selbe Zeichen blutend von einer Wand in der Irrenanstalt tropft steht für das gemeine Volk schnell fest, wer die Schuld trägt- McGrays Schwester. Jene, die vor fast 7 Jahren vom Teufel besessen ihre Eltern tötete, ihren Bruder einen Finger kostete und seitdem Patientin dieser Anstalt ist. Frey und McGray müssen schnellstens Amys Unschuld beweisen, doch die Zeit sitzt ihnen im Nacken und der wahre Schrecken jener vergangenen Nacht in Dundee gibt keine Ruhe. Wird Amys Teufel sich offenbaren?
Ein letztes Mal müssen Frey & McGray alles an kluger Kombinationsgabe und rüpelhaftem Verhalten geben um Wahrheit zu finden. Doch die Wahrheit kann Erlösung und Schmerz zugleich sein. Der 7. und zugleich letzte Band aus Oscar deMuriels Feder, um okkulte Kriminalfälle im Edinburgh des 19. Jahrhunderts, ist ein fulminantes und würdiges Ende einer großartigen Reihe. Im Laufe der Jahre ist er sich seiner Linie immer treu geblieben, dennoch gab es ausgefeilte Fälle und eine stetige Charakterentwicklung, die bis zum Ende auf einander aufbaut. Für gewöhnlich neigt der Autor zu der ein oder anderen Länge, die es in diesem Fall jedoch nicht gab. Die Spannung wuchs kontinuierlich, was nicht zuletzt auch an den parallelen Handlungssträngen und der wechselnden Perspektive lag. Auch Freys Kombinationsgabe und McGrays rüpelhafte und charmant unflätige Durchsetzungskraft dürfen wir ein letztes Mal genießen aber gut festhalten, auf einige Plot Twists war selbst ich nicht gefasst. Dieser Band bringt endlich Licht in Nine Nails dunkle Vergangenheit, doch wo sich Licht befindet ist auch Schatten allgegenwärtig, lässt er sich in diesen ziehen? Rein theoretisch lässt sich dieses Buch auch einzeln lesen, da es eine in sich abgeschlossene Geschichte ist und relevante Details aus vorangegangenen Büchern kurze Erwähnungen finden. Doch, um sich für die vorher spielenden Bücher nicht zu Spoilern und wirklich alle zusammenhänge verstehen zu können würde ich empfehlen sie der Reihe nach zu lesen. Es ist ein Erlebnis mit den Protagonisten 7 Jahre im Edinburgh des 19. Jahrhunderts, spannenden, mysteriösen und okkulten Kriminalfilmen auf den Grund zu gehen.
Fazit: ein aufregender und würdiger Abschluss dieser großartigen historischen Kriminalreihe.
July 5, 2022
Wow! What an ending!
Frey has left the force and is recuperating at his home in Gloucestershire when he receives word that McGray needs his help. It's a strange case, involving body snatchers, and a murder at the asylum - the same asylum where McGray's sister Pansy is kept, after murdering their parents six years ago.
With the finger of suspicion pointing at Pansy, Frey heads back to Edinburgh to help his friend.
The Sign of the Devil is the final instalment in the Frey and McGray series, and it's immense.
It has all the horror and humour like the previous books, and will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
Frey has left the force and is recuperating at his home in Gloucestershire when he receives word that McGray needs his help. It's a strange case, involving body snatchers, and a murder at the asylum - the same asylum where McGray's sister Pansy is kept, after murdering their parents six years ago.
With the finger of suspicion pointing at Pansy, Frey heads back to Edinburgh to help his friend.
The Sign of the Devil is the final instalment in the Frey and McGray series, and it's immense.
It has all the horror and humour like the previous books, and will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
October 15, 2022
I really didn't want this series to end, but since it had to it finished in such an amazing place!
Holy hell this book was so full of twists and turns. SO many events I couldn't see coming. To keep this spoiler free I won't name them just say the last 150 pages or so where a total mind shock. Twist after twist. I love the fact that Frey and McGray have a begrudging respect for each other in the end, although still so quick to take the mickey out of each other. This series finished in a really strong place and while I am sad to see it end I think it did so in the best possible way
Holy hell this book was so full of twists and turns. SO many events I couldn't see coming. To keep this spoiler free I won't name them just say the last 150 pages or so where a total mind shock. Twist after twist. I love the fact that Frey and McGray have a begrudging respect for each other in the end, although still so quick to take the mickey out of each other. This series finished in a really strong place and while I am sad to see it end I think it did so in the best possible way
October 8, 2022
It was smart of the author to end the series while it's still ahead, with the audience still crying for more. He managed to tie up the loose ends nicely, with most of the reveals being good enough and others a bit harder to believe. I guessed some of them, but others came as a surprise. All in all, I liked how each of the characters ended up and it was satisfying when villains got their comeuppance. I was kept in suspense throughout the book and enjoyed the originality of some of the clues. It was an enjoyable read that did not disappoint and I truly hope de Muriel will be quick to give us more good reads to savour in the future.
January 21, 2023
This was the best end I could wish for these characters with whom I’ve spent the past 7 books. I still think the first book is the best one of the series but this one comes close to it (and that feels quite poetic). I am glad poor man Frey did eventually get some rest after almost burning to death twice and breaking his wrist continuously for two weeks. What Oscar de Muriel did here will stay with me for the rest of my days.
I was not that big of a fan of mystery/detective books before I picked this up, but I am glad I became one after this series.
I was not that big of a fan of mystery/detective books before I picked this up, but I am glad I became one after this series.
August 29, 2022
A grand finale for an amazing series!
Oscar de Muriel really outdid himself with this one. The little clues revealed in the previous books come together perfectly to some shocking revelations and plot twists that left me speechless. It’s a book pumped with non-stop action and breathtaking moments that left me sitting on the edge of my seat.
I hope that Muriel goes back to this world again because I miss it already.
Oscar de Muriel really outdid himself with this one. The little clues revealed in the previous books come together perfectly to some shocking revelations and plot twists that left me speechless. It’s a book pumped with non-stop action and breathtaking moments that left me sitting on the edge of my seat.
I hope that Muriel goes back to this world again because I miss it already.
September 1, 2022
What a bittersweet ending to an amazing series! Both Frey & McGray suffered & lost many things/people along this series while trying to work together as detectives. I was hoping that this series would continue for several more books. de Muriel's does a great job tying everything up, but I there are a few points that I think could've been flushed out a bit better. Overall this series is worth checking out.
September 11, 2022
A nice conclusion to the series , there were a few reveals and links to the previous books and a final explanation of what really happened on that fateful night that started the series of books off. In authors notes he says that he had been putting clues throughout all the books to reach this ending so series can be read again with all the answers from this final book.
August 4, 2022
A patient is murdered in an Edinburgh asylum and there bears no trace of the killer save for a mark daubed in blood on the walls - the mark of the Devil. The prime suspect is Amy McGray, a fellow patient who is notorious for killing her parents when she was a teenager. Her brother, Detective ‘Nine-Nails’ McGray is determined to prove her innocence and calls upon retired Inspector Ian Frey who is recuperating in his home in Gloucestershire.
Reluctantly Frey agrees to help his old friend and so begins a journey which will unearth buried secrets and change their lives forever.
This is a bittersweet book for those of us who have followed Frey and McGray from the beginning; we finally get the answers we have been waiting for but it comes at the cost of this being the final instalment. The best part of these books has been the relationship between the two and watching it develop has been wonderful. They are still chalk and cheese and the bickering between them is still delightfully amusing, but there is also an understanding and compassion there.
The plot races along at a fair speed and the setting of Edinburgh, as always, adds a dark and gothic atmosphere to the book. The twists and turns are masterfully crafted and fans will be satisfied with the reveal of what really happened on the night Amy and Nine-Nails’ parents died.
Although it’s a shame to say goodbye to these characters, I can’t wait to see what Oscar de Muriel will come up with next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me a copy of this book.
Reluctantly Frey agrees to help his old friend and so begins a journey which will unearth buried secrets and change their lives forever.
This is a bittersweet book for those of us who have followed Frey and McGray from the beginning; we finally get the answers we have been waiting for but it comes at the cost of this being the final instalment. The best part of these books has been the relationship between the two and watching it develop has been wonderful. They are still chalk and cheese and the bickering between them is still delightfully amusing, but there is also an understanding and compassion there.
The plot races along at a fair speed and the setting of Edinburgh, as always, adds a dark and gothic atmosphere to the book. The twists and turns are masterfully crafted and fans will be satisfied with the reveal of what really happened on the night Amy and Nine-Nails’ parents died.
Although it’s a shame to say goodbye to these characters, I can’t wait to see what Oscar de Muriel will come up with next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for gifting me a copy of this book.
December 6, 2025
this is a very good series if you are into a detective story with some gothic horror elements. my only fear is that we stem to have reached the end
August 7, 2022
This final Frey & McGrey book is the perfect ending to the series. As always it has it's own self contained mystery, while still being interwoven with the larger narrative that has been following our characters since book one that all started when Amy McGray murdered her parents.
All of the loose ends are tied up perfectly and we learn everything about that first night and how it has influenced the entire series. I felt that it was crafted perfectly, everything made so much sense and I would love to binge read the whole series one day.
The mystery of this novel that concerns the sign of the devil appearing on corpses is also really well done and I loved how it all came together in the end. Very unique mystery and it kept me guessing.
Very sad that this series is over but like I said, one day I will reread it all now that I know how it ends to try and spot all of the clues. Highly recommend the series to everyone.
All of the loose ends are tied up perfectly and we learn everything about that first night and how it has influenced the entire series. I felt that it was crafted perfectly, everything made so much sense and I would love to binge read the whole series one day.
The mystery of this novel that concerns the sign of the devil appearing on corpses is also really well done and I loved how it all came together in the end. Very unique mystery and it kept me guessing.
Very sad that this series is over but like I said, one day I will reread it all now that I know how it ends to try and spot all of the clues. Highly recommend the series to everyone.
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