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Anna Scavolini #3
The Shadow Men
They see everything. They hear everything. They know everything.
When a young police officer, Derek Sullivan, goes missing, the detective investigating his disappearance turns to criminologist Anna Scavolini – Derek’s one-time university lecturer – for help. Haunted by the belief that she failed in her duty of care towards her former student, Anna finds herself drawn increasingly deeper into the investigation.
Meanwhile, Zoe Callahan – once Anna’s best friend, now unhappily estranged – becomes preoccupied by unsettling rumours involving her old school. Uncovering a trail of evidence implicating the most powerful men in Scottish society in a scandal stretching back decades, she soon attracts the attention of sinister forces who don’t look kindly on those who disturb the past…
A missing police officer, a highly coveted list of names, a fatal car crash on a rainswept night – what connects these seemingly unrelated threads? And who are the mysterious Shadow Men, whose very name strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it?
A compulsive page-turner with a labyrinthine, multi-stranded plot, The Shadow Men is the third novel in the Anna Scavolini series, perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Denise Mina’s Garnethill trilogy.
When a young police officer, Derek Sullivan, goes missing, the detective investigating his disappearance turns to criminologist Anna Scavolini – Derek’s one-time university lecturer – for help. Haunted by the belief that she failed in her duty of care towards her former student, Anna finds herself drawn increasingly deeper into the investigation.
Meanwhile, Zoe Callahan – once Anna’s best friend, now unhappily estranged – becomes preoccupied by unsettling rumours involving her old school. Uncovering a trail of evidence implicating the most powerful men in Scottish society in a scandal stretching back decades, she soon attracts the attention of sinister forces who don’t look kindly on those who disturb the past…
A missing police officer, a highly coveted list of names, a fatal car crash on a rainswept night – what connects these seemingly unrelated threads? And who are the mysterious Shadow Men, whose very name strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it?
A compulsive page-turner with a labyrinthine, multi-stranded plot, The Shadow Men is the third novel in the Anna Scavolini series, perfect for fans of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Denise Mina’s Garnethill trilogy.
- GenresCrime
430 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2021
122 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
M.R. Mackenzie
11 books67 followersTo get the latest news and your FREE sample chapters from the McIlvanney Prize-nominated In the Silence, join the M.R. Mackenzie Readers’ Club:
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
https://www.mrmackenzieauthor.com/rea...
M.R. Mackenzie is the author of several gritty, character-driven crime fiction novels set mainly in his native Glasgow, including an ongoing series of mysteries featuring criminology lecturer Anna Scavolini.
The first book in the series, In the Silence, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019.
The sixth, The Secrets We Keep, featured in the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2025 (Crime and Thrillers) and IngramSpark’s 2025 Editorial Selection (Mystery/Thriller).
PRAISE FOR M.R. MACKENZIE:
“One of the most consistently accomplished writers on the current scene.” — Financial Times
“Brings a fresh new voice to the field of Tartan Noir.” — James Oswald
“Writes with precision and passion.” — Caro Ramsay
“An immersive slow burn of a tale, peppered with disquieting fire-crackers of revelation.” — Gordon J. Brown
“Mackenzie has come up with something that defies easy definition and is truly original.” — NB Magazine
“Up there with the best contemporary authors working today.” — David B. Lyons
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 19, 2021
So grateful for @lovebookstours and @m.r.mackenzie for including me on the book tour for The Shadow Men by M.R. Mackenzie
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Overall, I honestly absolutely loved this book! It's actually the first book I have read in a long time that I know I will read more than once! Which I think you will agree is one of the highest accolades you can give to a book!
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There were a bunch of mini storylines from the start which eventually ran into one big storyline so it was a bit tricky at the beginning to see what the relevance was to all these but by the middle when you realise where it is all going it becomes clear and makes you go oooo and ahhhh a lot 🤣!
.
Its hard to say much about the story without giving parts away, but in a nutshell when a young promising police officer (Derek) suddenly vanishes without a trace, the investigating officer turns to Derek's teacher, Anna Scavolini, a criminologist and lecturer, who reluctantly (at first) joins the investigation to find out what exactly happened to Derek. Meanwhile Anna's estranged best friend Zoe finds out some worrying information following her brothers death......information that she just can't ignore no matter the consequences. When Anna and Zoe reunite only for Zoe to go missing following their reunion, Anna can't help but try and find her......this search will lead her to unimaginable places and into unspeakable danger......but why? What has Zoe got mixed up in and what has it got to do with Derek's disappearance.
.
The characters were all really good and for totally different reasons. The main policeman was exactly what an old cop should be, a loveable rogue. Anna is smart with a good head on her shoulders but with some sass and vulnerability that you can't help but love. Ultimately though I fell in love with Zoe and her broad Scottish accent with a no fks given attitude. Zoe really shone out as the perfect mix of dark and light and I loved reading her sections and wanted to give her a big hug many times, although undoubtppedly she would have told me to "stop being so soft" 😉
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The only (very slight) negative was the chapters having dates instead of the name of whose POV it was as that did confuse me a few times but that's probably down to me personally and reading on my Kindle which is harder to flick back to remember things on.
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I am going to round this up to a 5 star because I honestly forgot at times that I was reading a book and instead it was more like I was binge watching a series and I would say this would make the PERFECT TV series and I would be the first to watch it!
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I have never read anything from this author before but I will DEFINITELY look for more in future, in fact I noticed that there are more featuring the main character Anna, so I will look for these first!
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#ad #gifted
.
Overall, I honestly absolutely loved this book! It's actually the first book I have read in a long time that I know I will read more than once! Which I think you will agree is one of the highest accolades you can give to a book!
.
There were a bunch of mini storylines from the start which eventually ran into one big storyline so it was a bit tricky at the beginning to see what the relevance was to all these but by the middle when you realise where it is all going it becomes clear and makes you go oooo and ahhhh a lot 🤣!
.
Its hard to say much about the story without giving parts away, but in a nutshell when a young promising police officer (Derek) suddenly vanishes without a trace, the investigating officer turns to Derek's teacher, Anna Scavolini, a criminologist and lecturer, who reluctantly (at first) joins the investigation to find out what exactly happened to Derek. Meanwhile Anna's estranged best friend Zoe finds out some worrying information following her brothers death......information that she just can't ignore no matter the consequences. When Anna and Zoe reunite only for Zoe to go missing following their reunion, Anna can't help but try and find her......this search will lead her to unimaginable places and into unspeakable danger......but why? What has Zoe got mixed up in and what has it got to do with Derek's disappearance.
.
The characters were all really good and for totally different reasons. The main policeman was exactly what an old cop should be, a loveable rogue. Anna is smart with a good head on her shoulders but with some sass and vulnerability that you can't help but love. Ultimately though I fell in love with Zoe and her broad Scottish accent with a no fks given attitude. Zoe really shone out as the perfect mix of dark and light and I loved reading her sections and wanted to give her a big hug many times, although undoubtppedly she would have told me to "stop being so soft" 😉
.
The only (very slight) negative was the chapters having dates instead of the name of whose POV it was as that did confuse me a few times but that's probably down to me personally and reading on my Kindle which is harder to flick back to remember things on.
.
I am going to round this up to a 5 star because I honestly forgot at times that I was reading a book and instead it was more like I was binge watching a series and I would say this would make the PERFECT TV series and I would be the first to watch it!
.
I have never read anything from this author before but I will DEFINITELY look for more in future, in fact I noticed that there are more featuring the main character Anna, so I will look for these first!
.
#ad #gifted
October 21, 2021
‘The Shadow Men’ was a gritty, darkly compelling book which at places took my breath away. I had previously not read any of this authors work which is surprising since I normally try to read all the nominated books for the prizes at Bloody Scotland but they must have slipped through the cracks somehow. Well, I am definitely going to remedy this as ‘The Shadow Men’ comes across as a part of a blisteringly good series. This is the third book in the Anna Scavolini series but you can certainly read it as a stand-alone.
Anna is a lecturer in criminology and when one of her students, a young police office Derek Sullivan goes missing she is asked to help with the investigation into his disappearance. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information about him or the circumstances around the night he went missing. Zoe is Anna’s best friend although they have drifted apart as late, and when she goes to a school friend’s funeral she is dragged into the world of institutionalised sexual abuse of students in various schools in the west of Scotland.
I felt that this was a book of two halves. The first felt much slower than the second part when Anna and Zoe meet up again. But when they do the storyline sizzled with tension and was action packed. I loved Zoe as a character as she was brash, clearly proud of her working class roots, talked in broad Glaswegian Scots and had a heart of gold. Anna is the opposite personality wise - refined, elegant, focus on her academic career, maybe doesn't put the effort into relationships and is clearly in denial about her pregnancy and the imminent birth. But she is also kind, loyal, not willing to back down from a fight and wants to fight for the forgotten people. I loved both of them. Its part of why I am so excited to go back and read the start of the series as I am sure you will find out so much about what shapes their characters.
This is a brilliant series and this is an issue which needs highlighted and it was empathetically done in this case. There was no gratuitous scenes as the horror of it was plainly and skilfully put across without needing to resort to that. The author has clearly researched a lot into mental health as the portrayal of those it affects in the book was realistic and sensitively done.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and this book deserves all the recognition it gets. Let me know if you pick it up.
Anna is a lecturer in criminology and when one of her students, a young police office Derek Sullivan goes missing she is asked to help with the investigation into his disappearance. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information about him or the circumstances around the night he went missing. Zoe is Anna’s best friend although they have drifted apart as late, and when she goes to a school friend’s funeral she is dragged into the world of institutionalised sexual abuse of students in various schools in the west of Scotland.
I felt that this was a book of two halves. The first felt much slower than the second part when Anna and Zoe meet up again. But when they do the storyline sizzled with tension and was action packed. I loved Zoe as a character as she was brash, clearly proud of her working class roots, talked in broad Glaswegian Scots and had a heart of gold. Anna is the opposite personality wise - refined, elegant, focus on her academic career, maybe doesn't put the effort into relationships and is clearly in denial about her pregnancy and the imminent birth. But she is also kind, loyal, not willing to back down from a fight and wants to fight for the forgotten people. I loved both of them. Its part of why I am so excited to go back and read the start of the series as I am sure you will find out so much about what shapes their characters.
This is a brilliant series and this is an issue which needs highlighted and it was empathetically done in this case. There was no gratuitous scenes as the horror of it was plainly and skilfully put across without needing to resort to that. The author has clearly researched a lot into mental health as the portrayal of those it affects in the book was realistic and sensitively done.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and this book deserves all the recognition it gets. Let me know if you pick it up.
October 26, 2021
“A suspicious mind conjures it’s own demons”
Oh my! I did not want this book to end! For something that isn’t my usual go-to genre, it sure did grip me!
Annoyingly, I didn’t realise until I got to the end of this book that it was the third in a trilogy. As I am sure you can imagine, this upset me greatly as I strongly dislike reading books out of order!
However! Even though this was the final instalment, I didn’t struggle reading it which meant that apart from the odd question here or there where I wondered what past event the characters were referring to, this book could also be read as a stand alone novel.
What I loved about this thriller was how there were so many different storylines that seemed so far from one another that they couldn’t possibly be linked yet when they all came together it was effortlessly accomplished. At no point in this book did I find it confusing which can sometimes be the case with thrillers, especially when there is so much going on. The writing was superb and I was fully committed right from the opening chapter - a real joy to read.
Another highlight for me was the twists! Oh boy, did they have me playing right into their hands! Nothing I guessed about this book was correct and that made me love every single second.
I loved it so much that I have since purchased the trilogy on paperback so that I can get stuck into the story right from the beginning! Fantastic work by M R Mackenzie - a very enthusiastic double thumbs up from me!
Oh my! I did not want this book to end! For something that isn’t my usual go-to genre, it sure did grip me!
Annoyingly, I didn’t realise until I got to the end of this book that it was the third in a trilogy. As I am sure you can imagine, this upset me greatly as I strongly dislike reading books out of order!
However! Even though this was the final instalment, I didn’t struggle reading it which meant that apart from the odd question here or there where I wondered what past event the characters were referring to, this book could also be read as a stand alone novel.
What I loved about this thriller was how there were so many different storylines that seemed so far from one another that they couldn’t possibly be linked yet when they all came together it was effortlessly accomplished. At no point in this book did I find it confusing which can sometimes be the case with thrillers, especially when there is so much going on. The writing was superb and I was fully committed right from the opening chapter - a real joy to read.
Another highlight for me was the twists! Oh boy, did they have me playing right into their hands! Nothing I guessed about this book was correct and that made me love every single second.
I loved it so much that I have since purchased the trilogy on paperback so that I can get stuck into the story right from the beginning! Fantastic work by M R Mackenzie - a very enthusiastic double thumbs up from me!
October 28, 2021
The story covers the uncomfortable side of life revolving around long term child abuse by a group of influential people known as The Shadow Men, and the efforts of a disparate group of three women who inadvertently fall into the task to uncover the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Anna and Zoe are old friends from very different backgrounds who team up with the rebellious, motor cycle mad Fin, when information they would rather put behind them, but cannot ignore, drives them into the murky world of corrupt policing and child abuse.
I loved the relationship between the main female characters who all had very different personalities and backgrounds but forged a strong and supportive friendship through their common goal. The plot moves along at a great pace as the trio work their way around the near impossible task of knowing who to trust.
The storyline is full of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end as to how the apparent endemic corruption can possibly be overcome. I was impressed at how the seemingly separate storylines that run through the book all tie up seamlessly.
I hadn’t realised that this was the third book in the series, so I’m looking forward to reading the first two books and learning more about the characters’ backgrounds.
The Shadow Men is a fabulously gripping, rollercoaster of a read that kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more. I’d recommend it to all crime fiction fans.
Anna and Zoe are old friends from very different backgrounds who team up with the rebellious, motor cycle mad Fin, when information they would rather put behind them, but cannot ignore, drives them into the murky world of corrupt policing and child abuse.
I loved the relationship between the main female characters who all had very different personalities and backgrounds but forged a strong and supportive friendship through their common goal. The plot moves along at a great pace as the trio work their way around the near impossible task of knowing who to trust.
The storyline is full of twists and turns that had me guessing until the end as to how the apparent endemic corruption can possibly be overcome. I was impressed at how the seemingly separate storylines that run through the book all tie up seamlessly.
I hadn’t realised that this was the third book in the series, so I’m looking forward to reading the first two books and learning more about the characters’ backgrounds.
The Shadow Men is a fabulously gripping, rollercoaster of a read that kept me on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more. I’d recommend it to all crime fiction fans.
October 21, 2021
I really, really enjoyed this book. I did not want to put it down, I could have sat and read it all in one go but I had to work and sleep unfortunately. I didn’t realise at first that it was the third book in the series but that didn’t detract from it, it can be read as a standalone. There are a couple of spoilers from the first two books but that won’t put me off going back to read them. It was atmospheric, gritty and dark but engaging and immersive. The storyline is like a jigsaw puzzle with all the different pieces coming together in lots of little ‘ahh moments’ and it all flows so well. I loved the way that later in the book certain things fall into place and you learn the significance of the events of the opening chapter. The characters are three dimensional and easily distinguishable from each other. I found all the female characters likeable and trustworthy but it was hard to know which of the male characters to truly trust. Anna is a very strong lead character, she is clever, independent and loyal but with her pregnancy, you see her more vulnerable side, not that that stops her. Overall I thought this was a fantastic thriller and would definitely recommend it.
October 20, 2021
The Shadow Men by M.R. Mackenzie was a really interesting read! This book is technically the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The Shadow Men follows the mysterious disappearance of a young police officer, Derek Sullivan. The lead investigating officer on the case turns to the reluctant Anna Scavolini, a criminologist and lecturer, to help find out exactly what happened to Derek.
The beginning starts off slightly confusing with multiple small plots interwoven into the larger plot. The book is well-written and Mackenzie does a great job of wrapping any loose ends up. Most of the characters were interesting and likable and I found myself enjoying the book a lot because of the plot and great characters. The book was slightly lengthy, and I felt there were a few details that didn’t necessarily pertain to the book, but I still enjoyed it.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The beginning starts off slightly confusing with multiple small plots interwoven into the larger plot. The book is well-written and Mackenzie does a great job of wrapping any loose ends up. Most of the characters were interesting and likable and I found myself enjoying the book a lot because of the plot and great characters. The book was slightly lengthy, and I felt there were a few details that didn’t necessarily pertain to the book, but I still enjoyed it.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 17, 2021
The Shadow Men by MR Mackenzie
#ad #gifted
Trigger warnings - paedophillia and child abuse
This was a gripping thriller which developed over the whole book and kept me interested throughout. I loved all the characters and the relationships between them.
Although this is part of a series for one of the main characters, Anna, you can read as a stand alone which is what I have done. Despite not meeting Anna before, her character is well written and you very quickly get an idea of her strength and values. I warmed to her straight away and continued to root for her as the story developed. She shows great strength and bravery throughout even when she only has some of the puzzle pieces.
A really good read for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. Thank you to @m.r.mackenzie and @lovebookstours for a place on the tour in exchange for an honest review.
#ad #gifted
Trigger warnings - paedophillia and child abuse
This was a gripping thriller which developed over the whole book and kept me interested throughout. I loved all the characters and the relationships between them.
Although this is part of a series for one of the main characters, Anna, you can read as a stand alone which is what I have done. Despite not meeting Anna before, her character is well written and you very quickly get an idea of her strength and values. I warmed to her straight away and continued to root for her as the story developed. She shows great strength and bravery throughout even when she only has some of the puzzle pieces.
A really good read for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. Thank you to @m.r.mackenzie and @lovebookstours for a place on the tour in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
Trigger Warnings: Paedophilia and child abuse.
This didn't go in a direction I was expecting, and I found it quite hard to read at times. However, the plots were interwoven well and tied up at end.
I warmed to Anna and was invested in her uncovering the truth. I liked how everything was interlinked - it seemed quite natural rather than forced. It is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
There were some jarring moments (see TW) and I felt the story was longer than it should have been. I didn't particularly warm to Zoe and Fin, and I found it odd that one character seemed to disappear for a good chunk of the book then suddenly reappear.
Overall, it's well written and the different story lines are linked together nicely, but I felt there were irrelevant parts which made it too long. I think the subject of the crime also put me off a bit.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This didn't go in a direction I was expecting, and I found it quite hard to read at times. However, the plots were interwoven well and tied up at end.
I warmed to Anna and was invested in her uncovering the truth. I liked how everything was interlinked - it seemed quite natural rather than forced. It is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
There were some jarring moments (see TW) and I felt the story was longer than it should have been. I didn't particularly warm to Zoe and Fin, and I found it odd that one character seemed to disappear for a good chunk of the book then suddenly reappear.
Overall, it's well written and the different story lines are linked together nicely, but I felt there were irrelevant parts which made it too long. I think the subject of the crime also put me off a bit.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 1, 2021
This is the third in the Anna Scavolini mysteries, but reads well as a standalone.
Another new Scottish crime writer for me & I'm not complaining; I love the setting & the accent!
The chapters are written by date but not chronologically, so you do have to follow the interweaving stories quite closely at first. In fact, you do wonder how on earth all the threads will join together at the end, but, of course, they do.
Anna is a criminology lecturer & is persuaded to help the police investigate the disappearance of one of their own, as she was his dissertation supervisor. She is also involved through another route - her estranged best friend, Zoe, has got herself mixed up in things she shouldn’t have & disappears too.
The characters are great & the story itself is an easy read, despite some of the subject matter. You can sense the relationships building through the banter & Zoe is a joy, with her no holds barred attitude.
I’ll certainly read more by this author. Recommended.
Another new Scottish crime writer for me & I'm not complaining; I love the setting & the accent!
The chapters are written by date but not chronologically, so you do have to follow the interweaving stories quite closely at first. In fact, you do wonder how on earth all the threads will join together at the end, but, of course, they do.
Anna is a criminology lecturer & is persuaded to help the police investigate the disappearance of one of their own, as she was his dissertation supervisor. She is also involved through another route - her estranged best friend, Zoe, has got herself mixed up in things she shouldn’t have & disappears too.
The characters are great & the story itself is an easy read, despite some of the subject matter. You can sense the relationships building through the banter & Zoe is a joy, with her no holds barred attitude.
I’ll certainly read more by this author. Recommended.
November 4, 2021
As part of the Anna Scavolini series, this can be read as part of the series or is just as easy to read as a standalone novel. The story follows several different sub plots which are eventually pulled together. The main plot follows the protagonist Anna and her search for answers with lots of obstacles along the way. I felt that the characters were very well written and developed making them realistic. Although I felt that the different sub plots alongside each other was a clever concept, I did, at times get a little lost which I felt slowed down the pace of the story in places. I loved the vivid descriptions and felt that this added greatly to the story as the reader is able to visualise not only what is going on but where the action is happening. Overall, an enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good investigative crime story.
October 20, 2021
This was a very interesting read and I certainly didn’t guess what would happen. The book follows the disappearance of Derek, a policeman who appears to have disappeared into thin air. Anna, his quite pregnant tutor, thinks there’s more to it. Alongside this runs another story of an web of sex offenders who used schools and school children for their activities and Zoe who is trying to unravel and get justice. Without spoilers, the story comes together. I will be finding other books by this author to read as it was a good read!
October 20, 2021
Before I get into the review please be aware of the
⛔️ Trigger Warnings ⛔️
Paedophilia & Child Abuse
This book certainly was difficult to read at times and I understand it won’t be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.
This book starts off with lots of little stories which eventually come together to form one, which personally I really like. I particularly enjoyed the character development and I found @m.r.mackenzie writing style really easy to flow with.
A HUGE thank you to @lovebookstours & @m.r.mackenzie for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⛔️ Trigger Warnings ⛔️
Paedophilia & Child Abuse
This book certainly was difficult to read at times and I understand it won’t be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.
This book starts off with lots of little stories which eventually come together to form one, which personally I really like. I particularly enjoyed the character development and I found @m.r.mackenzie writing style really easy to flow with.
A HUGE thank you to @lovebookstours & @m.r.mackenzie for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
Although this was the third in the Anna Scavolini series, I didn't feel I'd missed anything by not reading the other two books first. This was the first book I've read by this author, but will definitely be checking out his other works.
I found the book compelling, gripping & quite disturbing in places. A hard hitting yet believable plot line, with some complex characters, made for a realistic reading experience.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings of Paedophilia & Child abuse.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
I found the book compelling, gripping & quite disturbing in places. A hard hitting yet believable plot line, with some complex characters, made for a realistic reading experience.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings of Paedophilia & Child abuse.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
October 27, 2021
My Review - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book, there's a couple of storylines that run parallel to each other before coming together in the last third of the book.
Fabulous characters, I loved Zoe and enjoyed reading the book with her Scottish accent and I loved Anna and her determination to uncover the truth and would definitely like to read the other books that have Anna as the main character.
Lots of twists to keep you guessing and on your toes - it would make an amazing TV series and would definitely be one you would binge watch!
⚠️ trigger warnings - Child abuse and paedophilia⚠️
I absolutely loved this book, there's a couple of storylines that run parallel to each other before coming together in the last third of the book.
Fabulous characters, I loved Zoe and enjoyed reading the book with her Scottish accent and I loved Anna and her determination to uncover the truth and would definitely like to read the other books that have Anna as the main character.
Lots of twists to keep you guessing and on your toes - it would make an amazing TV series and would definitely be one you would binge watch!
⚠️ trigger warnings - Child abuse and paedophilia⚠️
November 1, 2021
The third book in the Anna Scavolini series takes Anna into a hidden criminal world that preys on the most vulnerable. This book explores institutional abuse and is disturbing reading. This story's menacing ethos intensifies as powerful men fight the investigation into their activities. Believable characters make this story authentic, poignant and relevant. The plot draws all its elements together to create an impactful ending.
Complex protagonists, evil antagonists and a relentless investigation make this a compelling read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Complex protagonists, evil antagonists and a relentless investigation make this a compelling read.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2022
This is book 3 in the Anna Scavolini series and my favourite. Anna is undergoing a marked change in her life and Zoe is determined to uncover the truth in a horrific historical series of crimes. I was on tenterhooks throughout. Zoe and Anna are a great couple of characters
November 1, 2021
This is the first I’ve read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last. Whilst this is the third in the series featuring Anna Scavolini, it can be read as a stand alone.
To begin with there are a series of seemingly unconnected stories, but as the storyline progresses they begin to connect, creating one of the most gripping and gritty crime books I have read. The characters of Anna and Zoe were excellent – such different personalities working together and bound by friendship - and I’m keen to read the previous books to learn more about them.
This was a book that I couldn’t put down and one that I didn’t want to end.
To begin with there are a series of seemingly unconnected stories, but as the storyline progresses they begin to connect, creating one of the most gripping and gritty crime books I have read. The characters of Anna and Zoe were excellent – such different personalities working together and bound by friendship - and I’m keen to read the previous books to learn more about them.
This was a book that I couldn’t put down and one that I didn’t want to end.
October 29, 2021
🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅃🄾🅄🅁 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪 𝗠𝗘𝗡
M. R. Mackenzie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When I began reading The Shadow Men, I had no idea it was the third book in a series centring on character Anna Scavolini. I felt the story worked perfectly as a standalone book, although I intend to read books one and two to clarify some past events and references made by characters in this book.
The characters are written very well, and have such crisp and full personalities that it was difficult not to like them. Well, some of them anyway. Anna is a strong woman, educated, refined, and driven, and while she doesn’t initially think she has anything to offer the police in the search for PC Derek Sullivan, she is nonetheless compelled to do anything she can to help, all while struggling with her pregnancy. Her long term friend Zoe is very different, rough around the edges, proud of being a working class Glaswegian, but equally driven in her own quest to uncover the truth about an abuse network at her old school. I think I would like both of them, especially how even through their estrangement, they remained protective.
The story captured my attention very quickly and held on to me right the way through. There are lots of different sub plots which seem completely unconnected, but they wind together, making you sit back and see the connections in an "ahhh of course" moment. It’s a very satisfying read. There were plenty of twists which completely threw my assumptions out of the window and kept me guessing.
Overall I think this is an excellent book, very well written and executed, and I recommend it to all readers of crime thrillers, with the caveat of trigger warnings concerning serious sexual assaults on children. I gave The Shadow Men, by M. R. Mackenzie five stars.
#ad #gifted #theshadowmen #mrmackenzie #madhouse #lovebookstours #bookgenre #booklover #bookstagrammers #johnsbookshelf #bookstabloggers #bookreader #blogtour #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookshelf #bookaddict #igreads #bookblog #readabook #johnsbookshelfblogs #bookaholic #fortheloveofbooks #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookpost #blogpost
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪 𝗠𝗘𝗡
M. R. Mackenzie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When I began reading The Shadow Men, I had no idea it was the third book in a series centring on character Anna Scavolini. I felt the story worked perfectly as a standalone book, although I intend to read books one and two to clarify some past events and references made by characters in this book.
The characters are written very well, and have such crisp and full personalities that it was difficult not to like them. Well, some of them anyway. Anna is a strong woman, educated, refined, and driven, and while she doesn’t initially think she has anything to offer the police in the search for PC Derek Sullivan, she is nonetheless compelled to do anything she can to help, all while struggling with her pregnancy. Her long term friend Zoe is very different, rough around the edges, proud of being a working class Glaswegian, but equally driven in her own quest to uncover the truth about an abuse network at her old school. I think I would like both of them, especially how even through their estrangement, they remained protective.
The story captured my attention very quickly and held on to me right the way through. There are lots of different sub plots which seem completely unconnected, but they wind together, making you sit back and see the connections in an "ahhh of course" moment. It’s a very satisfying read. There were plenty of twists which completely threw my assumptions out of the window and kept me guessing.
Overall I think this is an excellent book, very well written and executed, and I recommend it to all readers of crime thrillers, with the caveat of trigger warnings concerning serious sexual assaults on children. I gave The Shadow Men, by M. R. Mackenzie five stars.
#ad #gifted #theshadowmen #mrmackenzie #madhouse #lovebookstours #bookgenre #booklover #bookstagrammers #johnsbookshelf #bookstabloggers #bookreader #blogtour #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookshelf #bookaddict #igreads #bookblog #readabook #johnsbookshelfblogs #bookaholic #fortheloveofbooks #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookpost #blogpost
November 9, 2021
An Anna Scavolini mystery. What a chunky read this was. Immediately your faces with descriptions of Glasgow 2015 vividly describing the setting with the introduction to who Gil is and what’s happened at the scene of a road traffic accident. All of this before entering part one ‘the missing’.
For me I felt an instant personal connection to this book as I’ve just started my second criminology module. You quickly meet Anna and discover a police officer is missing really on in the book so you’re attention is instantly captured. I took an instant disliking to Vasilico I didn’t like his belittling ways. This book is huge, so you’ll probably read it over two days.
I loved the level of detail in every bit of Anna’s moves. The briefing with the police, how her relationship with Vasilico evolved over every chapter. Anna’s personal mystery kept me thinking was it in relation to the disappearance. You really start to feel like your walking in Anna’s shoes. The fact every chapter varied in length made this exciting for me, I knew every slightly bigger chapter was going to lead one step closer.
Although the third in the series you can read it as a stand-alone. I will be going back and reading the first two though. This book is incredible. The detail, the build up, the anticipation, every bit of new evidence that gets revealed just keeps getting better and better throughout.
For me I felt an instant personal connection to this book as I’ve just started my second criminology module. You quickly meet Anna and discover a police officer is missing really on in the book so you’re attention is instantly captured. I took an instant disliking to Vasilico I didn’t like his belittling ways. This book is huge, so you’ll probably read it over two days.
I loved the level of detail in every bit of Anna’s moves. The briefing with the police, how her relationship with Vasilico evolved over every chapter. Anna’s personal mystery kept me thinking was it in relation to the disappearance. You really start to feel like your walking in Anna’s shoes. The fact every chapter varied in length made this exciting for me, I knew every slightly bigger chapter was going to lead one step closer.
Although the third in the series you can read it as a stand-alone. I will be going back and reading the first two though. This book is incredible. The detail, the build up, the anticipation, every bit of new evidence that gets revealed just keeps getting better and better throughout.
November 11, 2021
A great read once you get into it, at first I was a bit lost between the chapters. The story line is very complex and covers some really sensitive topics, but I loved how it all came together. I understand that this is book 3 in series, however when reading it you would never think it was. A gripping read once you get into it and I most definitely will be looking out for the other two books.
I received a gifted copy of this book in collaboration with Love Books Tours.
I received a gifted copy of this book in collaboration with Love Books Tours.
March 18, 2024
Truly well written.
The Shadow Men by M.R. MacKenzie. Great book I'm going onto book four in the series and they've all been brilliant, it was a bit of a heavy subject this one but truly well written. We all know this stuff goes on in real life and it's covered up in real life just like in the book and the people that make the laws in this country are making them to protect themselves. I'd thoroughly recommend this book and series to anyone.
The Shadow Men by M.R. MacKenzie. Great book I'm going onto book four in the series and they've all been brilliant, it was a bit of a heavy subject this one but truly well written. We all know this stuff goes on in real life and it's covered up in real life just like in the book and the people that make the laws in this country are making them to protect themselves. I'd thoroughly recommend this book and series to anyone.
April 16, 2024
This is the third novel and I was gripped by the pace and plotting. The characters are deep and interesting and whilst the storyline was grim at times the black humour was well placed and welcome! This is not a typical procedural it’s a clever piece of writing that never gives in to cliche allowing it’s key players room to grow in their stories.
April 4, 2024
great book
I love Anna and Zoe and Fin this story shows how determination and persistence can pay off.. Anna and Zoe continue in their search for the sad truth
Good read. Can’t wait to read more
I love Anna and Zoe and Fin this story shows how determination and persistence can pay off.. Anna and Zoe continue in their search for the sad truth
Good read. Can’t wait to read more
March 8, 2025
Another fantastic installment in this series of books. So many different elements of this story that tied together during the final stages so brilliantly. Again I absolutely love the Glasgow setting. A harrowing storyline but the author 100% did it justice.
December 17, 2025
This was the best in the series so far. The characters have found their niche and the plot was interesting with enough twists and turns to keep your interest. I was sort of waffling on whether or not to keep reading this series, but after this one will be reading more.
February 1, 2024
Great book. Didn’t see that coming!
May 15, 2024
Book 3
More of the same as the first two books well written good story believable characters. Will need to get the next installment soon.
More of the same as the first two books well written good story believable characters. Will need to get the next installment soon.
July 9, 2024
gripping
One minute am angry with all the women in the story next am all for them a great read as are the other books
One minute am angry with all the women in the story next am all for them a great read as are the other books
October 27, 2021
When a young police officer goes missing, his teacher and criminologist called Anna is brought in to help. Meanwhile, Anna’s best friend Zoe finds out some troubling information about her brother’s past. Then Zoe goes missing too! The book follows Anna’s quest to find Zoe and whether her disappearance has anything to do with the missing police officer? Oh and Anna is pregnant too, which adds a third (or fourth now?) element to the story to keep us readers on our toes!
Although this is book 3 of a series, it’s okay to read it as a standalone and I think it would be a great tv adaption! The characters are so well developed and their stories are written so creatively and the intertwining of the plot lines really works well.
Although this is book 3 of a series, it’s okay to read it as a standalone and I think it would be a great tv adaption! The characters are so well developed and their stories are written so creatively and the intertwining of the plot lines really works well.
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