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DS Max Craigie #1
Dead Man's Grave
This grave can never be opened.
The head of Scotland’s most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.
This murder can never be forgotten.
Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing’s for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won’t be the last…
This killer can never be caught.
As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues – to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives…
The head of Scotland’s most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.
This murder can never be forgotten.
Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing’s for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won’t be the last…
This killer can never be caught.
As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues – to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives…
376 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2021
1288 people are currently reading
3303 people want to read
About the author
Neil Lancaster
16 books467 followersNeil was born in Liverpool in the 1960s. He recently left the Metropolitan Police where he served for over twenty-five years, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond.
Neil acted as a surveillance and covert policing specialist, using all types of techniques to arrest and prosecute drug dealers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and murderers. During his career, he successfully prosecuted several wealthy and corrupt members of the legal profession who were involved in organised immigration crime. These prosecutions led to jail sentences, multi-million pound asset confiscations and disbarments.
Since retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Neil has relocated to the Scottish Highlands with his wife and son, where he mixes freelance investigations with writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 660 reviews
June 21, 2021
*4.5 stars *
A missing person enquiry leads DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder to an ancient and abandoned burial ground, by the remains of an old chapel, located in a very remote spot in the Scottish Highlands. They discover a headstone with the inscription “This Grave Can Never Be Opened”!
The missing person in question is notorious gangster Tam Hardie, head of Scotland’s most powerful and ‘influential’ crime family - nothing happens without Hardie’s say so. Looks like someone did open the Grave though, as Tam Hardie’s decomposing body is discovered beneath the heavy slab of granite covering the grave, in what turns out to be a centuries old feud. One thing’s for certain, the Hardie family will not take this well, they already have connections to numerous murders, and someone murdering the head of their family will not be tolerated - retribution will be had!
Former soldier, (now DS) Max Craigie, was stationed at Helmand Province, Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban, and experienced some horrific and tragic events, so he has his demons to fight, not least the terrifying nightmares that leave him shaking with cold cloying sweats. However, he’ll need to dig really deep to tackle this investigation, that exposes corruption, which extends to senior officer level within the Scottish Police Service. This is corruption that involves the Hardie family, and certainly impacts the increasing body count in the investigation. The good guys are determined to bring down the Hardie family, but to do that, they need to bring down each and every dirty cop, who are feeding information to the Hardie’s and who are, in effect, derailing the whole investigation.
Though complex, this is a cracking start to this new series, a police procedural of exceptional quality, with an array of characters that fit their roles perfectly. Author, Neil Lancaster, deftly navigates this tense and tight plot, and the last few chapters had me reading at an ever increasing pace, such was its intensity. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
A missing person enquiry leads DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder to an ancient and abandoned burial ground, by the remains of an old chapel, located in a very remote spot in the Scottish Highlands. They discover a headstone with the inscription “This Grave Can Never Be Opened”!
The missing person in question is notorious gangster Tam Hardie, head of Scotland’s most powerful and ‘influential’ crime family - nothing happens without Hardie’s say so. Looks like someone did open the Grave though, as Tam Hardie’s decomposing body is discovered beneath the heavy slab of granite covering the grave, in what turns out to be a centuries old feud. One thing’s for certain, the Hardie family will not take this well, they already have connections to numerous murders, and someone murdering the head of their family will not be tolerated - retribution will be had!
Former soldier, (now DS) Max Craigie, was stationed at Helmand Province, Afghanistan, fighting the Taliban, and experienced some horrific and tragic events, so he has his demons to fight, not least the terrifying nightmares that leave him shaking with cold cloying sweats. However, he’ll need to dig really deep to tackle this investigation, that exposes corruption, which extends to senior officer level within the Scottish Police Service. This is corruption that involves the Hardie family, and certainly impacts the increasing body count in the investigation. The good guys are determined to bring down the Hardie family, but to do that, they need to bring down each and every dirty cop, who are feeding information to the Hardie’s and who are, in effect, derailing the whole investigation.
Though complex, this is a cracking start to this new series, a police procedural of exceptional quality, with an array of characters that fit their roles perfectly. Author, Neil Lancaster, deftly navigates this tense and tight plot, and the last few chapters had me reading at an ever increasing pace, such was its intensity. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 25, 2022
EXCERPT: His attention shifted as his eyes moved to a gravestone that stood proudly erect a few metres ahead of him, it's inscription still fairly clear. Quickening his pace, he missed his footing and his boot caught the corner of something hard and flat that was almost entirely covered by weeds and thick moss. 'Shite,' he hissed as he fell to the damp earth in a painful heap, cracking his knee on the edge of a flat, partially concealed gravestone. Still muttering suppressed oaths, feeling suddenly a little guilty about blaspheming on consecrated ground, he looked at the memorial with renewed interest. Unlike the other more exposed and upright stones, the word 'Grave' was still clearly and crisply edged, almost as if the mason had only recently finished with his hammer and chisel.
With rising excitement, he got to his feet and began to scrape the thick moss from the large, flat granite surface. He pulled his old clasp knife from his Barbour pocket, extended the worn blade and began hacking away at the vegetation.
After a couple of minutes of furious scraping and chopping, his work was done. Tam Hardie stood, a mix of apprehension and excitement beginning to take hold as he saw the six words that his grandfather had assured him would be there.
This Grave Never to be Opened
There were no names, no dates, nothing beyond that foreboding statement. His breathing quickened painfully as he tried to suck in the damp air. This was the place. Without a doubt, this was it.
ABOUT 'DEAD MAN'S GRAVE': This grave can never be opened.
The head of Scotland’s most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.
This murder can never be forgotten.
Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing’s for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won’t be the last…
This killer can never be caught.
As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues – to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives…
MY THOUGHTS: Neil Lancaster is one of those authors who grab me from the get go, and don't let me go until I close the cover on the very last page.
Dead Man's Grave is the first in the DS Max Craigie series, and what an introduction to Max! He's a bit like a bull terrier - once he gets his teeth into something, he just doesn't let go.
Max has always wanted to be one of the 'good guys' - that's why he joined the police force in the first place. He has a strong personal moral code and is not afraid to stand up against higher authorities for what he believes in. He has a sly sense of humour, and can take, as well as give, a good ribbing.
Ross Fraser, Max's boss, and Max have a strong relationship, having served together in the Armed Forces. Their camaraderie doesn't, however, prevent Ross from giving Max a good bawling out when he thinks he deserves it.
Janie Calder is Max's offsider. She's a highly intelligent and intuitive woman on the fast track program, which earns her a lot of stick, not always well-intentioned, from her colleagues. She's loyal to Max and an interesting character in her own right.
I'm not usually a fan of novels based around organised crime and gangs, but Dead Man's Grave is so much more than that. Yes, it's a tense, taut and gritty thriller, but it's also a character study of a man who serves his country with every fibre of his being, and continues to do so in the face of every obstacle.
Angus King does a superb job of the narration, and I will certainly be looking out for other audiobooks he narrates.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#DeadMansGrave #NetGalley
I: @neil_lancaster_crime @harpercollinsuk
T: @neillancaster66 @HarperCollinsUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #policeprocedural #scottishnoir #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Neil was born in Liverpool in the 1960s. He recently left the Metropolitan Police where he served for over twenty-five years, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond.
Neil acted as a surveillance and covert policing specialist, using all types of techniques to arrest and prosecute drug dealers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and murderers. During his career, he successfully prosecuted several wealthy and corrupt members of the legal profession who were involved in organised immigration crime. These prosecutions led to jail sentences, multi-million pound asset confiscations and disbarments.
Since retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Neil has relocated to the Scottish Highlands with his wife and son, where he mixes freelance investigations with writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Dead Man's Grave by Neil Lancaster for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkH9UQYL8...
With rising excitement, he got to his feet and began to scrape the thick moss from the large, flat granite surface. He pulled his old clasp knife from his Barbour pocket, extended the worn blade and began hacking away at the vegetation.
After a couple of minutes of furious scraping and chopping, his work was done. Tam Hardie stood, a mix of apprehension and excitement beginning to take hold as he saw the six words that his grandfather had assured him would be there.
This Grave Never to be Opened
There were no names, no dates, nothing beyond that foreboding statement. His breathing quickened painfully as he tried to suck in the damp air. This was the place. Without a doubt, this was it.
ABOUT 'DEAD MAN'S GRAVE': This grave can never be opened.
The head of Scotland’s most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery.
This murder can never be forgotten.
Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One thing’s for certain: it might be the latest killing, but it won’t be the last…
This killer can never be caught.
As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues – to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives…
MY THOUGHTS: Neil Lancaster is one of those authors who grab me from the get go, and don't let me go until I close the cover on the very last page.
Dead Man's Grave is the first in the DS Max Craigie series, and what an introduction to Max! He's a bit like a bull terrier - once he gets his teeth into something, he just doesn't let go.
Max has always wanted to be one of the 'good guys' - that's why he joined the police force in the first place. He has a strong personal moral code and is not afraid to stand up against higher authorities for what he believes in. He has a sly sense of humour, and can take, as well as give, a good ribbing.
Ross Fraser, Max's boss, and Max have a strong relationship, having served together in the Armed Forces. Their camaraderie doesn't, however, prevent Ross from giving Max a good bawling out when he thinks he deserves it.
Janie Calder is Max's offsider. She's a highly intelligent and intuitive woman on the fast track program, which earns her a lot of stick, not always well-intentioned, from her colleagues. She's loyal to Max and an interesting character in her own right.
I'm not usually a fan of novels based around organised crime and gangs, but Dead Man's Grave is so much more than that. Yes, it's a tense, taut and gritty thriller, but it's also a character study of a man who serves his country with every fibre of his being, and continues to do so in the face of every obstacle.
Angus King does a superb job of the narration, and I will certainly be looking out for other audiobooks he narrates.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#DeadMansGrave #NetGalley
I: @neil_lancaster_crime @harpercollinsuk
T: @neillancaster66 @HarperCollinsUK
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #policeprocedural #scottishnoir #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Neil was born in Liverpool in the 1960s. He recently left the Metropolitan Police where he served for over twenty-five years, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond.
Neil acted as a surveillance and covert policing specialist, using all types of techniques to arrest and prosecute drug dealers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and murderers. During his career, he successfully prosecuted several wealthy and corrupt members of the legal profession who were involved in organised immigration crime. These prosecutions led to jail sentences, multi-million pound asset confiscations and disbarments.
Since retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Neil has relocated to the Scottish Highlands with his wife and son, where he mixes freelance investigations with writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Dead Man's Grave by Neil Lancaster for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkH9UQYL8...
November 30, 2021
Am I a sucker for Scotland or is anything Scotland so atmospheric, even a bleak cemetery?
This Grave Never to be Opened.
Anyone who puts that line on the headstone begs for the grave to be opened don't you think?
This is a brilliant crime fiction and police procedural thriller. DS Max Craigie and partner DC Janie Calder investigate a missing crime boss Tam Hardie. Although his son Tam Hardie Jr. seems to be ahead of the game or appears to have an inside contact with Police Scotland. Who can they trust? At the heart of it, it's a multi-generation feud of Scottish crime families, corrupted police, a gripping tale, and good action. Edge of your seat worthy. I enjoyed Max and Janie's character, the pace, and how well this is written.
Author, Neil Lancaster was with Metropolitan Police for over two decades. You just know that he has many good ideas for his upcoming books. Can't wait for the next! Oh, and don't miss the author's note!
Thank you HQ Digital, and Netgalley for a digital copy for review.
This Grave Never to be Opened.
Anyone who puts that line on the headstone begs for the grave to be opened don't you think?
This is a brilliant crime fiction and police procedural thriller. DS Max Craigie and partner DC Janie Calder investigate a missing crime boss Tam Hardie. Although his son Tam Hardie Jr. seems to be ahead of the game or appears to have an inside contact with Police Scotland. Who can they trust? At the heart of it, it's a multi-generation feud of Scottish crime families, corrupted police, a gripping tale, and good action. Edge of your seat worthy. I enjoyed Max and Janie's character, the pace, and how well this is written.
Author, Neil Lancaster was with Metropolitan Police for over two decades. You just know that he has many good ideas for his upcoming books. Can't wait for the next! Oh, and don't miss the author's note!
Thank you HQ Digital, and Netgalley for a digital copy for review.
May 30, 2021
Neil Lancaster writes a thrilling piece of Scottish crime fiction that just grabs you right from the start and never once lets go. It is the first in a series that features DS Max Craigie, an ex-military man who served in Afghanistan, suffering PTSD, plagued by horrifying nightmares, who has left the London Met after questions arose after a shooting incident. His wife, Katie, has not yet decided whether she wants to follow him up to Scotland and is taking time to consider her decision. Max is based in Gartcosh, and with the fast tracked DC Janie Calder, find himself at a bleak, isolated, abandoned graveyard at Ballachy, opening a grave with the inscription that it should never be opened. Given what occurs, the horrific body count that follows this act, Craigie is to find himself wondering if it would not been better if that grave had been left well alone, as he finds himself in grave danger and shunned by Police Scotland.
In the grave is the recently missing Tam 'Peeler' Hardie, the elderly head of Scotland's biggest crime family, controlling and distributing heroin and cocaine from their Glasgow base. He has been killed with a 200 year old cutlass, as part of a blood feud that goes back to the 19th century, from its beginnings in 1830, Tam Jnr, as the eldest of Hardie's 3 sons, is the new head of their criminal empire, with his brothers, Frankie and Davie as the enforcers. Intent on addressing any misapprehensions that they have been weakened by the murder of their father, the powerful and ruthless Tam Jnr chillingly demonstrates that this is not the case, and is not to be deflected from pursuing a monstrous bloody retribution for the death of his father, despite Police Scotland's quick arrest of the killer, a man with mental health issues.
As Craigie investigates and asks questions of the deaths that follow, he finds himself stymied and caught up in a scary level of police corruption that appears to run deep in the police force. Craigie, however, is a determined man. This is a fast paced, enjoyable and exciting crime read that is hard to let go of, it is engaging and entertaining, and I loved both main characters. Craigie finds both friendship and invaluable help from Janie, a strong and independent woman to be reckoned with. Whilst, as is often the case, you will have to suspend your sense of disbelief on occasions, this is a wonderful addition to the Scottish crime fiction genre and I look forward to encountering DS Max Craigie in his next case. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
In the grave is the recently missing Tam 'Peeler' Hardie, the elderly head of Scotland's biggest crime family, controlling and distributing heroin and cocaine from their Glasgow base. He has been killed with a 200 year old cutlass, as part of a blood feud that goes back to the 19th century, from its beginnings in 1830, Tam Jnr, as the eldest of Hardie's 3 sons, is the new head of their criminal empire, with his brothers, Frankie and Davie as the enforcers. Intent on addressing any misapprehensions that they have been weakened by the murder of their father, the powerful and ruthless Tam Jnr chillingly demonstrates that this is not the case, and is not to be deflected from pursuing a monstrous bloody retribution for the death of his father, despite Police Scotland's quick arrest of the killer, a man with mental health issues.
As Craigie investigates and asks questions of the deaths that follow, he finds himself stymied and caught up in a scary level of police corruption that appears to run deep in the police force. Craigie, however, is a determined man. This is a fast paced, enjoyable and exciting crime read that is hard to let go of, it is engaging and entertaining, and I loved both main characters. Craigie finds both friendship and invaluable help from Janie, a strong and independent woman to be reckoned with. Whilst, as is often the case, you will have to suspend your sense of disbelief on occasions, this is a wonderful addition to the Scottish crime fiction genre and I look forward to encountering DS Max Craigie in his next case. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
June 9, 2021
Tam Hardie is the head of the biggest Scottish OCG and is on a quest into the past. He finds a burial ground in the far north and a grave marked ‘this grave never to be opened’ .... it is the last thing he sees on this earth. His death unleashes a vendetta pursued by his ruthless son Tam Jr and a net of corruption that spreads far and wide. DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder of the Serious Crimes Team at Gartcosh are instructed by boss DI Ross Fraser to carefully tread in a close enquiry.
This is an excellent police procedural mystery thriller that is very hard to put down. The settings are fantastic, I love the coast beyond Inverness, the Black Isle and as for the dolphins as Chanonry Point, be still my beating heart! The characterisation is excellent, there’s gruff but solid camaraderie between Ross and Max forged as ex soldiers, both having served in dangerous places. Max is suffering from PTSD and has recurring nightmares which is all handled very sympathetically. They both feel real and authentic characters with Max going in boldly where others may fear to tread and I like the banter between them. The growing friendship and trust between Max and Janie is terrific as they power up the A9 like Batman and Robina. The police procedures feel real too which is no surprise as the author is an ex-officer! The action is vivid, the plot engaging and there’s an historical background which adds to the intriguing interest of the plot. It’s gritty and violent in places as the new gangland boss flexes his considerable muscles. There are numerous plot twists in a clever, fast paced and exciting plot. It becomes very tense as Max gives voice to the feelings he’s suppressed about the situation they find themselves in as the White Hats take on the Black. It remains tense and high octane until the end, suspend some disbelief and just go with the flow for an exhilarating finish. I like the way it ends and count me in at the head of the queue for number two!!!
Overall, a terrific read which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ, HQ Digital for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is an excellent police procedural mystery thriller that is very hard to put down. The settings are fantastic, I love the coast beyond Inverness, the Black Isle and as for the dolphins as Chanonry Point, be still my beating heart! The characterisation is excellent, there’s gruff but solid camaraderie between Ross and Max forged as ex soldiers, both having served in dangerous places. Max is suffering from PTSD and has recurring nightmares which is all handled very sympathetically. They both feel real and authentic characters with Max going in boldly where others may fear to tread and I like the banter between them. The growing friendship and trust between Max and Janie is terrific as they power up the A9 like Batman and Robina. The police procedures feel real too which is no surprise as the author is an ex-officer! The action is vivid, the plot engaging and there’s an historical background which adds to the intriguing interest of the plot. It’s gritty and violent in places as the new gangland boss flexes his considerable muscles. There are numerous plot twists in a clever, fast paced and exciting plot. It becomes very tense as Max gives voice to the feelings he’s suppressed about the situation they find themselves in as the White Hats take on the Black. It remains tense and high octane until the end, suspend some disbelief and just go with the flow for an exhilarating finish. I like the way it ends and count me in at the head of the queue for number two!!!
Overall, a terrific read which I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ, HQ Digital for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 11, 2022
Buried in the Past.
An ages-old feud between two Scottish families is unearthed when a top crime boss is found murdered in an unnamed grave.
It’s marked, just not named.
This Grave Never to Be Opened.
The killer is apprehended quickly by Detective Max Craigie and his new partner Janie Calder and that should have been the end. Except it wasn’t.
When bodies connected to the murder start appearing, Max is less inclined to stop investigating even after his superiors tell him to move on to the next case. Which brings up another question: Why is new evidence being ignored?
More than a ‘Who Dunnit’, this is a sharply focused police procedural with an expert eye for the hierarchies within a department. Good cops, bad cops, and corruption at many levels.
The author was previously a Metropolitan police detective investigating serious crimes in addition to serving in the military police so I would recommend this to those connoisseurs of police tactical methods.
I loved the Scotland setting along with some humorous local slang. This quote is one of many:
‘You okay Guvnor?’ Max said, smiling at Fraser’s worn and unpolished Oxford shoes. Sartorial elegance was not at the top of Ross Fraser’s priority list.
‘No I’m fucking not and none of that cockney Met “Guvnor” shite either…. You’re in Police Scotland now, no Sweeney bollocks in here pal.’
Max is an admirable character with along with his lovable dog. I look forward to the next in this new series and unlike other first books, this wrapped up well. No annoying loose strings or unfinished business.
I purchased a hardback copy from The Book Depository
An ages-old feud between two Scottish families is unearthed when a top crime boss is found murdered in an unnamed grave.
It’s marked, just not named.
This Grave Never to Be Opened.
The killer is apprehended quickly by Detective Max Craigie and his new partner Janie Calder and that should have been the end. Except it wasn’t.
When bodies connected to the murder start appearing, Max is less inclined to stop investigating even after his superiors tell him to move on to the next case. Which brings up another question: Why is new evidence being ignored?
More than a ‘Who Dunnit’, this is a sharply focused police procedural with an expert eye for the hierarchies within a department. Good cops, bad cops, and corruption at many levels.
The author was previously a Metropolitan police detective investigating serious crimes in addition to serving in the military police so I would recommend this to those connoisseurs of police tactical methods.
I loved the Scotland setting along with some humorous local slang. This quote is one of many:
‘You okay Guvnor?’ Max said, smiling at Fraser’s worn and unpolished Oxford shoes. Sartorial elegance was not at the top of Ross Fraser’s priority list.
‘No I’m fucking not and none of that cockney Met “Guvnor” shite either…. You’re in Police Scotland now, no Sweeney bollocks in here pal.’
Max is an admirable character with along with his lovable dog. I look forward to the next in this new series and unlike other first books, this wrapped up well. No annoying loose strings or unfinished business.
I purchased a hardback copy from The Book Depository
February 22, 2024
The cancer-riddled, elderly man was searching Scotland's Highlands for a particular grave. He knew he didn't have long to live, and he needed to find that which his ancestors had spoken of. When he finally chanced on the long forgotten cemetery, and found the grave he was seeking, he had no idea that his life was over.
When Tam Hardie, eldest son of the crime magnate who'd been in control for many years, reported his father missing, Detective Sergeant Max Craigie and his offsider, DC Janie Calder headed for Caithness, the last place the phone had pinged. What they found there horrified them, and set the course of revenge for a long ago feud - back in the 1800s - that meant Tam Hardie and his brothers were set to remove any blood relative of the murderer. Their means was brutal, and when Max informed his superiors what was going on, he wasn't believed. He had to shut down the case. The murderer was caught, that was it. But it wasn't. What would Max do as he was threatened with losing his job; the career he loved?
Wow! Dead Man’s Grave, 1st in the DS Max Craigie series by new to me Scottish author Neil Lancaster, was outstanding! Max is an excellent character, a good cop, smart as a whip and determined! Janie is loyal, clever and also determined. And Nutmeg was adorable! There were gangs, bad guys, corruption up high - did I mention bad guys? I'm glad I have #2 here to read soon. Highly recommended.
When Tam Hardie, eldest son of the crime magnate who'd been in control for many years, reported his father missing, Detective Sergeant Max Craigie and his offsider, DC Janie Calder headed for Caithness, the last place the phone had pinged. What they found there horrified them, and set the course of revenge for a long ago feud - back in the 1800s - that meant Tam Hardie and his brothers were set to remove any blood relative of the murderer. Their means was brutal, and when Max informed his superiors what was going on, he wasn't believed. He had to shut down the case. The murderer was caught, that was it. But it wasn't. What would Max do as he was threatened with losing his job; the career he loved?
Wow! Dead Man’s Grave, 1st in the DS Max Craigie series by new to me Scottish author Neil Lancaster, was outstanding! Max is an excellent character, a good cop, smart as a whip and determined! Janie is loyal, clever and also determined. And Nutmeg was adorable! There were gangs, bad guys, corruption up high - did I mention bad guys? I'm glad I have #2 here to read soon. Highly recommended.
May 24, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4
This is a great police procedural thriller that sees DS Max Craigie at war with a well known local crime family. After being relatively new to this genre and having read a lot of police procedurals lately I am starting to notice what works and doesn't work for me. I prefer when the main characters have a bit of depth and potential for development or growth, as opposed to the cookie cutter donut eating police detective who behaves the same way but has a new bad person to put behind bars each book. I also like the actual police type investigation stuff to happen on-page such as crime scene descriptions and investigations etc. Actual detective work where the Reader gets to see the clues/evidence unfold and not just be told about it after the fact. This book hits both of these preferences. However, where it falls a little bit short (but does not affect my overall enjoyment) is on the character development of the criminals. It was like Laurel and Hardy were the heads of the crime family. While reading this I was reminded of an American police story that made it to NZ newspaper reports about 20 years ago. The US police were casually pursuing a criminal on the run in a stolen vehicle. They were fairly casual in their pursuit because the buffoon was indicating 3 seconds in advance before changing lanes or making turns thereby making him easy to follow. I prefer intelligent, polished, charismatic, calculating criminals with vicious under tones. Not the obvious big beefcake bruiser types. I still really enjoyed this and will continue on with the series. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to read beyond YA fiction but also think a lot of these crime novels would be enjoyed by senior high school students too, but they need to read the content warnings.
CW:
This is a great police procedural thriller that sees DS Max Craigie at war with a well known local crime family. After being relatively new to this genre and having read a lot of police procedurals lately I am starting to notice what works and doesn't work for me. I prefer when the main characters have a bit of depth and potential for development or growth, as opposed to the cookie cutter donut eating police detective who behaves the same way but has a new bad person to put behind bars each book. I also like the actual police type investigation stuff to happen on-page such as crime scene descriptions and investigations etc. Actual detective work where the Reader gets to see the clues/evidence unfold and not just be told about it after the fact. This book hits both of these preferences. However, where it falls a little bit short (but does not affect my overall enjoyment) is on the character development of the criminals. It was like Laurel and Hardy were the heads of the crime family. While reading this I was reminded of an American police story that made it to NZ newspaper reports about 20 years ago. The US police were casually pursuing a criminal on the run in a stolen vehicle. They were fairly casual in their pursuit because the buffoon was indicating 3 seconds in advance before changing lanes or making turns thereby making him easy to follow. I prefer intelligent, polished, charismatic, calculating criminals with vicious under tones. Not the obvious big beefcake bruiser types. I still really enjoyed this and will continue on with the series. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to read beyond YA fiction but also think a lot of these crime novels would be enjoyed by senior high school students too, but they need to read the content warnings.
CW:
August 29, 2022
Dead Man’s Grave by Neil Lancaster is a taut well written crime procedural that I was invested in from the very beginning to the end the characters were well developed & likeable, the setting in Scotland always draws me to a book thought I was there.
DCI Max Craigie & his partner DCJanie Calder are called to a burial ground near a church to look for a missing person they see a grave that says NEVER TO BE OPENED, but that doesn’t deter Max & Janie they open it to find the body of a notorious drug lord Tam Hardie he is the most wanted gangster in Scotland .
The. Ore Max & Janie look into the murder that corruption is rife in this case, who Killed Hardie & why?
This was a compelling read from start to finish enjoyed every minute the characters were well fleshed out & likeable loved the setting of Scotland that a
ways draws me to a 📚 it was very atmospheric & thought I was there I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this wonderful new series.
Max was a colonial in the armed forces he still suffers PTSD due to his service in Iraq && Afghanistan but still did his job admirably .
DCI Max Craigie & his partner DCJanie Calder are called to a burial ground near a church to look for a missing person they see a grave that says NEVER TO BE OPENED, but that doesn’t deter Max & Janie they open it to find the body of a notorious drug lord Tam Hardie he is the most wanted gangster in Scotland .
The. Ore Max & Janie look into the murder that corruption is rife in this case, who Killed Hardie & why?
This was a compelling read from start to finish enjoyed every minute the characters were well fleshed out & likeable loved the setting of Scotland that a
ways draws me to a 📚 it was very atmospheric & thought I was there I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this wonderful new series.
Max was a colonial in the armed forces he still suffers PTSD due to his service in Iraq && Afghanistan but still did his job admirably .
July 1, 2021
I’m afraid I’m badly out of step with most other reviewers here, but I really didn’t think Dead Man’s Grave was much good. I tried it because it came with strong endorsements from Ian Rankin and Jane Casey, both of whose work I admire very much, but this is nowhere near their league.
DS Max Craigie has just moved back to Scotland after time in the Met. Craigie is endowed with a range of abilities and qualities which are verging on the superhuman; intelligent, empathetic, a street-tough boxer, ex-army with an extraordinary array of skills as a result, with an ESP-like ability to sense when he is being watched, and so bursting with integrity it’s a wonder it doesn’t give him a nosebleed. He becomes embroiled in an investigation into Scotland’s toughest gangland family which reveals deep corruption within Police Scotland. He sets out to bring the whole lot down – as he tells us very regularly.
It started off reasonably well, but began to pall as implausibilities and clichés mounted up. I wouldn’t dream of including spoilers, so you will have to guess for yourself whether, for example, Max is Taken Off The Case or whether there is a Tense One-To-One Climax In A Deserted Location From Which He Only Narrowly Escapes. I just didn’t find any of it believable; not the characters, not the way in which things developed and not the over-convenient way in which Max Gets The Better Of His Opponents.
On top of this, the writing wasn’t very good. Neil Lancaster will insist on spelling things out for us which he’s already implied, and peppering this laboured prose with stale usage and cliché. Lots of people need to get their ducks in a row, for example, and characters eyes are often filled with hate while others keep being gripped by resolve or determination. He insists on telling us all these things rather than showing us. What is obviously a joke or banter is invariably followed by a description of someone chuckling or of a smile spreading across their face to make sure we’ve got the point – and ruining any lightness which may be intended. Dialogue is often pretty clunky, with people telling each other things they already know or talking in a way which doesn’t ring true. People spontaneously explain their motivations in painstaking detail, which no-one in real life ever does. Sententious speeches crop up pretty regularly, presumably because we need to be reminded what splendidly upright people the good guys are. (Did I mention that Max is gripped by a determination to bring all the bad guys down?) Even the title makes little sense as a thriller – I mean, graves are supposed to be for the dead, aren’t they?
I’m sorry to be so critical, but I really didn’t get on with Dead Man’s Grave. I struggled to the end, but I won’t be bothering with DS Craigie again.
(My thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC via NetGalley.)
DS Max Craigie has just moved back to Scotland after time in the Met. Craigie is endowed with a range of abilities and qualities which are verging on the superhuman; intelligent, empathetic, a street-tough boxer, ex-army with an extraordinary array of skills as a result, with an ESP-like ability to sense when he is being watched, and so bursting with integrity it’s a wonder it doesn’t give him a nosebleed. He becomes embroiled in an investigation into Scotland’s toughest gangland family which reveals deep corruption within Police Scotland. He sets out to bring the whole lot down – as he tells us very regularly.
It started off reasonably well, but began to pall as implausibilities and clichés mounted up. I wouldn’t dream of including spoilers, so you will have to guess for yourself whether, for example, Max is Taken Off The Case or whether there is a Tense One-To-One Climax In A Deserted Location From Which He Only Narrowly Escapes. I just didn’t find any of it believable; not the characters, not the way in which things developed and not the over-convenient way in which Max Gets The Better Of His Opponents.
On top of this, the writing wasn’t very good. Neil Lancaster will insist on spelling things out for us which he’s already implied, and peppering this laboured prose with stale usage and cliché. Lots of people need to get their ducks in a row, for example, and characters eyes are often filled with hate while others keep being gripped by resolve or determination. He insists on telling us all these things rather than showing us. What is obviously a joke or banter is invariably followed by a description of someone chuckling or of a smile spreading across their face to make sure we’ve got the point – and ruining any lightness which may be intended. Dialogue is often pretty clunky, with people telling each other things they already know or talking in a way which doesn’t ring true. People spontaneously explain their motivations in painstaking detail, which no-one in real life ever does. Sententious speeches crop up pretty regularly, presumably because we need to be reminded what splendidly upright people the good guys are. (Did I mention that Max is gripped by a determination to bring all the bad guys down?) Even the title makes little sense as a thriller – I mean, graves are supposed to be for the dead, aren’t they?
I’m sorry to be so critical, but I really didn’t get on with Dead Man’s Grave. I struggled to the end, but I won’t be bothering with DS Craigie again.
(My thanks to HQ Digital for an ARC via NetGalley.)
January 29, 2022
4.5 rounded up.
I just recently read The Blood Tide - book 2 of the DS Max Craigie series by this author and I loved it so much I had to buy the first book. Unfortunately I knew some of what would happen but it didn’t detract too much from what was an otherwise explosive story!
Tam Hardie (the villain of book 2) reports his sick father, Tam Hardie senior, missing. The decision of this criminal family to involve the police is a sign of how concerned they are. DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Scotland are tasked with tracking the elder Hardie down. It doesn’t pay to get on the wrong side of this family. The find him quickly, dead and entombed in a grave inscribed only with the words “this grave can never be opened”.
Without going into detail the killer is soon apprehended but he doesn’t resist, in fact he is as crazy as a loon! The death is to do with an old blood feud between the two families. Well Tam Jnr. (now just Tam) and the current head of the family swears vengeance and death on everyone in the killer’s family. Luckily there are not too many of them but still, the body count starts to rise. It soon becomes apparent that the Hardies are getting inside information to find their prey so quickly. Max is told to leave it alone but he doesn’t want more innocents to die so, with Janie’s help, he sets about trying to warn the others. This puts him in Hardie’s crosshairs and the lengths Hardie goes to illustrate that the police corruption goes to the highest levels.
Well we know there’s a book 2 and this story explains how the Policing Standards Reassurance Team of book 2 comes about. Sure, it’s just a police procedural but the book is so tightly plotted, so fast paced, so edge of seat with characters aplenty to both root for and to hate that it is really a cut above your everyday procedural. I love these characters! Max is crazy brave with mad fighting skills and he is very loyal to his friends. Janie is whip smart and can fight with the best of them - she knows Muay Thai! Their boss, DI Ross Fraser is an old warhorse with a heart of gold and he backs his troops to the hilt. And now - I can’t wait for book 3!
I just recently read The Blood Tide - book 2 of the DS Max Craigie series by this author and I loved it so much I had to buy the first book. Unfortunately I knew some of what would happen but it didn’t detract too much from what was an otherwise explosive story!
Tam Hardie (the villain of book 2) reports his sick father, Tam Hardie senior, missing. The decision of this criminal family to involve the police is a sign of how concerned they are. DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Scotland are tasked with tracking the elder Hardie down. It doesn’t pay to get on the wrong side of this family. The find him quickly, dead and entombed in a grave inscribed only with the words “this grave can never be opened”.
Without going into detail the killer is soon apprehended but he doesn’t resist, in fact he is as crazy as a loon! The death is to do with an old blood feud between the two families. Well Tam Jnr. (now just Tam) and the current head of the family swears vengeance and death on everyone in the killer’s family. Luckily there are not too many of them but still, the body count starts to rise. It soon becomes apparent that the Hardies are getting inside information to find their prey so quickly. Max is told to leave it alone but he doesn’t want more innocents to die so, with Janie’s help, he sets about trying to warn the others. This puts him in Hardie’s crosshairs and the lengths Hardie goes to illustrate that the police corruption goes to the highest levels.
Well we know there’s a book 2 and this story explains how the Policing Standards Reassurance Team of book 2 comes about. Sure, it’s just a police procedural but the book is so tightly plotted, so fast paced, so edge of seat with characters aplenty to both root for and to hate that it is really a cut above your everyday procedural. I love these characters! Max is crazy brave with mad fighting skills and he is very loyal to his friends. Janie is whip smart and can fight with the best of them - she knows Muay Thai! Their boss, DI Ross Fraser is an old warhorse with a heart of gold and he backs his troops to the hilt. And now - I can’t wait for book 3!
July 16, 2021
I loved this thrilling book, it had me gripped right from the first page. It reminded me a little of Martina Cole’s books but, these are set in Scotland. At times this book was gory but that didn’t bother me. This is another new author and I will definitely be seeking out his other books if they are like this one. Highly recommend this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
In brief - much better than I thought it was going to be!
In full
I found the opening of this book very atmospheric. An old crime boss visits the grave of a very old relative. It says "this grave can never be opened" on the grave stone. However, when the crime boss disappears and his family (also hard core villains) ask the police for help, the grave is opened. DS Max Craigie is the policeman who is involved. He has only recently returned to Scotland from England and has some issues from his time there. Will Scotland bring him any peace... When Max reports to the sons of the crime boss about his findings they don't seem surprised by any of the news. Could they have possibly found out before Max saw them and if so how?
Initially I thought this was maybe a fairly conventional cop story. "Cop" with a history coming to a new force, working with an interesting new female officer - I wondered whether this was really my sort of book. The story follows Max during his investigations. Increasingly I found parts entertainingly unconventional or dark and well worked. It seemed that my initial judgement was off the mark here.
The characters are maybe not the strongest part of this story though Max is good. I also liked the character of Janie too who acts as his partner in this story. For me it was the pace and inventiveness of the storylines that got to me. It was a book I returned to whenever I had any time free and times I read for far longer than I intended. The more I read of this the more I got into it and enjoyed it.
In a sense this is as much an action thriller/suspense story as an ordinary cop story. While this comment will date think "Line of Duty" but with a much better ending rather than anything else! In the end I found a book that I was not expecting at lot from initially very enjoyable. Personally I will read another by Neil Lancaster and I would definitely want to read the next in this series. 4.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
I found the opening of this book very atmospheric. An old crime boss visits the grave of a very old relative. It says "this grave can never be opened" on the grave stone. However, when the crime boss disappears and his family (also hard core villains) ask the police for help, the grave is opened. DS Max Craigie is the policeman who is involved. He has only recently returned to Scotland from England and has some issues from his time there. Will Scotland bring him any peace... When Max reports to the sons of the crime boss about his findings they don't seem surprised by any of the news. Could they have possibly found out before Max saw them and if so how?
Initially I thought this was maybe a fairly conventional cop story. "Cop" with a history coming to a new force, working with an interesting new female officer - I wondered whether this was really my sort of book. The story follows Max during his investigations. Increasingly I found parts entertainingly unconventional or dark and well worked. It seemed that my initial judgement was off the mark here.
The characters are maybe not the strongest part of this story though Max is good. I also liked the character of Janie too who acts as his partner in this story. For me it was the pace and inventiveness of the storylines that got to me. It was a book I returned to whenever I had any time free and times I read for far longer than I intended. The more I read of this the more I got into it and enjoyed it.
In a sense this is as much an action thriller/suspense story as an ordinary cop story. While this comment will date think "Line of Duty" but with a much better ending rather than anything else! In the end I found a book that I was not expecting at lot from initially very enjoyable. Personally I will read another by Neil Lancaster and I would definitely want to read the next in this series. 4.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
July 14, 2021
Dead Man’s Grave is the first instalment in the DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime Thrillers series, a book that reels you in from the very first sentence only releasing you from its grasp once the story has concluded. We are introduced to former military man Max who toured Afghanistan and has, like so many other soldiers, been left suffering from PTSD, and his years in the army seep into his dreams causing vivid and terrifying nightmares. After working for London Metropolitan Police, Craigie transfers up north into the Scottish Highlands near his hometown after major questions are asked about his involvement in a questionable shooting. To make matters worse, he's having to go it alone as his wife, Katie, claims to need a break from their marriage. Now based on Police Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime (SOC) team out of Gartcosh, North Lanarkshire, he and fast-tracked partner DC Janie Calder are assigned to investigate the case of missing person and ageing crime kingpin Tam Hardie responsible for the distribution of heroin and cocaine from his busy hub in Glasgow. Tam is the head of Scotland’s most notorious and powerful crime families and apparently disappeared on a visit to Caithness, Dunbeath where he was trying to trace his family history. The pair head to the last place he was seen - the cemetery in Ballachly. Old, isolated and abandoned, they discover a grave with a strange headstone inscription: This Grave Never to be Opened.
This piques their interest and when they open it up they, sure enough, find Tam sprawled below the slab of granite used to cover it. They discover he has been slaughtered using a 200-year-old cutlass, the same one used to off one of his ancestors. Before too long it becomes crystal clear that Tam’s murder is part of an ongoing blood feud involving the Hardie’s, and despite the police’s arrest of the perpetrator the family will stop at nothing to achieve vengeance against their enemy. This is a scintillating and compulsively readable procedural with a complex, thrill-a-minute plot and nail-biting tension running throughout. The tale features police corruption, organised criminal gangs, disturbing violence and retribution, with it all culminating in a rollicking good read. A breathtaking, chilling, Scottish crime fiction mystery thriller about blood feuds, dirty cops, and solving a case that could cost far more than just lives. Get ready for a break-out book from a hugely talented writer and a fascinating new protagonist in DS Max Craigie. It's fast-paced, stylishly woven and thoroughly atmospheric with some beautiful scenic descriptions and never a dull moment. There are ample twists and turns, clever use of misdirection and an unravelling of secrets, mysteries and drama and suspense aplenty as you realise that many people can not be trusted. Exciting and highly entertaining, you will be hard pushed to find a more riveting and refreshingly different thriller this year.
This piques their interest and when they open it up they, sure enough, find Tam sprawled below the slab of granite used to cover it. They discover he has been slaughtered using a 200-year-old cutlass, the same one used to off one of his ancestors. Before too long it becomes crystal clear that Tam’s murder is part of an ongoing blood feud involving the Hardie’s, and despite the police’s arrest of the perpetrator the family will stop at nothing to achieve vengeance against their enemy. This is a scintillating and compulsively readable procedural with a complex, thrill-a-minute plot and nail-biting tension running throughout. The tale features police corruption, organised criminal gangs, disturbing violence and retribution, with it all culminating in a rollicking good read. A breathtaking, chilling, Scottish crime fiction mystery thriller about blood feuds, dirty cops, and solving a case that could cost far more than just lives. Get ready for a break-out book from a hugely talented writer and a fascinating new protagonist in DS Max Craigie. It's fast-paced, stylishly woven and thoroughly atmospheric with some beautiful scenic descriptions and never a dull moment. There are ample twists and turns, clever use of misdirection and an unravelling of secrets, mysteries and drama and suspense aplenty as you realise that many people can not be trusted. Exciting and highly entertaining, you will be hard pushed to find a more riveting and refreshingly different thriller this year.
July 14, 2021
2,5 stars
A midnight murder in a secluded and overgrown cemetery. On one of the graves you'll find the words: "this grave must never be opened". The story starts out with an atmospheric opening and I only wished it would have stayed that way, but almost immediately we are sucked in a high octane propulsion of action scenes all over Scotland.
The premise is interesting, certainly with a two-hundred years old family feud still acted out to this day, and the book is generally well written. The big letdown for me was the main character, Max. He is your prototype macho who has fought in Afghanistan and came back with PTSD. Then he went working for London police where he shot a suspect and now goes rogue after shouting at the big boss. Being put on leave, he has all the time he wants to do his own investigation, as he is so certain that no-one can be trusted within the police force because everybody is a potential rat and he is the only one who gets the clear picture. The only one he trusts is his poor little damsel-in-distress sidekick. And yes, you will get about ten police acronyms per page. It is a world apart from my favorite detective, Vera Stanhope who does her policing based on facts and intelligence and where there is a bit of mystery that you need to find out.
Highly recommended for lovers of Lee Childs' Jack Reacher - I actually pictured Max as Tom Cruise - but alas not for me.
A sincere thanks to Netgalley, HQ Digital and the author for an advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
A midnight murder in a secluded and overgrown cemetery. On one of the graves you'll find the words: "this grave must never be opened". The story starts out with an atmospheric opening and I only wished it would have stayed that way, but almost immediately we are sucked in a high octane propulsion of action scenes all over Scotland.
The premise is interesting, certainly with a two-hundred years old family feud still acted out to this day, and the book is generally well written. The big letdown for me was the main character, Max. He is your prototype macho who has fought in Afghanistan and came back with PTSD. Then he went working for London police where he shot a suspect and now goes rogue after shouting at the big boss. Being put on leave, he has all the time he wants to do his own investigation, as he is so certain that no-one can be trusted within the police force because everybody is a potential rat and he is the only one who gets the clear picture. The only one he trusts is his poor little damsel-in-distress sidekick. And yes, you will get about ten police acronyms per page. It is a world apart from my favorite detective, Vera Stanhope who does her policing based on facts and intelligence and where there is a bit of mystery that you need to find out.
Highly recommended for lovers of Lee Childs' Jack Reacher - I actually pictured Max as Tom Cruise - but alas not for me.
A sincere thanks to Netgalley, HQ Digital and the author for an advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
August 5, 2023
This tense story bounds along at haste. Great level of detail relating to police procedures. Detective Max has an interesting backstory, which includes being haunted by his time in Afghanistan. Well developed characters where paranoia prevails and no one can be trusted.
February 6, 2025
I genuinely enjoyed this book far more than I had anticipated. The main character, Max, felt somewhat clichéd—a former soldier now turned cop grappling with the haunting memories giving him nightmares and living with PTSD. His decision to quit alcohol due to its detrimental effects on his life adds depth to his struggles, especially as he now finds himself living apart from his wife.
Despite this familiar premise, I found myself captivated by the storyline. The intricate connections to the world of gangsters added a thrilling layer of suspense, while the depiction of police protocols felt strikingly authentic and grounded in reality.
The cast of characters was engaging and well-drawn, and the setting in Scotland infused the narrative with a charming ambience that heightened the overall experience.
Despite this familiar premise, I found myself captivated by the storyline. The intricate connections to the world of gangsters added a thrilling layer of suspense, while the depiction of police protocols felt strikingly authentic and grounded in reality.
The cast of characters was engaging and well-drawn, and the setting in Scotland infused the narrative with a charming ambience that heightened the overall experience.
June 26, 2021
Dead Mans grace by Neil Lancaster is the first in a series featuring DS Max Craigie and if this is to be the standard to expect then I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
A Scottish crime story, Max, ex military who suffers with PTSD finds himself stationed back near his home town in Scotland after a move from his base in London where he was involved in a questionable shooting and has also left his wife behind who wants a break from their marriage.
The story involves a Scottish crime family, an old feud going back a couple of centuries and police corruption going to the highest level.
This book hits the ground running and doesn’t let up throughout. Well written characters and excellent story construction make this a hugely enjoyable read. Max is a great central character and well rounded enough to carry the story.
Really looking forward to the next in this series. The book itself is a standalone but has been set up beautifully for the next one. My first read by Neil Lancaster and certainly won’t be my last.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
A Scottish crime story, Max, ex military who suffers with PTSD finds himself stationed back near his home town in Scotland after a move from his base in London where he was involved in a questionable shooting and has also left his wife behind who wants a break from their marriage.
The story involves a Scottish crime family, an old feud going back a couple of centuries and police corruption going to the highest level.
This book hits the ground running and doesn’t let up throughout. Well written characters and excellent story construction make this a hugely enjoyable read. Max is a great central character and well rounded enough to carry the story.
Really looking forward to the next in this series. The book itself is a standalone but has been set up beautifully for the next one. My first read by Neil Lancaster and certainly won’t be my last.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 22, 2022
4.5 stars. A very gripping crime thriller that sometimes made me think of Ian Rankin's Rebus, and at other times Line of Duty.
Last year I read a whole bunch of Irish novels. This year it seems I'm more often in the Scottish variety, and enjoying it very much.
No dual timelines, action packed and with some very likeable main characters, I can definitely recommend this book to others.
Last year I read a whole bunch of Irish novels. This year it seems I'm more often in the Scottish variety, and enjoying it very much.
No dual timelines, action packed and with some very likeable main characters, I can definitely recommend this book to others.
July 27, 2021
For now this Kindle book, first of a series I presume, is 99 cents.
It should appeal to readers who particularly enjoy crusader type cops vs those who show up and do least. The challenges DS Max Craigie faces in this episode are extreme all along the way. First, he is a newbie just up Glasgow way from London. He has chosen to live in a spot overlooking Firth of Forth. He does not give up on anything no matter what the orders from on high are. His first investigation pits him against Scotland's leading crime family that has paid off many within police and government to allow freedom of crime and thwarting of investigations that would interfere.
So...forget frequent cups of tea and toasties, friendly banter, etc. This is not that kind of police procedural. It is hard hitting stuff start to finish.
It should appeal to readers who particularly enjoy crusader type cops vs those who show up and do least. The challenges DS Max Craigie faces in this episode are extreme all along the way. First, he is a newbie just up Glasgow way from London. He has chosen to live in a spot overlooking Firth of Forth. He does not give up on anything no matter what the orders from on high are. His first investigation pits him against Scotland's leading crime family that has paid off many within police and government to allow freedom of crime and thwarting of investigations that would interfere.
So...forget frequent cups of tea and toasties, friendly banter, etc. This is not that kind of police procedural. It is hard hitting stuff start to finish.
July 11, 2021
DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime Thrillers #1
The head of Scotland's most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body is dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery. Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part off a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One things for certain: It might be the latest killing but it won't be the last. As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers a large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues - to solve a case that could cost them for more than just their lives.
A new Scottish crime series, and if the rest of the books to follow are set in the same vein , I think we're in for a treat. I was pulled into this investigation from the first few pages. It's descriptively written scenery surrounding Bonnie Scotland is always a treat to read. What we also get is a strong storyline around a centuries old feud between two families with a hint of police corruption. This is an action packed read. I liked the partnership Max and Janie had even though they haven't worked long together. Who can they trust? Read this really good police procedural to find out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #DeadMansGrave in exchange for an honest review.
The head of Scotland's most powerful crime family is brutally murdered, his body is dumped inside an ancient grave in a remote cemetery. Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at the scene, a small town where everyone has secrets to hide. They soon realise this murder is part off a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s. One things for certain: It might be the latest killing but it won't be the last. As the body count rises, the investigation uncovers a large-scale corruption at the heart of the Scottish Police Service. Now Max and Janie must turn against their closest colleagues - to solve a case that could cost them for more than just their lives.
A new Scottish crime series, and if the rest of the books to follow are set in the same vein , I think we're in for a treat. I was pulled into this investigation from the first few pages. It's descriptively written scenery surrounding Bonnie Scotland is always a treat to read. What we also get is a strong storyline around a centuries old feud between two families with a hint of police corruption. This is an action packed read. I liked the partnership Max and Janie had even though they haven't worked long together. Who can they trust? Read this really good police procedural to find out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #DeadMansGrave in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
Big thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC!!
When detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at a murder scene, they soon discover this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s.
I loved this book!! The location felt authentic and Max and Janie were terrific partners. Dead Man's Grave had my favorite things: a police procedural with lots of mystery and intrigue, AND a sweet dog named Nutmeg! Max is a bit of a troubled soul who has PTSD from his time in Afganistan. Janie is a brilliant, young detective who is considered "weird" by the others at the station. Put them together and their broken parts made a whole!
This is a compelling book and one I highly recommend. I'll definitely read it again and I am grateful this is the start of a series! (My only issue is that the format was wacky on my Kindle Fire tablet, but no one else has mentioned it in their reviews so it must have been a problem on my end.)
When detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder arrive at a murder scene, they soon discover this murder is part of a blood feud between two Scottish families that stretches back to the 1800s.
I loved this book!! The location felt authentic and Max and Janie were terrific partners. Dead Man's Grave had my favorite things: a police procedural with lots of mystery and intrigue, AND a sweet dog named Nutmeg! Max is a bit of a troubled soul who has PTSD from his time in Afganistan. Janie is a brilliant, young detective who is considered "weird" by the others at the station. Put them together and their broken parts made a whole!
This is a compelling book and one I highly recommend. I'll definitely read it again and I am grateful this is the start of a series! (My only issue is that the format was wacky on my Kindle Fire tablet, but no one else has mentioned it in their reviews so it must have been a problem on my end.)
December 10, 2021
Scottish crime thriller with all the right twists to keep you tuned!
DS Max Craigie, of the Serious Crimes Squad, ex military and suffering from PTSD, finds himself in the middle of the bizarre death of a Scottish Crime Lord. The mode of the gangster’s death links back into the 1890’s. That beginning leads Max to uncovering corruption that spreads to the heights of the Scottish Police force. From here on in violence and death spreads out like a festering sore.
An exciting and very readable piece, complete with a couple of very interesting characters including his partner DC Janie Calder. I particularly liked his great aunt Elspeth, and his dog Nutmeg.
A HQ Harper Collins ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
DS Max Craigie, of the Serious Crimes Squad, ex military and suffering from PTSD, finds himself in the middle of the bizarre death of a Scottish Crime Lord. The mode of the gangster’s death links back into the 1890’s. That beginning leads Max to uncovering corruption that spreads to the heights of the Scottish Police force. From here on in violence and death spreads out like a festering sore.
An exciting and very readable piece, complete with a couple of very interesting characters including his partner DC Janie Calder. I particularly liked his great aunt Elspeth, and his dog Nutmeg.
A HQ Harper Collins ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 27, 2022
Loved this police procedural. Max Craigie has moved from the Met to Police Scotland and is thrown in at the deep end with a murder that is connected to a notorious gang of criminals. A feud that goes back over two hundred years that leads to disgusting corruption of the highest order.
I loved the main character although I did have a problem with the author using similar names for most of the female case, ie Janie, Jill, Jean, Jeanette. It did get a tad confusing in parts for that very reason.
Saying that, I read the book in two days and found it to be an engrossing storyline.
I loved the main character although I did have a problem with the author using similar names for most of the female case, ie Janie, Jill, Jean, Jeanette. It did get a tad confusing in parts for that very reason.
Saying that, I read the book in two days and found it to be an engrossing storyline.
December 4, 2021
This is a well-written action thriller that I read a few weeks ago. It is plot/action based rather than character based, and thus, for me, it was an average read; I prefer stories driven by character development. Plenty of fast-moving active events, so for those who like this type of novel, it would probably be a four-star read.
July 16, 2021
When Tam Hardie Senior is reported missing by his son, Tam Hardie Junior, DS Max Craigie and DC Janie Calder find his body dumped in an ancient grave that reads ‘This grave can never be opened’
Tam Hardie was the head of Scotland’s most sinister crime family and now Tam Hardie Junior is the head and is seeking revenge.
This book has everything you could want, from gangsters, murders, bent cops and revenge. This is my first book by Neil Lancaster and it certainly kept me entertained. It is packed full of tension and is fast paced. Well written characters and enough twists to wring you out! I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tam Hardie was the head of Scotland’s most sinister crime family and now Tam Hardie Junior is the head and is seeking revenge.
This book has everything you could want, from gangsters, murders, bent cops and revenge. This is my first book by Neil Lancaster and it certainly kept me entertained. It is packed full of tension and is fast paced. Well written characters and enough twists to wring you out! I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 31, 2023
A solid police procedural from a former policeman who knows what he's writing about.
July 18, 2025
Закидую на 20%, бо мені абсолютно не цікаво. Я не розумію чому в цієї книги такий високий рейтинг. Написано доволі просто, розслідування, що зав'язується навколо найвідоміших і найнебезпечніших (про що нам нагадують у кожному розділі) Шотландських гангстерів видається ну дуууже висмоктаним з пальця і пласкі герої, що абсолютно нічим не виділяються від фону.
Шкода... Отак життя вчить, що не варто покладати забагато надій на Гудрідз рейтинги.
Шкода... Отак життя вчить, що не варто покладати забагато надій на Гудрідз рейтинги.
October 8, 2024
4.5 ✨
Oväntad bra deckare med högt tempo, skicklig story, bra karaktärer som kändes levande och fruktansvärt spännande. Håller tummarna att även fortsättningen på serien översätts till svenska snarast!
Oväntad bra deckare med högt tempo, skicklig story, bra karaktärer som kändes levande och fruktansvärt spännande. Håller tummarna att även fortsättningen på serien översätts till svenska snarast!
March 22, 2023
A remote burial ground containing a grave with the inscription "This Grave Never to be Opened" created an atmospheric start to this new crime series. What followed was a good gripping story that included a two hundred-year-old feud, gangsters & police corruption. It’s up to Detectives Max Craigie & Janie Calder to get to the bottom of the tangled web that’s been woven.
While this book is the first in the series, I felt like I was already reading about characters that I had established a connection with. On the face of it they may sound like so many other detectives out there; Max, ex-forces, suffering from PTSD, marriage problems & a tendency….like all my favourite mavericks…to go his own way & stuff the consequences. Janie is a "posh" newcomer & a bit of an outsider, not yet accepted by the team. These familiar traits may be what made me feel like I already knew them but they are definitely their own people. The humour & banter between them fitted in well making them convincing & likeable characters.
Facts about police procedure, details of surveillance or how mobiles are tracked, often have my eyes glazing over but the balance here was spot on. Enough so I knew what was happening & why but without all the extraneous padding that often accompanies it - & minus a shed load of acronyms too! (a pet hate of mine) With the story moving at a good pace throughout & the tension building beautifully I was kept hooked right to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
EDIT March 2023
Now listening to this series on audiobook. Have thoroughly enjoyed this first book - as I knew I would & all I need to add to the above review is firstly, that the narrator is excellent, really brings the characters to life & secondly, some of the scenes seem much more violent & gruesome when listening to them!
While this book is the first in the series, I felt like I was already reading about characters that I had established a connection with. On the face of it they may sound like so many other detectives out there; Max, ex-forces, suffering from PTSD, marriage problems & a tendency….like all my favourite mavericks…to go his own way & stuff the consequences. Janie is a "posh" newcomer & a bit of an outsider, not yet accepted by the team. These familiar traits may be what made me feel like I already knew them but they are definitely their own people. The humour & banter between them fitted in well making them convincing & likeable characters.
Facts about police procedure, details of surveillance or how mobiles are tracked, often have my eyes glazing over but the balance here was spot on. Enough so I knew what was happening & why but without all the extraneous padding that often accompanies it - & minus a shed load of acronyms too! (a pet hate of mine) With the story moving at a good pace throughout & the tension building beautifully I was kept hooked right to the end. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
EDIT March 2023
Now listening to this series on audiobook. Have thoroughly enjoyed this first book - as I knew I would & all I need to add to the above review is firstly, that the narrator is excellent, really brings the characters to life & secondly, some of the scenes seem much more violent & gruesome when listening to them!
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