The Blood Tide

DS Max Craigie #2

by Neil Lancaster

‘Think Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty’ Ian Rankin

You get away with murder.
In a remote sea loch on the west coast of Scotland, a fisherman vanishes without trace. His remains are never found.

You make people disappear.
A young man jumps from a bridge in Glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. DS Max Craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. But if he can’t find out what cost them their lives, it won’t be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue…

You come back for revenge.
Soon cracks start to appear in the investigation, and Max’s past hurtles back to haunt him. When his loved ones are threatened, he faces a terrifying choice: let the only man he ever feared walk free, or watch his closest friend die…

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 McILVANNEY PRIZE FOR SCOTTISH CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR! Max, Janie and Ross return in the second gripping novel in this explosive Scottish crime series.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Scotland, Fiction, Procedural

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2022

About 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.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

The DS Max Craigie series is only at book 2, but already I’m hooked!

The Scottish setting with its descriptions of land and sea, add much to the proceedings, where this time around, we have a man who’s so terrified of someone, that he prefers to leap to his death from the Erskine Bridge, and a drugs drop that doesn’t go according to plan on the remote Loch Torridon. How the two are connected, we have yet to find out, but the reader is guaranteed an exciting storyline, just dripping with tension.

This novel is certainly for those who like their police procedural's with a sense of foreboding, as the narrative is dark, gripping and exciting. There is not only a great sense of place but also of characterisation. Neil Lancaster really understands how to create an elaborately involving story and skilfully combining the multi-layered elements to create an electrifying climax. Completely riveting!

*Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to HQ Digital, Neil Lancaster and Netgalley.
I truly wasn't expecting much from this story. I had heard it was a police procedural, "kind of." Also, the banter. Eh? I'll be honest and say that for me, I've been spoiled by Stuart McBrides books. That man has got the banter down!
So, this wasn't quite up to snuff at the beginning for me. But, it turned out to be a long, dark ride to some depths that I never would have thought.
Personally, I freaking loved it, and totally understood those depths! I've already bought the first book in this series. I've every intention of sticking around for more. Great storytelling. Also, I've a dang.soft spot for Caithness. That coastline is wicked!

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intercepted drugs drop on Loch Torridon, a man on Erskine Bridge so terrified he prefers suicide and a missing persons inquiry starts the second novel featuring DS Max Craigie of Police Standards Reassurance, a covert group operating out of Tulliallan. When his friend PC Hamish Beatie contacts Max with some obvious concerns which he shares with the team and DI Ross Fraser gives the go ahead for an investigation. What follows goes deeper than the Mariana Trench and is just as dark.

Wow, this is a buckle up, strap yourself in read right from the start and it’s an absolute belter!! The police team are fantastic characters. Max is brave, dogged, determined with his past as a soldier in Helmand Province still affecting him deeply. DI Ross Fraser is a colourful character with the emphasis on character with the pages being far from dull when he’s on them. DC Janie Calder has a good relationship with Max and I love the banter between them. This is one fast paced thriller, full of danger and excitement revealing brutality and ruthlessness of a group prepared to stop at nothing. The deeper the investigation goes the more the whole thing stinks like a load of rotten fish and the team need all the ingenuity at their disposal to unmask the villains. There are more twists and turns in the storytelling than on a highland road with fantastic locations being used effectively as a backdrop to the gritty proceedings. Brooding over events from his prison cell at HMP Edinburgh is Tam Hardie festering on his loathing for Max which is entirely reciprocated.

This is a very well written novel, the writing is succinct, it conveys the excitement, danger and tension without being overblown and similarly fills in backstories from Book One without unnecessary repetition. It can be read as a stand-alone but the first in the series is also very good (Dead Mans Grave) and worth reading too. This is a breathtaking, gripping read and a high octane ride to a very satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait for number three!!

Ps. There’s an adorable cockapoo called Nutmeg ❤️

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ, HQ Digital for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: 'We need to get in there,' Janie said.

Max rattled the door, his stomach beginning to tighten.

Janie went to the decking. She picked up a length of plastic packing strap that had been securing the decking slats together. Within a few seconds she had fashioned a flexible hook. She reached through the cat-flap and passed the loop over the bunch of keys and tugged sharply. The keys fell to the floor.

'Nice,' said Max.

'It's from working with you and your cockney burglar techniques.'

Within seconds Max was inside the spotless kitchen, sniffing the air once more.

It was faint, but unmistakable. Every cop knew this smell. It started off faint, a mere suggestion of something, just like Max was detecting now. His stomach tightened, his heart began to pound. Max knew. He knew right away.

Death.

ABOUT 'THE BLOOD TIDE': You get away with murder.
In a remote sea loch on the west coast of Scotland, a fisherman disappears without trace. His remains are never found.

You make people disappear.
A young man jumps from a bridge in Glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. D. S. Max Craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. But if he can’t find out what cost them their lives, it won’t be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue…

You come back for revenge.
Soon cracks start to appear in the investigation, and Max’s past hurtles back to haunt him. When his loved ones are threatened, he faces a terrifying choice: let the only man he ever feared walk free, or watch his closest friend die…

MY THOUGHTS: I haven't yet read the first book in this series, Dead Man's Grave, but I intend to remedy that. The Blood Tide has me hooked!

Normally I shy away from books about drug running, crime barons, etc., but I kept hearing what a great read The Blood Tide is, and so I caved. And I'm glad I did. Neil Lancaster has another follower.

The plot is driven and intense, the characters a great mix of those who you will love and admire (Max and his team) and the others - variously the drug runners, the crime bosses and those at the very top of the pile in positions of trust, influence and power who are orchestrating the whole despicable operation.

Lancaster sets the scenes well. From his atmospheric descriptions of the Scottish landscape to the minutiae of the crime scenes, he gives just the right amount of detail, neither swamping the reader nor leaving them wanting more. His background in police work shines through making this crime thriller/police procedural a riveting read. The ending is spectacular - I loved it.

The Blood Tide worked well for me as a stand-alone, but I am going back to read the first book in this series because I enjoyed this one so much. I do recommend that if you intend to read The Blood Tide, read Dead Man's Grave first so that you have all the background to the relationships and because you'll probably want to go back and read it anyway, so you may as well read them in order from the start.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.4

#TheBloodTide #NetGalley

I: @neil_lancaster_crime @hqstories

T: @neillancaster66 @HQStories

#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 HQ, HQ Digital via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Blood Tide 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/...

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good police procedural from this author. My only gripe is that the criminals are a bit dumb. I like my criminal masterminds considerably smarter and a darn sight more cunning. It meant that there was less 'detecting' and more following the bread crumbs...or a better description was that Craigie and company were following slices of bread cut into arrow shapes leading to Laurel and Hardy. That aside, an entertaining read.

CW: suicides - real and staged

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Max Craigie was up against some terrifying opponents in The Blood Tide, 2nd in the DS Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster. Combined with DC Janie Calder and their boss, DI Ross Fraser, Max was confronted by a suicide whose words before he jumped caused suspicions about the top brass; a fisherman had gone missing on the west coast of Scotland, from a remote loch; another man was also missing - were they all connected? When one of their own was murdered, Max knew he was about to face the toughest case of his career.

Recruiting Norma Kirk from another department, the four knew the trust between themselves was complete. They would have to do a lot themselves, because corruption was within the force, and they had no idea who else they could trust. When Tam Hardie - already jailed for past misdeeds - was discovered to be involved, which meant drugs were high on the criminals' agenda, Max, Janie, Ross and Norma worked around the clock, determined to catch those who were associated with Scotland's gangs. Could they do it before anyone else died?

What a brilliant episode The Blood Tide was! I'm very much enjoying this new (to me) author's work, and am looking forward to #3, which is already in my possession! Max and Janie make an excellent partnership; smart, determined and resourceful! Norma is a great addition to the team as well. I highly recommend this gritty, fast paced thriller to all fans of the genre :)

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

In brief - Another very good read in this series

In full
This book takes us back to Max Craigie and police corruption. For the uninitiated he is a Detective Sergeant in the police in Scotland. However I would plead with anyone looking at this book to read the earlier book first. This is a follow on story. I really enjoyed Dead Man's Grave, both the story and the characters in it. This one takes up the story of Max and the team's investigation into corruption among police and law enforcement from where the first one ends.

The book starts with some apparently unrelated events. Max however sees a pattern here. Now that he is part of a dedicated team he is not as isolated as he was in the last book. The team and Max swing into action and the book follows the twists and turns of the case. Once again this is looking at possible deep seated corruption within the police. Those familiar with the first book will not find it a surprise that Max gets some help less than conventional sources!

I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier book in this series and this one did not let me down either. The pace and tension here is well worked again. The story does have some real twists in it which is great. I do like Max as a character and Janie too. I guess I didn't find Ross all that convincing by comparison but it certainly didn't spoil this.

In the end this was not quite as edgy as the first book to me but it still is a very good read. It's an excellent cop/action read and much more satisfying than some more main stream authors produce to me. On my last review I mentioned "Line of Duty" (the TV series) and the comparison works on this one too. Max's story is much better than Line of Duty for me. I certainly hope I will read more in this tense series of stories. 4.5/5

Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blimey there are more people killed in this book than in a Jack Reacher story! And, I’ve done it again, jumped in at book 2 but I’m going to read book 1 very soon as I really enjoyed this. DS Max Craigie, DI Ross Fraser and DC Janie comprise the Scottish Policing Standards Reassurance Team - these are the guys that really crack down on corruption and they report direct to the Chief Constable. This book set a cracking pace that never let up.

It starts with the disappearance of a couple of low level drug couriers. Then PC Hamish Beattie is just about to come off night shift when sees a potential jumper at a popular suicide bridge. He doesn’t manage to save the guy but he does learn that the man is positively terrified for his family. It turns out that he had worked as an intelligence officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA) so that raises a few red flags. Beattie raises the issue with Max but when Max looks for his report he doesn’t find much on the system. When he and Janie go to talk to Beattie at home they find him dead from hanging himself. Only Max is certain he didn’t actually hang himself.

From then on it’s a bloodbath! It’s about who is controlling the drugs coming into Scotland and it becomes obvious that there are corrupt elements within law enforcement when a drug bust goes bust. Max and DI Ross and Janie Calder come up with a plan to trap the corrupt officials but in the way of many plans, things don’t go according to plan. And when Max learns who is behind things his blood runs cold. There is one person he truly fears!

The characters were wonderfully done, they seemed so real and relatable. The addition of analyst, Norma, to the team was inspired as she was like a mother hen - a mother hen with mad tech skills! The language was salty but seemed totally appropriate to the story and I loved the little Scottishisms and the dark humour I associate with tartan noir. I’ll be looking forward to the next book for sure. Many thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Harper Collins through Net Galley for granting me this wonderful advance reader copy.
The book will be available in 2022, so don't miss it. Start with book 1 now.

I had already enjoyed the first book of this series this summer and felt certain I would like more of DS Max Craigie. The characters are alive with admirable or loathesome characteristics, the setting is Scotland with artful descriptions of landscape, sea, and uncomfortable police station war rooms where the work gets done, and the crimes are brutal in the battle over drug running/domination.
The police work is driven and intense as the team Craigie is a member of struggle to discover who within their own ranks is assisting the drug runners with tipoffs.

A very good Scottish "crime thriller," a term I normally avoid, but that is how the publisher is describing this fine book. It is action packed and impossible to put down.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series; it is the first one I have read.

In this novel of struggle for control of the drug market, the bodies pile up. D.S. Max Craigie and his team investigate, finding not only gangsters, but crooked police and other law officers.

I’m not sure if this novel truly qualifies as Tartan Noir, but it is certainly hard boiled, atmospheric, and fast paced. I liked it and look forward to the next in the series.

Although having read the first in the series probably would have given me further background on these well developed characters, The Blood Tide worked well as a standalone

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to the excellent Dead Mans Grave, I think I like The Blood Tide even better.

We are back with Max Craigie and his team in Scotland as they investigate some apparent suicides, drug gangs and police corruption, all the time having the shadow of an old foe hanging over him, even though that foe is in prison.

I would advise reading the first one of these first. You will get the back story, who the characters are and really just get to know them better.
Here they are fleshed out more and the story is even more engrossing than the first. Its a little over 400 pages and it felt half that, such was my immersion in the book. The story and writing here is top notch. An exciting opening book in this saga and this one upped the ante and then some.

Easy 5 out of 5 stars for me.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series, more than I expected. I didn't like it quite as much as the first and I did wonder if there are any uncorrupt cops in Scotland!

I enjoyed the suspense and the police protocols, which made it seem more real and again, I was delighted by the Scottish setting.

I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE BLOOD TIDE is the second book in the Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster. I liked this one better than the first — the plot was more intricate than the first story and had more twists and turns. It was still a plot-driven narrative, and I prefer character-driven stories, so it was only a four-star read for me, although I can see many readers awarding it five stars if they prefer convoluted plots.

It was very well written, with plenty of action.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottish crime thriller!

Once again ex military Detective Sergeant Max Craigie and the the Policing Standards Reassurance Team, are caught up in the search for violent drug dealers. It seems the dealers are receiving intel from a highly placed source in one of the many Scottish law enforcement agencies.
Two deaths occur seemingly unrelated. A low level drug dealer on the shores of Loch Torridon, and a suicide on Erskine Bridge across the River Clyde, Glasgow making claims of “bent cops and murder” right before he plunged into the abyss. His parting gift, “This bastard owns the cops, the NCA and customs.”
Tipped off by the policeman at the scene, Max finds the connection, one that gives him pause for concern. His family comes under threat, a fact that raises the stakes, Max’s ire and his steely determination.
A police procedural thriller that links back into a recent case, and uncovers a nest of circling sharks. Max needs all his grit and wits to contain the situation, guard his family, and turn the events towards closure.
He has help from old and new friends, and confronts old and new enemies, including Tam Hardie the vicious crime lord he’d put behind bars.
Atmospheric and bold, the intrigue just keeps coming. Once again Max is up against the clock as the situation grows legs and danger threatens on all sides.

An HQ Digital ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blood tide by Neil Lancaster is the second novel in the DS Max Craigie series and what a fantastic one it is.
Set in Scotland, we meet again DS Max Craigie of Police Standards Reassurance team. See suffering from PTSD when he served as a soldier in Helmand Province and his imprisonment in the hands of killer and gangster Tam Hardie.
When a drug drop goes wrong and when a man commits suicide by jumping from the Erskine Bridge. His last few words that PC Hamish Beatle hears, Hamish knows something is not right. He contacts DS Max Craigie, and they start an investigation but by doing this all the people he feels close to, are in danger. Especially a few days later Hamish’s Body is found. The two incidents are linked and linked to Tam Hardie, who languishes in jail. How is he doing it? Which also leads to corruption in the Police services.
Wow thank you HQ for a copy of Blood tide. This is another action packed, gripping, thriller from the author which I enjoyed immensely. I loved the Scottish settings of the land and the sea and the camaraderie between the team of Max, Janie and Ross and not to forget Norma with her love of Krispy Kreme. This is realistic account of what goes on in police force and the corruption that may occur in it and the determination to catch them responsible.
I hope there is more of this series to come. 5 stars from me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great crime thriller, every bit as good as the first novel in this series.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blood Tide is proof positive the DS Max Craigie series is truly thrilling. Neil Lancaster has produced a terrific thriller. If you like a gripping plot, read this book. Yes, if you're a fan of Line Of Duty, you'll smile every time you read about someone being bent. But, this series succeeds on its own merits. The Scottish atmosphere is perfectly captured. The characters are engaging. There are twists. There are turns. The page turning will be fast and furious as the reader can't wait to see what happens next. The Blood Tide is extremely entertaining.

[Susan (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Rounded Up.

A quick review to say how much I'm liking this new Max Craigie series. This second in the series, 'The Blood Tide' was a fantastic police procedural, but the dry humor and local slang seemed a half step behind compared the mirth I felt while reading the debut.

Hardback purchased at The Book Depository.

[Marius Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking! This gripping and brilliantly realistic police procedural will (hopefully) set the standard for crime fiction for years to come. Vicious criminals and realistic coppers set against a bleak Caledonian landscape. Terrific stuff. Highly recommended.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #2 of Neil Lancaster's DS Max Craigie series had me gripped!

With the leader of Scotland's most dangerous gang behind bars, DS Max Craigie has finally started to reclaim his life. The ex military serviceman has become more involved within his little enforcement team and Katie, his wife, is back where she belongs.

Unfortunately, not all of Max's troubles have disappeared.

When word of a missing fisherman and a suicide arises, Max jumps right in. It doesn't take him long to make the connection: a drug smuggling ring is operating off the Scottish coast. To make matters worse, there's corruption within and innocent lives are being taken at an evergrowing rate.

Someone highly ranked in Police Scotland is providing intel to those pulling the strings. But the puppet master is someone Max, DC Janie Calder and DI Ross Fraser thought that they'd already dealt with. Tam Hardie may be secure within prison walls, but that doesn't mean he's planning his escape and to track down the man responsible for his incarnation: Max Craigie himself.

I found that The Blood Tide was better than its predecessor, Dead Man's Grave. Every character, main or supporting has a role to play. Quietly, I'm quite glad that Ross is given the chance to be placed in the spotlight this time around. I also really liked newbie, civilian intelligence advisor Norma Kirk and it'd be great if she sticks around.

Of course, doggo Nutmeg steals the limelight more often than not. It's also worth mentioning that elderly (and hearing impaired) Auntie Elspeth returns for another go at kicking butt.

Bring on Book #3 The Night Watch. I'm totally invested in this series now.

4.75 🌟

[Fay Flude · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a SERIES featuring Max Craigie, the almost superhero like Scottish detective determined to scour Police Scotland of all its corruption.
With characters from the first book, sidekick Janie Calder, and boss DI Fraser Ross, this select and tightly bound together team work all hours to make the links between murders and drug hauls with limited intelligence and clever analysts Barney and Norma.
The plot is fast paced and very tense and of course some surprising developments, with a didn't-see-it-coming twist right at the end. It is the sort of crime thriller/police procedural that is hugely enjoyable to read, with a few grisly bits, some choice language, and a sense of the remoteness in some parts of Scotland. Basically, Neil Lancaster writes fluidly and seemingly without effort (although I am sure the writing process is far from straightforward!) to produce an exciting, action-packed and on the edge of your seat follow up.
All I can say to highlight how good this series is, is when will book 3 be out please?!
With thanks to the author and Pigeonhole for the chance to share Craigie's law enforcement adventures. I have the guts to partner the team from my armchair, I'll leave the dangerous stuff to those who can work like that in real (fictional) life!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m only sorry I didn’t start this series sooner – it’s a cracking read!

Two isolated incidents seem to be just that until DS Max Craigie joins the dots; a fisherman has vanished in the west of Scotland and a young man jumps to his death from a bridge in Glasgow. Max knows he needs to find out why both of these happened or more will follow. But this investigation isn’t straightforward and, as cracks begin to appear and Max’s loved ones are threatened, the last thing he needs is for the imprisoned man from his last case to be involved.

What a terrific read! I freely admit to having a penchant for books set in Scotland and this is definitely one of the best I’ve come across. The characters are wonderfully crafted and the story is gripping all the way. I was never quite sure exactly where it was heading and was surprised more than once! An absolutely excellent read by an author I most definitely recommend. No doubt about it, this is a solid five star read.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's taken me far too long to read any of Neil Lancaster's books, I've been meaning to for ages. The Blood Tide is the second book in his Max Craigie series but fortunately can easily be read as a standalone – although there are references to events in Dead Man's Grave so if you're the sort of reader who prefers to avoid even a hint of a spoiler, you're probably better off reading the series in order. However, it actually left me even more intrigued to read it; I thought Neil Lancaster did an excellent job of integrating what had occurred previously in the plot to bring new readers up to speed without too much exposition.
The book opens with a tense exchange that soon reveals the ruthlessness of some of the characters before another suspenseful scene with a tragic outcome. Although this is a Max Craigie novel, he doesn't actually appear until the third chapter after another police officer, Hamish Beattie witnesses a suicide and then contacts Max when he begins to suspect the death isn't as straightforward as it appears. The victim makes some worrying accusations before he ends his life and his words immediately suggest that this is going to be a shocking case for all involved, with some devastating revelations. Max is part of the small Policing Standards Reassurance Team, working alongside DI Ross Fraser and DC Janie Calder, and their wide-ranging remit to identify and tackle corruption gives them what should be a huge advantage as they are given unrestricted access to all Police Scotland databases. However, they are dealing with professional criminals who have employed threats and bribery to infiltrate all levels of law enforcement and consequently face a formidable task to bring the perpetrators to justice.
There are multiple viewpoints here, with the narrative switching between protagonists and antagonists which builds the tension superbly as it's never really clear just who has the upper hand. The propulsive contemporary storyline also explores issues which have long been a problem for rural areas and as is suggested, here, are likely to become worse as drug cartels look to new, more clandestine routes into the country as import checks are stepped up following Brexit. The first-rate sense of place evokes all the beauty of the Highlands but also underlines just how remote these areas are; with little police manpower, it's no wonder that county lines trafficking has resulted in a huge drug problem in the fishing villages.
As the body count rises and it becomes ominously evident that Max could be in the firing line, he begins to experience a grim recurrence of the nightmare that has plagued him since Helmand Province. The authentic portrayal of his PTSD is clearly an ongoing theme in the book and is written about with obvious empathy. The characterisation throughout is impressive and I loved the interplay between the main characters which is full of humour as well as more tense scenes. Neil Lancaster's extensive, first-hand knowledge of police work imbues the novel with expert, gritty realism and I particularly enjoyed the surveillance scenes which emphasise how well-functioning, cohesive teams work together.
The pace rarely lets up in The Blood Tide and it's packed with high octane, emotive moments and shocking twists. The storyline reaches breakneck speed towards the end of the novel as Max and his team face a race against time to prevent a dramatic escape and to expose the mysterious high-level contact whose insider knowledge has long been vital to the major drug dealer operating in the area.
The Blood Tide should come with a health warning; may lead to raised blood pressure and reduced sleep! I'll take those side effects though because this is a cracking read and I tore through it in a day. Top-notch plotting, characters I soon became invested in and set in my favourite place in the world, it's as if it was written for me, so of course I loved it. The third book in the series, The Night Watch will be published in September and after the deeply satisfying ending to The Blood Tide, I can't wait to see what lies in store for Max Craigie and his team next!

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant fast-paced Scottish crime thriller.

SYNOPSIS:
"A young man jumps from a bridge in Glasgow and falls to his death in the water below. DS Max Craigie uncovers evidence that links both victims. But if he can't find out what cost them their lives, it won't be long before more bodies turn up at the morgue… You come back for revenge."

WHAT I ENJOYED:

✔️ The pace and the main characters, I loved the banter between Janice and Max.

✔️ The Scottish setting, so many places I recognised, were familiar to me and wonderfully described.

✔️ The serious crimes/drugs plot and the brutality of the story at times - reminded me a lot of Karin Slaughter in that respect - and the complexity of the plot was cleverly written.

✔️ A cracking police procedural, I could absolutely see this as a TV drama.

✔️ It was gripping from beginning to end.

This is book 2 in the DC Max Craigie series, I've not read book 1 so this can very much be read as a standalone, but I'm now excited to pick up book 1 in this series now. But you can jump right into The Blood Tide without having read it.

**Thanks to the publisher HQ Stories for my free copy in return for an honest review.**

I love this quote as it sums up the book nicely: "Think Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty" Ian Rankin

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Max Craigie is an ex-military who served in Afghanistan. He is now working for the Scottish Police Service as part of Police Standards Reassurance operating out of Tulliallan, after leaving the London Met under a cloud. He and DC Janie Calder, along with the boss, DI Ross Fraser are a good small team.

This is an amazing and riveting crime thriller with fantastic characterisation and it completely blew me away. The author certainly has a talent for blindsiding twists and deviously complex characters. In a multilayered story that details past and present, Max is back with his wife, Kate who has arrived from London and of course their dog, called Nutmeg.

As Neil Lancaster expertly shows off his skill the reader is treated to a wonderfully oppressive, fast-paced thriller. The tale incorporates danger, ruthlessness, power, revenge, corruption, drugs and brutality, all culminating in a rip-roaring and high octane ending. I was hooked from the opening chapter and mesmerised throughout. I recommend The Blood Tide very highly. Roll on book three - The Night Watch.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book of this series involving the threesome of Max, Janie and Ross and in this second book these crime fighting characters return in full force to hinder a former foe and huge drug smuggling operation. The problem is however greater than the criminals being chased when it transpires that a leak exists in the middle of law enforcement. The pace of the story is excellent which is what kept me reading though I did find some of the goings on far-fetched. The introduction of Norma a genius data hacker and return of previously loved character Bruce made the setting feel familiar and the descriptions of the Scottish sea and landscape added atmosphere. Would translate well onto film. 4 stars.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent sequel to Dean Man's Grave by Neil Lancaster. I highly recommend reading this before the Blood Tide to fully understand the character history and development.. This book continues with Max Cragie and the team investigating a suicide, where not all is as it seems. The story then centers around the drug trade with further corruption in very high places. This is a superb police procedural set in and around Scotland.

Highly recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview copy.

[Albert Hillson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the characters and the story development. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Gail Danks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book as was the previous one in the series. I will definitely be looking to read more by this author