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DCI Christine Caplan #1
The Devil Stone
A macabre massacre of a wealthy family brings DCI Christine Caplan to the Highlands in her first thriller in a new series!
In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case.
She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?
In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case.
She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2022
83 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Caro Ramsay
34 books204 followersCaro Ramsay was born and educated in Glasgow. She has been writing stories since she was five years old, developing a keen interest in crime fiction and a passion for the genre that lead her to write Absolution, her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 8, 2022
* 4.5 stars*
Although I’d heard of author Caro Ramsay, I’d never read any of her books, but this being the first of a new series made it the perfect time to get acquainted with her.
The massacre of a wealthy family in the Scottish Highlands appears to have a satanic connection to it, and it brings DCI Christine Caplan to the small village of Cronchie from her usual patch of Glasgow. She’s hoping that this case will restore her reputation, which appears to be in tatters right now. Added to that her family is in a complete mess too.
The wealthy McGregor family are found dead at their home, having been posed alongside each other with a Polaroid photo stuffed down their throats. Only one member of the family is missing, the youngest member Adam, although he no longer lived at home. Could Adam have murdered his whole family in order to inherit the vast wealth they’d accumulated, after all, he is the black sheep of the family, and hated everything they stood for? Or is that too simple an explanation, has it been staged to make him look guilty!
Two local teenagers (known satanists) found the bodies whilst breaking and entering, but the only thing that appears to be missing is The Devil Stone. The murder scene has been arranged to appear as if satanists were responsible, but is that exactly what it is, just staging, expert use of smoke and mirrors?
Caplan finds herself working with an odd cast of characters, local detectives who resent outsiders coming in thinking that they know better, and it appears to be their job to present obstacles at every turn. Caplan isn’t that easily dissuaded though, but she has no idea what she’s up against - with various threads to this case, she will face some very dangerous characters whilst trying to get to the truth.
An excellent start to this new series, with some interesting ( though not always likeable) characters. There is a gathering of momentum as the tale progresses making the reader turn the pages at an increasing (and impatient) rate. With the addition of a terrific protagonist in Caplan, who had me rooting for her from the outset, this is a terrific read!
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Although I’d heard of author Caro Ramsay, I’d never read any of her books, but this being the first of a new series made it the perfect time to get acquainted with her.
The massacre of a wealthy family in the Scottish Highlands appears to have a satanic connection to it, and it brings DCI Christine Caplan to the small village of Cronchie from her usual patch of Glasgow. She’s hoping that this case will restore her reputation, which appears to be in tatters right now. Added to that her family is in a complete mess too.
The wealthy McGregor family are found dead at their home, having been posed alongside each other with a Polaroid photo stuffed down their throats. Only one member of the family is missing, the youngest member Adam, although he no longer lived at home. Could Adam have murdered his whole family in order to inherit the vast wealth they’d accumulated, after all, he is the black sheep of the family, and hated everything they stood for? Or is that too simple an explanation, has it been staged to make him look guilty!
Two local teenagers (known satanists) found the bodies whilst breaking and entering, but the only thing that appears to be missing is The Devil Stone. The murder scene has been arranged to appear as if satanists were responsible, but is that exactly what it is, just staging, expert use of smoke and mirrors?
Caplan finds herself working with an odd cast of characters, local detectives who resent outsiders coming in thinking that they know better, and it appears to be their job to present obstacles at every turn. Caplan isn’t that easily dissuaded though, but she has no idea what she’s up against - with various threads to this case, she will face some very dangerous characters whilst trying to get to the truth.
An excellent start to this new series, with some interesting ( though not always likeable) characters. There is a gathering of momentum as the tale progresses making the reader turn the pages at an increasing (and impatient) rate. With the addition of a terrific protagonist in Caplan, who had me rooting for her from the outset, this is a terrific read!
*Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
June 10, 2023
The talented Caro Ramsay begins a new Scottish crime series, featuring the complicated Glasgow DCI Christine Caplan, facing dangerous, powerful and deadly forces intent on besmirching her reputation, and endangering her career and her life. An issue over evidence in a case and a mugging gone wrong has her demoted to DI, and sent to the Highland village of Cronchie to join the local police team where soon to be retired DCI Bob Oswald has strangely gone missing. He was in charge of a high profile macabre case in which 5 members of the wealthy and privileged McGregor family, the elderly Lady Charlotte, parents Stan and Barbara, and their children, Catriona and Gordon are discovered strangled, and posed next to each other, with a polaroid photograph stuffed down their throats.
The crime scene at Otterburn House was discovered by 2 teenage housebreakers, the massacre is carefully staged to appear as part of a satanic ritual, with a goat's head and inverse cross, and despite the presence of jewels and exclusive products, the only thing taken is the precious family heirloom, the devil stone, steeped in folklore and history. The police team is led by the inexperienced but ambitious DI Garry Kinsella, supported by DS Iain Gourlay on a fast track career path. Caplan is made to feel like an unwanted outsider, sidelined, kept out of the loop and is assigned local DC Finnan Craigo with the express purpose of hampering her ability to make any progress. Caplan is weighed down by worries over the family she has left behind in Glasgow, husband Aklen and the serious issues he is afflicted by, son Kenny fast disappearing into a virtual world and not attending university, although daughter Emma is more like her, highly organised and efficient.
Caplan finds herself under huge pressure to solve a case with multiple threads, including police corruption and the drug trade, as she races against time to find the true perpetrators of the most heinous of crimes. Ramsay does a terrific job of establishing Christine as the central protagonist and a fascinating and disparate cast of supporting characters, this includes her best friend Lizzie, her family, DC Toni Mackie and DC Craigo. This is the most gripping and twisted of Scottish crime reads, with a wonderful sense of location, I found myself completely immersed in the storylines and could not stop reading until I had reached the end with the thrilling finale. The author has come up with what promises to be a superb new Scottish crime series, and I cannot wait for the follow up. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The crime scene at Otterburn House was discovered by 2 teenage housebreakers, the massacre is carefully staged to appear as part of a satanic ritual, with a goat's head and inverse cross, and despite the presence of jewels and exclusive products, the only thing taken is the precious family heirloom, the devil stone, steeped in folklore and history. The police team is led by the inexperienced but ambitious DI Garry Kinsella, supported by DS Iain Gourlay on a fast track career path. Caplan is made to feel like an unwanted outsider, sidelined, kept out of the loop and is assigned local DC Finnan Craigo with the express purpose of hampering her ability to make any progress. Caplan is weighed down by worries over the family she has left behind in Glasgow, husband Aklen and the serious issues he is afflicted by, son Kenny fast disappearing into a virtual world and not attending university, although daughter Emma is more like her, highly organised and efficient.
Caplan finds herself under huge pressure to solve a case with multiple threads, including police corruption and the drug trade, as she races against time to find the true perpetrators of the most heinous of crimes. Ramsay does a terrific job of establishing Christine as the central protagonist and a fascinating and disparate cast of supporting characters, this includes her best friend Lizzie, her family, DC Toni Mackie and DC Craigo. This is the most gripping and twisted of Scottish crime reads, with a wonderful sense of location, I found myself completely immersed in the storylines and could not stop reading until I had reached the end with the thrilling finale. The author has come up with what promises to be a superb new Scottish crime series, and I cannot wait for the follow up. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
September 2, 2023
EXCERPT: 'Hey, look.' Bainsey shone the light across the floor, catching a maggot-ridden goat's head perched on a red velvet chaise longue; from it ran a trickle of dried liquid, two bright goblets on either side. Two daggers, their blades dull and stained, were arranged in between. There was a black figurine, goat-headed, winged and fork-tailed as a centrepiece and, as the beam of light dropped, he saw the inverted cross and the charred book. Even he could guess, from its feather-thin pages, that it was a bible.
He started saying something that Scotto couldn't make out, then his eyes closed, opened again, and he smiled before moving the light down, giggling a little, jerking the phone, causing the beam to drop suddenly where it caught the ghostly white face staring at the ceiling with nacreous clouded eyes. Unable to stop himself, he looked along. Another face. Then another. Five of them in a row, cheek to cheek.
ABOUT 'THE DEVIL STONE': In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case.
She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?
MY THOUGHTS: The Devil Stone is the first crime thriller in a new series featuring the recently demoted DI Christine Caplan. She's very good at her job - no one is arguing about that - but the result of her being distracted from the job by her fractious family has resulted in her demotion. A demotion that no one is easily going to let her forget. The mistake she has taken responsibility for is the source of much good and not-so-good natured ribbing.
The problems with her husband Aklen are treated like some sort of mystery with little bits of information dribbled out throughout the book. Personally, I found this really annoying. I was waiting for this big reveal, something shocking, traumatic. It wasn't and I would rather have had this information from the start. She also has problems with teenage son, Kenny. Daughter Emma is intelligent, kind and focused.
Christine's team on this case are a mixed bag. Kinsella, an inexperienced DCI - Christine's old rank, is pleasant and seems to have a good human touch. But while he is struggling under the weight of his new responsibilities, he seems to be wary of trusting Christine and including her in the investigation. He has teamed her with Craigo, who seems to be a truly unremarkable man. He is the butt of the jokes of the team, and they constantly play pranks on him, for which he falls every time. But in reality, he is bright and hard working, quiet and thoughtful. He has good instincts, but is disinclined to share them. Gourlay is ambitious, and not too choosy about the methods he uses to get to where he wants to be.
There are some incredible characters in this book that I hope we will be seeing more of as the series progresses.
There are multiple threads to this story including police corruption and drug trafficking. There were times during the read that I felt a little confused, but everything is tied up neatly at the end.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheDevilStone #NetGalley
I: : #caroramsay #canongatebooks
T: @CaroRamsayBooks @canongatebooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #familydrama #murdermystery #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Caro Ramsay was born and brought up in Glasgow, and now lives in a village on the west coast of Scotland. She is an osteopath, acupuncturist and former marathon runner, who devotes much of her time to the complementary treatment of injured wildlife at a local rescue centre. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Canongate via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Devil Stone by Caro Ramsay 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/...
He started saying something that Scotto couldn't make out, then his eyes closed, opened again, and he smiled before moving the light down, giggling a little, jerking the phone, causing the beam to drop suddenly where it caught the ghostly white face staring at the ceiling with nacreous clouded eyes. Unable to stop himself, he looked along. Another face. Then another. Five of them in a row, cheek to cheek.
ABOUT 'THE DEVIL STONE': In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case.
She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?
MY THOUGHTS: The Devil Stone is the first crime thriller in a new series featuring the recently demoted DI Christine Caplan. She's very good at her job - no one is arguing about that - but the result of her being distracted from the job by her fractious family has resulted in her demotion. A demotion that no one is easily going to let her forget. The mistake she has taken responsibility for is the source of much good and not-so-good natured ribbing.
The problems with her husband Aklen are treated like some sort of mystery with little bits of information dribbled out throughout the book. Personally, I found this really annoying. I was waiting for this big reveal, something shocking, traumatic. It wasn't and I would rather have had this information from the start. She also has problems with teenage son, Kenny. Daughter Emma is intelligent, kind and focused.
Christine's team on this case are a mixed bag. Kinsella, an inexperienced DCI - Christine's old rank, is pleasant and seems to have a good human touch. But while he is struggling under the weight of his new responsibilities, he seems to be wary of trusting Christine and including her in the investigation. He has teamed her with Craigo, who seems to be a truly unremarkable man. He is the butt of the jokes of the team, and they constantly play pranks on him, for which he falls every time. But in reality, he is bright and hard working, quiet and thoughtful. He has good instincts, but is disinclined to share them. Gourlay is ambitious, and not too choosy about the methods he uses to get to where he wants to be.
There are some incredible characters in this book that I hope we will be seeing more of as the series progresses.
There are multiple threads to this story including police corruption and drug trafficking. There were times during the read that I felt a little confused, but everything is tied up neatly at the end.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheDevilStone #NetGalley
I: : #caroramsay #canongatebooks
T: @CaroRamsayBooks @canongatebooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #familydrama #murdermystery #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Caro Ramsay was born and brought up in Glasgow, and now lives in a village on the west coast of Scotland. She is an osteopath, acupuncturist and former marathon runner, who devotes much of her time to the complementary treatment of injured wildlife at a local rescue centre. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Canongate via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Devil Stone by Caro Ramsay 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/...
November 22, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the advance copy of this crime mystery/police procedural thriller. The Devil Stone by author Caro Ramsay is the first of a new series featuring DCI Christine Caplan. She works calmly, confidently and professionally despite hindrances in her profession, and her home life is in turmoil.
Caplan has been demoted because evidence was mishandled on her watch, and she is now blamed for the death in her presence of the perpetrator in a mugging incident. There seems to be an intent to undermine her reputation and her position as a police officer. Unknown forces are spreading lies and rumours.
She is being transferred from her post in Glasgow to a small Highland village. She regards this move as a punishment and a way to restore her rank and reputation. The wealthy McGregor family were victims of mass murder. Five family members were killed, and their bodies were displayed in a bizarre scene in their mansion. It appears the horrific murders were committed in a satanic ritual. Their deaths were undiscovered for three weeks as they planned to leave on a cruise. The youngest son, and now heir to a tremendous fortune, has vanished. Could he be the murderer? A goat's head and an inverted cross were displayed, and polaroid photos of their deaths were shoved in the victim's mouths. Valuable property was in the home, but the only thing stolen was a family heirloom, the Devil Stone. The investigating officer, Bob Oswald, has gone missing after viewing the murder scene.
An ambitious local detective is anxious to close the case. The bodies were found by two teenage hoodlums, known to be satanists, who broke into the home. Caplan believes the murder scene was staged for misdirection, and the case is much more complex. Rumours of her demotion in Glasgow have followed her, and she is being excluded from information with obstacles placed in her way. She is concerned that there is either incompetence or sinister motivation on the part of local detectives in blaming the two young satanists and closing the case quickly. She is assigned to work with an older teammate, Craigo, who has been bullied, shamed and ignored and who has never received a promotion. She discovers that Craigo is more capable than credited. It bothered me that she didn't treat him better and give him more responsibility. An atmospheric sense of place was well-developed.
This was a slow-paced, complicated, intense plot with dark and ghastly implications. Caplan doesn't know who to trust, and the increasing number of characters detracted from the suspense. There were too many suspects to keep me riveted. When corrupt police and the drug trade fall into Caplan's enquiry, not only her reputation but her life is in danger. There was plenty of chaotic, frightening action toward the end that I found difficult to visualize.
I will be looking forward to another book featuring this intriguing detective. I hope to learn more about her messy, disturbing home life.
Caplan has been demoted because evidence was mishandled on her watch, and she is now blamed for the death in her presence of the perpetrator in a mugging incident. There seems to be an intent to undermine her reputation and her position as a police officer. Unknown forces are spreading lies and rumours.
She is being transferred from her post in Glasgow to a small Highland village. She regards this move as a punishment and a way to restore her rank and reputation. The wealthy McGregor family were victims of mass murder. Five family members were killed, and their bodies were displayed in a bizarre scene in their mansion. It appears the horrific murders were committed in a satanic ritual. Their deaths were undiscovered for three weeks as they planned to leave on a cruise. The youngest son, and now heir to a tremendous fortune, has vanished. Could he be the murderer? A goat's head and an inverted cross were displayed, and polaroid photos of their deaths were shoved in the victim's mouths. Valuable property was in the home, but the only thing stolen was a family heirloom, the Devil Stone. The investigating officer, Bob Oswald, has gone missing after viewing the murder scene.
An ambitious local detective is anxious to close the case. The bodies were found by two teenage hoodlums, known to be satanists, who broke into the home. Caplan believes the murder scene was staged for misdirection, and the case is much more complex. Rumours of her demotion in Glasgow have followed her, and she is being excluded from information with obstacles placed in her way. She is concerned that there is either incompetence or sinister motivation on the part of local detectives in blaming the two young satanists and closing the case quickly. She is assigned to work with an older teammate, Craigo, who has been bullied, shamed and ignored and who has never received a promotion. She discovers that Craigo is more capable than credited. It bothered me that she didn't treat him better and give him more responsibility. An atmospheric sense of place was well-developed.
This was a slow-paced, complicated, intense plot with dark and ghastly implications. Caplan doesn't know who to trust, and the increasing number of characters detracted from the suspense. There were too many suspects to keep me riveted. When corrupt police and the drug trade fall into Caplan's enquiry, not only her reputation but her life is in danger. There was plenty of chaotic, frightening action toward the end that I found difficult to visualize.
I will be looking forward to another book featuring this intriguing detective. I hope to learn more about her messy, disturbing home life.
June 20, 2023
4.5 rounded up
DCI Christine Caplan #1
Two burglars aiming to steal the devil stone get the shock of their lives after gaining entry to Otterburn House, home of the wealthy McGregor family. The murders of five members of the family appear to have the hallmarks of a Satanic killing, especially as the only item missing in a house full of treasures is the devil stone. The crime scene however, is perplexing, making little sense to the local police and giving them a mishmash of messages.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow DCI Christine Caplan has not had the best of days having endured a hearing for professional misconduct, a disastrous encounter with a handbag thief who seems as high as a kite and if that’s not enough to contend with, her home life can only be described as complicated. When the SIO of the McGregor case, DCI Bob Oswald goes AWOL, Christine is dispatched north to Conchie in the Highlands to assist DI Garry Kinsella and DS Iain Gowlay. When she arrives it becomes apparent that it’s not the tightest of ships and perhaps even more concerning, where is Adam McGregor, the youngest and hopefully, sole surviving member of the family???
Oh wow, I love a well constructed, exciting police procedural with excellent characters which Caro Ramsay delivers here in spades. The characterisation is exemplary, there are a lot, but they’re all well crafted and very easy to visualise. You can picture DC Craigo with his sharply pressed chinos, unkempt shirts and unusual way of thinking. Then there’s DC Toni Mackie with her over tight tops and the less said about her feet the better! As for Caplan, let’s just say you would definitely want her on your side, she’s straight talking, an incisive thinker and yes, Christine just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. I really like her and totally root for her.
The plot is complex, intense and dark, having multiple strands to it and it soon becomes clear that there’s a rotten heart beating in this beautiful area . The stunning scenery of the highlands is so well described and contrasts sharply with the dangerous sequence of events that Caplan finds herself in the centre of, with zero idea of who she can trust. The atmosphere is positively electric and tense, it’s full of brooding and direct threats as one of the number of sinister events plays out. Caplan is in acute danger, she must exercise all of her wits and her mental and physical strength to stay even half a step ahead if she’s to find a perpetrators whose reach is long. It’s an exhilarating high octane read, it’s a bit chaotic at times but that’s in keeping with the circumstances and with a pace that accelerates as it moves to an exciting ending. It’s absolutely gripping and the author has me hanging on every word and eagerly anticipating number two in the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canongate for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DCI Christine Caplan #1
Two burglars aiming to steal the devil stone get the shock of their lives after gaining entry to Otterburn House, home of the wealthy McGregor family. The murders of five members of the family appear to have the hallmarks of a Satanic killing, especially as the only item missing in a house full of treasures is the devil stone. The crime scene however, is perplexing, making little sense to the local police and giving them a mishmash of messages.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow DCI Christine Caplan has not had the best of days having endured a hearing for professional misconduct, a disastrous encounter with a handbag thief who seems as high as a kite and if that’s not enough to contend with, her home life can only be described as complicated. When the SIO of the McGregor case, DCI Bob Oswald goes AWOL, Christine is dispatched north to Conchie in the Highlands to assist DI Garry Kinsella and DS Iain Gowlay. When she arrives it becomes apparent that it’s not the tightest of ships and perhaps even more concerning, where is Adam McGregor, the youngest and hopefully, sole surviving member of the family???
Oh wow, I love a well constructed, exciting police procedural with excellent characters which Caro Ramsay delivers here in spades. The characterisation is exemplary, there are a lot, but they’re all well crafted and very easy to visualise. You can picture DC Craigo with his sharply pressed chinos, unkempt shirts and unusual way of thinking. Then there’s DC Toni Mackie with her over tight tops and the less said about her feet the better! As for Caplan, let’s just say you would definitely want her on your side, she’s straight talking, an incisive thinker and yes, Christine just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. I really like her and totally root for her.
The plot is complex, intense and dark, having multiple strands to it and it soon becomes clear that there’s a rotten heart beating in this beautiful area . The stunning scenery of the highlands is so well described and contrasts sharply with the dangerous sequence of events that Caplan finds herself in the centre of, with zero idea of who she can trust. The atmosphere is positively electric and tense, it’s full of brooding and direct threats as one of the number of sinister events plays out. Caplan is in acute danger, she must exercise all of her wits and her mental and physical strength to stay even half a step ahead if she’s to find a perpetrators whose reach is long. It’s an exhilarating high octane read, it’s a bit chaotic at times but that’s in keeping with the circumstances and with a pace that accelerates as it moves to an exciting ending. It’s absolutely gripping and the author has me hanging on every word and eagerly anticipating number two in the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canongate for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 9, 2022
The Devil Stone is the first book in the DCI Christine Caplan series by British author, Caro Ramsay. Only just demoted to DI, Glasgow detective Christine Caplan is sent north to assist with a mass murder case near the village of Cronchie. Five members, three generations, of one family have been killed in what has been set up to look like a Satanic ritual. The youngest son of this wealthy, prominent, local land-owner family, Adam McGregor, is absent.
Missing from the house, the Deilstane the family kept safe, local legend claiming death and disaster would follow if the stone was removed. Two teens break into the house, intent on stealing exactly that (and perhaps more) while the family is away on a cruise. They are members of the local Deilmen, devil worshippers, but their shock and distress at finding the three-week-old corpses is undoubtedly genuine.
After he leaves this disturbing scene, the SIO, DCI Bob Oswald fails to return home, one reason Caplan is sent there; that the DI leading the case lacks experience and confidence is another factor. DI Garry Kinsella claims to be relieved that Caplan has arrived to help, but also seems to be wedded to the idea that two inept teens committed the murders, then returned weeks later: Caplan remains sceptical.
Working with a team she doesn’t know, some of whom seem less that capable, others, quite secretive, is a challenge, as are the locals who openly display mistrust of the police. But Caplan is also distracted by lack of support from her superiors in a mugging incident where the teenaged assailant died.
She leaves behind in Glasgow a dysfunctional family: a chronically depressed, unemployed husband, a son failing to commit to his education; and a daughter conflicted between tending family and advancing her career. Disturbingly, all her personal problems are apparently common knowledge within the team. Knowing exactly whom she can trust is a dilemma.
Two more deaths occur before things become clear, and the one that looks like a tragic accident arouses Caplan’s suspicion enough that she looks into Bob Oswald’s most recent case. As she closes in on what’s really happening, multiple attempts to discourage her investigations only firm her resolve.
Ramsay’s newest series offers a strong female protagonist, plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and a nail-biting climax. More of this cast of characters is most definitely welcome. Excellent Scottish crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Severn House.
Missing from the house, the Deilstane the family kept safe, local legend claiming death and disaster would follow if the stone was removed. Two teens break into the house, intent on stealing exactly that (and perhaps more) while the family is away on a cruise. They are members of the local Deilmen, devil worshippers, but their shock and distress at finding the three-week-old corpses is undoubtedly genuine.
After he leaves this disturbing scene, the SIO, DCI Bob Oswald fails to return home, one reason Caplan is sent there; that the DI leading the case lacks experience and confidence is another factor. DI Garry Kinsella claims to be relieved that Caplan has arrived to help, but also seems to be wedded to the idea that two inept teens committed the murders, then returned weeks later: Caplan remains sceptical.
Working with a team she doesn’t know, some of whom seem less that capable, others, quite secretive, is a challenge, as are the locals who openly display mistrust of the police. But Caplan is also distracted by lack of support from her superiors in a mugging incident where the teenaged assailant died.
She leaves behind in Glasgow a dysfunctional family: a chronically depressed, unemployed husband, a son failing to commit to his education; and a daughter conflicted between tending family and advancing her career. Disturbingly, all her personal problems are apparently common knowledge within the team. Knowing exactly whom she can trust is a dilemma.
Two more deaths occur before things become clear, and the one that looks like a tragic accident arouses Caplan’s suspicion enough that she looks into Bob Oswald’s most recent case. As she closes in on what’s really happening, multiple attempts to discourage her investigations only firm her resolve.
Ramsay’s newest series offers a strong female protagonist, plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and a nail-biting climax. More of this cast of characters is most definitely welcome. Excellent Scottish crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Severn House.
February 12, 2023
This first book of a new series from Caro Ramsey begins with the discovery of a gruesome killing, the murders of a wealthy family, the McGregors, in a town in the Scottish Highlands. And very shortly after that discovery, as the police are completing their initial work at the scene, the skilled, soon to retire DCI Oswald disappears. Meanwhile, in Glasgow, DCI Christine Caplan is in the midst of both professional and personal problems. The professional issues are endangering her hard won title of DCI. But there is an olive branch of sorts offered…she can go to Cronchie as DCI until Oswald returns and “help” direct this important investigation.
Caplan travels to Cronchie to enter into an investigation already underway. As she does, she begins to question everything she encounters, from the meaning of the crime scene to the intent of several of her fellow officers. There are strong indications that the murder is not at all what it appears but the local police seem close to wrapping it up. Why they are in such a rush puzzles her. This is a truly engaging story on every level.
Caplan herself is a multifaceted person with warts and all; while other characters though not so fully drawn are given breadth. Some are allowed to be enigmatic which I enjoyed. There are excellent plotting, elements of corruption, and a well done action finale
I have enjoyed Ramsey’s writing in the past and I am definitely looking forward to the next book to follow The Devil Stone.
Highly recommended for all mystery readers. 4.5
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Caplan travels to Cronchie to enter into an investigation already underway. As she does, she begins to question everything she encounters, from the meaning of the crime scene to the intent of several of her fellow officers. There are strong indications that the murder is not at all what it appears but the local police seem close to wrapping it up. Why they are in such a rush puzzles her. This is a truly engaging story on every level.
Caplan herself is a multifaceted person with warts and all; while other characters though not so fully drawn are given breadth. Some are allowed to be enigmatic which I enjoyed. There are excellent plotting, elements of corruption, and a well done action finale
I have enjoyed Ramsey’s writing in the past and I am definitely looking forward to the next book to follow The Devil Stone.
Highly recommended for all mystery readers. 4.5
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
December 1, 2022
Great new Scottish crime entry!
Detective Chief Inspector Christine Caplan has just been slotted back to Detective Inspector.
A review of lost material had her demoted temporarily. She carried the card for someone else, a member of her team she’d trusted.
Part of her punishment is to go up north to Otterburn near Cronchie to take a secondary lead on a bizarre murder—five members of the one family with satanic ritual overtones.
Only when she arrives one of the lead detectives is missing. Things are not as they seem.
Back home she’s also being looked at for police brutality when she stopped a young thief who’d knocked a pensioner out of her wheelchair in an effort to steal her bag. And now the three eyewitnesses have all mysteriously turned against her.
The thing is the thief was high. A new drug’s in town that’s diabolical! Snapdragon! People are dying!
Who to trust, at home and up north? Those above her seem to be intent on making her the scapegoat. And I certainly wouldn’t trust her superior ACC Sarah Linden.
Tension, intrigue, targeted deaths, a target family, a time to cry! What more do I want?
Thrilling new entry into the modern Scottish crime scene!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Detective Chief Inspector Christine Caplan has just been slotted back to Detective Inspector.
A review of lost material had her demoted temporarily. She carried the card for someone else, a member of her team she’d trusted.
Part of her punishment is to go up north to Otterburn near Cronchie to take a secondary lead on a bizarre murder—five members of the one family with satanic ritual overtones.
Only when she arrives one of the lead detectives is missing. Things are not as they seem.
Back home she’s also being looked at for police brutality when she stopped a young thief who’d knocked a pensioner out of her wheelchair in an effort to steal her bag. And now the three eyewitnesses have all mysteriously turned against her.
The thing is the thief was high. A new drug’s in town that’s diabolical! Snapdragon! People are dying!
Who to trust, at home and up north? Those above her seem to be intent on making her the scapegoat. And I certainly wouldn’t trust her superior ACC Sarah Linden.
Tension, intrigue, targeted deaths, a target family, a time to cry! What more do I want?
Thrilling new entry into the modern Scottish crime scene!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
January 12, 2023
Good mystery with a likable hard working main character. I needed to look up some initials like DCI etc. as I am not familiar with the abbreviations. Also a few things like torch=flashlight. The main problem I had with the book was the large cast of characters with some timeline shifting. Plus, I am afraid Caplin's family were getting on my last nerve. I hope to continue with the series but am unsure at this point.
September 6, 2022
DCI Christine Caplan has recently been demoted to DI. Her personal life is a mess. Someone appears to be setting her up even a simple mugging on a night out turns deadly! This first outing for Christine sent to the Highlands as a punishment comes with a family murdered with the Occult in the frame. The suspicious characters come thick and fast. As a newcomer Christine does not know who to trust. Can the danger come from very close to home? DCI Caplan is a well rounded character who has to cope with the politics of police hierarchy. This is a new character who you will be very happy to follow into a new series.
Thank you NetGalley and (Severn House) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and (Severn House) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2023
Another great murder mystery that kept me reading late into the night. A family of five are murdered and the murder scene is riddled with satanic connotations. Enter DCI Caplin who has been demoted to DI and is asked to assist in this murder case. Some one is trying to stop this case going any further but why? More importantly Who? This is the start of a new series and I can't wait to read more.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
July 17, 2023
4.5 Rounded up - Review to come
August 23, 2024
A gruesome murder, the whole family slayed, a DCI out to prove herself, people with deeply buried secrets, multiple threads that make the case near on impossible to solve, The Devil Stone has it all.
Caro Ramsay wrote a brilliant, gripping, well constructed and exciting police procedural and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Caro Ramsay wrote a brilliant, gripping, well constructed and exciting police procedural and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
DCI Christine Caplan, recently demoted, is on her way to lead a case of a terrible family massacre in the small Highland village of Chronchie. The 5 dead are laid out in a careful Satanist tableaux, suspiciously perfect. Could the 2 young men who stumbled on the scene be the perpetrators? Christine doesn't believe it. Leaving behind a difficult household in Glasgow, she walks into a messy and stressful police investigation with a missing SIO.
It's a hornet's nest, with corruption rife and there are definite signs there are forces intent on getting rid of Christine.
This is the first in the series, and a promising one. Christine is an appealing character and the ending is breathtaking, impossible to put the book down!
I look forward to meeting Christine and her family again, as well as a couple of the police (loved Mackie!). Highly recommended.
DCI Christine Caplan, recently demoted, is on her way to lead a case of a terrible family massacre in the small Highland village of Chronchie. The 5 dead are laid out in a careful Satanist tableaux, suspiciously perfect. Could the 2 young men who stumbled on the scene be the perpetrators? Christine doesn't believe it. Leaving behind a difficult household in Glasgow, she walks into a messy and stressful police investigation with a missing SIO.
It's a hornet's nest, with corruption rife and there are definite signs there are forces intent on getting rid of Christine.
This is the first in the series, and a promising one. Christine is an appealing character and the ending is breathtaking, impossible to put the book down!
I look forward to meeting Christine and her family again, as well as a couple of the police (loved Mackie!). Highly recommended.
November 11, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an advance copy of The Devil Stone, the first novel to feature DCI Christine Caplan of Police Scotland.
A family of five is murdered in their home in the Highland village of Cronchie and the only thing missing is a family heirloom, the mystical Devil Stone. When the investigating officer, DCI Oswald, goes missing after visiting the scene Caplan is sent north from Glasgow to assist the investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Devil Stone, which has a plot full of twists and turns and a likeable protagonist. I have been reading the author’s novels for years as I like her style of writing and the way her mind works and this novel is no different. It’s easy to follow, despite a lot of murkiness about who did what, it has great characters and a lovely sense of place.
I must admit that when I started reading I did not imagine that 5 dead MacGregors and hints of satanism would lead to where it did. It’s not exactly misdirection on the author’s part, more a jumping off point for even more serious crime. I loved it and was glued to the pages from start to finish. So, there’s a murder investigation, but Caplan doesn’t see eye to eye over it with the detective she was sent to help, DI Kinsella, as he’s looking at the lazy answer and she knows it doesn’t fit. They both end up doing their own thing with the friction adding a little something to proceedings. The resolution to the case is gobsmacking in its verve and action. It’s all highly unlikely but it’s exciting and seems fitting for all that’s gone before.
I like Christine Caplan. She doesn’t have her troubles to seek, either personally or professionally, and finding herself fitted up for more would break a lesser woman, but she can soldier on quietly, calmly and professionally.
The Devil Stone is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
A family of five is murdered in their home in the Highland village of Cronchie and the only thing missing is a family heirloom, the mystical Devil Stone. When the investigating officer, DCI Oswald, goes missing after visiting the scene Caplan is sent north from Glasgow to assist the investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Devil Stone, which has a plot full of twists and turns and a likeable protagonist. I have been reading the author’s novels for years as I like her style of writing and the way her mind works and this novel is no different. It’s easy to follow, despite a lot of murkiness about who did what, it has great characters and a lovely sense of place.
I must admit that when I started reading I did not imagine that 5 dead MacGregors and hints of satanism would lead to where it did. It’s not exactly misdirection on the author’s part, more a jumping off point for even more serious crime. I loved it and was glued to the pages from start to finish. So, there’s a murder investigation, but Caplan doesn’t see eye to eye over it with the detective she was sent to help, DI Kinsella, as he’s looking at the lazy answer and she knows it doesn’t fit. They both end up doing their own thing with the friction adding a little something to proceedings. The resolution to the case is gobsmacking in its verve and action. It’s all highly unlikely but it’s exciting and seems fitting for all that’s gone before.
I like Christine Caplan. She doesn’t have her troubles to seek, either personally or professionally, and finding herself fitted up for more would break a lesser woman, but she can soldier on quietly, calmly and professionally.
The Devil Stone is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 30, 2022
DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in from Glasgow to investigate a brutal murder in a small village in the Scottish Highlands. Her work on this case involving the murder of all but one member of a prominent family in the area could either get her career back on the right track or end it once and for all.
The book got off to a slow start for me as I figured out who all the characters were and who would be important to the ongoing story and who could be trusted. However, things picked up after a few chapters and I really started enjoying the book. I like Christine and the investigation was an interesting one. I like other books by this author and think this book is a great start to a new series and I would be interested in reading any future books with DCI Christine Caplan.
I received this book at no cost from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book got off to a slow start for me as I figured out who all the characters were and who would be important to the ongoing story and who could be trusted. However, things picked up after a few chapters and I really started enjoying the book. I like Christine and the investigation was an interesting one. I like other books by this author and think this book is a great start to a new series and I would be interested in reading any future books with DCI Christine Caplan.
I received this book at no cost from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 26, 2023
I’ve read most of Caro Ramsay’s books. This is the start of a new series. Great to have a female lead albeit one with some serious back story. There are clues along the way to solve the murders but then something else happens and one is forced into rethinking whodunnit! The pace of the story is good - several recaps give the reader time to breathe. The characters are believable and there is enough gallows humour to lighten the mood. The team that survives has the unlikeliest of members but I look forward to their next adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley for a prepublication ebook.
Thank you to NetGalley for a prepublication ebook.
June 5, 2025
A real page turner. Full of breathtaking suspense.
September 12, 2023
Rated 3.5/4 /5
The writing was fairly descriptive with lots of things happening all the time. The only thing I would say is that at times I did get a bit confused as to what was happening, but when I took a step back I got the general jist of what was going on. There was a summary at the end which helped.
The chapters were very long and individually split up. To indicate a split in the chapter the first few words of a new paragraph were in bold capitals. The paragraph was also a few lines down to separate it.
The story had a good flow to it with lots of different things happening to different people all the time.
The characters were excellent. You couldn't trust any of them. The one downside was that there was an awful lot of characters to keep up with. I would have liked a character list. Despite the amount of characters I did enjoy the overall story.
Lastly the settings. I enjoyed being on the Scottish Islands. I don't read many books based there. The settings were lightly described and complimented the story well. They definitely added to the suspense and the mystery!
Overall an enjoyable story full of suspense and mystery.
✨For a longer review see my book blog✨ https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com
The writing was fairly descriptive with lots of things happening all the time. The only thing I would say is that at times I did get a bit confused as to what was happening, but when I took a step back I got the general jist of what was going on. There was a summary at the end which helped.
The chapters were very long and individually split up. To indicate a split in the chapter the first few words of a new paragraph were in bold capitals. The paragraph was also a few lines down to separate it.
The story had a good flow to it with lots of different things happening to different people all the time.
The characters were excellent. You couldn't trust any of them. The one downside was that there was an awful lot of characters to keep up with. I would have liked a character list. Despite the amount of characters I did enjoy the overall story.
Lastly the settings. I enjoyed being on the Scottish Islands. I don't read many books based there. The settings were lightly described and complimented the story well. They definitely added to the suspense and the mystery!
Overall an enjoyable story full of suspense and mystery.
✨For a longer review see my book blog✨ https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com
August 26, 2023
“The Devil Stone” is the first in a new Scottish crime series featuring DCI Christine Caplan, who we see recently demoted to DI. This book is typical of my type of read, with the brutal and quite macabre murder of an entire family which could have ties to the supernatural and demonic forces. To be faced with the challenge of finding the culprit/s of such a heinous crime is no mean feat and it takes all of Caplan’s prowess to start piecing together what everyone else is failing to see. Following a fall from grace with the powers that be and having incidents occur that she can’t explain tarnishing her name, she finds herself demoted to the backwaters of the Highlands of Scotland and working with colleagues full of mistrust towards her. As she struggles to prove her worth and integrity, she also fears for her safety and this makes for an interesting and tense read as she starts making enquiries too close to home.
I did feel like I needed during the whole of the story to pay attention to the characters involved and I would recommend reading this book in as a few a sittings as possible for the continuity but the denouement is explained in full, which helped clarify a few things for me.
All in all, an excellent first book in a new series, from an author who is obviously imaginative and talented in her writing and I will definitely seek out book two when it’s published.
#TheDevilStone - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I did feel like I needed during the whole of the story to pay attention to the characters involved and I would recommend reading this book in as a few a sittings as possible for the continuity but the denouement is explained in full, which helped clarify a few things for me.
All in all, an excellent first book in a new series, from an author who is obviously imaginative and talented in her writing and I will definitely seek out book two when it’s published.
#TheDevilStone - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 15, 2022
A storyline like no other.
DCI Christine Caplan had recently been demoted to Detective Inspector after some evidence had gone missing on her last case. She’s had to accept the demotion as her husband is ill and her teenage son is out of control.
In the new position of Detective Inspector, Christine is sent to help with a case in Cronchie, a small town on the coast of Scotland. Christine is only supposed to be there for a few days until the missing Detective Chief Inspector hopefully, re-appears.
A decomposed family is discovered when two young boys break into the manor house, Otterburn. The family had not been missed as they were all supposed to be away on holiday. The only member who has escaped being murdered is the youngest son, Adam. However, he can’t be found.
Christine finds herself with a young Detective Inspector who shows no respect for her. He wants the case to be his big step up in the police. Other members of the team go out of their way to hinder Christine’s inquiries and the big question hanging over everything is where is DCI Oswald?
The case of discovering who murdered the family, where the missing “Devil Stone” is and whether there are corrupt police working on the case trying to scupper all inquiries, Christine finds herself completely out of her depth.
I’m a huge fan of Caro Ramsay and must admit that when I started this novel, I was a bit nervous because there were so many threads to follow. However, once I’d worked out where everyone fitted in, I needed to disappear into my “reading corner” so as not to be disturbed until I reached the climax of this remarkable novel featuring a woman who is prepared to fight for justice, regardless of the obstacles put in her path.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
DCI Christine Caplan had recently been demoted to Detective Inspector after some evidence had gone missing on her last case. She’s had to accept the demotion as her husband is ill and her teenage son is out of control.
In the new position of Detective Inspector, Christine is sent to help with a case in Cronchie, a small town on the coast of Scotland. Christine is only supposed to be there for a few days until the missing Detective Chief Inspector hopefully, re-appears.
A decomposed family is discovered when two young boys break into the manor house, Otterburn. The family had not been missed as they were all supposed to be away on holiday. The only member who has escaped being murdered is the youngest son, Adam. However, he can’t be found.
Christine finds herself with a young Detective Inspector who shows no respect for her. He wants the case to be his big step up in the police. Other members of the team go out of their way to hinder Christine’s inquiries and the big question hanging over everything is where is DCI Oswald?
The case of discovering who murdered the family, where the missing “Devil Stone” is and whether there are corrupt police working on the case trying to scupper all inquiries, Christine finds herself completely out of her depth.
I’m a huge fan of Caro Ramsay and must admit that when I started this novel, I was a bit nervous because there were so many threads to follow. However, once I’d worked out where everyone fitted in, I needed to disappear into my “reading corner” so as not to be disturbed until I reached the climax of this remarkable novel featuring a woman who is prepared to fight for justice, regardless of the obstacles put in her path.
Rony
Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.
December 5, 2022
The Devil Stone by Caro Ramsay.
In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case. She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?.
A brilliant read. I enjoyed this book . Great story. 5*.
In the small Highland village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered in a satanic ritual and their heirloom, 'the devil stone', is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists - case closed? But when the investigating officer disappears after leaving the crime scene, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate from Glasgow in a case that could restore her reputation.
Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but ever the professional, she's confident she can quickly solve the murders, and return home to her fractious family. But experience soon tells her that this is no open and shut case. She suspects the murder scene was staged, and with the heir to the family estate missing, there is something more at play than a mythical devil stone. As she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her reputation that is danger! Will Caplan's first Highland murder case be her last?.
A brilliant read. I enjoyed this book . Great story. 5*.
December 24, 2022
The Devil Stone is the first book in a new police procedural series. DCI Christine Caplan has recently been demoted to DI and is sent from Glasgow to a small Scottish town to share the lead on a bizarre murder case. Five family members were found murdered in what initially appears to be a satanic ritual. Her presence is not fully embraced at the local police station and soon it appears someone is hindering her participation in the investigation.
Christine has a lot on her plate with the blow to her career and challenges on the home front. The plot gets somewhat convoluted, but Caro Ramsay brought the ending home with a bang. This novel was a great start to a new series featuring a strong female protagonist and some interesting side characters.
Christine has a lot on her plate with the blow to her career and challenges on the home front. The plot gets somewhat convoluted, but Caro Ramsay brought the ending home with a bang. This novel was a great start to a new series featuring a strong female protagonist and some interesting side characters.
October 23, 2022
This is the first book by Caro Ramsay that I've read, but it won't be the last. The Devil Stone is what I hope is the start of a new series, DCI Christine Caplan has been "asked" to step down to DI in the wake of an irregularity with some evidence (I wonder if we'll learn more about that backstory at some point) when she's sent to cover a murder investigation that has misplaced its DCI. Everyone seems to be trying to get her to back off, from the DI who tries to freeze her out of the investigation to the ACC who says she's got Christine's back. Fast-paced and full of twists and turns, I recommend this police procedural.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.
Thanks to Severn House for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.
August 23, 2023
Caro Ramsay is a Scottish writer of crime novels. Previous novels were set in Glasgow.
Yet this novel The Devil Stone, the first in a new series, takes us from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands.
Main protagonist DCI Chrstine Caplan, former ballet dancer and health freak, is transferred and demoted to DI for allegedly being sloppy with evidence. She is transferred to deal with the murders of a wealthy old Scottish family: the McGregors. The entire family, with the exception of youngest son Adam, has been gruesomely killed. Two young burglars stumble upon their bodies and flee the crime scene sick with misery.
You dive straight into the story; it took me a long time to realise what was happening in the prologue. To be honest, I completely lost track in the beginning; for instance, I didn't understand why that bicycle incident in the very beginning had anything to do with the plot. Only at the very end of the novel does that too become clear.
I found the beginning incoherent and felt like I had landed in the middle of a story. Initially, I was very bothered by Caplan's husband, who sleeps and hangs in front of the telly all day. I found it hard to believe that such a strong, bossy woman would put up with this for seven years. I would really go crazy if I had someone like that around me, and then, when you come home from work, you get the whole housekeeping on you as well. Insane! I think very few marriages can withstand such behaviour, by far most would have really pulled the plug after a few years.
I didn't find the staged ritual killings very convincing, especially the various references to Silence of the Lambs (the Polaroid pictures) & the Manson Family I found to be far-fetched. It seems like the writer is really trying too hard here to make us believe what it is all about.
Bringing in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - and the infamous Cottingley Fairies hoax I found strange, although I really understand why the author brings up this topic, but as a huge Doyle fan I don't really think it's neat to compare his Spiritualism with Satanism. Different time, different values. I personally find it a bit weak to ridicule anyone for that reason.
I found the first half of the book boring, I really had to struggle through the story, only after 60% does it get interesting and exciting. I did like the ending, but it came across as a bit rushed, as if everything had to come together all at once now, in a somewhat of a 'fairy tale' ending.
For me, it is Craigo who takes the story to the next level. His clumsiness, yet always coming up with just the right prompts when the situation calls for it, he reminded me a lot of the character Dodds, from the British crime series MacDonald & Dodds (played by actor Jason Watkins). I really liked the banter between Caplan & Craigo, her initial irritation and distrust towards him, even though he ends up saving her - in more ways than she thought possible. Fortunately, the author has chosen to pair her with Dodds/Craigo, and together they will fight crime in beautiful Scotland!
Looking forward to the next part. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
3 stars.
** Publication date: August 31, 2023 **
Yet this novel The Devil Stone, the first in a new series, takes us from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands.
Main protagonist DCI Chrstine Caplan, former ballet dancer and health freak, is transferred and demoted to DI for allegedly being sloppy with evidence. She is transferred to deal with the murders of a wealthy old Scottish family: the McGregors. The entire family, with the exception of youngest son Adam, has been gruesomely killed. Two young burglars stumble upon their bodies and flee the crime scene sick with misery.
You dive straight into the story; it took me a long time to realise what was happening in the prologue. To be honest, I completely lost track in the beginning; for instance, I didn't understand why that bicycle incident in the very beginning had anything to do with the plot. Only at the very end of the novel does that too become clear.
I found the beginning incoherent and felt like I had landed in the middle of a story. Initially, I was very bothered by Caplan's husband, who sleeps and hangs in front of the telly all day. I found it hard to believe that such a strong, bossy woman would put up with this for seven years. I would really go crazy if I had someone like that around me, and then, when you come home from work, you get the whole housekeeping on you as well. Insane! I think very few marriages can withstand such behaviour, by far most would have really pulled the plug after a few years.
I didn't find the staged ritual killings very convincing, especially the various references to Silence of the Lambs (the Polaroid pictures) & the Manson Family I found to be far-fetched. It seems like the writer is really trying too hard here to make us believe what it is all about.
Bringing in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - and the infamous Cottingley Fairies hoax I found strange, although I really understand why the author brings up this topic, but as a huge Doyle fan I don't really think it's neat to compare his Spiritualism with Satanism. Different time, different values. I personally find it a bit weak to ridicule anyone for that reason.
I found the first half of the book boring, I really had to struggle through the story, only after 60% does it get interesting and exciting. I did like the ending, but it came across as a bit rushed, as if everything had to come together all at once now, in a somewhat of a 'fairy tale' ending.
For me, it is Craigo who takes the story to the next level. His clumsiness, yet always coming up with just the right prompts when the situation calls for it, he reminded me a lot of the character Dodds, from the British crime series MacDonald & Dodds (played by actor Jason Watkins). I really liked the banter between Caplan & Craigo, her initial irritation and distrust towards him, even though he ends up saving her - in more ways than she thought possible. Fortunately, the author has chosen to pair her with Dodds/Craigo, and together they will fight crime in beautiful Scotland!
Looking forward to the next part. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
3 stars.
** Publication date: August 31, 2023 **
December 16, 2022
The Devil Stone by Caro Ramsay is the first book in the new DCI Christine Caplan series and what a great start to a new series this was. When DCI Christine Caplan, personal life is a mess and has recently been demoted to DI..........She's has now been sent from Glasgow to a Highlands village to deal with an especially ugly case.
But this is only the beginning of all her problems! Then Someone appears to be setting her up with a simple mugging on a night out turns deadly!
A family was murdered and the only thing taken in the attack was the famous Devil Stone.
Why did someone kill this family and take this famous Devil Stone?
What does this mean?
Where they Satanists who did it and killed this family?
WoW, This book is so good, it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout. I am loving this new series and looking forward reading what happens next with Christine
I highly recommend this book.....
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
But this is only the beginning of all her problems! Then Someone appears to be setting her up with a simple mugging on a night out turns deadly!
A family was murdered and the only thing taken in the attack was the famous Devil Stone.
Why did someone kill this family and take this famous Devil Stone?
What does this mean?
Where they Satanists who did it and killed this family?
WoW, This book is so good, it was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout. I am loving this new series and looking forward reading what happens next with Christine
I highly recommend this book.....
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
July 15, 2024
4.5 stars
I could barely stop listening to this book to do things that needed my ears to be in the here, now, and present.
It was intense, thrilling, and fascinating.
I liked it very, very much and can't wait to throw myself at the sequel - even though I might save it for a while, just to have something to look forward to.
I could barely stop listening to this book to do things that needed my ears to be in the here, now, and present.
It was intense, thrilling, and fascinating.
I liked it very, very much and can't wait to throw myself at the sequel - even though I might save it for a while, just to have something to look forward to.
November 28, 2022
This is an amazing start to a new series by Caro Ramsay! I loved the characterisation, especially Caplan, who is under extreme pressure to solve a multiple murder of a wealthy local family, living in a small village in west Scotland. The setting is beautiful and I felt transported right to the heart of the action. Caplan soon finds herself working with a team of strange detectives, uncovering a web of police corruption and drug smuggling. The whole story, with it's clever plotting just pulled me in from the beginning and I am sure this is promising to be a new, and superbly crafted, crime series which I highly recommend. I look forward to the next in the series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 3, 2024
A good read
October 20, 2024
The whole satanic panic thing was a bit dated. But the story was well told with compelling and unique characters.
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