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McBride & Tanner #1
Blood and Money
DI Jade Tanner has been plunged into managing the Complex Crimes Unit, Police Scotland's newest investigating team. She's recruited Dr Petra McBride, fresh from losing her job at Dundee University, and DS Mo Uddin, who's reluctantly transferred from Birmingham.
When America's newest internet billionaire is shot on the shores of Loch Lomond, the team is brought in. Jade suspects a connection with the shooting of a local millionaire, an unsolved case which has been haunting her.
But the team has its problems. Jade is only just back at work after a personal trauma, and can barely leave her own front drive. Petra is receiving anonymous phone calls and trying to establish a relationship with the latest in a string of girlfriends. And Mo is missing the city and his old boss DI Zoe Finch.
Can the team work together despite their differences and find the killer before the next shooting? Or will the next victim be a member of the Complex Crimes Unit?
Blood and Money is the first in an exciting new series from Rachel McLean, the million-selling author of the prize-winning Dorset Crime series.
When America's newest internet billionaire is shot on the shores of Loch Lomond, the team is brought in. Jade suspects a connection with the shooting of a local millionaire, an unsolved case which has been haunting her.
But the team has its problems. Jade is only just back at work after a personal trauma, and can barely leave her own front drive. Petra is receiving anonymous phone calls and trying to establish a relationship with the latest in a string of girlfriends. And Mo is missing the city and his old boss DI Zoe Finch.
Can the team work together despite their differences and find the killer before the next shooting? Or will the next victim be a member of the Complex Crimes Unit?
Blood and Money is the first in an exciting new series from Rachel McLean, the million-selling author of the prize-winning Dorset Crime series.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2022
1198 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McLean
107 books611 followersMy name's Rachel McLean and I write stories you can't put down, with characters you'll be rooting for.
I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.
Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:
'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'
But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.
For example:
DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.
I'm best known for my Dorset Crime series, which has sold over a million copies. The first book in that series, The Corfe Castle Murders, won the 2021 Kindle Storyteller Award.
Here's what Clare Balding (the lead judge) had to say about the book:
'I particularly enjoyed the detail of the landscape and the humorous oddities of Dorset life. I enjoyed the richness of the characters, complexity of life for a working mother who is thrown into a new environment and has to prove herself, all over again.'
But The Corfe Castle Murders is by no means my only book. I've published five series and am working on two new ones, all of which connect. You'll find characters from each series in one or more of the other ones, so you (and I) get to follow them as they take on new challenges.
For example:
DCI Lesley Clarke is Zoe's boss in the DI Zoe Finch series and then moves to Dorset where she becomes the star of the Dorset Crime series.
DS Mo Uddin is Zoe's best friend and sidekick, then moves to Scotland for the McBride & Tanner series.
DC Tina Abbott is a key character in the Dorset Crime series and plays an important role in the new Lyme Regis Women's Swimming Club series of mysteries which stars her mum, Annie.
Zaf Williams starts off in the DI Zoe Finch series then moves to London and is one of the stars of the London Cosy Mysteries series (along with his colleague Diana and Gus the cat).
Dr Petra McBride appears in no fewer than three series and I'm planning a new series for her in 2026.
And not to be outdone, Zoe Finch has two series in which she stars: the DI Zoe Finch series of 'Deadly' books, and the Cumbria Crime series.
Once you get to know these characters, you'll find plenty of books to keep you entertained. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
You can read a full list of the series and books on my books page. Each series is designed to be read in order but which series you go for first is really up to you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 26, 2023
SPOILERS
I managed to struggle to the end of this but was not convinced by the ending. Why did the perpetrators choose such a complicated means to kill the victims? What was the point of Dr McBride, she contributed nothing except a faux Scottish accent. The author also needs to take some lessons on Scottish law of trespass. In terms of geography - there is no motorway to Loch Lomond and the description of the area is confusing, early in the book it is stated that access to the house is so difficult that the owner helicopters in, however the police and crime scene investigators seem to have no problem.
In this book and others by the author she attributes bizarre facial and body movements to her characters - balling fists, shuffling feet, wrinkling noses, odd eye movements. All unnecessary and distracting.
I managed to struggle to the end of this but was not convinced by the ending. Why did the perpetrators choose such a complicated means to kill the victims? What was the point of Dr McBride, she contributed nothing except a faux Scottish accent. The author also needs to take some lessons on Scottish law of trespass. In terms of geography - there is no motorway to Loch Lomond and the description of the area is confusing, early in the book it is stated that access to the house is so difficult that the owner helicopters in, however the police and crime scene investigators seem to have no problem.
In this book and others by the author she attributes bizarre facial and body movements to her characters - balling fists, shuffling feet, wrinkling noses, odd eye movements. All unnecessary and distracting.
August 17, 2022
I liked the story, liked the characters but the author needs to visit Scotland & find out how we speak up here. The language was trying too hard. Some phrases just don't get used as a rule & boys are NEVER EVER referred to as Hen.
Possibly wouldn't bother most readers but it really put me off & spoiled the book
Possibly wouldn't bother most readers but it really put me off & spoiled the book
October 19, 2025
Another brilliant book by Rachel McLean I have read the first series and this is the second which follows on. Really enjoyed it and recommend the book.
July 27, 2022
A fantastic new series
It says McBride and Tanner but it is so much more than that. Police Scotland (don't let me start on that amalgamation) has set up a new Complex Crime Squad based out of a nameless/soulless business park in the back end of Glasgow.
Jade Tanner is a DI with a young son and a head full of 'stuff' she has yet to find a place for. DC Patty has known her for years and, well meaning as she is, this wee Scot would have told her to 'haud her wheesht' and give it a sodding rest.
DC Stuart is not as confident as he makes out but he's a clever lad all the same.
Then comes the one and only DS Mo Uddin transferring up from Birmingham. Mo is everything, but he has the road system and language to get around before he gets into his stride.
No, we don't all speak Gaelic but imagine a Somerset farmer trying to talk to Rab C Nesbitt and you'll get the idea.
Petra McBride doesn't quite fit in yet.
Time will tell how they well they will all gel.
Now the best part. Based mainly around the beautiful area of Loch Lomond I would have read a whole book on the wee gravel beaches and the wildlife. Rachel took me back to a part of my home country that will forever have a happy place in my heart.
Oh yea, a rich guy got shot!
It says McBride and Tanner but it is so much more than that. Police Scotland (don't let me start on that amalgamation) has set up a new Complex Crime Squad based out of a nameless/soulless business park in the back end of Glasgow.
Jade Tanner is a DI with a young son and a head full of 'stuff' she has yet to find a place for. DC Patty has known her for years and, well meaning as she is, this wee Scot would have told her to 'haud her wheesht' and give it a sodding rest.
DC Stuart is not as confident as he makes out but he's a clever lad all the same.
Then comes the one and only DS Mo Uddin transferring up from Birmingham. Mo is everything, but he has the road system and language to get around before he gets into his stride.
No, we don't all speak Gaelic but imagine a Somerset farmer trying to talk to Rab C Nesbitt and you'll get the idea.
Petra McBride doesn't quite fit in yet.
Time will tell how they well they will all gel.
Now the best part. Based mainly around the beautiful area of Loch Lomond I would have read a whole book on the wee gravel beaches and the wildlife. Rachel took me back to a part of my home country that will forever have a happy place in my heart.
Oh yea, a rich guy got shot!
August 2, 2022
The first in a new series of detective books this one is based in Scotland.
I love the way Rachel manages to bring old friends into her new books and they just fit in perfectly. The books although separate series all link together but can be read as stand alones. Very clever
Great story, short fast paced chapters
Great book
I love the way Rachel manages to bring old friends into her new books and they just fit in perfectly. The books although separate series all link together but can be read as stand alones. Very clever
Great story, short fast paced chapters
Great book
April 18, 2023
A new series featuring DI Jade Tanner who has been tasked with managing a new investing team Scotland's Complex Crimes Unit. Alongside her are Dr Petra McBride (who we know from previous Rachel McLean series) and DS Mo Uddin (ditto).
Jade is a single mother whose husband died recently - I suspect there is more to uncover in future books on this point. Petra has a girlfriend in America but fears for her it is out of sight and out of mind, is she capable of a relationship? She is also receiving silent phone calls and believes someone is stalking her. Mo has trepidations about working for a new superior officer, he got on so well with Zoe, and moving to the countryside when he's used to be a city detective.
Their first case is a doozy. An American internet billionaire is shot and left to bleed to death on his remote country estate in Scotland which he visits once a year for his detox from devices. There are striking similarities to the murder of a millionaire property developer, another of Jade's cases which remains unsolved.
Obviously with a new series there is a fair amount of scene-setting and laying the foundations for what could be overarching story arcs (I really must find a better way of describing them I hate the 'arching' 'arc' proximity). However, I have to say I was left with a curious sense that not all the loose ends had been tied up, more importantly the breakthrough only occurred because one of the detectives overheard someone making an incriminating phone call. It felt like the crime was solved without actually understanding the motives until later - maybe that's the case in real life but it felt off.
Anyway, first in a new series and I'm keen to see where it goes.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Jade is a single mother whose husband died recently - I suspect there is more to uncover in future books on this point. Petra has a girlfriend in America but fears for her it is out of sight and out of mind, is she capable of a relationship? She is also receiving silent phone calls and believes someone is stalking her. Mo has trepidations about working for a new superior officer, he got on so well with Zoe, and moving to the countryside when he's used to be a city detective.
Their first case is a doozy. An American internet billionaire is shot and left to bleed to death on his remote country estate in Scotland which he visits once a year for his detox from devices. There are striking similarities to the murder of a millionaire property developer, another of Jade's cases which remains unsolved.
Obviously with a new series there is a fair amount of scene-setting and laying the foundations for what could be overarching story arcs (I really must find a better way of describing them I hate the 'arching' 'arc' proximity). However, I have to say I was left with a curious sense that not all the loose ends had been tied up, more importantly the breakthrough only occurred because one of the detectives overheard someone making an incriminating phone call. It felt like the crime was solved without actually understanding the motives until later - maybe that's the case in real life but it felt off.
Anyway, first in a new series and I'm keen to see where it goes.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 29, 2022
Help or hindrance ?
A new unit to deal with the awkward cases .DI Jade Tanner has been out in charge of the unit, even though she is still not 100% following the death of her husband, Dan some months earlier on the A82 next to where she and her young son, Rory live by Loch Lomond.
A wealthy American tech millionaire is shot whilst walking by the loch. His luxury house less than half a mile away.
DS. Mo Uddin has transferred from Birmingham due to his Scots mother in law being ill and his wife, Catriona wanting to be closer to get to help out.
This is the first case the new team will work on together.
The murdered man's staff dislike him, and are not sorry he has gone.
Jade's boss, Fraser has called in Scots forensic psychologist, Dr. Debra McBride to work on the case with them.
So you have a fresh team which includes two DC's, Patty & Stuart who moved from Glasgow with Jade , and two newcomers. No settling in period, just get on with the job and solve it fast.
Connections to a previous case become pertinent, just what is the connection?
On occasion this book feels like the blind leading the blind, the author conveys the lack of confidence the team feel with regard to each other. Coming across on occasion that the author is unsure of how her characters will react to situations.
Not bad for the first in a new series, but I have to wish Mo was back in Birmingham with his former boss, Zoe. The chemistry between them regarding work was a pleasure to read and added to the enjoyment of the tale.
Perhaps McBride & Tanner will grow on me!
A new unit to deal with the awkward cases .DI Jade Tanner has been out in charge of the unit, even though she is still not 100% following the death of her husband, Dan some months earlier on the A82 next to where she and her young son, Rory live by Loch Lomond.
A wealthy American tech millionaire is shot whilst walking by the loch. His luxury house less than half a mile away.
DS. Mo Uddin has transferred from Birmingham due to his Scots mother in law being ill and his wife, Catriona wanting to be closer to get to help out.
This is the first case the new team will work on together.
The murdered man's staff dislike him, and are not sorry he has gone.
Jade's boss, Fraser has called in Scots forensic psychologist, Dr. Debra McBride to work on the case with them.
So you have a fresh team which includes two DC's, Patty & Stuart who moved from Glasgow with Jade , and two newcomers. No settling in period, just get on with the job and solve it fast.
Connections to a previous case become pertinent, just what is the connection?
On occasion this book feels like the blind leading the blind, the author conveys the lack of confidence the team feel with regard to each other. Coming across on occasion that the author is unsure of how her characters will react to situations.
Not bad for the first in a new series, but I have to wish Mo was back in Birmingham with his former boss, Zoe. The chemistry between them regarding work was a pleasure to read and added to the enjoyment of the tale.
Perhaps McBride & Tanner will grow on me!
March 29, 2023
I enjoyed this first book in a new series, featuring a newly-created Police Scotland department, specialising in complex crimes. There’s no time for the new members to get to know each other when they’re thrown straight into a murder investigation.
An Internet billionaire is shot at his retreat on the shores of Loch Lomond. While it’s not a straightforward murder, the killer leaves no trace and DI Jade Tanner suspects an assassination. It echoes with a similar killing in Glasgow the year before, adding to the challenges.
Assisted by psychologist, Petra McBride and a new DS, Mo Uddin from Birmingham, the officers set about building a team alongside their investigation. They all have problems to cope with and mistakes are made, adding to the tension, which builds to a gripping climax.
While it’s not a convoluted investigation, it’s intriguing and well written. The characters are likeable and well-drawn, and there are no signs of the terrible superintendent that seem to feature in many police procedurals these days.
It’s different enough to catch the eye and I’m looking forward to following the new team on the next investigation.
An Internet billionaire is shot at his retreat on the shores of Loch Lomond. While it’s not a straightforward murder, the killer leaves no trace and DI Jade Tanner suspects an assassination. It echoes with a similar killing in Glasgow the year before, adding to the challenges.
Assisted by psychologist, Petra McBride and a new DS, Mo Uddin from Birmingham, the officers set about building a team alongside their investigation. They all have problems to cope with and mistakes are made, adding to the tension, which builds to a gripping climax.
While it’s not a convoluted investigation, it’s intriguing and well written. The characters are likeable and well-drawn, and there are no signs of the terrible superintendent that seem to feature in many police procedurals these days.
It’s different enough to catch the eye and I’m looking forward to following the new team on the next investigation.
April 10, 2025
a large part of my dislike of this book I think comes down to the narrator. there was not enough differentiation in her voices for different characters and her attempts at non Scottish accents were really sub par.
That aside, I really struggled to finish this book. there were too many characters making the book bloated with backstory that I was not invested in. The plot was predictable and the twist at the end just seemed like the authors veiled attempt to push her politics into it about pro life/ pro choice. it made absolutely 0 sense and wasn't even relevant to the plot until very close to the end. The pacing made the book drag and I found myself getting to the end purely because I'd invested so much of my time into it that I wanted to see what on earth the ending would be.
I definitely shan't be reading the rest of the series
That aside, I really struggled to finish this book. there were too many characters making the book bloated with backstory that I was not invested in. The plot was predictable and the twist at the end just seemed like the authors veiled attempt to push her politics into it about pro life/ pro choice. it made absolutely 0 sense and wasn't even relevant to the plot until very close to the end. The pacing made the book drag and I found myself getting to the end purely because I'd invested so much of my time into it that I wanted to see what on earth the ending would be.
I definitely shan't be reading the rest of the series
July 28, 2022
Murder Most Fowl
A well written story which didn't at first endear the reader because the office for this new unit was stuck on an industrial estate far from the usual police office.
Everything was new, with a new DS from Birmingham who had never been in Scotland to a Dr not a shrink moving into a flat in Glasgow given to her from her late Aunt and why does she have a stalker. The DI is suffering from the death of her husband but when will we find out what happened so that everyone can move forward. Her driving skills leave a lot to be desired.
After a lot of getting involved in the investigation it eventually lead to them catching the culprits.
One can only hope that the next book will be better so that everyone can move forward?
A well written story which didn't at first endear the reader because the office for this new unit was stuck on an industrial estate far from the usual police office.
Everything was new, with a new DS from Birmingham who had never been in Scotland to a Dr not a shrink moving into a flat in Glasgow given to her from her late Aunt and why does she have a stalker. The DI is suffering from the death of her husband but when will we find out what happened so that everyone can move forward. Her driving skills leave a lot to be desired.
After a lot of getting involved in the investigation it eventually lead to them catching the culprits.
One can only hope that the next book will be better so that everyone can move forward?
May 25, 2024
This is the first in a series, and its off to a good start. Jade is still reeling from the death of her husband when her new unit is tasked with investigating the murder of a wealthy businessman at his Scottish estate. Mo, a character from another of this author's series, has also just joined the team.
I found this an easy read. I enjoyed the investigation side. I was torn between feeling empathy for Jade and being annoyed at her seemingly officious manner , but that's just me. I did like the contrast and interaction between Jade and Petra, who is called in to give her psychological assessment of the killer to aid the team. Overall, a really good read and I look forward to seeing how the characters develop in the next book.
I found this an easy read. I enjoyed the investigation side. I was torn between feeling empathy for Jade and being annoyed at her seemingly officious manner , but that's just me. I did like the contrast and interaction between Jade and Petra, who is called in to give her psychological assessment of the killer to aid the team. Overall, a really good read and I look forward to seeing how the characters develop in the next book.
March 19, 2023
Good Start To A New Series
I have enjoyed every single book I have read by Rachel McClean, particularly the books set in Dorset so I was intrigued to find out if this one could be as good, and I wasn't disappointed. DI Jade Tanner is heading up a new team for Police Scotland. Recently widowed, Jade is struggling with her loss, she also has a small child to care for so her life is a bit hectic just now. When an American billionaire is shot dead she really has her hands full. Enter her new DS, Mo Uddin, whom we met in the DI Zoe Finch books, it was lovely to have him in the new series. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I have enjoyed every single book I have read by Rachel McClean, particularly the books set in Dorset so I was intrigued to find out if this one could be as good, and I wasn't disappointed. DI Jade Tanner is heading up a new team for Police Scotland. Recently widowed, Jade is struggling with her loss, she also has a small child to care for so her life is a bit hectic just now. When an American billionaire is shot dead she really has her hands full. Enter her new DS, Mo Uddin, whom we met in the DI Zoe Finch books, it was lovely to have him in the new series. Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 3, 2024
A great new beginning.
A tremendous first bookof a new series.
We know the central character from another series as well as her Detective Sergeant but you dont need to have read any of those books as this is great stand alone story .
Rachel McLean has created a a new police team in another part of the country and skilfully built a team of officers and thier asssorted lives around them into a first story that both holds our attention and yet leaves us wanting more .
There is obviously a lot more to come in this new series of police novels.
Give it a go - you wont be disappointed!
Thomas Houston Marshall
A tremendous first bookof a new series.
We know the central character from another series as well as her Detective Sergeant but you dont need to have read any of those books as this is great stand alone story .
Rachel McLean has created a a new police team in another part of the country and skilfully built a team of officers and thier asssorted lives around them into a first story that both holds our attention and yet leaves us wanting more .
There is obviously a lot more to come in this new series of police novels.
Give it a go - you wont be disappointed!
Thomas Houston Marshall
November 20, 2024
I have read a fair number of Rachel McLean novels. The Zoe Finch books set in Birmingham and a couple in her new environment in Whitehaven. Also the Lesley Clark Dorset murders.
This new series introduces a new Character DI Jade Tanner and an old friend DS Mo Uddin who worked with Zoe in Birmingham and has been transferred to Glasgow.
This 1st book of this series deals with the shooting of a wealthy American Billionaire holidaying in his villa at the side of Loch Lomond. Six months earlier another Scottish Millionaire was murdered in the same way. Are the 2 cases linked. After many dead ends the mystery is solved. As always Rachel McClean writes a good tale.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This new series introduces a new Character DI Jade Tanner and an old friend DS Mo Uddin who worked with Zoe in Birmingham and has been transferred to Glasgow.
This 1st book of this series deals with the shooting of a wealthy American Billionaire holidaying in his villa at the side of Loch Lomond. Six months earlier another Scottish Millionaire was murdered in the same way. Are the 2 cases linked. After many dead ends the mystery is solved. As always Rachel McClean writes a good tale.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
August 2, 2022
Another great one from Rachel Mclean!
And another series to keep up with! It's my favorite pastime catching up with old friends and making new ones! This author is really good at character development, and really good at making the bad guys horrible and the good ones your friend. And then there is the ones you can't figure out like in this book. I will say that this plot and the suspects and the crime done was more American than British, but came at very poignant time in the history of America! Hmmmm do you think she did that on purpose?
And another series to keep up with! It's my favorite pastime catching up with old friends and making new ones! This author is really good at character development, and really good at making the bad guys horrible and the good ones your friend. And then there is the ones you can't figure out like in this book. I will say that this plot and the suspects and the crime done was more American than British, but came at very poignant time in the history of America! Hmmmm do you think she did that on purpose?
January 1, 2025
This is the first book in a new series by Rachel McLean, so the characters are new to me. I enjoyed the storyline and getting to know the characters a little. I really enjoy a series of books because I love the continuity of the characters and really getting to know them.
This series is set in the Glasgow area of Scotland, which is an area I am partially familiar with and enjoy reading about.
The storyline was good and wasn't predictable, so had me guessing until the end.
A definite recommendation.
This series is set in the Glasgow area of Scotland, which is an area I am partially familiar with and enjoy reading about.
The storyline was good and wasn't predictable, so had me guessing until the end.
A definite recommendation.
March 24, 2025
I liked this first book in the series, but with some concerns about the characters carrying way too much baggage. Tanner’s husband’s death appears to have affected her ability to communicate well with others even though some years have passed since his death. Tanner’s ability to question her own decisions is especially disappointing to this reader. McBride’s issues of a stalker, for want of a better word since the author kept us in the dark about this topic, was also disappointing to this reader. I will read the second book in the series just to see how, and if, the main characters develop. Hopefully the two main characters become more likeable.
August 27, 2025
I thought this was a good start to a new series All of the characters have room for growth - nice no one is drinking too much or otherwise messed up as a person. Petra and her 4 inch heals anywhere except in the office are ridiculous and are out of character for Scotland (daughter lived in Edinburgh). Not sure why her first love of her life was in NYC when she is Scotland based - it is a book base her in London or Manchester of even Cardiff. Anyway the story moved along nicely but the ending was much too quick - I don't even know if it took a full page
May 2, 2023
Very good but difficult to get into.
Unlike every other Rachel McLean novel l’ve read (and that’s way over 12) this one was very hard to get into. It took until 60% in before l stopped struggling to get into the book. The characters were not very sympathetic (this is unusual) and the plot trudged on, along with DI Tanner’s own mystery. The last 2/3rds of the book were entertaining and moved well, redeeming the book.
Unlike every other Rachel McLean novel l’ve read (and that’s way over 12) this one was very hard to get into. It took until 60% in before l stopped struggling to get into the book. The characters were not very sympathetic (this is unusual) and the plot trudged on, along with DI Tanner’s own mystery. The last 2/3rds of the book were entertaining and moved well, redeeming the book.
December 23, 2023
Initially I found the murder mystery intriguing but found the character development lacking, especially with the main characters being so reluctant to open up to each other. They were too consumed with being defensive and professional as they established hierarchy within the new complex crimes unit. As I finished the book I was left with a sense of the story feeling incomplete despite the case being solved.
September 27, 2024
When a successful millionaire is shot in a lonely place near Loch Lomond, DI Jade Tanner is assigned the case as the head detective of the new Complex Crimes Unit. Assisting her is a new DS from Birmingham Mo Uddin.
Once the investigation is underway another crime is associated with it.
With the help of Petra McBride, Jade and the team begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
A good start to a new series.
Once the investigation is underway another crime is associated with it.
With the help of Petra McBride, Jade and the team begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
A good start to a new series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
I don’t normally buy on publication day but I wanted too help Rachel get to number 1 (sorry you didn’t make it!). I’m so glad I did read this and now can’t wait for the next! There was no awkwardness introducing new characters and the storyline was excellent with the unexpected end twist. It was good to meet up again with Mo and I look forward to seeing him further develop in his new role.
August 2, 2022
Great start to a new series. Love all Rachel McLean’s books. This introduces new characters. A new team solving complex crimes in Scotland. DS Mo Uddin from the Zoe Finch books has moved and joined a new team. With a new area to work and people he doesn’t know he’s thrown into a complex case of murder. Great read. Look forward to the next one!
August 3, 2022
New series
Great new series from Rachel ,this one set in Scotland. When an American billionaire is shot and killed in a remote spot the team are called in and find some connections with a similar older case. Rachel writes great characters and this is no exception but she also incorporates characters from previous books all of which are a great read
Great new series from Rachel ,this one set in Scotland. When an American billionaire is shot and killed in a remote spot the team are called in and find some connections with a similar older case. Rachel writes great characters and this is no exception but she also incorporates characters from previous books all of which are a great read
August 13, 2022
Fantastic characters
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way all the characters have been thrown together to cope with a high profile murder investigation, barely knowing each other and each with their own concerns. I realised I've read some of Rachel McLean books before , and will definitely read more.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way all the characters have been thrown together to cope with a high profile murder investigation, barely knowing each other and each with their own concerns. I realised I've read some of Rachel McLean books before , and will definitely read more.
September 23, 2022
Now we head to Scotland!
I have been a fan of all the other series and was delighted to see that you have now decided to head to my neck of the woods.
Loved the book and bringing Mo from Birmingham was a great move as it kept some of the familiarity from the others. I look forward to getting to know all the characters in greater detail as the series goes on
I have been a fan of all the other series and was delighted to see that you have now decided to head to my neck of the woods.
Loved the book and bringing Mo from Birmingham was a great move as it kept some of the familiarity from the others. I look forward to getting to know all the characters in greater detail as the series goes on
March 4, 2023
Couldn't finish this one. I liked the Dorset series, but this one dragged and just never got going in the first few chapters. I also disliked one of the main characters - the psychologist. Who in previous series never did show any brilliance, so a bit over hyped. Not likable at all.
I'm not Scottish but it felt like trying to hard to use the local lingo, which felt over used and false.
I'm not Scottish but it felt like trying to hard to use the local lingo, which felt over used and false.
June 28, 2023
A decent police procedural. I enjoyed the depiction of the early working relationship between Jade and Mo, but thought the author could have done more with the enigmatic criminal profiler. I have read McLean’s Dorset crime series and thought this was an improvement on most of them with a stronger plot and better characterisation. I would certainly read a second instalment in the series.
January 1, 2024
Good start to a new series and I liked to see a familiar character and the psychological stance towards crime.
Fast-paced with a great writing style, perfect for a British crime story. The characters suited the plot and there was a good sense of place.
Engaging from beginning to end.
Recommended.
Fast-paced with a great writing style, perfect for a British crime story. The characters suited the plot and there was a good sense of place.
Engaging from beginning to end.
Recommended.
July 29, 2022
brilliant new Series
I loved this book from the first page. The fact that it’s bringing together a mix of people we know and love, plus complete stranger adds to the interest. We are all at the start of an adventure together. Complex Crimes Unit is a definite winner for sure.
I loved this book from the first page. The fact that it’s bringing together a mix of people we know and love, plus complete stranger adds to the interest. We are all at the start of an adventure together. Complex Crimes Unit is a definite winner for sure.
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