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Middlemen
Finalist, Crime Writers of Canada 2024 Awards of Excellence, Best Crime Novel category
When a killing spree threatens Dundurn, MacNeice risks everything to protect his team and put an end to it.
Detective Superintendent MacNeice returns to Dundurn following a month-long suspension and is immediately thrown into the mysterious case of a wounded runner named Jack and a blood trail that spans over forty miles. At the trail’s source in a Carolinian forest, MacNeice and DI Fiza Aziz find evidence of two homicides, but no bodies.
Two days later, Mac is called to a torn-up orchard set ablaze by lightning. A body has been found lying next to a stack of burnt fruit trees. There’s no evidence to suggest the killings are related, and yet MacNeice suspects they are. Buy why disappear the bodies in the forest and leave the orchard corpse to be discovered?
As the case develops, the team is confronted by the daylight abduction of a Brant University professor—Mac is convinced it’s a killing about to happen. Going on the offensive, he employs the provincial alert system, in part, to let the kidnappers know the net is closing.
When a killing spree threatens Dundurn, MacNeice risks everything to protect his team and put an end to it.
Detective Superintendent MacNeice returns to Dundurn following a month-long suspension and is immediately thrown into the mysterious case of a wounded runner named Jack and a blood trail that spans over forty miles. At the trail’s source in a Carolinian forest, MacNeice and DI Fiza Aziz find evidence of two homicides, but no bodies.
Two days later, Mac is called to a torn-up orchard set ablaze by lightning. A body has been found lying next to a stack of burnt fruit trees. There’s no evidence to suggest the killings are related, and yet MacNeice suspects they are. Buy why disappear the bodies in the forest and leave the orchard corpse to be discovered?
As the case develops, the team is confronted by the daylight abduction of a Brant University professor—Mac is convinced it’s a killing about to happen. Going on the offensive, he employs the provincial alert system, in part, to let the kidnappers know the net is closing.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 21, 2023
I really did enjoy this book. The fact that the setting is fairly local also made it interesting.
October 25, 2023
The aptly titled Middlemen, Scott Thornley's latest novel and 5th book in a series, clocks in here at a hefty 491 pages, the most lengthy in his always compelling crime fiction writing.
The story this time opens with the beguiling MacNeice on his own in a sultry Paris hotel room; wait, was he dreaming? The sensual atmosphere abruptly disintegrates as the skillful author cleverly leads the reader into an early and almost continual guessing game. This includes the head scratcher introduction of Jack, a new and important character.
Though it could be complicated, the framework of Middlemen is simplified by the author. As the plot delves through multiple layers of characters (SO many bad guys!) and storylines (CHOOSING joy?) and of course, a plentitude of imagery that showcases both gore and beauty, Thornley manages to keep the reader captivated.
At one point in the novel MacNeice is accused of tending towards anthropomorphism, and in Thornley's writing I found some examples of just that. Horses, dogs, and maybe even some of the birds seem to have human thoughts and attributes. But all of that does not really matter in the whole. Already known is that MacNeice is a very sensitive man. And throughout all of his stories, Thornley creates an almost psychological study of each of his characters. So why not the animals too?
MacNeice's own psychology includes an intensity of being that houses a very strong intuition that can be cryptic and borders on the cosmic or mystic. Thornley the author uses all of the above in his writing style and gamely adds wordplay that is both provocative and humorous, sometimes both at the same time.
There will always be crooks and pain and MacNeice knows this. It seems here, hopefully, that this fan favourite detective may be nearer after solving the latest vile and gruesome offences to be closer to making some new life choices. All of the meandering sexual tension between MacNeice and Aziz that has existed both in his mind and in his daily work through all five books hasn't let up now that the crimes have been solved. MacNeice seems ready to let go of past dilemmas, ghosts and demons, and choose, finally, delight. Or is he?
The story this time opens with the beguiling MacNeice on his own in a sultry Paris hotel room; wait, was he dreaming? The sensual atmosphere abruptly disintegrates as the skillful author cleverly leads the reader into an early and almost continual guessing game. This includes the head scratcher introduction of Jack, a new and important character.
Though it could be complicated, the framework of Middlemen is simplified by the author. As the plot delves through multiple layers of characters (SO many bad guys!) and storylines (CHOOSING joy?) and of course, a plentitude of imagery that showcases both gore and beauty, Thornley manages to keep the reader captivated.
At one point in the novel MacNeice is accused of tending towards anthropomorphism, and in Thornley's writing I found some examples of just that. Horses, dogs, and maybe even some of the birds seem to have human thoughts and attributes. But all of that does not really matter in the whole. Already known is that MacNeice is a very sensitive man. And throughout all of his stories, Thornley creates an almost psychological study of each of his characters. So why not the animals too?
MacNeice's own psychology includes an intensity of being that houses a very strong intuition that can be cryptic and borders on the cosmic or mystic. Thornley the author uses all of the above in his writing style and gamely adds wordplay that is both provocative and humorous, sometimes both at the same time.
There will always be crooks and pain and MacNeice knows this. It seems here, hopefully, that this fan favourite detective may be nearer after solving the latest vile and gruesome offences to be closer to making some new life choices. All of the meandering sexual tension between MacNeice and Aziz that has existed both in his mind and in his daily work through all five books hasn't let up now that the crimes have been solved. MacNeice seems ready to let go of past dilemmas, ghosts and demons, and choose, finally, delight. Or is he?
July 3, 2024
Oh, how I enjoy the MacNeice mystery series.
Thornley writes such terrific books and his characters are now part of my reading family.
I started reading these books because Gord went to school with Scott. While I read them, I'd ask him questions and relay instances in the story about where in the Hamilton area this was taking place.
I was disappointed after reading the beginning, where Thornley mentions Michaluk, one of Gord's football pals. Alas with him gone forever, I only hope he heard me telling him about it.
I was also surprised with the mention of Roman Borys in the epilogue as he's one of the usual musicians who come down to Mexico for the Northern Lights Festival and has become a friend of sorts. Roman and his musician group The Gryphon Trio are a favourite at the Festival.
I sure hope there will soon be another book added to this series.
Thornley writes such terrific books and his characters are now part of my reading family.
I started reading these books because Gord went to school with Scott. While I read them, I'd ask him questions and relay instances in the story about where in the Hamilton area this was taking place.
I was disappointed after reading the beginning, where Thornley mentions Michaluk, one of Gord's football pals. Alas with him gone forever, I only hope he heard me telling him about it.
I was also surprised with the mention of Roman Borys in the epilogue as he's one of the usual musicians who come down to Mexico for the Northern Lights Festival and has become a friend of sorts. Roman and his musician group The Gryphon Trio are a favourite at the Festival.
I sure hope there will soon be another book added to this series.
July 26, 2023
An amazingly complex mystery involving everything from murder-for-hire to drugs and people trafficking. Mr. Thornley’s writing and plotting have reached a peak.
I have to say, the star of the show was Jack. I laughed, I mourned with him and I even cried.
Everyone needs to read this one, but be prepared for levels upon levels of intrigue. I cannot say enough good things about this one- and really the entire series.
Here’s to more Mac and Fiz.
I have to say, the star of the show was Jack. I laughed, I mourned with him and I even cried.
Everyone needs to read this one, but be prepared for levels upon levels of intrigue. I cannot say enough good things about this one- and really the entire series.
Here’s to more Mac and Fiz.
November 3, 2024
As a character evokes it in the novel, it’s a sort of marioshka story with stories inside stories and two third in the book when the mystery of who killed whom has been solved and the arms of the octopus have been cut, the Hamilton (hidden here under the fictional name Dundurn) homicide squad aims for the head.
It’s full of twists and turns, the pace is frenetic, the conclusion is satisfying and you’ll learn everything you never thought you needed to know about crematoriums!
It’s full of twists and turns, the pace is frenetic, the conclusion is satisfying and you’ll learn everything you never thought you needed to know about crematoriums!
January 5, 2025
This is a surprisingly odd novel but I loved it. It is both humorous and informative and entertaining. All the characters were well developed and the wit of Blow's two aides is great. The plot was surprising and kept me glued to the pages. I also liked the fact that it took place in southern Ontario. Does crime on this scale happen there? And I learned a lot about the "accounting" business.
I look forward to the next book.
I look forward to the next book.
September 28, 2023
Excellent mystery (and mayhem) suspense/thriller novel, captured my attention so I didn't want to put it down. Actually reading the paperback copy. I've previously read books 1 & 4 in this series. It's been 4 years since I read the previous one, so I don't remember all the related details of what are references to a previous case(s), but recognize that they are that.
April 1, 2024
This was fun to read since it made reference to three places that I know well. There is enough depth in this thriller, both the twists and the characters' backstories to keep it interesting. It is my first MacNeice mystery and I regret starting with #5 in the series. I will try #1 before I decide about reading more.
July 19, 2025
The Dundurn (Hamilton) DI MacNeice is a great character and manages to solve a very complex crime that involves murder, drug dealing, gambling, prostitution and human trafficking! I loved all 4 of the previous novels and was glad to get the 5th one!
August 12, 2023
Really enjoyed the story. Loved the setting.
December 12, 2023
Not my favourite of the series, I felt too much time was devoted to the bad guys especially Clarence Bow. Got to give kudos though to the excellent first short chapter involving Jack!
December 17, 2023
A good addition to the MacNeice series in the fictional Dundurn Ontario. Some gruesome killings. Nice alternation between the POVs of the police and the criminals.
August 21, 2024
Just an excellent piece of crime fiction!
July 17, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the second one in the MacNeice series that I've read. I'll be reading the others.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews