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DS Max Craigie #4
Blood Runs Cold (DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime Thrillers, Book 4)
She was taken against her will.
On her fifteenth birthday, trafficking victim Affi Smith goes for a run and never returns. With a new identity and secure home in the Scottish Highlands, she was supposed to be safe…
She escaped once.
With personal ties to Affi’s case, DS Max Craigie joins the investigation. When he discovers other trafficking victims have disappeared in exactly the same circumstances, he knows one thing for certain – there’s a leak somewhere within law-enforcement.
She won’t outrun them again.
The clock is ticking… Max must catch Affi’s kidnappers and expose the mole before anyone else goes missing. Even it if means turning suspicions onto his own team…
Don’t miss the next book in the DS Max Craigie series! Fans of Ian Rankin and Marion Todd will love this utterly gripping Scottish thriller!
On her fifteenth birthday, trafficking victim Affi Smith goes for a run and never returns. With a new identity and secure home in the Scottish Highlands, she was supposed to be safe…
She escaped once.
With personal ties to Affi’s case, DS Max Craigie joins the investigation. When he discovers other trafficking victims have disappeared in exactly the same circumstances, he knows one thing for certain – there’s a leak somewhere within law-enforcement.
She won’t outrun them again.
The clock is ticking… Max must catch Affi’s kidnappers and expose the mole before anyone else goes missing. Even it if means turning suspicions onto his own team…
Don’t miss the next book in the DS Max Craigie series! Fans of Ian Rankin and Marion Todd will love this utterly gripping Scottish thriller!
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2022
309 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Neil Lancaster
16 books465 followersNeil was born in Liverpool in the 1960s. He recently left the Metropolitan Police where he served for over twenty-five years, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond.
Neil acted as a surveillance and covert policing specialist, using all types of techniques to arrest and prosecute drug dealers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and murderers. During his career, he successfully prosecuted several wealthy and corrupt members of the legal profession who were involved in organised immigration crime. These prosecutions led to jail sentences, multi-million pound asset confiscations and disbarments.
Since retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Neil has relocated to the Scottish Highlands with his wife and son, where he mixes freelance investigations with writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
January 24, 2023
*4.5 stars*
15 year old Affi Smith goes out for her regular run but doesn’t return. Affi isn’t your usual 15 year old, because unfortunately she was trafficked as a child by an Albanian gang and used as a drug mule, but she was lucky enough to be rescued some three years ago. With a new identity, she’s living in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, with wonderful caring foster parents, and a possible future as an athlete. Life’s looking good, but no one foresaw that the people who trafficked her would return to claim back their prize!
DS Max Craigie realises that somewhere within the system they have a mole, someone who has revealed Affi’s whereabouts. The mole must be found before the same thing happens again, and if that means turning the spotlight on his own team, then so be it!
Author Neil Lancaster has written a cracking series, and book 4# confirms it. DS Craigie’s partnership with DC Jane Calder is great, they might trade insults but it’s always tongue in cheek and never designed to hurt. Craigie’s boss DI Ross Fraser may be potty mouthed, and delights in using Scottish slang, but he’s hilarious, and brings much to the table. Norma is their analyst and excels at her job, whilst Yorkshireman Barney is a surveillance expert who is blunt and to the point, but he’s also comical and extremely good at what he does. Together they make an excellent team, and they’ll need to be this time around!
The head of the Albanian gang that trafficked Affi goes by the name of ‘The Surgeon’ so it goes without saying that he’s a particularly vicious, violent and cruel criminal. However, the whole thing makes for a riveting, if dark and disturbing read. Gritty, fast paced, Scottish noir at its best, ‘Blood Runs Cold’ is a worthy addition to this terrific series and surely another winner for author Neil Lancaster.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
15 year old Affi Smith goes out for her regular run but doesn’t return. Affi isn’t your usual 15 year old, because unfortunately she was trafficked as a child by an Albanian gang and used as a drug mule, but she was lucky enough to be rescued some three years ago. With a new identity, she’s living in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, with wonderful caring foster parents, and a possible future as an athlete. Life’s looking good, but no one foresaw that the people who trafficked her would return to claim back their prize!
DS Max Craigie realises that somewhere within the system they have a mole, someone who has revealed Affi’s whereabouts. The mole must be found before the same thing happens again, and if that means turning the spotlight on his own team, then so be it!
Author Neil Lancaster has written a cracking series, and book 4# confirms it. DS Craigie’s partnership with DC Jane Calder is great, they might trade insults but it’s always tongue in cheek and never designed to hurt. Craigie’s boss DI Ross Fraser may be potty mouthed, and delights in using Scottish slang, but he’s hilarious, and brings much to the table. Norma is their analyst and excels at her job, whilst Yorkshireman Barney is a surveillance expert who is blunt and to the point, but he’s also comical and extremely good at what he does. Together they make an excellent team, and they’ll need to be this time around!
The head of the Albanian gang that trafficked Affi goes by the name of ‘The Surgeon’ so it goes without saying that he’s a particularly vicious, violent and cruel criminal. However, the whole thing makes for a riveting, if dark and disturbing read. Gritty, fast paced, Scottish noir at its best, ‘Blood Runs Cold’ is a worthy addition to this terrific series and surely another winner for author Neil Lancaster.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
January 13, 2023
This is the latest in Neil Lancaster's popular Scottish crime thriller series featuring ex-military DS Max Craigie. Afrodita Dushku was a 12 year old Albanian trafficked victim that was rescued by the police, now 15 year old she has a new name, Affi Smith, a new home and loving foster parents in Valerie and Reg, intent on adopting Affi and her sister, still in Albania. Affi has turned her life around, and is now a promising athlete, but on a run in her new trainers, she is abducted. Initially the police pull out all the stops to find her, but being stretched, have concluded that she has probably run away, as she has a history of this and will return of her own volition. Craigie's paralegal wife, Katie, has been representing Affi, she is worried and she asks him to look into her disappearance, particularly as Affi had become happier in recent months, dedicated to and pouring her energies into becoming a star athlete.
Craigie and DC Janie Calder, start to make inquiries with the support of DI Ross Fraser, their boss, and their ex-NCA data analyst, Norma Kirk, at the below the radar Policing Standards Reassurance unit, based at Tullallan Police College, their brief is to investigate corrupt police officers, reporting to the Chief Constable, Chris Macdonald. They visit Affi's foster parents, and follow leads that involve Affi's stalker ex-boyfriend who had made threats and a local police community officer who had dealt with the issue. A terrified Affi finds herself haunted by her past as she faces a horrific exploited future in the sex trade in a new brothel run by a ruthless Albanian madam, with connections to a feared psychopathic Albanian gangster known as The Surgeon, who has taken over the drug trade, and takes a significant cut from brothels.
With the invaluable help of the ex-security services Barney, Craigie and Janie race against time to locate Affi, in the process of which they become aware that high numbers of other young Albanian trafficking victims have disappeared too. Their details are being leaked, but by whom? This is a wonderfully thrilling and gripping addition to the series, packed with suspense and tension, that existing and new fans are likely to love. Yes, characters are perhaps a little too black and white, and a suspension of disbelief is required at times, but I could not help but become immersed in the narrative, unable to stop reading until I had reached the final pages. An enjoyable and engaging Scottish crime thriller, with the added bonus of a great short story at the end, featuring a courageous younger Janie Calder which might explain how she came to be interested in joining the police. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Craigie and DC Janie Calder, start to make inquiries with the support of DI Ross Fraser, their boss, and their ex-NCA data analyst, Norma Kirk, at the below the radar Policing Standards Reassurance unit, based at Tullallan Police College, their brief is to investigate corrupt police officers, reporting to the Chief Constable, Chris Macdonald. They visit Affi's foster parents, and follow leads that involve Affi's stalker ex-boyfriend who had made threats and a local police community officer who had dealt with the issue. A terrified Affi finds herself haunted by her past as she faces a horrific exploited future in the sex trade in a new brothel run by a ruthless Albanian madam, with connections to a feared psychopathic Albanian gangster known as The Surgeon, who has taken over the drug trade, and takes a significant cut from brothels.
With the invaluable help of the ex-security services Barney, Craigie and Janie race against time to locate Affi, in the process of which they become aware that high numbers of other young Albanian trafficking victims have disappeared too. Their details are being leaked, but by whom? This is a wonderfully thrilling and gripping addition to the series, packed with suspense and tension, that existing and new fans are likely to love. Yes, characters are perhaps a little too black and white, and a suspension of disbelief is required at times, but I could not help but become immersed in the narrative, unable to stop reading until I had reached the final pages. An enjoyable and engaging Scottish crime thriller, with the added bonus of a great short story at the end, featuring a courageous younger Janie Calder which might explain how she came to be interested in joining the police. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
January 12, 2023
DS Max Craigie #4
“See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil“ is a very appropriate proverb here, as it’s awash with evil in the form of an Albanian gang linked to the Mafia Shqiptare. It all starts a few years ago when 12-year-old Albanian drug mule Afrodita, Dushku, full of fear and panic, is detained by police and ultimately thankfully taken to safety. Three years on she is living with wonderful foster parents in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands. She is a talented runner and is out for practice when she gets an unwelcome blast from the past. Can she outrun those out to bring her back to the bleak life she thought she had escaped?
The dynamic duo of D S. Max Craigie and DC. Janie Calder are back and you can probably hear me cheering in your neck of the woods! DI. Ross Fraser is his usual bundle of bluster and charm but he’s a good man underneath that curmudgeonly exterior. As ever, they are ably assisted by Norma. an intelligence analyst and Yorkshireman and surveillance expert Barney and are both more than “alreet“. In this latest, excellent instalment of a brilliant series whose characters work for the Police Standards Reassurance , they confront the insidious, inhuman and brutal ramifications of organised-crime in this particularly ruthless gang. The depths of the reach seems bottomless and the extent of the corruption is vast, so it’s a huge and dangerous task, which of course makes for absolutely cracking reading. The speed is Mach 1, so it’s completely immersive and one of those you are desperate to get to the truth so you gobble it up but then you slow down towards the end as you don’t want to finish the book!!
It’s terror fuelled, it’s very dark as the cruel exploitation the organised crime group are responsible for is sickening. Although the author leaves you in no doubt, it isn’t overplayed, you just get the necessary details. There is danger, malicious threats and violence, with many twists and turns. I do guess a couple of aspects but it doesn’t impair the enjoyment in anyway. It’s another belter in a belting series.
I love the way Neil Lancaster writes. His novels are always full of excitement, grit and colourful characters on both sides of the law, with a vibrant addition of Scottish vernacular, which is very “bogging“ descriptive, hen! The most expressive and funny are often uttered by Fraser! I love him! I’m eagerly anticipating number five and hope it’s not too long to wait.
This is four novels all at five stars, quite an achievement, Mr Lancaster.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
“See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil“ is a very appropriate proverb here, as it’s awash with evil in the form of an Albanian gang linked to the Mafia Shqiptare. It all starts a few years ago when 12-year-old Albanian drug mule Afrodita, Dushku, full of fear and panic, is detained by police and ultimately thankfully taken to safety. Three years on she is living with wonderful foster parents in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands. She is a talented runner and is out for practice when she gets an unwelcome blast from the past. Can she outrun those out to bring her back to the bleak life she thought she had escaped?
The dynamic duo of D S. Max Craigie and DC. Janie Calder are back and you can probably hear me cheering in your neck of the woods! DI. Ross Fraser is his usual bundle of bluster and charm but he’s a good man underneath that curmudgeonly exterior. As ever, they are ably assisted by Norma. an intelligence analyst and Yorkshireman and surveillance expert Barney and are both more than “alreet“. In this latest, excellent instalment of a brilliant series whose characters work for the Police Standards Reassurance , they confront the insidious, inhuman and brutal ramifications of organised-crime in this particularly ruthless gang. The depths of the reach seems bottomless and the extent of the corruption is vast, so it’s a huge and dangerous task, which of course makes for absolutely cracking reading. The speed is Mach 1, so it’s completely immersive and one of those you are desperate to get to the truth so you gobble it up but then you slow down towards the end as you don’t want to finish the book!!
It’s terror fuelled, it’s very dark as the cruel exploitation the organised crime group are responsible for is sickening. Although the author leaves you in no doubt, it isn’t overplayed, you just get the necessary details. There is danger, malicious threats and violence, with many twists and turns. I do guess a couple of aspects but it doesn’t impair the enjoyment in anyway. It’s another belter in a belting series.
I love the way Neil Lancaster writes. His novels are always full of excitement, grit and colourful characters on both sides of the law, with a vibrant addition of Scottish vernacular, which is very “bogging“ descriptive, hen! The most expressive and funny are often uttered by Fraser! I love him! I’m eagerly anticipating number five and hope it’s not too long to wait.
This is four novels all at five stars, quite an achievement, Mr Lancaster.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 24, 2024
Affi had been only twelve years old when she was rescued from a life of terror, an Albanian lass who had been taken and trafficked. The past three years with her foster family in Scotland was good; her life had improved out of sight. She only wished her little sister could be brought out to join her, but the paperwork was stifling. When Affi was fifteen - on her birthday - she went for a run as she was in training for school. Her foster mum was to pick her up - but she had vanished. Affi had disappeared and her foster parents were distraught. The local police thought she was a runaway and would come home soon - but DS Max Craigie disagreed with the verdict. Soon it became obvious to Max and his team that there was much more to Affi's disappearance - more trafficked victims names had come forward, and Albanian gangs were involved. It was deep, dark and desperate - but could Max and his team find Affi and capture the culprits before it was too late for Affi?
Blood Runs Cold is the 4th in the DS Max Craigie series by Scottish author Neil Lancaster and I loved it! This series is gripping and intense, hard to put down, and Blood Runs Cold was no different. Excellent characters in Max and his wife Katie, Janie, Norma, Barney and even the irascible Ross!! A thoroughly enjoyable read, and a series I recommend highly.
Blood Runs Cold is the 4th in the DS Max Craigie series by Scottish author Neil Lancaster and I loved it! This series is gripping and intense, hard to put down, and Blood Runs Cold was no different. Excellent characters in Max and his wife Katie, Janie, Norma, Barney and even the irascible Ross!! A thoroughly enjoyable read, and a series I recommend highly.
January 24, 2023
In brief - Probably one of the best of the series so far for me.
In full
Affi, a victim of trafficking, goes missing on a training run on her 15th birthday. While it appears that this case has little to do with Max's usual field of investigation it's a case his wife asks him to look at. It's apparent quite quickly that the fact Affi has been found by anyone to abduct may be as a result of a leak. So there's a missing girl to find as well as some violent criminals who may be getting inside information. Perfect for a new Max Craigie story.
It will come as no surprise to fans of this series that this is a fast moving and twisty tale. The people responsible for the girl's kidnapping and for major crimes in Glasgow and elsewhere are not nice people. There is violence in this story though not inappropriately to me but some may not like it.
The usual team are around - Max & Janie are great as always. Barney - retired but still active ex spook - plays a significant role in this and that worked well for me. I found Ross, Max's boss, slightly less irritating than in the previous 2 books which was good. The characters develop nicely in the course of the book. You even get a decent short story about Janie's background at the end of the book - it's worth a read.
I think this book was better for me than the previous two. The first book in the series was excellent as far as I was concerned but the next couple were perhaps simply readable. This one grabbed me more and sustained the pace and tension well. The whole story felt coherent and well planned. Some aspects were signposted to a degree while others caught me out - I always like that! To me anyone who is a fan of this series should love this one too. Those new to the series really ought to start at the first book (Dead Man's Grave) as it is very good and sets the tone for the series extremely well. 4.5/5 and happily rounded up.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
Affi, a victim of trafficking, goes missing on a training run on her 15th birthday. While it appears that this case has little to do with Max's usual field of investigation it's a case his wife asks him to look at. It's apparent quite quickly that the fact Affi has been found by anyone to abduct may be as a result of a leak. So there's a missing girl to find as well as some violent criminals who may be getting inside information. Perfect for a new Max Craigie story.
It will come as no surprise to fans of this series that this is a fast moving and twisty tale. The people responsible for the girl's kidnapping and for major crimes in Glasgow and elsewhere are not nice people. There is violence in this story though not inappropriately to me but some may not like it.
The usual team are around - Max & Janie are great as always. Barney - retired but still active ex spook - plays a significant role in this and that worked well for me. I found Ross, Max's boss, slightly less irritating than in the previous 2 books which was good. The characters develop nicely in the course of the book. You even get a decent short story about Janie's background at the end of the book - it's worth a read.
I think this book was better for me than the previous two. The first book in the series was excellent as far as I was concerned but the next couple were perhaps simply readable. This one grabbed me more and sustained the pace and tension well. The whole story felt coherent and well planned. Some aspects were signposted to a degree while others caught me out - I always like that! To me anyone who is a fan of this series should love this one too. Those new to the series really ought to start at the first book (Dead Man's Grave) as it is very good and sets the tone for the series extremely well. 4.5/5 and happily rounded up.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
January 15, 2023
4.5 / 5 Stars!
First of all, massive thank you to HQ provided through Net-gallery for the opportunity to receive an online copy for an honest review. Thank you for trusting me, as well as giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Having read the third instalment of the DS Max Craigie and DC Jane Calder duo from Neil Lancaster at the start of this new year, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience reading the book. The introduction to the characters, relatability, senses of humour and plot lines, ticked all the right boxes for me, leaving me with more for the next instalments. I was always on the look out for when the next book would drop, so to receive an early copy, I immediately got down to reading. I love the series, characters and plot that it was a no brainier to start straight away.
And I have to say, this next instalment is a banger. I was not disappointed, but more impressed with Lancasters ability to add twists and turns in the last minute. Just when you think you’ve figured out who is responsible, the twist leaves you rooted to the spot, wanting to read more. At one point, I was left speechless, on the edge of my seat, telling myself there’s no way I’m stopping now I have to read more! The plot is dark, cruel and a reflection on the behind the scenes of an international organised crime, fuelled by corrupt cops. Once again Lancaster delivers on this book, which almost has the same level of intensity to the third instalments. The quality of plot, characters is consistent from the prior books.
I truly enjoyed really this book, and the team of characters that adds to the plot, in particular DI Ross Fraser, with his Scottish slang and humour. You can almost read this book as a stand-alone, as the introduction of the characters are smooth, and clear. It has been an joy reading this series and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
First of all, massive thank you to HQ provided through Net-gallery for the opportunity to receive an online copy for an honest review. Thank you for trusting me, as well as giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Having read the third instalment of the DS Max Craigie and DC Jane Calder duo from Neil Lancaster at the start of this new year, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience reading the book. The introduction to the characters, relatability, senses of humour and plot lines, ticked all the right boxes for me, leaving me with more for the next instalments. I was always on the look out for when the next book would drop, so to receive an early copy, I immediately got down to reading. I love the series, characters and plot that it was a no brainier to start straight away.
And I have to say, this next instalment is a banger. I was not disappointed, but more impressed with Lancasters ability to add twists and turns in the last minute. Just when you think you’ve figured out who is responsible, the twist leaves you rooted to the spot, wanting to read more. At one point, I was left speechless, on the edge of my seat, telling myself there’s no way I’m stopping now I have to read more! The plot is dark, cruel and a reflection on the behind the scenes of an international organised crime, fuelled by corrupt cops. Once again Lancaster delivers on this book, which almost has the same level of intensity to the third instalments. The quality of plot, characters is consistent from the prior books.
I truly enjoyed really this book, and the team of characters that adds to the plot, in particular DI Ross Fraser, with his Scottish slang and humour. You can almost read this book as a stand-alone, as the introduction of the characters are smooth, and clear. It has been an joy reading this series and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
January 28, 2024
The DS Max Craigie series is outstanding and Blood Runs Cold is a tremendous addition to it!
When Afrodita Dushku, (the young former trafficking victim from Albania) was rescued she was given a new identity and was supposedly safe. Then the unthinkable happens and Affi goes missing On her fifteenth birthday. She'd gone for a run and just ... disappeared.
Max and Janey make excellent partners, as they work to rescue Affi and find out who within law enforcement is the bent cop. Someone is feeding info to the bad guys. I must say, hands down, my favorite character was Barney - the retired but still active ex-spook. He made me laugh so many times!
I believe this can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend the entire series!
(I really need to get the audio version so I can hear all of those wonderful Scottish accents, yeah?)
#HQDigital #NeilLancaster #Whodunit #DSMaxCraigieSeries
When Afrodita Dushku, (the young former trafficking victim from Albania) was rescued she was given a new identity and was supposedly safe. Then the unthinkable happens and Affi goes missing On her fifteenth birthday. She'd gone for a run and just ... disappeared.
Max and Janey make excellent partners, as they work to rescue Affi and find out who within law enforcement is the bent cop. Someone is feeding info to the bad guys. I must say, hands down, my favorite character was Barney - the retired but still active ex-spook. He made me laugh so many times!
I believe this can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend the entire series!
(I really need to get the audio version so I can hear all of those wonderful Scottish accents, yeah?)
#HQDigital #NeilLancaster #Whodunit #DSMaxCraigieSeries
March 30, 2023
DS Max Cragie #4
In her fifteenth birthday, trafficking victim Affi Smith goes for a run and never returns. With a new identity and secure home in the Scottish Highlands, she was supposed to be safe. With personal ties to Affi's case. DS Max Cragie joins the investigation. When he discovers other trafficking victims have disappeared in exactly the same circumstances, he knows only one thing for certain - there's a leak somewhere within law-enforcement.
Neil Lancaster certainly knows his stuff, and it shows in this gripping and realistic thriller. The characters are well developed and believable. A police procedure that evolves around police corruption. Someone is leaking police information, so the Albanian gangs are always one step ahead of them. The story starts with events that happened three years ago that lead to the saving of a young girl who was being trafficked by an Albanian gang. Three years later and Affi has been kidnapped again. This is a fast- paced and gripping read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #BloodRunsCold in exchange for an honest review.
In her fifteenth birthday, trafficking victim Affi Smith goes for a run and never returns. With a new identity and secure home in the Scottish Highlands, she was supposed to be safe. With personal ties to Affi's case. DS Max Cragie joins the investigation. When he discovers other trafficking victims have disappeared in exactly the same circumstances, he knows only one thing for certain - there's a leak somewhere within law-enforcement.
Neil Lancaster certainly knows his stuff, and it shows in this gripping and realistic thriller. The characters are well developed and believable. A police procedure that evolves around police corruption. Someone is leaking police information, so the Albanian gangs are always one step ahead of them. The story starts with events that happened three years ago that lead to the saving of a young girl who was being trafficked by an Albanian gang. Three years later and Affi has been kidnapped again. This is a fast- paced and gripping read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #BloodRunsCold in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
DS Max Craigie and his team are back in Blood Runs Cold. A cracking and addictive story. That kept me reading long into the night.
As fifteen-year-old Affie Smith. Who was trafficked into the UK three years ago disappears.
And with local police overwhelmed, understaffed and slow to act. Max's wife Katie asks him to take a peak at the case for her.
What he doesn't expect to find is compromised identities, a bent local copper and an Albanian OCG firmly established in Glasgow.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. As Katie calls with shocking news that has Max and the team needing to act. Fast.
Only the team aren't quite fast enough and the consequences leave Max questioning everything and everyone around him.
Even his own team.
And with danger, huge shocks, surprises, twists and turns. Not to mention great humour and characters. This was a fantastic read and I urge anyone yet to read the DS Max Craigie series to do it now. As you won't be disappointed.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As fifteen-year-old Affie Smith. Who was trafficked into the UK three years ago disappears.
And with local police overwhelmed, understaffed and slow to act. Max's wife Katie asks him to take a peak at the case for her.
What he doesn't expect to find is compromised identities, a bent local copper and an Albanian OCG firmly established in Glasgow.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. As Katie calls with shocking news that has Max and the team needing to act. Fast.
Only the team aren't quite fast enough and the consequences leave Max questioning everything and everyone around him.
Even his own team.
And with danger, huge shocks, surprises, twists and turns. Not to mention great humour and characters. This was a fantastic read and I urge anyone yet to read the DS Max Craigie series to do it now. As you won't be disappointed.
I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2024
I think this might be my favourite of the series so far!
It begins with a young girl Affi who is going out for a run and gets taken by an Albanian gang member and a brothel owner.
Affi was trafficked by the Albanian gang when she was younger and was used as a dug runner before she was intercepted by the police and found a loving foster family, after a brief spell of troubled behaviour she began to settle into her new life and took to running when she was taken.
DS max Craigie and him team end up taking the case on as it turns out there are multiple corrupt serving officers involved in the leaking of Affi’s whereabouts.
I particularly love Barney and how fearless he is, his character is brilliant, but I love the whole team and I couldn’t put it down.
It begins with a young girl Affi who is going out for a run and gets taken by an Albanian gang member and a brothel owner.
Affi was trafficked by the Albanian gang when she was younger and was used as a dug runner before she was intercepted by the police and found a loving foster family, after a brief spell of troubled behaviour she began to settle into her new life and took to running when she was taken.
DS max Craigie and him team end up taking the case on as it turns out there are multiple corrupt serving officers involved in the leaking of Affi’s whereabouts.
I particularly love Barney and how fearless he is, his character is brilliant, but I love the whole team and I couldn’t put it down.
April 1, 2023
This is a brilliant crime series and each book gets better and better.
Max, Janie and Ross are soon knee deep in a new investigation when a teenage girl from Albania is abducted.
It catches their attention as she was taken several years ago but then rescued, and her location kept secret. So who has leaked her whereabouts to the Albanians?
Max and Janie are close at one point to catching some of them but when it ends up in murder, they know things are worse than they thought.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I loved trying to work out who was corrupt in the Scottish Police.
Highly recommend this series.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Max, Janie and Ross are soon knee deep in a new investigation when a teenage girl from Albania is abducted.
It catches their attention as she was taken several years ago but then rescued, and her location kept secret. So who has leaked her whereabouts to the Albanians?
Max and Janie are close at one point to catching some of them but when it ends up in murder, they know things are worse than they thought.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I loved trying to work out who was corrupt in the Scottish Police.
Highly recommend this series.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 11, 2023
This is a great series and this latest book is as exceptionally good as the others. This time, Max is asked by his wife to look into the disappearance of a young Albanian girl who never returns from a run. This in turn leads him to discover a worrying trend of young missing girls in the last number of years.
This is an intense but really enjoyable read. The whole subject of human trafficking of young girls into a life of prostitution is not a new one but it is handled really well and the main Albanian characters are really horrible. Just as well we have Ross and his potty mouth, and then overall great banter in the team to lighten the load. Barney in particular really comes into his own in this book and I found myself just reading every sentence in which he was involved, with a grin on my face. The short chapters add a nice snappy bite to the story and just made me want to keep turning the page to move onto the next one.
This really is an author on top of his game and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
This is an intense but really enjoyable read. The whole subject of human trafficking of young girls into a life of prostitution is not a new one but it is handled really well and the main Albanian characters are really horrible. Just as well we have Ross and his potty mouth, and then overall great banter in the team to lighten the load. Barney in particular really comes into his own in this book and I found myself just reading every sentence in which he was involved, with a grin on my face. The short chapters add a nice snappy bite to the story and just made me want to keep turning the page to move onto the next one.
This really is an author on top of his game and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
January 21, 2023
Affi Smith loves to run; as she puts one foot in front of another, pounding the mountains and parkland near her home in the Scottish Highlands she can forget everything else. For someone who is only fifteen years old Affi has a lot she would rather not remember but others have long memories too and although she doesn't know it yet the young long distance runner is in grave danger.
DS Max Craigie and his partner, DC Janie Calder are, amazingly, going through a quiet spell at work so when Max's wife, Katie, asks for his help he readily agrees. One of the foster children she works with has disappeared without trace but what seems initially to be a simple case soon becomes anything but. Before long Max and his team find themselves investigating confidentiality breaches and police corruption at the highest level while also hunting an assailant who won't hesitate to destroy anyone who stands in their way.
Book four in this brilliant series once again hits all the right notes. The action is relentlessly fast moving, while the original characters are scarily compelling and, in some cases, downright evil. Add to this the familiarity and expertise of the main protagonists and the gallows humour seamlessly slipped into all their scenes and you have a recipe for crime fiction of the highest quality. I loved it.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book which is easy to recommend.
DS Max Craigie and his partner, DC Janie Calder are, amazingly, going through a quiet spell at work so when Max's wife, Katie, asks for his help he readily agrees. One of the foster children she works with has disappeared without trace but what seems initially to be a simple case soon becomes anything but. Before long Max and his team find themselves investigating confidentiality breaches and police corruption at the highest level while also hunting an assailant who won't hesitate to destroy anyone who stands in their way.
Book four in this brilliant series once again hits all the right notes. The action is relentlessly fast moving, while the original characters are scarily compelling and, in some cases, downright evil. Add to this the familiarity and expertise of the main protagonists and the gallows humour seamlessly slipped into all their scenes and you have a recipe for crime fiction of the highest quality. I loved it.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book which is easy to recommend.
October 26, 2023
A relentless pace from start to finish. Really good fun.
December 16, 2024
This is Book 4 of 5, with Book 6 coming out next year.
February 12, 2024
For me, this Scottish police procedural series has its ups and downs. The fourth DI Max Craigie instalment is a BIG up and my favourite so far.
Afrodita 'Affi' Smith goes out jogging on her fifteenth birthday and just... disappears. Her foster parents are frantic and insist that this is out of character for the Albanian born teen. In reality, Affi is snatched from a car park, drugged, and driven to a well hidden location miles away. Those responsible for her kidnapping are well known to Affi, for three years ago, she escaped their clutches. This violent Albanian gang is responsible for not only child trafficking but also various major crimes within the UK. Affi is their prize, and this time, she's not getting away so easily....
Despite not being in his or his colleagues' remit in the Policing Standards Reassurance Unit, DS Max Craigie looks into Affi's disappearance on behalf of his paralegal wife, Katie. In his opinion, confidential information regarding Affi has been leaked by someone within the ranks. But it's uncomfortable to suspect those you work with day to day. Still, this person has to be exposed in order to save Affi and bring down the bad guys once and for all.
It's a clock racing operation for Max and Co, one that is much bigger than first anticipated. For me, ex spook turned surveillance expert Barney steals the show. He's such a gruff gem that provides some much needed comic relief. The interactions between him and boss DI Ross Fraser are just so... rude and out there, but you know it's all done in jest.
Fair warning, this is much gorier than usual. There's one particular scene that turned my stomach. However, to counter this, the plot is fast-paced and action-packed. Blood Runs Cold is an exhilarating read.
Bring on Book 5, out late March 2024.
4.75 🌟
Afrodita 'Affi' Smith goes out jogging on her fifteenth birthday and just... disappears. Her foster parents are frantic and insist that this is out of character for the Albanian born teen. In reality, Affi is snatched from a car park, drugged, and driven to a well hidden location miles away. Those responsible for her kidnapping are well known to Affi, for three years ago, she escaped their clutches. This violent Albanian gang is responsible for not only child trafficking but also various major crimes within the UK. Affi is their prize, and this time, she's not getting away so easily....
Despite not being in his or his colleagues' remit in the Policing Standards Reassurance Unit, DS Max Craigie looks into Affi's disappearance on behalf of his paralegal wife, Katie. In his opinion, confidential information regarding Affi has been leaked by someone within the ranks. But it's uncomfortable to suspect those you work with day to day. Still, this person has to be exposed in order to save Affi and bring down the bad guys once and for all.
It's a clock racing operation for Max and Co, one that is much bigger than first anticipated. For me, ex spook turned surveillance expert Barney steals the show. He's such a gruff gem that provides some much needed comic relief. The interactions between him and boss DI Ross Fraser are just so... rude and out there, but you know it's all done in jest.
Fair warning, this is much gorier than usual. There's one particular scene that turned my stomach. However, to counter this, the plot is fast-paced and action-packed. Blood Runs Cold is an exhilarating read.
Bring on Book 5, out late March 2024.
4.75 🌟
March 13, 2023
Another absolute cracker in the Max Craigie series.
Loved the story, loved the action and as ever I love these characters.
Great plotting as always while remaining fully believable. Also quite emotionally charged as the team track down an Albanian gangster and put an end to his trafficking young girls for prostitution.
Obviously a crime novel can be a fairly tense affair especially as in this case when it deals with child trafficking but Lancaster manages to lighten the tone with flashes of humour. As ever I love the banter between the team but also this time I had to laugh out loud at the Lewis McPhail character , a HIghland ned who talks like a gangster.
I flew through this one in more or less one sitting - roll on book 5!
Huge thanks to HQ for the chance to read an advance copy
Loved the story, loved the action and as ever I love these characters.
Great plotting as always while remaining fully believable. Also quite emotionally charged as the team track down an Albanian gangster and put an end to his trafficking young girls for prostitution.
Obviously a crime novel can be a fairly tense affair especially as in this case when it deals with child trafficking but Lancaster manages to lighten the tone with flashes of humour. As ever I love the banter between the team but also this time I had to laugh out loud at the Lewis McPhail character , a HIghland ned who talks like a gangster.
I flew through this one in more or less one sitting - roll on book 5!
Huge thanks to HQ for the chance to read an advance copy
February 7, 2023
How do I even begin to review a book that took my breath away at times? I absolutely loved this gem of a read and think Blood Runs Cold is the best so far in the author’s Max Craigie series, and also the best book I’ve read so far this year. Neil Lancaster has really raised the bar with his writing here and it was great being back in the worlds of Max, Janie and Fraser. I love their characters, the banter, their working rapport and friendships and some of Frasers one liners were great bringing some lovely humour to the story. Here the team continue to uncover corruption which leads them into investigating people trafficking and ruthless Albanian criminals who will do anything to protect their own interests. I found this to be a very absorbing and entertaining read, I love the authors writing style here and feel he has a wonderful way of connecting with his readers through his writing by making his characters jump out from the pages where I can picture the scenes in my mind as I’m reading. I was invested in the story from the beginning and rooting for the characters all the way through to the end. . The last part of the book is a very tense and thrilling read which definitely had some wow moments along the way for me. I really liked the ending, it was very fitting for the story. If you like crime, police procedurals I’d recommend this although I’d say read the books from the beginning so you know the characters from the start.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 13, 2023
Book 4 in the DS Max Craigie series is another high octane police procedural from one of the best at it at the moment.
This time around the team are chasing Albanian Gangsters in a story of human trafficking and prostitution and as ever full of dodgy corrupt coppers.
Neil Lancaster really shows his experience in his thrillers as he writes detailed descriptions of the procedures and processes that his characters use.
The characters are probably my only annoyance as they can feel a bit cardboard but as the pace ramps up and the action really kicks in, you just settle down and enjoy a really cracking thriller.
This time around the team are chasing Albanian Gangsters in a story of human trafficking and prostitution and as ever full of dodgy corrupt coppers.
Neil Lancaster really shows his experience in his thrillers as he writes detailed descriptions of the procedures and processes that his characters use.
The characters are probably my only annoyance as they can feel a bit cardboard but as the pace ramps up and the action really kicks in, you just settle down and enjoy a really cracking thriller.
May 21, 2023
These novels are brilliantly plotted and fast paced. I can’t put them down when I start. But I am increasingly struggling with the cliches in the writing and in the relationships so I think this will be my last of this writer sadly.
March 7, 2023
I love this series. Packed with action, tension and great characterisation it has everything I want from my crime fiction and more. It's almost impossible not to love the team of Max Craigie, Janie Calder, Ross Fraser and Norma Kirk. Their's is a friendship packed with banter, often quite colourful when it comes to Ross's responses to any difficult or testing situation, but always, unfalteringly, ensuring that they have each others backs in times of trouble. Add in private contractor, Barney, who matches the team for banter and smarts step for step, and we have a team I just can't get enough of. Their goal is to root our corruption from within the Police, and it seems as though they have a never ending stream of suspects to round up. In The Blood Tide, what starts out as an assist on a missing persons case, soon puts Craigie and the team in the crosshairs of a notorious criminal with potentially deadly consequences.
This story touches on several really emotive themes, those of people trafficking, forced labour and county lines drugs running. The missing girl, Affi Smith, had been taken into protective custody by the police having been rescued from her traffickers as part of a County lines operation. She's a typical teenager, and as such, and owing to limited resources in the local force, her disappearance is perhaps not given as much credence as it should have been. As readers, we are privy to the truth of what happens to Affi, witnesses to the action, but it doesn't take long for Max Craigie to work out that this is not the case of a moody teenager taking time out. As soon as he is on the case, you know Affi is going to be given the attention she deserves, but will Max's intervention come too late?
What I liked about this story is the way in which Neil Lancaster is able to give it an air of authenticity, taking readers to an often uncomfortable situation without leading us too far down a dark path. Affi's abduction is for a very specific reason, and the scenes in which she is 'prepared' for her new life of forced prostitution is difficult to read but very believable. The emotional manipulation used to control Affi, doesn't dim her sense of self, but that feeling of her fear contrasting with her defiance and determination, really worked for the story. It made me invested in Affi's plight. There is nothing too dark, nothing gratuitous about any of it, but that sense of the coldness and the almost inhuman attitudes of her captors really did get the anger brewing.
As for the man at the top of the tree, there is a calm, clinical, detachment about him which makes the skin crawl without him really having to do anything. Neil Lancaster has created that presence, that feeling of being in the company of evil, so perfectly that it adds conflict to an already taught story. There is an understated power to this story that means nothing has to really happen for the tension to grow. It is just the tone of a sentence spoken, that constant sense of threat, and the fear that drips from the minor characters that really ups the pace of the book, leading us towards a high jeopardy, edge of the seat conclusion.
If you've not read any of these books before then you really should. These are character driven stories which hold as much humour as they do tension, and there are often some real laugh out loud moments, especially in response to Ross's constant aggressive bluster. I love that Max isn't the only kick ass member of the team, and that Janie can hold her own every bit as well. They're a great pairing who keep each other on the straight and narrow, although it's clear Janie has a much bigger job on that score than Max. This case is full of misdirection and surprises, and although some reveals are more obvious that others, there are certainly aspects of the story that I didn't see coming. I read through this in a day, the pacing being absolutely spot on and the case totally gripping. Most definitely recommended.
This story touches on several really emotive themes, those of people trafficking, forced labour and county lines drugs running. The missing girl, Affi Smith, had been taken into protective custody by the police having been rescued from her traffickers as part of a County lines operation. She's a typical teenager, and as such, and owing to limited resources in the local force, her disappearance is perhaps not given as much credence as it should have been. As readers, we are privy to the truth of what happens to Affi, witnesses to the action, but it doesn't take long for Max Craigie to work out that this is not the case of a moody teenager taking time out. As soon as he is on the case, you know Affi is going to be given the attention she deserves, but will Max's intervention come too late?
What I liked about this story is the way in which Neil Lancaster is able to give it an air of authenticity, taking readers to an often uncomfortable situation without leading us too far down a dark path. Affi's abduction is for a very specific reason, and the scenes in which she is 'prepared' for her new life of forced prostitution is difficult to read but very believable. The emotional manipulation used to control Affi, doesn't dim her sense of self, but that feeling of her fear contrasting with her defiance and determination, really worked for the story. It made me invested in Affi's plight. There is nothing too dark, nothing gratuitous about any of it, but that sense of the coldness and the almost inhuman attitudes of her captors really did get the anger brewing.
As for the man at the top of the tree, there is a calm, clinical, detachment about him which makes the skin crawl without him really having to do anything. Neil Lancaster has created that presence, that feeling of being in the company of evil, so perfectly that it adds conflict to an already taught story. There is an understated power to this story that means nothing has to really happen for the tension to grow. It is just the tone of a sentence spoken, that constant sense of threat, and the fear that drips from the minor characters that really ups the pace of the book, leading us towards a high jeopardy, edge of the seat conclusion.
If you've not read any of these books before then you really should. These are character driven stories which hold as much humour as they do tension, and there are often some real laugh out loud moments, especially in response to Ross's constant aggressive bluster. I love that Max isn't the only kick ass member of the team, and that Janie can hold her own every bit as well. They're a great pairing who keep each other on the straight and narrow, although it's clear Janie has a much bigger job on that score than Max. This case is full of misdirection and surprises, and although some reveals are more obvious that others, there are certainly aspects of the story that I didn't see coming. I read through this in a day, the pacing being absolutely spot on and the case totally gripping. Most definitely recommended.
May 24, 2023
I am a great lover of police procedural novels and have been avidly following the team in this book with great interest. They investigate police corruption in ‘Police Scotland’ but on the quiet.
This book starts with a missing Albanian child and the case rapidly blows up into a huge investigation. The team are tight: Max and Janie have a great understanding of each other having worked together over several cases; their boss, Ross, seems to take pleasure in being sarcastic and caustic, and Norma the whizz data analyst to mention a few.
I find that these cases are so fast-paced, I hardly dare breathe and I can feel the exhaustion of the team in the hours they devote to solving a crime. They are both reactive and proactive, going to work and never quite sure when they will next be home, dogged in their pursuit of criminals and pull in a wide variety of contacts with specialised skills to help them.
There are nods to previous cases from earlier books which I enjoy, but each can be read as a stand-alone.
These are brilliantly plotted, fast-paced and twisty tales. They reflect the dark, sordid underworld and it is very clear that there is never an easy way to solve a crime, except hard work, research and determination.
One of my favourite series of books, a thrilling, tense, tough read!
This book starts with a missing Albanian child and the case rapidly blows up into a huge investigation. The team are tight: Max and Janie have a great understanding of each other having worked together over several cases; their boss, Ross, seems to take pleasure in being sarcastic and caustic, and Norma the whizz data analyst to mention a few.
I find that these cases are so fast-paced, I hardly dare breathe and I can feel the exhaustion of the team in the hours they devote to solving a crime. They are both reactive and proactive, going to work and never quite sure when they will next be home, dogged in their pursuit of criminals and pull in a wide variety of contacts with specialised skills to help them.
There are nods to previous cases from earlier books which I enjoy, but each can be read as a stand-alone.
These are brilliantly plotted, fast-paced and twisty tales. They reflect the dark, sordid underworld and it is very clear that there is never an easy way to solve a crime, except hard work, research and determination.
One of my favourite series of books, a thrilling, tense, tough read!
December 10, 2024
Best book so far in the series!
I must say, anti-corruption is not my personal favourite subgenre. It makes me so frustrated I just want to hang every corrupt police by their shoelaces and be done with it. It's a particular form av "evil" that is like the proverbial red in front of a bull to me. Always has been. 🤷🏻♀️
This is the very reason why I never got into Call of Duty, for example. A big shame, I'm sure, since it's supposed to be really good - and since this series if often compared to the TV show, maybe I'll give it another go one day.
Apart from having a kickass main character in Max Craigie, this book flaunts a very pleasingly complex plot, too.
The corruption if deep rooted and digging it out takes cunning. That particular part is what really wins me over to the idea of anti-corruption as its portrayed in these books.
The audiobook is also really great. Hats off for the top-tier narrator, Angus King! 🎩👒🎩👒
Even if I sort of want to jump on it straight onto the 5th book, I'm going to save it until after Christmas - unless my stress and glucose levels from too much sugary romance fluff books reach lethal levels. I might need Max Craigie to give me a breather from all that. 😆
I must say, anti-corruption is not my personal favourite subgenre. It makes me so frustrated I just want to hang every corrupt police by their shoelaces and be done with it. It's a particular form av "evil" that is like the proverbial red in front of a bull to me. Always has been. 🤷🏻♀️
This is the very reason why I never got into Call of Duty, for example. A big shame, I'm sure, since it's supposed to be really good - and since this series if often compared to the TV show, maybe I'll give it another go one day.
Apart from having a kickass main character in Max Craigie, this book flaunts a very pleasingly complex plot, too.
The corruption if deep rooted and digging it out takes cunning. That particular part is what really wins me over to the idea of anti-corruption as its portrayed in these books.
The audiobook is also really great. Hats off for the top-tier narrator, Angus King! 🎩👒🎩👒
Even if I sort of want to jump on it straight onto the 5th book, I'm going to save it until after Christmas - unless my stress and glucose levels from too much sugary romance fluff books reach lethal levels. I might need Max Craigie to give me a breather from all that. 😆
November 11, 2023
I've only read one other book in the DS Max Craigie series so far, but I immediately fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to follow them on another case, so I was very excited to pick up Blood Runs Cold.
And this is another fantastic police procedural with a strongly developed investigation, brilliant characters and dialogue, and a lot of dangerous tension.
I find crime stories about trafficking really interesting, as it's not often an author will really delve into this type of crime and bring to light a very serious issue that we often forget is still so predominant today. It's the kind of crime that always grips me and makes me think, and Blood Runs Cold certainly gives you a feel for this very real terror.
But it's not all serious, as the characters in this series are hilarious. I absolutely love their banter and they make the crimes so interesting to follow. Now, I really need to catch up with the first two books and see where it all began!
And this is another fantastic police procedural with a strongly developed investigation, brilliant characters and dialogue, and a lot of dangerous tension.
I find crime stories about trafficking really interesting, as it's not often an author will really delve into this type of crime and bring to light a very serious issue that we often forget is still so predominant today. It's the kind of crime that always grips me and makes me think, and Blood Runs Cold certainly gives you a feel for this very real terror.
But it's not all serious, as the characters in this series are hilarious. I absolutely love their banter and they make the crimes so interesting to follow. Now, I really need to catch up with the first two books and see where it all began!
April 29, 2025
An excellent fourth instalment in the DS Max Craigie series! I will never not enjoy corruption being rooted out and the perpetrators being identified and held accountable!!
Neil Lancaster creates detailed, vivid, tense, and atmospheric environments and settings and I'm always right there!
DS Max Craigie, DC Janie Calder, DI Ross Fraser, Barney, and Norma are funny and relatable, with strong relationships and excellent banter! They are a close knit Team and their dynamics are always a highlight in this series!!
Lancaster utilises the Highland dialect very cleverly, and the communication between the characters brings some light aspects to a very dark subject matter.
This story starts us on a journey with a child trafficking victim, who has now been placed in a safe, secure and very confidential foster placement in the Highlands. However, when she is found again by the very people she managed to escape from, DS Craigie and his Team investigate and find an intricate web of lies, corruption, blackmail and violence all around them, in the very agencies that are supposed to be there to protect the most vulnerable people in Scotland.
Bring on the next book!!
Neil Lancaster creates detailed, vivid, tense, and atmospheric environments and settings and I'm always right there!
DS Max Craigie, DC Janie Calder, DI Ross Fraser, Barney, and Norma are funny and relatable, with strong relationships and excellent banter! They are a close knit Team and their dynamics are always a highlight in this series!!
Lancaster utilises the Highland dialect very cleverly, and the communication between the characters brings some light aspects to a very dark subject matter.
This story starts us on a journey with a child trafficking victim, who has now been placed in a safe, secure and very confidential foster placement in the Highlands. However, when she is found again by the very people she managed to escape from, DS Craigie and his Team investigate and find an intricate web of lies, corruption, blackmail and violence all around them, in the very agencies that are supposed to be there to protect the most vulnerable people in Scotland.
Bring on the next book!!
March 19, 2023
Book 4 in the Max Craigie series.
Affi Smith is a young victim of people trafficking who has been given a new start in the Scottish highlands. She is supposed to be safe now. Heading out for a run she is late returning home. Written off as just another runaway Max's wife Katie isn't so sure it's that simple.
Tasked with looking into her disappearance Max and Janie head north to interview her parents. What follows is more chilling than they could have guessed.
This series is one of the best around. With likable, strong character's, a plot line that hooks you from start to finish and action galore I couldn't put this book down.
A cracking read that will keep you up into the early hours.
Affi Smith is a young victim of people trafficking who has been given a new start in the Scottish highlands. She is supposed to be safe now. Heading out for a run she is late returning home. Written off as just another runaway Max's wife Katie isn't so sure it's that simple.
Tasked with looking into her disappearance Max and Janie head north to interview her parents. What follows is more chilling than they could have guessed.
This series is one of the best around. With likable, strong character's, a plot line that hooks you from start to finish and action galore I couldn't put this book down.
A cracking read that will keep you up into the early hours.
April 9, 2023
I’d like to start this review off by thanking the team at Readers First and HQ books for sending me a copy to read and review - it’s always exciting to read something new.
When trafficking victim, Affi Smith, goes missing again on her fifteenth birthday, her foster family and the police swear they’ll do everything to find her… But as time starts to run out and the case starts to unfold it soon becomes clear that someone hasn’t been doing everything they can to keep Affi safe…
Blood Runs Cold is a truly gripping page turner. I haven’t read any others in the DS Max Craigie series, which I was a little worried about but this reads brilliantly as a stand alone. If anything it’s enticed me to look more into the series and go back and read more and immerse myself into more of the horrifying crimes Max and his team have solved.
This book pairs the truly horrifying world of trafficking with disturbing police corruption, and delivers an unputdownable story - I’d definitely recommend.
When trafficking victim, Affi Smith, goes missing again on her fifteenth birthday, her foster family and the police swear they’ll do everything to find her… But as time starts to run out and the case starts to unfold it soon becomes clear that someone hasn’t been doing everything they can to keep Affi safe…
Blood Runs Cold is a truly gripping page turner. I haven’t read any others in the DS Max Craigie series, which I was a little worried about but this reads brilliantly as a stand alone. If anything it’s enticed me to look more into the series and go back and read more and immerse myself into more of the horrifying crimes Max and his team have solved.
This book pairs the truly horrifying world of trafficking with disturbing police corruption, and delivers an unputdownable story - I’d definitely recommend.
June 5, 2025
I don't how Lancaster makes every book better than the last, but he does! This is my favourite one so far.
We have a completely new story here now that Max and the team have finally obliterated their old enemies.
This one is a tale of trafficking, slavery and the utmost depravity of those who carry out these acts.
The team dynamic is as brilliant as ever, with Ross providing the quips that made me laugh out loud many times.
This could easily be read as a standalone, testament to the author's skill.
I'll soon be on to the next one.
We have a completely new story here now that Max and the team have finally obliterated their old enemies.
This one is a tale of trafficking, slavery and the utmost depravity of those who carry out these acts.
The team dynamic is as brilliant as ever, with Ross providing the quips that made me laugh out loud many times.
This could easily be read as a standalone, testament to the author's skill.
I'll soon be on to the next one.
December 16, 2025
4.25 stars. Yet another excellent addition to the DI Craigie series, this one touching on female trafficking. As always, great lacing, tension and plot, and I immediately moved onto the next book in the series after finishing it, which is always a good sign!
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review, and apologies for the delay in providing this.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review, and apologies for the delay in providing this.
May 2, 2023
Fourth installment in this gripping and pacy series which sees DS Craigie and a small team of officers rooting out corruption in Scottish law enforcement and connected agencies.
Through his wife's involvement with an asylum application, Craigie learns that a young Albanian girl has gone missing in suspicious circumstances but without any trace of her whereabouts. Further investigation reveals links to organised crime groups, prostitution, and corruption at the very heart of law enforcement.
Great series, well executed and hard to put down.
Through his wife's involvement with an asylum application, Craigie learns that a young Albanian girl has gone missing in suspicious circumstances but without any trace of her whereabouts. Further investigation reveals links to organised crime groups, prostitution, and corruption at the very heart of law enforcement.
Great series, well executed and hard to put down.
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