High Hand

The Edinburgh Murders #2

by Traude Ailinger

A killing in high society leaves a detective with a chip on his shoulder grasping at straws

After a shooting party on a Scottish estate, one of the participants is found dead, having been unceremoniously hit on the head with a rock.

Getting nowhere when interviewing the arrogant son of the wealthy landowner, DI Russell McCord is quietly relieved that with her family connections, bothersome journalist Amy Thornton might help the investigation.

But with a new partner to train – one who, to his dismay, seems to have won the affections of Amy – McCord wastes no time putting the most likely suspect in jail. He’ll work out the motive later.

When Amy undermines his case, he’ll have to rely heavily on her to find the real perpetrator. But not before another murder throws everything up in the air.

HIGH HAND is the second cozy mystery by Traude Ailinger to feature amateur sleuth Amy Thornton and grumpy DI Russell McCord. It can be enjoyed entirely as a standalone but readers will also like the first novel, NEAR MISS.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Scotland

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2022

Reviews

[Mary Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I didn’t plan to read more of this series because I don’t do ‘cost crime’….. But….. I moved on to book two despite myself. Yet again, great story, good & well-developed characters, interesting new team members… if one can suspend cynicism (and reality) this is a great read. I will now move on to the last in the series but more importantly, watch out for anything by this author that doesn’t describe itself as cosy.

[johanna kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted

Very interesting book. DI McCord and DC Calder wood were just one step behind the perpetrator the whole way. Many suspects and red herrings. I figured the perpetrator early on.
My problem is the poison. Andrew had been home a full day and must have used personal items at some point before McCord prevented him from using them.

[Pelin Haci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately ordered this second book after reading Near Miss and it did not disappoint! The story of the main characters continues with yet another case. Loved how we still see how their lives develop while working on solving the new mystery. Cannot wait to receive the next chapter and spend the whole day reading!

[Linda Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series didn't disappoint. It is an easy to read crime novel but by no means predictable. There is a thrilling start to the story and once again the author enables the reader to connect with the characters.

[W H Nicholls · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the Box set I am reading which for some reason I struggle to get through the book I take ages to read it. I find the story slow to start with but it get better as you go on. A lot of people came in the frame for the murder before you found out who it was

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

One young man gets even with five men who stole his $3000 college tuition money in a poker game and disgraced him in a video He kills the first four by clobbering them over the head with a rock and the fifth man he drives into insanity through paranoia.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be the last. Great story line with lots of interesting characters and plenty of action.

[Susan Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but kind of sad.

I liked almost all the characters (including the killer. Full of some surprises. English usually have a few different ideas of right and wrong.

[Jillian McCreadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Great book would recommend it keeps you going all the way through looking forward to the next book in this series

[Chili Diane Evance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, DI McCord and his journalist friend are having a dickens of a time trying to get a step ahead of this murderer.
Absolutely got taken in with the writing.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A bit chaotic at times. Disappointing ending.

[carol mcquade · Rating 5 out of 5]

roll on the next one !

Very enjoyable book am warming to McCord as a character. Ready now to read book 3.if you’ve got some time I’d recommend this book to anyone.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

DI McCord is investigating a series of murders with the help of journalist Amy Thornton. The common thread seems to be that they are all friends and former university classmates.

[Iain Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having very much enjoyed "Near Miss" (and discovered a new author whose writing style I like) I have been awaiting a sequel and this did not disappoint. DI McCord and his journalist "friend" struggle with a string of twists and turns as they attempt to identify the killer(s). The case is complicated by family connections which cause some friction between the detective and the "nosey" journalist, and several suspects are all plausible villains. The story is highly entertaining and I found it difficult to put it down. I no find myself looking forward once again to the next instalment in this series - I DO hope there is more to come!