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Scott Cullen Mysteries #4
Dyed in the Wool
Detective Constable Scott Cullen finds his professional and private lives at opposite ends of the spectrum. While his career is stagnating - impacted by the jockeying for position ahead of the formation of the Scottish Police Service, as much as by his own inability to push his case for promotion - his relationship with DS Sharon McNeill goes from strength-to-strength, until dinner with both sets of parents is interrupted by a call to action.
A body has been found in a Range Rover at the foot of a shale bing in West Lothian.
Cullen is forced to go back to his old stomping ground, haunted by figures from his past. DS Colin Methven, the latest officer occupying the position that Cullen has long coveted, is intent on straightening out Cullen’s cowboy nature, which has fractured his friendship with DC Angela Caldwell. Lurking in the background is DI Paul Wilkinson, trying to push Cullen back to a recent major case. As the mysteries are compounded, Cullen starts to feel lost among the dyed in the wool.
A body has been found in a Range Rover at the foot of a shale bing in West Lothian.
Cullen is forced to go back to his old stomping ground, haunted by figures from his past. DS Colin Methven, the latest officer occupying the position that Cullen has long coveted, is intent on straightening out Cullen’s cowboy nature, which has fractured his friendship with DC Angela Caldwell. Lurking in the background is DI Paul Wilkinson, trying to push Cullen back to a recent major case. As the mysteries are compounded, Cullen starts to feel lost among the dyed in the wool.
298 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2013
407 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 6, 2014
Great weave of a story
Great weave of a story
Each Scott Cullen book gets better and Ed James continues to improve his suspenseful thriller with bits of surprises to keep all the reading and events moving to a successful conclusion...Well Done!!!
Great weave of a story
Each Scott Cullen book gets better and Ed James continues to improve his suspenseful thriller with bits of surprises to keep all the reading and events moving to a successful conclusion...Well Done!!!
February 26, 2015
Loved this, best in the series so far. New characters introduced & a few old ones got the comeuppance they deserved. Onto the next one in the series.
September 19, 2013
Thank goodness I decided to read this, despite finding the previous one in the series (Fire in the Blood) to be considerably below the quality of the first two books in the series. Trudging through the boss' anger and Cullen's decline to immaturity became so tedious - several times I was going to give up, but managed to drag my eyes to the last page.
What a pleasant surprise to find this story line tackled the angst, gave explanations, and so made sense of the acrimony and cavalier attitudes in the previous books in the series. Because of this, it became a thoroughly enjoyable read and I was again enthralled with a plot that is comfortably traditional, yet refreshingly brings the genre bang up to date by including modern technology and social networking.
What a pleasant surprise to find this story line tackled the angst, gave explanations, and so made sense of the acrimony and cavalier attitudes in the previous books in the series. Because of this, it became a thoroughly enjoyable read and I was again enthralled with a plot that is comfortably traditional, yet refreshingly brings the genre bang up to date by including modern technology and social networking.
November 17, 2023
I was struggling to like these books as I like the stories and the writing but the main character of Scott Cullen has been a pain in the arse through the series until the later stages of this book.
I appreciate that this is a different spin on the usual crime novels, telling it from the perspective of a young Detective Constable who has opinions above his pay grade and doesn't like being told no. It's just frustrating for me being an older reader to put myself back into that young late 20's, early 30's mindset where you are self-absorbed and difficult. These traits have put me off in the past but it is testament to the writing skills of the author that keeps me coming back and looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I watch the author AND the lead character Cullen grow and mature!
I appreciate that this is a different spin on the usual crime novels, telling it from the perspective of a young Detective Constable who has opinions above his pay grade and doesn't like being told no. It's just frustrating for me being an older reader to put myself back into that young late 20's, early 30's mindset where you are self-absorbed and difficult. These traits have put me off in the past but it is testament to the writing skills of the author that keeps me coming back and looking forward to reading the next book in the series as I watch the author AND the lead character Cullen grow and mature!
March 1, 2019
I have enjoyed this series so far, but this book seemed to focus more on Scott Cullen and his career ambitions and the implosion of his relationship with Sharon, and less on the murders he is trying to solve. I found the plot rather confusing and lacking detail, until the final few chapters when the pace picked up.
The plot surrounds organised football hooliganism, homophobia and police corruption, as well as some very poor choices by some people. Cullen is trying not to be a maverick, particularly as he is out of the shadow of DI Bain, but he really can't help himself when he thinks he has a good lead to follow. Definitely not a team player! It will be interesting to see how his career and personal life develop in the next book.
The plot surrounds organised football hooliganism, homophobia and police corruption, as well as some very poor choices by some people. Cullen is trying not to be a maverick, particularly as he is out of the shadow of DI Bain, but he really can't help himself when he thinks he has a good lead to follow. Definitely not a team player! It will be interesting to see how his career and personal life develop in the next book.
December 15, 2022
This is the fourth book in the entertaining Scott Cullen series by author Ed James. I am really enjoying this crime series which has really good characters.
Detective Constable Scott Cullen continues to be discouraged in his job with little sign of any advancement within the force but his personal life is on the up. His relationship with DS Sharon McNeill is getting stronger, so well that they even arrange to have dinner with both sets of parents only to be interrupted by a call to action.
A body has been found in a Range Rover at the foot of a waste rock in West Lothian and Cullen is forced to return to his go back to his old stomping ground where he is haunted by old acquaintances.
More of the same make this another very good addition to the series.
Detective Constable Scott Cullen continues to be discouraged in his job with little sign of any advancement within the force but his personal life is on the up. His relationship with DS Sharon McNeill is getting stronger, so well that they even arrange to have dinner with both sets of parents only to be interrupted by a call to action.
A body has been found in a Range Rover at the foot of a waste rock in West Lothian and Cullen is forced to return to his go back to his old stomping ground where he is haunted by old acquaintances.
More of the same make this another very good addition to the series.
Read
April 25, 2025Cullen still wants to be a detective. There's a new DI in charge as Turnbull takes power (but not rank) away from Bain. Cullen turns on Sharon when Irvine tells him she had a lesbian relationship with new DI Cargill. Turnbull is glad that Wilkinson, the other DI he inherited, is off heading up a football hooligan investigation team.
Cullen is worried that both Cargill and new to area DS Methven have it in for him. Then the case he has, investigating a suspicious death and a murder becomes linked with Wilkinson's hooligan investigation. They're are a lot of people jostling for power and it doesn't help that serving police officets might be involved in the case or covering for others.
Cullen is worried that both Cargill and new to area DS Methven have it in for him. Then the case he has, investigating a suspicious death and a murder becomes linked with Wilkinson's hooligan investigation. They're are a lot of people jostling for power and it doesn't help that serving police officets might be involved in the case or covering for others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
Another thrilling page-turner from James. A definite step up in form from the previous instalment, Fire in the Blood. Cullen is this time part of the team investigating the apparent suicide of a young man in West Lothian. As usual, the case expands from there with the body count increasing and the twists and turns, lies and confessions are in abundance.
Other than one or two slightly clunky plot devices (working out someone's identity from their chat board user name) this was a compelling, well-written crime novel.
Other than one or two slightly clunky plot devices (working out someone's identity from their chat board user name) this was a compelling, well-written crime novel.
March 8, 2020
Really kept my attention. Having read the previous 3 Scott Cullen books, this one was a real page turner. The book is not only a good crime thriller but also concentrates on the personalities and the flaws of the characters. The plot is an interesting one dealing with areas such as organised football violence and homophobia. Well worth a read although you do need to read the series in order as there are references to the previous books in this one. Will Scott ever become a DS? Maybe I need to read the next one to find out.
April 1, 2019
Bloody marvellous
I first read the Fenchurch series and it took me a while to get hooked. I then fiished those having become enamoured by the characters. Being an ex-coper and a writer myself I can appreciate the work put into these books. The Cullen series grabbed me immediately, great characters and brilliant story line. Drwading getting to t h e last one. Well done Ed.
I first read the Fenchurch series and it took me a while to get hooked. I then fiished those having become enamoured by the characters. Being an ex-coper and a writer myself I can appreciate the work put into these books. The Cullen series grabbed me immediately, great characters and brilliant story line. Drwading getting to t h e last one. Well done Ed.
December 21, 2021
A Great Read
I'm a big fan of Ed James, his work in general, and especially the Scott Cullen novels. Stab in the Dark is very tightly written, fast paced, great characters in Cullen and the cast around him. If you enjoy crime fiction and solid writing with a great atmosphere and cast of characters, you will very much enjoy Stab in the Dark.
I'm a big fan of Ed James, his work in general, and especially the Scott Cullen novels. Stab in the Dark is very tightly written, fast paced, great characters in Cullen and the cast around him. If you enjoy crime fiction and solid writing with a great atmosphere and cast of characters, you will very much enjoy Stab in the Dark.
March 28, 2022
Ed James isn't screwing around
I won't givd away gheending, suffice to say that I was staggered by it. This book's story hjts really close to home as some rwgular supporting characters are caught in the shit.
Ian Rankin is one of my favorite Scottish writers, but Ed James is really pushing togey on that list.
I won't givd away gheending, suffice to say that I was staggered by it. This book's story hjts really close to home as some rwgular supporting characters are caught in the shit.
Ian Rankin is one of my favorite Scottish writers, but Ed James is really pushing togey on that list.
August 2, 2023
Cullen & Hooligans
In this DC Scott Cullen tale, Cullen is tasked with checking out a suspicious death. The tale moves through a whole range of topics, Homosexuality, football hooliganism, and their associated gangs, police corruption, along with the breakdown of Scott & Sharon's relationship. Decent tale with some great characters, but for me, it's not a great page turner.
In this DC Scott Cullen tale, Cullen is tasked with checking out a suspicious death. The tale moves through a whole range of topics, Homosexuality, football hooliganism, and their associated gangs, police corruption, along with the breakdown of Scott & Sharon's relationship. Decent tale with some great characters, but for me, it's not a great page turner.
February 27, 2024
enough with the Scottish football
Scottish football is a major theme in this book, tying together most of the people and events. Knowing absolutely nothing about it made the story hard to follow. Scott Cullen continues to be a self-absorbed prat, at times likable and at others completely insufferable.
Scottish football is a major theme in this book, tying together most of the people and events. Knowing absolutely nothing about it made the story hard to follow. Scott Cullen continues to be a self-absorbed prat, at times likable and at others completely insufferable.
August 14, 2018
A little bit different
I enjoyed this book, yes it did have twists in it, I was carried along the hero l felt his and others frustrations with the nicknames . We all know someone like that
I enjoyed this book, yes it did have twists in it, I was carried along the hero l felt his and others frustrations with the nicknames . We all know someone like that
October 6, 2018
Another average book from an average series.
Apparently it is set in Scotland but for a few changes of place names and the odd turn of phrase it could be anywhere.
Not a patch on Rankin, Cleeves or McBride for a Scots detective story.
Apparently it is set in Scotland but for a few changes of place names and the odd turn of phrase it could be anywhere.
Not a patch on Rankin, Cleeves or McBride for a Scots detective story.
January 10, 2019
Another in the Scott Cullen series which I thoroughly enjoy. To be honest, Scott sometimes needs a slap or two to pull him out of his self-important misery, but we’ve all been there. He and his colleagues are definitely real people.
January 28, 2021
This is the best of the first four Scott Cullen novels. The characters are well established and themes from the previous books return in this rollercoaster tale. My tenth book read in January 2021. I aim to read books 5 & 6 in February but will read something else first.
October 10, 2021
Keep Getting better
Fourth book of the series and the storylines just keep getting better and better. After four books the main characters are becoming real and the background more detailed. Great story again a real page turner.
Fourth book of the series and the storylines just keep getting better and better. After four books the main characters are becoming real and the background more detailed. Great story again a real page turner.
October 17, 2024
Stab in the Dark Ed James
Definitely worth a read, brilliant, football hooliganism at its worst. Lothian and Borders police get their men. Or so they think. Turmoil of twists. Read to the end. Worth it
Definitely worth a read, brilliant, football hooliganism at its worst. Lothian and Borders police get their men. Or so they think. Turmoil of twists. Read to the end. Worth it
February 2, 2025
A fatal car accident, closely followed by the discovery of a stab victim, presents a mystery for DC Cullen and his various colleagues to solve. Clever crime novel with interesting characters and their foibles making an entertaining story.
January 21, 2019
Still an enjoyable series.
November 8, 2019
Brilliant
Another fast paced instalment in the Scott Cullen series with twists and turns throughout, thoroughly enjoyable and I'm already looking forward to the next book
Another fast paced instalment in the Scott Cullen series with twists and turns throughout, thoroughly enjoyable and I'm already looking forward to the next book
February 11, 2025
outstanding read
I am justbLoving these books, easy to read and keeps me hooked on the story so cant put it down at night.
I am justbLoving these books, easy to read and keeps me hooked on the story so cant put it down at night.
March 14, 2020
Excellent read! I love the series and anxiously await the next mystery.
July 11, 2013
The latest installment in the Scott Cullen series, Dyed in the Wool is the best one yet. The plot was intricate, veering from the death of a man in what seems to be an accident to fight clubs, soccer hooligans and murder. As always, following Cullen on the investigation's many twist and turns is action packed and hard to put down.
Really enjoyed the book, the development of the secondary characters added greatly to the story without being a lot of wordy filler. Also nice to see Cullen begin to mature past the woe-is-me emo twat stage and grow a pair.
The Cullen series is a solid piece of work and I can't recommend it enough. The only criticism (if you can call it that) is some threads in the story are dropped (or not explored fully) and I can only assume that they'll come up again in later books (for example, where did Tom disappear off to? It was talked about that he'd not been spending much time at home, but not why). But a good read that doesn't get bogged down and always a good ending to the story.
Really enjoyed the book, the development of the secondary characters added greatly to the story without being a lot of wordy filler. Also nice to see Cullen begin to mature past the woe-is-me emo twat stage and grow a pair.
The Cullen series is a solid piece of work and I can't recommend it enough. The only criticism (if you can call it that) is some threads in the story are dropped (or not explored fully) and I can only assume that they'll come up again in later books (for example, where did Tom disappear off to? It was talked about that he'd not been spending much time at home, but not why). But a good read that doesn't get bogged down and always a good ending to the story.
July 12, 2013
This, the fourth in the Cullen series, is the best so far.
The main crime revolves around a body found in a car at the bottom of a 'bing' (a scottish term for a shale or slag heap) but leads take the team to other possible crimes.
There is quite a lot of back story with the team and there is a fair bit of reference to the previous 3 books in the series so it is a good idea to read those first (you won't be sorry, they're all good).
There are surprises in this book that may well affect the future of the team and I look forward to the next one in the series.
My only complaint with the story waqs that one of the main story threads went on throughout the story and was resolved in the blink of an eye, but that is only a minor quibble and doesn't detract from a brilliant story well told.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
The main crime revolves around a body found in a car at the bottom of a 'bing' (a scottish term for a shale or slag heap) but leads take the team to other possible crimes.
There is quite a lot of back story with the team and there is a fair bit of reference to the previous 3 books in the series so it is a good idea to read those first (you won't be sorry, they're all good).
There are surprises in this book that may well affect the future of the team and I look forward to the next one in the series.
My only complaint with the story waqs that one of the main story threads went on throughout the story and was resolved in the blink of an eye, but that is only a minor quibble and doesn't detract from a brilliant story well told.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
July 12, 2013
The fourth in the Scott Cullen series and if you have read any of first three then you will know what to expect. Amd you will not be disappointed.
Ed James has captured life in Edinburgh and in the police so well that the reader becomes completely engrossed in the multiple story lines. Blending a complicated plot and various personal stories the pace builds and builds to a breath taking conclusion.
The only question this reader had at the end is how can he wait until winter 20113 for the next installment.
Ed James has captured life in Edinburgh and in the police so well that the reader becomes completely engrossed in the multiple story lines. Blending a complicated plot and various personal stories the pace builds and builds to a breath taking conclusion.
The only question this reader had at the end is how can he wait until winter 20113 for the next installment.
November 20, 2013
The fourth Scott Cullen detective novel by Ed James. This one may be the best one yet ! Very fast paced and plenty of action this novel does not disappoint. In this book we get to see more of Cullen's inner workings. He shows much more emotion and goes through many more personal ups and downs. In addition to a career that is "Stalled" Cullen must push through a rough go in this book. Very fast read, I didn't want it to end ! 5 stars out of 5. Do not miss the 4 books of the Scott Cullen series by Ed James ! All 4 are excellent.
April 8, 2016
3.5 stars. This is very close to being a 4 star book. The author has finally made the personal life of the main character interesting enough to earning a higher rating. However, in the kindle edition I read there were a number of typos (something I hadn't noticed in the earlier books). They were of both the wrong name used and the wrong word (or spelling) variety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews