Oh dear! Perhaps Logan Macrae, recently returned to police duties following injury, needed more time off! In this latest novel, although officially working in a "quality control" role, Logan gets dragged into a kidnap and murder investigation. The plot involves extreme Scottish Independence activists taking radical action against those who speak out against it. The storyline stretches credibility just a bit too far and, in my opinion, ultimately comes across as contrived. Definitely not one of MacBride's best.

I think I'd have enjoyed this better had I read the previous books in the series...character building is obviously a major part in Stuart MacBride's books, and I think I suffered because I didn't know the myriad of sub plots. That said, he is obviously an accomplished author, I love the descriptions of everything; places, people, situations. I'll definitely be reading the series from the start...thank you to Netgalley and Publishers for the opportunity to review.

Another instalment of Laz and steel which is unfortunately becoming a bit of a caricature of itself.

Mcbride still delivers the right notes in regards to the funny dialogue and the story itself is solid. The problem lies with his cast which as the books progress become almost postmodern meta versions of themselves. Steel in particular has become such a ridiculous pastiche that her inclusion in the book is distracting and silly.

This is a difficult book to review as I did enjoy it but when held up against its predecessors it falls down in almost every Department. I think that only because I have knowledge of ‘the canon’ that I was able to finish it. I’ll read the next book in the series but I’m definitely hoping for a vast improvement. A few main character murders would go a long way in reestablishing this series as a tour de force in Scottish crime fiction.

I am a big fan of Stuart macbride, especially this series but I have to say I struggles with this book and didn't enjoy it at all. The best bit was the last few chapters as it came to its conclusion. The main reason for my dislike has to be Roberta steel. This character has become incredibly annoying and as a gayl women I actually find her offensive. Her constant remarks about women,sex and rummaging around in her bra incredibly boring,I m sure if it was a male character rummaging in his pants and making remarks about women it would be classed as sexist. Another annoyance is tufty and his I has a geniuses comments and various other quotes.
A real let down,I hope it gets better.

I really do enjoy these Logan McRae books, the plot is always twisty, the language frequently makes me smile (in a positive way) and, from where I am sitting, the plot is always original. All in all a beautifully crafted series that you really should read if you enjoy reading about the ups and downs of coppering in the pursuit of nasty people.

Lazarus returns from the dead - yet again !


A further long awaited return, for DI Logan McRae; who manages yet another ‘resurrection’, after recovering from a further stabbing.

Back at work with Professional Standards, he has to deal with many of the previous ‘usual suspects’, with some characters from previous novels making a useful contribution to solving his latest dilemma.

The humour is up to its usual standard – for me, the likening of a small sports car scrabbling for traction, being compared to a small terrier winding itself up for a run on a tiled floor.

Scottish readers beware – even though this is set in Aberdeen, and I’m a Weedgie – my wife reckoned I was ‘blethering in Scottish’ after reading this.

My thanks go to NetGalley and the Publisher, for the chance to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

My first Logan McRae and my first Stuart MacBride to boot. Neither disappointed. You soon see past the crudely mouthed exteriors of key characters and enjoy them for the colourfully-painted loveable rogues that they are. A bonus from the contemporary political setting adding both realism and depth to the storyline. Definitely not my last Logan McRae/Stuart MacBride.

Aberdeen-based police procedural which is entertaining but gruesome

Logan McRae works for Professional Standards investigating DI King who, in turn, is investigating the disappearance of an unpopular professor. The plot thickens quite quickly and the various members of the police force are all developed characters. There are many so it’s not always easy to remember which is which’s the first. There’s a good deal of Scottish slang and vocabulary to contend with and I found that describing what every new person is wearing a bit unnecessary which is also true for all the road names . However the story is certainly engaging and enjoyable, involving up-to-date issues like Brexit and Scottish independence. I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Well - as this book is No. 12 in the series, I seem to have missed out on rather a lot of Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae novels - will have to remedy that...

This is a compelling page turner of a book - filled with great characters, humour at times, and the type of banter you'd expect in a police team. The backdrop is a series of increasingly grisly murders - obviously linked, but baffling in their spite and severity - but then I'm not a deranged serial killer!

An unsettling read - but that's always the sign of a good thriller!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.

As usual Stuart MacBride does not disappoint. I adore Logan and Steele my favourite crime fighting duo of all time. I loved the politcal element to this story, very fitting for the current climate. Some proper gory moments as you expect from any Stuart MacBride book. Loved this book from start to finish. Now the wait begins for the next one.

I struggled to get into this book with its broad Scottish lingo but I am so glad I persevered. Strong police characters with a great turn of phrase that had me laughing out loud and with a dark sense of humour only acceptable among colleagues dealing with the worst humanity has to offer. An unpopular professor has gone missing from home, leaving behind a trail of his own blood but no other evidence that will lead to his perpetrators. Meanwhile social media is awash with rumours of his demise and the race is on to find him and hopefully save his life. DI MacRae has just returned to work after a year away recuperating from a stabbing when he is thrown into assisting the troubled DI King with this investigation. With King drinking heavily and other staff seemingly having no sense of urgency or even the ability to prioritise tasks, the responsibility falls on Logan MacRae’s shoulders and with those above him demanding immediate answers time is very much against him. A clever, dark and twisty story that delivered on all fronts. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Logan McRae is back from sick leave he now works with Professional Standards.He is asked to help D.I King with the investigation into the abduction of Professor Nicholas Wilson. But he is also asked to investigate D.I King. Logan gets pulled into the investigation.There are plenty of twists and turns to find out what happens to the professor.
Another good book can’t wait for the next one.

Stuart MacBride's books set in the current day in a Scotland where the main agenda is independence all have their own style. He has developed an excellent group of characters all of whom are welcomed back in this latest book. Knowing the background and history of the characters means you can get straight on and pick up where you left off.
The main story is the disappearance of a professor with string and week publicised anti-independence views. MacRae is recently back to work after an extended period of sick leave due to a know injury. As well as dealing with the media, his current car and his I'll assorted colleagues, he is also trying to reestablish himself on his former position. His relationship with his completely off the wall and irreverent former boss Roberta Steele who was demoted earlier in the series, is hilarious although I'm not sure she would actually survive in her post on reality!
I always enjoy these books, and this one is no exception. Macrae's Aberdeen is not the one we hope to be part of on a dark night, but his books bring it to life and keep you enthralled. Looking forward to the next one!

Wow Stuart MacBride you have done it again , another Logan thriller can that cannot be put down.

After a year off recovering Logan is hoping for an easy introduction back into work, little does he know that is not going to be the case. Tasked with shadowing DI King on a high profile missing persons case he faces dealing with Scottish Nationalists, a missing professor and possible kidnappings. Along with team he must find and stop the killer

Highly recommended and waiting with anticipation for the next instalment

Stewart MacBride's latest investigation for Logan MacRae and his Police Scotland colleagues provides excellent entertainment and thrills. Logan has returned to work after a year recovering from stab wounds sustained on the job, and hopes for a gentle reintroduction in the Professional Standards Unit, but fate and short staffing decree otherwise. The detective he is assigned to support lands a case concerning a missing person which soon takes a gruesome turn. The situation escalates and the pressure (from superiors, the media and common decency) increases. A well-constructed plot and great character development make this book well worth reading. I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication galley in return for an honest review, and I have no hesitation in recommending All That's Dead, an excellent addition to an excellent series.

Logan is back. Once again, the familiar characters appear, and although part of a series, this book could probably stand alone for new readers. The Scots (Aberdonian) vernacular may not be accessible to every reader, but it certainly gives it authenticity, as does the irreverence with which the Police Force interact with one another and others. Of course, this belies the sheer dedication and determination of Logan and his team to crack the case.

Inspector Logan McRae has returned to work after a long period of convalescence after a serious injury sustained on a case. He is seconded to work temporarily with Professional Standards to ease him back in “gently”
When Anti-Independence campaigner Professor Nicholas Wilson goes missing DI King is tasked with heading up the enquiry but when the professors hands are sent to TV journalist in the post the case quickly steps up a gear. King is facing exposure about his past as a member of a Scottish terrorist group when he was 16 and Logan is assigned to assist him on the Professor Wilson case to keep an eye on him.
When others prominent Anti-independence figures start to go missing Logan and King have their work cut out as the culprit appears to be forensically aware and is leaving very few clues to go on. They identify a key suspect, the son of notorious member of an Alt-Nat pro-independence group and fear he is attacking prominent anti-independence campaigners.
As they race to track him down King finds his life in danger from an unexpected source and Logan with “help” from Steele, Tufty and Renwick try to find him before it’s too late.
I was totally absorbed in this book and did not see the twist at the end coming. Although there are a lot of references to Scottish Politics in the book you don’t have to have a deep understanding to thoroughly enjoy it.

Wasn’t overly impressed with this book and stopped reading about a quarter of the wag in. Very explicit writing, with the author explaining absolutely everything in detail. Big too cliched for me.
Thank you for letting me read and review.

Stuart MacBride has built a strong crime writing reputation on his adroit blending of gruesome crimes and gallows humour, delving into dark places without dwelling too long without a laugh or two in the pages too.

Sometimes those strong threads of brutality and banter can make it easy to overlook that he's also got a great touch for character and character relationships in his storytelling, and bringing the setting and some relevant social issues to life. All of that is well on show in his twelfth novel starring Aberdeen detective Logan McRae.

A year after being stabbed, McRae is welcomed back to Professional Standards with a case that could be a career killer. A right wing ranter has vanished, leaving only bloodstains on his kitchen table.

With rumours circling about lead detective DI King’s youthful ties to violent nationalist groups, a still-recovering McRae has to shadow the high-profile investigation while tiptoeing through police infighting and waiting for a journalist to toss his unpinned grenade into the mix. Carnage is hovering for all involved.

This is an intense tale addressing how bitter politics and zealotry can lead to violence when beliefs are glorified beyond human life. MacBride delivers plenty of humour to leaven the dark deeds and weighty issues; McRae’s interactions with colleagues such as DS Steel and DC “Tufty” Quirrel are a particular highlight.

For those who've followed the series from the start, it's smile-inducing to see the ongoing evolution of the McRae-Steel dynamic, from their reversal of police hierarchy to their unusual personal ties.

An engrossing read from a master storyteller who is much more than just blood and guts with some laughs.

Another great ,but dark book from the pen of Stuart MacBride.

In this novel,all the characters featuring Logan McRea are in ,the ones we love to empathise with like Roberta Steel ,she with the foul mouth and PC Tufty aka PC Quirrel who appears to live in another dimension!!!

The story revolves around a group who would like an Independent Scotland and not afraid to use terrorist extremes to get it. torture and murder common place currency for this lot.

The book moves with get pace and with much witticisms along the way makes for an enjoyable read.The cynics amongst us may well feel at home reading this tome .