Police procedural meets mountain misogyny
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In a sixth outing for Lancaster’s DS Max Craigie, police procedural meets mountain misogyny, and the spider at the heart of the web hits close to home. When the body of a blond woman is found at the foot of one of the Cairngorms, Craigie’s crime senses are piqued when the rescue pilot suggests this isn’t an isolated incident. As the count of other similar deaths mounts up and their investigations botched or mislaid, it’s up to Craigie and his crack team to get to the truth and end the sickening murders, but their prey might be closer than they know.

A cracking read that uses the Scottish Highlands brilliantly, this is political with a little p, exploring women’s rights to be in the outdoors and the threats to their safety. There’s a deep undercurrent which I won’t spoil here, but it’s timely given the dark times we’re living in. As in all police procedurals, the journey and the destination are one and the same, and the detail and colour that Lancaster gives to the characters makes this a cut above the rest.

Four and a half stars

When Shadows Fall is another accomplished story in the DS Max Craigie series, with Max and the team investigating the death of a lone hiker on a Scottish mountain. Research reveals a high incidence of “falls” on Scottish mountains, with the victims all young, female and blonde. Not only that, but there also appears to be an insider working against the team and helping the perpetrator to stay one or more steps ahead. A highly enjoyable read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy.

This series continues to provide excitement tinged with humour. A complex multilayered storyline provides a good read

This was my first time reading this author and I will definitely be looking for more in the DI Max Craigie series! He is a great character and I loved the setting of this book. A great story that kept me guessing! Highly recommend and can’t wait to read more of this series.

Neil Lancaster has absolutely nailed it again with ‘When Shadows Fall’, it’s another knockout in the DS Max Craigie series. If you’re into fast-paced crime thrillers with unexpected twists, this is your next must read. It’s a gripping, expertly woven police procedural that’ll keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
The story starts with the death of Leanne Wilson, who’s found at the bottom of a remote Scottish mountain. At first, it looks like a tragic accident, but DS Max Craigie quickly realizes something’s off. As he digs into the case, he uncovers a disturbing pattern and
it doesn’t take long for Max to figure out they’re dealing with something way darker than just a lone killer, there’s a bigger, more powerful force at play here.
Max Craigie continues to be a standout character, and side characters also continue to shine, adding depth to the story. Even though this is the sixth book in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone novel, you don’t need to have read the previous ones to enjoy it, but trust me, you’ll want to catch up on them after this one.

WHEN SHADOWS FALL

When Shadows Fall is book #6 in Neil Lancaster’s DS Max Craigie series, and WOW what a series it has been.

When Shadows Fall is another sensational addition to Lancaster's DS Max Craige series.

With a complex, yet gripping storyline Lancaster’s proficient story telling compels you to read on.

I can not wait for the next instalment.

Thanks #Netgally publishers #HQdigital and of courses the great author #NeilLancaster (as of course without this book wouldn’t exist)
for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review

#author #NeilLancaster #DSMaxCraigieSeries #WhenShadowsFall #book6 #policeprocedural #policecorruption #scottish #crimedrama #actionthriller #exciting #suspense

I enjoy a good murder mystery and this didn't disappoint. The deaths had not been linked together and the intrigue behind how they seemed to be one step ahead of the police made it look like there was a leak or one of the perpetrators was the police. Twists and turns along the way made it a compelling read.

Another enjoyable read in the Max Craigie series. As ever, a fascinating plot and interesting characters with plenty of excitement, mystery and jeopardy. Highly recommended.

When Shadows Fall is book 6 of the DS Max Craigie Scottish Thriller series by Neil Lancaster.
In short, DS Max Craigie & the team are on the case of a suspected serial killer who is roaming the Scottish mountains. There have been five reported deaths from mountain falls in a year, almost half of the previous ten years, in good conditions and with no obvious cause…as the investigation unravels the darker and more troubled it gets.
Yes, it’s another blinder of a ride with Max Craigie & crew, I just love this series, a series that just gets better & better. A thriller that blends non stop plotting with keen perceptions of the characters, good & bad…and with the guaranteed dollop of wit & Scottish banter….thoroughly entertaining.
Big thanks to Neil Lancaster, HQ & NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

I have read the other books in this series, so I was excited to read this one. I love the topical and exciting nature of the cases. The team dynamics and relationships grow with every book and are so interesting. This really kept me hooked and I can’t wait for the next book. I can’t believe this hasn’t been made into a series yet as it would be a great watch on TV.

I love all these books. Complex narratives well written and great characters. I felt this on perhaps went a little bit long and am worried that the author may have very different plans for his MC in the future

This is turning into an excellent series with this one being the best one yet with Max Craigie and co.

I've read the series up to now and that has helped with a warm cosy-feeling with the characters involved - it felt like going back to friends. Dialogue between them was excellent throughout.

The story of this one was excellent too with a few shocks and plenty of action.

Neil Lancaster is turning into a go-to author of mine. Look forward to book number 7.

5 stars from me.

Many thanks for the ARC.

I really felt this one wasn’t up to previous standards so I haven’t published a review anywhere but at the same time I would hate to set this series end (hard to please me?) I think maybe the climbing story line just didn’t work with me. One thing that I couldn’t praise more is the tension in the will he won’t he get there on time for his daughters birth bit.

Another brilliant read in the DS Max Craigie series. Set in the Highlands of Scotland, it is filled with suspense, witty dialogue and interesting unique characters. I love the humour from Norma and Ross, unexpected and laugh out loud at times. Everything you could want in a crime thriller from the author and another 5* read which I highly recommend to lovers of crime thrillers. I can't wait to see what happens next for Craigie and his team. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

What a wonderful book this is! Full of interesting characters and a plot that is all too believable in this our perverse and perverted world. Just the sort of book that Neil Lancaster writes and "I love 'em". My usual complaint about expletives applies.

I loved this book. I don't know how I haven't discovered Neil Lancaster and.Max Craigie before but I'm now officially a fan.

This is a tight police procedural that kept me guessing from start to finish. I found myself unable to put the book down. I now need to go back and read the rest of the series! A great example of the crime fiction genre.

With thanks to Netgalley for an ARC for an honest review.

When Shadows Fall is another absolute triumph from Neil Lancaster. This latest instalment in the DS Max Craigie series is everything I want from a crime thriller – fast-paced, clever, and utterly gripping from start to finish. It’s a tense, expertly woven police procedural that combines the chilling presence of an incel serial killer with the far-reaching consequences of corruption in the justice system. The result? A thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

What begins as a tragic accident – the death of Leanne Wilson on a remote Scottish mountain – quickly turns into something much darker. DS Max Craigie starts to spot disturbing patterns, uncovering a series of similar deaths involving experienced female climbers, all found at the bottom of cliffs. As Max digs deeper, it becomes clear that they’re not just chasing a lone killer – they’re up against something far more insidious and powerful.

Lancaster’s writing is razor-sharp. He builds suspense masterfully, ratcheting up the tension with every chapter. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, keeping you second-guessing all the way through, and the final reveal is both shocking and incredibly satisfying – a real page-turner in every sense.

As always, the characters are a highlight. I’ve grown to love these characters more with each book, and When Shadows Fall only cements that further.

Dark, thrilling, and full of heart, this is Neil Lancaster at the top of his game. If you love smart, gritty crime fiction with complex characters and jaw-dropping twists, this one’s for you – keep them coming, Neil!

I absolutely love this series and this book did not disappoint. Loved the characters and the fact they are based in Scotland. I’ve recommended this series to so many people.

5 Stars from Me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

I'm such a fan of this series by Neil Lancaster, following DS Max Craigie and his colleagues.

When Shadows Fall is a great example of a tight storyline executed beautifully. Hot on the tail of a killer thought to be pushing women off mountains, even though it is impossible to know who to trust, the team have to work together and creatively to get into the mind of a murderer.

They are an eclectic yet brilliant group of individuals, all utterly determined to stop the killer - no matter the cost to them personally.

This all too real, chilling insight into the modern world was absolutely gripping and perfectly paced. This series just gets better and better with every book, and I look forward to more.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and HQ Digital for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Great characters from this author and a really novel plot.
Relied on a few too many 'face turned pale' moments, especially considering the backgrounds and experience of the team.