Max Craigie and the team are back!
Max is contacted by an old friend, he works for the Mountain Rescue Team and he suspects some foul play when he realises there have been a few deaths of young women that individually haven’t been through a full investigation.

This is the 6th book in the DS Craigie series, only the 2nd I have read, I feel this book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. By not reading book 1 yet I do not feel like this has in any way reduced the enjoyment of reading this book. I feel like the connection with the characters has developed during the telling of this story and already gave that bond the reader needs with the characters.

I really enjoyed When Shadows Fall and would definitely be recommending this book, and in fact the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good whodunnit thriller. The tension was built well throughout, making it hard to put the book down. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series will go next and it seems Neil Lancaster has ideas on how to keep it from going stale with some fresh ideas.

Thank you NetGalley and HQ for this arc so I can share my personal thoughts.

The 6th book in the Max Craigie series and this one is so very authentic, deeply concerning and so topical.
Max is contacted by an old friend who works for the Mountain Rescue team in the Cairngorms. He is concerned about a recent spate of young female climbers who have died following falls that shouldn’t have happened. There are concerns that investigations have been perfunctory, if they are being hushed up, who has the clout to do that?
As Max’s team begin their enquiries, it appears that someone is leaking information , and the thorny subject of Police corruption is raised once more. Is there a lone killer on the loose, or are there more disturbing factors to consider?
Subjects raised are violence against women, the Incel movement and the use of the Dark Web. All these combine to make a very thrilling and disturbing read. It is pacy, uneasy and downright creepy in tone, a very gritty police procedural novel.
There is banter between all members of the team, strictly non PC, and gallows humour, I find this aspect to be both refreshing and absolutely necessary for those who work in such demanding and stressful professions. I love all the characters, they are loyal, and honest, totally dedicated to finding the truth.
Another five star read from an author who writes from experience, a very realistic and impressive story.
I love all aspects of Scotland, but maybe I will regard mountain climbing with more caution on future trips!
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ, the publishers, for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Another superb book in this cracking series!

When a lone female climber dies having fallen off the mountain, it is regarded as an accident. After all, there are many women 'bagging' Munros. Then, thanks to a friend, DS Max Craigie becomes aware that this wasn't an isolated death and determines to find out exactly what is going on .. . .

I've loved every book in this series, and really looked forward to this one - and I was not disappointed. With things going on in his private life, this case takes it's toll as it takes him away from home. I always feel that this is one of the more realistic series set in Scotland; there is so much more to the police force than we realise. This one intrigued me until the last few pages - I had no idea who the perpetrator was and I freely admit to being shocked when it was revealed. Beautifully written, as always, this is another novel from this author which kept me on my toes all the way through. I can barely wait to see where this series head next but, for now, this one easily merits all five shining stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

DS Max Craigie #6

When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it's classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there's a killer on the loose.

I was pulled in from the first page of this perfectly paced and descriptively written book. The answer DS Max Craigie had to find was were the women's deaths an accident - or was it murder? The characters are well-portrayed. This is a gripping page turner and you will not want to put it down.

Published 27th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #WhenShadowsFall in exchange for an honest review.

I was attracted to this but by it’s being set in the Scottish Mountains, Torridon a place I know well. It had me hooked from the start and I read it in a weekend. This was my first encounter with DS Max Craigie and my first book written by Neil Lancaster. I will certainly be going back to the first book in the DS Max Craigie series.

A police procedural with mountain rescue in the mix. This book totally hooked me,I devoured it, not stopping til the end. An excellent read Wow

When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose. The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer.
The sixth outing for Max & another well written, fast paced edge of the seat book. There are twists & turns & events on the mountain had me holding my breath. I love Max & love how the banter always lightens the books. A book that could easily be read on its own but with all series I love to start at the beginning & with series you won’t be disappointed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

DS Max Craigie returns in this electrifying instalment, packed with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.

As the stakes are higher than ever before, as Max and the intrepid team once again dive headfirst into the murky waters of police corruption.

And It all begins with a distressing call from his friend Shay at Coastguard Search and Rescue, who reports a troubling spike in the number of women found dead under suspicious circumstances linked to climbing and walking accidents.

So, DI Ross Fraser, Max's superior, gets permission to re-examine these disconcerting cases. Almost immediately, their astute colleague Norma uncovers a chilling pattern: every victim shares a striking resemblance, all being blonde, and the eerie similarities go far deeper.

But just as they begin to piece together the puzzle, another call from Shay shatters the calm—the discovery of yet another body—this time, the killer has slipped up, leaving behind potential evidence that could turn the tide.

So, the team decide, with the help of wily ex-mi5 agent Barney, to set a trap. But it appears their target is two steps ahead of them and is able to strike again. This time leaving evidence that strongly implicates a policeman, igniting a flurry of questions: could he be the only one involved in this web of deception?

And as the investigation unfolds, Max and Janie find themselves ensnared in a gripping game of cat and mouse. With every revelation, they unearth the shocking motives behind these heinous crimes and the tangled connections of those wrapped up in them.

And with a perfect blend of suspense, humour, memorable characters, not to mention a baby! This story is nothing short of a page-turner. That I found myself engrossed in until 2 in the morning; it’s that captivating!

Excellent read and just when you think plots involving police corruption have been done to death, a Max Craigie novel proves that wrong. Proper on the edge of your seat read, especially the action taking place in the mountains.
Hopefully not the end of the series but if it is, Neil Lancaster has ensured it goes out on a high.

Book Blurb - Book 6

A TRAGIC DEATH When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident.
There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. A RISING BODY COUNT Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose. A KILLER IN THE SHADOWS The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer. With five victims and conflicting clues, how do you catch someone committing the perfect crime?

6 books in, and still Neil Lancaster keeps his readers gripped and wondering if there will be another book in this series?!
Max’s homelife is more settled now and he always has the backup from his work colleagues. Oh my days, these colleagues do make me lol with their banter. Your emotions flip from one to the other … that’s the sign of a good read!! Thanks netgalley & HQ Publishing and of course Neil Lancaster!

Ps Neil… will there be another Max Book? I won’t tell 🤫🤐🤫 🤣🤣

#bookstagramshaz #neillancaster #maxcraigie #netgalley #HQpublishing

Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for ARC.

Police Scotland DI Max Craigie is called away for work - again - just as his beloved is due to give birth to their first child. A woman has been found dead near the base of a Scottish mountain, and an old Forces pal of Craigie's is sure it's part of a bigger, sinister pattern. Will the team be able to find proof of that link in time to get the budget to try and stop more women dying? Will Max miss the birth of his much-longed for baby?
Will Lancaster ever run out of Scottish police corruption plots? Let's hope not. Book six in the series, still careening along at a breathless pace and leaving readers wanting more.

At first I thought this was a same old, same old story but I couldn’t have been more wrong. What a stunning book. And so much corruption still. I fo get the impression this is the last one in the series which is both good and bad news. It’s come to a good conclusion.

The sixth book in the Max Cragie series and it did not disappoint.
It all starts with Max getting a call from Shay, an old friend who works in mountain rescue, about a woman who has fallen to her death while climbing munroes. Then another similar death occurs. Max and his team start to look into these deaths and it's not long before they realise these deaths were no accident but cold blooded murder but why were the police not investigating further??
Again, Neil Lancaster has written another superb book that had me gripped as well as giving us the usual characters that we love.
Hopefully we see more of the team and new dad Max Cragie soon. Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for advanced copy.

Excellent, as always. I enjoyed the latest Max Craigie novel from Neil Lancaster, it was slightly different to to the others I have read but very good. The investigation and relationship between the main characters is as strong as ever and I look forward to many more.

I admit to being a fan of Neil Lancaster and of his Max Craigie series so could not miss the opportunity of reading book 6 in the series and I definitely wasn't disappointed; I was hooked and loved it from start to finish. You can read it as a standalone but I would definitely suggest you read the others in the series as you miss a lot of the character and relationship development and you won't be disappointed.

This addition is another cracker; with fantastic recurring characters (Ross being one of my favourites with Barney in hot pursuit!) and a few new ones that have only added to the excellent ensemble. The story is disturbing but absolutely riveting and, sadly, not beyond the realms of reality. The pace is fast and totally engrossing and the language used by Mr Lancaster paints vivid pictures of the landscape and perilous situations clearly.

What can I say? This instalment is a triumph; a brilliant book and one I would highly recommend as I would the rest of the series and many thanks to the author, HQ and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, an excellent addition to a brilliant series.

"'Munros are dangerous places.'
'that they are, but women hardly ever die on the hills, it's almost always men...'
'What if someone is targeting lone women climbers, and shoving them off cliffs?'"

The sixth book in this Scottish policies procedural series sees DS Max Craigie and colleagues investigating a grim, misogynist incel group arranging to meet with and push women off Munros.

Always fast-paced with an involving combination of great recurring characters, corrupt coppers, technology and drama. Another great addition to this series!

Another brilliant book in this great crime series.
I love the dynamic between Max, Janie, Ross and Norma, oh and Barney of course!
Max is contacted by an old friend who is linked to mountain rescue. He’s concerned about the number of deaths of women on the mountains. When Max initially looks at the reports, they seem above board, however on closer inspection it’s clear the deaths weren’t fully investigated.
Ross gets a ‘Thematic review’ authorised and it soon becomes clear that someone is pushing women to their deaths on the mountains.
This is a gripping crime thriller that gets better and better, the more the story progresses.
There’s a few surprises in store and a new arrival for Max.
I’d highly recommend this series if you’ve not yet read any of these books before.
Thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this book

Book 6 in the DS Max Craigie series and possibly the best yet, which is no mean feat! If you haven't read the previous books you will still enjoy this one as a standalone but you will feel compelled to go back and read the rest in the series. The word "thriller" epitomises this quite excellent book. If you like a book with plenty of thrills and spills (quite literally) then this is definitely for you.
During an unusual quiet spell for the police anti corruption team headed up by DI Ross Fraser, Max Craigie visits an old friend who is a helicopter pilot with search and rescue in the Highlands of Scotland who alerts him to a number of suspicious deaths on the Scottish mountains that have never been properly investigated. Craigie heads home to his heavily pregnant wife with his interest suitably piqued and its only a matter of time before his team are involved in investigating the deaths. The team head north as Katie Craigie nears her delivery date leaving Max Craigie in a quandary about leaving her but feels that he needs to be involved in this investigation.
The characters are all very likeable and the storyline is very well written intertwining the thrills and suspense of the case along with the personal life of Craigie. The story is very fast paced as the death count increases. Can the team solve the intriguing case before Craigie junior makes an appearance...

This is my favourite police procedural series. It's like Line of Duty but so much better. The Characters all bring something different to the book and the dark humour is very appreciated. The plot of this one is, in my opinion, quite dark and I'm not sure I'll be going hiking any time soon but Neil tackles it with his usual brilliance bringing the best out of all his characters and moving the plot along at a great tempo. I'm very much looking forward to book 7 now!!

When a body is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain it is classed as a tragic accident.
DS Max Craigie is then alerted that this is not the first so called accident - in fact there have been five others this year and each have been accomplished climbers. They have also all been blond females.
Is it the work of a serial killer or is it more than that?