What They Knew (DI Clare MacKay No4) by Marion Todd #20booksofsummer21 #20booksofsummer

Posted on August 14, 2021 by J-LBRBSBLOGS

Don’t miss this compulsive new addition to the gripping DI Clare Mackay series from Bloody Scotland Scottish Debut Crime Novel 2020 shortlisted author Marion Todd.

Book blurb

DI Clare Mackay starts the new year with a death…

It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews.

Clare and her team will have to look past the obvious conclusions and delve deeper into the lives of the victims to get to the truth. But who else risks meeting the same fate while the clock is ticking?

My thoughts

It’s early in a new year and winter is gripping St Andrews in it’s icy cold hand, snow lays on the ground when D I Clare MacKay is called to a suspicious scene. A woman is dead.

As it becomes clear that there is foul work at play Clare and her team find themselves in the middle of a curious murder mystery and then the body count gets higher!

Along with this is the continuing relationships within the team. Clare herself comes to a decision in her personal life, Chris and Sarah’s relationship continues and Al, Clare’s boss, has been away skiing with friends which may mean their non-relationship will definitely remain that way. We are getting a good build up of the working relationships in the team and the relationship storylines are well woven into the book without being overly intrusive.

This is a really good storyline, well written and one readers will enjoy trying to work out whodunnit. There are some serious issues thread through the book concerning dating sites and personal safety which can never be an overstated but Marion Todd has a superbly light hand and handles it beautifully.

The setting of St Andrews the surrounding area is wonderful. I love this setting which I have come to know a little from my times visiting Stirling for Bloody Scotland, often staying on for a few days to explore this lovely part of the world.

Alongside all of this is the investigation into a mounting number of murders and I love the easy way that the author builds tension and lures you into this dark tale. There’s a lot of good police work and it’s down to this along with Clare’s excellent ability to process it all that will be the deciding factor on whether this investigation will stay on track or be beguiled into letting the murderer elude them.

This series has definitely become a real favourite and this fourth book in the series has simply reinforced that fact, I really enjoyed it, highly recommended.

I am so looking forward to Marion Todd’s 5th D I MacKay book – Next in Line – which comes out in October that it’s already on order!

Book: purchased

Well that’s my 13th read, from my original list, and review done! So seven books to go! It’s going to be a tall order to get all twenty in this year but I will definitely manage at least 15. So, back I go to reading and maybe, just maybe I’ll do it.

You can find out all you need to know about this challenge at Cathy’s 746Books and lot’s of other great book stuff. My list for this year’s challenge is on my blog if you’d like to check it out.

Information: Canelo | 11 February 2021

Buy: Bookshop.org |AmazonSmileUK |Waterstones|Your local bookshop

Author: A native of Dundee, Marion Todd studied music with the Open University and worked for many years as a piano teacher and jobbing accompanist. A spell as a hotel lounge pianist provided rich fodder for her writing and she began experimenting with a variety of genres. Early success saw her winning first prize in the Family Circle Magazine short story for children national competition and she followed this up by writing short stories and articles for her local newspaper. Life (and children) intervened and, for a few years, Marion’s writing was put on hold. During this time, she worked as a college lecturer, plantswoman and candle-maker. But, as a keen reader of crime fiction, the lure of the genre was strong, and she began writing her debut crime novel. Now a full-time writer, Marion lives in North-east Fife, overlooking the River Tay. She can often be found working out plots for her novels while tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.

Twitter: @MarionETodd | Website: mariontodd.com

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