Book Review: The Blackhouse' by Peter May

This is the first of a series set on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Detective inspector Fin Macleod is sent from Edinburgh to the island to investigate a murder. Sounds straightforward, an ordinary police procedural, but the novel is far from that.

Peter May seems, in his novels, to like the theme of Deal With The Past. Unless it is dealt with honestly at the time it will indeed come back to haunt, destroy or radically change people. So the novel is a tightly written, well plotted story with solid 3D characters and Fin Mcleod indeed finds that the past is not just going to bite him, it's going to kill him.

A depressing read in some ways - I wonder how the people of Lewis regard their depiction - Fin's early experiences and mistakes form his character. Can he overcome those disadvantages and strike out again to a better future? We are left with the hope that he can and the second novel in the series becomes a must read. Clever Author!

Peter May provides an excellent read.

Review of 'Even Dogs in the Wild' by Ian Rankin

Even Dogs in the Wild by Ian Rankin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An Ian Rankin novel is always worth reading. A new Rebus Rankin novel is a cause for celebration. 'Even Dogs in the Wild' is thought provoking and a grim reminder of the misuse of power.

Even though John Rebus is officially retired from the Edinburg police force he can't keep his nose out. When his old friend and colleague, now promoted to D.I.,Siobhan Clarke wants to pick his brains about a peculiar case he is happy to oblige. And soon they are involved with that old villain, Ger Cafferty, and a really complex puzzle. Criss-crossing their path is DI Malcolm Fox, Siobhan's pal, who is supposed to liaise with a Glasgow police force covert team but finds that he needs Rebus's wisdom too.

The plot twists are dizzying, the characters as 3D and 'real' as ever and the ending realistic yet satisfying. If you are not a fan start with earlier novels to get the fullest enjoyment, but this novel stands alone. Any reader who enjoys British police procedurals should really enjoy this one. It's a cracking good read.





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