Blurb:
In the shadow of the Pentland Hills, a man has been callously struck down in front of his home. Tyre marks suggest it was no accidental hit-and-run. Somebody wanted him dead and as the man fights for every breath, they might still get their wish.
Grappling with the demons he thought he could leave behind after months away on enforced leave, DS Malkie McCulloch resists pressure from his superiors to pass the case on to the road policing unit, convinced that whoever was behind the wheel will be waiting for the chance to finish the job.
With the help of his partner DC Steph Lang, Malkie uncovers evidence that leads him to a former soldier suffering with PTSD. Risking his already tarnished career – and his life – he must unpick a complex web of family ties, deception, and greed to reveal the secrets at the heart of the case. When the veteran decides to take justice into his own hands, and a key witness reveals information that implicates somebody within the police, can Malkie piece together the truth before the body count soars?
My Thoughts:
This is a debut novel and what a debut it is!
On the face of it a crime novel and has all the tropes of the modern day crime ce cenovel. A damaged detective and a loyal sidekick. But it is much more than that. It explores the themes of loyalty, family and mental health.
In Malkie the author has created a character who wants to do the right thing, even if it means going against the advice of and clashing with others; including his sidekick Steph.
Doug explores a range of topics such as depression, PTSD and the grey areas between some in the police force and the criminal fraternity. Nobody wears the white hat, though Malkie tries, he doesn’t quite manage it though trying valiantly. As I said a brilliant debut and much more than just a crime novel. A book to make you think as well as turning the pages.
Another plus is the novel is set in an area I’m familiar with; Livingston and the wider West Lothian area. This was an extra plus for me. Well done Doug and already looking forward to book 2!
The Author:
About the Author
Doug Sinclair lives in West Lothian, with a very patient wife and three furry dependents. He is the author of the DS Malkie McCulloch series, set in the semi-rural (but wild in ways he’s always loved) regions of central Scotland. The first in the series, Blood Runs Deep, is published in February 2024.
bertyboy123 