efka4077's review
3.0
So far the weakest book of the series for me. The religious theme is just really not my cup of tea, and the main villain's name is rather... well, tawdry. Plus, as some of the other reviews are pointing out, the ending was quite underwhelming. What a shame :/
nigelbrown's review
3.0
Still, with the coincidences. Good detective writing with an unsatisfactory ending.
He can’t be that bad as I’ve now read four.
He can’t be that bad as I’ve now read four.
han_cat's review
5.0
So relieved Oswald is back on form! Book 1 was amazing, books 2 and 3 poorer and poorer. Oswald has a really special series here, gritty crime mixed with an edge of mysticism with amazingly never veeres too far into the fantastical. Really enjoyed reading this, even delayed going out so I could finish. Top stuff once again.
ninabrown's review
4.0
I must say this book surprised me in a big way, but... to say more would be a spoiler. Could be because I started reading in the middle of the series and just discovered something other readers knew all along.
The book starts in age old crime books tradition - one scarred but dedicated cop, two apparently unrelated incidents that are slowly merging into one devilish plot, expected and unexpected twists and turns, the tempo is good, the characters deep, a good reading. I am going to read the rest, I see there are 10 books in the series so far. Good!
(...bit of research...)
Oh, just read the description of the first book in the series: "Short-Listed for the prestigious Crime Writers Association (CWA) Debut Dagger prize, 'Natural Causes' is the first of an ongoing series featuring Edinburgh-based Detective Inspector Anthony McLean. In a world where demons are not supposed to exist, he is one of the few unlucky enough to be able to sense their presence."
This was the spoiler I was trying to avoid. "Dead Men's Bones" had a hint of supernatural (the devilish plot I mentioned :-P ), nothing too heavy, made me think of John Connolly's "Charlie Parker" series, also with a subtle otherworldly touch.
The book starts in age old crime books tradition - one scarred but dedicated cop, two apparently unrelated incidents that are slowly merging into one devilish plot, expected and unexpected twists and turns, the tempo is good, the characters deep, a good reading. I am going to read the rest, I see there are 10 books in the series so far. Good!
(...bit of research...)
Oh, just read the description of the first book in the series: "Short-Listed for the prestigious Crime Writers Association (CWA) Debut Dagger prize, 'Natural Causes' is the first of an ongoing series featuring Edinburgh-based Detective Inspector Anthony McLean. In a world where demons are not supposed to exist, he is one of the few unlucky enough to be able to sense their presence."
This was the spoiler I was trying to avoid. "Dead Men's Bones" had a hint of supernatural (the devilish plot I mentioned :-P ), nothing too heavy, made me think of John Connolly's "Charlie Parker" series, also with a subtle otherworldly touch.
stephend81d5's review
3.0
enjoyed this latest in the series but felt the ending was a bit rushed and weak which was a disappointment
louiseog's review
4.0
I really enjoy this Author's books
There is always a decent mystery with just a little bit of the supernatural to make it a bit different.
The 'hero' McLean is a good man and he is supported by decent people. In this tale he is helped because of these qualities and tries to find out the reason why people are dying covered in tattoos and with burned mouths. Ancient and true evil is the answer.
There is always a decent mystery with just a little bit of the supernatural to make it a bit different.
The 'hero' McLean is a good man and he is supported by decent people. In this tale he is helped because of these qualities and tries to find out the reason why people are dying covered in tattoos and with burned mouths. Ancient and true evil is the answer.
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