Deadly Still (Torquil McKinnon #6), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

In the latest piece by Keith Moray, the reader is taken back to the rural areas of Scotland, perfect for a chilling mystery. After a night of drinking, one teenage girl wakes, unable to see. One of her companions is missing and the other appears to have aspirated on his vomit, left for dead. DI Torquil McKinnon and his team are called to investigate, juggling a missing person’s case with what appears to be alcohol poisoning. Tests reveal that the teens were drinking peatreel (illicit whisky), full of methanol, which likely caused the blindness and death by aspiration. While DI McKinnon seeks to find the missing teen, he is met with another murder of a local businessman with ties to two of the teens. When a new member of the West Uist Constabulary arrives from England, McKinnon puts DC Penny Faversham to work, allowing her to show off all her skills. With a killer hiding in plain sight, they have a potential third victim awaiting her fate. The search for the deadly alcohol must have come from a still, though none of the samples match those found at the scenes of the crimes. McKinnon must work quickly and insist on the community’s help to find a killer, before others meet a bitter end. Another great addition to the Torquil McKinnon series that will have readers wishing they, too, could visit West Uist. Recommended to fans of the series, as well as those who like police procedurals outside of the norm.

I have been devouring this series ever since they were presented to me a year ago. Keith Moray does a masterful job of painting the rural Scottish countryside in such a way that its tranquility is matched only by the uniqueness of its goings-on. Torquil McKinnon remains an effective protagonist whose personal life is balanced out with some wonderful development during yet another murder investigation. His attention to detail makes him a wonderful detective, solving crimes with ease without coming off as cocky. Others in the series, both returning characters and those introduced for this piece, work to push the story forward and keep the plot intriguing. The story was fresh—something some might find hard to believe in a small community—and the plot examined some interesting situations that might be more likely in small-town Scotland than the large city. Moray delves into the world of distilleries and how they work, educating the reader throughout the process. With numerous characters building their own sub-plots, the reader will never be without something intriguing to pique their interest. I hope this return of Torquil after a hiatus is a sign of more stories to come!

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for another wonderful piece. The story is read with such ease that new fans are sure to get hooked and binge the entire series.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Flotsam and Jetsam (Torquil McKinnon #4), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Keith Moray returns to the Hebrides, where he recounts another Scottish police procedural/mystery full of local flavouring and helping to renew the reader’s love of Torquil McKinnon. West Uist is abuzz with the news that a Scottish antiques show has come to the island to broadcast a fortnight of programmes. Flotsam and Jetsam will launch with a local legend, Dr. Digby Dent, in hopes of shedding light on the man’s expertise in midges. When he doses himself with ‘liquid courage’ before appearing on television, things go awry and he is forced to spend some time in police custody. Upon his release, Dent attempts to make his way home, only to be found dead the following morning by one of the West Uist constables. Meanwhile, Torquil comes across a wee dog, strapped to a board while he is out piping one morning, sure that this was an attempt to rid the owner of the burden of responsibility. Incensed, Torquil will stop at nothing to find out who might have committed such a horrible act, though he is also busy with this investigation into Dr. Dent, which soon turns into an act of murder. Who might have struck down this local legend and are there others who are in danger? West Uist Police are on high alert and Torquil cannot rest until both his cases are resolved, which will be a feat unto itself, especially with his superiors barking orders. Moray brings readers another wonderful tale, sure to keep the reader enthralled until the final page-turn. Those who have enjoyed this series will surely enjoy this instalment, as well as any reader who enjoys a mystery with a true Scottish flavour.

When the publisher approached me to read and review early novels in the series, I was hooked. This novel was more of the same, taking me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed. Torquil McKinnon is a character that many readers can enjoy, though has not become too one-dimensional so as to become boring. Torquil mixes a dedication to his job as leader of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals, many of whom cross his path throughout this piece. Showing his softer side, Torquil exemplifies his connection to his canine friend and longing to be reunited with his bonnie lass. The handful of new, secondary characters proves to entertain the reader throughout this story, which presents the reader with some interesting social issues, both educational and entertaining. The various characters add humour and banter for the reader, but there is also a sinister aspect that helps propel the mystery perspective throughout. The story itself is quite well crafted, keeping the narrative flowing well, a bounce back from a less than stellar third novel. Longer chapters should not deter the reader, as the narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked throughout. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series, if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this refreshing read. Perfect for my holiday time, as the story does not let up until the final page.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Murder Solstice (Torquil McKinnon #3), by Keith Moray

Seven stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In continuing this unique series, Keith Moray leads the reader back to the Hebrides, where he recounts another Scottish police procedural/mystery full of local flavouring. When Dunshiffin Castle receives new inhabitants, West Uist is abuzz and not entirely for the right reasons. The Daisy Institute has made its presence known and recruiting for their spiritual retreat and enlightenment programme. While many flock to the group, family members have begun complaining that those who join are kept away from outside communication. The leader, the esteemed Dr. Logan Burns, has professed that a local site, the Hoolish Stones, could be part of a larger enlightenment piece, which will be revealed at the summer solstice. With a news crew in West Uist to cover the lead-up to the solstice and all that Burns can tell about his programme, a local historian is ready to debunk the entire Institute however he can. Inspector Torquil ‘Piper’ McKinnon has been running his police detachment effectively, or so he thinks, though he is always being criticised by his superior on the mainland. With all the excitement, a new face turns up in town, Sergeant Lorna Golspie, seconded by the Hebrides Constabulary to report back and clean up what has become a lax detachment. McKinnon does not take well to this and pushes back in his traditional passive aggressive ways, which only angers the mainland even more. The peace and tranquility of West Uist is broken when the aforementioned historian turns up dead, possibly from a drunken fall, but there is something that does not seem right to some of the locals. As McKinnon and his team try to investigate, the uproar with the Daisy Institute increase and tempers flare. A second death forces a complete change in efforts from indifferent acceptance to active interrogation. Tranquility and peacefulness are pushed aside in West Uist, leaving anything but a fertile foundation for enlightenment. The local journalist reminds his readers and McKinnon about the double murder/murder-suicide back at the winter solstice, not six months before. It would seem that Torquil McKinnon and his team are sitting on a powder keg yet again, with no clear means of diffusing it, while also trying to handle Sergeant Golspie and her secondment mission. Another well-paced mystery has Moray convincing me that I chose well in turning to his series. Recommended for those who love police procedural with a different take.

When the publisher approached me to read and review the first few novels in the series, I was hooked by the opening lines. This third novel was more of the same, taking me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed. Torquil McKinnon remains an interesting character, mixing a reputable career as a member of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals, some of whom have come to call him a personal friend. There is little backstory here, but McKinnon’s policing and struggles with superiors who are away from West Uist remains central, particularly with the secondment of Golspie. Her presence does impact the novel in interesting ways that the reader will discover as they delve deeper and understand some of the nuances of the plot. The story is full of strong secondary characters, many of whom are new and gain entry into the narrative, shaping it effectively. These individuals, returnees and new folk alike, add humour and banter for the reader, as well as some sinister aspects, which one can hope will return in future novels. The story itself is decent and keeps the narrative flowing well, though I admit to liking it the least of the three novels so far. Discussion of cults and isolation is nothing new, though it did serve a purpose and as a bridge to get through the solstice theme, which Moray handled nicely. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series (at five novels so far), if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this wonderful piece. I enjoyed the story and its clipped delivery, which proves a refreshing alternative to much of what I have been reading.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Deathly Wind (Inspector Torquil McKinnon #2), by Keith Moray

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In continuing this unique series, Keith Moray takes the reader deep into the Hebrides to recount another Scottish murder mystery full of local nuances. Torquil ‘Piper’ McKinnon has recently returned home to West Uist, determined to leave his job as part of the constabulary behind. However, he soon learns that his friend and colleague, Ewan McPhee, has gone missing, his catamaran found floating in a local body of water. Could he have drowned or might his superior swimming capabilities have left him stranded elsewhere? Before McKinnon can ponder that too much, he must deal with some local disturbances. Jock McArdle recently purchased Dunshiffin Castle, thereby making him the laird. He’s decided to erect a number of wind turbines around West Uist to create a more environmental community, much to the dismay of the locals. The town seems divided, voicing their opinions about this new technology in a community that prides itself on simplicity. Another environmental issue seems to be rearing its head when a number of golden eagles have started targeting some of the animal population, noted by the new veterinary doctor who is being called out at all hours. Tragedy strikes the town when a man turns up dead, his body in a pool of rocks. The mangled remains have an unusual talon-like mark across the face, leaving many to wonder if the eagles might be involved. One death can be called an accident, but when more bodies begin to emerge, McKinnon is sure that there’s a serial killer on the loose and not of the feathered variety. Laird McArdle is also being targeted when one of his prized dogs is found poisoned, demanding that action be taken, though McKinnon cannot shake that something seems off about this man and his retinue. McKinnon is unsure what to make of it all, but with a superior officer demanding results and the local journalist writing sensational stories in the local paper, he’ll need to act fast before West Uist turns into an embarrassment across all of Scotland. Moray has a wonderful way with words and spins a great tale here. Surely a series that will keep gaining momentum as readers flock in its direction. Wonderful for those who want a murder mystery with much Scottish heritage woven throughout.

When the publisher approached me to read and review the first novel in the series, I was pulled in as soon as I took the time to read the dust jacket blurb. This second novel was much the same, taking me back into Moray’s rural Scottish community and Torquil McKinnon proves to be a very interesting character, combining his reputation as a successful member of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals. While this piece is less a chance to develop a backstory, McKinnon’s policing and struggles with superiors who are away from West Uist becomes apparent and is used throughout the novel as a means of currying favour with the reader. Many of the others who appear throughout the story are well presented and have their characteristics woven into the story in an effective manner, particularly Laird McArdle, who is the newcomer. Many supporting characters gain entry into the narrative and shape it effectively, adding humour and banter for the reader. The story itself is actually quite well done and its succinct delivery and keeps the narrative flowing well, though does not leave the reader feeling shortchanged whatsoever. While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read the rest of this series, if only to learn more about McKinnon and the West Uist community.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this wonderful follow-up piece. I enjoyed the story and its clipped delivery, which proves a refreshing alternative to much of what I have been reading.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons