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bryanfarmer's review against another edition
5.0
Moray really has a winner character in Torquil McKinnon. Really enjoyed this second book in the series!
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
‘You can tell a lot about someone’s character by the way they play golf.’
Inspector Torquil McKinnon returns to the island of West Uist to discover that his friend and colleague, Constable Ewan McPhee is missing, presumed drowned. But Ewan McPhee’s disappearance isn’t the only mystery on West Uist. Meet Jock McArdle, the mysterious new owner of the Dunshiffin Estate, who has plans to establish wind farms. While some of the residents think this is a good idea, many are opposed. There are several sudden deaths on the island. Coincidence, or murder?
What has happened to Ewan McPhee? Who is the mysterious Jock McArdle and will he go ahead with his wind farm proposal? If murders are being committed, by whom and why?
And the answers? You’ll need to read the novel to find out for yourself. I didn’t work it all out until
the end. An interesting and entertaining cozy murder mystery that held my attention until the end.
This is the second novel in Keith Moray’s Inspector Torquil McKinnon series, and it’s a worthy follow-up to the first. Many of the characters in the first novel appear in the second. While it isn’t essential to read the first novel to follow the story in the second it’s more fun if you do.
Note: My thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Inspector Torquil McKinnon returns to the island of West Uist to discover that his friend and colleague, Constable Ewan McPhee is missing, presumed drowned. But Ewan McPhee’s disappearance isn’t the only mystery on West Uist. Meet Jock McArdle, the mysterious new owner of the Dunshiffin Estate, who has plans to establish wind farms. While some of the residents think this is a good idea, many are opposed. There are several sudden deaths on the island. Coincidence, or murder?
What has happened to Ewan McPhee? Who is the mysterious Jock McArdle and will he go ahead with his wind farm proposal? If murders are being committed, by whom and why?
And the answers? You’ll need to read the novel to find out for yourself. I didn’t work it all out until
the end. An interesting and entertaining cozy murder mystery that held my attention until the end.
This is the second novel in Keith Moray’s Inspector Torquil McKinnon series, and it’s a worthy follow-up to the first. Many of the characters in the first novel appear in the second. While it isn’t essential to read the first novel to follow the story in the second it’s more fun if you do.
Note: My thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
brch16's review against another edition
5.0
Another great installment in the Inspector McKinnon series. I truly enjoy the authors weaving of Gaelic history into the story. He is also very good a creating a picture of the island, makes for wonderful scenery. A great mystery, cannot wait to read the third installment.
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
Inspector Torquil McKinnon returned from his holiday to discover that Constable Ewan McPhee is missing presumed dead. That is just the start as the body of a crofter is discovered. And is there any connection to the new laird as it seems that everybody in the Wee Kingdom on the island is in danger.
An enjoyable well-written mystery with a good cast of characters. I look forward to reading the next.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher
An enjoyable well-written mystery with a good cast of characters. I look forward to reading the next.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
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.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
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.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
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