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Inspector Torquil McKinnon #2
Deathly Wind
Inspector Torquil McKinnon was devastated to discover that his best friend Constable Ewan McPhee was missing and presumed drowned. Then after the death of a crofter in a climbing accident, a dog was poisoned, and a body was discovered face down in a rock pool, he began to suspect that there was a killer on the loose. Could all this somehow be connected with the controversial building of wind towers which enraged the local crafting community and worried the conservation group? It would take all Torquil's skills to unravel the mystery to put everyone's mind at rest.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2007
About the author
Keith Moray
29 books50 followersPen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 2, 2018
Moray knows how to write a compelling mystery.
The residents of Kyleshiffin are like family, most have grown up there, some moved away and then returned. They all look out for each other and there is the occasional good natured ribbing.
Inspector Torquil McKinnon is away on leave after the death of his girlfriend Fiona. While he is away constable Ewan McPhee goes missing and Sergeant Morag Driscoll is trying to hold the office and is eager for Torquil to return.
The setting of Kyleshiffin West Uist in the Scottish Hebrides is an Island with a tight knit community cut off from the mainland where the residents are used to dealing with problems on their own.
Moray layers one mystery on top of another. An assassin kills a family, the new Laird of Dunshiffin Castle arrives and starts making enemies immediately, threats start to fly and the body count rises. Always in the back of their minds is the missing constable and friend, Ewan.
I really enjoyed the first in the series The Gathering Murders with the introduction to Torquil McKinnon and his uncle the Padre. There are plenty of regulars that will appear in book 2 and also a few new comers to West Uist. It’s not paramount, but I would recommend you read book 1 which gives much character insight on McKinnon and his team. It’s also a darn good read.
Moray uses the contentious issue of wind farms to create conflict in the community. There are also those for and against the culling of hedgehogs and animal protection. Some people may not be who they appear to be!
Not everyone survives the battle and the locals of West Uist may be mourning more than one of their own by the end of the book.
Everything is wrapped up nicely, with a few surprising revelations, making this a perfect stand alone read.
Deathly Wind is an evenly paced story that I read in one sitting. The mysteries are compelling and the characters are well drawn.
Highly recommended
The residents of Kyleshiffin are like family, most have grown up there, some moved away and then returned. They all look out for each other and there is the occasional good natured ribbing.
Inspector Torquil McKinnon is away on leave after the death of his girlfriend Fiona. While he is away constable Ewan McPhee goes missing and Sergeant Morag Driscoll is trying to hold the office and is eager for Torquil to return.
The setting of Kyleshiffin West Uist in the Scottish Hebrides is an Island with a tight knit community cut off from the mainland where the residents are used to dealing with problems on their own.
Moray layers one mystery on top of another. An assassin kills a family, the new Laird of Dunshiffin Castle arrives and starts making enemies immediately, threats start to fly and the body count rises. Always in the back of their minds is the missing constable and friend, Ewan.
I really enjoyed the first in the series The Gathering Murders with the introduction to Torquil McKinnon and his uncle the Padre. There are plenty of regulars that will appear in book 2 and also a few new comers to West Uist. It’s not paramount, but I would recommend you read book 1 which gives much character insight on McKinnon and his team. It’s also a darn good read.
Moray uses the contentious issue of wind farms to create conflict in the community. There are also those for and against the culling of hedgehogs and animal protection. Some people may not be who they appear to be!
Not everyone survives the battle and the locals of West Uist may be mourning more than one of their own by the end of the book.
Everything is wrapped up nicely, with a few surprising revelations, making this a perfect stand alone read.
Deathly Wind is an evenly paced story that I read in one sitting. The mysteries are compelling and the characters are well drawn.
Highly recommended
June 16, 2018
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/...
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/...
May 6, 2018
3.5
I would like to thank Sapere Books for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book of Inspector McKinnon a couple of months ago, i enjoyed it a lot and i was lucky to get to read the second book while my impressions of the first one are still fresh in my mind.
The books can be read as stand alone but i think it would be more interesting to read them in order, that gives more insight into the various personalities of the characters.
Once again tragedy hits West Uist and its rather unique population. First Constable Ewan McPhee went missing and then a series of dead bodies start to accumulate in one particular community of the island, was it all accidental? does it have anything to do with the new Laird and his Wind towers project?
It felt good to be back to that island and those fascinating characters, i thought there would not that much of a surprise when it comes to the characters but it turned out there is a whole new community that was not mentioned in the first book which made the story more interesting to follow.
The style of the author and the way he mixes the facts about the various murders/accidents with the local legends and stories that attracted me to this series and i am glad it did not change in this second book.
It was an enjoyable read, with some unexpected surprises.
I certainly recommend it.
I would like to thank Sapere Books for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read the first book of Inspector McKinnon a couple of months ago, i enjoyed it a lot and i was lucky to get to read the second book while my impressions of the first one are still fresh in my mind.
The books can be read as stand alone but i think it would be more interesting to read them in order, that gives more insight into the various personalities of the characters.
Once again tragedy hits West Uist and its rather unique population. First Constable Ewan McPhee went missing and then a series of dead bodies start to accumulate in one particular community of the island, was it all accidental? does it have anything to do with the new Laird and his Wind towers project?
It felt good to be back to that island and those fascinating characters, i thought there would not that much of a surprise when it comes to the characters but it turned out there is a whole new community that was not mentioned in the first book which made the story more interesting to follow.
The style of the author and the way he mixes the facts about the various murders/accidents with the local legends and stories that attracted me to this series and i am glad it did not change in this second book.
It was an enjoyable read, with some unexpected surprises.
I certainly recommend it.
April 9, 2018
I would like to thank Sapere Books for a review copy of The Deathly Wind, the second novel to feature DI Torquil McKinnon of the fictional West Uist police.
When Torquil returns from a much needed sabbatical after the events of The Gathering Murders he finds unrest and despair on the island. His close friend, Constable Ewan McPhee has disappeared, believed drowned and the new laird, Glasgow businessman Jock McArdle, is upsetting all and sundry with his bullying ways and plans for a wind farm on crofting land. No sooner is he back than the bodies start piling up.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deathly Wind which is a good mystery, full of misdirection and unsuspected motives. It held my attention throughout as I tried to puzzle out who had done what and why - I failed miserably and had to wait for the action packed, larger than life denouement for answers. You'll never believe the surprises Mr Moray has in store as he hits his stride with this second novel. I enjoyed The Gathering Murders but this is much better in terms of plotting and disguise.
I like the setting of an island. It makes the novel more intimate with a limited suspect list and yet there is a sense of freedom and space with water and countryside all around. It also means that there is a more relaxed sense of policing with Torquil and his team turning a blind eye to minor law breaking and strict uniform policies! Superintendent Lumsden, their nominal boss, doesn't think much of them but he's not there to do anything about it.
The characterisation is all done in broad brushstrokes but it doesn't matter in this fairly short read as it's all about the plot. I like the banter between the characters who know each other and their failings well. Torquil is a born leader and has been since he was young so he calls the shots but his uncle Lachlan gives him a run for his money.
The Deathly Wind is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Torquil returns from a much needed sabbatical after the events of The Gathering Murders he finds unrest and despair on the island. His close friend, Constable Ewan McPhee has disappeared, believed drowned and the new laird, Glasgow businessman Jock McArdle, is upsetting all and sundry with his bullying ways and plans for a wind farm on crofting land. No sooner is he back than the bodies start piling up.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deathly Wind which is a good mystery, full of misdirection and unsuspected motives. It held my attention throughout as I tried to puzzle out who had done what and why - I failed miserably and had to wait for the action packed, larger than life denouement for answers. You'll never believe the surprises Mr Moray has in store as he hits his stride with this second novel. I enjoyed The Gathering Murders but this is much better in terms of plotting and disguise.
I like the setting of an island. It makes the novel more intimate with a limited suspect list and yet there is a sense of freedom and space with water and countryside all around. It also means that there is a more relaxed sense of policing with Torquil and his team turning a blind eye to minor law breaking and strict uniform policies! Superintendent Lumsden, their nominal boss, doesn't think much of them but he's not there to do anything about it.
The characterisation is all done in broad brushstrokes but it doesn't matter in this fairly short read as it's all about the plot. I like the banter between the characters who know each other and their failings well. Torquil is a born leader and has been since he was young so he calls the shots but his uncle Lachlan gives him a run for his money.
The Deathly Wind is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 24, 2018
‘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
January 3, 2019
This is the second book by Keith Moray featuring bagpipe playing Detective Inspector Torquil McKinnon, who is based on the mostly crime free Hebridean island of West Uist. In this book Torquil has just returned to the island after a period away to discover that his friend and colleague PC Ewan McPhee is missing possibly drowned; meanwhile the reader has already been informed that Ewan has witnessed the brutal killing of a family visiting the island and had then encountered the killer with an unknown, possibly fatal, outcome. Many of the characters from the first book turn up again, as one would expect, and although it is not vital that the earlier book, The Gathering Murders, has been read, it is highly recommended. New characters in this book include Jack McArdle, the new laid of Dunshiffin Castle, who has plans to introduce a wind farm on his property, much against the wishes of the collective of six families of crofters who have leased the land for many generations and make it clear they intend to resist these unwelcome plans. With this conflict as background, Jack McArdle and his team of minders from Glasgow do not endear themselves to the island’s residents and soon a number of mysterious deaths occur which Torquil and his small team of police have to investigate with an ever-increasing level of interference from senior police on the mainland. Keith Moray’s clever plot moves forward with many surprising twists and turns as characters are revealed to be not quite who they at first seemed to be and the final outcome not at all what might have been expected. All in all, another excellent book in the series and I look forward to more adventures involving Torquil McKinnon and the islanders of West Uist. Many thanks go to Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of the book for review.
February 16, 2018
The area of the fictional Hebridean island of West Uist known as the Wee Kingdom sounds like a great place to live. It’s full of wildlife and natural beauty but, considering the high mortality rate, you might want to move somewhere less dangerous (like the bottom of an active volcano). In the second instalment of the Inspector Torquil McKinnon series, pretty much everybody and their dog are in mortal peril. It starts with the disappearance of one of my favorite characters from the first novel: hammer-throwing red-headed Constable Ewan McPhee. The reader knows that he witnessed the murder of a whole family, including the children (this part had me baffled until a big revelation so brilliant that I nearly choked!). When Torquil returns after taking some time off following the events of the first novel, he finds not only that his friend is missing and presumed dead, but also tons of corpses. There is a new laird, a character so despicable that I kept hoping would become of the victims; and a new cast of characters that includes an animal activist so adorable that I was hoping would not cross the path of the killer. Without going into spoilers, nothing is what it seems, the motives are not what you’d expect, and the cast of characters is rich and diverse. My favorite part was the setting. West Uist is described so richly that you can almost smell the mist and the salt sea. This is a great whodunit!
I received a free copy from the Publisher, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Sapere Books!
I received a free copy from the Publisher, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Sapere Books!
March 5, 2018
Keith Moray has certainly impressed me. This is the second book that I have read in this series, and I have really enjoyed both books. It’s very well written, and I was amazed at how much is happening throughout the story. The plot is edgy and entertaining, and I like how different all the characters are from each other.
Jock McArdle recently purchased Dunshiffin Estate on the island of West Uist, and he certainly has plans on what he like to use the land for. Not that the locals are going to be that thrilled about the changes he is planning on. Setting up Wind farms to generate power certainly isn’t what anyone want’s, as the locals think the land should be left in it’s current unspoilt state. Ewan McPhee going missing certainly has everyone baffled, especially as he was only doing his rounds of the islands. There probably wasn’t a stronger more capable man on the island. So, it was definitely a mystery what had happened to him. The West Uist residents are no strangers to death on the island, however the amount of people dying lately, is unprecedented. Inspector Torquil McKinnon was certainly relaxed after his break, but this quickly changed when some of the dead people were starting to look like they had been murdered. Hands down a great story, and well worth the 5/5 Star rating.
Jock McArdle recently purchased Dunshiffin Estate on the island of West Uist, and he certainly has plans on what he like to use the land for. Not that the locals are going to be that thrilled about the changes he is planning on. Setting up Wind farms to generate power certainly isn’t what anyone want’s, as the locals think the land should be left in it’s current unspoilt state. Ewan McPhee going missing certainly has everyone baffled, especially as he was only doing his rounds of the islands. There probably wasn’t a stronger more capable man on the island. So, it was definitely a mystery what had happened to him. The West Uist residents are no strangers to death on the island, however the amount of people dying lately, is unprecedented. Inspector Torquil McKinnon was certainly relaxed after his break, but this quickly changed when some of the dead people were starting to look like they had been murdered. Hands down a great story, and well worth the 5/5 Star rating.
June 12, 2018
have enjoyed all five books in this series. The characters are well drawn and consistent; the plots are interesting and the killers are not obvious. However, it is the sense of place that keeps drawing me back. Each time I pick up one of these novels it feels like returning to an inviting and familiar place--murders not withstanding. The magic of West Uist reminds me of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series--my favorite of all time. The setting is a reflection of the characters who are every day people whom it is easy to care about.
In general, Keith Moray is a good writer which makes all of the difference to me. A detective story can have the most interesting and exciting plot ever, but if the writing itself is no good, I won't finish the book
My only criticism is that in an effort to make each of these a stand alone novel, Moray's descriptions of certain people and places becomes redundant by the fourth book. For example, the description of the news editor's office seemed to be cut and pasted from previous novels in the series. Bear in mind that I read all four books within a two week span. I did notice less repetition in the Book 5, and I will be watching out for book 6.
In general, Keith Moray is a good writer which makes all of the difference to me. A detective story can have the most interesting and exciting plot ever, but if the writing itself is no good, I won't finish the book
My only criticism is that in an effort to make each of these a stand alone novel, Moray's descriptions of certain people and places becomes redundant by the fourth book. For example, the description of the news editor's office seemed to be cut and pasted from previous novels in the series. Bear in mind that I read all four books within a two week span. I did notice less repetition in the Book 5, and I will be watching out for book 6.
April 5, 2020
I have read two other volumes in this series about a police officer in the fictional island of West Uist. I enjoyed them, as time wasters in a retired life style, but this one, as a time waster in a viral lock-down? Whilst the book isn't badly written, the story is overwrought - I would never wish to judge the worth of a book by the number of murders/bodies/missing people etc., there is a definite surfeit here, and the characterisations just too cartoonish -the villainous new Laird, his two henchmen, the greeny who loves hedgehogs, the various other characters, just a bit too cut out. The story starts with some unexpected violence, and I have to admit the denouement is a surprise, and the misdirection really quite clever.
Still, it's just one crime novel in a very crowded market indeed, and as such can't really be regarded as anything other than very lightweight competitor. However, you're not paying a lot for a few hours diversion, so it probably rates a bit higher in the cut-price market.
Still, it's just one crime novel in a very crowded market indeed, and as such can't really be regarded as anything other than very lightweight competitor. However, you're not paying a lot for a few hours diversion, so it probably rates a bit higher in the cut-price market.
April 12, 2018
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy of this delightful read. Keith Moray is becoming a favourite author of mine. partly due to the beautiful western island setting and partly due to the story line in his books. I can almost smell that fresh Atlantic sea air in this entertaining short book.This is book two in the Torquil Mc Kinnon series and reminds me very much of Peter May's books set in the Hebrides. The new laird on the island, a Glasgow businessman, is upsetting the islanders with his plans to build a wind farm. Torquil returns to the island and soon the body count rises.I loved the island setting and the descriptive writing transported me to the machair. There were only a limited number of suspects but I would recommend this book.My only complaint is, I was sorry to finish reading.
April 5, 2018
4.5 Stars
Inspector Torquil McKinnon has returned to the remote Scottish island of West Uist to devastating news. His closest friend, Constable Ewan McPhee, is missing, presumed dead.
When more bodies are found in suspicious circumstances, it is clear a serial killer is at large.
Tensions are high and paranoia is rife.
Another riveting, engrossing read, the story flowed really well & the characters are well portrayed. This is the second book in the series & I’m so pleased that there are more to come & I await their release with bated breath. If you love a good murder mystery then you’ll love this series I certainly do
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Inspector Torquil McKinnon has returned to the remote Scottish island of West Uist to devastating news. His closest friend, Constable Ewan McPhee, is missing, presumed dead.
When more bodies are found in suspicious circumstances, it is clear a serial killer is at large.
Tensions are high and paranoia is rife.
Another riveting, engrossing read, the story flowed really well & the characters are well portrayed. This is the second book in the series & I’m so pleased that there are more to come & I await their release with bated breath. If you love a good murder mystery then you’ll love this series I certainly do
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 7, 2019
Back in the Hebrides's island of West Uist, there is a newcomer living in the castle of the island's laird. Along with him are two young men whom he refers to as his 'boys'. They are harsh personalities and quite unlikable. A d of course the bodies begin to fall. The so called laird has decided to erect windmills on the grazing grounds of the crofts which lie on the castle's land. He is so changing the historical requirements for passing on the crafts to legitimate people.
Of course nothing is as it seems and we do find out the truth. Torquil comes through with flying colors and so does CalemSteele our erstwhile newspaper owner , etc.
Again loved the story. Already into book 3
Of course nothing is as it seems and we do find out the truth. Torquil comes through with flying colors and so does CalemSteele our erstwhile newspaper owner , etc.
Again loved the story. Already into book 3
March 8, 2023
This is book 2 in the Torquil McKinnon series set in The Hebrides, Scotland.
When a new 'Laird' buys Dunshiffin Castle on the island, he quickly gets on the wrong side of the locals with his decision to erect wind turbines. As the discontent builds so does the number of bodies and Torquil is struggling to figure out what could be happening. Are these deaths linked? Are they murders or terrible accidents? And with one of his police officers missing in action, he is feeling the strain.
A good sequel to 'The Gathering Murders' and I'm looking forward to book 3.
When a new 'Laird' buys Dunshiffin Castle on the island, he quickly gets on the wrong side of the locals with his decision to erect wind turbines. As the discontent builds so does the number of bodies and Torquil is struggling to figure out what could be happening. Are these deaths linked? Are they murders or terrible accidents? And with one of his police officers missing in action, he is feeling the strain.
A good sequel to 'The Gathering Murders' and I'm looking forward to book 3.
May 15, 2019
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
May 20, 2018
First of all, I really enjoyed reading this novel. I was straight into the plot, and it was a more hard hitting one than the first - murder by person unknown whilst raising what has become the thorny problem of wind farms. Bit of humour entered the book also. Thankfully the characters were more developed, almost to the point of being real.
One problem wasn’t solved until almost the last pages, ‘ where is Ewen McPhee’?
Loved the book!
One problem wasn’t solved until almost the last pages, ‘ where is Ewen McPhee’?
Loved the book!
August 18, 2018
I like this little constabulary set in a small community in the outer Hebrides. This had the makings for a good plot... New Laird, disruption of old croft ways VS new windmills. But I think the author got carried away with the number of murders. Too much time spent killing people and not enough time crafting a good story. I think the first in the series was better, but plan to give number 3 a chance.
October 18, 2018
Thanks to Sapere Books for the ARC. This is the second book in the series and I've come to really enjoy the characters and the setting of a small town in Scotland.
There have been several deaths in the town and several mysterious. The local police force in conjunction with the locals all get involved to solve what is going on. I enjoy the writing and descriptions. This is a fun series and I look forward to reading more!
There have been several deaths in the town and several mysterious. The local police force in conjunction with the locals all get involved to solve what is going on. I enjoy the writing and descriptions. This is a fun series and I look forward to reading more!
October 29, 2019
More like 3.5 stars.
A pleasant read but the downside was a high body count and some pretty horrible people. I feel Keith Moray's books are probably not for the squeamish; not gory so much as well-written by a medical professional who has used his skill and knowledge to show some nasty behaviour.
The characters are interesting and have depth, with both strengths and frailties.
In this, the second, plus the first book of the series, the denoument is fairly savage.
A pleasant read but the downside was a high body count and some pretty horrible people. I feel Keith Moray's books are probably not for the squeamish; not gory so much as well-written by a medical professional who has used his skill and knowledge to show some nasty behaviour.
The characters are interesting and have depth, with both strengths and frailties.
In this, the second, plus the first book of the series, the denoument is fairly savage.
June 3, 2018
Wow Highlands and Islands
Loved the book and I am really enjoying the series. Set in amongst the country I love. I can smell the sea, the Heather, the peat bogs and duck away from the gulls. I can hear the accents as everyone has their say. The plots are brilliant and the people funny and you can visualise them so easily.
Loved the book and I am really enjoying the series. Set in amongst the country I love. I can smell the sea, the Heather, the peat bogs and duck away from the gulls. I can hear the accents as everyone has their say. The plots are brilliant and the people funny and you can visualise them so easily.
September 22, 2022
An excellent continuation of the Inspector McKinley mysteries. There is a new "Laird" in the castle or at least they think so, the locals are divided between the opportunities that might be coming for jobs and the fear that a giant wind farm will harm the wildlife, etc. As it happens more than the local wildlife is getting harmed.
May 9, 2024
4.5*
The main plot is complicated, well thought out, but filled out in parts that take the edge off the whole story. I found the complex love life of all involved, cheating and all, was there to give extra twists and turns throughout but felt it wasn't necessary as it took something away from the book. Good but not great
The main plot is complicated, well thought out, but filled out in parts that take the edge off the whole story. I found the complex love life of all involved, cheating and all, was there to give extra twists and turns throughout but felt it wasn't necessary as it took something away from the book. Good but not great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
An enjoyable read in the guessing game tradition. There are a couple of tricky devices used to mislead the reader - reminded me of The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tyler -on a much smaller scale.
It is a bit Famous Five for adults. The plot is a bit of a stretch in places. It’s interesting to see the way the author deals with the narrative of multiculturalism inherent in the tourism that sustained the island.
It is a bit Famous Five for adults. The plot is a bit of a stretch in places. It’s interesting to see the way the author deals with the narrative of multiculturalism inherent in the tourism that sustained the island.
September 19, 2018
Much Better
This second book in the series is so much better, easier to get in to. I found the first book very hard going, but this one pulls you in and I felt more of a connection to the characters.
This second book in the series is so much better, easier to get in to. I found the first book very hard going, but this one pulls you in and I felt more of a connection to the characters.
April 9, 2018
Exciting and fast paced. A great insight in to community life on the island of Uist. Great characters.
April 14, 2018
I thought this was decent book, but there is too much new information in the conclusion.
April 29, 2018
Another enjoyable read which confirms my review of Book 1.
May 1, 2018
A great series!
Unusual characters,Very unusual setting, compelling plot, all keep the reader glued to the page! I congratulate Mr Moray on his inventiveness!
Unusual characters,Very unusual setting, compelling plot, all keep the reader glued to the page! I congratulate Mr Moray on his inventiveness!
May 4, 2018
Love British authors. They write a great mystery/suspense without excessive violence, sex and bad language. Keep them coming!
May 8, 2018
I am loving this series, The characters are really good, just wonder how many Lairds one Island can have..Will be starting the next very soon.,
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