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DS Max Craigie #6
When Shadows Fall
A TRAGIC DEATH
When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.
A RISING BODY COUNT
Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose.
A KILLER IN THE SHADOWS
The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer. With five victims and conflicting clues, how do you catch someone committing the perfect crime?
When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise.
A RISING BODY COUNT
Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose.
A KILLER IN THE SHADOWS
The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer. With five victims and conflicting clues, how do you catch someone committing the perfect crime?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2025
118 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Neil Lancaster
13 books445 followersNeil was born in Liverpool in the 1960s. He recently left the Metropolitan Police where he served for over twenty-five years, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond.
Neil acted as a surveillance and covert policing specialist, using all types of techniques to arrest and prosecute drug dealers, human traffickers, fraudsters, and murderers. During his career, he successfully prosecuted several wealthy and corrupt members of the legal profession who were involved in organised immigration crime. These prosecutions led to jail sentences, multi-million pound asset confiscations and disbarments.
Since retiring from the Metropolitan Police, Neil has relocated to the Scottish Highlands with his wife and son, where he mixes freelance investigations with writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
February 27, 2025
Book #6 in the DS Max Craigie series. Author Neil Lancaster served for over twenty five years in the Metropolitan Police, predominantly as a detective, leading and conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond, and that knowledge shows!
The story begins with the discovery of a woman’s body at the base of a Munro in Scotland. The body is that of Leanne Wilson, 40 years old and just starting a new phase in life after leaving a controlling ex boyfriend. Initially thought to be a tragic accident, the team discover many similar ‘accidents’ concerning young women, and it turns out that they have a serial killer at large, and it’s clearly someone who has a deep hatred of women!
Well written, fast paced, lots of suspense and heart stopping moments, with a storyline that grips from the outset. DS Max Craigie, and his colleagues - boss DI Ross Fraser (a potty mouthed man, yet hugely amusing and beneath his gruff exterior lies a heart of gold), the wonderful DC Janie Calder and intelligence analyst, Norma, provide the reader with much witty banter, which helps create a more light hearted and amusing backdrop to alleviate the seriousness of the crimes they’re dealing with.
Neil Lancaster is adept at creating a complex, yet gripping storyline, skilfully combining the multi-layered elements, leading to a terrific read and a more than satisfying conclusion. Another winner for Mr Lancaster!
*I was invited to read “ When Shadows Fall” by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
The story begins with the discovery of a woman’s body at the base of a Munro in Scotland. The body is that of Leanne Wilson, 40 years old and just starting a new phase in life after leaving a controlling ex boyfriend. Initially thought to be a tragic accident, the team discover many similar ‘accidents’ concerning young women, and it turns out that they have a serial killer at large, and it’s clearly someone who has a deep hatred of women!
Well written, fast paced, lots of suspense and heart stopping moments, with a storyline that grips from the outset. DS Max Craigie, and his colleagues - boss DI Ross Fraser (a potty mouthed man, yet hugely amusing and beneath his gruff exterior lies a heart of gold), the wonderful DC Janie Calder and intelligence analyst, Norma, provide the reader with much witty banter, which helps create a more light hearted and amusing backdrop to alleviate the seriousness of the crimes they’re dealing with.
Neil Lancaster is adept at creating a complex, yet gripping storyline, skilfully combining the multi-layered elements, leading to a terrific read and a more than satisfying conclusion. Another winner for Mr Lancaster!
*I was invited to read “ When Shadows Fall” by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 29, 2025
DS Max Craigie #6, he’s ex army, ex Met officer and now Police Scotland at Policing Standards Reassurance (anti corruption).
40-year-old Leanne Wilson is on holiday in the Highlands bagging Munro’s*, well away from her controlling ex. She begins the ascent of the challenging A’Chralaig and on reaching the summit, she uploads a picture as a kind of up yours mate. Shortly after, she has a chilling encounter on the narrow path alongside the rock face.
Meanwhile, Max is at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle watching the dolphins with his beloved aunt Elspeth. Happy days. His wife Katie is imminently expecting the arrival of their first child. He gets a call from an old pal Shay Hammond, a coastguard search and rescue pilot at Inverness, about a death on the hills that he’s concerned about. He asks Max to come and take a look as it’s clear to him that the experienced climber should not have fallen from where she does. Shay has five other reasons for concern, he believes someone is targeting lone female climbers. Who is stalking them and why? In addition, why have the investigating authorities not connected the dots? The team is on the case.
A new Max Craigie is always a cause for celebration and now it’s 6 for 6 at five stars from me, so that tells you all you need to know about this cracking series.
The characters in the team are what makes it for me although, of course, the plots are always tense and exciting. Max is extremely likeable, he’s hard-working and committed although his past is still an issue for him but his relationship with Katie warms your heart and there’s also lovely Nutmeg (the dog!). DC Janie Calder is a great sidekick and is one strong woman. At the heart of the team is the potty mouthed, hilarious, straight talking but very caring boss DI Ross Fraser, who underneath all the bluster is a diamond. He provides many LOL moments which is welcome relief amongst the dark plot. There’s also Norma with the data and ex MI5 Barney, who is a wizard with tech and surveillance and we’ve just been introduced to Clive, a hacker who plays a vital role in the escalating drama. Aunt Elspeth also always provides food and a chuckle or two and can give Ross a run for his money.
As always, the plot is a thriller. It’s scary, vertiginous and chilling with cruel and ruthless perpetrators. At times, my heart is in my mouth, there are so many shocks as the team try to unmask the corrupt. It becomes the worst kind of game playing, an evil cat and mouse scenario. It’s gripping, a genuine page turner which builds and barrels through many twists and turns to an edge of the seat/cliff path conclusion. As usual, the setting in the Highlands is full of atmosphere providing an awe inspiring backdrop to events.
I love the ultimate end and we get a useful hint of how the series may progress. That’ll be interesting!
It can be read as a standalone but if you do, you’re missing out on a belter of a series.
With thanks to Nick Galley and especially to HQ for the epub in return for an honest review.
* Monro’s are mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet, 914 m. The name comes from Sir Hugh Monro who published a list of the highest mountains in Scotland in the 1890’s. If you reach the summit of one, it’s known as bagging it.
40-year-old Leanne Wilson is on holiday in the Highlands bagging Munro’s*, well away from her controlling ex. She begins the ascent of the challenging A’Chralaig and on reaching the summit, she uploads a picture as a kind of up yours mate. Shortly after, she has a chilling encounter on the narrow path alongside the rock face.
Meanwhile, Max is at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle watching the dolphins with his beloved aunt Elspeth. Happy days. His wife Katie is imminently expecting the arrival of their first child. He gets a call from an old pal Shay Hammond, a coastguard search and rescue pilot at Inverness, about a death on the hills that he’s concerned about. He asks Max to come and take a look as it’s clear to him that the experienced climber should not have fallen from where she does. Shay has five other reasons for concern, he believes someone is targeting lone female climbers. Who is stalking them and why? In addition, why have the investigating authorities not connected the dots? The team is on the case.
A new Max Craigie is always a cause for celebration and now it’s 6 for 6 at five stars from me, so that tells you all you need to know about this cracking series.
The characters in the team are what makes it for me although, of course, the plots are always tense and exciting. Max is extremely likeable, he’s hard-working and committed although his past is still an issue for him but his relationship with Katie warms your heart and there’s also lovely Nutmeg (the dog!). DC Janie Calder is a great sidekick and is one strong woman. At the heart of the team is the potty mouthed, hilarious, straight talking but very caring boss DI Ross Fraser, who underneath all the bluster is a diamond. He provides many LOL moments which is welcome relief amongst the dark plot. There’s also Norma with the data and ex MI5 Barney, who is a wizard with tech and surveillance and we’ve just been introduced to Clive, a hacker who plays a vital role in the escalating drama. Aunt Elspeth also always provides food and a chuckle or two and can give Ross a run for his money.
As always, the plot is a thriller. It’s scary, vertiginous and chilling with cruel and ruthless perpetrators. At times, my heart is in my mouth, there are so many shocks as the team try to unmask the corrupt. It becomes the worst kind of game playing, an evil cat and mouse scenario. It’s gripping, a genuine page turner which builds and barrels through many twists and turns to an edge of the seat/cliff path conclusion. As usual, the setting in the Highlands is full of atmosphere providing an awe inspiring backdrop to events.
I love the ultimate end and we get a useful hint of how the series may progress. That’ll be interesting!
It can be read as a standalone but if you do, you’re missing out on a belter of a series.
With thanks to Nick Galley and especially to HQ for the epub in return for an honest review.
* Monro’s are mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet, 914 m. The name comes from Sir Hugh Monro who published a list of the highest mountains in Scotland in the 1890’s. If you reach the summit of one, it’s known as bagging it.
January 27, 2025
Book 6 of the DS Max Craigie series and Lancaster has written another winner here.
For anyone unfamiliar with this series, it follows DS Max Craigie and his team (led by DI Ross, or to give him his full title DI f***ing Ross) as they attempt to uncover corruption within Police Scotland.
This novel begins with the death of a female climber on a Scottish munro. Initially written off as an accident by local police, the team uncover what appears to be a string of experienced, female climbers all falling to their deaths over the past years. When further investigation uncovers what appears to be a group of incel-type men involved in the deaths, the team are horrified to discover that a police officer may be amongst them and the investigation deepens.
For anyone who is familiar with the series, this is another great read from Lancaster, following the team during their investigation. Although the series is named after DS Craigie, Lancaster continues to develop all characters within the team including the lovable IT guru Barney and his new friend, Clive the hacker.
So ingrained in your mind are these brilliant characters, as soon as you pick up this book, you immediately remember all that has gone before. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, it would definitely benefit from starting at the beginning of the series given the character development through the 6 novels, but don't let that put you off if you want to jump right in.
I will just finish by saying in a series such as this, I was concerned about the longevity of the team - how many corrupt officers can they find in the Scottish Highlands? - but Lancaster hints at a significant change for the team moving forward in the next book so I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ | HQ Digital for an ARXC in exchange for an honest review.
For anyone unfamiliar with this series, it follows DS Max Craigie and his team (led by DI Ross, or to give him his full title DI f***ing Ross) as they attempt to uncover corruption within Police Scotland.
This novel begins with the death of a female climber on a Scottish munro. Initially written off as an accident by local police, the team uncover what appears to be a string of experienced, female climbers all falling to their deaths over the past years. When further investigation uncovers what appears to be a group of incel-type men involved in the deaths, the team are horrified to discover that a police officer may be amongst them and the investigation deepens.
For anyone who is familiar with the series, this is another great read from Lancaster, following the team during their investigation. Although the series is named after DS Craigie, Lancaster continues to develop all characters within the team including the lovable IT guru Barney and his new friend, Clive the hacker.
So ingrained in your mind are these brilliant characters, as soon as you pick up this book, you immediately remember all that has gone before. Whilst this book can be read as a standalone, it would definitely benefit from starting at the beginning of the series given the character development through the 6 novels, but don't let that put you off if you want to jump right in.
I will just finish by saying in a series such as this, I was concerned about the longevity of the team - how many corrupt officers can they find in the Scottish Highlands? - but Lancaster hints at a significant change for the team moving forward in the next book so I can't wait to see what comes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ | HQ Digital for an ARXC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
I took a lot longer with this read than I usually would, as the subject matter dealing with violent misogynist incels murdering innocent women en masse really did not appeal to me in the slightest. I wish I had done a little bit more research on this before starting the book as I would have left it. That aside, the writing, particularly the banter between the characters and the suspense building were top-notch.
April 27, 2025
I could rant about When Shadows Fall for pages (the heavily pregnant wife painted as an ice-cream-craving shrew, the caricatures of Scottish characters depicted with dialect, three uses of the word ‘wankspangle’, a killer in a chatroom with the username @BitchesDie_Hard, five uses of ‘on it like a car bonnet’, the list is endless). Needless to say, I won’t be seeking out more books from the DS Max Craigie series, and I wouldn’t recommend When Shadows Fall at all.
My full review of When Shadows Fall is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of When Shadows Fall is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
March 12, 2025
Wow just wow, How has this series got past me? Why has it taken till book 6 to attract my attention?
Hooked from page 1 of this superbly written, well paced with stunning scenery great characters., what more can you ask for.
Thank you to the publishers and the author for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. My book of the year so far. 5 stars is not enough.
Now I have to catch up on the previous 5 books before book 7.
Hooked from page 1 of this superbly written, well paced with stunning scenery great characters., what more can you ask for.
Thank you to the publishers and the author for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. My book of the year so far. 5 stars is not enough.
Now I have to catch up on the previous 5 books before book 7.
February 14, 2025
Another thrilling read by Neil Lancaster!
I love the Max Craigie series, for me they are guaranteed page turners. And this one was no exception!
In this edition we see Max on the cusp of becoming a father. Throughout the case it highlights to him how dedicated and deeply involved he becomes in each case. It’s a similar struggle to which nearly all women face… putting their career on hold to have children and then trying to get a bit of themselves back once the child has arrived. Interesting to read it from the other pov but with his character and the nature of his job I fear it will be a continual battle.
This book’s theme largely revolves around males and themes of masculinity covering; gender roles, role models and relationships.
Most interestingly his bosses (Ross Fraser) professional and personal character really gets explored in this novel - and I’m so here for that. He’s a fantastic character, full of contradictions and yet a really good leader for his team. In this book we see a much softer side to him. Even though he swears (a lot) we get a little glimpse of his character outside the job. During the case his attitude is put into question with the female staff putting him in a situation he’s not been in before. Ross, although surprised, once again shines as a leader and put it right immediately. I like this character so much he brings light during the intensity and is grounded when his staff/friends need to rely on him.
But that’s enough about Ross!
Brilliantly written and thoroughly entertaining. If you haven’t tried this series yet you can jump aboard anytime.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love the Max Craigie series, for me they are guaranteed page turners. And this one was no exception!
In this edition we see Max on the cusp of becoming a father. Throughout the case it highlights to him how dedicated and deeply involved he becomes in each case. It’s a similar struggle to which nearly all women face… putting their career on hold to have children and then trying to get a bit of themselves back once the child has arrived. Interesting to read it from the other pov but with his character and the nature of his job I fear it will be a continual battle.
This book’s theme largely revolves around males and themes of masculinity covering; gender roles, role models and relationships.
Most interestingly his bosses (Ross Fraser) professional and personal character really gets explored in this novel - and I’m so here for that. He’s a fantastic character, full of contradictions and yet a really good leader for his team. In this book we see a much softer side to him. Even though he swears (a lot) we get a little glimpse of his character outside the job. During the case his attitude is put into question with the female staff putting him in a situation he’s not been in before. Ross, although surprised, once again shines as a leader and put it right immediately. I like this character so much he brings light during the intensity and is grounded when his staff/friends need to rely on him.
But that’s enough about Ross!
Brilliantly written and thoroughly entertaining. If you haven’t tried this series yet you can jump aboard anytime.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2025
4.5 /5.0
Solid read, 6th book off the DS Max Craigie series - back again with the top notch policing and action packed ending. Before I go into detail this book does touch quite abit on incel, pornographic that readers may find disturbing. I found that the content may be far (there is some rude misogynistic comments) but there is a reason to all this madness. The difference is this time we see Max handle the pressures of a pregnant about to pop and balance with work commitments, it’s not easy being part of the corruption team and balancing a pregnant wife. I found the character development very natural but less so for Janine who was still heavily involved in the book but less personally and more professionally. You can definitely count on this book if you like the proper police procedure done right. It’s a solid book that you won’t be disappointed by, I think it is a tad difficult to read by itself due to the characters being established but it’s still doable. I have my eyes peeled for the next book, interested to see the direction of where this goes!
The plot follows DS Max Craigie when his friend asks for his opinion when a series of deaths occurs up in the Scottish mountains. This time round, Leanne Wilson is the next victim when she is found death after falling. The more Max and his team look into this the more of a pattern emerging. 5 other deaths have occurred all in a similar manner, all deaths were single blonde women who have at least some experience in climbing which probes the question even more. How are they falling to their deaths, and if there’s anyone in the force behind it! Soon they begin to establish a serial killer within the shadows, ready to pounce on another single lady.
I have to give credit to Lancaster, he executes the plot really well but finds a way to gradually build pressure up to a boiling point. I found that Lancaster can find very natural ways for information to be revealed and adding more to the final ‘twist’, it gets me everytime, which adds to the unpredictable nature of the book! A solid read, one that is definitely worth getting your hands on!
Solid read, 6th book off the DS Max Craigie series - back again with the top notch policing and action packed ending. Before I go into detail this book does touch quite abit on incel, pornographic that readers may find disturbing. I found that the content may be far (there is some rude misogynistic comments) but there is a reason to all this madness. The difference is this time we see Max handle the pressures of a pregnant about to pop and balance with work commitments, it’s not easy being part of the corruption team and balancing a pregnant wife. I found the character development very natural but less so for Janine who was still heavily involved in the book but less personally and more professionally. You can definitely count on this book if you like the proper police procedure done right. It’s a solid book that you won’t be disappointed by, I think it is a tad difficult to read by itself due to the characters being established but it’s still doable. I have my eyes peeled for the next book, interested to see the direction of where this goes!
The plot follows DS Max Craigie when his friend asks for his opinion when a series of deaths occurs up in the Scottish mountains. This time round, Leanne Wilson is the next victim when she is found death after falling. The more Max and his team look into this the more of a pattern emerging. 5 other deaths have occurred all in a similar manner, all deaths were single blonde women who have at least some experience in climbing which probes the question even more. How are they falling to their deaths, and if there’s anyone in the force behind it! Soon they begin to establish a serial killer within the shadows, ready to pounce on another single lady.
I have to give credit to Lancaster, he executes the plot really well but finds a way to gradually build pressure up to a boiling point. I found that Lancaster can find very natural ways for information to be revealed and adding more to the final ‘twist’, it gets me everytime, which adds to the unpredictable nature of the book! A solid read, one that is definitely worth getting your hands on!
March 7, 2025
When a woman falls from a Scottish Munro suspicions arise as it's the fourth incident in a matter of months. The local police believe they're all accidents but Max Craigie isn't so sure.
A walker, critically injured from a fall, is rescued by Mountain Rescue working with the Coastguard. The pilot of the helicopter happens to be a friend of Max Craigie and voices his concerns. This is the fourth lone female walker to plunge in the space of a few months. The local police don't seem overly concerned, categorising them as accidents but Craigie wonders if there's something more. It could be laziness, incompetence or something much more sinister.
When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster is the sixth book in the Max Craigie series. Max works as part of a team investigating police corruption. Under the guise of a review of death investigations, they look more closely at the accidents and the members of the police force involved in investigating them.
The team are as foul-mouthed as usual. The boss, DI Ross Fraser is very much a technology dinosaur but is extremely creative with his vocabulary. The rest of the team, Janie, Norma and Barney, don't hold back either. There is a very strong sense of camaraderie among the team, mainly because they are so self-contained, the nature of investigating other members of the police means that they have to keep what they are doing secret. This book works extremely well as a stand-alone story but I heartily recommend reading the rest of the series to see the character development.
I found this story the most chilling of all of the books in the series. The nature of the crimes and the fact that social media was used to target victims came across as immensely plausible. Neil Lancaster has also taken inspiration from real events which makes things even more horrifying.
The pace never lets up, from the first page to the last, and my heart was in my mouth on a number of occasions. Alongside uncovering the villain, Max also has the worry of balancing his job with his home life, something that is getting more difficult by the day since his wife is about to give birth. This adds extra tension to the storyline as you can never tell what twists a writer holds in store.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
A walker, critically injured from a fall, is rescued by Mountain Rescue working with the Coastguard. The pilot of the helicopter happens to be a friend of Max Craigie and voices his concerns. This is the fourth lone female walker to plunge in the space of a few months. The local police don't seem overly concerned, categorising them as accidents but Craigie wonders if there's something more. It could be laziness, incompetence or something much more sinister.
When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster is the sixth book in the Max Craigie series. Max works as part of a team investigating police corruption. Under the guise of a review of death investigations, they look more closely at the accidents and the members of the police force involved in investigating them.
The team are as foul-mouthed as usual. The boss, DI Ross Fraser is very much a technology dinosaur but is extremely creative with his vocabulary. The rest of the team, Janie, Norma and Barney, don't hold back either. There is a very strong sense of camaraderie among the team, mainly because they are so self-contained, the nature of investigating other members of the police means that they have to keep what they are doing secret. This book works extremely well as a stand-alone story but I heartily recommend reading the rest of the series to see the character development.
I found this story the most chilling of all of the books in the series. The nature of the crimes and the fact that social media was used to target victims came across as immensely plausible. Neil Lancaster has also taken inspiration from real events which makes things even more horrifying.
The pace never lets up, from the first page to the last, and my heart was in my mouth on a number of occasions. Alongside uncovering the villain, Max also has the worry of balancing his job with his home life, something that is getting more difficult by the day since his wife is about to give birth. This adds extra tension to the storyline as you can never tell what twists a writer holds in store.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
March 6, 2025
Murder or accident? That really is the crux of the question posed to DS Max Craigie in this latest, quite fabulous, offering from Neil Lancaster. I am totally hooked on this series of books, and When Shadows Fall is a brilliant example of exactly why. A challenging case, a seemingly uncatchable foe, and a whole cast of characters who elicit so many emotions - and a fair amount of smiles and laughter too - who could possibly need more?
Max Craigie is called upon by an old friend, Shay, who works in Mountain Rescue within the Cairngorms. He has attended the scene of what, at first, seems to be a tragic accident - a woman who has fallen to her death from one of the trails throughout the mountain range. Something about it all doesn't add up for Shay and fortunately he know just the man to turn to. It's slightly out of the remit of the team that Craigie works for, but given that this is not the first sudden death in the mountains, and the semblance of a pattern between the deaths and the type of victim, plus a less than robust follow up investigation, it isn't that much of a stretch for the anti-corruption unit to elect to conduct a 'thematic review'. Queue one of my favourite teams heading north to Inverness to oversee things and make sure that they insert themselves right in the middle of the investigations.
When I say one of my favourite teams, I really do mean that. They are such a diverse crew, but each of them really adds something to the series. Be it their Max himself who has had his moments of challenge but it all set for the biggest upheaval of his lifetime on the homefront, team analyst Norma, whose brilliant skills have helped the team out on so many occasions, DC Janie Calder, Max's long suffering but somewhat perfectly matched partner in crime-fighting, or their oft curmudgeonly boss, DI Ross Fraser, there isn't a single character in the team I don't enjoy hearing from. Ross especially if I am honest as he is so grumpy, so inappropriately abrupt with those who deserve it, but very capable of leaning into his softer side, as he proves regularly in this book. Neil Lancaster has the perfect balance between their kinship and their determination, the tough talking when necessary and the laughter and banter just when we need that too, that I find myself drawn in to their story, their camaraderie, as much as I am the case in question.
Speaking of the case, this one is so current and relevant to today's society and the rise of a very objectionable perspective on life from a certain group of individuals, that it has almost too much of an air of possibility and plausibility about it. As readers we get the perspective of the killer (it's not a spoiler this was no accident - it would be a very short book if it were) and they are particularly hideous as you might expect. Their confidence that they cannot and will not be caught added to my fascination with the story and the pace at which I powered through it all. As always, Neil Lancaster has managed pace perfectly, creating some real moments of tension where it seems like one or more of the team might be in real danger, and more than the odd moment of misdirection too.
The narrative style used to enlighten readers as to what is going on works really well, and while there is no doubting the devastating nature of the incidents on the victims, the darkest elements are left off the page. It is more the tension and psychological aspects of the book and the killer's attitude that got my hackles up, that and the knowledge that people like that do really exist and, in certain circles, seem to be glorified in their behaviour and attitude these days rather than vilified as they should be.
If you love this series, you will love this latest addition too. It's pacy, tense, full of banter and full of anger inducing moments and it is 100% addictive. I tore through it and loved every moment, but with an ending like that I'm wondering just what changes lie ahead. It's a game changer for Max for sure, but in a good way before anyone panics. No - not a cliffhanger. Let's face it - there were enough of those in the book already ... Definitely recommended.
Max Craigie is called upon by an old friend, Shay, who works in Mountain Rescue within the Cairngorms. He has attended the scene of what, at first, seems to be a tragic accident - a woman who has fallen to her death from one of the trails throughout the mountain range. Something about it all doesn't add up for Shay and fortunately he know just the man to turn to. It's slightly out of the remit of the team that Craigie works for, but given that this is not the first sudden death in the mountains, and the semblance of a pattern between the deaths and the type of victim, plus a less than robust follow up investigation, it isn't that much of a stretch for the anti-corruption unit to elect to conduct a 'thematic review'. Queue one of my favourite teams heading north to Inverness to oversee things and make sure that they insert themselves right in the middle of the investigations.
When I say one of my favourite teams, I really do mean that. They are such a diverse crew, but each of them really adds something to the series. Be it their Max himself who has had his moments of challenge but it all set for the biggest upheaval of his lifetime on the homefront, team analyst Norma, whose brilliant skills have helped the team out on so many occasions, DC Janie Calder, Max's long suffering but somewhat perfectly matched partner in crime-fighting, or their oft curmudgeonly boss, DI Ross Fraser, there isn't a single character in the team I don't enjoy hearing from. Ross especially if I am honest as he is so grumpy, so inappropriately abrupt with those who deserve it, but very capable of leaning into his softer side, as he proves regularly in this book. Neil Lancaster has the perfect balance between their kinship and their determination, the tough talking when necessary and the laughter and banter just when we need that too, that I find myself drawn in to their story, their camaraderie, as much as I am the case in question.
Speaking of the case, this one is so current and relevant to today's society and the rise of a very objectionable perspective on life from a certain group of individuals, that it has almost too much of an air of possibility and plausibility about it. As readers we get the perspective of the killer (it's not a spoiler this was no accident - it would be a very short book if it were) and they are particularly hideous as you might expect. Their confidence that they cannot and will not be caught added to my fascination with the story and the pace at which I powered through it all. As always, Neil Lancaster has managed pace perfectly, creating some real moments of tension where it seems like one or more of the team might be in real danger, and more than the odd moment of misdirection too.
The narrative style used to enlighten readers as to what is going on works really well, and while there is no doubting the devastating nature of the incidents on the victims, the darkest elements are left off the page. It is more the tension and psychological aspects of the book and the killer's attitude that got my hackles up, that and the knowledge that people like that do really exist and, in certain circles, seem to be glorified in their behaviour and attitude these days rather than vilified as they should be.
If you love this series, you will love this latest addition too. It's pacy, tense, full of banter and full of anger inducing moments and it is 100% addictive. I tore through it and loved every moment, but with an ending like that I'm wondering just what changes lie ahead. It's a game changer for Max for sure, but in a good way before anyone panics. No - not a cliffhanger. Let's face it - there were enough of those in the book already ... Definitely recommended.
March 25, 2025
DS Max Craigie returns in this electrifying instalment, packed with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
As the stakes are higher than ever before, as Max and the intrepid team once again dive headfirst into the murky waters of police corruption.
And it all begins with a distressing call from his friend Shay at Coastguard Search and Rescue, who reports a troubling spike in the number of women found dead under suspicious circumstances linked to climbing and walking accidents.
So, DI Ross Fraser, Max's superior, gets permission to re-examine these disconcerting cases. Almost immediately, their astute colleague Norma uncovers a chilling pattern: every victim shares a striking resemblance, all being blonde, and the eerie similarities go far deeper.
But just as they begin to piece together the puzzle, another call from Shay shatters the calm—the discovery of yet another body—this time, the killer has slipped up, leaving behind potential evidence that could turn the tide.
So, the team decide, with the help of wily ex-mi5 agent Barney, to set a trap. But it appears their target is two steps ahead of them and is able to strike again. This time leaving evidence that strongly implicates a policeman, igniting a flurry of questions: could he be the only one involved in this web of deception?
And as the investigation unfolds, Max and Janie find themselves ensnared in a gripping game of cat and mouse. With every revelation, they unearth the shocking motives behind these heinous crimes and the tangled connections of those wrapped up in them.
And with a perfect blend of suspense, humour, memorable characters, not to mention a baby! This story is nothing short of a page-turner. That I found myself engrossed in until 2 in the morning; it’s that captivating!
My thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of When Shadows Fall. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
As the stakes are higher than ever before, as Max and the intrepid team once again dive headfirst into the murky waters of police corruption.
And it all begins with a distressing call from his friend Shay at Coastguard Search and Rescue, who reports a troubling spike in the number of women found dead under suspicious circumstances linked to climbing and walking accidents.
So, DI Ross Fraser, Max's superior, gets permission to re-examine these disconcerting cases. Almost immediately, their astute colleague Norma uncovers a chilling pattern: every victim shares a striking resemblance, all being blonde, and the eerie similarities go far deeper.
But just as they begin to piece together the puzzle, another call from Shay shatters the calm—the discovery of yet another body—this time, the killer has slipped up, leaving behind potential evidence that could turn the tide.
So, the team decide, with the help of wily ex-mi5 agent Barney, to set a trap. But it appears their target is two steps ahead of them and is able to strike again. This time leaving evidence that strongly implicates a policeman, igniting a flurry of questions: could he be the only one involved in this web of deception?
And as the investigation unfolds, Max and Janie find themselves ensnared in a gripping game of cat and mouse. With every revelation, they unearth the shocking motives behind these heinous crimes and the tangled connections of those wrapped up in them.
And with a perfect blend of suspense, humour, memorable characters, not to mention a baby! This story is nothing short of a page-turner. That I found myself engrossed in until 2 in the morning; it’s that captivating!
My thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of When Shadows Fall. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
March 22, 2025
Another brilliant book in this great crime series.
I love the dynamic between Max, Janie, Ross and Norma, oh and Barney of course!
Max is contacted by an old friend who is linked to mountain rescue. He’s concerned about the number of deaths of women on the mountains. When Max initially looks at the reports, they seem above board, however on closer inspection it’s clear the deaths weren’t fully investigated.
Ross gets a ‘Thematic review’ authorised and it soon becomes clear that someone is pushing women to their deaths on the mountains.
This is a gripping crime thriller that gets better and better, the more the story progresses.
There’s a few surprises in store and a new arrival for Max.
I’d highly recommend this series if you’ve not yet read any of these books before.
Thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this book.
I love the dynamic between Max, Janie, Ross and Norma, oh and Barney of course!
Max is contacted by an old friend who is linked to mountain rescue. He’s concerned about the number of deaths of women on the mountains. When Max initially looks at the reports, they seem above board, however on closer inspection it’s clear the deaths weren’t fully investigated.
Ross gets a ‘Thematic review’ authorised and it soon becomes clear that someone is pushing women to their deaths on the mountains.
This is a gripping crime thriller that gets better and better, the more the story progresses.
There’s a few surprises in store and a new arrival for Max.
I’d highly recommend this series if you’ve not yet read any of these books before.
Thanks to HQ for the opportunity to read this book.
April 1, 2025
Brilliant fast-paced and action-packed Line of Duty style series, with a thread of Adolescence running through this instalment.
When another woman is found dead on a Scottish mountain, a whistleblower raises the alarm and Max Craigie and team embark on a thematic review to investigate the teams involved and find out why the rate of accidents is suddenly so high.
The team pull together all their specialist knowledge and contacts to get to the bottom of an incel group operating in the shadows on the dark web.
All the characters and scenarios are scarily plausible. Janie is as bad ass as ever. With his wife due to give birth imminently, Max's priorities are changing slightly, and it is great to see this side to the team.
Works as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series.
When another woman is found dead on a Scottish mountain, a whistleblower raises the alarm and Max Craigie and team embark on a thematic review to investigate the teams involved and find out why the rate of accidents is suddenly so high.
The team pull together all their specialist knowledge and contacts to get to the bottom of an incel group operating in the shadows on the dark web.
All the characters and scenarios are scarily plausible. Janie is as bad ass as ever. With his wife due to give birth imminently, Max's priorities are changing slightly, and it is great to see this side to the team.
Works as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series.
June 29, 2025
Not his best!Time for Max to be retired permanently.
It was enjoyable but there were a few holes in it! I guessed who both the corrupt men were way before Max and his team did! Norma read the report about two of the bent coppers but never looked at which officer signed it off?!!! That's the first name you would be looking for when tasked with identifying 4 corrupt officers! The name Lawman gave away who the 4th man was immediately as Norma had read his report into the investigation of a climber that had died,which she had queried for being too vague and should have been flagged up as suspicious! But for some bizarre reason she never mentioned it to the rest of the team. And why would Janie not have charged her phone when going to apprehend one of the suspects? And why would the copper with her ask if her phone was charged? And did nobody notice when the helicopter pilot said he could winch one of them down to get the suspect near the ridge,a certain copper said no as he obviously wanted to get to his corrupt accomplice first to kill him!Also they knew there was a mole in Inverness but still let Janie go off with one of their officers! Why didn't Max go with him instead? Why did he ask for the female?Once again it was all too convenient for the author to suit his own narrative and add drama but it was so obvious that it fell flat! Same thing happened at the hospital when the injured climber was being guarded by police! Ross phoned Max and not the hospital directly to say that the suspect was on his way to kill the climber and for them to get there fast! Why not phone whoever sent the copper to guard her??? Needless to say the killer got past the copper on the door before they arrived! This would never have happened! As for Max, his attitude towards his wife and unborn child stinks as he left her overnight to focus on the job when she was 38 weeks pregnant and feeling bad! And he continued to work all hours! The fact he made it back in time for the birth with 5 minutes to spare was annoying! He didn't deserve to be there the way he puts his wife last! She is a doormat that lets him do as he pleases! It won't work out now they have a child! Ross,Max's DI , as always is a great character. Time for Max to leave the force and be with his wife and child! He is NOT needed! The series would be better without him.
It was enjoyable but there were a few holes in it! I guessed who both the corrupt men were way before Max and his team did! Norma read the report about two of the bent coppers but never looked at which officer signed it off?!!! That's the first name you would be looking for when tasked with identifying 4 corrupt officers! The name Lawman gave away who the 4th man was immediately as Norma had read his report into the investigation of a climber that had died,which she had queried for being too vague and should have been flagged up as suspicious! But for some bizarre reason she never mentioned it to the rest of the team. And why would Janie not have charged her phone when going to apprehend one of the suspects? And why would the copper with her ask if her phone was charged? And did nobody notice when the helicopter pilot said he could winch one of them down to get the suspect near the ridge,a certain copper said no as he obviously wanted to get to his corrupt accomplice first to kill him!Also they knew there was a mole in Inverness but still let Janie go off with one of their officers! Why didn't Max go with him instead? Why did he ask for the female?Once again it was all too convenient for the author to suit his own narrative and add drama but it was so obvious that it fell flat! Same thing happened at the hospital when the injured climber was being guarded by police! Ross phoned Max and not the hospital directly to say that the suspect was on his way to kill the climber and for them to get there fast! Why not phone whoever sent the copper to guard her??? Needless to say the killer got past the copper on the door before they arrived! This would never have happened! As for Max, his attitude towards his wife and unborn child stinks as he left her overnight to focus on the job when she was 38 weeks pregnant and feeling bad! And he continued to work all hours! The fact he made it back in time for the birth with 5 minutes to spare was annoying! He didn't deserve to be there the way he puts his wife last! She is a doormat that lets him do as he pleases! It won't work out now they have a child! Ross,Max's DI , as always is a great character. Time for Max to leave the force and be with his wife and child! He is NOT needed! The series would be better without him.
March 23, 2025
The sixth book in the Max Cragie series and it did not disappoint.
It all starts with Max getting a call from Shay, an old friend who works in mountain rescue, about a woman who has fallen to her death while climbing munroes. Then another similar death occurs. Max and his team start to look into these deaths and it's not long before they realise these deaths were no accident but cold blooded murder but why were the police not investigating further??
Again, Neil Lancaster has written another superb book that had me gripped as well as giving us the usual characters that we love.
Hopefully we see more of the team and new dad Max Cragie soon. Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for advanced copy.
It all starts with Max getting a call from Shay, an old friend who works in mountain rescue, about a woman who has fallen to her death while climbing munroes. Then another similar death occurs. Max and his team start to look into these deaths and it's not long before they realise these deaths were no accident but cold blooded murder but why were the police not investigating further??
Again, Neil Lancaster has written another superb book that had me gripped as well as giving us the usual characters that we love.
Hopefully we see more of the team and new dad Max Cragie soon. Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for advanced copy.
March 26, 2025
When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose. The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer.
The sixth outing for Max & another well written, fast paced edge of the seat book. There are twists & turns & events on the mountain had me holding my breath. I love Max & love how the banter always lightens the books. A book that could easily be read on its own but with all series I love to start at the beginning & with series you won’t be disappointed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixth outing for Max & another well written, fast paced edge of the seat book. There are twists & turns & events on the mountain had me holding my breath. I love Max & love how the banter always lightens the books. A book that could easily be read on its own but with all series I love to start at the beginning & with series you won’t be disappointed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 8, 2025
I love this crime thriller series, and this book did not disappoint. Set in the Scottish Highlands was fast-paced and an enjoyable read.
August 9, 2025
Another great story line. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first page til the last. I do feel that DI Ross is still a little over the top though.
February 6, 2025
Book six in a series that consistently delivers, what the reader wants and has come to expect. These stories rapidly unfold in a manner that drags the reader along with it. You are faced with no option but to run with it and I would expect most readers to devour it in one or two sittings.
This is not gung-ho action for action’s sake it is much more thoughtful than that. The author doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult themes and subjects. In When Shadows Fall he addresses a current and very real problem of modern society, that of toxic masculinity, incel behaviour and wider misogyny. That he manages to tackle it in a thoughtful and sensitive way within such a thriller is a clear demonstration of his skill as a writer and storyteller.
In a rare quiet time for the Policing Standards Reassurance Team, Max Craigie is visiting his wonderfully blunt aunt (a great cameo) when an old friend gets in touch. He is a helicopter pilot working in rescue and has concerns about a fall that is written off as an accident. After a bit of digging, he has found more and Max, trusting his friend’s judgement, agrees to have a look. Commonality is found, they are thirty-something blond women, trying to reinvent themselves after failed relationship by ‘bagging Monroes’ and climbing. Easy to discount as foolish inexperience but the team quickly comes to believe it is much more. They have a killer, possibly more, who hate women.
The killings and their aftermath are scary in their simplicity of their execution, making them convincing and believable. Another author might have made them more visceral, which is expected in the serial killer trope, but I think he’s judged it right, less can be more and what we are left with is unpleasant enough. The motivation is clear in the hatred, but this being the twenty-first century there is more to it, and this is the bit that will get readers thinking the most, it could be happening, perhaps not in this way but something similar.
The structure is familiar, with Max and Janie being the investigators in the field. They have a great rapport, in the buddy cop tradition and it is their chemistry that provides the glue that holds it all together. Potty mouth Ross is the boss who smooths the way for the (at times) maverick duo by pulling strings and having the ear of the top brass. He may be brash and insensitive at times, but he is a great boss to work for. Norma is the team’s analyst and does her best to keep Ross in check when required, something she does forcefully this time. The ‘scene stealer’ once again is retired spook Barney, striking a blow for dour Yorkshiremen, tab smokers, geeks and tea drinkers everywhere. Barney it seems gets to deliver the best quips.
Max is still struggling to balance his total dedication to work with that of a proper family life with Katie, who by now is heavily pregnant with the birth imminent. This provides the emotional conflict for Max, along with the pressure of making sure that he is there for the birth! Working the case makes him realise what he has to lose, adding to his determination to not only solve the case, but also protect his wife and child. For him the stakes are about to increase significantly.
The most thoughtful part of the story is when it is pointed out to Ross that two of the team are women and how the trauma of investigating a killer of women is affecting them. Initially taken aback he pauses to reflect and moderate his behaviour. This is beautifully judged, managing to be thought provoking without detracting from what makes Ross himself (and the reader wouldn’t want him to change too much).
Fast paced, creative and intelligent crime thrillers don’t come better than this.
This is not gung-ho action for action’s sake it is much more thoughtful than that. The author doesn’t shy away from tackling difficult themes and subjects. In When Shadows Fall he addresses a current and very real problem of modern society, that of toxic masculinity, incel behaviour and wider misogyny. That he manages to tackle it in a thoughtful and sensitive way within such a thriller is a clear demonstration of his skill as a writer and storyteller.
In a rare quiet time for the Policing Standards Reassurance Team, Max Craigie is visiting his wonderfully blunt aunt (a great cameo) when an old friend gets in touch. He is a helicopter pilot working in rescue and has concerns about a fall that is written off as an accident. After a bit of digging, he has found more and Max, trusting his friend’s judgement, agrees to have a look. Commonality is found, they are thirty-something blond women, trying to reinvent themselves after failed relationship by ‘bagging Monroes’ and climbing. Easy to discount as foolish inexperience but the team quickly comes to believe it is much more. They have a killer, possibly more, who hate women.
The killings and their aftermath are scary in their simplicity of their execution, making them convincing and believable. Another author might have made them more visceral, which is expected in the serial killer trope, but I think he’s judged it right, less can be more and what we are left with is unpleasant enough. The motivation is clear in the hatred, but this being the twenty-first century there is more to it, and this is the bit that will get readers thinking the most, it could be happening, perhaps not in this way but something similar.
The structure is familiar, with Max and Janie being the investigators in the field. They have a great rapport, in the buddy cop tradition and it is their chemistry that provides the glue that holds it all together. Potty mouth Ross is the boss who smooths the way for the (at times) maverick duo by pulling strings and having the ear of the top brass. He may be brash and insensitive at times, but he is a great boss to work for. Norma is the team’s analyst and does her best to keep Ross in check when required, something she does forcefully this time. The ‘scene stealer’ once again is retired spook Barney, striking a blow for dour Yorkshiremen, tab smokers, geeks and tea drinkers everywhere. Barney it seems gets to deliver the best quips.
Max is still struggling to balance his total dedication to work with that of a proper family life with Katie, who by now is heavily pregnant with the birth imminent. This provides the emotional conflict for Max, along with the pressure of making sure that he is there for the birth! Working the case makes him realise what he has to lose, adding to his determination to not only solve the case, but also protect his wife and child. For him the stakes are about to increase significantly.
The most thoughtful part of the story is when it is pointed out to Ross that two of the team are women and how the trauma of investigating a killer of women is affecting them. Initially taken aback he pauses to reflect and moderate his behaviour. This is beautifully judged, managing to be thought provoking without detracting from what makes Ross himself (and the reader wouldn’t want him to change too much).
Fast paced, creative and intelligent crime thrillers don’t come better than this.
August 31, 2025
All of us in Oundle Crime love Neil Lancaster’s Max Craigie series, which we’ve been following for some time. Published earlier this year, When Shadows Fall is Book 6 and it’s another cracking story – one of those books you just don’t want to set aside. We think Neil Lancaster is a gifted storyteller and none of his novels has disappointed any of us so far. This definitely deserves 4 Stars.
DS Max Craigie works in a small team based at Police Scotland’s corporate headquarters at Tulliallan, in Fife. Ostensibly called the Policing Standards Reassurance group, they work under the radar and report directly to the Chief Constable. The cases they usually investigate involve the most serious crimes with an element of police corruption.
This story begins when, Shay, a friend of Max’s and a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, tells him of his suspicions that someone is killing lone women climbers. He’s been concerned about several recent call-outs and done some background checks on the women who had died in falls. All of them were experienced climbers, had been well-prepared for their climbs and had gone out in decent weather. He’s even checked the statistics and found that of the 114 fatalities on the hills in the past 10 years, only ten were women, because “blokes are stupid and reckless, and women are more sensible.”
Max thinks it looks suspicious but is perhaps even more struck by all the cursory police investigations and fatal accident inquiries, so the team start to pick away at the most recent deaths and soon believe Shay is onto something.
Quite quickly they think they’ve identified the culprit but nothing is as straightforward as it seems and a game of cat and mouse follows, with the investigation turning this way and that before they finally can close the case.
Our verdict
Put simply, Neil Lancaster is a great storyteller and the pace of this makes it really hard to put the book down. Most of the characters are well written, particularly Max and his colleague Janie. The head of their unit, DI Ross Fraser, is less convincing because every sentence he utters is over-filled with expletives, which makes him a rather cartoonish character, but you just have to try and ignore that.
The villains are always shadowy creatures, hovering around the edges of the story. The reader can follow what they are doing but not necessarily identify who they are, so the big-reveals at the end of these books are always very satisfying. And the locations across the Highlands of Scotland are brilliant.
When Shadows Fall is tense and exciting and Ian Rankin’s cover quote (“Think Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty.”) is pretty well on the mark. These books might not win literary prizes but they are such fun to read! Great plots, twisty narrative that keeps you guessing, crimes that spread far beyond the usual suspects, and a small police team working against the odds. In our view, they tick all the boxes.
You could read When Shadows Fall as a standalone novel, but we think you’ll enjoy the series more if you start with Book 1 – Dead Man’s Grave – and work your way through the series in order. That way you’ll be able to follow how Max and the team develop, and the crimes they deal with along the way are all really interesting.
And if you do enjoy these books by Neil Lancaster, we also recommend you read his first three novels featuring Tom Novak, which are pure adrenaline-charged thrillers and great to read.
Review by: Norfolk Gal and Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime
DS Max Craigie works in a small team based at Police Scotland’s corporate headquarters at Tulliallan, in Fife. Ostensibly called the Policing Standards Reassurance group, they work under the radar and report directly to the Chief Constable. The cases they usually investigate involve the most serious crimes with an element of police corruption.
This story begins when, Shay, a friend of Max’s and a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, tells him of his suspicions that someone is killing lone women climbers. He’s been concerned about several recent call-outs and done some background checks on the women who had died in falls. All of them were experienced climbers, had been well-prepared for their climbs and had gone out in decent weather. He’s even checked the statistics and found that of the 114 fatalities on the hills in the past 10 years, only ten were women, because “blokes are stupid and reckless, and women are more sensible.”
Max thinks it looks suspicious but is perhaps even more struck by all the cursory police investigations and fatal accident inquiries, so the team start to pick away at the most recent deaths and soon believe Shay is onto something.
Quite quickly they think they’ve identified the culprit but nothing is as straightforward as it seems and a game of cat and mouse follows, with the investigation turning this way and that before they finally can close the case.
Our verdict
Put simply, Neil Lancaster is a great storyteller and the pace of this makes it really hard to put the book down. Most of the characters are well written, particularly Max and his colleague Janie. The head of their unit, DI Ross Fraser, is less convincing because every sentence he utters is over-filled with expletives, which makes him a rather cartoonish character, but you just have to try and ignore that.
The villains are always shadowy creatures, hovering around the edges of the story. The reader can follow what they are doing but not necessarily identify who they are, so the big-reveals at the end of these books are always very satisfying. And the locations across the Highlands of Scotland are brilliant.
When Shadows Fall is tense and exciting and Ian Rankin’s cover quote (“Think Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty.”) is pretty well on the mark. These books might not win literary prizes but they are such fun to read! Great plots, twisty narrative that keeps you guessing, crimes that spread far beyond the usual suspects, and a small police team working against the odds. In our view, they tick all the boxes.
You could read When Shadows Fall as a standalone novel, but we think you’ll enjoy the series more if you start with Book 1 – Dead Man’s Grave – and work your way through the series in order. That way you’ll be able to follow how Max and the team develop, and the crimes they deal with along the way are all really interesting.
And if you do enjoy these books by Neil Lancaster, we also recommend you read his first three novels featuring Tom Novak, which are pure adrenaline-charged thrillers and great to read.
Review by: Norfolk Gal and Cornish Eskimo, Oundle Crime
April 1, 2025
Neil Lancaster’s When Shadows Fall, the sixth instalment in the DS Max Craigie series, delivers a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends intricate plotting with character development. Set against the evocative backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the novel explores a series of mysterious deaths among experienced female climbers, initially dismissed as tragic accidents. However, DS Max Craigie’s intuition prompted by comments from his friend in the mountain rescue team, leads him to suspect a more sinister pattern, propelling readers into a complex investigation that delves into the darkest corners of human nature. Digging down into one of the most disturbing themes of today’s society, When Shadows Fall examines the hideous nature of toxic masculinity and what can happen when it is given free reign.
The perilous beauty of the Cairngorms serves as both a setting and a character, the treacherous landscapes mirroring the dangers that lurk within the plot. Lancaster’s portrayal of DS Max Craigie is nuanced and authentic. A former Metropolitan Police officer, now serving in Police Scotland’s Policing Standards Reassurance Team, Craigie is a dedicated officer with a strong ethical and moral core. His wife Katie is on the verge of giving birth to their first child and max is struggling to balance the demands of a harrowing investigation with his responsibilities to Katie. This internal struggle adds depth to his character. His colleague, the more than able DC Janie Calder and his boss DI Ross Fraser enrich the narrative tapestry. Fraser’s brash demeanour and potty mouth provide moments of laugh out loud humour, offering a counterbalance to the novel’s darker themes. Norma is the team’s analyst and I loved the scene in which she and Janie point out to Ross that his attitude leaves a lot to be desired. In this team, however, it is the formidable computer specialist Barney, who steals a few scenes away from Ross and Craigie.
The novel’s structure is well crafted, with a compelling opening that immediately immerses us in the central mystery. The discovery of solo climber Leanne Wilson’s body at the base of a Munro sets off a chain of events that unravel quickly and soon bring Max and Janie to Ross with a horrible theory. Lancaster adeptly interweaves multiple plot threads, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps up engagement. As the investigation proceeds, each step follows a logical police procedural investigation, but despite some progress, the body count rises, leading to a refining of their theory.
Every time they think they are getting somewhere, something hauls them back, and the pace of these one step forward, two steps back discoveries only heightens the tension. The suspense is palpable as the team race against time to stop these cruel, voyeuristic and misogynist deaths.
Verdict: Drawing from his extensive background in law enforcement, Lancaster infuses the narrative with a level of detail and authenticity that is compelling and credible. When Shadows Fall showcases Neil Lancaster’s ability to craft authentic and engaging crime fiction. The novel’s blend of suspense, well-drawn characters, and authentic procedural detail is excellent. Whether you are a longtime follower of DS Max Craigie’s journey or a newcomer to the series, this instalment offers a thrilling reading experience.
The perilous beauty of the Cairngorms serves as both a setting and a character, the treacherous landscapes mirroring the dangers that lurk within the plot. Lancaster’s portrayal of DS Max Craigie is nuanced and authentic. A former Metropolitan Police officer, now serving in Police Scotland’s Policing Standards Reassurance Team, Craigie is a dedicated officer with a strong ethical and moral core. His wife Katie is on the verge of giving birth to their first child and max is struggling to balance the demands of a harrowing investigation with his responsibilities to Katie. This internal struggle adds depth to his character. His colleague, the more than able DC Janie Calder and his boss DI Ross Fraser enrich the narrative tapestry. Fraser’s brash demeanour and potty mouth provide moments of laugh out loud humour, offering a counterbalance to the novel’s darker themes. Norma is the team’s analyst and I loved the scene in which she and Janie point out to Ross that his attitude leaves a lot to be desired. In this team, however, it is the formidable computer specialist Barney, who steals a few scenes away from Ross and Craigie.
The novel’s structure is well crafted, with a compelling opening that immediately immerses us in the central mystery. The discovery of solo climber Leanne Wilson’s body at the base of a Munro sets off a chain of events that unravel quickly and soon bring Max and Janie to Ross with a horrible theory. Lancaster adeptly interweaves multiple plot threads, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps up engagement. As the investigation proceeds, each step follows a logical police procedural investigation, but despite some progress, the body count rises, leading to a refining of their theory.
Every time they think they are getting somewhere, something hauls them back, and the pace of these one step forward, two steps back discoveries only heightens the tension. The suspense is palpable as the team race against time to stop these cruel, voyeuristic and misogynist deaths.
Verdict: Drawing from his extensive background in law enforcement, Lancaster infuses the narrative with a level of detail and authenticity that is compelling and credible. When Shadows Fall showcases Neil Lancaster’s ability to craft authentic and engaging crime fiction. The novel’s blend of suspense, well-drawn characters, and authentic procedural detail is excellent. Whether you are a longtime follower of DS Max Craigie’s journey or a newcomer to the series, this instalment offers a thrilling reading experience.
February 27, 2025
A body falling 100 metres, will take 4.5 seconds and achieve a speed of 100mph. Deceleration to 0mph takes no time at all; as it hits the ground. Leanne Wilson probably spent the time wondering why someone had just pushed her off the side of a Scottish Mountain. DS Max Cragie, of the Scottish Policing Standards Reassurance Team, is off duty when he gets a call from an old friend, Shay Hammond, the Head of the rescue helicopter team. Shay is concerned about the circumstances surrounding Leanne’s death. She was an experienced hill walker, well equipped, the weather was excellent, the path in good condition, so an unlikely faller, but the police and the fiscal’s office had not requested an investigation, which he found odd. Looking at his records he had realised that at least four other women had died in similar circumstances in the last year, without an investigation. What if there is a serial killer stalking the mountains? Cragie and his colleagues start to look at the case, spurred on by another death with a lot of similarities. What they find is much more complicated than it first appears.
This is the sixth book in this excellent series, perfectly self-contained but reading it will make you want to go back and read the others for the pleasure of doing so. Cragie is ex-army, ex-Met, married to Katie, expecting his first child, a solid, dependable guy and a great detective. The rest of the team are well drawn, believable characters with their own idiosyncrasies; especially their immediate boss, DI Ross Fraser, who takes idiosyncrasy to a (REDACTED) level. The writing style, the plot, the pacing, compel the reader forward. This is a read in a day book, because you want to know what is going to happen, and wallow in the pleasure. This is beyond a 5 star book, but 5 is all I have.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is the sixth book in this excellent series, perfectly self-contained but reading it will make you want to go back and read the others for the pleasure of doing so. Cragie is ex-army, ex-Met, married to Katie, expecting his first child, a solid, dependable guy and a great detective. The rest of the team are well drawn, believable characters with their own idiosyncrasies; especially their immediate boss, DI Ross Fraser, who takes idiosyncrasy to a (REDACTED) level. The writing style, the plot, the pacing, compel the reader forward. This is a read in a day book, because you want to know what is going to happen, and wallow in the pleasure. This is beyond a 5 star book, but 5 is all I have.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
May 7, 2025
3.5 stars
The mystery, the investigation, the team, the banter: All awesome!
So why the low score? Well, because of Katie and her entourage of Pregnancy Tropes almost completely spoiled the book for me.
I've never before hated a fictional, pregnant woman this much before. Which is saying something! Because the whiny, clingy (now pregnant) wife trope is one I always hate in police procedurals.
My main issue is that Katie is such a tiny part of the book - and series - she doesn't even have a personality beyond her crying about Max working all the time - and getting pregnant.
Characters telling Max she's "better than he deserve" and so on is just that: Telling. No showing - what so ever - happens to show why Katie and Max are even a pairing I should root for. She's just ... there.
She's got the title of wife and that's apparently all the reason I should need to care about her? Sorry, but that's not nearly good enough! Even a dog has more personality and development in an average cop thriller, than Katie does.
So... Yeah. Great book - if you just focus on the work part and not the constant nagging about Max not being there for his pregnant wife. I felt like the author was hinting that Max should quit his job through out the entire book, which just felt ... one dimensional and sad.
In real life this would of course have been a reasonable set-up, but since I came for a kickass police procedural - you know ... fiction - I just feel so sick and tired of that preachy, old trope.
Every moment spent with the team and their banter is gold, but if book #7 will be constantly interrupted by Max feeling bad about not spending enough time with his wife and daughter, I will probably jump ship completely and drop out of this series.
I will miss Max, Ross and the rest of the team - a lot! - but this sort of flimsily contrived family life issues just don't work for me, at all. 😩💔
The mystery, the investigation, the team, the banter: All awesome!
So why the low score? Well, because of Katie and her entourage of Pregnancy Tropes almost completely spoiled the book for me.
I've never before hated a fictional, pregnant woman this much before. Which is saying something! Because the whiny, clingy (now pregnant) wife trope is one I always hate in police procedurals.
My main issue is that Katie is such a tiny part of the book - and series - she doesn't even have a personality beyond her crying about Max working all the time - and getting pregnant.
Characters telling Max she's "better than he deserve" and so on is just that: Telling. No showing - what so ever - happens to show why Katie and Max are even a pairing I should root for. She's just ... there.
She's got the title of wife and that's apparently all the reason I should need to care about her? Sorry, but that's not nearly good enough! Even a dog has more personality and development in an average cop thriller, than Katie does.
So... Yeah. Great book - if you just focus on the work part and not the constant nagging about Max not being there for his pregnant wife. I felt like the author was hinting that Max should quit his job through out the entire book, which just felt ... one dimensional and sad.
In real life this would of course have been a reasonable set-up, but since I came for a kickass police procedural - you know ... fiction - I just feel so sick and tired of that preachy, old trope.
Every moment spent with the team and their banter is gold, but if book #7 will be constantly interrupted by Max feeling bad about not spending enough time with his wife and daughter, I will probably jump ship completely and drop out of this series.
I will miss Max, Ross and the rest of the team - a lot! - but this sort of flimsily contrived family life issues just don't work for me, at all. 😩💔
March 31, 2025
This is the sixth book in the DS Max Craigie series. I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them, and this one was no exception. This book does work as a standalone, but you appreciate the characters more if you’ve read the other books in the series.
Following a break up, an attractive young woman is on a Munro bagging holiday in the Highlands. She posts updates to social media, and is later found dead at the bottom of the mountain. One of the mountain rescue team becomes suspicious at the number of women who have recently been found dead after falling from mountains, and he thinks the deaths haven’t been investigated properly. DS Craigie and his team begin to investigate and unveil something terrifying.
Easy to read and engaging, I found myself wanting to pick this book up at every spare moment. The plot was so tense at times yet scarily not implausible, the rise of incel groups on the dark web is a scary thought.
As always, the characters are great, and I think we see a softer side to Max as he prepares to become a dad for the first time. Janie is great and really badass without being irritating. I would have liked to have seen more from the auntie, she’s mentioned at the start, which felt a bit like a token appearance, then never again which was a shame as I think she’s a brilliant character.
I enjoyed the setting of the book and the descriptions of the mountains are realistic. The scenery is amazing but the mountains have to be respected.
If you’ve read the other books in this series I would highly recommend you read the latest novel. If you’ve haven’t read them I recommend you read the whole series. Looking forward to the next book already! Thanks to HQ publishers and NetGalley for my copy.
Following a break up, an attractive young woman is on a Munro bagging holiday in the Highlands. She posts updates to social media, and is later found dead at the bottom of the mountain. One of the mountain rescue team becomes suspicious at the number of women who have recently been found dead after falling from mountains, and he thinks the deaths haven’t been investigated properly. DS Craigie and his team begin to investigate and unveil something terrifying.
Easy to read and engaging, I found myself wanting to pick this book up at every spare moment. The plot was so tense at times yet scarily not implausible, the rise of incel groups on the dark web is a scary thought.
As always, the characters are great, and I think we see a softer side to Max as he prepares to become a dad for the first time. Janie is great and really badass without being irritating. I would have liked to have seen more from the auntie, she’s mentioned at the start, which felt a bit like a token appearance, then never again which was a shame as I think she’s a brilliant character.
I enjoyed the setting of the book and the descriptions of the mountains are realistic. The scenery is amazing but the mountains have to be respected.
If you’ve read the other books in this series I would highly recommend you read the latest novel. If you’ve haven’t read them I recommend you read the whole series. Looking forward to the next book already! Thanks to HQ publishers and NetGalley for my copy.
February 22, 2025
This Max Craigie Series has been absolutely brilliant from the get go and this storyline, I thought, was especially chilling. The thought that there are people out there who hate women so much that are willing to kill them just for their pleasure, and in such a way that it’s almost impossible to prove, was truly scary and thought provoking. I won’t précis the book, that is done by better writer than me in the blurb about the book and in other reviews, so you know the gist of it, I’ll just tell you what I thought about it.
Lovely to see the progression in Max’s life too, and a bit more insight into Ross’s life.
I have one small gripe, and it’s not enough to lose a star because frankly the book deserves more stars than five anyway. But, I looked back over the previous five books and it would appear that Ross’ potty mouth and the amount of ‘Scottishisms’ is growing exponentially. Now I’m a Scot myself and so I understood all the dialect use but even I just found it too much in this book. Even Janie it seems is becoming a slang/dialect user. Ross has always been sweary but now it seems every other word is foul. For me, it detracted from the book and was unnecessary.
However, having got that off my chest, don’t let that stop you reading this book. The whole story is thrilling and I got nothing done for several days and opted to read instead of watching TV at times as I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. Did I guess who was bent? Only the last one!
Can’t wait for book seven!! My thanks go to the author, the publishers and, of course, NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this wonderful book.
Lovely to see the progression in Max’s life too, and a bit more insight into Ross’s life.
I have one small gripe, and it’s not enough to lose a star because frankly the book deserves more stars than five anyway. But, I looked back over the previous five books and it would appear that Ross’ potty mouth and the amount of ‘Scottishisms’ is growing exponentially. Now I’m a Scot myself and so I understood all the dialect use but even I just found it too much in this book. Even Janie it seems is becoming a slang/dialect user. Ross has always been sweary but now it seems every other word is foul. For me, it detracted from the book and was unnecessary.
However, having got that off my chest, don’t let that stop you reading this book. The whole story is thrilling and I got nothing done for several days and opted to read instead of watching TV at times as I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. Did I guess who was bent? Only the last one!
Can’t wait for book seven!! My thanks go to the author, the publishers and, of course, NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this wonderful book.
March 9, 2025
When Shadows Fall Neil Lancaster
5 stars
Another DS Craigie story brilliant as always
This is the 6th book in the DS Max Craigie series but only the third one that I have read, the other three are on my list to catch up on, however this can be read alone and still enjoyed.
Ds Craigie is awaiting the imminent arrival of his first child and is supposed to be taking it easy in order to be available at any time for his wife, Katie. However when a woman's body is found at the bottom of a mountain despite her being a proficient climber and having all the relevant safety equipment with her, Max's mate Shay Hammond, is not happy that this was just a tragic accident. As Max begins to investigate he discovers more mysterious falls of women,all of whom have blond hair and have recently become single.
The actual subject matter is quite horrendous as it turns out that a group of men are actually paying to watch these deaths on the internet but even more disgusting is the fact that someone in the police working with Max is involved.
This story was well-plotted but also gives us an insight into the characters who are working in the Scottish Highlands with Max, all of whom have their own personalities which are very enjoyable to unravel, I particularly like DI Ross Fraser, the foul-mouthed detective but with a heart of gold.
I read this book in a few days and loved it, the series seems to be getting better each time and I can foresee potential problems arriving for Max now he has a newborn. How will this affect his dedication to his job? Hopefully I will find out in the next instalment.
,
Karen Deborah
Netgalley Reviewer
5 stars
Another DS Craigie story brilliant as always
This is the 6th book in the DS Max Craigie series but only the third one that I have read, the other three are on my list to catch up on, however this can be read alone and still enjoyed.
Ds Craigie is awaiting the imminent arrival of his first child and is supposed to be taking it easy in order to be available at any time for his wife, Katie. However when a woman's body is found at the bottom of a mountain despite her being a proficient climber and having all the relevant safety equipment with her, Max's mate Shay Hammond, is not happy that this was just a tragic accident. As Max begins to investigate he discovers more mysterious falls of women,all of whom have blond hair and have recently become single.
The actual subject matter is quite horrendous as it turns out that a group of men are actually paying to watch these deaths on the internet but even more disgusting is the fact that someone in the police working with Max is involved.
This story was well-plotted but also gives us an insight into the characters who are working in the Scottish Highlands with Max, all of whom have their own personalities which are very enjoyable to unravel, I particularly like DI Ross Fraser, the foul-mouthed detective but with a heart of gold.
I read this book in a few days and loved it, the series seems to be getting better each time and I can foresee potential problems arriving for Max now he has a newborn. How will this affect his dedication to his job? Hopefully I will find out in the next instalment.
,
Karen Deborah
Netgalley Reviewer
March 27, 2025
The 6th book in the Max Craigie series and this one is so very authentic, deeply concerning and so topical.
Max is contacted by an old friend who works for the Mountain Rescue team in the Cairngorms. He is concerned about a recent spate of young female climbers who have died following falls that shouldn’t have happened. There are concerns that investigations have been perfunctory, if they are being hushed up, who has the clout to do that?
As Max’s team begin their enquiries, it appears that someone is leaking information , and the thorny subject of Police corruption is raised once more. Is there a lone killer on the loose, or are there more disturbing factors to consider?
Subjects raised are violence against women, the Incel movement and the use of the Dark Web. All these combine to make a very thrilling and disturbing read. It is pacy, uneasy and downright creepy in tone, a very gritty police procedural novel.
There is banter between all members of the team, strictly non PC, and gallows humour, I find this aspect to be both refreshing and absolutely necessary for those who work in such demanding and stressful professions. I love all the characters, they are loyal, and honest, totally dedicated to finding the truth.
Another five star read from an author who writes from experience, a very realistic and impressive story.
I love all aspects of Scotland, but maybe I will regard mountain climbing with more caution on future trips!
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ, the publishers, for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
Max is contacted by an old friend who works for the Mountain Rescue team in the Cairngorms. He is concerned about a recent spate of young female climbers who have died following falls that shouldn’t have happened. There are concerns that investigations have been perfunctory, if they are being hushed up, who has the clout to do that?
As Max’s team begin their enquiries, it appears that someone is leaking information , and the thorny subject of Police corruption is raised once more. Is there a lone killer on the loose, or are there more disturbing factors to consider?
Subjects raised are violence against women, the Incel movement and the use of the Dark Web. All these combine to make a very thrilling and disturbing read. It is pacy, uneasy and downright creepy in tone, a very gritty police procedural novel.
There is banter between all members of the team, strictly non PC, and gallows humour, I find this aspect to be both refreshing and absolutely necessary for those who work in such demanding and stressful professions. I love all the characters, they are loyal, and honest, totally dedicated to finding the truth.
Another five star read from an author who writes from experience, a very realistic and impressive story.
I love all aspects of Scotland, but maybe I will regard mountain climbing with more caution on future trips!
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ, the publishers, for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
February 25, 2025
Review:
It was great to be back with the team again and with Max and Kate awaiting the birth of their first born. I have to say, Kate irritated the life out of me whinging on about being on her own and the birth. She ought to try being married to a merchant seaman who went away for 6 months at a time! She knew what she was getting into when she married Max. Poor chap is trying to find the perpetrator of these heinous crimes and it’s awful. He’s torn with his work and home life.
It seems women are being lured up the Scottish mountains, along pathways that are so narrow and being pushed to their deaths. You wouldn’t get me up there for all the tea in China! As they are walking along narrow paths with sheer drops made my blood run cold.
As the team make headway with these awful crimes, it soon becomes clear that it is a truly dark and twisted individual, but there are others in play too. It is such a gripping thriller I sailed through it, and I loved the humour between the team even in their darkest hours, they made me giggle to myself. As it all begins to unravel, you think that’s the end of it all and what more are these depraved individuals capable of - things come to light in a massive twist.
As I say each and every time I read Neil’s books policemen make the best authors because they’ve lived, breathed and experienced the like during their careers.
This book was fantastic and really could be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Neil and the publishers for the ARC.
I hope Neil will continue to continue with this team.
It was great to be back with the team again and with Max and Kate awaiting the birth of their first born. I have to say, Kate irritated the life out of me whinging on about being on her own and the birth. She ought to try being married to a merchant seaman who went away for 6 months at a time! She knew what she was getting into when she married Max. Poor chap is trying to find the perpetrator of these heinous crimes and it’s awful. He’s torn with his work and home life.
It seems women are being lured up the Scottish mountains, along pathways that are so narrow and being pushed to their deaths. You wouldn’t get me up there for all the tea in China! As they are walking along narrow paths with sheer drops made my blood run cold.
As the team make headway with these awful crimes, it soon becomes clear that it is a truly dark and twisted individual, but there are others in play too. It is such a gripping thriller I sailed through it, and I loved the humour between the team even in their darkest hours, they made me giggle to myself. As it all begins to unravel, you think that’s the end of it all and what more are these depraved individuals capable of - things come to light in a massive twist.
As I say each and every time I read Neil’s books policemen make the best authors because they’ve lived, breathed and experienced the like during their careers.
This book was fantastic and really could be read as a standalone.
My thanks to Neil and the publishers for the ARC.
I hope Neil will continue to continue with this team.
April 1, 2025
Book Review 27
When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster
It’s always a complete delight to be in the company of Max Craigie and the rest of the crew of the police corruption unit. When Shadows Fall centres around the fact that Craigie’s friend has noticed an increase in deaths of young women of a particular type (blond haired newly single) falling off a variety of Scottish Munros after a social media post proclaiming their intention to bag that specific Munro. When he first brings it to Max’s Attention, Max is sceptical but under further investigation he decides to bring his team on in this investigation and what a what an investigation it is!
With Max torn between his heavily pregnant wife’s, the imminent birth of his first child, this book shows us a new sight to Max as he becomes concerned about how he can balance home and work life as up till now he’s been such a dedicated officer, he’s put all his efforts into his work and now with the baby’s arrival his perceptions on what’s important are sure to change. So the emotional impact of the story seeing Max drawn to investigate whilst at the same time supporting his pregnant wife lends an extra layer of empathy to the whole investigation.
The team are in good spirits there’s a lot of swearing, a lot of emotion there’s a lot of really dark motives at play, but ones that are so currently relevant again When Shadows Fall takes a deep dive into the darkest of places and sanitises it slightly by the humour that exists between the team investigating. This is a dark, edge of the seat read and I loved it.
When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster
It’s always a complete delight to be in the company of Max Craigie and the rest of the crew of the police corruption unit. When Shadows Fall centres around the fact that Craigie’s friend has noticed an increase in deaths of young women of a particular type (blond haired newly single) falling off a variety of Scottish Munros after a social media post proclaiming their intention to bag that specific Munro. When he first brings it to Max’s Attention, Max is sceptical but under further investigation he decides to bring his team on in this investigation and what a what an investigation it is!
With Max torn between his heavily pregnant wife’s, the imminent birth of his first child, this book shows us a new sight to Max as he becomes concerned about how he can balance home and work life as up till now he’s been such a dedicated officer, he’s put all his efforts into his work and now with the baby’s arrival his perceptions on what’s important are sure to change. So the emotional impact of the story seeing Max drawn to investigate whilst at the same time supporting his pregnant wife lends an extra layer of empathy to the whole investigation.
The team are in good spirits there’s a lot of swearing, a lot of emotion there’s a lot of really dark motives at play, but ones that are so currently relevant again When Shadows Fall takes a deep dive into the darkest of places and sanitises it slightly by the humour that exists between the team investigating. This is a dark, edge of the seat read and I loved it.
May 12, 2025
When Shadows Fall: Craigie’s team delivers again!
Book six in the DS Max Craigie series, and Neil Lancaster’s still running circles around most crime writers. This one kicks off in the Scottish Highlands, where a series of tragic accidents involving female climbers raises more than a few eyebrows. Before long, Max and the team are deep into another dark, complex investigation full of secrets, violence, and very real consequences.
As always, the plot moves fast and tight, but it’s the characters that make this series. Ross is on top form—grumpy, sweary, sharp as ever, and still absolutely incapable of remembering the new guy’s name. Colin? Clive? Doesn’t matter—Ross just steamrolls through it and somehow still makes it hilarious. His rants are legendary at this point. Barney’s back too, hacking everything in sight, and their dynamic continues to be the perfect blend of chaos and competence.
And despite the intensity of the investigation, this one had a surprising emotional weight. There’s a strong thread about stepping away from the job, taking a breath, and remembering that family matters more than work ever will. That part hit home. I finished the book thinking maybe I should take a leaf out of Craigie’s book and stop thinking about work 24/7. Easier said than done, but still—it landed.
Bottom line: When Shadows Fall is sharp, smart, and full of heart. If this team sticks together, I’ll read every case they take on. Just maybe someone gets Ross a memo with the new guy’s actual name on it.
Book six in the DS Max Craigie series, and Neil Lancaster’s still running circles around most crime writers. This one kicks off in the Scottish Highlands, where a series of tragic accidents involving female climbers raises more than a few eyebrows. Before long, Max and the team are deep into another dark, complex investigation full of secrets, violence, and very real consequences.
As always, the plot moves fast and tight, but it’s the characters that make this series. Ross is on top form—grumpy, sweary, sharp as ever, and still absolutely incapable of remembering the new guy’s name. Colin? Clive? Doesn’t matter—Ross just steamrolls through it and somehow still makes it hilarious. His rants are legendary at this point. Barney’s back too, hacking everything in sight, and their dynamic continues to be the perfect blend of chaos and competence.
And despite the intensity of the investigation, this one had a surprising emotional weight. There’s a strong thread about stepping away from the job, taking a breath, and remembering that family matters more than work ever will. That part hit home. I finished the book thinking maybe I should take a leaf out of Craigie’s book and stop thinking about work 24/7. Easier said than done, but still—it landed.
Bottom line: When Shadows Fall is sharp, smart, and full of heart. If this team sticks together, I’ll read every case they take on. Just maybe someone gets Ross a memo with the new guy’s actual name on it.
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