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Scott Cullen Mysteries #5
Cops and Robbers
Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Cullen almost has the stable relationship and promotion he’s long coveted. But the uncertainty surrounding the imminent Police Scotland restructure and his crippling caseload both take their toll. Now living with his girlfriend, her own burning ambition puts a strain on their relationship and her health.
When a body is discovered in the abandoned streets underneath Edinburgh’s Old Town, Cullen struggles to identify the victim before trawling the depths of the Scottish music scene, digging up old scores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Now, as he returns to the Angus home town he’s long since left, Cullen finds himself spread thin, hunting across Scotland for a killer who leaves no trace. As Scotland’s police forces are centralised into Police Scotland, Cullen is dragged into the murky world of internal politics, blocking progress in the case and jeopardising his own career.
BOTTLENECK is a tense police procedural novel about greed and ambition that will suck you in from the start.
Intended as a series jumping-on point, BOTTLENECK is Book 5 in the Edinburgh-based police procedurals starring DC Scott Cullen which have been compared favourably with Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Christopher Brookmyre, Ed McBain, Elmore Leonard and Stuart MacBride.
When a body is discovered in the abandoned streets underneath Edinburgh’s Old Town, Cullen struggles to identify the victim before trawling the depths of the Scottish music scene, digging up old scores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Now, as he returns to the Angus home town he’s long since left, Cullen finds himself spread thin, hunting across Scotland for a killer who leaves no trace. As Scotland’s police forces are centralised into Police Scotland, Cullen is dragged into the murky world of internal politics, blocking progress in the case and jeopardising his own career.
BOTTLENECK is a tense police procedural novel about greed and ambition that will suck you in from the start.
Intended as a series jumping-on point, BOTTLENECK is Book 5 in the Edinburgh-based police procedurals starring DC Scott Cullen which have been compared favourably with Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Christopher Brookmyre, Ed McBain, Elmore Leonard and Stuart MacBride.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2014
429 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 26, 2014
Really enjoyed the story, well written and great characterisation. I love the interaction between Bain and Cullen, looking forward to number 6
April 8, 2015
Getting Better
Not quite so many f bombs. Story line written well, lots of twists and turns. Mystery ending, so I really need to read the next book.
Not quite so many f bombs. Story line written well, lots of twists and turns. Mystery ending, so I really need to read the next book.
November 20, 2025
When the body of a young man is found in a car, Cullen and team don't realise how close to the bone this investigation will cut. A second body complicates the case further in this fast-paced, tightly plotted instalment. Highly recommend the series!
June 16, 2016
another good police procedural, but UK procedurals normally have the lead character as Detective Inspector or above and there are certain realism issues with a Detective Constable as the 'hero' refreshing as a new perspective is. All the Edinburgh-Glasgow police infighting is a major distraction to the storyline.
June 11, 2014
I hope the books keep going
September 8, 2015
Gripping read
I have read all books in this series up to now and they keep getting better and better. Can't wait to read the next one
I have read all books in this series up to now and they keep getting better and better. Can't wait to read the next one
January 21, 2023
This is the fifth book in the Scott Cullen series by author Ed James. I feel I really know this character having read both this series and the joint one with Brian Bain so I was quickly into this one. Colourful characters and fast paced interesting plots make this series a very enjoyable read.
Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Cullen is still hoping to finally obtain the promotion he longs for and his personal life is also running a lot smoother than in the past. The problem is that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the new Police Scotland restructure that is due soon, added to a very heavy case load is all a little much for Scott. All the uncertainty and pressure is now starting to put a strain on his relationship with his girlfriend.
A dead body is discovered in the Edinburgh’s Old Town and Cullen is struggling to identify the victim and eventually leads him to the Scottish music scene in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Cullen is hunting down a killer who is making his task very difficult leaving no clues which is only going to add to his already heavy work load and troubles. Cullen is struggling to cope, knowing that his performance on this case is going to have a bearing on his career path.
Another good solid read.
Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Cullen is still hoping to finally obtain the promotion he longs for and his personal life is also running a lot smoother than in the past. The problem is that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the new Police Scotland restructure that is due soon, added to a very heavy case load is all a little much for Scott. All the uncertainty and pressure is now starting to put a strain on his relationship with his girlfriend.
A dead body is discovered in the Edinburgh’s Old Town and Cullen is struggling to identify the victim and eventually leads him to the Scottish music scene in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Cullen is hunting down a killer who is making his task very difficult leaving no clues which is only going to add to his already heavy work load and troubles. Cullen is struggling to cope, knowing that his performance on this case is going to have a bearing on his career path.
Another good solid read.
July 16, 2018
Excellent pacing to the next Cullen adventure. A body is discovered in the hidden streets underneath Edinburgh's old town and the ensuing investigation leads them to investigate members of the Scottish music scene and venture North to Cullen's hometown of Dalhousie (loosely based on my own hometown of Carnoustie), and West to Glasgow.
The story also continues the ups and downs of Cullen's relationship with Sharon McNeill and his career aspirations, building on the previous books in the series.
This is quite a short and very pacey book that is a genuine page-turner (as the chapters are quite short it's always "one more chapter", until the cleaner gets angry at me spending too long on the toilet at work).
The story also continues the ups and downs of Cullen's relationship with Sharon McNeill and his career aspirations, building on the previous books in the series.
This is quite a short and very pacey book that is a genuine page-turner (as the chapters are quite short it's always "one more chapter", until the cleaner gets angry at me spending too long on the toilet at work).
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April 30, 2025Covers the period when the different forces combine to make Police Scotland. Some people get promoted, others don't. Some get demoted or moved back to uniform.
Sharon is pregnant, Cullen doesn't handle it well.
A case of a missing rock star whose body is discovered in a tunnel leading off from a practice room gets linked to another death being investigated by another force (just before the reorganisation). And the senior officer is Bain, rescued from ignominity by an old colleague. Bain says it's either a separate drug death or if they're linked, he should run both cases. Doesn't go down well with Methven and Cargill.
Cullen gets caught in the middle and the story ends in the tunnels where it began
Sharon is pregnant, Cullen doesn't handle it well.
A case of a missing rock star whose body is discovered in a tunnel leading off from a practice room gets linked to another death being investigated by another force (just before the reorganisation). And the senior officer is Bain, rescued from ignominity by an old colleague. Bain says it's either a separate drug death or if they're linked, he should run both cases. Doesn't go down well with Methven and Cargill.
Cullen gets caught in the middle and the story ends in the tunnels where it began
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2020
I enjoyed reading Bottleneck. Starts of with a body being discovered underneath the streets of Edinburgh. We see Cullen and his team investigating the case but also Cullen dealing with the upcoming issues of a reformed Police force with all areas joining together to become one. As well as investigating a murder and job related issues we also see Cullen dealing with matters in his personal life with his girlfriend and going back home.
Overall the storytelling was good with twists and turns as to who the killer is but also with Cullen himself. We see Bain making an appearance and the old rivalry reappears between them.
Overall the storytelling was good with twists and turns as to who the killer is but also with Cullen himself. We see Bain making an appearance and the old rivalry reappears between them.
August 21, 2023
Slow with moments of speed
Have to say did not enjoy this Scott Cullen novel as much as some of the earlier ones. With the advent of Police Scotland both Scott & Sharon are worried where they will end up and at what rank. Scott hopes he will be confirmed as a DS and Sharon has her heart set on a DI's position. Scott is involved in the discovery of a dead musician with connections in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. As look would have it or rather not his Nemesis DI Bain has resurfaced and is in charge of the Glasgow end of the case. The story is more about Scott & Sharon's relationship snd his hatred of Bain rather than the crime. Hence it fell a bit flah for me.
Have to say did not enjoy this Scott Cullen novel as much as some of the earlier ones. With the advent of Police Scotland both Scott & Sharon are worried where they will end up and at what rank. Scott hopes he will be confirmed as a DS and Sharon has her heart set on a DI's position. Scott is involved in the discovery of a dead musician with connections in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. As look would have it or rather not his Nemesis DI Bain has resurfaced and is in charge of the Glasgow end of the case. The story is more about Scott & Sharon's relationship snd his hatred of Bain rather than the crime. Hence it fell a bit flah for me.
July 21, 2017
Left cold by Scotland's less than finest
Interesting plot line that deserved better. I rarely find myself reading a book that lacks a character that I can empathize with or find likable. Unfortunately this was one of them. The police came across as incompetent at best and the "hero" lacking any trait deserving of sympathy. Fortunately the criminals also showed similar tendencies.
Not the best crime novel I have read this year.
Interesting plot line that deserved better. I rarely find myself reading a book that lacks a character that I can empathize with or find likable. Unfortunately this was one of them. The police came across as incompetent at best and the "hero" lacking any trait deserving of sympathy. Fortunately the criminals also showed similar tendencies.
Not the best crime novel I have read this year.
August 6, 2018
The best of the series to date. I did find the new Police Scotland system a bit confusing at times. But good on Ed James for persevering with authenticity. I have been in the underground rooms and passages between Blair Street and Niddrie Street and that helped me get a feel for the story. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
January 13, 2020
More Cullen
I am so enjoying this series. It's great being able to follow a series without having to wait a year in between each book. I feel so involved in Cullen's life almost as if he was a friend of the family. Edinburgh is not so much a character as in the Rebus books but is always there in the background.
I am so enjoying this series. It's great being able to follow a series without having to wait a year in between each book. I feel so involved in Cullen's life almost as if he was a friend of the family. Edinburgh is not so much a character as in the Rebus books but is always there in the background.
November 22, 2023
I am growing to like this series more and more - The writing is tighter, the plotting is better and the character development is moving along! What is more surprising is that despite my usual "read one in a series, read something else next" methodology, this series has me wanting more, particularly with the way this one finished up.
June 11, 2019
Policing is a side issue
Again an interesting story line, but Scott Cullens life is developing faster than the plot. Looking forward to the next book to see how it develops and if Bain survives
Again an interesting story line, but Scott Cullens life is developing faster than the plot. Looking forward to the next book to see how it develops and if Bain survives
October 20, 2024
Cops and Robbers. Ed James.
No not the childhood games we played, but truly excitable reading from start to finish, everyone on their toes, twisting tales of love, hate, deceit and murder. Brilliant read
No not the childhood games we played, but truly excitable reading from start to finish, everyone on their toes, twisting tales of love, hate, deceit and murder. Brilliant read
January 5, 2025
I have read a lot of Ed James books, but this Scott Cullen Mysteries is so slow, with the characters too weak and chatty for it to be described as a thriller. I’m afraid that it me done with this series.
November 19, 2017
Brilliant
As good as it gets what else do you come to expect. Ed James just gets better, how does he keep doing it
As good as it gets what else do you come to expect. Ed James just gets better, how does he keep doing it
February 23, 2018
Bottleneck
Really enjoying this series and will recommend it to all who like this genre of book! Looking forward to book 6 !
Really enjoying this series and will recommend it to all who like this genre of book! Looking forward to book 6 !
February 8, 2019
Worth a read if you like Rankin, Connely etc
March 7, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable police procedural set in Edinburgh and, this time, Glasgow and Angus. The mystery is good, the action exciting, and there appears to be just a danger that Cullen is growing up!
May 18, 2019
Liked this book very much. Cullen is an interesting character. Would like to see how his character develops in the future. Bain - well what can I say! Will read the next book in the series.
November 2, 2019
Still maintaining the quality in this series.
August 22, 2020
Addictive reading
When you read this, and other books in this series, you will get under the skin of the hero. The superhero!
When you read this, and other books in this series, you will get under the skin of the hero. The superhero!
February 7, 2021
A rollercoaster ride with some humorous bits and some very sad bits. Bain continues to be the Bain of Scott Cullen's life.
February 10, 2025
Another clever plot featuring Scott Cullen, struggling to do his job in a changing organisation with some difficult characters
April 10, 2014
"Bottleneck" the fifth in the Scott Cullen detective series by author Ed James a classic "who done it", with flair. It's protagonist, the long suffering Scott Cullen has finally stood tall and moved in with his girlfriend Sharon McNeil. The catch here is that Sharon is a higher grade police officer than Scott, and Sharon's career path looks much brighter. A grisly murder case falls onto Cullen when a skeleton of a long missing musician has turned up in a very odd place. This is where the fun with this yarn really begins. As not expected, Scott does not get higher position he was all but promised. A pouting Cullen is under immense pressure from his superior DI Methven. This leads to meeting up with Scott's nemesis , the one the only, & crazy as a hoot owl, DI Brian Bain ! Cullen and Bain battle an intellectuality frustration dance Cullen must acquiescence at every turn.
Further adding to Scott's pressure is his now live in girlfriend realizes she's pregnant, but then losses her higher position to a lesser officer. Cullen never comfortable with politics on the job or in the home just tramples the bad side of the street on too many occasions. The whirlwind conclusion begins with the main suspect having stolen Bain's car and now very lost. The high voltage ending was a gripping page turner. All five of Mr. James' Scott Cullen books have been fabulous. "Bottleneck" is no different. Without a doubt 5 stars out of 5. "Bottleneck" is no exception. Ed James "Scott Cullen" series delivers every time out. His characters are so lifelike. DI Bain is so easy to hate as it is so easy to feel for Scott. Someday Scott may be able to get his homelife and his career on the correct pathways. I know I pull for this overlooked overworked and over hassled detective with each book ! Highly recommend this novel "Bottleneck" and the first four in series. Seriously do yourself a favor and start reading an author who could be the Ian Rankin ! Very talented without question.
Further adding to Scott's pressure is his now live in girlfriend realizes she's pregnant, but then losses her higher position to a lesser officer. Cullen never comfortable with politics on the job or in the home just tramples the bad side of the street on too many occasions. The whirlwind conclusion begins with the main suspect having stolen Bain's car and now very lost. The high voltage ending was a gripping page turner. All five of Mr. James' Scott Cullen books have been fabulous. "Bottleneck" is no different. Without a doubt 5 stars out of 5. "Bottleneck" is no exception. Ed James "Scott Cullen" series delivers every time out. His characters are so lifelike. DI Bain is so easy to hate as it is so easy to feel for Scott. Someday Scott may be able to get his homelife and his career on the correct pathways. I know I pull for this overlooked overworked and over hassled detective with each book ! Highly recommend this novel "Bottleneck" and the first four in series. Seriously do yourself a favor and start reading an author who could be the Ian Rankin ! Very talented without question.
March 26, 2014
Bottleneck is the fifth installement of the Scott Cullen series. Picking up where Dyed in the Wool left off, Cullen is enjoying a promotion to Acting Detective Sergeant and is put in charge of investigating a body found in Ediburgh's Old Town. Along the way he deals with job pressures, office politics and personal issues he can't ignore while he searchs for a killer.
I really enjoyed the book, the mystery twists and turns intricately and the pace is steady through the book. As always with Cullen, he struggles with personal issues but there's a sense that Cullen is evolving. Too many authors let their characters stagnate, which erodes the momentum of the series. Not so with Cullen thus far, and that makes it more rewarding while reading the books. The new characters introduced, as well as a look into Cullen's back story add a future potential that promises great things to come.
The book's shocking conclusion left off with a cliffhanger just in case you weren't already going to read the next book. Nicely done! Overall, a great read that didn't disappoint.
I really enjoyed the book, the mystery twists and turns intricately and the pace is steady through the book. As always with Cullen, he struggles with personal issues but there's a sense that Cullen is evolving. Too many authors let their characters stagnate, which erodes the momentum of the series. Not so with Cullen thus far, and that makes it more rewarding while reading the books. The new characters introduced, as well as a look into Cullen's back story add a future potential that promises great things to come.
The book's shocking conclusion left off with a cliffhanger just in case you weren't already going to read the next book. Nicely done! Overall, a great read that didn't disappoint.
January 13, 2016
"Terrific stuff! Highly recommended."
Another sure-fire winner. A suitably complex plot, with crucial characters sliding in and out of focus until the razor-sharp mind of Scott Cullen unravels the mystery of a dead musician. His personal life is more to the fore in this one and that's no bad thing. It just makes him even more interesting. As for his colleagues, well they typify the modern British police service. It no longer resembles a 'force'; they are too engrossed in internal politics, health & safety, management buzz-words and covering their own backsides to trouble the hard-nosed criminal fraternity. Art imitating life without a doubt; and describing the minutiae of police procedures is an art that Ed James has mastered.
Another sure-fire winner. A suitably complex plot, with crucial characters sliding in and out of focus until the razor-sharp mind of Scott Cullen unravels the mystery of a dead musician. His personal life is more to the fore in this one and that's no bad thing. It just makes him even more interesting. As for his colleagues, well they typify the modern British police service. It no longer resembles a 'force'; they are too engrossed in internal politics, health & safety, management buzz-words and covering their own backsides to trouble the hard-nosed criminal fraternity. Art imitating life without a doubt; and describing the minutiae of police procedures is an art that Ed James has mastered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews