The Final Truth

Rachel McKenzie #3

by Morag Pringle

Rachel McKenzie thought she’d buried the ghosts of her past. Until a tragic murder drags them screaming back to life…

As a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel is no stranger to death. But when a body is found in a local cemetery, she’s confronted by a case that hits far too close to home. The victim is connected to an investigation Rachel’s mother was involved in before her own mysterious disappearance years ago. And Rachel is seized by hope that she might finally discover the truth.

Desperate for more clues, Rachel enlists the help of determined detective constable Selena MacDonald, but soon the trail runs cold. Guided by instinct, and a fierce refusal to drop the case, Rachel combs back through the original files until she finds a name, and a link to a remote Scottish island.

But raking up the past brings danger to her door, and when Rachel’s home is ransacked, and her neighbour attacked, she realises that this case could destroy everything she’s worked for. Now Rachel faces an impossible give up her hunt, or keep searching for the truth, and risk not only her own life, but those closest to her…

A gripping Scottish crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you like flawed but fierce heroines, shocking twists, and pulse-pounding suspense, you'll love The Final Truth. Perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, Rachel McLean and Rachel Caine.

Genres: Fiction, Suspense, Scotland, Mystery, Crime

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2025

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The search for answers continues....

The Final Truth is the third book in the Rachel McKenzie mystery series. Rachel is investigating a case that hits a little close to home! When a body is found in a cemetery, Rachel learns that the victim is connected to a case which her mother was involved in years ago. Rachel has always been haunted by her mother's disappearance and is determined to get to the truth! But just as determined as she is to get to the truth, there is someone who wants her to drop the case!

With threats and danger looming, Rachel is not willing to give up. She is being helped by Selena MacDonald, a local officer who is just as determined as Rachel is to get to the truth. I have enjoyed how Rachel has always been determined and driven to learn the truth about her mother's disappearance and her father’s possible involvement in her mom’s disappearance. In this book we see her interactions with her incarcerated father and there is also a blast from her past (Angus) who comes back into her orbit.

This book had a nice number of twists and turns along with a reveal which provides Rachel with answers. Plus, the setting in Scotland provides atmosphere and I enjoyed the parks where Rachel is outside hiking. There is also a nice amount of tension, danger, and mystery to keep readers interest piqued.

Chilling, tense, gripping, well written, well thought out, and brimming with mystery!

3.5 stars


Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Final Truth, by Morag Pringle, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book number three in The Rachel McKenzie series. Rachel McKenzie lives in the Scottish Highlands as a prosecutor. Her past has caught up with her, the disappearance of her mother. Such a thrilling read, you dont know who to trust in this book, parents or neighbors.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel McKenzie is back, and this time her investigations lead her closer to home.

A body is found in a local cemetery, and prosecutor Rachel McKenzie is on the case. This time, the victim has close ties to her mother- who went missing year ago.

She enlists the help of Selena MacDonald, a local constable, and I enjoyed this female investigation duo.

Having read the first two books, I was anxious to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance and the role of other family members. This is a solid mystery series, one I will recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read and review prior to it's January 2025 release.

[Daria Fujino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Найнудніша частина циклу. Багатообіцяючий сюжет, розкриття секретів головної героїні, а в результаті вийшло щось дуже незрозуміле намішане-перемішане.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morag Pringle delivers yet another riveting tale with The Final Truth, the third installment in the Rachel McKenzie series. Set against the breathtaking yet ominous backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this novel weaves suspense, mystery, and emotion into a story that captivates from the very first page.

Rachel McKenzie, a tenacious prosecutor working for Scotland's Fiscal Department, is once again thrust into a labyrinth of danger and intrigue. Still grappling with her mother’s murder and her father’s imprisonment for the crime, Rachel’s search for answers becomes personal when a body is discovered in a cemetery—eerily tied to her mother’s last case. To complicate matters further, Rachel’s close friend, Eric Hunter, an investigative journalist, goes missing while pursuing leads on organized crime.

True to form, Rachel throws herself into the investigation, enlisting the help of her loyal allies—Selena MacDonald, a resourceful detective constable, and Mags, a reformed prostitute with a heart of gold. Together, they uncover a chilling conspiracy that spans from organized crime rings to corruption in Scotland’s highest echelons.

What stands out in this novel is Pringle’s masterful storytelling. Each clue Rachel uncovers deepens the mystery, and the twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end. The rich descriptions of the Scottish Highlands—particularly Uist, Skye, and Glencoe—immerse readers in the hauntingly beautiful setting, making the scenery almost a character in its own right.

Rachel McKenzie shines as a protagonist. Her determination, resourcefulness, and willingness to go beyond her professional remit make her a compelling figure, though her actions often put her and those she cares about in jeopardy. Pringle’s nuanced portrayal of Rachel’s internal conflict—balancing her belief in her father’s innocence with mounting evidence—adds depth to the narrative.

The story crescendos to a shocking and satisfying conclusion, providing closure to long-running questions about Rachel’s family while leaving room for potential future installments. Fans of strong, independent female leads and intricately plotted mysteries will find much to love here.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Final Truth is a five-star journey through danger, deception, and the enduring power of truth. Highly recommended for fans of crime fiction and atmospheric settings!

[Kim Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a crime thriller series following Rachel McKenzie, a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands. While the premise—a murder connected to Rachel’s mother’s mysterious disappearance—had plenty of potential, I found this one a bit hard to get into, especially since I hadn’t read the first two books in the series. There were moments where I felt like I was missing important backstory, which made it tough to fully connect with the plot at first.

That said, there are aspects of the book that worked well. The characters were solid, and I especially enjoyed Rachel’s dynamic with her friend DC Selena MacDonald. Their teamwork and bond added depth to the story, even when the pacing felt slow. However, Rachel’s recklessness didn’t sit right with me at times. For someone in her line of work, her impulsive decisions felt unrealistic, almost as if she were trying to lose her job.

What really stood out was the setting. The eerie, remote Scottish Highlands added so much atmosphere to the story. You can practically feel the tension in the misty air and imagine the unsettling things lurking in the shadows of the island Rachel investigates. It’s a setting that absolutely enhances the suspense, even if the story itself lacked the edge-of-your-seat moments I was hoping for.

Overall, The Final Truth wasn’t a bad read—it just wasn’t the one for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I enjoyed the story as Rachel McKenzie searches for answers to the mystery surrounding her mother's death. The story is set in Scotland so the legal system is unfamiliar to me. Rachel works in the Fiscal Dept, whose job it is to look at sudden deaths and ensure that an investigation is carried out if deemed to be needed. This storyline runs alongside her investigation into the death of a body, that she found in the local cemetery. The characters are strong and well written. The scenery of Scotland and the Islands feels right, from my observations on television programmes. I can see this book making a good crime story for TV.
I recommend this book and the series to those who enjoy crime fiction.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands, Rachel is no stranger to death. But when a body is found in a local cemetery, she’s confronted by a case that hits far too close to home. The victim is connected to an investigation Rachel’s mother was involved in before her own mysterious disappearance years ago. And Rachel is seized by hope that she might finally discover the truth. She, along with her friend Selena, seeks to uncover the truth. Will they find the truth, or be in more danger for themselves?
I had read the first two books in this series so was anxious to read this one. It kept me thoroughly interested and engrossed as I tried to figure out what the outcome would be (because I usually can’t.) Just when I thought I had figured it out, another twist would come. It has everything you would want in a crime thriller!

[Anne Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not read any of this author's books. I notice this is the third in the series. Rachel is a Procurator Fiscal - a uniquely Scottish role in law. She takes her job very seriously by getting involved in solving a crime rather than let the police do their job. Set in Inverness, the story moves around the Highlands and Islands. The only character who sounded remotely Scottish is an ex-prostitute. Little details bothered me - roses ‘heady in the heat’ in May in Scotland in Inverness! The daffodils are usually blooming then! A decent enough story but didn’t excite me, sorry.

[Jan Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thrilled to discover this author! She’s amazing, I couldn’t put the book down!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this 3rd book in the series. You can read it as a standalone as there is enough reference given to past events but it does help if you have read them to get the full gist of the book.

I so love the character of Rachel - not afraid to speak her mind or do things that she shouldn't but the ends seem to justify the means even if its somewhat scary along the way! The book wraps up storylines that have gone through all 3 books so its like 2 for the price of 1 with this book.

Good characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked right until the very end!

[Leslie]

I won't rate this because I didn't finish it, but I wasn't enjoying it and life is too short to keep listening on the off chance that things will change. Maybe it would have helped if I'd read the first two books, but one problem is that I find almost all of the characters annoying, particularly Rachel, and assuming that her character is undergoing some development, presumably she was worse in the previous books. Yes, I understand that she's supposed to be determined and has a personal interest in finding out what happened to her mother, but she comes off to me as excessively arrogant (though I assume she will turn out to have been right about everything), reckless, and pushy, especially in her willingness to use her "friend" Selena to get information, even against Selena's own reluctance and what seems to be a real risk to her career. Then there's the drinking and what might not have been but seemed to me to be excessive f-bombs.

Rant over. This is my own personal reaction and obviously a lot of people disagree, so all the best to them and to the author.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up to 3.5 Stars.
In the third installment of the Rachel McKenzie series, Rachel meets a journalist friend at the top of the mountain she is climbing. He tells her that he is investigating a case that connects to the last case that her mother (who was a social worker) was working on before she died, and if something were to happen to him, he has it set up for the information to get to her. Then he leaves. Later that day, Rachel is called by her police officer friend to come to the local cemetery where the body of a man has been found. It is not her friend, but a young man. Rachel proceeds to help investigate, and look into her mothers old case, and start trying to find her journalist friend that has disappeared.

So much to unpack! This story starts off pretty quickly, with a lot of information given. Rachel really wants to know what happened to her mother, and will look into the case no matter how dangerous it gets. There have been clues and suggestions dropped about her mother in the previous books, and I was excited to know that we might finally know what happened.

I enjoyed this third installment- but I am a bit of an outlier because I did not enjoy it as much as the previous two books. This is a paper heavy, research type investigation because much of it deals with her mothers case from 10 years ago. There are a lot of characters in this and sometimes I had trouble keeping up with who was who! However, it is a solid story, and there was a satisfying conclusion. So I will list what worked for me, and what I struggled with!
What worked:
1, Mags!!! She is such a great character. She has had a rough life, but such a big heart- and always wants to take care of those around her! She adds a lot of heart to the stories.
2. The continuing development of Rachel and Selena's friendship. Rachel has a hard time trusting, but slowly the officer has shown admiration and loyalty to Rachel.
3. I really liked when the focus was on the case that started in the past with her mother, and is now continuing with Rachel.
4. The descriptions of the Scottish Isles!
5. The premise of the case.

What I struggled with:
1. At times both Rachel and Selena took chances that were careless. This happened more in this book than the others, and I got to a point where I was starting to question whether the women had really learned anything from the previous cases about investigating violent crimes.
This happened most with Rachel. I understand that she wants/needs to know what happened to her mother- but at some point her choices became a little too reckless.
2. There were times when things were repeated/revisited. This made the pace drag, unlike the previous books where it was a steady- and often fast- pace.

Overall it was a solid mystery with characters I have grown to love. I look forward to reading the next installment to see if Rachel will mature now that she has found answers.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. THis is my honest and voluntary review.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new case summons ghosts from her past

Rachel McKenzie is a prosecutor for the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, and as such is very familiar with dead bodies. There is one death in particular that haunts her, although it is not something of which many of her colleagues are aware; the killing of her mother, a crime for which her father was convicted. A local investigative journalist named Eric Hunter has uncovered that particular secret but has promised not to publish it; he is, however, working on an exposé on the growing problem of organized crime in the Inverness area, and hints to Rachel that those involved in the criminal group may have been involved in a sex trafficking ring years ago that her mother had had a hand in uncovering before her death. Rachel has a history of overstepping the boundaries of her profession when involved in cases and is intrigued enough by what Eric has told her to start looking into her mother's case. When first an unidentified body turns up in a graveyard, Eric goes missing.and then someone breaks into and searches Rachel's home, there seems to be a connection between the events. Its apparent that someone doesn't want her or anyone else disturbing the past. Will Rachel abandon her search for answers about her mother's killing and her father's role in it, or risk her live and the safety of people close to her by continuing?
The Final Truth is the third in the Rachel McKenzie series (though reads easily as a standalone for those who haven't yet read the two earlier books in the series), and is a solid mystery. Rachel is a strong and empathetic prosecutor but has her flaws, particularly regarding trust and empathy (not hugely surprising giving the trauma in her background). With her neighbor Mags, an aging sometimes prostitute who wants to be Rachel's conduit to those on the streets who have no reason to trust the law, and a young woman DC newly transferred to the area with whom she has created a bond, Rachel confronts a case in which her professional life collides with her personal history. The intrigue keeps the reader engaged until the end, and the plot moves briskly. Readers of Kate Wiley, Karen Rose and Jenny O'Brien should give this series a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me early access to a copy of The Final Truth in exchange for my honest review.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this is the last book in this series but I sincerely hope not, this is only the second book that I have read but I must say that I really enjoyed it.
Morag Pringle has created wonderful, likeable characters and set the story in the beautiful, atmospheric, Scottish Highlands.
Rachel McKenzie is a prosecutor working for the Scottish Highlands Fiscal Department, her background has a lot to do with her choice of career, her father is in prison serving a sentence for the murder of her mother, Rachel doesn't want to believe that he is guilty but does she follow her head or her heart.
Rachel is like a dog with a bone when she is following her gut instinct, she pushes harder than her job description allows, she is often in trouble both with her seniors and also with the police department for going beyond her remit but Rachel won't be tied, even though she know that involving her friend, DC Selina McDonald could lead them both into trouble.
When a body turns up in a cemetery Rachel is worried when it becomes clear that it is connected to a case that her mother was working on before she disappeared, Rachel becomes even more worried when an old climbing friend disappears shortly after a conversation with her whilst climbing, he told her that he was following a lead and left her believing that his life and that of his family could be in danger, Eric Hunter was an investigative journalist, a brilliant climber and as passionate and reckless as Rachel when following a lead, he and Rachel had crossed swords in the past but she knew him enough to know that if he was worried so should she be.
This story has so many paths that lead in different directions, Rachel's life is in danger, what has happened to Eric? who are the powerful people who were outsmarting the legal system ? had organised crime gangs infiltrated Scotland ?
Not until the end do all these paths converge to give answers, this story has action, suspense and also romance thrown in for good measure, I look forward to more stories from Morag Pringle.
Thank you Storm Publishing for this ARC, my review is my honest opinion.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Truth by Morag Pringle is a recommended investigative crime novel, highly for those who have read the previous two books in the Rachel McKenzie series.

A body is found in a local cemetery and the case comes to the attention of Rachel McKenzie who is a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands. The victim has a connection to the case Rachel's mother was investigating before she disappeared and presumed dead. Rachel's father was convicted and imprisoned for her murder. Hoping she can discover the truth, Rachel enlists the help of detective constable Selena MacDonald, and takes a look at the original files. She quickly discovers someone is still keeping track of her actions and she may be in danger.

This is a well-written, carefully plotted, and even-paced investigative mystery that carefully follows clues while uncovering connections and more information. There are some twists and surprises along the way and the setting in Scotland is definitely an integral part of the plot. The surprising and shocking ending endangers Rachel while providing closure about what happened to her mother. Those who appreciate strong female main characters will appreciate this novel.

Anyone who enjoyed the first two books will want to read The Final Truth for the closure it provides. Starting with this third book of the series did leave me feeling that I was missing out on some vital information, but enough background was provided that I never felt lost or confused. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Final Truth" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Rachel McKenzie series and as usual Ms. Pringle delivers a thrill-ride of a story. We meet Eric Hunter, who is writing an article about Organized Crime Groups (referred to as OCGs) that will put Rachel in the worst danger of her life. Rachel McKenzie is a procurator fiscal (a public prosecutor) working for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in Scotland. Though most of the time she thinks she works for the police force and tends to go rogue investigating cases and putting herself in danger.

Rachel's mother was murdered and her father has been in prison for the crime. When Eric goes missing - Rachel wonders if there is a link between her mother's work, what let to her murder, her father being in prison, a John Doe's body being found in the cemetery and Rachel's own home being broken into. Rachel has a great friend Mags who is a reformed prostitute, who will do anything to help her.

Rachel is a strong character, she doesn't sit by and let others do things. She gets involved - even when she's warned not to. She gets herself in trouble, in danger and those around her get hurt along the way. Ms. Pringle has crafted a wonderful story with many threads that get neatly woven together in the end as we learn what really happened to Rachel's mother. We also learn that not everyone is who they seem to be. The writing style and the descriptions of the scenery in remote parts of Scotland have the reader feeling as if they are right there with Rachel. I will be looking forward to reading more for Ms Pringle!

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel McKenzie is still trying to find out if her father murdered her mother or not. Her head and instinct day yes, her heart says no.
Her quest for the truth about her mothers murder leads her to delve deeper into organised crime and makes her the focus of some very ruthless people. When her climbing pall Eric goes missing it soon turns out that he too was looking into organised crime and involuntary prostitution. Rachel of-course sees it as her obligation to delve into his disappearance as well and she fears that he might not only be missing but murdered.

In the mean time a body turns up at a cemetery, no surprise there if it had not been for the fact that it was not buried but sitting against a gravestone with no obvious cause of death. How does this death tie in with the other developments in this book, or doesn't it?

Will Rachel and her sidekicks Selena and Mags get to the bottom of things and will this final truth mean the end of the series?

I found this episode very interesting and I loved that this book revisited Uist als well is set partly in Skye. Also the scenic landscapes of Scotland, especially around Glencoe, play a major role in this book. Loved it,
I don't know if this will be the last book in this series but fear it might be, well than at least I can say I gave a book in this series five stars. But I hope there will be more episodes to come.

I want to thank Netgally and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Morag Pringle's "The Final Truth" is a gripping Scottish crime thriller that will leave you breathless. This third installment in the Rachel McKenzie series plunges readers into a chilling descent into the heart of darkness, where secrets buried deep within the Highland landscape threaten to shatter the fragile peace of a small community.

Pringle masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of suspense, weaving together a chilling murder mystery with a poignant exploration of grief, guilt, and the enduring power of the past.

The characters, particularly the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Rachel McKenzie, are richly drawn and deeply flawed, making them both compelling and relatable.

"The Final Truth" transcends the typical crime thriller formula. Pringle seamlessly blends elements of psychological suspense and gothic horror, creating an atmosphere that is chilling and mesmerizing. The stark beauty of the Scottish Highlands which serves a backdrop, adds another layer of depth and atmosphere to this narrative.

If you're a fan of atmospheric thrillers then the "The Final Truth" is a must-read. Pringle's masterful storytelling will keep you guessing until the very last page, leaving you satisfied yet unsettled.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the series about Rachel, a fiscal based in the Highlands of Scotland. Rachel is still loiking for answers after the murder of her mother. A young man is found dead and another acquaintance, Eric, is missing after a cryptic exchange with Rachel on a mountain hike. There is a lot going on in this book and the connections between the incidents are not apparent. Rachel wants justice and needs the help of friends such as Selina, a police officer, Mags (her neighbour) and others to solve her personal case as well as others in the plot.
I thought the book started well, but lost momentum as it progressed, picking up again un the last few chapters. It became repetitive, Rachel & Selina both took unnecessary and dangerous risks . The plot was quite complicated and the solution could not really be predicted. I found some of Rachel and Selina's behaviour irritating in this book but I suppose they did find answers to sime of their questions.
I was thinking about the rating throughout the boik, in the beginning and end definately a 4 star, in the middle I was not so engaged, so a 3 star. I do want to read more about these people and love the descriptions of life in that part of the world, so have rounded up
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Very readable despite my not understanding the Scottish terms or legal and policing systems.

This is pretty well written with a female lead who's not on her first outing but I didn't have any trouble getting into the tale. There's some decent sleuthing and characters who're committed to their roles and doing the right things, plus enough back story and intrigue that grab your attention and keep you reading.

I enjoyed the tale almost to the end but the ending itself was a little bit too Scooby Doo, complete with the 'if it wasn't for you pesky kids' talk from a bad guy who insisted on yadda, yadda, yadda despite a chartered plane apparently waiting for them and their 'gang'. It took away from the urgency of the ending but did tie in with what'd happened to another bad guy, so I was sort of OK with it as I was getting some answers.

Is like to read more, especially as it's set in Scotland and the lead detective likes to mountain climb. She's got an actual like outside of the job, which is refreshing.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for my reading pleasure.

[Topo Chicas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Truth is Morag Pringle’s third installment in the Rachel McKenzie series was a fun, but addictive thrilling mystery.


Rachel’s life changed completely after her mom was killed. Her father was then tried and convicted of her mother’s murder, which spun her world completely off of its axis. Years later, Rachel visited her father in prison, where he told her to stop investigating in her role as part of the procurator fiscal team in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. He warned of dire consequences and intimated that he didn’t do what he was accused of.

As Rachel investigated other assigned cases, several clues about her mom’s death coincided and lead Rachel to the worry that the courts, did indeed, get her father’s verdict wrong. Should she listen to her father’s warning her off about investigating further? Was she putting herself or her friends in danger?

This was a true page-turner and thriller! I loved it, and can’t wait for the next installment from Morag Pringle!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this amazing ARC!

[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Final Truth" by Morag Pringle is a thrilling 5-star read! Rachel McKenzie, a fiscal from the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, returns in the third installment of this gripping crime series. As in the previous two books, trouble finds Rachel, and her determined nature drives her to investigate a suspicious death while simultaneously delving into a missing person case.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought it was even better than the first two. We gain further insight into Rachel's life following her father's imprisonment for her mother's murder, with much of the mystery surrounding his conviction finally revealed. The author masterfully keeps you guessing, weaving a twisting and turning path to the final reveal.

I truly hope there’s a fourth book in the series. If not, I’ll have to find another story set in Scotland to satisfy my love for the unique dialogue and terminology!

Thanks to Storm Publishing, Morag Pringle, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel McKenzie may finally have the answers she has been searching for regarding her mother's death. If you have followed this series, you know this is a bone of contention for Rachel.

The story begins with a body that is found in a cemetery. Cause of death appears to be a suicide, but there is something that is just a little strange about this scene. After poking her nose where it does not seem to belong, Rachel has put herself and her neighbor in danger. If you know anything about Rachel McKenzie, you know this will not deter her from digging deeper and going beyond the bounds of what she should be doing.

This book was a much more complex mystery than the others. The action was not present like usual. But this did not deter from my enjoyment of the book. This would be what I would call a slow burn mystery (if there is such a thing). You have to hang in there through the complex moving parts and many characters, but in the end it is well worth the wait.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Scottish police procedural, The Final Truth (2025) by Morag Pringle is the third of the Rachel McKenzie mysteries. Rachel is part of the Inverness Death Unit or Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit. Rachel and her team are tasked with the case of a well-dressed man found dead in the cemetery. They are unable to identify the man and there are no reported missing persons match either. In the meantime, a journalist tells Rachel he is aware of her secrets as he works on a sex crime exposé, with possible links to her incarcerated father. Rachel's emotions are tested with the two cases and the changes in her personal life. A somewhat lacklustre crime tale and a standalone review with an average three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

[Sandra M. Dethlefsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel’s life as a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands has been filled with the challenges of confronting death. When a body is found in a local cemetery, she is suddenly faced with a case that hits home. Years before, Rachel’s mother was involved in an investigation that led to her mysterious disappearance. Rachel jumps into the investigation, hoping to find out what really happened to her mother.
Rachel seeks the help of Detective Constable Selena MacDonald, but the trail soon runs cold. Rachel desperately combs the original files from her mother's case and finds a possible link to a remote Scottish island.
But someone doesn’t want her raking up the past, and she discovers her own life is in danger when someone ransacks her home and attacks her neighbor. She now has a difficult choice. Should she give up her desperate search for the truth for her own safety and for those closest to her?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

n the prologue to The Final Truth, investigative journalist Eric Hunter is murdered. We know he has sent his research to prosecutor Rachel McKenzie. Rachel, who has ties to organized crime through a mystery involving her mother’s death, must find Eric’s well hidden information. She is also dealing with the puzzling death of naked man found without identification in a local cemetery. As she investigates both cases, she believes there is a link between the two deaths and a gang involved in sex trafficking. Can she solve this case before there is another death? Is she in danger? And will she ever know who killed her mother? If you enjoy Scottish police procedurals, this is the mystery for you! A complex plot, well described characters and an atmospheric location make The Final Truth a fast-paced, intriguing read. I look forward to what comes next from Morag Pringle and I hope this series will continue. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Morag Pringle for this ARC.

[LP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I sure hope this isn't the last book in this series! The author's note at the end was a bit ambiguous. At any rate, a highly enjoyable, fast-paced story where Rachel finds out the truth about her mother's murder, Angus makes an appearance (yay), and several other mysteries are all tied together. It's amazing how many plot lines are woven in and yet it doesn't feel overwhelming and there are parts you never see coming together as they eventually do. Mags continues to be one of my favorite characters. She offers a lot of humor and some rather impressive insight into Rachel's emotional well being. You should really start with book one, if you haven't before getting to this one, as all three are very quick reads. Hopefully we'll see more of Rachel and crew.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Completely unforgettable, and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Wow, just wow! I absolutely loved this one! The third installment of the Rachel McKenzie will be one that you cannot put down. Prepare for a case that is going to leave you twisting and pacing as you try and figure it out. The killer is determined to keep Rachel from unraveling the clues and finally closing the questions into the death of her mother. As this case takes a very personal turn, her father tries warning her away from investigating further.
Rachel is not one to back down, and so she forges ahead, regardless of the personal harm that could come to her. As she continues to dig, she will discover that there are some around her that she should not trust, and some she should trust more.

An absolute gem of a read! This book (and series if you have not read it) will keep you engaged and wanting more!

[Shine with Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where has Rachel McKenzie been in my reading life? Although this is the third Rachel McKenzie book, it is my first and I was intrigued.

There is enough action and suspense, persons of interest, mood setting and character building to keep the reader entertained and guessing. Pringle makes the rugged Scottish countryside sing in a mysterious and slightly eerie way. As I turned the pages, I really could visualise what was happening, just like any good TV crime documentary. I would love to know how many of us would have accurately guessed the ending!

Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. Now put on your detective's cap and see if you have better detective skills than me, because I did not make an accurate prediction!