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DS Max Craigie #7
The Dark Heart
A DEADLY BOMBING
When renowned author Dr. Daniel Solomon is killed in a devastating explosion in York, authorities quickly attribute the attack to Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.
A DARK CONSPIRACY
DS Max Craigie uncovers a chilling connection between a series of brutal murders, each victim linked by a secret that someone is determined to protect.
A DANGEROUS GAME
With the number of victims growing and an elusive figure known as The Cashier operating in the shadows, Max must navigate a web of corruption and hatred. Can he unravel the truth before more lives are lost?
When renowned author Dr. Daniel Solomon is killed in a devastating explosion in York, authorities quickly attribute the attack to Islamic extremists. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems.
A DARK CONSPIRACY
DS Max Craigie uncovers a chilling connection between a series of brutal murders, each victim linked by a secret that someone is determined to protect.
A DANGEROUS GAME
With the number of victims growing and an elusive figure known as The Cashier operating in the shadows, Max must navigate a web of corruption and hatred. Can he unravel the truth before more lives are lost?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
133 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Neil Lancaster
16 books487 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 104 reviews
November 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
DS Max Craigie and the team, lead by ‘Potty mouthed’ but highly amusing, DI Ross Fraser, are called in to investigate the death of a renowned author, killed by an explosive device in a York car park. This tragic event was initially thought to be a terrorist attack, but Craigie thinks otherwise and his doubts are well founded. Other vicious murders take place, and although they’re initially believed to be unrelated, that theory is soon disproved. It becomes clear that a contract killer nicknamed the Cashier is behind these brutal murders, but why and on whose orders?
I have to say that the DS Max Craigie series is one of the best amongst the saturated crime thriller/police procedural genre. The author is a former Metropolitan Police Detective which lends authenticity to the proceedings.Tartan Noir of the highest standard!
The Dark Heart is a complex, gripping storyline, with some heart stopping moments, that reveal a Russian link. The excitement hums as the chase for the evil perpetrators grows more intense. Neil Lancaster has created a team of detectives who exhibit everything you’d expect from a group of committed professionals operating in a high pressure environment, ( including lots of light hearted banter) and each and every one of them plays their part to perfection, which is why we, (the fans of this series), love them. Highly recommended!
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
DS Max Craigie and the team, lead by ‘Potty mouthed’ but highly amusing, DI Ross Fraser, are called in to investigate the death of a renowned author, killed by an explosive device in a York car park. This tragic event was initially thought to be a terrorist attack, but Craigie thinks otherwise and his doubts are well founded. Other vicious murders take place, and although they’re initially believed to be unrelated, that theory is soon disproved. It becomes clear that a contract killer nicknamed the Cashier is behind these brutal murders, but why and on whose orders?
I have to say that the DS Max Craigie series is one of the best amongst the saturated crime thriller/police procedural genre. The author is a former Metropolitan Police Detective which lends authenticity to the proceedings.Tartan Noir of the highest standard!
The Dark Heart is a complex, gripping storyline, with some heart stopping moments, that reveal a Russian link. The excitement hums as the chase for the evil perpetrators grows more intense. Neil Lancaster has created a team of detectives who exhibit everything you’d expect from a group of committed professionals operating in a high pressure environment, ( including lots of light hearted banter) and each and every one of them plays their part to perfection, which is why we, (the fans of this series), love them. Highly recommended!
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 4, 2025
DS Max Craigie of Police Scotland Standards Reassurance #7
A car bomb in a York car park kills Dr Daniel Solomon, a best selling author of a book espousing unity among faiths. Are Islamic extremists responsible? The authorities assume so as all the signs seem to confirm it but all is not what it seems, as the death toll rises. Lurking behind these vicious attacks is a brutally efficient killer known as The Cashier. When it transpires that one of the victims has been an MI5 intelligence asset, an agent reaches out to ex spook and surveillance expert, Barney Illingworth.. This in turn brings DS Max Craigie and the team in to try to break the web of hate and corruption, the latter being the units specialism. Things will get a lot worse before they get better as they’re dealing with very dark hearts.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this top-notch, utterly brilliant thriller series and now it’s 7/7 at a five star rating which is quite some record. What makes the series so readable, apart from the excellent plots, is the terrific characters who now feel like old friends. Although the plot is very dark, you can always rely on excellent banter, usually courtesy of Barney and DI Ross Fraser, who help to ease the tension. Not only is that a good thing as it allows breathing space but I feel that it gives the novel a real air of authenticity and realism. How could police teams cope with day-to-day awfulness without some humour?
The plot is complex and well connected with topical and all to believable elements looking at extremism and to hostile lands further field. What it leads to is an action packed, high intensity, maximum octane, tense and exciting thriller with multiple twists. It’s gripping, suspenseful, terrifying, intelligent and engrossing. The storyline has heartbreak but it’s written so empathetically it’s impossible not to feel something.
Overall, this is a fantastic addition to a must read series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
A car bomb in a York car park kills Dr Daniel Solomon, a best selling author of a book espousing unity among faiths. Are Islamic extremists responsible? The authorities assume so as all the signs seem to confirm it but all is not what it seems, as the death toll rises. Lurking behind these vicious attacks is a brutally efficient killer known as The Cashier. When it transpires that one of the victims has been an MI5 intelligence asset, an agent reaches out to ex spook and surveillance expert, Barney Illingworth.. This in turn brings DS Max Craigie and the team in to try to break the web of hate and corruption, the latter being the units specialism. Things will get a lot worse before they get better as they’re dealing with very dark hearts.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this top-notch, utterly brilliant thriller series and now it’s 7/7 at a five star rating which is quite some record. What makes the series so readable, apart from the excellent plots, is the terrific characters who now feel like old friends. Although the plot is very dark, you can always rely on excellent banter, usually courtesy of Barney and DI Ross Fraser, who help to ease the tension. Not only is that a good thing as it allows breathing space but I feel that it gives the novel a real air of authenticity and realism. How could police teams cope with day-to-day awfulness without some humour?
The plot is complex and well connected with topical and all to believable elements looking at extremism and to hostile lands further field. What it leads to is an action packed, high intensity, maximum octane, tense and exciting thriller with multiple twists. It’s gripping, suspenseful, terrifying, intelligent and engrossing. The storyline has heartbreak but it’s written so empathetically it’s impossible not to feel something.
Overall, this is a fantastic addition to a must read series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
The Dark Heart is the 7th book in the fantastic DS Max Craigie series and if you haven't started this series then I am in serious envy of you as you have 7 great books to delve into.
At the end of the last novel, When Shadows Fall, Lancaster hinted of a change of direction for the team who have, hitherto, investigated dirty cops from local forces. In The Dark Heart, the team are called in when a bomb kills a high profile professor followed by a number of seemingly unrelated murders.
When a connection is found between the murders, DS Max Craigie and the team, lead by DI Ross, are called in to untangle a web of hatred and conspiracy.
I love this series and every new release is a moment of joy for me. As soon as I pick up the book, I am drawn straight back into the team and every character in this series has such a strong and well-defined personality. These books could be read as standalones however I do think you will be missing out on a lot of backstory if this is your first, so I would recommend reading at least a few of the previous novels (all of them if you can).
I had previously worried about the longevity of the series and wondered how the author would be able to keep the books fresh and not just 'busting another dirty cop' however the move here towards a more international, conspiracy-based investigation was great to read and I can't wait to see how the story develops.
There were also some really interesting developments on the personal front as well. Max is a relatively new father and the continued danger from working in this team is clearly playing on his wife's mind. I am keen to see where this part of the story goes with Max's clear conflict between the job and his family.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ | HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At the end of the last novel, When Shadows Fall, Lancaster hinted of a change of direction for the team who have, hitherto, investigated dirty cops from local forces. In The Dark Heart, the team are called in when a bomb kills a high profile professor followed by a number of seemingly unrelated murders.
When a connection is found between the murders, DS Max Craigie and the team, lead by DI Ross, are called in to untangle a web of hatred and conspiracy.
I love this series and every new release is a moment of joy for me. As soon as I pick up the book, I am drawn straight back into the team and every character in this series has such a strong and well-defined personality. These books could be read as standalones however I do think you will be missing out on a lot of backstory if this is your first, so I would recommend reading at least a few of the previous novels (all of them if you can).
I had previously worried about the longevity of the series and wondered how the author would be able to keep the books fresh and not just 'busting another dirty cop' however the move here towards a more international, conspiracy-based investigation was great to read and I can't wait to see how the story develops.
There were also some really interesting developments on the personal front as well. Max is a relatively new father and the continued danger from working in this team is clearly playing on his wife's mind. I am keen to see where this part of the story goes with Max's clear conflict between the job and his family.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ | HQ Digital for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2026
This was a book that just kept getting better and better… this is a series that just keeps getting better and better. I have only recently discovered this author and now it’s a guarantee that each story I pick up is going to be an engrossing page-turner.
The plot of this story was fast paced and engaging throughout. It felt like it could easily be a police detective series you would watch on television… In fact, Netflix, if you’re reading, this is a manuscript that you need to see! It was great to return to the familiar faces of Craigie and his colleagues as the book opens with an explosive death and several more murders that follow in quick succession. The team are not only trying to identify who is behind these murders, but also finding the leak in the police force. It is only a matter of time before the killer will strike again.
With intense scenes and plenty of undercover police work, there were many moments where my heart was in my mouth. Lancaster builds on the atmosphere so quickly that readers are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride and the plot developments remained unexpected and thrilling.
On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing the soft side of Craigie with his family and how much he wants to protect them. This is completely juxtaposed with the banter between his colleagues which certainly created many chuckles and lightened the mood of a gripping story. The way that Craigie’s team interacts is so entertaining, it made me just as excited to read these scenes as I did the main part of the novel.
I enjoyed the complexity that this plot had to offer and how readers get an insight into both the police force trying to secure justice versus the criminals at work. From inside a prison cell to connections far away in Russia, this is a story that is full of adrenaline and a constant ticking clock. Whilst I don’t read many police procedures, this is definitely at the top level and it’s a series that just keeps on giving.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The plot of this story was fast paced and engaging throughout. It felt like it could easily be a police detective series you would watch on television… In fact, Netflix, if you’re reading, this is a manuscript that you need to see! It was great to return to the familiar faces of Craigie and his colleagues as the book opens with an explosive death and several more murders that follow in quick succession. The team are not only trying to identify who is behind these murders, but also finding the leak in the police force. It is only a matter of time before the killer will strike again.
With intense scenes and plenty of undercover police work, there were many moments where my heart was in my mouth. Lancaster builds on the atmosphere so quickly that readers are taken on a rollercoaster of a ride and the plot developments remained unexpected and thrilling.
On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing the soft side of Craigie with his family and how much he wants to protect them. This is completely juxtaposed with the banter between his colleagues which certainly created many chuckles and lightened the mood of a gripping story. The way that Craigie’s team interacts is so entertaining, it made me just as excited to read these scenes as I did the main part of the novel.
I enjoyed the complexity that this plot had to offer and how readers get an insight into both the police force trying to secure justice versus the criminals at work. From inside a prison cell to connections far away in Russia, this is a story that is full of adrenaline and a constant ticking clock. Whilst I don’t read many police procedures, this is definitely at the top level and it’s a series that just keeps on giving.
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2025
I think firstly, I should make it clear that I didn’t realise this was book 7 in a series when I requested it from NetGalley and that combined with it being an audiobook is probably essentially the reason this wasn’t a solid 5 for me. To make it clearer, the title certainly works as a standalone for readers who, like me have just arrived to the author/book/series.
The writing here is absolutely solid and it seems the research is eerily meticulous, without the assistance of Google I’m hazarding a guess that the author has inside experience, it’s too on the mark not to be the case.
I think this is right up there amongst the very best detective works I’ve read, and let’s be honest it’s a heavy market out there.
Fast paced, gripping, relatable and believable, brutal but often laced with great humour it’s damned near perfect.
Now for the downside, I enjoyed the narration but not immediately and it’s often make or break for me, especially when it comes to accents, which if you follow my reviews you’ll know I’m overly picky about but the story was too good not to stay with and I did eventually gel with the not so brilliant accents,
I think fans of the series so far will be hard pushed not to give it full marks, I’m pretty certain if I’d built an attachment to the characters and had been all in with the audio I’d have been right there with them.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
The writing here is absolutely solid and it seems the research is eerily meticulous, without the assistance of Google I’m hazarding a guess that the author has inside experience, it’s too on the mark not to be the case.
I think this is right up there amongst the very best detective works I’ve read, and let’s be honest it’s a heavy market out there.
Fast paced, gripping, relatable and believable, brutal but often laced with great humour it’s damned near perfect.
Now for the downside, I enjoyed the narration but not immediately and it’s often make or break for me, especially when it comes to accents, which if you follow my reviews you’ll know I’m overly picky about but the story was too good not to stay with and I did eventually gel with the not so brilliant accents,
I think fans of the series so far will be hard pushed not to give it full marks, I’m pretty certain if I’d built an attachment to the characters and had been all in with the audio I’d have been right there with them.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
March 13, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping book
oh my word you never know the rollercoaster of a ride you are going to go on when you start a book by this author but you know its going to be good
back in max world with his brilliant co workers and we get to meet his wife and daughter which is always lovely but its the work he does that grabs you and this job he is about to be pulled into will rock his world
barney gets a message from a spook that gets him back in contact with max and his crew and it starts an investigation that they never saw coming....no spoilers from me but this book oh my word you wont be able to put down....
even had a few tears at the end ....
looking forward to the next book in this brilliant series
oh my word you never know the rollercoaster of a ride you are going to go on when you start a book by this author but you know its going to be good
back in max world with his brilliant co workers and we get to meet his wife and daughter which is always lovely but its the work he does that grabs you and this job he is about to be pulled into will rock his world
barney gets a message from a spook that gets him back in contact with max and his crew and it starts an investigation that they never saw coming....no spoilers from me but this book oh my word you wont be able to put down....
even had a few tears at the end ....
looking forward to the next book in this brilliant series
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clear Your Calendar!
Forget the Hardies, forget the Albanians, this is the series' new gold standard.
Max Craigie is back in a seventh instalment and it's an absolute belter proving that Neil Lancaster is at the top of his game.
With the Hardies and Albanians finally obliterated, the stakes have shifted toward a terrifying new reality, a case with enough power to tear society apart.
It’s visceral, brutal high-stakes storytelling that surpasses everything that came before.
Max remains brave, empathetic, and hardened by the job, but he still has his demons. Ross is as foul-mouthed and hilarious as ever, providing the grit, humour (and ever miraculous string pulling) needed when facing genuine evil.
Together with Janey, Norma, and of course our beloved Barney, the loyal team navigates the tangle of a multi layered high-stakes investigation with a traitor in the centre betraying the pillars of security and policing. (I loved the brief interaction with Frankie, wonders will never cease!) It’s a book full of action, delivering a perfect, hard-hitting ending. I'd gladly give it ten stars if I could.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Forget the Hardies, forget the Albanians, this is the series' new gold standard.
Max Craigie is back in a seventh instalment and it's an absolute belter proving that Neil Lancaster is at the top of his game.
With the Hardies and Albanians finally obliterated, the stakes have shifted toward a terrifying new reality, a case with enough power to tear society apart.
It’s visceral, brutal high-stakes storytelling that surpasses everything that came before.
Max remains brave, empathetic, and hardened by the job, but he still has his demons. Ross is as foul-mouthed and hilarious as ever, providing the grit, humour (and ever miraculous string pulling) needed when facing genuine evil.
Together with Janey, Norma, and of course our beloved Barney, the loyal team navigates the tangle of a multi layered high-stakes investigation with a traitor in the centre betraying the pillars of security and policing. (I loved the brief interaction with Frankie, wonders will never cease!) It’s a book full of action, delivering a perfect, hard-hitting ending. I'd gladly give it ten stars if I could.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
March 14, 2026
This is the seventh book in the series, and as always its action packed and thrilling. I do love Neil’s books, the characters, the settings, they are fast moving and exciting to read.
I also think because MI5 are involved, it draws the reader into the world of James Bond and everyone loves a spy thriller.
I loved the characters, the Cashier, the gadgets, everything was just thrilling, such a different world to step into, than the normal crime thrillers.
I had my friend up in Glasgow on standby for the translation of some of the words id never heard of, clipe, foostie, fud and gadgie. I’ve even got my own Scottish dictionary set up for the next one.
I would like to thank the publishers and Neil for the ARC and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
I also think because MI5 are involved, it draws the reader into the world of James Bond and everyone loves a spy thriller.
I loved the characters, the Cashier, the gadgets, everything was just thrilling, such a different world to step into, than the normal crime thrillers.
I had my friend up in Glasgow on standby for the translation of some of the words id never heard of, clipe, foostie, fud and gadgie. I’ve even got my own Scottish dictionary set up for the next one.
I would like to thank the publishers and Neil for the ARC and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
Read
February 12, 2026Another fantastic installment of the Max Craigie series. It's starts with a car bomb in York which kills an Israeli author, then the murder of an informant near the Scottish Borders but when MI5 and Counter Terrorism becomes involved, Max and his team realise there are bigger powers at play but who are they and what is there agenda. When an undercover job goes wrong, it confirms that not everyone involved is playing for the same side. This was fast paced, had plenty of drama and you can't help but have affinity for our Police Anti Corruption team. Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy.
March 19, 2026
Fabulous book. Plenty of action, plenty of crime. So far I've loved the books I've read in this series and will look forward to reading more. The story was interesting and I enjoyed trying to work out the clues.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series just keeps getting better and better!
October 20, 2025
The Dark Heart is a crime thriller that grips you from the start with a masterful plot line, suspense and some breathtaking moments
When a body is found hanging from a bridge that straggles the borders of England and Scotland it becomes Scotlands case as the dead man is an informer for the police in Scotland. DS Max Craigie and his team start investigating and uncover horrific connections between this murder and others. With the UK secret service becoming involved it soon becomes clear that a dangerous group are not only main suppliers of drugs but also trying to destabilise the whole country.
Max is using all his experience and with his team continue to investigate at a fast pace being pulled in all directions. With some hard hitting and also heart breaking scenes this is a brilliantly well constructed thriller where the tension is high as are the actions that take place.
I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series but this one gripped and astounded me with the hard hitting evilness of the characters and suffering that was caused . An absolutely 5 star read from start to a very satisfying finale.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
When a body is found hanging from a bridge that straggles the borders of England and Scotland it becomes Scotlands case as the dead man is an informer for the police in Scotland. DS Max Craigie and his team start investigating and uncover horrific connections between this murder and others. With the UK secret service becoming involved it soon becomes clear that a dangerous group are not only main suppliers of drugs but also trying to destabilise the whole country.
Max is using all his experience and with his team continue to investigate at a fast pace being pulled in all directions. With some hard hitting and also heart breaking scenes this is a brilliantly well constructed thriller where the tension is high as are the actions that take place.
I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series but this one gripped and astounded me with the hard hitting evilness of the characters and suffering that was caused . An absolutely 5 star read from start to a very satisfying finale.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
October 21, 2025
Max Craigie and the team are back and wow what a case they have to solve!
This is my 7th Max Craigie novel and each one has been utterly standout in its execution and delivery. The quality of Neil’s writing and the way in which he allows each story to carefully unfold is just masterful.
I’m totally here for the banter within the team too… and this story has plenty! Ross is by far the funniest and dual-natured character on the team. But it is within this book we get to experience just how good Neil is at creating a world of well crafted and believable characters. In one corner we have loveable yet grumpy Ross and the dedicated, loyal and hard working Max whilst in the other corner we have characters such as Stringer or X who are introduced with terrifying detail and command attention.
This story had me pulled in all directions, I was gripped, excited, terrified and also crying in one part! The characters combined with Neil’s ability to build tension in almost every scene left me feeling emotionally wrung out by the end.
Brilliant. Read it now.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is my 7th Max Craigie novel and each one has been utterly standout in its execution and delivery. The quality of Neil’s writing and the way in which he allows each story to carefully unfold is just masterful.
I’m totally here for the banter within the team too… and this story has plenty! Ross is by far the funniest and dual-natured character on the team. But it is within this book we get to experience just how good Neil is at creating a world of well crafted and believable characters. In one corner we have loveable yet grumpy Ross and the dedicated, loyal and hard working Max whilst in the other corner we have characters such as Stringer or X who are introduced with terrifying detail and command attention.
This story had me pulled in all directions, I was gripped, excited, terrified and also crying in one part! The characters combined with Neil’s ability to build tension in almost every scene left me feeling emotionally wrung out by the end.
Brilliant. Read it now.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2026
A Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I look forward to Neil Lancaster books and DS Max Craigie are easily my favourite detective.
The whole squad are brilliant, the banter between them and the dynamics help to lighten up some very dark plots
This is another seat of your pants type book that twists and turns as fantastic plot constantly leaves you completely breathless. A 5* read for me
I look forward to Neil Lancaster books and DS Max Craigie are easily my favourite detective.
The whole squad are brilliant, the banter between them and the dynamics help to lighten up some very dark plots
This is another seat of your pants type book that twists and turns as fantastic plot constantly leaves you completely breathless. A 5* read for me
January 11, 2026
This book! What an absolute cracker of a case for Max and co. It's the kind of story that opens with a bang (every pun intended) and carries on with the same sense of threat, menace and pulse pounding tension right to the very end. I ate it up. I already loved the books, and the characters, but this is just another great reminder of why, and what a brilliantly engrossing storyteller Mr Lancaster is.
I actually wondered what Neil Lancaster had against authors, given how this book starts, and the small matter of fact that he is one himself, but, as ever, there is method in the madness that he creates on the page, and if you look beyond the clear sense of unease that permeates from those early pages, to the context of what comes to pass, well, it all tells a very different story. This is a book that could so easily be ripped from today's headlines and as a result feels alarmingly current but brushed with the author's great style and featuring his absolutely marvellous cast of characters. From the very first chapter I was hooked, and the breakneck pace of developments, and the acute feeling of risk and threat that fills every chapter, had me powering through the pages until the top notch, wry smile inducing ending.
It is not often that you find the teams tech genius for hire, Barney, asking the team for help but that is exactly what happens here when a former colleague approaches him about an informant who he believes to have been murdered. Not necessarily a case for Max Craigie and team you may think, but with the prospect of corruption at the highest level, and an escalating number of bodies linked to the initial kill, it is clear that they all have their work cut out for them. It is a story packed with intrigue and a multi disciplinary investigation involving police on both sides of the border, as well as the best, or possibly worst of the UK's Spooks, the tension on show is about more than just a rapidly increasing crop of bodies, and all about office politics. I like the additional conflict this brought to the story, as if the battle against some rather unsavoury elements of the North East's criminal fraternity it not enough.
There is so much about this book to love. It is a multi layered story with roots that run far deeper than a simple turf war to take over the drug dealing vacuum presented by the removal of the Hardie clan. But it is a case in which it takes time to get to the heart of the matter, and whilst as readers we are privy to more of the background to the story, gaining the perspective of the bad guys as well as the good, there is still much that we have to uncover, so much to puzzle over, as well as the adrenalin that is created from reading such a tense and rapidly evolving story. There are some moments that really put me on edge, some scenes that are entirely nerve wracking, as well as heart breaking, and that lead to this being a very personal case for Max for reasons that become clear in the reading.
This really is an ensemble piece and every character we have come to know and love is here and pulling their weight in this story. There are a few unexpected, but no less welcome cameos, and quite a few surprises in store. With spies, mercenaries and assassins gracing the pages, as well as the kind of characters it is really very easy to hate or despise, as much for their personal and political convictions as their actions, it's the kind of book that you absolutely want to see people getting their comeuppance. It is seldom that I read about a character with no redeeming qualities and if it weren't for the central bad guys deference to their less than loveable mother, this book comes pretty close. If there was one bad guy who was intriguing, it was the Cashier. Driven merely by the desire to protect their reputation, and their bank balance, you can kind of understand their character, if not forgive their actions.
The conclusion to this whole story is bang on, although it does raise a few questions that I won't discuss here because of potential spoilers. It's probably the only effective way of bringing the case to a close, given the ramifications of what the investigation uncovers, and for me, it absolutely delivered. If you love the series, the characters, as I do, this should most certainly be on you TBR pile. Totally recommended.
I actually wondered what Neil Lancaster had against authors, given how this book starts, and the small matter of fact that he is one himself, but, as ever, there is method in the madness that he creates on the page, and if you look beyond the clear sense of unease that permeates from those early pages, to the context of what comes to pass, well, it all tells a very different story. This is a book that could so easily be ripped from today's headlines and as a result feels alarmingly current but brushed with the author's great style and featuring his absolutely marvellous cast of characters. From the very first chapter I was hooked, and the breakneck pace of developments, and the acute feeling of risk and threat that fills every chapter, had me powering through the pages until the top notch, wry smile inducing ending.
It is not often that you find the teams tech genius for hire, Barney, asking the team for help but that is exactly what happens here when a former colleague approaches him about an informant who he believes to have been murdered. Not necessarily a case for Max Craigie and team you may think, but with the prospect of corruption at the highest level, and an escalating number of bodies linked to the initial kill, it is clear that they all have their work cut out for them. It is a story packed with intrigue and a multi disciplinary investigation involving police on both sides of the border, as well as the best, or possibly worst of the UK's Spooks, the tension on show is about more than just a rapidly increasing crop of bodies, and all about office politics. I like the additional conflict this brought to the story, as if the battle against some rather unsavoury elements of the North East's criminal fraternity it not enough.
There is so much about this book to love. It is a multi layered story with roots that run far deeper than a simple turf war to take over the drug dealing vacuum presented by the removal of the Hardie clan. But it is a case in which it takes time to get to the heart of the matter, and whilst as readers we are privy to more of the background to the story, gaining the perspective of the bad guys as well as the good, there is still much that we have to uncover, so much to puzzle over, as well as the adrenalin that is created from reading such a tense and rapidly evolving story. There are some moments that really put me on edge, some scenes that are entirely nerve wracking, as well as heart breaking, and that lead to this being a very personal case for Max for reasons that become clear in the reading.
This really is an ensemble piece and every character we have come to know and love is here and pulling their weight in this story. There are a few unexpected, but no less welcome cameos, and quite a few surprises in store. With spies, mercenaries and assassins gracing the pages, as well as the kind of characters it is really very easy to hate or despise, as much for their personal and political convictions as their actions, it's the kind of book that you absolutely want to see people getting their comeuppance. It is seldom that I read about a character with no redeeming qualities and if it weren't for the central bad guys deference to their less than loveable mother, this book comes pretty close. If there was one bad guy who was intriguing, it was the Cashier. Driven merely by the desire to protect their reputation, and their bank balance, you can kind of understand their character, if not forgive their actions.
The conclusion to this whole story is bang on, although it does raise a few questions that I won't discuss here because of potential spoilers. It's probably the only effective way of bringing the case to a close, given the ramifications of what the investigation uncovers, and for me, it absolutely delivered. If you love the series, the characters, as I do, this should most certainly be on you TBR pile. Totally recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A far-right extremist group is trying to sow division, hoping to destabilise the country. When an informant is brutally murdered, Max Craigie and the rest of the team are tasked with investigating a possible leak among the police or the security service.
The Dark Heart by Neil Lancaster is the seventh book in the Max Craigie series (if you want to know about the rest of the series, you can find reviews for all of the books on my blog). This time around, the author has tapped into something that is extremely relevant today, the rise of extremist groups.
Things are going well for Max; life is ticking along nicely, allowing him to spend quality time with his wife and daughter. Everything changes when an old contact of Barney's from his days working with MI5 reaches out to ask for help. A drug dealer turned informant has been murdered, and there is a possibility that someone is leaking information to an organised crime gang.
The scenes of contentment lull the reader into a false sense of security; we're not used to seeing Max so relaxed. Once the action begins, however, everything is at a blistering pace, and the tension is palpable. Max has to go undercover, and as a result, there isn't the usual amount of interaction between him and Janie, but we do get to meet a new character who has ambitions of joining the team.
Danger is never far away, and Max has to react quickly; thankfully, his past experience of undercover operations with the Met has equipped him for situations like this. Unfortunately, one situation doesn't go as planned, with devastating consequences, leaving Max to face his demons. I did seriously wonder if this was going to be the end of the series.
Neil Lancaster has used his extensive background to shine a light on current events. He has highlighted the way that Russian assets are using home-grown organised crime gangs to promote extremist views with the aim of destabilising the country. Shockingly, this means that Russia is not directly connected with what is happening, and the crime gangs are financing operations themselves. Another point the author makes is how the country treats veterans. Soldiers who are trained, sometimes to be killers, and are used to rules and regimentation, are abandoned when they leave the military. Skills are wasted, self-worth plummets, and how do these highly trained individuals get the adrenaline buzz they are used to?
The reader is kept guessing as to the identity of the leak. There is a clever cat-and-mouse game to lure out the person responsible for passing on sensitive information. It was lovely to see much of the action taking place in the north-east, my hometown even gets a brief mention. There is a sense of disbelief at the end, when it looks as if some of the individuals involved will escape retribution; however, karma is never far away.
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
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
The Dark Heart by Neil Lancaster is the seventh book in the Max Craigie series (if you want to know about the rest of the series, you can find reviews for all of the books on my blog). This time around, the author has tapped into something that is extremely relevant today, the rise of extremist groups.
Things are going well for Max; life is ticking along nicely, allowing him to spend quality time with his wife and daughter. Everything changes when an old contact of Barney's from his days working with MI5 reaches out to ask for help. A drug dealer turned informant has been murdered, and there is a possibility that someone is leaking information to an organised crime gang.
The scenes of contentment lull the reader into a false sense of security; we're not used to seeing Max so relaxed. Once the action begins, however, everything is at a blistering pace, and the tension is palpable. Max has to go undercover, and as a result, there isn't the usual amount of interaction between him and Janie, but we do get to meet a new character who has ambitions of joining the team.
Danger is never far away, and Max has to react quickly; thankfully, his past experience of undercover operations with the Met has equipped him for situations like this. Unfortunately, one situation doesn't go as planned, with devastating consequences, leaving Max to face his demons. I did seriously wonder if this was going to be the end of the series.
Neil Lancaster has used his extensive background to shine a light on current events. He has highlighted the way that Russian assets are using home-grown organised crime gangs to promote extremist views with the aim of destabilising the country. Shockingly, this means that Russia is not directly connected with what is happening, and the crime gangs are financing operations themselves. Another point the author makes is how the country treats veterans. Soldiers who are trained, sometimes to be killers, and are used to rules and regimentation, are abandoned when they leave the military. Skills are wasted, self-worth plummets, and how do these highly trained individuals get the adrenaline buzz they are used to?
The reader is kept guessing as to the identity of the leak. There is a clever cat-and-mouse game to lure out the person responsible for passing on sensitive information. It was lovely to see much of the action taking place in the north-east, my hometown even gets a brief mention. There is a sense of disbelief at the end, when it looks as if some of the individuals involved will escape retribution; however, karma is never far away.
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
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Useful idiots” is a Cold War term for people who act based on ideology, not realising that they are puppets being manipulated for malign purposes. Two such people are ‘Stringer’ Dent and ‘Shorty’ Shore, drug suppliers in the North West of the UK, but with aspirations to control the Scottish trade. They are also long time trouble makers of the ‘football hooligan’, ‘immigrants out’ variety, and have been deluded into believing that diverting some of their profits into fomenting civil unrest, especially between Muslims and Jews, will be good for England. The authorities believe that a car bomb death in York and the murder of a small time dealer on the Scottish-English border are unconnected events. These types of crime are not within the ambit of “Policing Standards Reassurance”, the Police Scotland anticorruption unit, not least because the bombing was in England. However, one of the team, Barney, is ex SIS, and he gets a tip-off that not only confirms a link, but indicates that an unknown senior figure within the Police and Intelligence community is involved. That is the sort of suspect that the PRS targets, but the case is complicated by cross border policing issues and the range of other UK agencies involved, including NCA, anti-terrorism and MI5.
This is the seventh book in the series featuring DS Max Cragie, and the team, DI Ross Fraser, DC Janie Calder, electronics expert Barney Illingworth, and data analyst Norma. It is a typically robust example of the way they work together, each with their own characteristics and foibles, exchanging banter as they proceed. For the most part, the writing is excellent, progressing the plot, building the tension, as the team unravel the various strands and produce a satisfactory resolution. I say “for the most part” because there are a couple of points where the pace drops because the reader need explanatory exposition and these seemed a bit long and repetitive to me. Maybe I’ve just spent too many years reading this sort of book. Other than that, it is a great story, broadening the scope for the team, which I anticipate will provide more varied plots into the future.
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 seventh book in the series featuring DS Max Cragie, and the team, DI Ross Fraser, DC Janie Calder, electronics expert Barney Illingworth, and data analyst Norma. It is a typically robust example of the way they work together, each with their own characteristics and foibles, exchanging banter as they proceed. For the most part, the writing is excellent, progressing the plot, building the tension, as the team unravel the various strands and produce a satisfactory resolution. I say “for the most part” because there are a couple of points where the pace drops because the reader need explanatory exposition and these seemed a bit long and repetitive to me. Maybe I’ve just spent too many years reading this sort of book. Other than that, it is a great story, broadening the scope for the team, which I anticipate will provide more varied plots into the future.
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.
March 12, 2026
I enjoy a good macho cop series as much as the next woman, and DS Max Craigie is that splendid combination of rugged, physically fit cop and a loving husband to Katie and father to one year old Evie.
In The Dark Heart, Max’s role pivots from his normal anti-corruption duties and into more of an international espionage thriller. At first, the threads seem disparate; an author, Dr Daniel Solomon, is killed after his book launch in York, seemingly the victim of Islamic political extremists. At the same time, in the Borders, an organised crime gang is up to no good.
Barney, the team’s surveillance genius and ex MI5, is contacted by one of his former colleagues. There’s a fear that there’s a leak within MI5 and that, as a result, an informant has been murdered. What follows is a fast paced, thrilling look at how criminal gangs can be exploited by bad actors to do their bidding.
Neil Lancaster uses his expertise as a covert officer in the Met to great effect, showing not just how the tentacles of foreign operatives can reach the heart of the intelligence community, but also how easy it is to commission crimes online.
Max is centre stage and the dangers he faces shine a light on the very real impact of his time in the army and as an undercover operative, something that still keeps him awake at night. The team humour is still there, though, especially from D.I. Ross, a character modelled on Denzil Meyrick’s D.S. Brian Scott.
Max faces a difficult and complex investigation, and one which puts him right in the path of danger and despair. The involvement of MI5 only complicates things; knowing who to trust is Max’s biggest dilemma.
I read this and listened to it as an audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Angus King, who ably projects the darkness of this story.
Verdict: With rogue intelligence officers and a shadowy contract killer known as ‘The Cashier’, this is one of Max’s most deadly cases yet. I enjoyed the way Neil Lancaster shows Max as struggling, as a proud father and a loving husband, and as a nephew to the splendid character, Auntie Elspeth, a wise and rather wonderful woman. Dark, thrilling and packed full of tension, The Dark Heart is a cracking read.
In The Dark Heart, Max’s role pivots from his normal anti-corruption duties and into more of an international espionage thriller. At first, the threads seem disparate; an author, Dr Daniel Solomon, is killed after his book launch in York, seemingly the victim of Islamic political extremists. At the same time, in the Borders, an organised crime gang is up to no good.
Barney, the team’s surveillance genius and ex MI5, is contacted by one of his former colleagues. There’s a fear that there’s a leak within MI5 and that, as a result, an informant has been murdered. What follows is a fast paced, thrilling look at how criminal gangs can be exploited by bad actors to do their bidding.
Neil Lancaster uses his expertise as a covert officer in the Met to great effect, showing not just how the tentacles of foreign operatives can reach the heart of the intelligence community, but also how easy it is to commission crimes online.
Max is centre stage and the dangers he faces shine a light on the very real impact of his time in the army and as an undercover operative, something that still keeps him awake at night. The team humour is still there, though, especially from D.I. Ross, a character modelled on Denzil Meyrick’s D.S. Brian Scott.
Max faces a difficult and complex investigation, and one which puts him right in the path of danger and despair. The involvement of MI5 only complicates things; knowing who to trust is Max’s biggest dilemma.
I read this and listened to it as an audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Angus King, who ably projects the darkness of this story.
Verdict: With rogue intelligence officers and a shadowy contract killer known as ‘The Cashier’, this is one of Max’s most deadly cases yet. I enjoyed the way Neil Lancaster shows Max as struggling, as a proud father and a loving husband, and as a nephew to the splendid character, Auntie Elspeth, a wise and rather wonderful woman. Dark, thrilling and packed full of tension, The Dark Heart is a cracking read.
November 3, 2025
Just brilliant!! Superb plot, hooked early on, reeled in and kept dangling right till the end. In my review of the last book, my one negative comment was the overwhelming amount of ‘Scottishisms’, which felt excessive, even for a Scot like myself - I’m happy to say that this book seems to have reduced the amount quite considerable back to what sounds to be a normal amount for daily dialogue. Although I did note slight overuse of the term ‘pelters’ - a Scottishism I’ve never heard of! That being said, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book one bit! I was also delighted that while still being a cranky, foul mouthed boss, D.I. Ross felt more realistic and believable in this book. Still sweary and cranky but not quite so OTT. For me, these points were the icing on the cake of a terrific read.
I won’t précis the plot, you can get that from the book’s blurb. Suffice to say there are some Russian connections, some very ‘on point’ links to extremists stirring the pot by copying the ‘modus operandi’ of other extremists, a fair amount of undercover work and some wonderful team work from the whole ‘policing standards’ team.
I’ve been travelling and visiting grandchildren whilst trying to read this book and it’s taken much longer than it would have done, had I have been at home - it’s a definite page turner. My entire family now read the Max Craigie series and are all very envious of my advanced e.copy, however, all I’ve told them is exactly what I would tell you if you are reading this review, read no further, just go ahead and buy, you will not regret it, whether you have read all the others in the series or not, this could easily be read as a standalone. However, if you haven’t read the Max Craigie series, you are in for a treat and I feel sure you’ll go back to the beginning and read the rest. Honestly, I’m a little bit envious of you!
Well done Neil Lancaster, possibly your best yet! An easy-p easy five stars!! My thanks go to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for an advanced e.copy of this book. The opinions stated in this review are entirely my own.
I won’t précis the plot, you can get that from the book’s blurb. Suffice to say there are some Russian connections, some very ‘on point’ links to extremists stirring the pot by copying the ‘modus operandi’ of other extremists, a fair amount of undercover work and some wonderful team work from the whole ‘policing standards’ team.
I’ve been travelling and visiting grandchildren whilst trying to read this book and it’s taken much longer than it would have done, had I have been at home - it’s a definite page turner. My entire family now read the Max Craigie series and are all very envious of my advanced e.copy, however, all I’ve told them is exactly what I would tell you if you are reading this review, read no further, just go ahead and buy, you will not regret it, whether you have read all the others in the series or not, this could easily be read as a standalone. However, if you haven’t read the Max Craigie series, you are in for a treat and I feel sure you’ll go back to the beginning and read the rest. Honestly, I’m a little bit envious of you!
Well done Neil Lancaster, possibly your best yet! An easy-p easy five stars!! My thanks go to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for an advanced e.copy of this book. The opinions stated in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Each Max Craigie book is a dive into the murky depths of the modern criminal mind. This story involves police corruption, illegal drug operations, exploitation of religious groups and this time, hired assassins with suspected links to Moscow.
Max and his wife Katie, now have the precious gift of a one year old daughter, Evie to consider. The desire to be around for children is strong, and Max has briefly considered a less risky and demanding job, but these aren’t available in any police force for active officers.
The usual team is back, Ross is his usual sweary self, but he will back his team in all they do. Barney is the master genius behind some very underhand surveillance techniques, and Norma and Janice bring excellent “ snooping” skills to the table.
Someone is feeding information about police investigations into a dangerous gang that is suspected of racist attacks and they appear to be high up in the chain of command. The action takes place across the English/ Scottish border, courtesy of a victim whose body was displayed half way over the bridge that spans the River Tweed. Neither force is happy to have this case, but Scotlands luck runs out when the criminal is discovered to be one of their finest persons of interest.
This is a complex and political situation, but when police officers and other assets are being killed, the whole tone of the story becomes more darker and is taken to a more personal level. When MI5 and anti terrorism departments become involved, everyone is becoming a suspect, and the question is, who to trust to keep the team safe. A so much darker story, but unfortunately so relevant to these more uncertain times we are all experiencing.
A thrilling, very engaging and well written novel, really gripping story, luckily there are episodes of ‘ black humour “ to keep everyone focused upon such terrible events.
Written by an author who has been there, and has no doubt experienced far too much in his working life. It is hoped that any nightmares and flashbacks are being resolved by writing this insightful series.
Max and his wife Katie, now have the precious gift of a one year old daughter, Evie to consider. The desire to be around for children is strong, and Max has briefly considered a less risky and demanding job, but these aren’t available in any police force for active officers.
The usual team is back, Ross is his usual sweary self, but he will back his team in all they do. Barney is the master genius behind some very underhand surveillance techniques, and Norma and Janice bring excellent “ snooping” skills to the table.
Someone is feeding information about police investigations into a dangerous gang that is suspected of racist attacks and they appear to be high up in the chain of command. The action takes place across the English/ Scottish border, courtesy of a victim whose body was displayed half way over the bridge that spans the River Tweed. Neither force is happy to have this case, but Scotlands luck runs out when the criminal is discovered to be one of their finest persons of interest.
This is a complex and political situation, but when police officers and other assets are being killed, the whole tone of the story becomes more darker and is taken to a more personal level. When MI5 and anti terrorism departments become involved, everyone is becoming a suspect, and the question is, who to trust to keep the team safe. A so much darker story, but unfortunately so relevant to these more uncertain times we are all experiencing.
A thrilling, very engaging and well written novel, really gripping story, luckily there are episodes of ‘ black humour “ to keep everyone focused upon such terrible events.
Written by an author who has been there, and has no doubt experienced far too much in his working life. It is hoped that any nightmares and flashbacks are being resolved by writing this insightful series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Dark Heart is the seventh book is the DS Max Craigie series, written by Neil Lancaster, and, as always, narrated wonderfully by Angus King.
The book starts right in the middle of the action, in York, as opposed to Scotland, which surprised me. Life is good for Daniel Solomon. He has just attended his own book signing, his book is riding high in the best seller lists. In the space of a heartbeat, everything changes, that night will become part of the legacy that he leaves behind. Fast forward a year, and we find Max and the team, at the start of what will be a dangerous and complex case, that will leave its mark on everyone involved.
Neil’s characters are so richly drawn. They are vivid and very much alive in my mind. I lived their experiences alongside them, worrying for their safety and well-being. It goes without saying how wonderful Angus King’s narration is, it is a given, no questions asked.
The Dark Heart is a dark read. It faces head on the issues we all face in modern life. The increasingly polarised world we live in, where it seems people aren’t judged for who they are, but by their faith or where they were born in the world. Lines of division firmly drawn, empathy and humanity being lost. The storyline felt so current and relevant, it took no imagination on my part to believe the story. I was invested and gripped immediately.
Due to the ridiculous size of my tbr, I haven’t picked up a book in this series since the third book, The Night Watch. I now realise my mistake, as I have missed out on what I know will be three wonderful books. I need to rectify that by heading back to Blood Runs Cold. The Dark Heart is a gritty read, which held my attention tightly. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The book starts right in the middle of the action, in York, as opposed to Scotland, which surprised me. Life is good for Daniel Solomon. He has just attended his own book signing, his book is riding high in the best seller lists. In the space of a heartbeat, everything changes, that night will become part of the legacy that he leaves behind. Fast forward a year, and we find Max and the team, at the start of what will be a dangerous and complex case, that will leave its mark on everyone involved.
Neil’s characters are so richly drawn. They are vivid and very much alive in my mind. I lived their experiences alongside them, worrying for their safety and well-being. It goes without saying how wonderful Angus King’s narration is, it is a given, no questions asked.
The Dark Heart is a dark read. It faces head on the issues we all face in modern life. The increasingly polarised world we live in, where it seems people aren’t judged for who they are, but by their faith or where they were born in the world. Lines of division firmly drawn, empathy and humanity being lost. The storyline felt so current and relevant, it took no imagination on my part to believe the story. I was invested and gripped immediately.
Due to the ridiculous size of my tbr, I haven’t picked up a book in this series since the third book, The Night Watch. I now realise my mistake, as I have missed out on what I know will be three wonderful books. I need to rectify that by heading back to Blood Runs Cold. The Dark Heart is a gritty read, which held my attention tightly. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Max Craigie series has rapidly become one of my all time favourite series, this latest may just be the best yet. As a read I was drawn in from the opening pages, there is a familiarity to the writing, the characters and the gripping storylines. This was a book I found hard to put down. As a story it is pitched perfectly for todays world and times.
It is slickly and complexly plotted, wonderfully constructed and layered. One of the things I love about the books is the way that the author creates his characters, they all have that air of believability, I can formulate my own mental picture of each, they are always superbly brought to life on the page. You also get a strong sense of place and location within the books.
Neil Lancaster has this natural way of just letting the story flow, it is storytelling of the highest quality. I love the banter between Ross, Craigie and the team, it’s quick, slick, shows a camaraderie between the team, there is a dry humour to it, thats not to underplay the seriousness wtih which they take their roles and responsibilities. Within the team it is refreshing to know that each play a pivotal role, there are no egos.
As a read it packed with heartfelt emotion, you can see the heartache within Max and the anguish and fear within Katie. I often feel sorry for Max as he visits some dark places, only now he a daughter, the author brings to the fore a subject matter not often talked about and does it with empathy and understanding.
As I have come to expect, there is that overwhelming sense of authentic realism to the story, the characters actions, you can see the authors experiences shine through bringing an attention to detail which is second to none.
It is compelling, pacey full of suspense, heart pounding a full on rollercoaster experience that totally had me gripped and enthralled. The story has an explosive opening and doesn’t let go right up the closing pages.
The way the tension is built up and the dramatic twists and turns guarantee one satisfying read. I read purely for entertainment and boy does this do that.
Neil Lancaster proves himself again to be one of todays foremost crime writers,
I cannot recommend this book or the series as a whole highly enough, definetly one any crime afficianado should be reading. It’s hard to believe this is book 7, each one a work of pure strength and quality.
It is slickly and complexly plotted, wonderfully constructed and layered. One of the things I love about the books is the way that the author creates his characters, they all have that air of believability, I can formulate my own mental picture of each, they are always superbly brought to life on the page. You also get a strong sense of place and location within the books.
Neil Lancaster has this natural way of just letting the story flow, it is storytelling of the highest quality. I love the banter between Ross, Craigie and the team, it’s quick, slick, shows a camaraderie between the team, there is a dry humour to it, thats not to underplay the seriousness wtih which they take their roles and responsibilities. Within the team it is refreshing to know that each play a pivotal role, there are no egos.
As a read it packed with heartfelt emotion, you can see the heartache within Max and the anguish and fear within Katie. I often feel sorry for Max as he visits some dark places, only now he a daughter, the author brings to the fore a subject matter not often talked about and does it with empathy and understanding.
As I have come to expect, there is that overwhelming sense of authentic realism to the story, the characters actions, you can see the authors experiences shine through bringing an attention to detail which is second to none.
It is compelling, pacey full of suspense, heart pounding a full on rollercoaster experience that totally had me gripped and enthralled. The story has an explosive opening and doesn’t let go right up the closing pages.
The way the tension is built up and the dramatic twists and turns guarantee one satisfying read. I read purely for entertainment and boy does this do that.
Neil Lancaster proves himself again to be one of todays foremost crime writers,
I cannot recommend this book or the series as a whole highly enough, definetly one any crime afficianado should be reading. It’s hard to believe this is book 7, each one a work of pure strength and quality.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to HQ for a proof copy of The Dark Heart.
When a famous author is killed in an explosion in York, DS Max Craigie and his team begin to investigate a possible link between the attack and a series of murders in Scotland.
Max must now go undercover to infiltrate the criminal gang involved, but they soon discover further layers of corruption, plotting, and hatred. And time is running out for them to find who is at the heart of the operation before more lives are lost.
This was a really enjoyable, gritty and high octane police procedural story with some dark themes.
It’s the 7th book in the DS Max Craigie series, and the first I have read! Although I could appreciate that there were some backstories I wasn’t familiar with, it definitely worked as a standalone story. I’d love to go back to book 1 though and get caught up on what I’ve missed!
Max is a former military man now working as a detective, with a young family he’s determined to protect from the dangers of his job.
Max and all of the characters felt really real, especially the way the police team worked together and joked with each other, and I could hear their Scottish and Geordie accents in my head! Although - and I do get confused easily so this may just be me - I felt there were a LOT of characters!
It also shone through that Neil has professional experience working as a police detective in major crimes - the detail of all the intricate police procedures felt really authentic, and the overall concept of the conspiracy they investigated was scarily plausible.
I really enjoyed this and could see it as a tv series, which I would absolutely watch!
When a famous author is killed in an explosion in York, DS Max Craigie and his team begin to investigate a possible link between the attack and a series of murders in Scotland.
Max must now go undercover to infiltrate the criminal gang involved, but they soon discover further layers of corruption, plotting, and hatred. And time is running out for them to find who is at the heart of the operation before more lives are lost.
This was a really enjoyable, gritty and high octane police procedural story with some dark themes.
It’s the 7th book in the DS Max Craigie series, and the first I have read! Although I could appreciate that there were some backstories I wasn’t familiar with, it definitely worked as a standalone story. I’d love to go back to book 1 though and get caught up on what I’ve missed!
Max is a former military man now working as a detective, with a young family he’s determined to protect from the dangers of his job.
Max and all of the characters felt really real, especially the way the police team worked together and joked with each other, and I could hear their Scottish and Geordie accents in my head! Although - and I do get confused easily so this may just be me - I felt there were a LOT of characters!
It also shone through that Neil has professional experience working as a police detective in major crimes - the detail of all the intricate police procedures felt really authentic, and the overall concept of the conspiracy they investigated was scarily plausible.
I really enjoyed this and could see it as a tv series, which I would absolutely watch!
October 25, 2025
The Dark Heart, is the seventh book in the DS Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster. This is a series they I regretfully dip in and out of and really do plan to catch up on the earlier novels. I wasn’t immediately gripped by this novel, but the more I read the more I became engrossed.
The Dark Heart, sees the return of DS Max Craigie and deals with corruption, deception, and vengeance. Author Dr. Daniel Solomon dies in a disastrous explosion in York and the tragedy is swiftly identified as a terrorist attack. DS Max Craigie isn’t convinced by the assumption and when he starts to look closer identifies inconsistences that are more convoluted.
Further investigations uncover links between Solomon’s death and a series of savage murders, each victim bound by a dark secret someone will kill to protect. As the investigation unfolds, a sinister figure known only as The Cashier emerges from the shadows, his influence stretching well beyond the crime scene, infiltrating the highest echelons of power.
Neil Lancaster, himself a former detective, brings believable detail to his writing, authentic police procedural detail, while maintaining a fast paced thriller. It took me time to get back into the characters as it’s been a while since I read the last book in this series but by the end I was ready for more. Well plotted and full of suspense, making it a very good crime novel.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Dark Heart, sees the return of DS Max Craigie and deals with corruption, deception, and vengeance. Author Dr. Daniel Solomon dies in a disastrous explosion in York and the tragedy is swiftly identified as a terrorist attack. DS Max Craigie isn’t convinced by the assumption and when he starts to look closer identifies inconsistences that are more convoluted.
Further investigations uncover links between Solomon’s death and a series of savage murders, each victim bound by a dark secret someone will kill to protect. As the investigation unfolds, a sinister figure known only as The Cashier emerges from the shadows, his influence stretching well beyond the crime scene, infiltrating the highest echelons of power.
Neil Lancaster, himself a former detective, brings believable detail to his writing, authentic police procedural detail, while maintaining a fast paced thriller. It took me time to get back into the characters as it’s been a while since I read the last book in this series but by the end I was ready for more. Well plotted and full of suspense, making it a very good crime novel.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is not only my first read in the DS Max Craigie Scottish Crime Thrillers series - but also my first read by this author - yet this is actually book 7 in the series.
I always find with this genre, that books can definitely work well, even when read out of order - and I do think that this book fitted nicely into that.
I'm pretty certain that there's been a huge amount of character building and development throughout the series so far - but I really didn't feel too out of touch with the characters and actually really connected with Max.
Having a young family, Max really must have found it difficult to do the job he knows so well, yet try not to put himself in danger or compromise his relationship - but when he ends up going undercover for a case that goes bad - he can't help but seek revenge in the only way he knows how.
This was a really interesting premise which resonated with a lot of events seen around the country and heard on the news.
There were, however, a lot of characters and names to get to grips with and so I found the beginning a little confusing - but this soon sorted itself out in my head and as the story progressed, it got easier to keep track of everyone and their roles within the operation.
I loved the setting and that combination of groups from Scotland and the north east coming together - but not sure I ever really trusted everyone.
This was a really great first read and I'd definitely be tempted to read more in this series soon.
I always find with this genre, that books can definitely work well, even when read out of order - and I do think that this book fitted nicely into that.
I'm pretty certain that there's been a huge amount of character building and development throughout the series so far - but I really didn't feel too out of touch with the characters and actually really connected with Max.
Having a young family, Max really must have found it difficult to do the job he knows so well, yet try not to put himself in danger or compromise his relationship - but when he ends up going undercover for a case that goes bad - he can't help but seek revenge in the only way he knows how.
This was a really interesting premise which resonated with a lot of events seen around the country and heard on the news.
There were, however, a lot of characters and names to get to grips with and so I found the beginning a little confusing - but this soon sorted itself out in my head and as the story progressed, it got easier to keep track of everyone and their roles within the operation.
I loved the setting and that combination of groups from Scotland and the north east coming together - but not sure I ever really trusted everyone.
This was a really great first read and I'd definitely be tempted to read more in this series soon.
January 4, 2026
5* I nearly abandoned this brilliant book because I'm unfamiliar with the series and struggled with the Scots speak. Gah, a GREAT start to 2026.
So, maybe I'd have been better off reading the previous books in the DS Max Craigie series, as I found the Scottish terms and words (like heid for head, polis for police) irritating and tiresome. There was a deluge of characters that I'd not been expecting and I kept mistaking the female cops for Max's wife, wondering how she kept appearing. It started off really confusing.
Once the Dent brothers made their appearance, things picked up. The storyline isn't far removed from 2026 real life, with Russian, Chinese and other hostile interference making it utterly believable. And some of the twists, the UC work, the willingness of Max's team to get things done was pretty kickarse. The tale wasn't pleasant, and so it was satisfying in a way that far too few books are, that everyone who deserved their fate got their fate. Yes!!!! The tech stuff was believable with just the right amount of Spooks - the TV series - to make it all work. Can't wait to read the next, and to figure out if Max's last conversation prior to his holiday wasn't his way of doing justice for the fallen Joe, a lovely character. I suspect that the 'my boss' conversation with the bad guy meant that Max knew exactly what'd happen, and that it'd be untraceable. Oh, plus the video. Brilliant.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and HQ, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.
So, maybe I'd have been better off reading the previous books in the DS Max Craigie series, as I found the Scottish terms and words (like heid for head, polis for police) irritating and tiresome. There was a deluge of characters that I'd not been expecting and I kept mistaking the female cops for Max's wife, wondering how she kept appearing. It started off really confusing.
Once the Dent brothers made their appearance, things picked up. The storyline isn't far removed from 2026 real life, with Russian, Chinese and other hostile interference making it utterly believable. And some of the twists, the UC work, the willingness of Max's team to get things done was pretty kickarse. The tale wasn't pleasant, and so it was satisfying in a way that far too few books are, that everyone who deserved their fate got their fate. Yes!!!! The tech stuff was believable with just the right amount of Spooks - the TV series - to make it all work. Can't wait to read the next, and to figure out if Max's last conversation prior to his holiday wasn't his way of doing justice for the fallen Joe, a lovely character. I suspect that the 'my boss' conversation with the bad guy meant that Max knew exactly what'd happen, and that it'd be untraceable. Oh, plus the video. Brilliant.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and HQ, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a renown and apolitical author is blown up in a carpark in York the crime is put down to Islamic extremists based on the evidence remaining of the bomb. A source, however, known to Barney, the old spook who lives in a camper van and assists the “Policing Standards Reassurance”, the Police Scotland anticorruption unit, thinks differently and DS Max Craigie and his team are called in to investigate. This leads them to a sting operation with drug dealer Stinger Dent and his side kick, in an attempt to find out who is really behind the author's death.
This the sixth Max Craigie book I've read and I've loved them all, thinking of the team as old friends and relishing the chatter and banter between them. The series is well thought out and polished, the plot moves along at pace, and while some of the techie stuff reads like gobbledygook to me, it all seems to make sense in the end. With drug dealers, Russian spies and twisted security agents involved, there are twists and turns aplenty, along with some quieter, more serious moments, where both the characters and the readers, pause and take stock.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, which can be read as a stand alone, but is very much more enjoyable for having read the previous novels in the series. I hope for many more.
With thanks to the author, Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an early read in return for an honest review.
This the sixth Max Craigie book I've read and I've loved them all, thinking of the team as old friends and relishing the chatter and banter between them. The series is well thought out and polished, the plot moves along at pace, and while some of the techie stuff reads like gobbledygook to me, it all seems to make sense in the end. With drug dealers, Russian spies and twisted security agents involved, there are twists and turns aplenty, along with some quieter, more serious moments, where both the characters and the readers, pause and take stock.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, which can be read as a stand alone, but is very much more enjoyable for having read the previous novels in the series. I hope for many more.
With thanks to the author, Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an early read in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The best one yet in this brilliant series
It’s at times like these when I wish I didn't have to go to work. As soon as I started reading, I was totally hooked and invested. I know it's a bit of a cliché to say I couldn't put it down, but I only did so because I eventually needed to sleep and go to work.
What a book! I’ve read all the other stories in this series and every single one has been excellent, but this one has actually exceeded my expectations. I don't normally gush this much about a thriller, but this one just hit every spot for me. The plot is incredibly riveting and the tension is palpable throughout.
The characters are just fantastic. The camaraderie between Max, Janie, Ross and the rest of the team feels so natural and I absolutely love the banter they share. It makes the high-stakes investigation feel so much more real. I went from laughing out loud at their exchanges to having a genuine tear in my eye – it brought out a range of emotions that not many books manage to do.
You really have to read this one. While the mystery works as a standalone, you’ll definitely get so much more out of it if you’ve followed the characters from the start. You won't be disappointed by this addition to the DS Max Craigie world.
Huge thanks to the author, HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this brilliant addition to a fantastic series.
It’s at times like these when I wish I didn't have to go to work. As soon as I started reading, I was totally hooked and invested. I know it's a bit of a cliché to say I couldn't put it down, but I only did so because I eventually needed to sleep and go to work.
What a book! I’ve read all the other stories in this series and every single one has been excellent, but this one has actually exceeded my expectations. I don't normally gush this much about a thriller, but this one just hit every spot for me. The plot is incredibly riveting and the tension is palpable throughout.
The characters are just fantastic. The camaraderie between Max, Janie, Ross and the rest of the team feels so natural and I absolutely love the banter they share. It makes the high-stakes investigation feel so much more real. I went from laughing out loud at their exchanges to having a genuine tear in my eye – it brought out a range of emotions that not many books manage to do.
You really have to read this one. While the mystery works as a standalone, you’ll definitely get so much more out of it if you’ve followed the characters from the start. You won't be disappointed by this addition to the DS Max Craigie world.
Huge thanks to the author, HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this brilliant addition to a fantastic series.
February 3, 2026
With thanks to the author, publishers HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this work in exchange for my honest review.
This is seventh instalment in the DS Max Craigie series, and the sixth that I have read (somehow the sixth book in the series escaped my attention!), but this was a definite 5-star rating from me as each of the other five that I read previously also were! Once more this was a thoroughly enjoyable return to the world of Max, Janie, Ross, Barney and Norma, joining forces yet again to battle corruption in police Scotland.
The author does a fantastic job with the plot, with lots of suspense and plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the bent cop right to the very end. His own real-life experience conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond comes across in the way that Ross and his team handle their investigation.
Throughout this series though, it is the dialog that really take the books to the next level. I don’t know if there is a better author out there at writing dialog in this sort of context, mixing the serious and professional descriptions of the active investigation with jokes and office banter. In particular, Ross Fraser has to be one of the funniest characters I’ve come across, and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion!
It’s worth noting that there is no need to have read any of the previous books in the series in order to enjoy this one, enough background info is provided where required to ensure that it works just fine as a standalone read. The narrator Angus King, an ever-present throughout the series, once again also did a fantastic job of bringing all of the characters to life through his performance.
This is seventh instalment in the DS Max Craigie series, and the sixth that I have read (somehow the sixth book in the series escaped my attention!), but this was a definite 5-star rating from me as each of the other five that I read previously also were! Once more this was a thoroughly enjoyable return to the world of Max, Janie, Ross, Barney and Norma, joining forces yet again to battle corruption in police Scotland.
The author does a fantastic job with the plot, with lots of suspense and plenty of red herrings thrown in to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the bent cop right to the very end. His own real-life experience conducting investigations into some of the most serious criminals across the UK and beyond comes across in the way that Ross and his team handle their investigation.
Throughout this series though, it is the dialog that really take the books to the next level. I don’t know if there is a better author out there at writing dialog in this sort of context, mixing the serious and professional descriptions of the active investigation with jokes and office banter. In particular, Ross Fraser has to be one of the funniest characters I’ve come across, and had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion!
It’s worth noting that there is no need to have read any of the previous books in the series in order to enjoy this one, enough background info is provided where required to ensure that it works just fine as a standalone read. The narrator Angus King, an ever-present throughout the series, once again also did a fantastic job of bringing all of the characters to life through his performance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Uncovering a nefarious political plot: exciting, too real!😧
4-4.5🌟 stars
I'd read one previous book in the series a few years ago which I loved, so I'm back following Max Craigie, his boss Ross and his team winnowing out corrupt officials. The plot is complex, with a spate of killings that, despite firm expert opinions to the contrary, are connected in a scheme to destabilize the country. This time it's not just police who fall suspect of leaking critical information, but officials from various intelligence and enforcement services. Contract killers, local drug trafficking toughs and seemingly isolated prison inmates are plotting and malevolent foreign actors are involved. And Barney, the retired but still active ex MI5 operative, is in the thick of the investigation along with his contacts and oodles of tech. Suspenseful, yes!
The sad loss of life for some adds that extra dimension of pathos and connection in a fast moving thriller with major stakes hanging on their ability to find the leak and prevent the bad guys from succeeding. The political plotting seemed all too real and hit me as a very likely scenario these days and not just in the UK!
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
I'd read one previous book in the series a few years ago which I loved, so I'm back following Max Craigie, his boss Ross and his team winnowing out corrupt officials. The plot is complex, with a spate of killings that, despite firm expert opinions to the contrary, are connected in a scheme to destabilize the country. This time it's not just police who fall suspect of leaking critical information, but officials from various intelligence and enforcement services. Contract killers, local drug trafficking toughs and seemingly isolated prison inmates are plotting and malevolent foreign actors are involved. And Barney, the retired but still active ex MI5 operative, is in the thick of the investigation along with his contacts and oodles of tech. Suspenseful, yes!
The sad loss of life for some adds that extra dimension of pathos and connection in a fast moving thriller with major stakes hanging on their ability to find the leak and prevent the bad guys from succeeding. The political plotting seemed all too real and hit me as a very likely scenario these days and not just in the UK!
Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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