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Overkill
Edinburgh, Christmas Eve, 1936. A gruesome double murder. A white-faced killer. A mysterious stranger…
Still haunted by his recent past, Professor Finlay MacBeth is called in to assist the police following an horrific double murder. Traces of greasepaint and white cotton lead MacBeth and Inspector Callaghan to the Christmas Circus, but while they search for clues, someone else is watching them.
Meanwhile, bent cop Kilmartin still has MacBeth in his sights…
In this thriller series set in Edinburgh, Overkill is book #2 in the Finlay MacBeth Thriller series.
Still haunted by his recent past, Professor Finlay MacBeth is called in to assist the police following an horrific double murder. Traces of greasepaint and white cotton lead MacBeth and Inspector Callaghan to the Christmas Circus, but while they search for clues, someone else is watching them.
Meanwhile, bent cop Kilmartin still has MacBeth in his sights…
In this thriller series set in Edinburgh, Overkill is book #2 in the Finlay MacBeth Thriller series.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
1 person want to read
About the author
Colin Garrow
51 books143 followersColin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 19, 2026
Overkill is another success for Colin Garrow. This time we travel to 1936 and a very cold Christmas in Edinburgh. There could certainly be better times for a violent killer to strike than when snow lies thickly on the ground and no one has a decent pair of wellingtons to be found for love nor money.
I love that Colin’s novels are straight to the plot, and also, all plot. There is no time for extraneous activities, and this ensures his books, and I include Overkill in this, are quick reads while being very intriguing. I also appreciated the appearance of some Scottish words and found that they didn’t distract from the story but rather added to it.
I powered through Overkill and very much enjoyed the interplay between the main characters (even though the murders are particularly violent). This isn’t so much a ‘guess the culprit’ but rather a cat and mouse game where we hope the police will get to the killer before he strikes again.
I love that Colin’s novels are straight to the plot, and also, all plot. There is no time for extraneous activities, and this ensures his books, and I include Overkill in this, are quick reads while being very intriguing. I also appreciated the appearance of some Scottish words and found that they didn’t distract from the story but rather added to it.
I powered through Overkill and very much enjoyed the interplay between the main characters (even though the murders are particularly violent). This isn’t so much a ‘guess the culprit’ but rather a cat and mouse game where we hope the police will get to the killer before he strikes again.
December 1, 2025
Five Stars: A Gripping and Chilling Sequel
After thoroughly enjoying Metropolis, I was eager to dive into Overkill, and I was not disappointed. Colin Garrow has masterfully continued the Finlay MacBeth series, transporting readers back to the wintry streets of 1936 Edinburgh, this time with an even more sinister atmosphere. The story opens with a horrifying double murder on Christmas Eve, immediately plunging the reader into a tense and chilling mystery. Professor MacBeth’s character is given even more depth as he battles the shadows of his past while assisting Inspector Callaghan in the investigation.
The addition of the circus—complete with unsettling clowns and the enigmatic White Face—adds a fresh and deeply disturbing twist to the plot. Garrow’s ability to create a genuinely creepy villain in White Face makes this book particularly memorable; I found myself both fascinated and repulsed by this grisly character. The narrative moves at a cracking pace, weaving together police work, personal vendettas (with Kilmartin’s continued scheming), and a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout.
Returning favourite characters from Metropolis gave the story a comforting continuity, even as the tension kept me turning the pages late into the night. The wintry, snow-clad setting amplified the story’s sense of danger and suspense. Garrow’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, immersing the reader in every scene—whether it’s the eerie lights of the Christmas Circus or the shadowy alleyways of Edinburgh.
I highly recommend Overkill to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted historical thriller with truly unforgettable villains. This is a five-star read, and I am already looking forward to the next instalment in the Finlay MacBeth series.
After thoroughly enjoying Metropolis, I was eager to dive into Overkill, and I was not disappointed. Colin Garrow has masterfully continued the Finlay MacBeth series, transporting readers back to the wintry streets of 1936 Edinburgh, this time with an even more sinister atmosphere. The story opens with a horrifying double murder on Christmas Eve, immediately plunging the reader into a tense and chilling mystery. Professor MacBeth’s character is given even more depth as he battles the shadows of his past while assisting Inspector Callaghan in the investigation.
The addition of the circus—complete with unsettling clowns and the enigmatic White Face—adds a fresh and deeply disturbing twist to the plot. Garrow’s ability to create a genuinely creepy villain in White Face makes this book particularly memorable; I found myself both fascinated and repulsed by this grisly character. The narrative moves at a cracking pace, weaving together police work, personal vendettas (with Kilmartin’s continued scheming), and a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout.
Returning favourite characters from Metropolis gave the story a comforting continuity, even as the tension kept me turning the pages late into the night. The wintry, snow-clad setting amplified the story’s sense of danger and suspense. Garrow’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, immersing the reader in every scene—whether it’s the eerie lights of the Christmas Circus or the shadowy alleyways of Edinburgh.
I highly recommend Overkill to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted historical thriller with truly unforgettable villains. This is a five-star read, and I am already looking forward to the next instalment in the Finlay MacBeth series.
February 25, 2026
Having not read the first in the Finlay MacBeth series ‘Metropolis’ I was worried I’d feel a little lost in the story, however I think it worked fantastically as a standalone. I quickly got a sense of the world and the characters without feeling lost.
I loathe to overuse this word in crime novels but Overkill really was gritty! The graphic descriptions of the murders were grim - but in the best possible way.
Finlay Macbeth is exactly the kind of lead you want in a gritty crime novel. As a professor, his name alone carries weight to the people he meets. He feels smart and determined, but with enough flaws to be believable- especially from the overspill of the Metropolis drama. I found him a likeable MC and felt invested in his perspective and his choices throughout the investigation.
I honestly enjoyed this so much and the writing was on point. I love when the writing flows so easily and as intense as the plot is, I found it easy to follow and the writing style played a massive part in that.
Without any spoilers, this was a very atmospheric read.. with the actions of Whiteface blending into the crowds and the sombre wintery settings, it was all very creepy and disconcerting. I loved it.
I did worry the 1930s setting would be off putting and feel very old school, male centric, Columbo-style policing- but I’m happy to have been proven wrong (I’m not sure why that would be a negative as I love Columbo)…… And just one more thing…..
I particularly enjoyed the Scottish dialogue and interactions between Macbeth and his wife. All very nostalgic and familiar to me as a Scottish woman who has lived in England for way too long. The glossary of Scottish words and phrases in the book was a welcome surprised and is a great addition to help those who may need it!
I loathe to overuse this word in crime novels but Overkill really was gritty! The graphic descriptions of the murders were grim - but in the best possible way.
Finlay Macbeth is exactly the kind of lead you want in a gritty crime novel. As a professor, his name alone carries weight to the people he meets. He feels smart and determined, but with enough flaws to be believable- especially from the overspill of the Metropolis drama. I found him a likeable MC and felt invested in his perspective and his choices throughout the investigation.
I honestly enjoyed this so much and the writing was on point. I love when the writing flows so easily and as intense as the plot is, I found it easy to follow and the writing style played a massive part in that.
Without any spoilers, this was a very atmospheric read.. with the actions of Whiteface blending into the crowds and the sombre wintery settings, it was all very creepy and disconcerting. I loved it.
I did worry the 1930s setting would be off putting and feel very old school, male centric, Columbo-style policing- but I’m happy to have been proven wrong (I’m not sure why that would be a negative as I love Columbo)…… And just one more thing…..
I particularly enjoyed the Scottish dialogue and interactions between Macbeth and his wife. All very nostalgic and familiar to me as a Scottish woman who has lived in England for way too long. The glossary of Scottish words and phrases in the book was a welcome surprised and is a great addition to help those who may need it!
February 25, 2026
Overkill continues on only the following month from where Metropolis finished. It is a separate thriller story of its own but I am glad I had read Metropolis first so that I understood the rather unusual relationships between Finlay Macbeth, Rhona and Jonnie.
The professor certainly isn’t about to enjoy a peaceful Christmas after a gruesome double murder is committed. The circus is in town and traces of greasepaint lead Macbeth and Inspector Callaghan on the search for a white faced clean.
The writing in this series is absolutely fantastic. I felt transported back to the winter of 1936 in Edinburgh. The plot is gripping and the story cleverly written. I felt we went on a wild hunt around Edinburgh following the leads with Finlay and Jonnie.
Overkill felt darker and more dangerous than the first book. The string of murders are even more gruesome and the stakes seem higher. But there is still a lighter note woven into the tense plot. The interactions between Rhona and Finlay are lighthearted and funny and his relationship with little Jonnie and his family is sweet.
This series is so enjoyable to read. I hope there is more to come.
The professor certainly isn’t about to enjoy a peaceful Christmas after a gruesome double murder is committed. The circus is in town and traces of greasepaint lead Macbeth and Inspector Callaghan on the search for a white faced clean.
The writing in this series is absolutely fantastic. I felt transported back to the winter of 1936 in Edinburgh. The plot is gripping and the story cleverly written. I felt we went on a wild hunt around Edinburgh following the leads with Finlay and Jonnie.
Overkill felt darker and more dangerous than the first book. The string of murders are even more gruesome and the stakes seem higher. But there is still a lighter note woven into the tense plot. The interactions between Rhona and Finlay are lighthearted and funny and his relationship with little Jonnie and his family is sweet.
This series is so enjoyable to read. I hope there is more to come.
February 27, 2026
Overkill is the second book in Garrow's Finlay MacBeth series. It immediately transported me back to the streets of Edinburgh where snow is on the ground, and Christmas a mere day away.
The plot was gritty and unsettling - I hate clowns in any shape or form - but certainly made for addictive reading. Settings were stark adding to the atmosphere and authenticity.
Returning characters gave a sense of familiarity and added to the series continuation. MacBeth is a great character and I'm invested all the way!
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
The plot was gritty and unsettling - I hate clowns in any shape or form - but certainly made for addictive reading. Settings were stark adding to the atmosphere and authenticity.
Returning characters gave a sense of familiarity and added to the series continuation. MacBeth is a great character and I'm invested all the way!
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 25, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed Metropolis, the first book in the series, so I had high expectations for this second one. I wasn’t disappointed, this novel is fully on par with the first.
Overkill sets its tone immediately, placing you in an Edinburgh that feels cold, cramped, and heavy with unspoken threats. The central double murder creates a steady current of tension, the kind that doesn’t spike but quietly builds, making every scene feel edged.
Finlay MacBeth stands out through quiet resilience rather than dramatics. You see him thinking his way through pressure, carrying old shadows while refusing to let them stall him. His development comes through subtle shifts, small choices that reveal how he navigates danger with caution, instinct, and a certain worn‑in determination.
The investigation keeps the tension alive through unsettling details and people who never quite feel trustworthy. The circus setting adds that slight distortion, a feeling that something is always just out of sight. Side characters support the mood, some adding friction, some adding warmth, all shaping how MacBeth reads the world around him.
In this shorter, tighter package, Overkill manages to feel moody, atmospheric, and character‑driven. It’s a compact mystery with a persistent hum of tension and a protagonist who grows in quiet, compelling ways.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Overkill sets its tone immediately, placing you in an Edinburgh that feels cold, cramped, and heavy with unspoken threats. The central double murder creates a steady current of tension, the kind that doesn’t spike but quietly builds, making every scene feel edged.
Finlay MacBeth stands out through quiet resilience rather than dramatics. You see him thinking his way through pressure, carrying old shadows while refusing to let them stall him. His development comes through subtle shifts, small choices that reveal how he navigates danger with caution, instinct, and a certain worn‑in determination.
The investigation keeps the tension alive through unsettling details and people who never quite feel trustworthy. The circus setting adds that slight distortion, a feeling that something is always just out of sight. Side characters support the mood, some adding friction, some adding warmth, all shaping how MacBeth reads the world around him.
In this shorter, tighter package, Overkill manages to feel moody, atmospheric, and character‑driven. It’s a compact mystery with a persistent hum of tension and a protagonist who grows in quiet, compelling ways.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
February 20, 2026
The second book in the Finlay MacBeth series but can be read as a standalone, I hadn’t read book 1, albeit I understand there are returning character and story threads. It is Winter 1936 in Edinburgh and it’s snowy and cold when the bodies of a couple are found savagely murdered. Unfortunately or rather fortunately for her, their maid, who also was a target was not in the house that night.
Briefly, Professor MacBeth and Inspector Callaghan are called into action but before they have time to investigate there is another killing. However, as readers we know there are two killers at large but not who or why? With a circus in the locality, and forensic traces of white cotton lead and greasepaint, suspicions fall on some of the performers. It doesn’t take long before things start to go downhill in the investigation and MacBeth is still in the sights of bent officer Kilmartin.
A good fast paced police procedural with a very creepy protagonist, I always hated the clowns at the circus as a child and the Whiteface always seemed the most sinister. Great characters and a cracking plot in this quite short novel which is full of mystery and a good entertaining read.
Briefly, Professor MacBeth and Inspector Callaghan are called into action but before they have time to investigate there is another killing. However, as readers we know there are two killers at large but not who or why? With a circus in the locality, and forensic traces of white cotton lead and greasepaint, suspicions fall on some of the performers. It doesn’t take long before things start to go downhill in the investigation and MacBeth is still in the sights of bent officer Kilmartin.
A good fast paced police procedural with a very creepy protagonist, I always hated the clowns at the circus as a child and the Whiteface always seemed the most sinister. Great characters and a cracking plot in this quite short novel which is full of mystery and a good entertaining read.
November 27, 2025
I’m delighted to report that Colin Garrow has published Overkill, book two in the Finlay MacBeth series of thrillers set in 1936 Edinburgh. I enjoyed it even more than the first book, Metropolis, because I appreciated the blood-chilling addition of a particularly nasty villain with some stomach-churning habits. The action takes place at Christmas time, complete with snow. Glad to say my favourite characters from Metropolis all appear. With a circus and a twisted, sadistic killer in the story, prepare yourself for clowns and gruesome murders. White Face is a baddie I won’t forget in a hurry. This is a five-star read I recommend you try. I’m looking forward to reading book three in the Finlay Macbeth series.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews