Hellraiser

by Colin Garrow

Edinburgh, January 1937. A gang war in the city. A series of horrific murders. An old foe determined to frame Finlay MacBeth…
Focusing on his teaching work, Professor Finlay MacBeth knows it won’t be long until Inspector Callaghan drags him into another investigation. A series of horrible murders, including one of MacBeth’s own colleagues, presents a grisly mystery pointing towards more than one killer. Guessing the identity of at least one of the perpetrators, MacBeth is unwilling to incriminate himself by passing his suspicions on to the police. But as the net closes around him, it might be time to tell the truth…


Meanwhile, the new kid on the block has devious plans for bent cop Kilmartin.


In this thriller series set in Edinburgh, Hellraiser is book #3 in the Finlay MacBeth Thriller series.

Genres: Thriller

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2026

About the author

Colin 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.

Reviews

[Joy Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other two books in the Finlay MacBeth series of thrillers, I knew I was probably in for another gripping ride full of gruesome deaths, suspense, and humour. Despite the tense atmosphere throughout, I found myself chuckling at the witty remarks between certain characters. Colin Garrow has never yet let me down with a damp squib of a book. Doubt he could write one. He’s a safe pair of hands when it comes to writing. I could clearly picture the scenes and characters in the book because of the author’s writing dexterity and knowledge of the area. Glad to report all my favourite characters reported for duty in Hellraiser.

Several of the author’s previous books in this and other series use Scottish dialect, so I had no problem understanding the dialogue in Hellraiser. There’s a glossary for words the reader might scratch their heads, or heids, over.

Set in 1937 in Edinburgh, Professor MacBeth finds himself embroiled in warring gangs, numerous ghastly murders, including the brutal slaying of one of his colleagues. MacBeth faces many challenges as he struggles to nab the baddies without becoming incriminated himself.
Though there is a satisfying conclusion to Hellraiser, I suspect another thriller in the series will appear at some point. I look forward to reading it. As I’m 71, I hope Mr Garrow gets a move on.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and, although I haven't read the previous books, I was drawn straight into the plot. Professor MacBeth's academic focus is analysing detective fiction, but when he isn't lecturing, he is helping Inspector Callaghan with real-life murder cases. The professor has a dark past which seems to be catching up with him in this book.
There is a lot going on in this book, there are two rival gangs battling over a local protection racket, there is someone from Professor MacBeth's past looking for revenge, there is a dodgy priest, and corrupt police, and more. At times I did find it all a bit confusing to keep track of, but everything makes sense in the end.
Most of the characters speak in a Scottish dialect and there is a glossary included to help with understanding. This really helps to set the scene in Edinburgh and makes the story feel more genuine.
This is a dark and gritty crime novel, but is also funny and has great characters.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellraiser is a thoughtful and engaging mystery that deepens the appeal of Colin Garrow’s series. I enjoyed the way Finlay MacBeth moves between his quiet academic world and the rising turmoil spreading through 1937 Edinburgh. The atmosphere feels rich and tense, and the murders create a steady unease that holds the story together.
What struck me most is the emotional weight behind MacBeth’s choices. His reluctance to share what he suspects adds a subtle pressure that grows with each chapter. His exchanges with Inspector Callaghan bring both warmth and conflict, and the thread involving Kilmartin and the ambitious newcomer adds a clever spark that rounds out the narrative.
This is a well paced, atmospheric and satisfying read. Garrow continues to shape a world that feels intimate, dangerous and full of life, and I closed the book already looking forward to what comes next.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've sunk my teeth into a gritty crime narrative. Hellraiser was that book and it delivered on every level!

Pace was fast, the plot addictive and the investigation dark. The author's vivid descriptions of a 1930's Edinburgh burst scenes from the page and the Scottish dialect added a layer of authenticity.

A catch up with MacBeth was long overdue so it was great to be back in his company for a short while, and to reconnect with other recurring faces.

The ending writes itself.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, I’ve not read the others but that took nothing away from it. Our MC is a professor who helps a detective solve murders and, by the sounds of it, nearly became a victim himself in an earlier book.

A gang war seems to be starting on the streets of Edinburgh and the victims are mutilated in a very nasty way, which certainly points to a gang related murder. Macbeth is drawn in but also has his own “case” going on at the same time. There’s plenty to keep you turning the pages in this one.

I liked the glossary at the start of the book, helping you understand the broads Scottish language used throughout and the writing flowed. This was a shortish book (under 200 pages) so didn’t take long to get through.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up only weeks later in January of 1937 Finlay MacBeth does not get a lot of respite after the white face killings of the previous installment of the series before he’s called upon again by Inspector Callaghan.

This time, the investigation is darker, more gruesome than ever and the professor is in even more danger. At long last his past is catching up with him and as well as solving these gory murders Finlay must stay alive and stay out of prison.

I thoroughly enjoyed the return of all the familiar characters. The case was interesting and twisty but this time I felt we were left with a nail biting end. There is still much to be resolved and so I hope there is a book four in this fantastic series soon.