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DI Shona McKenzie #2
Killer's Craft
A blizzard of murders in snowbound Dundee! Dead bodies proliferate. Nuns, prostitutes, and a henpecked husband! Is anyone safe? DI Shona McKenzie investigates multiple murders, unsure how many killers she is seeking. Will she succeed before the death toll mounts?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2015
22 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Wendy H. Jones
46 books66 followersWendy H. Jones lives in Scotland, and her police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie, is set in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland. Wendy has led a varied and adventurous life. Her love for adventure led to her joining the Royal Navy to undertake nurse training. After six years in the Navy she joined the Army where she served as an Officer for a further 17 years. This took her all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Much of her spare time is now spent travelling around the UK, and lands much further afield. As well as nursing Wendy also worked for many years in Academia. This led to publication in academic textbooks and journals. Killer's Countdown is her first novel and the first book in the Shona McKenzie Mystery series
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2026
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 4.
Before I begin, I must confess this is my first dip into the world of DI Shona McKenzie: normally I would begin a character series with book one but having been gifted this one for Christmas, I thought I would have a go.
I must admit that while my initial impressions of DI Shona McKenzie were not the most positive, her tenacity to solve the case and her stern yet lovable leadership approach with her team throughout made her grow on me. Her team, as diverse as each member is, function effectively to pose a formidable force against any murderer in the city. I have a personal love for Peter who encompasses the positive spirit of Dundee with his use of Dundonian dialect throughout not to mention his knowledge of the city and those within it - as a proud Dundonian myself, I appreciate his addition to this series.
This particular case is instantaneously intriguing as I joined the numerous characters questioning WHO would kill a nun (not to mention why). As the body count continues to rise, I found myself joining the team and trying to work out who the culprit(s) of the murders and what may have motived each death. It was truly fascinating as readers were taken to different crime scenes and listened to interviews with suspects and witnesses alike. The only negative would be the rather rushed conclusion and abrupt end; it was rather unsatisfying after the detail Wendy H Jones provides throughout the rest of the book
Despite the ending, I found the whole book an enjoyable read and will definitely pick up another in the DI Shona McKenzie series in the future (including the first book in the series which I missed). It was a great way to start my 2026 reading.
Note for Prospective Readers: unrelated to the story itself, I did find the book to be poorly edited with a rather distracting number of errors throughout. I still recommend reading this one though if you enjoy police procedurals.
Before I begin, I must confess this is my first dip into the world of DI Shona McKenzie: normally I would begin a character series with book one but having been gifted this one for Christmas, I thought I would have a go.
I must admit that while my initial impressions of DI Shona McKenzie were not the most positive, her tenacity to solve the case and her stern yet lovable leadership approach with her team throughout made her grow on me. Her team, as diverse as each member is, function effectively to pose a formidable force against any murderer in the city. I have a personal love for Peter who encompasses the positive spirit of Dundee with his use of Dundonian dialect throughout not to mention his knowledge of the city and those within it - as a proud Dundonian myself, I appreciate his addition to this series.
This particular case is instantaneously intriguing as I joined the numerous characters questioning WHO would kill a nun (not to mention why). As the body count continues to rise, I found myself joining the team and trying to work out who the culprit(s) of the murders and what may have motived each death. It was truly fascinating as readers were taken to different crime scenes and listened to interviews with suspects and witnesses alike. The only negative would be the rather rushed conclusion and abrupt end; it was rather unsatisfying after the detail Wendy H Jones provides throughout the rest of the book
Despite the ending, I found the whole book an enjoyable read and will definitely pick up another in the DI Shona McKenzie series in the future (including the first book in the series which I missed). It was a great way to start my 2026 reading.
Note for Prospective Readers: unrelated to the story itself, I did find the book to be poorly edited with a rather distracting number of errors throughout. I still recommend reading this one though if you enjoy police procedurals.
November 20, 2017
Another great read in the series, was kept on my toes until the very end.
Lots of witty banter between Shona and her colleagues, and a fast-paced story all in all.
The book had to lose 1 star for the following minor annoyances throughout; when the town of Blairgowrie was mentioned it was constantly being referred to as being in Angus. This is incorrect as Blairgowrie is actually in Perth and Kinross and this sort of error wouldn't be made by an officer of the CID. I also feel that food is mentioned way more than it needs to be, the team seem to stuff their faces with stodge too frequently. I feel more character development is needed here rather than defaulting to what they're putting in their stomachs. It seems much like filler content to flesh the book out needlessly. Also the constant references to Shona wanting to harm her boss got a little mundane after the first few times of it being mentioned. Finally, I felt like the closing scene of the book was a little rushed. We didn't get much background to the killer at all, felt like that could've been fleshed out more.
Having said all of this, it's a good book with lots of twists, turns and no obvious conclusions.
Lots of witty banter between Shona and her colleagues, and a fast-paced story all in all.
The book had to lose 1 star for the following minor annoyances throughout; when the town of Blairgowrie was mentioned it was constantly being referred to as being in Angus. This is incorrect as Blairgowrie is actually in Perth and Kinross and this sort of error wouldn't be made by an officer of the CID. I also feel that food is mentioned way more than it needs to be, the team seem to stuff their faces with stodge too frequently. I feel more character development is needed here rather than defaulting to what they're putting in their stomachs. It seems much like filler content to flesh the book out needlessly. Also the constant references to Shona wanting to harm her boss got a little mundane after the first few times of it being mentioned. Finally, I felt like the closing scene of the book was a little rushed. We didn't get much background to the killer at all, felt like that could've been fleshed out more.
Having said all of this, it's a good book with lots of twists, turns and no obvious conclusions.
May 3, 2022
I read this one immediately after Killer's Countdown (Book 1 in the series) and enjoyed the continuity of characters, references to Dundee's weather, the police force's universal penchant for cakes and stodge, and the slick dialogue of the characters.
This time DI Shone McKenzie and her intrepid team have a serial killer on their hands and a varied array of bodies including three nuns, a married couple and a prostitute.
Wendy H Jones writes with confidence, keeping up a good pace, and enough detail to convey the story without gruesome lingering over the more gory aspects of events. The case becomes complicated by an apparent leak in the force as the intrusive and unhelpful press seem to be one step ahead of them.
Like the first book, I found this had quite an abrupt ending which I didn't find entirely satisfactory. However, it's a great read and I could well see her books turned into a very workable TV series. She has seven books in this series which I imagine are also a cracking read, but I think I need a break before I return to dismal Dundee. Doubtless, the body count will be racking up in the interim.
This time DI Shone McKenzie and her intrepid team have a serial killer on their hands and a varied array of bodies including three nuns, a married couple and a prostitute.
Wendy H Jones writes with confidence, keeping up a good pace, and enough detail to convey the story without gruesome lingering over the more gory aspects of events. The case becomes complicated by an apparent leak in the force as the intrusive and unhelpful press seem to be one step ahead of them.
Like the first book, I found this had quite an abrupt ending which I didn't find entirely satisfactory. However, it's a great read and I could well see her books turned into a very workable TV series. She has seven books in this series which I imagine are also a cracking read, but I think I need a break before I return to dismal Dundee. Doubtless, the body count will be racking up in the interim.
February 13, 2023
This was an ok read however spelling mistakes and some grammar issues for me. To have all those birders at the one time is a bit unrealistic for me but the plot and story line were ok. I am having a bit of hope for our Di Shona McKenzie. I think she is a bold brazen woman who I hope improves in the next instalment in this series. The ending was very abrupt and a bit disappointing too . I was expecting a longer drawn out ending but it was similar to ‘The end’ that’s it I’m away to start book 3 and hoping for lots of progress and improvements
May 23, 2019
brilliant
coming from Dundee i appreciate the settings in this the 2nd in the series of DI McKenzie love how she struggles to understand some of the Dundonian i wont give away story for you ill simply say must read fast paced some humour twists in this intriging who done it
coming from Dundee i appreciate the settings in this the 2nd in the series of DI McKenzie love how she struggles to understand some of the Dundonian i wont give away story for you ill simply say must read fast paced some humour twists in this intriging who done it
February 8, 2023
Another great book from Wendy Jones! I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series. I love Shona and all of the side characters. The stories move quickly and keep you on the edge of your seat!
December 2, 2018
Kept the interest, a bit of humour and quite fast paced.
December 19, 2017
Review to follow
November 8, 2023
Loved this 2nd in the series. The team is settling in & Shona has a new murder to solve. Wendy's writing is as always, wonderful.
August 1, 2015
I was thrilled to find the second book in the Shona McKenzie series out and so soon after the first. I loved her début novel and was pleased to find that her second was just as well crafted, and inciting from the first word! Wendy Jones has a knack for writing compelling crime fiction and I know that I am not alone in saying that I am very much looking forward to the next in the series. The book starts with a strange murder, moving on to stranger ones still. The team can't find a link, and it's beginning to look like DI Shona has brought her bad luck with murders along with her from Oxford.
I loved this book from start to finish. It was well written, a page turner and I did find it hard at times to put it down and get some much needed sleep. I was desperate to get to the end and see who this killer was. It ends with a blow to the heart and has left me counting down the days for the third in the series! I loved it! Highly recommended to all readers who love a good piece of mystery, intrigue and murder!
I loved this book from start to finish. It was well written, a page turner and I did find it hard at times to put it down and get some much needed sleep. I was desperate to get to the end and see who this killer was. It ends with a blow to the heart and has left me counting down the days for the third in the series! I loved it! Highly recommended to all readers who love a good piece of mystery, intrigue and murder!
July 17, 2016
I found this book compelling to read, and even better than the first in the series; sparkling, witty dialogue, a lively pace, and plenty of enjoyable interpersonal relationships between DI Shona McKenzie and her police colleagues, interspersed with the chilling deeds of a sadistic killer. Pure entertainment from a gifted story teller; I did however have a few reservations, firstly, the proofreading errors in the manuscript (which increased as the novel drew to its close). I also felt the final scene of confrontation between police and killer should have been longer and more tense; it was dealt with too quickly for my taste. And I would have liked to understand the killer's motivation more; without necessarily expecting a full psychological exploration, I felt a few incisive sentences opening up the killer's background would have created an even more satisfactory ending. Nevertheless, overall a brilliant read.
January 12, 2017
This is a well written story. If you ignore a few details like not using HOLMES better and the constant harping about doing her boss in. There were a few chuckles along the way. The team, for the most, part got along well.
DI McKenzie and her team are called out in the middle of a blizzard to a convent where three nuns are murdered. With no apparent clues, they are in a bother. The murders keep coming apace as the team gets bogged down. The weather is causing no end of a problem, and the murderer not helping at all.
Peter finally gets the idea that it is a copycat they are looking for. And it is. The case moves right along after the team realizes this and they finally corner and arrest the bad guy. The murderer came as a surprise.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jones' books.
DI McKenzie and her team are called out in the middle of a blizzard to a convent where three nuns are murdered. With no apparent clues, they are in a bother. The murders keep coming apace as the team gets bogged down. The weather is causing no end of a problem, and the murderer not helping at all.
Peter finally gets the idea that it is a copycat they are looking for. And it is. The case moves right along after the team realizes this and they finally corner and arrest the bad guy. The murderer came as a surprise.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jones' books.
November 20, 2015
Bodies pile up faster than the record-breaking Scottish snow. In spite of the darkness of the serial killer rampage, Wendy Jones's gallows humor manages to lighten the plot--dark humor being a special Scottish gift, I've found. The writer's use of the present tense took a bit of getting used to, but added to the immediacy and sense of being on the scene. Readers who look for a strong puzzle element in their mysteries will be kept guessing until the end--as is Shona. What on earth could possibly link these crimes other than the excessive amount of blood spilled?
January 15, 2016
Excellent newcomer in buoyant Scottish crime writers arena. Have just read books 1 and 2 in the series back to back this weekend and am about to start on book 3. Well written with a wide array of characters in Shona's team - the DI herself is one sassy lady and doesn't suffer fools gladly! Author gives a very strong sense of place and feel for Dundee, both it's geography and overall city vibe. Well worth reading
February 4, 2017
Another great story
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews