Death In Transit: Murder most foul...

Inspector Torquil McKinnon #5

by Keith Moray

Scottish detective Torquil McKinnon’s most thrilling investigation yet! Perfect for fans of LJ Ross and Faith Martin…

The death count is rising…


The Scottish Hebrides

When a body is found floating in Kyleshiffin harbour, it is unclear whether there has been a tragic accident or a cold-blooded murder. A chalked astrological sign on the harbour wall gathers significance when a second body and another sign are discovered. This time there is no doubt - it was murder most foul.

There is no shortage of suspects, with tensions running high between the local astronomical and astrological societies. And the signs are that there will be more deaths, unless Inspector Torquil McKinnon and his team can solve the case and find the zodiac killer…

DEATH IN TRANSIT is the fifth crime thriller in the detective series featuring Inspector Torquil McKinnon: an action-packed police procedural full of suspense.

"Keith Moray gives a delightful mystery tale and at the same time a fascinating look at the island folk of West Uist, a fictional island in the Hebrides. I found the culture almost as riveting as the murders and in all enjoyed the book tremendously." Frank Roderus, double WWA Spur winning author

1. The Gathering Murders
2. Deathly Wind
3. Murder Solstice
4. Flotsam & Jetsam
5. Death In Transit

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Scotland, Thriller

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Pen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to Keith Moray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

More fun on the Hebrides, where Keith Moray recounts another stunning Scottish police procedural that provides the reader with local lore alongside a decent mystery. West Uist awaits the transit of Mercury, when the planet crosses between the Earth and Sun. The local astrological society has chosen to put on some lectures about the phenomenon, as well as broadcasts by one of Scottish TV’s best-known programmes on heavenly events. Torquil McKinnon is ready with his handful of police staff for the obvious influx of tourists around town, though everything seems to be going well at present. When a murder shocks the community, it becomes exponentially more concerning with the sketch of the Aquarius symbol next to the body. The West Uist Chronicle runs a story about the emergence of a zodiac killer, which turns concern to all-out panic and forces Torquil to rush before things get out of hand. Another body appears soon thereafter, with another sign of the zodiac and everyone is sure that there is a killer on the loose, targeting those who have ties to the numerous astrological symbols known to all. Questions arise related to the planetary goings-on and whether the killer is trying to pass along a message to West Uist as a whole. However, Torquil McKinnon will not rest until the killer is caught, even if the clues seem obscure and no one is forthcoming with concrete leads. Moray provides readers another wonderful tale, sure to keep them enthralled until the final reveal. Those who have enjoyed this series will surely find solace in this latest instalment, as well as any reader who enjoys a mystery with a true Scottish flavour.

The publisher sought my opinions on early novels in the series, and I remain hooked through to this fifth piece. This novel took me back into the rural Scottish community Moray developed with such detail throughout the literary journey. Torquil McKinnon is a character that many readers can enjoy, though he has not become too one-dimensional so as to become boring. Torquil mixes a dedication to his job as leader of the constabulary with a strong connection to the locals. While he is tough on crime, he holds out a soft heart for the woman he loves and his new trusty companion. The handful of secondary characters is always changing and entertains the reader throughout. Social and personal issues weave their way into each character, providing the reader with something interesting to explore besides the central crime. There is much humour and banter for the reader to enjoy, as the characters find their niche within the dozen or so chapters of the story. The story itself is quite well crafted, keeping the narrative flowing well, with unique scenarios that foster murders and vendettas to be developed. Moray is back to his mid-length chapters, which push the reader onward in this quick adventure. The narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked throughout, making the story an easy single-day read (as it was for me). While some may be familiar with ‘big city’ and tangential police procedurals, the reader can enjoy this close-knit story that fills the pages with Scottish lore! I’ll gladly read more and was told that Moray is hard at work on additional novels. Alas, I now have to be patient until I can devour the next Torquil McKinnon novel.

Kudos, Mr. Moray, for this refreshing read. Perfect for my holiday time, as the story does not let up until the final page. I hope you’ll dazzle your fans in the very near future.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[David Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really well written story from this author, full of actions. With great characters. I have enjoyed this series and now wait and hope another comes along.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a disappointed in this one. While the setting and characters of the series are there it felt as if the author was going through the motions of storytelling rather than engaging the reader. The characters we know were behaving predictably. There was no growth or development.

There was also little care taken in laying and building the logic or motivation of the crime. The arrest and explanation happened in a rush and a poor device for bringing the story to a resolution.

It felt as if the author had lost interest. I’d give it 2.5 stars if half stars were available.

[Crystal Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Torquil McKinnon Mystery!

I really like this series. I don’t know who the killer is halfway through the book. Actually, I never figure out who the killer is. I love reading about the main characters and their lives. I wish there was a real town like West Uist - I want to live there!

[Christine Douglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all five books in this series. The characters are well drawn and consistent; the plots are interesting and the killers are not obvious. However, it is the sense of place that keeps drawing me back. Each time I pick up one of these novels it feels like returning to an inviting and familiar place--murders not withstanding. The magic of West Uist reminds me of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series--my favorite of all time. The setting is a reflection of the characters who are every day people whom it is easy to care about.

In general, Keith Moray is a good writer which makes all of the difference to me. A detective story can have the most interesting and exciting plot ever, but if the writing itself is no good, I won't finish the book

My only criticism is that in an effort to make each of these a stand alone novel, Moray's descriptions of certain people and places becomes redundant by the fourth book. For example, the description of the news editor's office seemed to be cut and pasted from previous novels in the series. Bear in mind that I read all four books within a two week span. I did notice less repetition in the Book 5, and I will be watching out for book 6.

[michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series! I hope there are more soon a

I have really enjoyed the series because the main police characters are competent but considerate of each other, they all bring a different element to the team. I liked reading about the Island because it reminds me of a summer place my parents have a house on in Wisconsin. Not that there isn't technology or anything or up to date, but it feels remote and laidback. Yet there are situations that go on up there where everyone on the Island is well aware of that an outsider wouldn't see.

That is what this series feels like to me. The islanders support each other but when Callum starts to report things before verification, it feels like he is treated as an irritating little brother rather than a source of possible danger to the investigations.
As soon as I finished the first book i would get the next book, etc.
The are light mysteries with a building romance. I hope there are more books to this series.

[Suzanne Somosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable but

I have now read all five of the Inspector McKinnon books. The characters are well developed and likeable. The background of Hebrides is fascinating.

The four stars are because most of the books have a high body count. Also I find too much information about golf in which I have no interest whatsoever.

Nitpicking: In book three the Constable Sean buys a second hand mountain bike but there is no mention of this in subsequent books where he is still riding his mother's moped. To equip in all books but one uses a box to indicate the dead crime victims circles the living suspects etc. In the fourth book it is reversed. I know I know this is quibbling but it bothered me.

Overall they are a pleasant read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is interesting, and keeps me coming back to read Keith Moray’s West Uist series, is the look at the everyday lives of Torquil, and Morag, and the rest of the coppers of the smallest police station in the country. Oh, the murders that drive the storyline are well enough -- this particular set involves the stars (you’ll find out the connection to the title) and astrology clashing with astronomy -- but it’s the interaction of the characters that I find so very entertaining. This interaction includes glimpses at the love lives of pretty much everyone in the story, and so readers are carried along as we watch not only dogged police work (perhaps literally as well as figuratively, thanks, Crusoe!) but also people who happen to be policemen and newspaper editors and doctors get on with their lives. Sometimes these glimpses can be exasperating -- Calum Steele, I’m talking to you -- but that only serves to make the fiction seem as real as possible. I do look forward to more books in the series.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novel by Moray. As always, I love the detail he puts into his descriptions of the Scottish landscape and seaside. The main characters have had amazing growth and I enjoy them all. The twist murderer in this one was a bit different than the last books and caught me off guard, as it was truly unexpected. I did not catch any clues that it could have been this person. Any fan of crime thrillers would love this book and the series.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid little story but, for me, not as good as the earlier ones in the series. There seemed to be little progression in the characterisation of regular actors and new ones were rather thinly described. I did have an inkling of who the murderer might be but it would be exaggerating to say I guessed the solution.
Nothing remarkable but a reasonable read during shutdown.

[Christine Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Enjoyable series. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a clean storyline. It kept me interested from beginning to end, book one through book 5. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the interaction between the characters in this remote Scottish island and The developing relationships amid the murder of astrologer during a “transit” with friction between astronomers and astrologers.
I look forward to the next story

[Susan Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

They should have seen it coming

This is the fifth and latest offering from West Uist. Enjoyed reading this one, good plot, maybe too many red herrings but all in all decent Sunday afternoon read.

[Jan Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good tale

Very enjoyable easy read. Characters are likeable and story themes are inventive. Development of the individual personalities has been interesting- some humerous situations too.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

West Uist. The transit of Mercury is happening, is it a forteller of doom. Then a body is found in the harbour. But why and by whom. DI McKinnon and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the quirky characters in this book. Great story line.

[Ann Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series

Fast-paced and enjoyable. Strong characters and enjoyable tales. The writing is great and interesting. I look forward to more from this author. Ann

[Carole Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are appealing. I started the five book series because of the location having recently visited in The Western Isles. The stories are interesting and varied. I like his work.

[Andi Caissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!

Thanks to Amazon for suggesting the Torquil McKinnon books. Set in the tiny community of West Uist, it is chock-full of local color and quirky characters.

[Fiona Drane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the three that I read this was the best but still bemused why I am reading these books. Maybe to take myself to the Hebrides though it’s a very dangerous place.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

This book was as good as the previous four. Good strong characters and !it's of unseen twists and turns. I hope he writes more in this series.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book, possibly the best but the first book was also good.

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun cozy

The author is an actual doctor, so the deaths make absolute sense.

I am a fan of the series, I like it's characters.

[Stargazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not strictly astrological fiction, but there was a bit of astrology involved. Enjoyable wee read.

[Mick Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel, each book gets better and better with a very unique plot line. Again it's not untill the last few pages is the villain unmasked.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Scottish Islands mystery with a cast of charming characters.

[Elaine]

Love this series. More please

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great addition to the series. I particularly like the setting on West Uist and the way the characters interact with each other and the developing romances. It appears there is some conflict between two groups who are visiting the island to celebrate the Transit of Mercury, the astrologers and astronomers. Several murders occur and the tension is growing as the Police endeavour to find the killer. A thoroughly enjoyable police procedural and I have to say I didn't work out who the murderer was at all.

[Nisha D'lima · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning did not have the impact i was expecting considering the chilling visual on the cover. The ht cheerful and oft melodic tone of the story seemed at odds with this visual. A jarring start that did not yield much pleasure from reading this book I'm afraid.