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Bob Skinner #31
The Bad Fire
'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' SunThe gritty new mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling Bob Skinner series, set in Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside; not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May. Nine years ago, divorcee Marcia Brown took her own life. A pillar of the community, she had been accused of theft, and it's assumed that she was unable to live with the shame. Now her former husband wants the case reopened. Marcia was framed, he says, to prevent her exposing a scandal. He wants justice for Marcia. And Alex Skinner, Solicitor Advocate, and daughter of retired Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner, has taken on the brief, aided by her investigator Carrie McDaniels. When tragedy strikes and his daughter comes under threat, Skinner steps in. His quarry is about to discover that the road to hell is marked by bad intentions . . .'Skinner's lost none of his hard edge when he steps up to the plate after his daughter Alex, a legal eagle, is in trouble when a cold murder case explodes red hot and dangerous. Someone's going to meet his match in Skinner' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'Well-constructed . . . intriguing' Scotland on SundayWhat readers are saying about Quintin Jardine's gripping 'I would recommend anyone new to the series to give yourself a treat and read them all!!''I have given this book five stars because of the ingenious plot, the excellence of the narrative and, after quite a number of years, Quintin Jardine is still producing superb crime fiction''A fantastic gripping read and I didn't want to put it down''As always Mr Jardine had me hooked from the first chapter to the very end'
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2019
108 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Quintin Jardine
97 books243 followersQuintin Jardine (born 1945) is a Scottish author of three series of crime novels, featuring the fictional characters Bob Skinner, Oz Blackstone, and Primavera Blackstone. He was educated in Motherwell and in Glasgow where he studied at what was then the city’s only University. After career as a journalist, government information officer and media relations consultant, he took to the creation of crime fiction.
His first wife, Irene, with whom he shared over 30 years, from their teens, died in 1997. He is married, to his second wife, Eileen. They live in both Scotland and in Spain
His first wife, Irene, with whom he shared over 30 years, from their teens, died in 1997. He is married, to his second wife, Eileen. They live in both Scotland and in Spain
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 14, 2019
The Bad Fire is the thirty-first instalment in the superb, bestselling Bob Skinner series, set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and featuring Scot and ex-Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner and his hardworking, intrepid team of truthseekers. The story in each book is self-contained and so potential readers can jump in literally anywhere they want along this epic journey without having any issues with following everything. The plot in this instalment is one of my favourites so far and revolves around a possible miscarriage of justice in a case where everything turns out to be far from what it initially appears. Almost a decade ago, local politician and resident of Kilmarnock, Marcia Brown, committed suicide just before the commencement of her trial for the petty crime of shoplifting; a crime she very much disputed claiming she had been framed. Her widower, David Brass, approaches Alexis Skinner, Robert's daughter, in the hopes of getting her case reopened. After all, it's only a dead woman's dignity and name at stake. No-one involved, however, could have foreseen the danger in which they were aligning themselves.
I am a long-time admirer of Jardine's books having read every single one in this current series. With its trademark grit and the traditional no-bull Scottish attitude frequently on show here, this is a must-read for any crime connoisseur. I know it sounds almost like a cliche but pick this up only when you have the time to devour every last page in a single, nail-biter of a sitting as once it whets your appetite you are hurtled like a full-speed runaway train down the tracks in a story which boasts both breadth and depth, a subtle sophistication and razor-sharp black humour to lighten the investigative endeavours. It is an authentic page-turner with plenty of tension, twists and misdirection thrown at you left, right and centre which masterfully keeps you off-kilter. This is both an unmissable episode and series. Roll on book number thirty-two. Unreservedly recommended. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
I am a long-time admirer of Jardine's books having read every single one in this current series. With its trademark grit and the traditional no-bull Scottish attitude frequently on show here, this is a must-read for any crime connoisseur. I know it sounds almost like a cliche but pick this up only when you have the time to devour every last page in a single, nail-biter of a sitting as once it whets your appetite you are hurtled like a full-speed runaway train down the tracks in a story which boasts both breadth and depth, a subtle sophistication and razor-sharp black humour to lighten the investigative endeavours. It is an authentic page-turner with plenty of tension, twists and misdirection thrown at you left, right and centre which masterfully keeps you off-kilter. This is both an unmissable episode and series. Roll on book number thirty-two. Unreservedly recommended. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
November 24, 2019
Absolutely brilliant . Love the Bob Skinner series so much . Cannot wait for the next one . They just get better and better in Skinner's retirement .
March 5, 2024
Lots of baddies in this book. Couldn't make up my mind which was which
December 14, 2019
i swithered whether to read this but it was on my library pile and the reviews were great so i read it, but had the same problem as always and this is my last one. i just can't stand all the cloying comments everyone has about everyone, it makes me cringe. i'd rather make my own mind up who is great than have it continually forced on me.
December 5, 2020
Well, the book was complex and so will be my Review.
However, firstly I must say if every Police Force were to adapt the detective efforts written here, the world would be a better place! And also do the archaic methods of male/female/pecking order still exist in today's law enforcement? I hope not.
Firstly the plot of this book by Quintin JARDIN was good, with twists and turns and lots of side plots. BUT and it is a BIG BUT, JARDIN 'lost the plot' somewhere along the line.
He has a character named Bob Skinner who forms a focal part in the novel, and of whom he builds up to have a god-like reputation, but this is only part of the problem. He has this SKINNER with multiple wives/partners, various children to these women with a huge age disparity. Further SKINNER is related to every Tom, Dick and Harry who in turn are related to, or in touch with every other Tom, Dick and Harry. It is so complicated you need a note-book, foolscap size, opened to two pages, with columns drawn to understand who is related to who and in what capacity. And even then if you draw lines in different colours to indicate relationships, it is going to look very messy.
SKINNER is a Sir and a member of the Police force and in nearly every aspect he is related to a serving or ex-officer. JARDINE'S use of initials describing the role of these officers is very, very frustrating. "D.I."; "D.C.I"; "A.C.C."; "D.S." etc. etc. as they are repeatedly used throughout the book
Further complicated JARDINE'S use of forenames that could be either male or female. There are many instances in the book when the reader has no idea who "Alex" is as well as a few others.
And from my point of view a third in when he introduces four-letter expletives he also ruins his novel. OK, I understand swearing is usual for so many nowadays, but JARDINE'S use is appalling.
To complicate my review of this novel, I listened to the book and the reader James BRYCE runs out of Scottish accents halfway through. He attempts to use Gaelic voices, either male or female and really ruins the dialogue.
I should have loved to give this a higher rating because as I said initially the plot and its stories are quite good, but the complexity of the characters and their relationships impedes me. The second last chapter was very good! The opening and closing chapters were also good and if more of the psychology and dialogue were used in other chapters they would have increased the viability of the entire book.
However, firstly I must say if every Police Force were to adapt the detective efforts written here, the world would be a better place! And also do the archaic methods of male/female/pecking order still exist in today's law enforcement? I hope not.
Firstly the plot of this book by Quintin JARDIN was good, with twists and turns and lots of side plots. BUT and it is a BIG BUT, JARDIN 'lost the plot' somewhere along the line.
He has a character named Bob Skinner who forms a focal part in the novel, and of whom he builds up to have a god-like reputation, but this is only part of the problem. He has this SKINNER with multiple wives/partners, various children to these women with a huge age disparity. Further SKINNER is related to every Tom, Dick and Harry who in turn are related to, or in touch with every other Tom, Dick and Harry. It is so complicated you need a note-book, foolscap size, opened to two pages, with columns drawn to understand who is related to who and in what capacity. And even then if you draw lines in different colours to indicate relationships, it is going to look very messy.
SKINNER is a Sir and a member of the Police force and in nearly every aspect he is related to a serving or ex-officer. JARDINE'S use of initials describing the role of these officers is very, very frustrating. "D.I."; "D.C.I"; "A.C.C."; "D.S." etc. etc. as they are repeatedly used throughout the book
Further complicated JARDINE'S use of forenames that could be either male or female. There are many instances in the book when the reader has no idea who "Alex" is as well as a few others.
And from my point of view a third in when he introduces four-letter expletives he also ruins his novel. OK, I understand swearing is usual for so many nowadays, but JARDINE'S use is appalling.
To complicate my review of this novel, I listened to the book and the reader James BRYCE runs out of Scottish accents halfway through. He attempts to use Gaelic voices, either male or female and really ruins the dialogue.
I should have loved to give this a higher rating because as I said initially the plot and its stories are quite good, but the complexity of the characters and their relationships impedes me. The second last chapter was very good! The opening and closing chapters were also good and if more of the psychology and dialogue were used in other chapters they would have increased the viability of the entire book.
October 28, 2019
Cripes! We are on book 31 of this series and it's still not gone stale. Mostly due to the author developing the characters well and changing their direction frequently along the way. Bob Skinner is no longer a Policeman but is still often called upon for his expertise. Well, he did have a long and varied career! In this book we also focus on his daughter Alexis and how she takes on a case referred to her by her father.
Marcie Brass was arrested for shoplifting. A crime she vehemently denied at the time. Then, just before she went to trial, she committed suicide, thus affirming everyone of her actual guilt. But her husband has never been convinced. Nor their son who was recently murdered, his killer awaiting trial.
Taking the case, Alexis starts to see things that interest her so she calls in her own investigator to wheedle out what hasn't already been said. Then tragedy strikes and the case takes a rather dark turn. What started out as proving the innocence of a woman swiftly switched to one of murder, mystery and mayhem as Bob and Alexis fear for their lives when the stakes get higher.
I have read pretty much every book in this series. First introduced to it when I found the first 7 or so on a charity bookshelf in a pub - so thanks to whoever donated them. They went all round my family and then back to the pub for someone else to discover!
But that's by the by. I've been with Bob Skinner trough think and thin, marriages, deaths, affairs, job changes, and now we have his daughter Alexis taking the reins. Well, Bob is getting on a bit and eventually... well, that's not quite yet...!
We also, and I loved this part, reconnect with a familiar face from Bob's past... but I'll leave you to discover who as the author intends. I won't spoil it!
So, the plot is, well, on face value initially, a bit simple but as more layers are peeled back and more of the truth is uncovered, things take a bit of a turn and things spiral out a bit for our characters. Nothing out of left field I hasten to add. Just layer upon layer of secrets and lies and motives that I didn't see coming, truth be told. But, once all is said and done, when the whole sordid truth was exposed I was left exhausted but satisfied; applauding the author for a well plotted book.
All in all, another cracking addition to an already well established and respected series. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Marcie Brass was arrested for shoplifting. A crime she vehemently denied at the time. Then, just before she went to trial, she committed suicide, thus affirming everyone of her actual guilt. But her husband has never been convinced. Nor their son who was recently murdered, his killer awaiting trial.
Taking the case, Alexis starts to see things that interest her so she calls in her own investigator to wheedle out what hasn't already been said. Then tragedy strikes and the case takes a rather dark turn. What started out as proving the innocence of a woman swiftly switched to one of murder, mystery and mayhem as Bob and Alexis fear for their lives when the stakes get higher.
I have read pretty much every book in this series. First introduced to it when I found the first 7 or so on a charity bookshelf in a pub - so thanks to whoever donated them. They went all round my family and then back to the pub for someone else to discover!
But that's by the by. I've been with Bob Skinner trough think and thin, marriages, deaths, affairs, job changes, and now we have his daughter Alexis taking the reins. Well, Bob is getting on a bit and eventually... well, that's not quite yet...!
We also, and I loved this part, reconnect with a familiar face from Bob's past... but I'll leave you to discover who as the author intends. I won't spoil it!
So, the plot is, well, on face value initially, a bit simple but as more layers are peeled back and more of the truth is uncovered, things take a bit of a turn and things spiral out a bit for our characters. Nothing out of left field I hasten to add. Just layer upon layer of secrets and lies and motives that I didn't see coming, truth be told. But, once all is said and done, when the whole sordid truth was exposed I was left exhausted but satisfied; applauding the author for a well plotted book.
All in all, another cracking addition to an already well established and respected series. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
November 3, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headine for an advance copy of The Bad Fire, the thirty-first novel to feature former Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner.
David Brass approaches solicitor advocate Alexis Skinner with a view to re-opening his ex-wife’s case from nine years ago. Marcia Brown, a local politician in Kilmarnock, committed suicide shortly before she was due in court on a charge of shoplifting, a charge she denied, claiming she was framed. Little do Alex and her investigator, Carrie McDaniels, realise how dangerous the decision to accept the case will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bad Fire which is a gripping, high octane read with plenty of twists and a neat line in irony. Unlike many of the previous novels it is told in the third person from various points of view, apart from the opening and closing chapters which are first person narratives from Alex Skinner. This is a nice touch, comparing the naivety of before the events with a survivor’s take at the end as it says so many things without articulation.
I found the plot engrossing and it held my interest from start to finish so I read it in one sitting. Part of the attraction, I must admit, is the partial location in the West Coast of Scotland where I live and the Scottish humour and dialalogue as there’s always something comforting about knowing the places mentioned but mostly it’s the plot. Mr Jardine has the reader jogging along with certain assumptions leaving them free to marvel at the action scenes until those assumptions don’t seem so solid. It’s cleverly done and brings several bombshell revelations which conclude a great read.
I have been reading this series for years and am very familiar with the host of characters who make an appearance. I like the familiarity they bring but this familiarity makes me unsure if new readers will find so many characters initially confusing and off putting. Stick with it and you’ll come to love them. Bob Skinner doesn’t take quite such a starring role in this novel, leaving much of the emotional reaction to his daughter Alex and much of the investigating to DCI Lottie Mann and DI “Sauce” Haddock. Instead he has more of a consulting and, Bob being Bob, manipulative role. He looms over the novel.
The Bad Fire is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
David Brass approaches solicitor advocate Alexis Skinner with a view to re-opening his ex-wife’s case from nine years ago. Marcia Brown, a local politician in Kilmarnock, committed suicide shortly before she was due in court on a charge of shoplifting, a charge she denied, claiming she was framed. Little do Alex and her investigator, Carrie McDaniels, realise how dangerous the decision to accept the case will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bad Fire which is a gripping, high octane read with plenty of twists and a neat line in irony. Unlike many of the previous novels it is told in the third person from various points of view, apart from the opening and closing chapters which are first person narratives from Alex Skinner. This is a nice touch, comparing the naivety of before the events with a survivor’s take at the end as it says so many things without articulation.
I found the plot engrossing and it held my interest from start to finish so I read it in one sitting. Part of the attraction, I must admit, is the partial location in the West Coast of Scotland where I live and the Scottish humour and dialalogue as there’s always something comforting about knowing the places mentioned but mostly it’s the plot. Mr Jardine has the reader jogging along with certain assumptions leaving them free to marvel at the action scenes until those assumptions don’t seem so solid. It’s cleverly done and brings several bombshell revelations which conclude a great read.
I have been reading this series for years and am very familiar with the host of characters who make an appearance. I like the familiarity they bring but this familiarity makes me unsure if new readers will find so many characters initially confusing and off putting. Stick with it and you’ll come to love them. Bob Skinner doesn’t take quite such a starring role in this novel, leaving much of the emotional reaction to his daughter Alex and much of the investigating to DCI Lottie Mann and DI “Sauce” Haddock. Instead he has more of a consulting and, Bob being Bob, manipulative role. He looms over the novel.
The Bad Fire is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
October 30, 2019
I absolutely love this series of books. I get so excited when I know a new one is due out, and it was no different this time around.
Back with the familiar characters that I feel I've grown with over the years. Back being nosey wanting to know what the latest thing is in their lives.
I find when reading a series of books you become just as involved in the characters lives as you do in the story lines.
This time around things are mainly based around Alexis Skinner, 'Big Bob's eldest child. Alex has turned into a woman to be reckoned with In her own right and not just as the daughter of 'Sir Bob'.
I have to say although we are at book 31, the author has kept each and every book fresh and topical. There is no fear that as the series has gone on that it's started to go stale, no fear of that at all. Each and every one of this series is a first class read and once started I always struggle to put the books down until I've read them all. I know one day i will start right back at the beginning and do a major re read of these books. I don't want this series to end 'EVER.
Although Bob Skinner is no longer a serving officer, he is certainly still heavily involved in the force. Its almost like he can't help himself, he always seems to still be in the thick of every major case.
Alexis has taken on a case that opens up a whole can of worms, a cold case trying to determined if a death was suicidal, accidental or something else. Alexis takes the case and enlists the help of one of her investigators and the story becomes a whole lot crazier. What a fantastic storyline this was to follow. I really didn't want this book to end, as always Quintin Jardine could write a book with 2000 pages and i'd still want to read more.
Back with the familiar characters that I feel I've grown with over the years. Back being nosey wanting to know what the latest thing is in their lives.
I find when reading a series of books you become just as involved in the characters lives as you do in the story lines.
This time around things are mainly based around Alexis Skinner, 'Big Bob's eldest child. Alex has turned into a woman to be reckoned with In her own right and not just as the daughter of 'Sir Bob'.
I have to say although we are at book 31, the author has kept each and every book fresh and topical. There is no fear that as the series has gone on that it's started to go stale, no fear of that at all. Each and every one of this series is a first class read and once started I always struggle to put the books down until I've read them all. I know one day i will start right back at the beginning and do a major re read of these books. I don't want this series to end 'EVER.
Although Bob Skinner is no longer a serving officer, he is certainly still heavily involved in the force. Its almost like he can't help himself, he always seems to still be in the thick of every major case.
Alexis has taken on a case that opens up a whole can of worms, a cold case trying to determined if a death was suicidal, accidental or something else. Alexis takes the case and enlists the help of one of her investigators and the story becomes a whole lot crazier. What a fantastic storyline this was to follow. I really didn't want this book to end, as always Quintin Jardine could write a book with 2000 pages and i'd still want to read more.
February 19, 2020
Still a page turner but really? for the end.
Sir Bob Skinner who is no longer in the police force, acts as mentor to detectives investigating a suicide case from 9 years ago. The suicide turns into murder when the original pathology report was found inadequate. Alex, Bob’s daughter in her role as advocate is hired to look into the suicide. She hires a private investigator who in interviewing several witnesses rattled some cages and ends up murdered herself.
Human and drug trafficking are thrown into the mix as well as a special forces agent from Pakistan who uses his knowledge for more illegal things. Lots of characters and if I hadn’t read his earlier mysteries I’d be a bit lost.
So why does the ex husband decide to reopen the case of his wife’s shop lifting knowing that thorough detectives would look at every aspect of the old case including the postmortem at her death. Was he feeling guilty over his son’s murder? I figured out the murderers before the end (yes one can trace drugs by serial numbers)! Conveniently one was killed in Pakistan as there is no extradition treaty between Britain.
Sir Bob Skinner who is no longer in the police force, acts as mentor to detectives investigating a suicide case from 9 years ago. The suicide turns into murder when the original pathology report was found inadequate. Alex, Bob’s daughter in her role as advocate is hired to look into the suicide. She hires a private investigator who in interviewing several witnesses rattled some cages and ends up murdered herself.
Human and drug trafficking are thrown into the mix as well as a special forces agent from Pakistan who uses his knowledge for more illegal things. Lots of characters and if I hadn’t read his earlier mysteries I’d be a bit lost.
So why does the ex husband decide to reopen the case of his wife’s shop lifting knowing that thorough detectives would look at every aspect of the old case including the postmortem at her death. Was he feeling guilty over his son’s murder? I figured out the murderers before the end (yes one can trace drugs by serial numbers)! Conveniently one was killed in Pakistan as there is no extradition treaty between Britain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2022
4-4 1/2 stars. This was the 31st book in Jardine's Bob Skinner mysteries and I have to admit that the last few books (mostly since he left the police force) left me disappointed. But with this book, he has redeemed himself as it was a nifty little thriller with a lot of other characters, including his daughter Alex, having a voice in the story. In fact, Bob seemed to fade into the background, but that was okay. The story was the star, not Bob. Alex has been asked by the ex-husband of a woman who died 9 years before, to investigate the shoplifting she had been charged with that led to her suicide. Her investigator, Carrie McDaniels is on the case, working her way through all the witnesses from the past who were involved in the case. But Carrie disappears and soon there are multiple investigations going on. Alex is threatened in her own home and Bob is on a mission to find the people responsible. What is it about this case that has got someone deciding to stop the investigation in any way they can? There are a number of neat twists and turns in this book and it is vintage Jardine all the way. A really good read.
January 11, 2020
There is something about a series that can be wearing.
If you have not read the books preceding the one in question (in this case, 30) either the author insists on re-telling sections of the past or omitting to make clear what matters so that the reader feels like they have missed a joke.
Both of these elements occured in reading "The Bad Fire". In fact, characters unrelated to this book interrupted the action and made an already convoluted plot, more so. Sir Bob is untouchably famous; his daughter a talented criminal advocate. The case involves an apparent suicide following a shop-lifting incident which happened nine years prior. Alex, the lawyer, employs someone to investigate. In quick time, Alex is attacked in her apartment and her investigator gruesomely murdered. What seemed a simple investigative case soon involves two teams of police and a tangle of clues and possibilities.
If you like Bob Skinner, no doubt you will like this. To me, the plot seemed too clever and too neat. It is worth a skim read.
If you have not read the books preceding the one in question (in this case, 30) either the author insists on re-telling sections of the past or omitting to make clear what matters so that the reader feels like they have missed a joke.
Both of these elements occured in reading "The Bad Fire". In fact, characters unrelated to this book interrupted the action and made an already convoluted plot, more so. Sir Bob is untouchably famous; his daughter a talented criminal advocate. The case involves an apparent suicide following a shop-lifting incident which happened nine years prior. Alex, the lawyer, employs someone to investigate. In quick time, Alex is attacked in her apartment and her investigator gruesomely murdered. What seemed a simple investigative case soon involves two teams of police and a tangle of clues and possibilities.
If you like Bob Skinner, no doubt you will like this. To me, the plot seemed too clever and too neat. It is worth a skim read.
October 15, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC, which I have enjoyed reading.
This is Book 31 in the Bob Skinner series and whilst Sir Bob Skinner is no longer a senior policeman, he is still called upon for his experience and advice. The storyline starts really with his eldest daughter, Alexis and her taking a case on at her father’s request. The investigator Alex hired to look into Marcie Brass’s death and charge of shoplifting was murdered and the investigations into her death and Marcie Brass’s death moves into people smuggling and Pakistan.
It was an interesting storyline and with an intriguing introduction to a very old character, who is asked to look after Alex. This was an unforeseen interlude and has a major impact on Alex’s and Dominic Jackson future.
Highly recommended.
This is Book 31 in the Bob Skinner series and whilst Sir Bob Skinner is no longer a senior policeman, he is still called upon for his experience and advice. The storyline starts really with his eldest daughter, Alexis and her taking a case on at her father’s request. The investigator Alex hired to look into Marcie Brass’s death and charge of shoplifting was murdered and the investigations into her death and Marcie Brass’s death moves into people smuggling and Pakistan.
It was an interesting storyline and with an intriguing introduction to a very old character, who is asked to look after Alex. This was an unforeseen interlude and has a major impact on Alex’s and Dominic Jackson future.
Highly recommended.
January 11, 2021
I have been immersed in the world of Sir Robert Skinner since I was introduced to him back in 1993. With each book we have learned more about Bob and all those he loves, trusts, respects and has absolutely no time for. In that respect, I reckon the jury is out on what he really thinks about Andy Martin. Most of the main characters were back as the storyline in 'The Bad Fire' unfolded. In this book Bob's daughter Alex, reluctantly and not through choice, takes centre stage and the author brings back characters from the past. Through conversations we learn more about each character, their lives and connections, without it impacting the pace of the book and the police investigations. The storyline of 'The Bad Fire' is creative and absorbing. This book felt to me like a really important piece in the Skinner jigsaw. Brilliant, loved it.
July 16, 2023
I did like this book, but it was oh so confusing ! I'm sure it would have helped had I read the whole series in chronological order, but as I haven't, I found the huge cast of characters (many with nicknames !) totally overwhelming.
Bob Skinner's daughter Alex has been asked to review a historic shoplifting case in which the suspect committed suicide. Although this seems a superficial matter, it soon appears that much more serious crime is involved. When an enquiry agent Alex has engaged to review the cold case is murdered, the police force and Bob Skinner himself become involved.
I found much of the book quite hard going because of the constant reference to characters from previous books who weren't really necessary to the plot. However, I will probably try to read some of the thirty earlier stories in order to try to understand the complex family and professional relationships !
Bob Skinner's daughter Alex has been asked to review a historic shoplifting case in which the suspect committed suicide. Although this seems a superficial matter, it soon appears that much more serious crime is involved. When an enquiry agent Alex has engaged to review the cold case is murdered, the police force and Bob Skinner himself become involved.
I found much of the book quite hard going because of the constant reference to characters from previous books who weren't really necessary to the plot. However, I will probably try to read some of the thirty earlier stories in order to try to understand the complex family and professional relationships !
November 21, 2019
Another fine read in the well established Skinner Series. A slightly different approach with daughter Alexis taking more of a lead role while Sir Bob acts with the Scottish police force in a mentoring role.
Alex takes on a cold case linked to Marcia Brown who was believed to have committed suicide after being caught shoplifting . Alex sets on a private investigator . The case becomes more complex with lives in danger including Alex. The old familiar faces in the force appear investigating a crime that links in far reaching ramifications and an apparently simple investigation turns into a national and international operation. Full of twists , turns and subterfuge. My thanks to Headline publishing and NetGalley for an ARC copy to review
Alex takes on a cold case linked to Marcia Brown who was believed to have committed suicide after being caught shoplifting . Alex sets on a private investigator . The case becomes more complex with lives in danger including Alex. The old familiar faces in the force appear investigating a crime that links in far reaching ramifications and an apparently simple investigation turns into a national and international operation. Full of twists , turns and subterfuge. My thanks to Headline publishing and NetGalley for an ARC copy to review
July 9, 2020
A satisfactory read especially for fans of Bob Skinner. I enjoyed the start and end of 'The Bad Fire' as they were written from Alexa's perspective which was a refreshing change.
It is a bit of a pity that Jardine appears to have a standard strategy when it comes to the plot of his books. Invariably readers are presented with a murder (that looks like a suicide) or a suicide (that looks like a murder). Without giving too much away, this book is more of the same.
The 'big reveal' near the end of the book was rather disappointing and in some ways did not make all that much sense.
All in all, this one was a pleasant enough 'in the moment' but it is not worth more than three stars.
It is a bit of a pity that Jardine appears to have a standard strategy when it comes to the plot of his books. Invariably readers are presented with a murder (that looks like a suicide) or a suicide (that looks like a murder). Without giving too much away, this book is more of the same.
The 'big reveal' near the end of the book was rather disappointing and in some ways did not make all that much sense.
All in all, this one was a pleasant enough 'in the moment' but it is not worth more than three stars.
August 7, 2020
I sometimes wonder why I stick with the egotistic super cop (now retired but still the Big Man) with his almost legendary corny lines but after 31 adventures I remain an avid observer of Sir Robert. Perhaps I await a downfall from his lofty perch.
Just when you think the spotlight is going to shine on his advocate daughter, who has inherited the super hero gene, she gets a few lines but then it isn’t long before Big Bob is centre stage.
The story moves along at a decent pace and the plot keeps you hooked.
Of course I will be waiting with bated breath for the next episode in the life of the Skinners, especially now that Alex has found a very interesting soul mate.
Mr Jardine could have some great fun in that direction.
Just when you think the spotlight is going to shine on his advocate daughter, who has inherited the super hero gene, she gets a few lines but then it isn’t long before Big Bob is centre stage.
The story moves along at a decent pace and the plot keeps you hooked.
Of course I will be waiting with bated breath for the next episode in the life of the Skinners, especially now that Alex has found a very interesting soul mate.
Mr Jardine could have some great fun in that direction.
October 20, 2019
The latest in long line of Skinner novels., focussed on Edinburgh but now encompassing Scotland as a whole. The series is, I think, of varying quality, but I enjoyed this instalment.
As is often the case with this series in this episode Bob Skinner, now Sir Robert & supposed to be retired, does not hog the narrative. He shares the focus with the new generation as the story carried by his daughter, her private investigator and active police detectives.
Whilst providing many of the pleasures of series crime stories- familiarity of characters together with a reliability of narrative- The Bad Fire provides plot twists which mean it cannot be considered run of the mill.
November 12, 2019
This series is now at book 31 and still as fresh as ever. We have some familiar characters as well as some from the past. Bob Skinner may be coasting down to retirement, heaven forbid, but his daughter Alexis is baying at his heels with a cold case in this latest episode. This is a classic detective series, beautifully written with descriptive passages and plenty twists wrapped up in a fantastic plot. My thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 18, 2021
This was a good read and a good continuation of the series. Jardine has managed to develop the relationship between Bob and the police in a sensible, believable way.
The mystery itself is well explained and works well for people who have read the full series, and for those that have not.
The political jibes about the national police service are a bit tiresome in places, but are well woven into the story and Bob's own views so they're not too jarring.
The mystery itself is well explained and works well for people who have read the full series, and for those that have not.
The political jibes about the national police service are a bit tiresome in places, but are well woven into the story and Bob's own views so they're not too jarring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
Be a while since reading the next skinner book. Almost better to wait between reads. Enjoyed this read very much. All the usual characters are back with another case (very cold) to solve. Alexis is the main character for the first part of the book but big Bob takes over as mentor to several DIs DSs as the case unfolds. Plenty of old characters appear both good and bad ones from the past causing us to remember other pasta Skinner reads. All in all this is a worthy read with plenty of suspense.
November 14, 2019
It's the second book I read in this series and it's starting to a favourite.
It's a gripping and engrossing read that kept me hooked till the end.
I love the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted plot and the solid mystery.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a gripping and engrossing read that kept me hooked till the end.
I love the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted plot and the solid mystery.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book as it had loads of twists and turns in it keeping the reader guessing what the outcome would be. I’ve read all the Skinner books most of which were terrific but occasionally there was one or two that were really lacking in a significant plot and sub plot. Glad to say The Bad Fire 🔥 was the former. Definitely recommend it. Looking forward to the next one
February 17, 2021
Very interesting book. I probably should not have started with this book of Quintin Jardine as 31st book in series, however, it is so enticing and gripping. I really really struggled to put it down as I just wanted to know what happened. I will definitely be going back to read his other books in the future. Such a good writer and easy story to follow even though full of mystery.
November 19, 2019
I couldn’t put it down.
I’ve read all the Skinner series some more than once. It’s a great read. Lots of twists and turns with some of his regular characters involved. I love how the characters in this series have evolved. Great read, couldn’t put it down...if fact I didn’t.
I’ve read all the Skinner series some more than once. It’s a great read. Lots of twists and turns with some of his regular characters involved. I love how the characters in this series have evolved. Great read, couldn’t put it down...if fact I didn’t.
November 30, 2019
I have read this series from book one and all have been good the character development as the series has progressed has been brilliant ,this book just continues to build on it. All the characters are interesting and vibrant as is the plot.
June 10, 2020
Ive read every one of Quinten Jardines books, Skinner series. Mainly audio listening on my walks.Amazing Author who never lets me down .Sad part is I have to wait till November for his new book,If you like mystery novels give him a try
June 16, 2020
Good one this one - haven’t read a Bob Skinner novel for ages. It concentrates more on his daughter Alex in this one as Bob is supposedly retired now. The story is pacey and keeps you going. It’s good to catch up with some of the other characters in the older books as well.
July 30, 2020
Another great story
Another great story by Quinton Jardine featuring Bob Skinner. I have read all the books in the series and they just keep getting better. It is only a pity that I can read them quicker than Quinton can write them. Please keep them coming.
Another great story by Quinton Jardine featuring Bob Skinner. I have read all the books in the series and they just keep getting better. It is only a pity that I can read them quicker than Quinton can write them. Please keep them coming.
November 22, 2020
Absolutely brilliant read, lost loads of sleep because I just couldn’t put it down. Full of twists and surprises and wonderful human story characters. Sad that there isn’t another one ready yet, other books are going to be hard to find that could follow this for pure story telling pleasure.
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