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The Ruin of the Watcher
Fox Argall looks like a hero: the handsome, over-educated detective. The past has proved the truth is far different. You see, Fox is a runner. This time his enemies have decided to follow him. Finish him. This time, Fox will find a string of broken children left at his doorstep like offerings. Like breadcrumbs leading to the final show, each victim gives a clue to how his family will die. Fox has a decision to make. Set in Jupiter, Florida, the first in the Fox Argall mystery series.
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Published July 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 27, 2026
Fox Argall is a detective with a very interesting, creative and rich mind.
In this story he’ll have to face an enemy, where he ran from in this past, afraid for his life. Now he has no choice than to face him and stand his ground. He has to protect harmless children and hos own family.
It’s fluently written and I was rooting for Fox. I think he is an intriguing character that I would like to read more from!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this story he’ll have to face an enemy, where he ran from in this past, afraid for his life. Now he has no choice than to face him and stand his ground. He has to protect harmless children and hos own family.
It’s fluently written and I was rooting for Fox. I think he is an intriguing character that I would like to read more from!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2023
All for mystery/thriller and now detective? Hot MMC with issues lord swoon haha Definitely suggest to read Fox’s story!
November 8, 2023
A wonderful book. Well written and well executed plot with engaging characters. I was glued to the floor.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2023
Yes
I’ve been hoping this series would come to KU. I hope the rest comes soon. I read a couple of them on Vella, but it’s just not the platform for me. This series is wonderful.
I’ve been hoping this series would come to KU. I hope the rest comes soon. I read a couple of them on Vella, but it’s just not the platform for me. This series is wonderful.
November 25, 2025
Some books pull you in with spectacle and damaged worlds. The Ruin of the Watcher pulls you in with a man who sees more than he survives.
There’s something almost surgical about the way MacCrae writes Fox Argall - this quiet, reluctant instrument of perception who would rather dissolve into the wallpaper than be called a hero. He’s the kind of character who notices everything except the parts that are killing him. And maybe that’s the point for the start of this book.
Right away, there’s a tone that made me grin. That blend of clever structural clues (hello Dan Brown), the shadowed psychological beats (King), and the forensic precision (Cornwell). It’s an unexpected cocktail - equal parts intelligence, mischief, and emotional rind - and you can feel the author’s “edumication” on every page. Not the pretentious kind; the fun kind. The “I’ve read too much, lived too much, and now all of it leaks into the prose whether you like it or not” kind. The kind that keeps you reading.
This is a story about a man built like a cracked and wobbly cathedral: brilliant, towering, intricate, and somehow always on the verge of collapse. Fox feels like he’s held together by friction alone - this uncanny blend of clinical detachment and frail humanity that makes you root for him even when you sense the truth is going to hurt. And it does. Repeatedly.
A man who refuses to eat food outside of his kitchen finally finds safety in something so trivial, and we root for him like an old friend, not acknowledging the enormity of the trauma needed to get there. We see glimpses of progress woven into the story but the author chooses to let the characters not see this in themselves.
The writing style is deceptive that way. Clean. Uncluttered. Almost polite. And then you meet the captain - a man whose temper is its own weather system and, suddenly, the entire narrative tilts. One minute you’re reading standard department dialogue, and the next:
“The moist soil sprays across Cap’s pristine floor, leaving bits of green everywhere. Like a broken, miniature Christmas tree.”
It’s such a small moment, but it tells you everything. This world is meticulous - funny and furious in equal measure - and the collapse of a jade plant becomes a character study in power, pressure, and the unspoken rules of the precinct. MacCrae doesn’t waste a single object. Everything is a clue, a metaphor, or a crack in the façade.
That’s why the clues in this book don’t drop - they seep and they stain. They slide through the narrative like water looking for the fault lines. Everything matters, and yet you don’t know how much until the truth finally turns its face toward you. I smiled at the polarity of it - the way MacCrae’s quiet hints echo a "Taylor Swift-style Easter egg chaos", the kind that summon tweens into forensic frenzy and adults into Reddit spirals. Except here, the scavenger hunt is happening in stuffy precincts heavy with ghosts, paperwork, and men who haven’t slept properly since God was a boy.
It’s a strange kind of delight watching an author weaponize subtlety. Swift uses hers to orchestrate cultural meltdowns; MacCrae uses it to twist the knife so gently you don’t realize you’ve been cut until the warmth spreads.
The crime itself - if “crime” is even the right word when the book is more interested in the wreckage inside the investigator than the body on the floor - is a labyrinth. Not the kind you walk. The kind you wake up inside with no memory of how you got there. Even the smallest details - the pin, the hesitations, the shape of Fox’s silences - feel like pressure points or friction points in my world. Touch them and the entire structure shifts.
The secondary characters orbit Fox the way planets orbit a dying star: out of loyalty, out of gravity, out of fear of what happens if they drift too far. No one in this story is whole. No one is untouched. MacCrae treats their fractures with an almost reverent precision. Not sympathy, but instead, understanding. There’s a difference, and the book lives in that difference.
What elevates the novel isn’t the mystery - it’s the anatomy of a mind that cannot stop dissecting the world even as it refuses to examine itself. Fox is both scalpel and wound. Observer and ruin. He doesn’t just solve the case; he exposes the cost of seeing too much.
In another world and another time, he would be a Quincy.
And when the pieces finally lock into place - when the walls of the labyrinth reveal what you’ve been circling the entire time - the effect is quiet and devastating. Not a twist designed to shock, but a truth that settles heavily because it feels inevitable.
The Ruin of the Watcher isn’t just a story.
It’s a study in the violence of introspection.
A reminder that the mind can be both instrument and battlefield.
MacCrae doesn’t ask you to solve. You are asked to witness instead.
And in a world full of books that want to entertain you, it’s rare to find one that wants to understand you instead.
As a final note - This author is funny as hell in the social media world. She calls things as she sees them, is refreshing and I'm hooked. Well done for being YOU.
There’s something almost surgical about the way MacCrae writes Fox Argall - this quiet, reluctant instrument of perception who would rather dissolve into the wallpaper than be called a hero. He’s the kind of character who notices everything except the parts that are killing him. And maybe that’s the point for the start of this book.
Right away, there’s a tone that made me grin. That blend of clever structural clues (hello Dan Brown), the shadowed psychological beats (King), and the forensic precision (Cornwell). It’s an unexpected cocktail - equal parts intelligence, mischief, and emotional rind - and you can feel the author’s “edumication” on every page. Not the pretentious kind; the fun kind. The “I’ve read too much, lived too much, and now all of it leaks into the prose whether you like it or not” kind. The kind that keeps you reading.
This is a story about a man built like a cracked and wobbly cathedral: brilliant, towering, intricate, and somehow always on the verge of collapse. Fox feels like he’s held together by friction alone - this uncanny blend of clinical detachment and frail humanity that makes you root for him even when you sense the truth is going to hurt. And it does. Repeatedly.
A man who refuses to eat food outside of his kitchen finally finds safety in something so trivial, and we root for him like an old friend, not acknowledging the enormity of the trauma needed to get there. We see glimpses of progress woven into the story but the author chooses to let the characters not see this in themselves.
The writing style is deceptive that way. Clean. Uncluttered. Almost polite. And then you meet the captain - a man whose temper is its own weather system and, suddenly, the entire narrative tilts. One minute you’re reading standard department dialogue, and the next:
“The moist soil sprays across Cap’s pristine floor, leaving bits of green everywhere. Like a broken, miniature Christmas tree.”
It’s such a small moment, but it tells you everything. This world is meticulous - funny and furious in equal measure - and the collapse of a jade plant becomes a character study in power, pressure, and the unspoken rules of the precinct. MacCrae doesn’t waste a single object. Everything is a clue, a metaphor, or a crack in the façade.
That’s why the clues in this book don’t drop - they seep and they stain. They slide through the narrative like water looking for the fault lines. Everything matters, and yet you don’t know how much until the truth finally turns its face toward you. I smiled at the polarity of it - the way MacCrae’s quiet hints echo a "Taylor Swift-style Easter egg chaos", the kind that summon tweens into forensic frenzy and adults into Reddit spirals. Except here, the scavenger hunt is happening in stuffy precincts heavy with ghosts, paperwork, and men who haven’t slept properly since God was a boy.
It’s a strange kind of delight watching an author weaponize subtlety. Swift uses hers to orchestrate cultural meltdowns; MacCrae uses it to twist the knife so gently you don’t realize you’ve been cut until the warmth spreads.
The crime itself - if “crime” is even the right word when the book is more interested in the wreckage inside the investigator than the body on the floor - is a labyrinth. Not the kind you walk. The kind you wake up inside with no memory of how you got there. Even the smallest details - the pin, the hesitations, the shape of Fox’s silences - feel like pressure points or friction points in my world. Touch them and the entire structure shifts.
The secondary characters orbit Fox the way planets orbit a dying star: out of loyalty, out of gravity, out of fear of what happens if they drift too far. No one in this story is whole. No one is untouched. MacCrae treats their fractures with an almost reverent precision. Not sympathy, but instead, understanding. There’s a difference, and the book lives in that difference.
What elevates the novel isn’t the mystery - it’s the anatomy of a mind that cannot stop dissecting the world even as it refuses to examine itself. Fox is both scalpel and wound. Observer and ruin. He doesn’t just solve the case; he exposes the cost of seeing too much.
In another world and another time, he would be a Quincy.
And when the pieces finally lock into place - when the walls of the labyrinth reveal what you’ve been circling the entire time - the effect is quiet and devastating. Not a twist designed to shock, but a truth that settles heavily because it feels inevitable.
The Ruin of the Watcher isn’t just a story.
It’s a study in the violence of introspection.
A reminder that the mind can be both instrument and battlefield.
MacCrae doesn’t ask you to solve. You are asked to witness instead.
And in a world full of books that want to entertain you, it’s rare to find one that wants to understand you instead.
As a final note - This author is funny as hell in the social media world. She calls things as she sees them, is refreshing and I'm hooked. Well done for being YOU.
December 23, 2025
If vigilance ever felt like devotion instead of safety, this book understands why. The Ruin of the Watcher is not about protection fulfilled, but about the cost of watching too long. About what happens when duty hardens into obsession and observation begins to corrode the self. This is a story steeped in quiet decay, where the act of seeing becomes its own kind of ruin.
The narrative unfolds slowly, deliberately, anchored in isolation and responsibility. The Watcher stands apart, defined by purpose, bound to a role that demands attention without rest. Time stretches. Silence deepens. What begins as obligation becomes erosion. The world does not collapse all at once. It thins. Cracks form where certainty once lived. The horror here is not sudden. It is cumulative.
What makes this story effective is its restraint. It does not rush to explain or absolve. Instead, it lingers in the weight of duty and the loneliness it breeds. Watching is framed not as heroism, but as sacrifice that goes unnoticed until it consumes everything. The tension comes from inevitability, from the sense that ruin is not a failure, but an outcome patiently earned.
This came close to hitting every mark for me. The atmosphere is heavy and intentional, and the slow unraveling is handled with care, even if I found myself wanting a deeper emotional fracture by the end.
If you are drawn to stories that meditate on responsibility, isolation, and quiet collapse, this one is worth your time. It does not shout its horror. It endures.
Note: I received this book as an ARC 🖤
#TheRuinOfTheWatcher
#AtmosphericHorror
#DarkFantasy
#QuietHorror
#ExistentialReads
#IsolationThemes
#SlowBurnHorror
#UnsettlingFiction
The narrative unfolds slowly, deliberately, anchored in isolation and responsibility. The Watcher stands apart, defined by purpose, bound to a role that demands attention without rest. Time stretches. Silence deepens. What begins as obligation becomes erosion. The world does not collapse all at once. It thins. Cracks form where certainty once lived. The horror here is not sudden. It is cumulative.
What makes this story effective is its restraint. It does not rush to explain or absolve. Instead, it lingers in the weight of duty and the loneliness it breeds. Watching is framed not as heroism, but as sacrifice that goes unnoticed until it consumes everything. The tension comes from inevitability, from the sense that ruin is not a failure, but an outcome patiently earned.
This came close to hitting every mark for me. The atmosphere is heavy and intentional, and the slow unraveling is handled with care, even if I found myself wanting a deeper emotional fracture by the end.
If you are drawn to stories that meditate on responsibility, isolation, and quiet collapse, this one is worth your time. It does not shout its horror. It endures.
Note: I received this book as an ARC 🖤
#TheRuinOfTheWatcher
#AtmosphericHorror
#DarkFantasy
#QuietHorror
#ExistentialReads
#IsolationThemes
#SlowBurnHorror
#UnsettlingFiction
October 14, 2023
"Ellis 'Fox' Argall, MD, PHD, JD - Luitenant and detective at Palm Beach Sheriff's Violent Crimes Division. Fox is Welsh. He lives with what used to be called Asperger's now, ASD Level 1, a level of autism characterized by normal to higher IQ and normal to almost normal language skills, with significant challenges in social interaction and nonverbal communication, and neuro-processing differences. He's a baritone. He holds terminal degrees in molecular biology, law, and criminal justice as well as his medical degree. Fox speaks Welsh fluently and uses other languages liberally. "
Absolutely loved this Crime with a dash of spice and a whole lot of character novel, book 1 from the amazing author Collings MacCrae. Fox has a wife Gracie who he has adored since he laid eyes on her at 15 years old. They married at 18 and now I believe in their 50's. They have one child Marley and a granddaugher named Theiss. His family means the world to him.
In Collings first novel Fox is faced with his past when he realises he knows the seriel killer they are after. Fox realises that his past has finally caught up to him and he needs to tell his wife the truth about why they moved all those years ago.
Dialoguing Fox's and other characters internal thoughts and incorporating lanaguages from their homes it brings about originality that other books just don't seem to have.
I have fallen in love with Fox and his family, and extended dectective family. Look forward to the following novels
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the opportunity!
Absolutely loved this Crime with a dash of spice and a whole lot of character novel, book 1 from the amazing author Collings MacCrae. Fox has a wife Gracie who he has adored since he laid eyes on her at 15 years old. They married at 18 and now I believe in their 50's. They have one child Marley and a granddaugher named Theiss. His family means the world to him.
In Collings first novel Fox is faced with his past when he realises he knows the seriel killer they are after. Fox realises that his past has finally caught up to him and he needs to tell his wife the truth about why they moved all those years ago.
Dialoguing Fox's and other characters internal thoughts and incorporating lanaguages from their homes it brings about originality that other books just don't seem to have.
I have fallen in love with Fox and his family, and extended dectective family. Look forward to the following novels
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for the opportunity!
October 9, 2023
I love to get my teeth into a book that offers so many qualities, good story, excellent characters, intriguing and engaging, The Ruin of the Watcher certainly meets this criterion.
In this book the main character is Ellis “Fox” Argall, he is an uber intellectual who is on the spectrum. The author portrays his strengths and weaknesses with utmost sensitivity and manages to make us understand his quirks and foibles, and how they relate to the world around him. For me, this felt so natural and not like a writer trying to portray a character and their characteristics without having first hand knowledge. I do believe it is really important for the reader to understand this, as it is a main feature in the book showing how Fox relates to the world and adds real depth to the story.
Adding to the quality of the story we have many other important characters, such as Fox’s wife Grace, partner Tick and friend Roofie. These characters add such a deepness to the story and Fox’s life, ensuring we have a most fabulous book.
The whole story is intriguing, and it has a great deal of feeling. I like the way the story involves the past encroaching on the present, it adds such substance to the whole book.
I am trying to express how much I enjoyed this story without giving any of the storyline away as I believe you need to read, digest, and enjoy yourself.
I highly recommend this book and am already onto book 2.
Happy Reading.
In this book the main character is Ellis “Fox” Argall, he is an uber intellectual who is on the spectrum. The author portrays his strengths and weaknesses with utmost sensitivity and manages to make us understand his quirks and foibles, and how they relate to the world around him. For me, this felt so natural and not like a writer trying to portray a character and their characteristics without having first hand knowledge. I do believe it is really important for the reader to understand this, as it is a main feature in the book showing how Fox relates to the world and adds real depth to the story.
Adding to the quality of the story we have many other important characters, such as Fox’s wife Grace, partner Tick and friend Roofie. These characters add such a deepness to the story and Fox’s life, ensuring we have a most fabulous book.
The whole story is intriguing, and it has a great deal of feeling. I like the way the story involves the past encroaching on the present, it adds such substance to the whole book.
I am trying to express how much I enjoyed this story without giving any of the storyline away as I believe you need to read, digest, and enjoy yourself.
I highly recommend this book and am already onto book 2.
Happy Reading.
November 30, 2025
This unusual detective mystery was an interesting read – unusual because the main character - Ellis ‘Fox’ Argall – is quite unlike any American detective I have ever come across. His unique and quirky nature brings a different spin to the traditional representation of a local law enforcement officer. Fox is a neurodivergent, highly intelligent man, with PhDs in different subjects and a command of the Welsh language. His methods of detection are intriguing.
As we follow Fox and his partner, Sergeant John ‘Tick’ Tickman, day by day during their investigation, we get to know and understand (in Fox’s case, perhaps not wholly!) both men and their complex relationship. There are other unlikely friends and colleagues who add to the fascinating cast.
The author’s skill at bringing about a character such as Fox Argall is clear – he is at once alive and real, and while at first his dialogue seems a little odd, it all comes together perfectly as we learn more about him, his strange ways, his past and his talents.
The plot is satisfying and brilliantly crafted, unfolding at a steady pace, with dramatic turns, clues aplenty, but still enough surprises along the way.
This is the first in the Fox Argall series, and I’m extremely grateful that there are more to enjoy.
Highly recommended.
As we follow Fox and his partner, Sergeant John ‘Tick’ Tickman, day by day during their investigation, we get to know and understand (in Fox’s case, perhaps not wholly!) both men and their complex relationship. There are other unlikely friends and colleagues who add to the fascinating cast.
The author’s skill at bringing about a character such as Fox Argall is clear – he is at once alive and real, and while at first his dialogue seems a little odd, it all comes together perfectly as we learn more about him, his strange ways, his past and his talents.
The plot is satisfying and brilliantly crafted, unfolding at a steady pace, with dramatic turns, clues aplenty, but still enough surprises along the way.
This is the first in the Fox Argall series, and I’m extremely grateful that there are more to enjoy.
Highly recommended.
December 25, 2023
A very intense and twisty thriller. Our hero is neurodivergent, brilliant, intense, and surrounded by people who are committed to taking care of him while doing their job of bringing criminals to justice. There is plenty of action to keep the reader engaged and the characters are relatable and realistic. I must admit to a bit of difficulty until I adjusted to Ms. MacCrae's writing style. She likes to hold her cards close to her chest, which can lead to frustration both on the part of the characters and the readers. It also leads to a bit more telling instead of showing, but not enough to deter my enjoyment of the book. I also enjoyed the fact Ms. MacCrae included bits of Welsh (along with the translation) in her story. It lends an additional touch of realism. Now if I could just find a narrator who uses a Welsh accent to read the story I would be in hog heaven.
This is the first book by Ms. MacCrae that I have read, but It's not the last. I highly recommend the Fox Argall series to anyone looking for an intense, engaging, captivating, a bit frustrating, but ultimately enjoyable mystery/thriller series.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
This is the first book by Ms. MacCrae that I have read, but It's not the last. I highly recommend the Fox Argall series to anyone looking for an intense, engaging, captivating, a bit frustrating, but ultimately enjoyable mystery/thriller series.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
November 13, 2025
The Ruin of the Watcher by Collings MacCrae is a gripping, character-driven crime thriller/mystery that stands out for its originality and emotional depth. The novel follows detective Fox Argall as his past collides with his present in a case that quickly becomes personal and intense. Readers have praised the fresh, multi-layered storytelling—full of twists, compelling dialogue, and characters who feel authentically flawed and real.
What really makes the book shine is its thoughtful portrayal of Fox and the unique cast around him, including his wife Grace and his detective partners. Their relationships feel natural and richly developed, adding nuance and heart to the suspenseful plot. The author handles Fox's neurodiversity authentically and with richness. The writing style is natural with rich characters; the pacing is good and builds up to a great ending, the story packs genuine surprises, and the depiction of trauma and perseverance feels thoughtful and honest if sometimes heartbreaking.
If you enjoy mysteries that go beyond typical detective tropes, mixing clever plot lines with deep emotional resonance, this one is highly recommended. It’s an engrossing read that leaves you eager for the next book in the series.
What really makes the book shine is its thoughtful portrayal of Fox and the unique cast around him, including his wife Grace and his detective partners. Their relationships feel natural and richly developed, adding nuance and heart to the suspenseful plot. The author handles Fox's neurodiversity authentically and with richness. The writing style is natural with rich characters; the pacing is good and builds up to a great ending, the story packs genuine surprises, and the depiction of trauma and perseverance feels thoughtful and honest if sometimes heartbreaking.
If you enjoy mysteries that go beyond typical detective tropes, mixing clever plot lines with deep emotional resonance, this one is highly recommended. It’s an engrossing read that leaves you eager for the next book in the series.
September 29, 2023
The Ruin of the Watcher introduces us to Ellis “Fox” Argall, who is a detective in Florida. He has many quirks which people find disarming, but behind it all, he is extremely intelligent and notices every detail. This prequel to the Fox Mystery Series took a bit to get into. I found Fox’s personality irritating and hard to relate to, making reading the first third of the book difficult. Why his wife stayed with him was another issue, but that also gets explained over time. Once some of Fox’s history came out, his character and the story itself seemed to flow a bit better and I found this book to be very entertaining.
This story revolves around boys that have been abused, or found dead. The clues lead back to a horrific case from years before, in which Fox was involved with. As the clues add up, and connections are made, the story gets more and more intense and personal for Fox.
Interesting story line and great characters. I wish that Fox's personality was described earlier in the book. That might have made the beginning smoother. However, I am hooked and looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book
This story revolves around boys that have been abused, or found dead. The clues lead back to a horrific case from years before, in which Fox was involved with. As the clues add up, and connections are made, the story gets more and more intense and personal for Fox.
Interesting story line and great characters. I wish that Fox's personality was described earlier in the book. That might have made the beginning smoother. However, I am hooked and looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book
June 14, 2023
Captivatingly Complex and Compelling Characters!
I’m not usually into detective novels, but this was recommended to me by an author whose work I love, so I gave it a try. I’m thrilled that I did! I am so impressed with the writing, the plotting, the pace, and especially the amazing characters in this book. The neurodivergent protagonist, Fox Argall, is a Welsh detective with so much depth and nuance that he felt like a real person to me. His relationship with his wife, Grace, is realistic and well-developed, and I love that the author shows us what they are thinking, which rather than giving anything away, ramps up the tension between them. If you are a fan of mysteries and crime novels, you will find that this one is a cut above, so much better than the typical detective story. And if you (like me) don’t regularly read these kinds of novels, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. The provocative storytelling, realism, and humanity in this novel converge to make it a rare gem. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
I’m not usually into detective novels, but this was recommended to me by an author whose work I love, so I gave it a try. I’m thrilled that I did! I am so impressed with the writing, the plotting, the pace, and especially the amazing characters in this book. The neurodivergent protagonist, Fox Argall, is a Welsh detective with so much depth and nuance that he felt like a real person to me. His relationship with his wife, Grace, is realistic and well-developed, and I love that the author shows us what they are thinking, which rather than giving anything away, ramps up the tension between them. If you are a fan of mysteries and crime novels, you will find that this one is a cut above, so much better than the typical detective story. And if you (like me) don’t regularly read these kinds of novels, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. The provocative storytelling, realism, and humanity in this novel converge to make it a rare gem. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
December 11, 2023
The perfect mystery to have on your TBR!
Looking for a mystery/thriller with a mmc you wont be able to help but love, look no further. This book had it all... Suspense, a great plot and interesting characters.... what more could you ask for. From page one were thrown into the deep end with Fox a detective who's not all that he seems. Collins does an amazing job of not only making her chapters feel realistic but also relatable.
This whole plot line I super unique and captivating. We get a new case except Fox past is catching up and this new killer might not be so new! the story flowed so effortlessly, leaving me on the edge of my seat every time I turned a page. Tons of twists and turns to keep you entrained and reading on. Ive truly formed attachments to these charters and am over the moon that I get to see them again in the next novel which I will be devouring immediately.
Looking for a mystery/thriller with a mmc you wont be able to help but love, look no further. This book had it all... Suspense, a great plot and interesting characters.... what more could you ask for. From page one were thrown into the deep end with Fox a detective who's not all that he seems. Collins does an amazing job of not only making her chapters feel realistic but also relatable.
This whole plot line I super unique and captivating. We get a new case except Fox past is catching up and this new killer might not be so new! the story flowed so effortlessly, leaving me on the edge of my seat every time I turned a page. Tons of twists and turns to keep you entrained and reading on. Ive truly formed attachments to these charters and am over the moon that I get to see them again in the next novel which I will be devouring immediately.
October 14, 2025
The Ruin of the Watcher is a murder mystery with strong Christian presence and a neurodivergent MC.
MacCrae takes a unique approach to character building by rounding her MC through the eyes of others as well as in his own POV segments where we learn the gritty history of Fox Argall who is simultaneously endearing and off putting—an intriguing combination. Through these windows of time we learn about a gruesome coverup and its connection to a threat aimed at Argall himself and his family.
With useful advice woven in such as “Rule Number One: what people do is almost always about them” (pg 132) and “simplicity shines out from the complexity” (pg 188), I am looking forward to the next installment in the adventure!
MacCrae takes a unique approach to character building by rounding her MC through the eyes of others as well as in his own POV segments where we learn the gritty history of Fox Argall who is simultaneously endearing and off putting—an intriguing combination. Through these windows of time we learn about a gruesome coverup and its connection to a threat aimed at Argall himself and his family.
With useful advice woven in such as “Rule Number One: what people do is almost always about them” (pg 132) and “simplicity shines out from the complexity” (pg 188), I am looking forward to the next installment in the adventure!
October 15, 2023
I'm a big fan of thrillers/mysteries. I thought this was a great story, and I really loved the focus on the characters and the fact that they were not your "typical" characters. I did find the book a bit hard to follow at times. It took me a little bit to figure out all the backstory, but I think now that I've figured it out, it will make it easier to follow future books in the series. The story just seemed to jump around a bit, although I know some of that had to do with the author's desire to get across Fox Argall's personality and quirks. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2023
A really interesting and quirky read. Fox is definitely not your normal detective, with a thought process that is, at times, hard to follow but ultimately fascinating to read. His long suffering wife, Grace is also a great character, though I found it almost unbelievable that she had been married to Fox for 30 years. However, the more you read the more you realise why they stay together. Add to that Roofie, Tick and Cap, and you have a really good cast, a very strong dialogue and story, and a pace that has you holding your breath at times. Looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2025
The Ruin of the Watcher is a really solid thriller. Fox Argall is the detective main character, and honestly, he’s super interesting. The case he’s on gets dark fast—there are missing boys and a lot of secrets. It’s pretty intense but never slow.
What I liked most was how real the mystery felt. There are a bunch of twists I didn’t see coming. Fox’s life outside the case—like with his wife—also adds something extra. You can feel it’s taking a toll on him.
If you like thrillers with complicated detectives and darker stories, give this one a try. The story drew me in and I kept thinking about it even after I finished. Totally worth the read.
What I liked most was how real the mystery felt. There are a bunch of twists I didn’t see coming. Fox’s life outside the case—like with his wife—also adds something extra. You can feel it’s taking a toll on him.
If you like thrillers with complicated detectives and darker stories, give this one a try. The story drew me in and I kept thinking about it even after I finished. Totally worth the read.
October 2, 2023
I'm very torn with how I feel about this book. The story is great, getting to know the characters
Interested to see how they develop and how Fox's challenges play a role in all of it. But there were times when I struggled with this one. Bits were clunky, unclear not sure how to describe it. I still gave it 4 stars because I believe their series can be fantastic and it may just be me. I will be starting the next one now and see how I feel when I'm done with it.
Still would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Interested to see how they develop and how Fox's challenges play a role in all of it. But there were times when I struggled with this one. Bits were clunky, unclear not sure how to describe it. I still gave it 4 stars because I believe their series can be fantastic and it may just be me. I will be starting the next one now and see how I feel when I'm done with it.
Still would recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2023
this is amazing
I actually lent this book to a prior student before I even finished it, and had to finish my own reading on KU.
The characters are complex. So complex that they take a little work to understand but then each stands on their own with no hint of the author behind them.
The mystery of the story is horridly realistic and gripping. This book shines on the stark reality of humanity including the shining light of love and faith to hold it all together.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
I actually lent this book to a prior student before I even finished it, and had to finish my own reading on KU.
The characters are complex. So complex that they take a little work to understand but then each stands on their own with no hint of the author behind them.
The mystery of the story is horridly realistic and gripping. This book shines on the stark reality of humanity including the shining light of love and faith to hold it all together.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
December 15, 2023
The story follows Fox as he solves crimes while simultaneously avoiding the cases' politics. There are various perspectives to show insight into each character, particularly Fox's. The story is character-driven and the structure is complex. The chapters feature the time of day, but the narrative is not clear whether it is linear or features flashbacks.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2024
This book wound me in and kept me focused. I needed to know what would happen, what would be uncovered, and how the characters would be once everything was revealed.
The writing and characters are excellent, and the plot keeps you riveted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The writing and characters are excellent, and the plot keeps you riveted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 2, 2024
This book reminded me of those great R-Rated thrillers of the 80s and 90s. It’s dark, with a great variety of characters and a massively flawed main character who can be their own worst enemy.
Admittedly, the subject matter was a little tough for me (I don’t like when little kids get hurt), but I am excited to get the next book and see what Fox Argall’s next case is!
Admittedly, the subject matter was a little tough for me (I don’t like when little kids get hurt), but I am excited to get the next book and see what Fox Argall’s next case is!
October 23, 2022
Fox Argall is the type of protagonist I love. He's smart, sexy, and has loads of issues. The author sets a mood with both the complexities of the mystery and the lives of the characters. I recommend following Fox through this dark, suspenseful read.
October 31, 2023
Fox Argall who is a Lieutenant and a hero loves his wife dearly. His latest case deals with brutal assault on children by a violent paedophile. A chilling read to the end. I received this book via booksirans and leave a honest review . I recommend this book to other readers.
November 25, 2023
I loved the world building, the characters. the story line was amazing and I throughly enjoyed this book, I felt as though I connected to this book. I shed a tear or to but absolutely loved it over all.
December 9, 2023
What a book! Fox is something special for sure. Wow. I was thoroughly enraptured with this book and Fox. And the plot was just ….amazing. I want much more from this series and hope there will be.
November 14, 2025
Hmmm..... First off..... Damn!
This is an interesting book.
The story follows Ellis Fox Argall, our local detective with Palm Beach County
Sheriff's Violent Crimes Division. Prior to being a cop he was a lawyer( handled med cases),
Got involved in a divorce case that he shouldn't have, stuck his nose where he shouldn't have, he quit his job and became a cop.
Young boys were being assaulted and killed, fox's the cop investigating this cases,
Came across a shocking discovery, these assaults weren't just random attacks, they were leading to something and the killer didn't fail to leave clues.
Plot⭐
Characters ⭐
Writing style ⭐
Pacing ⭐
Emotion ⭐
Highly recommend it for mystery, thriller and crime lovers.
It holds your attention and keeps you turning those pages.
This is an interesting book.
The story follows Ellis Fox Argall, our local detective with Palm Beach County
Sheriff's Violent Crimes Division. Prior to being a cop he was a lawyer( handled med cases),
Got involved in a divorce case that he shouldn't have, stuck his nose where he shouldn't have, he quit his job and became a cop.
Young boys were being assaulted and killed, fox's the cop investigating this cases,
Came across a shocking discovery, these assaults weren't just random attacks, they were leading to something and the killer didn't fail to leave clues.
Plot⭐
Characters ⭐
Writing style ⭐
Pacing ⭐
Emotion ⭐
Highly recommend it for mystery, thriller and crime lovers.
It holds your attention and keeps you turning those pages.
December 3, 2023
Well, Fox Argall is certainly a different personality in the crime genre of fiction. An interesting construct - he’s neuro-wired differently in an Asperger way - with high intelligence supported by good looks. He’s not totally likeable but he’s basically a decent sort. The setting is Florida. There is a cast of characters - family, friends, colleagues, baddies and goodies - but only some come across as ‘real’. The main baddie is very evil - you can almost hear him saying , in an extended drawl, “hello Clarice”. You get the image. Overall, however, it is not a book that really ‘got’ to me and makes me want to read more in the series - but I imagine plenty of other folk will. I’m gladI read it but it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens.
December 26, 2025
This fascinating tale follows Detective Fox Argall as he and his partner work to solve a gruesome series of crimes. These recent crimes, however, seem related to crimes from long ago - the very crimes that prompted Fox to move his young family to a different state and away from danger.
For me, though, the most intriguing part of the book was how MacCrae handled Fox's high-functioning autism (formerly referred to as Asberger's Syndrome). He is highly intelligent and highly educated, but handles social situations poorly by retreating into his phone to play BrickBreak. The italicized thoughts others have about him and his behaviors shed a beautiful light on the man and how those closest to him have learned to be with him and to understand him. This is the part of the story and writing that is most beautiful.
I felt like I had a glimpse inside a brilliant mind that functions very differently from my own.
For me, though, the most intriguing part of the book was how MacCrae handled Fox's high-functioning autism (formerly referred to as Asberger's Syndrome). He is highly intelligent and highly educated, but handles social situations poorly by retreating into his phone to play BrickBreak. The italicized thoughts others have about him and his behaviors shed a beautiful light on the man and how those closest to him have learned to be with him and to understand him. This is the part of the story and writing that is most beautiful.
I felt like I had a glimpse inside a brilliant mind that functions very differently from my own.
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