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DI Barney Mains #1
The Detective Wakes
Detective Inspector Barney Mains knows he's only in the South of France to fly the flag. That he should leave it to French officers to find the missing British celebrity.
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh Police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real live case again. Especially when it lands him in the middle of a shocking conspiracy.
It's one which will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger. Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life.
He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing.
For he must choose between justice and the law.
And only one of these options comes with a very attractive bonus.
It might just keep them alive…
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh Police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real live case again. Especially when it lands him in the middle of a shocking conspiracy.
It's one which will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger. Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life.
He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing.
For he must choose between justice and the law.
And only one of these options comes with a very attractive bonus.
It might just keep them alive…
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
344 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2022
20 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jim McGhee
8 books14 followersJim McGhee’s a former award-winning environmental journalist.
Previously based in East Lothian, near Edinburgh, Scotland, he now resides in Nice in the South of France, main setting for the DI Barney Mains series.
After a full-on career as a campaigning newspaper reporter, he and late wife Jean launched their own recruitment company in central Edinburgh and for twelve fun-packed years worked closely together alongside their brilliant team - without spilling a single drop of blood.
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments, on the other hand, have provided a host of dramatic locations just perfect as inspiration for the odd spot of fictional gore.
Locals, blessed with settings which range from unspoilt mountain villages to the classic palms-and-marinas Mediterranean coast, claim that they can be swimming one moment and skiing a little over an hour later. It’s a claim not yet put to the test!
Besides, when not writing or travelling, Jim’s more likely to be off on a hike in the hills with his ever-ready buddy, Jack the Irish Terrier.
Previously based in East Lothian, near Edinburgh, Scotland, he now resides in Nice in the South of France, main setting for the DI Barney Mains series.
After a full-on career as a campaigning newspaper reporter, he and late wife Jean launched their own recruitment company in central Edinburgh and for twelve fun-packed years worked closely together alongside their brilliant team - without spilling a single drop of blood.
The Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments, on the other hand, have provided a host of dramatic locations just perfect as inspiration for the odd spot of fictional gore.
Locals, blessed with settings which range from unspoilt mountain villages to the classic palms-and-marinas Mediterranean coast, claim that they can be swimming one moment and skiing a little over an hour later. It’s a claim not yet put to the test!
Besides, when not writing or travelling, Jim’s more likely to be off on a hike in the hills with his ever-ready buddy, Jack the Irish Terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 20, 2023
Always interested in detective and crime novels and wanted to give this a go, really interesting story plot half in the uk and half in France, easy to read and look forward to the next book
January 9, 2022
This is a new detective series with international political intrigue. This appears to be the author's debut. There are catchy chapter titles. The setting includes Edinburgh, Scotland and the beautiful South of France, Nice and even Italy. The scenery, the beaches, the palms, and the promenade begged for me to visit.
Detective Inspector Barney Mains has been assigned a new Detective Constable Ffiona McLuskey and a new case.
The disappearance of Shona Gladstone, a millionaire Internet entrepreneur, sparks a flurry of activity in several countries. She hasn't been seen for days. Is she simply seeking privacy or has something more sinister occurred? Her background has some predominate holes, who is she really and where did she come from?
Barney and Ffiona are tasked with assisting the French police resolve her strange disappearance.
Shona is wealthy, brilliant, a self-made entrepreneur but, her personal affairs are a mystery.
Jean-Luc is the contact for the case in the South of France. He and Barney work closely to untangle the web of deceit. The tabloids hinder progress by spreading lies and rumors about Shona's past.
Knowing scant about politics in either Britain, France or Scotland , I appreciated that references weren't overly complicated. The social issues, unemployment, unions, environmental crisis, Universal basic income, wealth tax and inequality are all part of the narrative.
The truth about Shona and her disappearance will involve corruption all the way to London’s Houses of Parliament. The characters Simon Robertson, the Minister for Growth, the Honourable Charles Danforth, and Olivier Camembert, Minister for Business are plotting to discourage any reform suggested by Shona's organization. Very interesting and believable characters are described throughout the story.
There is even a bit of romance thrown in as Barney struggles with his personal and professional life.
The story is very current with social distancing and masks mentioned, but only to set the scene. There is technology, flash writing, websites, and of course the internet. It is a very fast paced mystery with a solid plot. I did follow clues to guess one of the protagonists however; there were plenty of twists and surprises that kept me guessing until the end.
I already have the next in series queued up to read, but they can be read as standalones.
BookSirens provided an advance digital copy of
"The Detective Wakes" by Jim McMcgee. These are my personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.
Detective Inspector Barney Mains has been assigned a new Detective Constable Ffiona McLuskey and a new case.
The disappearance of Shona Gladstone, a millionaire Internet entrepreneur, sparks a flurry of activity in several countries. She hasn't been seen for days. Is she simply seeking privacy or has something more sinister occurred? Her background has some predominate holes, who is she really and where did she come from?
Barney and Ffiona are tasked with assisting the French police resolve her strange disappearance.
Shona is wealthy, brilliant, a self-made entrepreneur but, her personal affairs are a mystery.
Jean-Luc is the contact for the case in the South of France. He and Barney work closely to untangle the web of deceit. The tabloids hinder progress by spreading lies and rumors about Shona's past.
Knowing scant about politics in either Britain, France or Scotland , I appreciated that references weren't overly complicated. The social issues, unemployment, unions, environmental crisis, Universal basic income, wealth tax and inequality are all part of the narrative.
The truth about Shona and her disappearance will involve corruption all the way to London’s Houses of Parliament. The characters Simon Robertson, the Minister for Growth, the Honourable Charles Danforth, and Olivier Camembert, Minister for Business are plotting to discourage any reform suggested by Shona's organization. Very interesting and believable characters are described throughout the story.
There is even a bit of romance thrown in as Barney struggles with his personal and professional life.
The story is very current with social distancing and masks mentioned, but only to set the scene. There is technology, flash writing, websites, and of course the internet. It is a very fast paced mystery with a solid plot. I did follow clues to guess one of the protagonists however; there were plenty of twists and surprises that kept me guessing until the end.
I already have the next in series queued up to read, but they can be read as standalones.
BookSirens provided an advance digital copy of
"The Detective Wakes" by Jim McMcgee. These are my personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.
January 10, 2022
I have been looking forward to this book since the cover reveal and was very excited when I managed to get hold of a digital ARC. It was a very welcome read to unwind at the end of a rather long term.
I found myself instantly liking Inspector Barney Mains. Here is a man who says what he thinks and doesn’t really care much for the politics of the day. I could see myself getting on quite well with him.
I also very quickly grew to like Ffiona - she has a slightly sneaky side to her. She appears to be a high flying youngster who does things by the book but then you get a hint of attitude and rebellion that makes her very likeable indeed.
The book is set in the current time and references to pandemic and politics make this clear. I liked that because I felt that it made the characters more relatable and at times I felt part of the story.
The story follows the disappearance of wealthy Scottish business women Shona Gladstone. To start with I found the character to be a little annoying - nothing really to do with the writing - if I’m honest just my prejudged opinion of a rich person living the high life in a Vila full of staff.
How wrong I was - as the story went on I became very fond of Shona and found her to be quite a character. Not afraid to cross a line in order to get justice - she was a women I would like to meet.
As the story unfolded it became more focused on the political issues and for me this made it all the more interesting.
The plot was detailed and the elements entwined across the nations. It was a complex crime but the author made it easy to read and follow.
This is definitely a series I can see myself following and I look forward to reading the next book - hopefully before too long.
I found myself instantly liking Inspector Barney Mains. Here is a man who says what he thinks and doesn’t really care much for the politics of the day. I could see myself getting on quite well with him.
I also very quickly grew to like Ffiona - she has a slightly sneaky side to her. She appears to be a high flying youngster who does things by the book but then you get a hint of attitude and rebellion that makes her very likeable indeed.
The book is set in the current time and references to pandemic and politics make this clear. I liked that because I felt that it made the characters more relatable and at times I felt part of the story.
The story follows the disappearance of wealthy Scottish business women Shona Gladstone. To start with I found the character to be a little annoying - nothing really to do with the writing - if I’m honest just my prejudged opinion of a rich person living the high life in a Vila full of staff.
How wrong I was - as the story went on I became very fond of Shona and found her to be quite a character. Not afraid to cross a line in order to get justice - she was a women I would like to meet.
As the story unfolded it became more focused on the political issues and for me this made it all the more interesting.
The plot was detailed and the elements entwined across the nations. It was a complex crime but the author made it easy to read and follow.
This is definitely a series I can see myself following and I look forward to reading the next book - hopefully before too long.
January 3, 2022
What an amazing read this was. It flits between Scotland and Nice in the south of France, and the settings particularly in France, adds greatly to things. It is so vivid that I can picture myself there enjoying the sunshine and some pastries.
Barney is a DI who is disillusioned at work and just whiling away his days when suddenly he is tasked to investigate the disappearance of a British billionaire who has disappeared from her home in Nice. At the same time, he is assigned a new partner in the investigation who is a young woman called Ffiona. The contrast between the 2 couldn't be more different. He is more relaxed and to be honest, quite lazy, while she is all gung-ho and enthusiastic and eager to do things immediately and totally by the book. I enjoyed both characters and the relationship between both adds to the story.
The plot is a bit complex but not overly so although the motive does feel a bit far-fetched. This doesn't detract from the story though. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to what comes next for Barney and Ffiona.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Barney is a DI who is disillusioned at work and just whiling away his days when suddenly he is tasked to investigate the disappearance of a British billionaire who has disappeared from her home in Nice. At the same time, he is assigned a new partner in the investigation who is a young woman called Ffiona. The contrast between the 2 couldn't be more different. He is more relaxed and to be honest, quite lazy, while she is all gung-ho and enthusiastic and eager to do things immediately and totally by the book. I enjoyed both characters and the relationship between both adds to the story.
The plot is a bit complex but not overly so although the motive does feel a bit far-fetched. This doesn't detract from the story though. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to what comes next for Barney and Ffiona.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2022
Great mystery story with very likable characters. I enjoyed the travel to France and the change of heart that takes place in the new location. I do think sometimes we need to get out of our element to see who we really want to be, so glad this detective got the chance. I will look for more by this author. I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2022
Scottish detective Barney Mains is phoning it in and feels he’s stuck in a job he doesn’t really like when he is sent to Villefranche to fly the Scottish flag in the investigation for missing billionaire Scottish ex-pat, Shona Gladstone. His new partner, keen rookie detective, Ffiona McClusky, is desperate to prove herself and Barney just wants to send his reports back to Scotland and enjoy the Riviera. As the investigation reveals all is far more complex than it seems, Barney must decide his own future in the force.
Barney is an extremely likeable character, despite him being a rubbish detective who drinks Rosé in the middle of the day with someone at the centre of the case. It doesn’t really matter though because Ffiona and the French officer Jean-Luc are actually doing a cracking job. The first half of this book is like a typical detective mystery as there are twists and turns along the way to discover what happened to the missing woman but then about halfway through it ramps up into a political thriller full of lies and deception in the highest echelons of society. It’s the first in a series and I will definitely dip back into Barney’s Rosé soaked world.
Barney is an extremely likeable character, despite him being a rubbish detective who drinks Rosé in the middle of the day with someone at the centre of the case. It doesn’t really matter though because Ffiona and the French officer Jean-Luc are actually doing a cracking job. The first half of this book is like a typical detective mystery as there are twists and turns along the way to discover what happened to the missing woman but then about halfway through it ramps up into a political thriller full of lies and deception in the highest echelons of society. It’s the first in a series and I will definitely dip back into Barney’s Rosé soaked world.
January 10, 2022
Detective Inspector Barney Mains has made some choices in is life that have led him to be waiting his days out behind a desk at Edinburgh Police HQ, until he can retire. However, one email, a new partner and a trip to the South of France to ‘show willing’ in a kidnapping case will change everything. Shona Gladstone, an Edinburgh ex-pat, has gone missing in suspicious circumstances form her idyllic French compound. She’s a self-made billionaire, Internet genius and controversial business woman, which gives Barney no end of possible suspects. As he delves further into the case, even though he should be leaving it to the French police, he finds himself embroiled in political intrigues, murder and perhaps a little bit of romance! Barney must decide how far he’s prepared to go to get to the truth.
This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the grumpy, disillusioned and slightly lazy DI Mains. Watching his character unfold along with the story was a pleasure. The dynamic between Barney and his new partner, the young and enthusiastic Ffiona, felt natural and amusing, a bit like a big bear and a puppy! The mystery took some turns that I wasn’t expecting and had hidden depths that definitely made me think about a much wider political and constitutional aspect than your standard kidnapping tale. I thought I was sitting down to a cosy crime novel but instead was taken on an international adventure that had me asking questions about my own views on the world and how it operates. Overall, a good read and I will definitely be checking out book two and three in the series.
This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I couldn’t help but fall in love with the grumpy, disillusioned and slightly lazy DI Mains. Watching his character unfold along with the story was a pleasure. The dynamic between Barney and his new partner, the young and enthusiastic Ffiona, felt natural and amusing, a bit like a big bear and a puppy! The mystery took some turns that I wasn’t expecting and had hidden depths that definitely made me think about a much wider political and constitutional aspect than your standard kidnapping tale. I thought I was sitting down to a cosy crime novel but instead was taken on an international adventure that had me asking questions about my own views on the world and how it operates. Overall, a good read and I will definitely be checking out book two and three in the series.
January 5, 2022
Intriguing start to an unlikely hero.
The author combines the title character with allies and adversaries who progress the story well. His descriptions of places and people also demonstrate that he knows Scotland and the South of France well. Several twists and revelations kept interest and tension high with some light relief in social downtimes.
He makes a billionaire or two sound sympathetic, mainly by contrasting them with self-serving politicians. Setting it in the near future post pandemic and post Brexit UK and Europe allows him to give vent to his own wry analysis of the state of things without sounding preachy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am already looking forward to the further adventures of the trio he introduces here.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author combines the title character with allies and adversaries who progress the story well. His descriptions of places and people also demonstrate that he knows Scotland and the South of France well. Several twists and revelations kept interest and tension high with some light relief in social downtimes.
He makes a billionaire or two sound sympathetic, mainly by contrasting them with self-serving politicians. Setting it in the near future post pandemic and post Brexit UK and Europe allows him to give vent to his own wry analysis of the state of things without sounding preachy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am already looking forward to the further adventures of the trio he introduces here.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2022
The Detective Wakes is the first novel of a trilogy by Jim McGhee. One of the best parts of this book is the main character, Barney Mains, a DI in Edinburgh Police HQ coasting along until retirement. He fairly quickly “wakes,” though, when given the case of a Scottish ex-pat's disappearance which has no easy solution. There are few clues and many possibilities – criminal and simply personal – for Shona Gladstone being missing.
Too bad for our protagonist; he has to ride around the beautiful French countryside, drink wine, meet nice people. All of which gives McGhee the chance to add lyrical descriptions of sun-soaked landscapes and many enticing small cafes.
Despite the wine drinking, Barney is not a cop with self-destructive habits (drugs, alcohol, womanizing, etc); he is not a cop whose loved one has disappeared or been killed in mysterious, unresolved circumstances. He is not exasperated by his younger, new partner, Ffiona McCluskey. That's refreshing. He's pretty normal, and McGhee provides him with a father and other appropriate personal details so that he is not one-dimensional.
Providing characters with several dimensions seems to be forefront in the author's mind. Barney and Ffiona have an very extensive “who are you, who are your people, why did you join the force?” conversation while driving one day. And even a minor character is tagged with a sentence that says his father (not relevant to the storyline) was cruel. Some of this kind of characterization seemed forced or added into a late draft.
I was pleased, emotionally, that in the end, the good guys “lived happily ever after.” But more analytically, I see the huge change in government and economy, the apprehension/elimination of all the bad guys, the new life for Barney – as too much pie-in-the-sky. That's not to say that the means by which Gladstone and other billionaires trap the bad guys isn't satisfying (we like it when corrupt people in power lose that power). However, I think that every politician presented in the book is corrupt, which doesn't really play with my sense of reality.
This was an easy read; the sneaky bad guys were fairly easy to spot – a good overall cozy, lockdown mystery.
I received an advance e-copy of this book from Book Sirens. This is an honest review.
Too bad for our protagonist; he has to ride around the beautiful French countryside, drink wine, meet nice people. All of which gives McGhee the chance to add lyrical descriptions of sun-soaked landscapes and many enticing small cafes.
Despite the wine drinking, Barney is not a cop with self-destructive habits (drugs, alcohol, womanizing, etc); he is not a cop whose loved one has disappeared or been killed in mysterious, unresolved circumstances. He is not exasperated by his younger, new partner, Ffiona McCluskey. That's refreshing. He's pretty normal, and McGhee provides him with a father and other appropriate personal details so that he is not one-dimensional.
Providing characters with several dimensions seems to be forefront in the author's mind. Barney and Ffiona have an very extensive “who are you, who are your people, why did you join the force?” conversation while driving one day. And even a minor character is tagged with a sentence that says his father (not relevant to the storyline) was cruel. Some of this kind of characterization seemed forced or added into a late draft.
I was pleased, emotionally, that in the end, the good guys “lived happily ever after.” But more analytically, I see the huge change in government and economy, the apprehension/elimination of all the bad guys, the new life for Barney – as too much pie-in-the-sky. That's not to say that the means by which Gladstone and other billionaires trap the bad guys isn't satisfying (we like it when corrupt people in power lose that power). However, I think that every politician presented in the book is corrupt, which doesn't really play with my sense of reality.
This was an easy read; the sneaky bad guys were fairly easy to spot – a good overall cozy, lockdown mystery.
I received an advance e-copy of this book from Book Sirens. This is an honest review.
January 12, 2022
🎉 BOOK TOUR STOP 🎉
The Detective Wakes by Jim McGhee
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blurb: Detective Inspector Barney Mains knows he's only in the South of France to fly the flag.
That he should leave it to French officers to find the missing British celebrity.
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh Police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real live case again.
Especially when it lands him in the middle of an intriguing mystery.
Though it's one that will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger. Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life. He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing. For he must choose between justice and the law. And only one of these options comes with a very attractive bonus.
It might just keep him alive…
This is Book One of the series featuring Scots DI Barney Mains and Capitaine Jean-Luc Verten. Look out for Book Two: The Major Minor Murders.
My thoughts: The locations are so descriptive and fun-I might be looking at a holiday in the South of France 🤪🙌🏻. I enjoyed Scottish policeman Barney Mains and his humorous attitude to the missing woman in the South of France. Teaming him up with a French detective was fun banter and it was a fast-paced story. The only thing that caught me off guard was the politics in the middle of the story-it was unexpected & I think it distracted from the main story but all in all-I enjoyed it. ❤️
#ad #gifted #lovebookstours #bookblitz #booktour #bibliophile #bookstagram #alwaysreading #books #booklover #booknerd #bookaddict #bookishlove #readersgonnaread #readersofinstagram #bookclub #goodreads
The Detective Wakes by Jim McGhee
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blurb: Detective Inspector Barney Mains knows he's only in the South of France to fly the flag.
That he should leave it to French officers to find the missing British celebrity.
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh Police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real live case again.
Especially when it lands him in the middle of an intriguing mystery.
Though it's one that will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger. Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life. He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing. For he must choose between justice and the law. And only one of these options comes with a very attractive bonus.
It might just keep him alive…
This is Book One of the series featuring Scots DI Barney Mains and Capitaine Jean-Luc Verten. Look out for Book Two: The Major Minor Murders.
My thoughts: The locations are so descriptive and fun-I might be looking at a holiday in the South of France 🤪🙌🏻. I enjoyed Scottish policeman Barney Mains and his humorous attitude to the missing woman in the South of France. Teaming him up with a French detective was fun banter and it was a fast-paced story. The only thing that caught me off guard was the politics in the middle of the story-it was unexpected & I think it distracted from the main story but all in all-I enjoyed it. ❤️
#ad #gifted #lovebookstours #bookblitz #booktour #bibliophile #bookstagram #alwaysreading #books #booklover #booknerd #bookaddict #bookishlove #readersgonnaread #readersofinstagram #bookclub #goodreads
January 19, 2022
’The Detective Wakes’ is the first in a series that is centred round DI Barney Mains, who is a detective whose career has stalled and is coasting by on life. When he is suddenly paired up with high flyer DC Ffiona McLuskey they are asked to look at the case of a missing Scots woman in the South of France. Shona Gladstone is a multi-millionaire tech business owner and its soon clear there are rather deep motives to why she has gone missing!
This is a book of two halves, the first being straight police procedural and the second delving into politics and more thriller suspense. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as I enjoyed both sections but to some, I know it has been off-putting. For myself it the narrative did follow through the two parts as someone that rich isn't going to have been kidnapped for a bog-standard reason! Have you seen ‘Riveria’?! Due to watching that show recently it did allow me to form distinct visual images when it came to this book though, hot sun, huge houses, artists on the promenade. I definitely can see this book working as a programme! It’s clear the author knows the south of France well, lucky him!
I really enjoyed reading this one and flew through it! It just had an air of warmth and entertainment permeating from the pages. You couldn't help but like all the characters, especially Barney and Ffiona. Barney is a humble man but says what he thinks and doesn’t really care for the chain of command! I enjoyed the progression of his real character coming out by letting himself do what he wants to in life. I think we all need to do more of that!
I can't wait for the next one to see what Barney and his chums get up to next.
This is a book of two halves, the first being straight police procedural and the second delving into politics and more thriller suspense. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as I enjoyed both sections but to some, I know it has been off-putting. For myself it the narrative did follow through the two parts as someone that rich isn't going to have been kidnapped for a bog-standard reason! Have you seen ‘Riveria’?! Due to watching that show recently it did allow me to form distinct visual images when it came to this book though, hot sun, huge houses, artists on the promenade. I definitely can see this book working as a programme! It’s clear the author knows the south of France well, lucky him!
I really enjoyed reading this one and flew through it! It just had an air of warmth and entertainment permeating from the pages. You couldn't help but like all the characters, especially Barney and Ffiona. Barney is a humble man but says what he thinks and doesn’t really care for the chain of command! I enjoyed the progression of his real character coming out by letting himself do what he wants to in life. I think we all need to do more of that!
I can't wait for the next one to see what Barney and his chums get up to next.
January 21, 2022
I really like Barney Mains, the scottish detective of indeterminate age.
Even if he’s a bit older than his female sidekick he’s never condescending to her, not even in the beginning when he finds her, and her name, Ffiona, a bit odd. He sees her strengths and work with them and with her. It’s so liberating!
There is also no sign of hostility or animosity between him and his french counterpart, they help and support each other in the unwinding of this complicated case. It’s like they’re normal people who try their best to get along and get the job done. Their evolving friendships are also a good part of the story.
Now to the amazing idea that some billionaires has concocted, that’s genius! And the images of power and how it corrupts, how even elected power can be inherited and how so called friendships and alliances are not always what they seem. It’s really food for thoughts.
This book has a lot of good things, what’s making me withhold the fifth star is because it sometimes lacks a feeling of pace, it gets a little long winded or ebbs out… But not enough to make me loose interest. I’m looking forward to the next book about Barney Maines and his fellow crime solvers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Even if he’s a bit older than his female sidekick he’s never condescending to her, not even in the beginning when he finds her, and her name, Ffiona, a bit odd. He sees her strengths and work with them and with her. It’s so liberating!
There is also no sign of hostility or animosity between him and his french counterpart, they help and support each other in the unwinding of this complicated case. It’s like they’re normal people who try their best to get along and get the job done. Their evolving friendships are also a good part of the story.
Now to the amazing idea that some billionaires has concocted, that’s genius! And the images of power and how it corrupts, how even elected power can be inherited and how so called friendships and alliances are not always what they seem. It’s really food for thoughts.
This book has a lot of good things, what’s making me withhold the fifth star is because it sometimes lacks a feeling of pace, it gets a little long winded or ebbs out… But not enough to make me loose interest. I’m looking forward to the next book about Barney Maines and his fellow crime solvers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
February 13, 2022
Barney Mains, an Edinburgh detective, is in an unsatisfying desk job when his boss assigns him a missing person's case and a new detective constable Ffiona McCluskey to assist in locating billionaire Shona Gladstone. The twist is that Shona, a Scottish citizen, has disappeared from her villa in Nice, France, and the boss wants Barney and Ffiona to fly down to work with the French gendarmes to solve the case.
This is the first book in a new mystery series. When I got the second book from BookSirens, I decided to read this one first. Although one can read this as a stand alone mystery it sets up the main characters for the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the book for several reasons: the characters are fascinating (including the French detective), the story acknowledges the pandemic and how the characters have dealt with it, it discusses UK politics and inequality (Elizabeth Warren would be happy to hear about the universal basic income and wealth tax ideas), the descriptions of the beautiful locations in both France and Italy but also showing Edinburgh's charms, and ultimately the fast paced search for Shona and several twists at the end. I am looking forward to reading the second book which I started immediately!
This is the first book in a new mystery series. When I got the second book from BookSirens, I decided to read this one first. Although one can read this as a stand alone mystery it sets up the main characters for the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the book for several reasons: the characters are fascinating (including the French detective), the story acknowledges the pandemic and how the characters have dealt with it, it discusses UK politics and inequality (Elizabeth Warren would be happy to hear about the universal basic income and wealth tax ideas), the descriptions of the beautiful locations in both France and Italy but also showing Edinburgh's charms, and ultimately the fast paced search for Shona and several twists at the end. I am looking forward to reading the second book which I started immediately!
March 31, 2022
Detective Inspector Barney Mains knows that hes only in the south of France to fly the flag
That he should leave it to the French officers to find the missing celebrity
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real life crime again
Especially when it lands him in the middle of an intriguing mystery
Though it is ine that will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger
Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life
He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing
For he must choose between justice and the law
And only one of those options comes with a very attractive bonus
It might just keep him alive ...
I really enjoyed this book. It is book one in the series and I cannot wait for the next installment. It had a good pace it was full of suspense and it was unpredictable. The characters are well developed and relatable and I loved the setting and the inclusion of local slang.
A great read for thriller fans
#lovebookstours #gifted #ad #thedetectivewakes #bookstagram #bookreview #booknerd #booksarelife #bookworms #readersunite #ireadlikeyoubreathe
That he should leave it to the French officers to find the missing celebrity
But after years behind a desk in Edinburgh police HQ he just can't resist the urge to investigate a real life crime again
Especially when it lands him in the middle of an intriguing mystery
Though it is ine that will lead to murder and put Barney and those around him in deadly danger
Then present him with the biggest dilemma of his life
He'll be forced to question twenty years of training and a lifetime of doing the right thing
For he must choose between justice and the law
And only one of those options comes with a very attractive bonus
It might just keep him alive ...
I really enjoyed this book. It is book one in the series and I cannot wait for the next installment. It had a good pace it was full of suspense and it was unpredictable. The characters are well developed and relatable and I loved the setting and the inclusion of local slang.
A great read for thriller fans
#lovebookstours #gifted #ad #thedetectivewakes #bookstagram #bookreview #booknerd #booksarelife #bookworms #readersunite #ireadlikeyoubreathe
January 17, 2022
Parts of this were entertaining, especially the characters. However, this was another one where a political story crept up on me.
I warmed quite quickly to Barney, the gruff old Scotsman and I enjoyed his relationship with the newbie Ffiona. I found the first half interesting and was hooked on the disappearance of Shona, trying to figure out who could be involved.
However, part of the mystery was over by halfway through the book and from there I found my attention span waning. It moved into more politics and government. I have enough of that in my day job, so try to avoid it in books. There were a couple of other twists I guessed beforehand too.
Overall, a good start to a series and I loved the main characters. I just wish the pace of the second half was as good as the first half, as I was invested in that mystery.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I warmed quite quickly to Barney, the gruff old Scotsman and I enjoyed his relationship with the newbie Ffiona. I found the first half interesting and was hooked on the disappearance of Shona, trying to figure out who could be involved.
However, part of the mystery was over by halfway through the book and from there I found my attention span waning. It moved into more politics and government. I have enough of that in my day job, so try to avoid it in books. There were a couple of other twists I guessed beforehand too.
Overall, a good start to a series and I loved the main characters. I just wish the pace of the second half was as good as the first half, as I was invested in that mystery.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 17, 2022
Part One of the book did well with the DI Barney Mains, the older generation and rising star DC Ffiona McKlusky working their first case together. A missing wealthy celebrity’s case that takes them from Scotland to France searching for her. The first part of the book was the best. After they find out what happened to her it tends to go more political. There were a lot of characters jumping in and out as the book went along. If it had been more centered on the detectives I think it would have made for a better story.
There are also several mentions of this taking place during Covid but it feels more like an afterthought when you read it. If you are going to write about a mask here and there I think more would have been written how they were handing Covid. Especially, jumping into a casual romp in the sack with someone you just met in another country.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC. These are my honest opinions and review.
There are also several mentions of this taking place during Covid but it feels more like an afterthought when you read it. If you are going to write about a mask here and there I think more would have been written how they were handing Covid. Especially, jumping into a casual romp in the sack with someone you just met in another country.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC. These are my honest opinions and review.
March 7, 2023
I really liked this book. The protagonist is Barney Mains, a somewhat elderly Scottish Detective Inspector who escapes desk duty at Edinburgh Police Headquarters to investigate the disappearance of an extremely wealthy woman in Nice on the southern coast of France. He is partnered with a young woman who is a future shining star in the police department. And who plays by the book.
Barney says what he thinks and doesn't care if he ruffles any feathers in his efforts to get the job done. He also likes to drink which makes him more endearing to me.
Barney ends up forming a relationship with French police capitaine Jean-Luc Verten. Verten is a more orthodox police officer but he is willing to let Barney do what he feels is necessary. They are a good match both personally and professionally. Apparently, the two will work together in future books. I look forwards to reading the next in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Barney says what he thinks and doesn't care if he ruffles any feathers in his efforts to get the job done. He also likes to drink which makes him more endearing to me.
Barney ends up forming a relationship with French police capitaine Jean-Luc Verten. Verten is a more orthodox police officer but he is willing to let Barney do what he feels is necessary. They are a good match both personally and professionally. Apparently, the two will work together in future books. I look forwards to reading the next in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2022
The Detective Wakes is a UK crime thriller featuring DI Barney Mains. He spends most of his time behind the desk in his role in Police Scotland's Edinburgh Unit. That is until he gets a new, younger partner and an important case.
A high profile British person has gone missing from her home in Nice, and it's not long before Barney and his new partner FFiona travel over to France to investigate.
My go to genre is usually cozy mystery, and while this may look like it would fit that category from the covers styling, what we get is a bit different but still an interesting mystery to read.
It's an intriguing crime story, full of investigation and character building, which takes a rather darker turn into the world of politics.
If you enjoy stories set in different countries this may appeal to you as it has a nice summery setting.
A high profile British person has gone missing from her home in Nice, and it's not long before Barney and his new partner FFiona travel over to France to investigate.
My go to genre is usually cozy mystery, and while this may look like it would fit that category from the covers styling, what we get is a bit different but still an interesting mystery to read.
It's an intriguing crime story, full of investigation and character building, which takes a rather darker turn into the world of politics.
If you enjoy stories set in different countries this may appeal to you as it has a nice summery setting.
January 24, 2024
Very interesting mystery set in France and Scotland
DI Barney Mains is an aging man with regrets. His job is mostly a desk job. He has been dissatisfied with work for a long time. Enter a new opportunity and very young detirmined policewoman.
He and she are strangely tasked in help find a missing fellow Scot. This woman is a tech wonder and one of the richest people in the world. Somewhere, somehow she has disappeared without a trace.
But as the reader progresses, they soon realize there is so much more going on. This is no ordinary disappearance and there are way too many hands. involved.
The book balloons into a political intrigue, a financial revolution that just may turn society upside down and sideways.
DI Barney Mains is an aging man with regrets. His job is mostly a desk job. He has been dissatisfied with work for a long time. Enter a new opportunity and very young detirmined policewoman.
He and she are strangely tasked in help find a missing fellow Scot. This woman is a tech wonder and one of the richest people in the world. Somewhere, somehow she has disappeared without a trace.
But as the reader progresses, they soon realize there is so much more going on. This is no ordinary disappearance and there are way too many hands. involved.
The book balloons into a political intrigue, a financial revolution that just may turn society upside down and sideways.
March 25, 2024
What a diabolic plan!!! No surprise that corruption and betrayals were involved. Then when things get very dark the high ranking criminals turn on each other and go for blood. Can the good overcome the evil?
They seemed to pop up everywhere. Trusted people or were they???? Who to trust? This had many deep threads of deceit woven into the fabric of the coverups. . Barney. with the help of trusted others conspires to get to the root of it all , and it wasn't very pretty! In fact, it was disheartening to see what greed does to people without a moral compass. I ditheted here and there on who could be suspect, but it came as a huge shock when it was revealed. A compelling read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
They seemed to pop up everywhere. Trusted people or were they???? Who to trust? This had many deep threads of deceit woven into the fabric of the coverups. . Barney. with the help of trusted others conspires to get to the root of it all , and it wasn't very pretty! In fact, it was disheartening to see what greed does to people without a moral compass. I ditheted here and there on who could be suspect, but it came as a huge shock when it was revealed. A compelling read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
January 2, 2024
As an Edinburgh Gal, I was immediately intrigued! I really liked the split between France and Edinburgh. I really enjoyed Barney and Ffiona’s work relationship and seeing them as they work through the case. I really would have liked to have more information on the kidnap plot itself as it felt a little brushed over but other than that it was a great book overall and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2022
As a Scottish Lass I was super excited to read this and I wasn't disappointed 🙂 Barney and Ffiona are likeable characters and was good to see some Scottish slang in there. I had a wee chuckle at the first Scottish slang, I came across as I don't usually read books with Scottish people in it but it was good to see 😀
"Fur coat an' nae knickers, that one"
It was such an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next book 😊
"Fur coat an' nae knickers, that one"
It was such an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next book 😊
January 24, 2022
Absolutely loved this. It could be a whole series of cliches - tough Scottish cop gets lumbered with a young female partner to investigate the disappearance of a Scottish business woman in the south of France. Not only does Mcghee swerve anything potentially overly used, he engages the reader skillfully, telling his story with an easy style and an abundance of wit.
Barney Mains is a hero of our times and Jim Mcghee, thankfully, is making this part of a trilogy. Read it!
Barney Mains is a hero of our times and Jim Mcghee, thankfully, is making this part of a trilogy. Read it!
January 24, 2022
This is a new to me author and the book is the beginning of a new series. The characters are likable and interesting. As another reviewer mentioned, there is a bit of an identity crisis with this book - detective story with some humor included and a political picture. However, I found the book entertaining and will be looking to read more in this series. Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 13, 2022
A police/mystery book that keeps you going between France and Scotland to solve a mystery , that has more twists then a bag of curly fries. Just when you are sure who did it, there's another twist.
Mains, with a s, doesn't know what's more irritating, the case they they handed him or the new gung-ho up and coming new officer they paired him with.
Fans of Ian Rankin, Peter Robson and Louise Penny will enjoy this new series.
Mains, with a s, doesn't know what's more irritating, the case they they handed him or the new gung-ho up and coming new officer they paired him with.
Fans of Ian Rankin, Peter Robson and Louise Penny will enjoy this new series.
January 11, 2025
I found the first half of the book to have an entertaining and enjoyable storyline, which is definitely felt like my usual go to genre, but I did struggle at times with the second half and as felt I was taken out of my comfort zone.. However I still found it to be a good read, and I do plan on reading book two in the DI Barney Mains series.
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.
December 29, 2023
The first of the series is a realistic eye-opening police procedural. Loved it, there are a number of powerful characters. Two Scots and several French police. Life is complicated by politics as are the police investigations but there is always an undercurrent of hope and intuition. An excellent read.
January 17, 2025
Fun and engaging read. I did enjoy the tenor of this book, and the little giggles I got while reading through it. I think the only part that really detracted for me was the political piece in the book.
The absolute breathtaking descriptions of the locations really sell the book. I am ready for a vacation!
The absolute breathtaking descriptions of the locations really sell the book. I am ready for a vacation!
December 24, 2022
The Detective Wakes
This is a good grilled about a detective that worked to solve a crime and he gets fed up with the twists and turns and quit the force and became an artist
This is a good grilled about a detective that worked to solve a crime and he gets fed up with the twists and turns and quit the force and became an artist
February 19, 2023
I thought that overall this was a good read. Set in a near future I thought that the story was engaging and had reasonable pace. It has a reasonable narrative style and drew me in to the tale.
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