Well, what can I say? What a book this is ... there aren't enough superlatives to say how much I enjoyed it ... just brilliant and a must-read for any fans of crime novels. This is the first in the Logan McRae series but I have read subsequent stories before this one and can confirm that it made no difference to my enjoyment of this book. Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one. The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end. Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended. I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.

Browsing the book store in preparation for a long flight to somewhere hot - this book caught my eye. Based in Aberdeen - just what you need for a holiday!DS Logan "lazarus" McRae is just back off the sick, and pretty rapidly must wish he'd stayed off. Its a rare treat to read a book that based in Aberdeen, let alone such a page turner.The investigation into the dead wee boys body has some gut churcning moments, where we all just want laz to get his man, and get him locked away asap. The aberdeen black sense of humour, thats about as warm as the weather makes this book a laugh out loud experience at times... hard to do when you are reading about death and criminal investigations.Logan has to work with his ex-girlfriend the very chilly isobel (the chief pathologist) which adds to the tension.Stuart MacBride is definately worth watching out for - although not for the faint hearted! Rebus and Rankin move over, theres a new guy on the scene!

Cold granite by Stuart MacBride is the first in his series of crime novels all set in Aberdeen city. The book itself provides a cracking read with all the trimmings that make an excellent gritty crime novel. What I love about the book itself is the depth of description for his surrounds, having lived at one point in Aberdeen you can tell that this author really has put a lot of thought and effort into how and where he sets the scene. He really hits the nail on the head for me. The story itself moves along at a fast and thoroughly entertaining pace. A great read and a very well earned 5 stars in my opinion. Read this if you are looking for a good crime story with all the realistic details of police work included. On finishing this book i went and bought the second in the series.

A great intro to Logan McRae and DS Steel. Brutal in places, highly plausible, blackly humerous. Glad there are many more!

A gripping tale of murder, mystery and madness: DC McRae is back on the beat after a near death confrontation with a killer. Little does he know he will be swept up into a twisting tale of a cold hearted killer snatching children from under their very noses. As murder after murder unfolds, their hunt for the true killer sparks angry mobs baying for blood in this calculated thriller by the genius that is Stuart Macbride. This number one best seller has earned his stripes with gut wrenching murders, tantalising dialogue and heart stopping events that resulted in me desperately turning just one more page. This thriller will raise the hairs on the back of your neck if you dare to let it.