I have been a fan of Dan’s work for a while now. Dan has released three books to date- the latest of which is called ‘Scars’ and it was released on 3rd August 2021. It is another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit. I have to be honest and say that I didn’t really like any of the characters in the book. I just got the impression that nobody was the person that they make themselves out to be and that each person seemed determined to keep certain things hidden and secret. Of course I could just have read too much in the way of crime fiction because I tend to suspect everybody and believe nobody. I was drawn into this story from the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. To say that reading ‘Scars’ became addictive is like saying my youngest Labrador likes food- in other words a massive understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read for a little while but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over an hour later. If I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about the book and if I had to put the book down then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book back up again. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen so I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough as I tried to fathom out if I was on the right track or if I was wandering down the wrong path entirely. I soon finished ‘Scars’. I found ‘Scars’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. ‘Scars’ is extremely well written but then that is true of Dan’s books in general. I love the way in which he grabs your attention and reels you in. For me, the story in ‘Scars’ was a bit of a slow burner but that suited the plot. The story gathers momentum before leading to a tense conclusion. Reading ‘Scars’ felt like being on one heck of an unpredictable and scary rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Dan makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the centre of all of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Scars’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dan’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

OH ME OH MY..... What an absolutely twisted book that I have read Scars by Dan Scottow. The book starts with a young woman chained onto a cold metal slab and she has been there for along time. Well longer than the four previous women but she is ready to die but her captor doesn't want to let her go will he release her from her living hell? In the highlands of Scotland Lucy arrives to take up her post as a live In career for an artist Richard Davenport. Along with his artist wife Diana, when Lucy arrives she didn't realise that she would be cook,cleaner and basically housemaid to both of them. Lucy soon realised that not only has Diana got a highly addictive pain medication problem but also a drinking issue but when Lucy mentioned it Diana soon put her in her place! I really want to go in depth with this book but I'm afraid to give out to many spoilers. That more you read the more the book pulls you in and the characters are amazing. One thing i can say is that Dan has a unique way of writing even the most minute details in the book including the names of flowers ferns and wildlife. Which makes the book more intense. An absolute must read.

This is the third book I have read by Scottow but it is a standalone & another string to his bow. This is nothing like any of his others; still brilliant but totally different. The opening chapter is very descriptive & extremely graphic. It shocks you in to wanting to read more. The next chapter is set several years later, as we follow Lucy, who has been employed to look after disabled Richard & his frail artist wife, Diana, in a remote Scottish cottage. The longer Lucy remains in their employ, the more she realises all is not as it seems & Diana, through her drunken & drug misuse state, gradually becomes increasingly deranged. The man who delivers their supplies, has secrets. The couple themselves, have secrets. Lucy, has secrets. What is real & why the dramatic opening chapter? Through short, character driven chapters we are lead through a complex story. Well written with fabulous descriptions of the Scottish countryside & the characters who inhabit it. This is a brilliant psychological thriller with a pinch of supernatural thrown in. Highly recommended & hurry up with the next one Mr Scottow!

Another mind work-out from a master manipulator! Lucy has taken a job as a carer to man who lives with his wife in a beautiful, but remote, area of Scotland. As she begins to settle in, she realises that things aren’t quite right. Diana, the homeowner, is convinced the house is haunted but Lucy doesn’t believe in ghosts, so exactly what is going on? Having read this author’s second novel, I couldn’t wait to read this one (I also have his first novel, just waiting for a gap in my list). I have to say there are several really creepy scenes which freaked me out and, while I knew something was off, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. In fact, I suspected everyone except for the actual guilty party. A rollercoaster of a read with plenty of ups and downs and a bit of a scare every now and then and it has to be said that Dan Scottow does full justice to the beautiful Scottish scenery. Like all good books, the story is all neatly finished off by the final word. An excellent read, skilfully created, and one I’m happy to recommend to everyone who likes their stomach tied in knots along the way! 4.5*

Lucy has been hired as a carer to a man who was horribly injured in a car accident. His wife was also injured in the same accident. Both have the scars to show. Living in an isolated cottage on the banks of a Scottish Loch, they are rarely, if ever, seen in public. Whatever they want or need is delivered to them. As Lucy settles in and gets to know a little about the couple, she realizes that not all is at it seems. She soon learns that the carer before her died in that very cottage. Falling down the staircase .. was it an accident .. or murder? Everyone has secrets.. from the man and his wife to the man who brings them supplies and who also happened to love the girl that had died ... to Lucy herself. What's real ...and what isn't? Suspenseful from start to finish, this is well written with an intriguing story line. Characters are solidly drawn. Twists and turns lead to a stunning conclusion. Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.