Thanks to Neil and NetGalley for allowing me to read When Shadows Fall before the publication date. It is a real page turner which I read over 2 days. This is the 6th book in the DS Max Craigie series but it could be read as a standalone book. The main characters are well developed and it looks like there just might be a new , quirky addition to the team in the future. The description of the scenery in the Scottish Highlands is positively atmospheric, particularly the personification of a Munro. It involves some very topical, distressing and thought-provoking subjects. (Well done Neil for the way which these are handled within the book). The serious aspects of the book are lightened by the banter and the comical thread, mainly attributable to the actions of the irreverent D.I. Ross Fraser. His use of Scottish slang and an ever-increasing dictionary of words, which he makes up as he goes along, never cease to be amusing. Yet some of the team perceive that Ross oversteps the mark, before being put firmly back in his box by the capable DC Janie Calder and intelligence analyst, Norma. Of course, a Max Craigie book would not be the same without the adorable Nutmeg. Since Katie Craigie has become pregnant, Nutmeg has changed allegiance from Max and has become inseparable from Katie. Nutmeg now spends most of the day keeping watch on the ‘bump’ and preparing to be a nanny to the, as yet, unborn child.

When Shadows Fall is the sixth book in the Max Craigie series. You’d be forgiven for thinking that by now, some of the impact would be lost -been there, done that, kind of a thing? You’d be wrong. So wrong. When a woman falls to her death from a Munro in Scotland, it seems like a tragic accident. However, it soon becomes apparent that this death could be connected to the deaths of other lone women climbers. When Max Craigie and team start to investigate, it turns out there is much more going on than at first thought. Fast-paced, brilliantly written and totally absorbing, it is tense and breath-taking, I loved it. Thank you to Mr Lancaster, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for my honest review.

⭐️ 5 ⭐️ When Shadows Fall is the 6th book in the DS Max Craigie series, one of my favourite crime thriller series. I've read (and loved) every single one so far. Neil Lancaster’s highly readable writing style hooked me in and gripped me tightly from the beginning. The story is cleverly plotted; it's twisty and well paced. The atmosphere, tense at times, provided me with plenty of heart-pounding, nail-biting moments. I love the melange of characters and the rapport they share; for me, they're what make this book (and the others in the series) really shine. I particularly like the filterless, sweary and uncouth but (in my opinion) very funny and kind-hearted DI Ross Fraser. It’s a fantastic, gripping, gritty read. Can’t wait for more from Max Craigie (and the gang).

DS Max Craigie #6, he’s ex army, ex Met officer and now Police Scotland at Policing Standards Reassurance (anti corruption). 40-year-old Leanne Wilson is on holiday in the Highlands bagging Munro’s*, well away from her controlling ex. She begins the ascent of the challenging A’Chralaig and on reaching the summit, she uploads a picture as a kind of up yours mate. Shortly after, she has a chilling encounter on the narrow path alongside the rock face. Meanwhile, Max is at Chanonry Point on the Black Isle watching the dolphins with his beloved aunt Elspeth. Happy days. His wife Katie is imminently expecting the arrival of their first child. He gets a call from an old pal Shay Hammond, a coastguard search and rescue pilot at Inverness, about a death on the hills that he’s concerned about. He asks Max to come and take a look as it’s clear to him that the experienced climber should not have fallen from where she does. Shay has five other reasons for concern, he believes someone is targeting lone female climbers. Who is stalking them and why? In addition, why have the investigating authorities not connected the dots? The team is on the case. A new Max Craigie is always a cause for celebration and now it’s 6 for 6 at five stars from me, so that tells you all you need to know about this cracking series. The characters in the team are what makes it for me although, of course, the plots are always tense and exciting. Max is extremely likeable, he’s hard-working and committed although his past is still an issue for him but his relationship with Katie warms your heart and there’s also lovely Nutmeg (the dog!). DC Janie Calder is a great sidekick and is one strong woman. At the heart of the team is the potty mouthed, hilarious, straight talking but very caring boss DI Ross Fraser, who underneath all the bluster is a diamond. He provides many LOL moments which is welcome relief amongst the dark plot. There’s also Norma with the data and ex MI5 Barney, who is a wizard with tech and surveillance and we’ve just been introduced to Clive, a hacker who plays a vital role in the escalating drama. Aunt Elspeth also always provides food and a chuckle or two and can give Ross a run for his money. As always, the plot is a thriller. It’s scary, vertiginous and chilling with cruel and ruthless perpetrators. At times, my heart is in my mouth, there are so many shocks as the team try to unmask the corrupt. It becomes the worst kind of game playing, an evil cat and mouse scenario. It’s gripping, a genuine page turner which builds and barrels through many twists and turns to an edge of the seat/cliff path conclusion. As usual, the setting in the Highlands is full of atmosphere providing an awe inspiring backdrop to events. I love the ultimate end and we get a useful hint of how the series may progress. That’ll be interesting! It can be read as a standalone but if you do, you’re missing out on a belter of a series. * Monro’s are mountains in Scotland over 3000 feet, 914 m. The name comes from Sir Hugh Monro who published a list of the highest mountains in Scotland in the 1890’s. If you reach the summit of one, it’s known as bagging it.

I have read the other books in this series, so I was excited to read this one. I love the topical and exciting nature of the cases. The team dynamics and relationships grow with every book and are so interesting. This really kept me hooked and I can’t wait for the next book. I can’t believe this hasn’t been made into a series yet as it would be a great watch on TV.