It is always an exciting time when you start to read a new book from this author. You know that you are going to get great writing, lots of action, and a fast paced story. This is book 6 in the series and it is lovely to see the main characters develop across the series. I would say that this could be read as a standalone, however those that have read the rest of the series will get an enhanced feel of the progression. Personally, I think this could be his best work so far. I am sure that there are other books that involve crimes around the hobby of rock climbing but this take a different angle due to the police procedural elements. The author builds the tension superbly, and as a former detective he writes clearly and finds it easy to convey information within the story. There is also an element of respect towards the mountain rescue teams and the amazing work that they do. Looking forward to hearing what will happen next time and will await the next release.

DS Max Craigie, #6 When Shadows Fall....what can I say? Yet again Neil Lancaster has written an absolutely cracking murder mystery set in the Highlands of Scotland. This book has everything, a great plot, twists, turns, scenery, banter and humour. I could go on at length but suffice to say I loved it and highly recommend it (and the complete series) to anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a great cast of characters. Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for an early read. Roll on DS Craigie #7.

When Shadows fall is the sixth book in the DS Max Craigie series by Neil Lancaster and another exceptional episode in the series. The series is set in the Scottish Highlands. Leanne Wilson is found dead on the bottom of one of the Munro mountains and local police have put it down to be a tragic accident. But search and rescue pilot Shay Hammonds thinks that something more going on as there has been other female lone women hikers all with blond hair been found dead on the mountains. DS Max Craigie and his team to investigate further when the get more than they have bargained for. The deaths has something to do with corruption in the local Police force. This another great episode in the series by Neil Lancaster. Yet another intriguing plot and the tension and suspense builds slowly throughout the story. These are such likeable characters of Max Cragie and his team, the banter and all their skills of each of the team to get the job done. This is a great page turner that I didn’t want it to end. 5 stars from me.

I was so excited to read this as I love the Max Craigie series and I have to say this really lived up to my hopes and expectations. Max’s boss Ross was on absolute top form in this and for me he’s my favourite as he’s just so full of character. I was initially unsure of how Max would be able to investigate when his friend contacted him concerned about a pattern of women climbers falling to their deaths but it was simply explained how it could fall under their remit and from there on in it was a whole lot of action. Neil Lancaster does a great job of keeping up quite a pace with many revelations along the way and I also love the politics between the team and the general police forces they work alongside. The team are on top form in this, the way they’ve developed though the series is fantastic but I’m looking forward to seeing if Max can manage a different work /life balance in the next book giving the intensity each of these investigations has but either way these are really well developed characters now. The storyline was in parts tense and terrifying and kept me glued (and also amused thanks to Ross) from start to finish.