My Review (4 stars out of 5)
This is the fifth book in the DI Barney Mains series and the first I’ve read by this author. Following on from the previous book, DI Mains is haunted by his belief that the assassin known as The Ghost is still alive. The theory is strengthened when a banker is found dead in a posed position and yet another death – suspiciously similar in style – crops up in the detective’s home town of Edinburgh.
That old cliche about detectives troubled by issues around failed relationships, alcohol abuse, and probable disciplinary procedures (in this case relating to the DI’s assignment with the French police), comes to the fore here, as the hero struggles to keep himself on an even keel. Luckily, with the help of his journo niece, Abbey, Mains gets to grips with the investigation, tackling an organised crime gang and facing the real possibility of getting himself killed.
Although I enjoyed the book, I must admit to finding the writing a little jaded in places. The repetition of the word policewoman, for instance, might be acceptable if the story was set in the nineteen seventies, but it stands out like the proverbial sore thumb in this tale.
Overall, the story is fast-paced and has a rollercoaster feel to it, which helps the pacing as we leap towards an exciting denouement.
Trailer
Purchase Links
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Author Bio
Jim McGhee is a former award-winning environmental journalist. Formerly based in East Lothian, near Edinburgh, Scotland, he now resides in the South of France, the main setting for his DI Barney Mains series.
After a full-on career as a campaigning newspaper reporter, he and 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 scenery ranging from unspoilt mountain villages to the classic palms-and-marinas coast, claim that they can be swimming one moment and ski-ing 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.
Social Media Links
NB This post first appeared as part of the Blog Tour for The Edge, via Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources
Colin Garrow 
An interesting thriller. Your comments about the language intrigue me. What is the modern term for policewoman?
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Police officer 😉
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Oh, funny. I have no issue with police women.
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