Robbing the Dead

Inspector Jim Carruthers, Book 1

By: Tana Collins

Narrated by: James Gillies

In a small Scottish university town, what links a spate of murders, a targeted bomb explosion and a lecturer's disappearance? Who is pulling the strings?

Having returned to Castletown intending to win back his estranged wife, DCI Jim Carruthers finds himself entrenched in the investigation. DS Andrea Fetcher assists him in the hunt for the perpetrators. They need to work fast. But can they truly rely on Jim's old adversary?

©2017 Tana Collins (P)2017 W. F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"A police procedural that delights the reader with a strong sense of place. Tartan Noir at its best." (Sarah Ward, author of In Bitter Chill)

Lot of Cliches

Good mystery/crime to solve. The writing was good but not exceptional. The characters were all cliches. The DI who has a failed marriage, tends to drink too much, doesn't follow the rules. Of course his nemesis shows up which causes conflicts and problems. Side characters are a not too smart brute of a cop who is very offensive to women, the tough women cop with problems related to her personal life. The boss who one minute is understanding and then next flying off the handle. There was a murder, fire, rape, and missing person. Only thing not included was a child abduction ring and drug kingpin. Loved the narrator, and though book had issues, the author and story line was promising enough to read the next book.

A Three

Interesting story, back story and characters make this book a lively read. It did get confusing as I listened, so many names that did not seem to fit the story, but with a happy ending all was sorted at the end. I think :-)

Extremely Interesting

I found the subject matter as well as the plot very interesting and intelligent. The main characters were smart, vulnerable and real life. Collins did a remarkable job on this novel. She not only wrote a suspenseful mystery, but an educational one as well. A definite read.

Interesting modern detective novel!

Robbing the Dead is a multiple murder suspense mystery set near the northeastern coast of Scotland. It is the first novel in the two novel (so far) Inspector Jim Carruthers series. I definitely plan to listen to Book 2 of this series. James Gilles narrates very well indeed; however, his neutral English accent is all wrong for this Scottish detective novel.