Black and Blue

A brutal murder in Glasgow sets Detective Inspector Karen Pirie on an investigation that forces her to navigate police politics and personal tragedies. The case connects to a cold case from the 1980s, when a series of miners' strike demonstrations ended in violence and unresolved mysteries. Pirie must work through layers of institutional silence and decades-old loyalties, seeking answers from former police officers and mining community members who would rather forget the past. The landscape of Scotland, from Glasgow's urban streets to the former mining towns, serves as both setting and silent witness to past and present crimes. The story explores themes of justice delayed, the long shadow of historical conflicts, and how political forces shape both law enforcement and community memory. Through Karen Pirie's pursuit of truth, the novel examines the complex relationship between power, accountability, and the human cost of keeping secrets.

Readers note this is one of the more straightforward entries in the Tony Hill/Carol Jordan series, with a clear investigative path. Many appreciate the pacing and procedural aspects but find it lacks the psychological complexity of other McDermid novels. Readers liked: - The focus on technology crimes and social media - Development of Carol Jordan's character - Short chapters that maintain momentum - Clear resolution of the case Readers disliked: - Less interaction between Tony and Carol compared to other books - Some found the plot predictable - Technical details about computers feel dated - Secondary characters receive minimal development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (10,500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common reader comment: "A solid entry in the series but not among the best" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers note it works as a standalone novel but recommend reading the series in order for character context.

In the Woods by Tana French A detective must confront his own buried childhood trauma while investigating a murder case with eerie similarities to an unsolved mystery from his past.

The Treatment by Mo Hayder A police procedural follows DI Jack Caffery through London's criminal underworld as he hunts a methodical child predator while battling his own psychological demons.

Silent Scream by Angela Marsons Detective Kim Stone investigates a series of murders linked to a former children's home, uncovering long-buried secrets and institutional abuse.

Little Face by Sophie Hannah A mother claims her baby has been switched with another, leading police through a maze of family secrets, psychological manipulation, and domestic noir.

The Mermaids Singing by Val McDermid Clinical psychologist Tony Hill profiles a serial killer in Manchester who uses medieval torture devices, establishing the psychological depth found in Black and Blue.

🔍 Author Val McDermid worked as a crime reporter before becoming a novelist, lending authenticity to her portrayal of journalism in "Black and Blue" 📚 The book's title comes from a Rolling Stones song, which plays a significant role in the story's themes and atmosphere 🏆 "Black and Blue" won the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel of the Year in 1994 🗺️ The story draws partial inspiration from the real-life "Bible John" murders that occurred in Glasgow between 1968 and 1969 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 McDermid meticulously researched Scotland's offshore oil industry to create authentic details about life on North Sea oil rigs, a key setting in the novel