Close to the Bone

Detective Sergeant Logan McRae faces a series of brutal murders in Aberdeen, Scotland, where victims are killed through "necklacing" - a horrific method involving burning tires. The investigation intersects with the local filming of a movie about witchcraft, adding complexity to an already challenging case. McRae must balance the demands of the murder investigation while dealing with his personal struggles, including living in a caravan and caring for his comatose girlfriend. The appearance of mysterious bones on his doorstep and the involvement of his former boss in the film production further complicate matters. Detective Inspector Steel and McRae work to untangle the connections between the killings, the movie production, and Aberdeen's dark underbelly. Their investigation reveals patterns that suggest the murders may be linked to historical witch hunts. The novel explores themes of vengeance, justice, and the ways past violence can echo into the present. Through its grim narrative, it examines how communities process historical trauma and the thin line between fiction and reality.

Readers rate Close to the Bone as one of MacBride's darker Logan McRae novels. Reviews note the intense pacing and intricate plot that interweaves multiple cases. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of police work and procedural details - Dark humor that breaks up heavy moments - Character development of the supporting cast - Tight plotting with satisfying connections between storylines Common criticisms: - Too much graphic violence and gore for some readers - Plot becomes convoluted with too many concurrent investigations - Some found the ending rushed Average Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "The balance of horror and humor is perfect" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much emphasis on shock value" - Amazon reviewer "The interactions between McRae and Steel make the book" - Goodreads reviewer

In the Woods by Tana French A Dublin Murder Squad detective investigates the death of a child in the same woods where his childhood friends disappeared decades ago, connecting past traumas with present crimes in atmospheric Ireland.

Dead Ground by M. W. Craven A British detective tackles ritualistic murders in Cumbria while uncovering secret societies and historical connections that mirror Scotland's dark atmosphere and procedural complexity.

The Thirst by Jo Nesbø Detective Harry Hole pursues a killer who uses Tinder to lure victims in Oslo, delivering the same mix of Nordic noir and detailed police work found in MacBride's Aberdeen-set investigations.

The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson Detective Hulda Hermannsdóttir investigates cold cases in Iceland during her final days before retirement, weaving together past crimes and present consequences in a northern setting.

Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride The first Logan McRae novel presents a detective investigating child murders in Aberdeen, introducing the character dynamics and Scottish police procedures that develop throughout the series.

🔍 "Necklacing" - the murder method featured in the book - was a real form of execution used in South Africa during the apartheid era, involving forcing a gasoline-filled tire around a victim's neck 🎬 The author worked as a graphic designer, IT manager, and even a professional actor before becoming a bestselling crime fiction writer 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Aberdeen, where the series is set, has been nicknamed "The Granite City" due to its distinctive architecture built from local gray granite that sparkles in the sunlight 📚 MacBride's Logan McRae series has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 20 languages 🏆 The author's debut novel "Cold Granite" (first in the Logan McRae series) won the Barry Award for Best First Novel and established Aberdeen as a key location in the "Tartan Noir" genre