A Dark So Deadly

DC Callum MacGregor serves in Police Scotland's Misfit Mob, a unit of outcasts and problem officers relegated to handling low-priority cases. After taking the blame for his girlfriend's evidence tampering, MacGregor finds himself investigating what appears to be a stolen mummy from a local museum. The case transforms into a hunt for a serial killer who mummifies victims, forcing the Misfit Mob to prove their worth against mounting pressure. Set in the fictional Scottish town of Oldcastle, the investigation unfolds against a backdrop of departmental politics and personal struggles. The narrative interweaves professional and personal challenges as MacGregor confronts both the case and his own past, including the discovery of his mother's remains after 25 years and complex family revelations. This police procedural explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the weight of past decisions, while questioning the true nature of justice and family bonds.

Readers describe this standalone thriller as slower-paced than MacBride's Logan McRae series, with a different tone and style. Many found protagonist DC Callum MacGregor relatable and sympathetic, though some felt his constant misfortunes became repetitive. Likes: - Dark humor throughout - Complex, interweaving plot threads - Well-developed supporting characters - Scottish dialect and atmosphere - Satisfying conclusion Dislikes: - Length (over 600 pages) felt excessive - Too many subplots - Pacing drags in middle sections - Some found the humor forced - DC MacGregor's mishaps seen as overdone Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) Notable reader quote: "The perfect mix of grim and funny, with characters that feel real rather than plot devices." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted it works better as a physical book than audiobook due to the Scottish dialect and multiple plotlines.

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🔍 The term "mummification" originated from the Persian word "mumiya," meaning bitumen or pitch, which was mistakenly thought to be used in Egyptian preservation. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Stuart MacBride's novels are known for accurately portraying Scottish police procedures, drawing from his extensive research and consultation with law enforcement. 📚 While "A Dark So Deadly" is a standalone novel, MacBride is best known for his Logan McRae series, which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. 🌧️ The fictional city of Oldcastle is inspired by Aberdeen, where MacBride lives, known as "The Granite City" for its distinctive grey stone architecture. 👮 The concept of a "Misfit Mob" is loosely based on real police units where officers are sometimes temporarily assigned while under investigation or following disciplinary actions.