Natural Causes

Inspector Tony McLean faces his first murder case as a newly promoted detective in Edinburgh's Criminal Investigation Division. The body of a prominent figure is discovered in the city, bearing signs of an elaborate ritual killing. McLean must navigate both the complexities of the investigation and the politics of his police department while following leads that suggest supernatural elements. The case connects to other deaths in Edinburgh's past, forcing McLean to consider explanations beyond standard police work. The investigation takes McLean through Edinburgh's historic streets and into the city's hidden corners as he encounters characters from different social spheres. His personal life becomes entangled with the case as he struggles to maintain professional boundaries. Natural Causes combines police procedural elements with supernatural undertones to examine themes of power, belief, and the tension between rational and inexplicable explanations. The book establishes Edinburgh as more than a backdrop, making the city integral to the story's atmosphere and events.

Readers appreciate Oswald's authentic portrayal of Edinburgh and Scottish police procedures. Many note the strong character development of Inspector McLean and praise the supernatural elements that add tension without overwhelming the core police procedural story. Common praise focuses on: - Complex plotting and interconnected cases - Dark atmosphere and pacing - Balance between realistic crime and supernatural horror - Strong supporting cast of characters Main criticisms: - Some find the supernatural aspects jarring or out of place - A few readers mention confusion from multiple plotlines - Several note it starts slowly before picking up Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (8,500+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "The supernatural element is subtle and believable... McLean is a complex character with depth." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "Takes time to get going but rewards patient readers." - Amazon UK reviewer

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith A London detective investigates a model's death in this crime novel that combines police work with dark Scottish undertones.

In the Woods by Tana French A Dublin detective's investigation into a child's murder connects to his own haunted past and unsolved childhood trauma.

The Lewis Man by Peter May A body found in a peat bog leads to an investigation that uncovers dark secrets in the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Dead Simple by Peter James Detective Roy Grace searches for a missing groom who vanishes during a bachelor party prank in Brighton.

Broken Ground by Val McDermid DCI Karen Pirie investigates a body found in the Scottish Highlands that links to a decades-old inheritance dispute.

🔍 "Natural Causes" is the first book in James Oswald's Inspector McLean series, which he initially self-published after being rejected by traditional publishers. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The book is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and incorporates elements of the supernatural alongside its police procedural plot - a unique combination that became Oswald's trademark style. 🌾 Author James Oswald runs a 350-acre farm in North East Fife, Scotland, where he raises Highland cattle and New Zealand Romney sheep when he's not writing crime fiction. 🏆 Despite initial rejections, "Natural Causes" went on to be shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger Award and later became a Sunday Times bestseller. 🔮 The book's plot interweaves a modern murder investigation with Edinburgh's historical witch trials, reflecting the city's dark past and reputation for supernatural occurrences.