Very well written, gripped from the start. The short chapters made this a quick engrossing read. Loved it.

I've read a couple of the other instalments in the Max Craigie series, of which this is the 5th, and this is my favourite so far - it had everything and kept me fully engaged throughout.

Max and his team are perhaps not the main characters in this book as it involves a previous antagonist a lot - one of the Hardie brothers, that they previously got locked up - but they sure take over by the end.

This book has everything but most importantly good, witty dialogue, plenty of action and a few twists to keep everyone on their toes. Can't fault it and can only hope there's a next instalment.

Thoroughly 5 stars from me. Neil Lancaster is being added to my must-read list of authors! If, like me, you enjoy Harlan Coben, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly et al then this is going to be a hit for you too.

This is the 5th instalment in Max Craigie series and it's another gripping and twisty novels, a page turner that kept me hooked.
Plenty of surprised, the right level of darkenss and suspence.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Years ago Beata Dabrowski stormed off after a row with her lover & was never seen again. Now Davie Hardie, part of a notorious crime family & in Shotts prison, is keen to help the police in exchange for a lighter sentence & a move to a more open prison. However he is adamant that Max Hardie & his team should not be involved. All seems to be going well, Davie has led the police to a Loch & told them where to dive. after taking them out on the loch. Back on dry land & Davie & his lawyer are killed by a long-range sniper. There is a leak somewhere & finding that is where Max & his team excel- even if the new boss is far from helpful!

It is always nice to be reunited with the team & become embroiled in the tangled plot Neil Lancaster is adept at creating. I look forward to what comes next after the ending! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Neil Lancaster rarely disappoints with his Max Craigie crime novels. There’s always action aplenty, with the tension ratcheting up as the plot unfolds. An excessively critical reader might complain that there are perhaps a few too many clichés, particularly regarding the characters in Craigie’s tight team, and the way in which our hero manages to resolve a knotty conundrum, but readers of this crime fiction genre want satisfying plots, with a reasonable number of teasing false leads and a competition of wits and skill between the good guys and the villains. On these criteria the author ticks all the boxes. Recommended.

This was a welcome return to DS Max Craigie and team as they investigate another brutal murder and try to untangle a web of lies and deception. This features the Hardie brothers as well as more suspected police corruption and it kept me guessing throughout. The book was fast paced and well plotted, with a host of well rounded characters. As with previous books in this series, this was a gritty and tense read and I absolutely loved it. A really compelling read which left me wanting more. This author proves time again what a master he is in this genre. Always engaging, plenty of intrigue and a fast paced plot with lots of twists to keep you guessing. Absolutely superb book and I can't wait for the next. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read.

Another outing for DS Max Craigie and his team.
This time they are investigating the disappearance of Beata Dabrowski who went out to meet her lover and was never seen again.
Imprisoned gang boss Davie Hardie has some of the answers and he decides to help the police with finding her body, and has knowledge of who ordered the hit. This is all just a way of making a bit for escape.
However, all goes wrong for Davie, and things escalate. Davie's brother Frankie, who is also in the same prison finds himself involved, and realises that his own life is now in danger.
Max and the team must keep Frankie safe to gather more information from him, and to find who is behind the murders. They must also discover the identitiy of The ACE who they believe is the 'man in charge'. There is also a snitch within the police who has been feeding information to The ACE.
Another great read, and I am looking forward to the next one!

The Devil You Know by Neil Lancaster is book 5 in the DS Max Craigie police series, it was like meeting up with old friends to read about Ross, Max, Barney and Norma and how they will solve their latest case.
This time it involves the depleted Hardie family and what the remaining members know about a cold case, and who was the man responsible for ordering the murder.
A fascinating look into a cold case and who is pulling the strings on the events happening now causing other deaths, Will the team be able to find who is responsible?
Highly recommended

Neil Lancaster’s “The Devil You Know” is a masterclass in Scottish crime fiction, solidifying the Max Craigie series as a must-read for any fan of the genre. This latest installment takes everything I loved about the previous books and cranks it up a notch.

The story itself is a gripping cold case come alive. The disappearance of Beata Dabrowski years ago is a puzzle begging for a solution, and the arrival of a shady informant throws the investigation into overdrive. DS Max Craigie and DI Alison Calder are back, and their dynamic partnership continues to crackle with wit and intelligence. You can’t help but root for this team as they navigate the murky waters of Glasgow’s criminal underworld.

Lancaster’s talent for character development truly shines in “The Devil You Know.” Craigie and Calder feel like old friends by now, each with their own quirks and vulnerabilities that make them all the more endearing. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, adding depth and texture to the narrative.

While the suspense keeps you guessing until the very end, the resolution is satisfyingly earned. There are no cheap twists or outlandish reveals, just a well-crafted conclusion that ties up all the loose ends.

“The Devil You Know” is a prime example of Scottish Noir done right. It’s dark, atmospheric, and packed with heart. If you’re looking for a gripping crime novel with characters you’ll care about, then this is the book for you. Just be warned, it might make you want to binge-read the entire Max Craigie series!

The Devil you know is a totally gripping story right from the first chapter until you hurtle gasping for breath at the final chapter .DS Craigie and his wonderful Team of great characters are back again and involved with the infamous Hardie gang. A brilliant read as usual clever story line full of excitement .I look forward to reading the next book in the series .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

I loved the high intensity throughout the book. The twists and turns were enthralling. What a book and why haven't I read his books before.? I will look forward to reading his other books now.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher

This is the fifth book in the Max Craigie series. I’ve read the other books in the series and recommend you do the same, but this book does work as a standalone. As always, the cover is eye catching and pretty and fits well with the story.

I got into the story straight away, it’s very readable and the short chapters keep it well paced. I was guilty of reading into the small hours and it’s easily the sort of book you could read in one or two sittings.

Six years earlier, a woman goes missing in Glasgow after an argument with her secret lover. She’s never seen again and there isn’t much of an investigation into her disappearance. Now, Hardie, an infamous gang boss claims he knows where she is and is willing to talk in exchange for a more comfortable stay at Her Majesty’s Pleasure. Max Craigie ends up involved as things spiral out of control. Who exactly is involved?

The plot is pacy and twisty and totally had me turning the pages! Some parts are so tense and I was completely gripped. The characters are great and I have such a soft spot for Barney. I think this book shows a more vulnerable, softer side to Max which is lovely to see. The only downside was all the mention of Tunnock’s teacakes as it made me want one! 😂

If you like a thrilling crime read and want a change from books set entirely in the central belt I really recommend this and the other books in the series. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

Having read the previous DS Max Craigie books was looking forward to Neill Lancaster's latest. As expected wasn't disappointed. A great storyline based on the Hardie's - a local gangster family. Definitely recommend this book.

Fifth in this series featuring Detective Max Craigie and his team. A great set of characters and a twisty,suspenseful story.

Book five in the DS Max Craigie series features a cold case, a deal with a prisoner, and a top police officer who wants to keep the elite team of Craigie and his co-workers away from the case. The Hardie's and Craigie's history and violent events soon conspire to make his involvement in the case essential. It is a fast-paced story with believable characters and team dynamics. It's action-packed, suspenseful and twisty, with a satisfying conclusion.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Just excellent!!

Once again, Mr Lancaster has written another cracking addition to this series that just seems to get better and better. This can be read as a standalone but you will get much more out of it if you go back and read the rest in the series ... believe me, you will not be disappointed.

You would be hard pressed to find a more brilliant set of characters than DS Craigie and his team; their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I love the banter between them that feels natural. This is a dark story but I found myself giggling away to myself at times which helped lighten the mood.

Full of suspense, twists and turns, this is great story that had me absolutely glued to my screen from start to finish and I cannot wait for the next in the series.

Highly recommended and many thanks to the author, HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this excellent addition to the series.

Love this series and the latest didn’t disappoint. Hoping it’s not the last but given the way the storyline has wrapped up am a bit fearful it might be…..

Another gritty Police Scotland book by a master storyteller.
Just who can you trust? Keeps the reader guessing but what I like the best is the wonderful characterisation.. The people in the book just spring from the pages in a most believable way, the reader can almost see them and can definitely hear them with the great dialogue, nothing stilted here!

This book was simply fabulous. I've read most of Neil Lancaster's books to date and this one certainly does not disappoint. Featuring some of my favourite police personnel, it is extremely well written and I highly recommend it if you like police procedural crime novels. Works equally well as a stand alone novel.

Here I am again in my happy place, a Scottish crime thriller. This is the fifth in the DS Max Craigie series & what a belter it is. It can be read as a standalone but I would recommend you read the rest of the series, you can thank me later.

A prisoner asks to do a deal with the police. He knows where the body of a missing person is & the culprit too but he wants a reduced sentence & a nicer prison in exchange. He doesn’t want Max & his team involved but unfortunately that wish does not last long & the hunt for a killer & a mole is soon underway.

Twists, humour, new characters & red herrings lead you a merry dance in this brilliant police procedural. Yes, it is a shocking storyline but a great read all the same.