This is the sixth book in the DS Max Craigie series. I have read the other books in the series and enjoyed them, and this one was no exception. This book does work as a standalone, but you appreciate the characters more if you’ve read the other books in the series.

Following a break up, an attractive young woman is on a Munro bagging holiday in the Highlands. She posts updates to social media, and is later found dead at the bottom of the mountain. One of the mountain rescue team becomes suspicious at the number of women who have recently been found dead after falling from mountains, and he thinks the deaths haven’t been investigated properly. DS Craigie and his team begin to investigate and unveil something terrifying.

Easy to read and engaging, I found myself wanting to pick this book up at every spare moment. The plot was so tense at times yet scarily not implausible, the rise of incel groups on the dark web is a scary thought.

As always, the characters are great, and I think we see a softer side to Max as he prepares to become a dad for the first time. Janie is great and really badass without being irritating. I would have liked to have seen more from the auntie, she’s mentioned at the start, which felt a bit like a token appearance, then never again which was a shame as I think she’s a brilliant character.

I enjoyed the setting of the book and the descriptions of the mountains are realistic. The scenery is amazing but the mountains have to be respected.

If you’ve read the other books in this series I would highly recommend you read the latest novel. If you’ve haven’t read them I recommend you read the whole series. Looking forward to the next book already! Thanks to HQ publishers and NetGalley for my copy.

If you're a fan of Line Of Duty and the recently successful Adolescence, then this is a book you need to be reading right now!

With a brilliantly funny Scottish anti-corruption team on the hunt for a potential serial killer, they are led into a world of incels and bent coppers - two groups I definitely wouldn't want to meet in real life, but that make a fantastic crime thriller!

This team of characters are some of my favourites, and it's them that make me so excited to pick up another book in this series! I've still got two of the earlier books to catch up with, but they are very suitable as standalones and it's an easy to series to weave in and out of.

The crime at the centre of this book feels very timely, and perfect for anybody who has recently loved Adolescence and want to learn a little more about incel culture. It's a dark world, but one that will ensure that you're gripped to this investigation!

If you're a fan of detective thrillers, this is definitely a series you need to get on to! I'm determined to complete it this year!

The latest in the Max Craigie series. Line of Duty comes to Police Scotland.Max and the team are back with a new investigation- his friend in Mountain Rescue asks him to investigate an increase in accidental deaths of female climbers in the Highlands. Of course there's more to it than meets the eye. The relationships among the team are well established by now with IT expert Barney being accepted as a consutant by DI Fraser who continues his amusing foul mouthed ways. He really comes through for the team here and i liked how his "old school" comments and name calling were challenged by the women - and he accepted he was in the wrong. Max's wife Katie is due to give birth any day and the question is - will Max be there? And will he really take time off? A good police investigation and even better continuation of the series. #netgalley #whenshadowsfall

This is book number six of the DS Max Craigie Scottish crime thrillers and what a cracker it is. When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose.......

Although this book can be read as a standalone I recommend reading the whole series to understand the back story. I promise you won't be disappointed as I have read each one, they have all been 5 star reads and this one is no different. It is another well written, compelling and up to date read and I highly recommend it!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

think line of duty and police corruption and you wont go far wrong....

when the first body of a climber is found its just a normal accident but when the stats start coming in DS Max Craigie knows theres something more going on.... there are to many accidents of women climber happening but nobody has highlighted it....

and if it wasnt for his mate shay bringing it to his attention it still wouldnt have seen light of day

so max and his fellow colleagues start investigating and its not long before the first hint of corruption makes its self known

wow this is a great story and it was lovely to catch up with the characters in this book .... what a read thrilling right to the end

cant wait for the next one in this brilliant series

DS Max Craigie is on his 6th case, this time being alerted by a mountain rescue friend's concerns about the death of a lone female climber. Delving deeper there are too many such occurrences - blonde women, recently out of their relationships, all keen and even experienced climbers. All dead by either suicide or accident as determined by the Procurator Fiscal after what has to be rather perfunctory police investigation. Max and team delve deeper finding a depth of dark web stuff, ably explained by their old mate Bruce and his mate Clive - apparently dodgy ex military but great fun. Some very unpleasant subjects, police corruption at a lot of levels but a good story. On top of that, Max is also very anxious about the imminent birth of his child and having to leave his wife alone at home so much. Lovely descriptions of landscape and mountains. Definitely recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster is book 6 in the DS Max Craigie police series. This has an excellent storyline and is about rock climbing in the Monro mountains in the highlands of Scotland. It is brought to Max Craigie’s attention that there have been a number of single blond female walker’s deaths that have not been fully investigated.
When the team start looking they uncover a series of deaths that have not been looked at properly, the team are convinced that a serial killer is on the loose. What they find is a cover up of a number of women’s deaths, whose deaths have been recorded and then sold on the dark web for viewers willing to pay.
Max is also due to become a father and needs to make sure he doesn’t miss the birth of his first child, whilst fully investigating the deaths of women pushed mountain sides while climbing.
Highly recommended

When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose.

Another great story from Neil Lancaster. I have read some previous books in this series and none of them disappoint, including this one. The characters are real life and the pacing and story are terrific. Although one of a series it works well as a standalone novel.

Max Craigie and the team are back!
Max is contacted by an old friend, he works for the Mountain Rescue Team and he suspects some foul play when he realises there have been a few deaths of young women that individually haven’t been through a full investigation.

This is the 6th book in the DS Craigie series, only the 2nd I have read, I feel this book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. By not reading book 1 yet I do not feel like this has in any way reduced the enjoyment of reading this book. I feel like the connection with the characters has developed during the telling of this story and already gave that bond the reader needs with the characters.

I really enjoyed When Shadows Fall and would definitely be recommending this book, and in fact the entire series to anyone who enjoys a good whodunnit thriller. The tension was built well throughout, making it hard to put the book down. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series will go next and it seems Neil Lancaster has ideas on how to keep it from going stale with some fresh ideas.

Thank you NetGalley and HQ for this arc so I can share my personal thoughts.

The 6th book in the Max Craigie series and this one is so very authentic, deeply concerning and so topical.
Max is contacted by an old friend who works for the Mountain Rescue team in the Cairngorms. He is concerned about a recent spate of young female climbers who have died following falls that shouldn’t have happened. There are concerns that investigations have been perfunctory, if they are being hushed up, who has the clout to do that?
As Max’s team begin their enquiries, it appears that someone is leaking information , and the thorny subject of Police corruption is raised once more. Is there a lone killer on the loose, or are there more disturbing factors to consider?
Subjects raised are violence against women, the Incel movement and the use of the Dark Web. All these combine to make a very thrilling and disturbing read. It is pacy, uneasy and downright creepy in tone, a very gritty police procedural novel.
There is banter between all members of the team, strictly non PC, and gallows humour, I find this aspect to be both refreshing and absolutely necessary for those who work in such demanding and stressful professions. I love all the characters, they are loyal, and honest, totally dedicated to finding the truth.
Another five star read from an author who writes from experience, a very realistic and impressive story.
I love all aspects of Scotland, but maybe I will regard mountain climbing with more caution on future trips!
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ, the publishers, for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will post to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Another superb book in this cracking series!

When a lone female climber dies having fallen off the mountain, it is regarded as an accident. After all, there are many women 'bagging' Munros. Then, thanks to a friend, DS Max Craigie becomes aware that this wasn't an isolated death and determines to find out exactly what is going on .. . .

I've loved every book in this series, and really looked forward to this one - and I was not disappointed. With things going on in his private life, this case takes it's toll as it takes him away from home. I always feel that this is one of the more realistic series set in Scotland; there is so much more to the police force than we realise. This one intrigued me until the last few pages - I had no idea who the perpetrator was and I freely admit to being shocked when it was revealed. Beautifully written, as always, this is another novel from this author which kept me on my toes all the way through. I can barely wait to see where this series head next but, for now, this one easily merits all five shining stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

DS Max Craigie #6

When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it's classified as a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there's a killer on the loose.

I was pulled in from the first page of this perfectly paced and descriptively written book. The answer DS Max Craigie had to find was were the women's deaths an accident - or was it murder? The characters are well-portrayed. This is a gripping page turner and you will not want to put it down.

Published 27th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #NeilLancaster for my ARC of #WhenShadowsFall in exchange for an honest review.

I was attracted to this but by it’s being set in the Scottish Mountains, Torridon a place I know well. It had me hooked from the start and I read it in a weekend. This was my first encounter with DS Max Craigie and my first book written by Neil Lancaster. I will certainly be going back to the first book in the DS Max Craigie series.

A police procedural with mountain rescue in the mix. This book totally hooked me,I devoured it, not stopping til the end. An excellent read Wow

When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident. Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose. The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer.
The sixth outing for Max & another well written, fast paced edge of the seat book. There are twists & turns & events on the mountain had me holding my breath. I love Max & love how the banter always lightens the books. A book that could easily be read on its own but with all series I love to start at the beginning & with series you won’t be disappointed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

DS Max Craigie returns in this electrifying instalment, packed with twists and turns that will leave you breathless.

As the stakes are higher than ever before, as Max and the intrepid team once again dive headfirst into the murky waters of police corruption.

And It all begins with a distressing call from his friend Shay at Coastguard Search and Rescue, who reports a troubling spike in the number of women found dead under suspicious circumstances linked to climbing and walking accidents.

So, DI Ross Fraser, Max's superior, gets permission to re-examine these disconcerting cases. Almost immediately, their astute colleague Norma uncovers a chilling pattern: every victim shares a striking resemblance, all being blonde, and the eerie similarities go far deeper.

But just as they begin to piece together the puzzle, another call from Shay shatters the calm—the discovery of yet another body—this time, the killer has slipped up, leaving behind potential evidence that could turn the tide.

So, the team decide, with the help of wily ex-mi5 agent Barney, to set a trap. But it appears their target is two steps ahead of them and is able to strike again. This time leaving evidence that strongly implicates a policeman, igniting a flurry of questions: could he be the only one involved in this web of deception?

And as the investigation unfolds, Max and Janie find themselves ensnared in a gripping game of cat and mouse. With every revelation, they unearth the shocking motives behind these heinous crimes and the tangled connections of those wrapped up in them.

And with a perfect blend of suspense, humour, memorable characters, not to mention a baby! This story is nothing short of a page-turner. That I found myself engrossed in until 2 in the morning; it’s that captivating!

Excellent read and just when you think plots involving police corruption have been done to death, a Max Craigie novel proves that wrong. Proper on the edge of your seat read, especially the action taking place in the mountains.
Hopefully not the end of the series but if it is, Neil Lancaster has ensured it goes out on a high.

Book Blurb - Book 6

A TRAGIC DEATH When the body of Leanne Wilson is found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, it is classified as a tragic accident.
There is no evidence to suggest otherwise. A RISING BODY COUNT Then DS Max Craigie discovers that five other women in the last year have died by falling off mountains, and something feels very wrong. They were all experienced climbers and alone when they died. This can only mean one thing: there’s a killer on the loose. A KILLER IN THE SHADOWS The more Max investigates, the more he believes that they are dealing with something much bigger than a lone serial killer. With five victims and conflicting clues, how do you catch someone committing the perfect crime?

6 books in, and still Neil Lancaster keeps his readers gripped and wondering if there will be another book in this series?!
Max’s homelife is more settled now and he always has the backup from his work colleagues. Oh my days, these colleagues do make me lol with their banter. Your emotions flip from one to the other … that’s the sign of a good read!! Thanks netgalley & HQ Publishing and of course Neil Lancaster!

Ps Neil… will there be another Max Book? I won’t tell 🤫🤐🤫 🤣🤣

#bookstagramshaz #neillancaster #maxcraigie #netgalley #HQpublishing

Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for ARC.

Police Scotland DI Max Craigie is called away for work - again - just as his beloved is due to give birth to their first child. A woman has been found dead near the base of a Scottish mountain, and an old Forces pal of Craigie's is sure it's part of a bigger, sinister pattern. Will the team be able to find proof of that link in time to get the budget to try and stop more women dying? Will Max miss the birth of his much-longed for baby?
Will Lancaster ever run out of Scottish police corruption plots? Let's hope not. Book six in the series, still careening along at a breathless pace and leaving readers wanting more.

At first I thought this was a same old, same old story but I couldn’t have been more wrong. What a stunning book. And so much corruption still. I fo get the impression this is the last one in the series which is both good and bad news. It’s come to a good conclusion.