This is book 6 in the DS Max Craigie series. I’ve read book 3 too and I think they read well as a standalone read so not necessary to read the earlier books. You probably should though as both books have been great. The others are definitely on my TBR list.

Book 6 is fast paced and all the main cast are likeable characters. I thought there was a good balance between the storyline and character development.

The story involved female characters being targeted while doing solo Munro hikes in the Scottish highlands. Being from Scotland myself, it was amusing to me reading about places I know.

When reading this book I did think that it could be a good film or tv show.

Thank you to #HQStories and #NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

When the body of a female hiker is found at the bottom of a mountain in Scotland it’s thought to be an accident. But when DS Max Craigie gets a call from an old friend Shay telling him that this was the latest in a string of these tragic accidents and they all have the same things in common, young single blonde women who have experience in hiking but found dead alone. Max’s senses tell him this is no coincidence, and the more he and the team investigate, the more they feel there is that there’s a killer at work. But why? With little evidence, can Max and the team discover the truth before more ‘accidents’ happen?
Neil wow this was brilliant! The whole concept of the ‘perfect murder’ was definitely pulled off here with skill that only you could master. The twists in the story are great, and I liked that the reader was thrown tit bits along the way without revealing the whole story until the very end! It was a nice add that Max was working against the clock to solve the case before the birth of his and Katie’s child, it just added to the tension and pressure, and you could feel the emotions of Max as he tried to juggle doing what he loves and being there for his wife and unborn baby. Of course, I can’t go without mentioning Ross, Janey, Norma and of course my favourite the ex-spy and tech guy Barney! I love Ross’s banter with the team especially Barney, it adds a bit of lightness to the story!
Overall, excellent addition to the series, ticks all the boxes for me, I really enjoyed it, Neil your writing is superb, I’ve been a huge fan since the days of Tom Novak (loved that series) and I hope this series continues – I wish you every success because you really do deserve it!

When Shadows Fall by Neil Lancaster
It’s always a complete delight to be in the company of Max Craigie and the rest of the crew of the police corruption unit. When Shadows Fall centres around the fact that Craigie’s friend has noticed an increase in deaths of young women of a particular type (blond haired newly single) falling off a variety of Scottish Munros after a social media post proclaiming their intention to bag that specific Munro. When he first brings it to Max’s Attention, Max is sceptical but under further investigation he decides to bring his team on in this investigation and what a what an investigation it is!
With Max torn between his heavily pregnant wife’s, the imminent birth of his first child, this book shows us a new sight to Max as he becomes concerned about how he can balance home and work life as up till now he’s been such a dedicated officer, he’s put all his efforts into his work and now with the baby’s arrival his perceptions on what’s important are sure to change. So the emotional impact of the story seeing Max drawn to investigate whilst at the same time supporting his pregnant wife lends an extra layer of empathy to the whole investigation.
The team are in good spirits there’s a lot of swearing, a lot of emotion there’s a lot of really dark motives at play, but ones that are so currently relevant again When Shadows Fall takes a deep dive into the darkest of places and sanitises it slightly by the humour that exists between the team investigating. This is a dark, edge of the seat read and I loved it.

this is a first for me in this detective series and im seriously regretting that. for this is one of the best set of driven characters and plots ive read in a good long while. and im really sad that i dont know and am not immersed in this team as i could be. but this will be something i go and remedy as soon as i can. i want to get to know this team and the detective as soon as.
this is the 6th book. but i had no trouble following it. and loved it al the same.
the characters are all given their perfect place in the book. front and center or in the background they all just felt to have an important place to the plot, team and atmosphere.
Neil weaves the storyline perfectly whilst also getting you to know more about the actual characters. its adds so much more depth and feeling to the book. its also feels really real and relatable. like the Neil really know his stuff on both the location and procedural nature of the book.
this book has some dark themes. but the author has perfected the craft of helping you both learn, be involved but not be to dampened by it all that it takes away from the enjoyment of an excellent book.
Ds Max Craige is a fantastic detective character. i really liked how we learn more about him as the book goes on and also his very real struggles with work and home life balance. as the man is about to have a child!
this book centers around the seemingly innocent death of woman climbers. accidents or something more? for they were all able climbers. and when Max friend comments suspicions in Max he decides to delve deeper.
this book feels so relevant to todays society. and i applaud Neil for covering it and doing it so well.
i want to get to know more of these books as soon as . and i adore the other characters in the book the others people in Max team add a balance to both the darkening plot and to Max himself.

Another DS Max Craigie tale of violent deeds in the Scottish highlands. A report of unusual deaths from an old friend gets the attention of Max and after reporting to his boss Ross the action hots up. Blond women are suddenly prone to accidents in the Highlands falling whilst adding to their Monroe scores. Max is torn between the investigation and the condition of his heavily pregnant wife due any day now. As usual there are great humorous patches with Max’s boss and his ability to twist names and job descriptions adding to the drama. All in all another excellent addition to this series, let’s have more!

Neil Lancaster’s When Shadows Fall, the sixth instalment in the DS Max Craigie series, delivers a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends intricate plotting with character development. Set against the evocative backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the novel explores a series of mysterious deaths among experienced female climbers, initially dismissed as tragic accidents. However, DS Max Craigie’s intuition prompted by comments from his friend in the mountain rescue team, leads him to suspect a more sinister pattern, propelling readers into a complex investigation that delves into the darkest corners of human nature. Digging down into one of the most disturbing themes of today’s society, When Shadows Fall examines the hideous nature of toxic masculinity and what can happen when it is given free reign.

The perilous beauty of the Cairngorms serves as both a setting and a character, the treacherous landscapes mirroring the dangers that lurk within the plot. Lancaster’s portrayal of DS Max Craigie is nuanced and authentic. A former Metropolitan Police officer, now serving in Police Scotland’s Policing Standards Reassurance Team, Craigie is a dedicated officer with a strong ethical and moral core. His wife Katie is on the verge of giving birth to their first child and max is struggling to balance the demands of a harrowing investigation with his responsibilities to Katie. This internal struggle adds depth to his character. His colleague, the more than able DC Janie Calder and his boss DI Ross Fraser enrich the narrative tapestry. Fraser’s brash demeanour and potty mouth provide moments of laugh out loud humour, offering a counterbalance to the novel’s darker themes. Norma is the team’s analyst and I loved the scene in which she and Janie point out to Ross that his attitude leaves a lot to be desired. In this team, however, it is the formidable computer specialist Barney, who steals a few scenes away from Ross and Craigie.

The novel’s structure is well crafted, with a compelling opening that immediately immerses us in the central mystery. The discovery of solo climber Leanne Wilson’s body at the base of a Munro sets off a chain of events that unravel quickly and soon bring Max and Janie to Ross with a horrible theory. Lancaster adeptly interweaves multiple plot threads, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps up engagement. As the investigation proceeds, each step follows a logical police procedural investigation, but despite some progress, the body count rises, leading to a refining of their theory.

Every time they think they are getting somewhere, something hauls them back, and the pace of these one step forward, two steps back discoveries only heightens the tension. The suspense is palpable as the team race against time to stop these cruel, voyeuristic and misogynist deaths.

Verdict: Drawing from his extensive background in law enforcement, Lancaster infuses the narrative with a level of detail and authenticity that is compelling and credible. When Shadows Fall showcases Neil Lancaster’s ability to craft authentic and engaging crime fiction. The novel’s blend of suspense, well-drawn characters, and authentic procedural detail is excellent. Whether you are a longtime follower of DS Max Craigie’s journey or a newcomer to the series, this instalment offers a thrilling reading experience.

Leanne Wilson's body was found at the bottom of a Scottish mountain, seemingly the result of a tragic accident. She'd looked so happy, too, when she posted her intentions on Facebook. Her friends were relieved as she was just out of an unpleasant relationship, but it looked like she was living her best life now. Then it emerged that five other women had died in similar circumstances in the last year. All were experienced climbers, properly equipped for what they were doing and sensible people. None of the 'what a stupid thing to do' explanations applied. They were all alone when they died: DS Max Craigie is certain there's a killer on the loose.

Normally, he ought to be able to lose himself in the case, but his wife is just about to give birth to their first child. It could be any time, and Craigie is determined that he's going to be there for the birth, no matter what. Kate feels overlarge and grumpy, but she's a lot more understanding than most women would be in that situation. Craigie's problems are exacerbated by the fact that he's a hundred miles from home. He's also convinced that there's more than one killer - and that someone in the police is involved.

I was an early adopter of this series, which has got better every year. Neil Lancaster was in the Metropolitan Police, where he investigated serious crimes. He lives in the Highlands. Everything in this book rings true - and that's down to knowledge and the quality of the writing. Max Craigie's partner, DC Janey Calder, is not good with heights. I'm not either, and some of the descriptions from the mountains left me perspiring with fear. The characterisation is good too. Craigie does what he does without needing to be an alcoholic, womaniser or someone who has a problem with authority, as is the case with so many fictional detectives. His boss, DI Ross Fraser, is as reassuringly foul-mouthed as ever.

It's the plot you want to know about, though, isn't it? It treads that delicate line between being far too obvious and too contorted to be true. I worked out who one of the wrong'uns was, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. And now I have to wait a year for the next book in the series.

I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have access to a review copy of the book. As well as reading the book, I listened to an audiobook, which I bought myself. The narrator was Angus King, and I liked that he never got between me and the story, as so many narrators do. His range of voices is good and I'd be delighted to listen to him again.

Brilliant fast-paced and action-packed Line of Duty style series, with a thread of Adolescence running through this instalment.

When another woman is found dead on a Scottish mountain, a whistleblower raises the alarm and Max Craigie and team embark on a thematic review to investigate the teams involved and find out why the rate of accidents is suddenly so high.

The team pull together all their specialist knowledge and contacts to get to the bottom of an incel group operating in the shadows on the dark web.

All the characters and scenarios are scarily plausible. Janie is as bad ass as ever. With his wife due to give birth imminently, Max's priorities are changing slightly, and it is great to see this side to the team.

Works as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the whole series.

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.