Member Reviews

DI James Corstorphine is a widower, tentatively trying a first date in the early moments of the book. He still talks to his dead wife. As the story progresses he finds himself heading a multiple murder enquiry with DC Frankie McKenzie and this team. The murders seemed linked to historic crimes at the local orphanage. It’s the type of mystery where the victims are far from sympathetic. I liked Corstorphine and Frankie. Corstorphine is a little more introspective than your average detective which I appreciated and I enjoyed the trust between his team. The murders are macabre and artistically matched to the crimes of the victims. An intriguing contribution to Scottish Noir.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

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What a great story! Unique yet familiar, like a favorite chair. Kept the pages turning... I couldn't wait to see who dunnit. It was amazing.

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sometimes it’s the most unlikely people who turn into killers. I guess we all have it in us if we’re pushed hard enough.’

Andrew Greig has quickly become a favorite author of mine. After reading four of his books, and none of them producing anything less than a four star rating. There's no reason why he shouldn't
be.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's well written, has a solid plot and some interesting characters. The storyline was compelling and held my attention from beginning to end. The investigation was so intriguing yet deeply unsettling. Normally you root for the protagonist but, in this case you are also rooting for the killer as long buried and dark secrets are brought to light.

As the story goes on more questions than answers are unearthed and the suspense is amped up with the turn of every page. The depiction of small town secrets, deep rooted police corruption, vengeance, retribution and abuse of power is so well done in this one. I was transported as I read on and so many different emotions were evoked from me.

The ending was perfection in my eyes. I just can't wait for more of Detective Corstorphine. His character is complex, witty at times and sharp. I am excited to see what challenges he faces next and how he and his team overcome them. I think this is Andrew's best work yet.

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Andrew James Greig for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own. The Bone Clock comes out April 17th, 2025.

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In the Scottish Highlands, past secrets come back to haunt. The first in a new detective series, this story follows Detective Inspector James Corstorphine and his local police force as they investigate sudden, gruesome local deaths. As they learn more, a past conspiracy about a former religious orphanage takes down many influential community members.

I enjoyed the unique take on the murders, with the clockwork details. However, the reveal of the killer could have been more potent, but for a first entry, it was overall a good book. I also appreciated the author's limiting graphic sexual abuse details. The little bit he did give was more than enough to cement how horrific the abuse was to those involved. I looked forward to seeing what DI Corstorphine and crew get up to next.

Thank you, Netgalley and Storm Publishing, for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

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DI Corstorphine of Police Scotland seems to be rather self-contained, has been widowed for five years but still misses his wife terribly, gets along fairly well with his crew, believes that the truth is important. The murders are minutely well-planned and turn out to be punishment befitting their crimes as they are not the real victims. A bit gruesome but absorbing tale of retribution and politics.
Intense and unputdownable read. I really want next in series!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Pub Date Apr 17, 2025
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What a unique thriller! The intricacies of bone that were involved in the murders we’re particularly interesting. As an American, I had to google several words in the book, but I now know what a gamekeeper is😂. Already started the next book in this series. Thx to Netgalley for the free ARC.

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Andrew James Grieg’s The Bone Clock is a gripping revenge thriller with a dark and clever plot. The story kicks off with a gruesome discovery—a nearly decapitated body found near a tree where a supposed suicide took place years ago. Nearby, investigators uncover a bone cog and an old coin, clues that hint at long-buried secrets. Enter Detective Corstorphine and DC Frankie McKenzie, the duo at the heart of this new crime series, as they work to unravel a case filled with corruption, deception, and eerie connections to the past.

While the culprit is fairly obvious early on, the novel remains an engaging read, thanks to its well-crafted tension and sharp storytelling. The pace builds steadily, though the ending might feel a little abrupt for some. However, the journey to get there is filled with twists, making it a satisfying read for thriller fans.

One of the most chilling aspects of the book is its exploration of historical abuse within a children’s home run by nuns and corrupt officials. Grieg handles this difficult subject with sensitivity, weaving it seamlessly into the mystery without overwhelming the story. The theme of corruption is also central to the plot, skilfully revealing the rot hidden beneath society’s surface.

Despite a few predictable elements, The Bone Clock is a compelling and well-written thriller that keeps you turning the pages. A great read for crime fiction lovers!

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This book was a wild ride. It had me guessing until the end. The author has a real good way of detailing the murder scenes so that it feels like you are there. The way everything just fit together at the end was perfection! I really enjoyed this one and cant wait to start the next one in the series! Perfect murder mystery!

This book was gave to me for free in exchange for my honest review! Thank you NetGalley!

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Atmospheric, action packed, and an abundance of mystery. This first book of the series was a hit! It will keep you flipping pages as fast as you can.

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A really intelligent, well plotted and well written book. What starts out as a seemingly tidy death of a bully and wife abuser turns into a series of perfectly executed deaths of despicable men who are linked by an extremely dark secret. I really enjoyed reading this book and strangely found myself routing for the executioner. A welcome change from the usual murder/police procedural book. Andrew James Greig is one to look out for.

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The Bone Clock is a gripping and atmospheric Scottish crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set in the mist-covered Highlands, the novel follows Detective Inspector James Corstorphine as he investigates a chilling series of murders where the killer crafts grotesque deathtraps from human remains. The haunting imagery and dark themes set the tone for a complex, intense story that delves into secrets, retribution, and a decades-old mystery.

Corstorphine, still grieving the death of his wife, is a compelling protagonist. His personal demons, combined with the eerie nature of the crimes, create a layered, emotionally engaging narrative. The connection between the current killings and a journalist’s death twenty years earlier adds an intriguing historical twist, making the investigation feel even more urgent and mysterious.

The writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the isolation of the Highlands and the oppressive weight of the past that looms over the characters. The twists and turns of the investigation are well-crafted, and the mounting tension keeps you turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth.

While the book is a strong start to the DI Corstorphine series, I felt that some of the secondary characters, particularly Margo, could have been developed a bit more. However, the focus on Corstorphine and the eerie atmosphere more than makes up for this.

Overall, The Bone Clock is a dark, twisted, and thoroughly engaging crime novel that will appeal to fans of Scottish crime fiction and those who enjoy atmospheric thrillers with a strong emotional core. The intricate plotting and unsettling mystery make this a page-turner that’s hard to put down.

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Wow!!! WOW AND WOW...snyone not reading Andrew needs to get with the programme. Read the first, and the 2nd...sorry Andrew but Where's the 3rd. I want it NOW

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The Bone Clock, the first in a new series by Andrew James Greig, is a gripping tale that is part serial killer, part revenge plot, part cold case, part police procedural - the book hits all of the things that make a fascinating thriller at once.
Well-written and fast-paced, the author keeps you turning the pages and guessing to the very end. Along the way, the author looks at the serious social issues of child and spousal abuse, and the victimization of the helpless by those in power. It makes for a gripping, sometimes gut-wrenching book, and leaves the reader wanting more.
I was lucky to be invited to read an ARC of #TheBoneClock from #NetGalley.

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Detective Inspector James Corstorphine is investigating a series of devious murders, seemingly unlinked, until he starts examining the history of the small town he lives in. To give too much of the plot will spoil this for new readers, but this is very well written and worth a go if you like intricateely plotted mysteries.

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The first in a new series from this author and it certainly hit the ground running!

Set in Scottish Highlands, DI Corstorphine is in charge of a small team. Nothing much happens in the area apart from the usual minor crimes, so when a body is found dangling from the infamous Hanging Tree, the team have their work cut out to step up a gear.

With a dark and dangerous undercurrent running throughout the investigation, Corstorphine has to upset a lot of the locals and those in authority to get to the heart of the crime.

A clever and devious plot line, a proper revenge thriller! Though the culprit was quite obvious from early on, and the ending seemed a little abrupt, it was still a very good read.

I really like the PI Teàrlach Paterson books by this author and it looks like this new series will become another favourite.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

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A great police procedural set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
A series of elaborate murders are happening and it’s up to Corstorphine to find out who, and why this is happening in his small town.
This is novel one and Im just about to start Two which is shaping up to be a great new series.
Thank you for an advanced copy

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Wow this story The Bone Clock by Andrew James Greig is excellent, the story is graphic and deals with themes of abuse and it kept me up at night only because I couldn’t put it down and just when I thought hmmmm it’s got to be ………… the story flipped and I had to start again. The characters are all interesting and I look forward to reading more about them, my only moan would be the bit regarding the chief didn’t seem to be resolved, but I can live with that.

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DNF at 55%

I skimmed the rest because the subject matter got too dark for me. This book contained graphic violence and a lot more swearing than I'm comfortable with. It wasn't a bad story although I did suspect the killer very early on, but the content wasn't for me. Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for letting me try it.

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A great start to a series.
Was an intense read but I really liked it so many twists and turns
Can't wait for more from this author x

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Wow what a book. I couldn’t put it down. First in a new series with Detective Corstorphine and DC Frankie McKenzie. A nearly decaputsted body is found near a tree where there was a ‘suicide’ years ago. There a bone cogs and a coin found nearby. There used to be an orphanage run by nuns years ago. Needless to say there’s corruption but it’s so skilfully done. I absolutely loved it. Already reading the next one

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