Detective Clare Mackay Series

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BLOODY SCOTLAND SCOTTISH CRIME DEBUT OF THE YEAR 2020 In a famous Scottish town, someone is bent on murder – but why? On the night of a wedding celebration, one guest meets a grisly end when he’s killed in a hit-and-run. A card bearing the number ‘5’ has been placed on the victim’s chest. DI Clare Mackay, who recently moved from Glasgow to join the St Andrews force, leads the investigation. The following night another victim is struck down and a number ‘4’ card is at the scene. Clare and her team realise they’re against the clock to find a killer stalking the streets of the picturesque Scottish town and bent on carrying out three more murders. To prevent further deaths, the police have to uncover the link between the victims. But those involved have a lot more at stake than first meets the eye. If Clare wants to solve the case she must face her own past and discover the deepest secrets of the victims – and the killer. Don’t miss the page-turning first novel in a gripping series featuring DI Clare Mackay, perfect for fans of Alex Gray, D. S. Butler and Rachel Amphlett. Praise for See Them Run ‘One of Scotland's top up-and-coming crime writers’ The Scottish Sun ‘All the ingredients of a cracking crime novel : a strong female lead with a dark backstory, a vivid sense of place, a rising body count and a twist you don’t see coming ... A welcome addition to the Tartan Noir genre’ Claire Macleary, author of Cross Purpose ‘An original concept in police procedurals, See Them Run is suspense loaded from start to finish – and author Marion Todd couldn’t have delighted us more.’ I AM IN PRINT magazine ‘Marion Todd’s welcome addition to the genre feels like a breath of fresh, tartan noir air.’ Scottish Field ‘If you want a story that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing, your blood pressure rising and will leave you breathless then See Them Run is just the book for you. I can't wait to read of Marion's work in the future. This is a series which is going to run and run and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Hooked from the outset my attention never wavered until I read the last word of this excellent tale, such is the power of Marion Todd’s writing. If you like a fast-paced, believable crime story with originality and depth you’ll love See Them Run. I recommend it highly.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well written with engaging characters that you are rooting for from the beginning. The story is well paced and makes you want to read on. I read this in just a few days. If you like Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons etc then this is a great new series for you.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘As an avid detective series reader this is by far one of the best British debuts I’ve read. Beautifully written, understated & down to earth. Characters and plot are superb. Would highly recommend to all.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A child’s life is at stake. Which of the residents of St Andrews is hiding something – and why? When a baby girl is snatched from the crowd of spectators at a fun run, the local police have a major investigation on their hands. DI Clare Mackay and her team are in a race against the clock when they learn that the child has a potentially fatal medical condition. As Clare investigates she realises this victim wasn’t selected at random. Someone knows who took the baby girl, and why. But will they reveal their secrets before it's too late? The second instalment from an exciting new Scottish detective series. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Rachel Amphlett and D. K. Hood. Readers are loving In Plain Sight ‘One of Scotland's top up-and-coming crime writers’ The Scottish Sun ‘In Plain Sight, second in the DI Clare Mackay series, echoes the themes of See Them Run, Marion Todd’s debut crime novel: vivid sense of place, strong female lead, authentic police procedure. The protagonists’s love interest whets the appetite for more. I look forward to Book 3 in the series.’ Claire MacLeary, author of Cross Purpose ‘This is becoming one of my favorite police procedural series.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A truly gripping and thoroughly entertaining read. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series….’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was one of those unpredictable, chilling and downright scary reads that had me gripped and on the edge of my seat throughout. In Plain Sight certainly kept me guessing and then some.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The plot is tight and intricately constructed and you’ll find it hard to put this book down. As with any good book, though, it is the characters who stay with you.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fast moving gripping novel that once you've started reading you'd best set aside the day as you won’t want to put it down until the last page is read!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DI Clare Mackay starts the new year with a death… It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews. Clare and her team will have to look past the obvious conclusions and delve deeper into the lives of the victims to get to the truth. But who else risks meeting the same fate while the clock is ticking? Don’t miss this compulsive new addition to the gripping DI Clare Mackay series from Bloody Scotland Scottish Debut Crime Novel 2020 shortlisted author Marion Todd. Readers are loving What They Knew ‘....more twists, turns and page-turning action from what will soon be your favourite Tartan Noir detective.’ The Scottish Sun ‘Marion Todd does not disappoint... A great read that kept me guessing until nearly the end’ Joy Kluver, author of Last Seen ‘Todd has found a great character in Clare Mackay and both women have definitely been added to my 'must read' list. A highly entertaining read.’ Crimesquad ‘Todd keeps getting better and better... One of my favourite discoveries of recent years’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘This is the fourth in what has become one of my favorite police procedurals. It’s like taking a trip to Scotland and hanging out with a savvy detective and her team as they investigate the latest murder.’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Another excellent book in the Clare Mackay series. I was hooked from the first page, plenty of twists and turns... If you have never read any of this series or any by this author you won’t regret reading them, you are in for a treat. I can’t wait for the next instalment’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Marion Todd never fails to deliver with this series.’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘What They Knew is another cracking read, the tension really building in the latter half of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Todd sustains her current rate of production because I can't get enough of the DI Mackay series.’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘I started reading it immediately and was straight back in the world of DI Clare MacKay, just like visiting an old friend. If gripping crime / police procedurals are your thing you will love this series’ NetGalley review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer… Early one morning DI Clare Mackay receives a message from her boss DCI Alastair Gibson telling her to meet him in secret. She does as he asks and is taken from St Andrews to a secure location in the remote Scottish hills. There, she is introduced to ethical hacker Gayle Crichton and told about a critical security breach coming from inside Police Scotland. Clare is sworn to secrecy and must conceal Gayle’s identity from colleagues until the source is found. Clare already has her hands full keeping a key witness under protection and investigating the murder of a university student. When a friend of the victim is found preparing to jump off the Tay Road Bridge it is clear he is terrified of someone. But who? Clare realises too late that she has trusted the wrong person. As her misplaced faith proves a danger to herself and others, Clare must fight tooth and nail to protect those she cares about and see justice done. A page-turning crime thriller perfect for fans of Alex Gray, D. K. Hood and Rachel Amphlett. What readers are saying about Lies to Tell ‘One of Scotland's top up-and-coming crime writers’ The Scottish Sun 'DI Clare Mackay is a brilliant character. I’m looking forward to more from Marion Todd’ Graeme Hampton, author of The Darkness Within ‘A gripping addition to the crime genre’ Scottish Field ‘With Lies To Tell, Marion Todd is, or should be, firmly in the company of premier league crime fiction writers. Long may the series continue.’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Marion Todd has delivered an excellent third novel in her DI Clare MacKay series… the ending resolutions are completely satisfying and leave the reader frustrated only with how long they have to wait for the next book in the series… A top-notch book’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘With so many twists and turns the story romps along at a breathless pace, who can she trust? A brilliant thriller, and an ending I didn’t see coming.’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘With its polished pacing and plotting, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable, original and difficult to put down novel from Marion Todd. She is a gifted storyteller who can provide readers with thrills, sophistication and a story packed with substance. A very highly recommended five star read’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Over the last three books, Marion has nurtured Clare into someone of real substance and she has become one of my all time favourite female lead characters.’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘Could not put this book down at all… this one has to be Marion Todd’s best book to date, a police procedural with non stop action, twists and so many suspects that I was reeling with what was going to happen next’ Reader review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ‘A book that you just can’t fault … a real not to be missed read’ Reader review⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A murder victim with celebrity connections spells trouble for DI Clare Mackay... Gaby Fox is known to many due to her successful TV career, so when her brother and his pals hire the salubrious Lamond Lodge for his birthday celebrations, it is noted by the St Andrews locals. A ripple of shock goes round the town when Russell Fox is gunned down on the premises. DI Clare Mackay is attending a wedding when she sees Gabrielle receive a phone call then flee. Soon after, Clare learns why when the news of the shooting reaches her. Instead of trying to enjoy the day – not easy when the groom is her ex-boyfriend – Clare is preoccupied. Clare gets to work on uncovering the facts surrounding Russell Fox’s death. The guests at the lodge have secrets to hide, but even when Clare begins to unravel the deceit, it doesn’t bring the answers. The detective can’t help but wonder why no one who knew Russell seems capable of telling the truth, and whether there is more than one person with a reason to want him dead… A thrilling addition to the much-loved and bestselling detective fiction series from a rising star in Scottish crime fiction. Ideal for fans of Alex Gray, D. K. Hood and Rachel Amphlett. Readers are loving Next in Line 'A satisfying Scotch mystery.' The Times Crime Club Pick of the Week 'A fifth outing for agreeable Scottish detective DI Clare Mackay proves Dundee-based Todd is becoming a master of the Tartan Noir genre.' Daily Mail  'The latest in this series from the brilliant Marion Todd is just as nail-biting and tense as her fans have come to expect. A police procedural with lashings of thrills and kills, along with plenty of good humour.' The Sun  'A thrilling addition to the much-loved and best-selling series from a rising star in Scottish crime fiction.' Scots Magazine 'An excellent addition to an extremely good series of police procedural novels and comes highly recommended.' NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I love Marion Todd's novels and this doesn't disappoint.' NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Marion has yet again come up with a top notch police procedural thriller. I enjoyed meeting DI Mackay again. She is an excellent detective who is always completely immersed in her case.' NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

DI Clare Mackay is about to face a test of her loyalty… When a report comes in that a van containing two prison officers and a convicted jewel thief is missing, the police in St Andrews work quickly to locate the vehicle. Their efforts prove in vain when no trace is found and they realise the wives of both officers also appear to have left the area. Is this a case of corrupt guards springing a felon, or innocent people caught in the crossfire? DI Clare Mackay leads the team but has to do without her right hand man; DS Chris West is a cousin to one of the missing prison officers and must not be involved in the case. With a new sergeant at her side plus a previously unencountered DCI, Clare’s people skills are pushed to the limit. Especially once she realises her boss is keeping her on the sidelines. Just what is it that Clare doesn’t know? And if she has to choose between keeping secrets from a friend, or letting slip something that could see a culprit go free, which path will she take? A compelling addition to the bestselling series by a much-loved Scottish crime author, perfect for fans of Caro Ramsay, Lin Anderson and Alex Gray. Praise for Old Bones Lie ‘This is an absolute cracker of a book. An authentic, twisty and compelling detective novel written by a new star of Tartan Noir.’ Neil Lancaster, author of The Blood Tide ‘Old Bones Lie is a fine example of the police procedural. Tightly plotted, cogently told with an ensemble of characters following the clues and navigating various twists like the professionals they are to reach a solution that is neither pat nor unbelievable. A hugely enjoyable read indeed.’ Douglas Skelton, author of An Honourable Thief ‘A combination of razor-sharp plotting, wholly believable characters and rock-solid writing – another excellent instalment to the DI Clare Mackay series.’ Alison Belsham, author of Death in Kabul ‘Old Bones Lie is Marion Todd at her very best - forensically intriguing and a bloody good read... literally.’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives ‘It’s impossible to escape Marion’s grip on you in this captivating, compelling hunt for lost souls, buried truth and a heartless killer.’ Morgan Cry, author of Six Wounds ‘Brilliant storytelling, tense and riveting with the reassuring presence of the wonderful DI Clare Mackay, I loved Old Bones Lie!’ G.R. Halliday, author of Dark Waters ‘Marion Todd has excelled herself this time! 5 stars.’ Andrew James Greig, author of Whirligig ‘Gripping and complex. This is Marion Todd’s best yet. Her writing deepens and matures with each new book.’ Allan Martin, author of the Inspector Angus Blue novels ‘Another brilliant instalment to the DI Clare Mackay series. I couldn't stop reading. Plenty of twists and turns along the way, and just when you think you have it figured - you don't!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Marion Todd is one of my favourite authors and this book in the DI Mackay series doesn’t disappoint with twists and turns from start to finish. Great read, couldn’t put it down.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘The story starts with a bang and carries the reader with both great writing and a very good story. For me, Marion Todd is now sitting comfortably alongside Caro Ramsay as the two best crime writers in Scotland today.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Old Bones Lie starts at a really fast pace and remains unrelenting as the story unfolds…The depth of research is plain to see, but the skill is in the storytelling, and I honestly believe that this is her best yet… ’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

The Scots Magazine Book of the Month May 2023 ‘Tartan Noir at its nail-biting, brutal, bloody best’ Helen Fields, author of The Institution Can DI Clare Mackay unravel a dead man’s secrets? Harry Richards, a local solicitor, is found in his car, throat slit. DI Clare Mackay is on the case. She soon learns that Harry was not the upstanding man he seemed to be. Finding the killer should be easy. Then the wife of one of Harry’s colleagues is discovered dead in her car, and Clare realises there is something more sinister at play… Can she find out who’s behind the murders before they turn their attention to her? An utterly gripping addition to the bestselling crime series by much-loved Scottish author, Marion Todd. Perfect for fans of Alex Gray, Caro Ramsay and the Karen Pirie series. Praise for A Blind Eye ‘Grips you from the start and never lets you go. Todd sparkles in what could be her best tartan noir yet.’ The Sun ‘Marion Todd masterfully weaves mystery and intrigue through every page. Top tier Scottish crime fiction.’ JD Kirk, author of the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers ‘The central characters feel like being in the company of old friends while the brisk plot and the immediacy of the writing really draw the reader along. An enthralling and engaging read.’ Caro Ramsay, author of the Detectives Anderson and Costello Mystery series ‘Clever and intriguing, with a cast of characters to root for – a brilliant St Andrews set mystery!’ Susi Holliday, author of The Hike ‘A smart plot, wonderful St Andrews setting, and a main character who feels real and engaging all make for a hugely enjoyable read.’ Lisa Gray, author of Lonely Hearts ‘A deeply absorbing mystery, brimming with complex characters, sinister secrets and ingenious reveals. One of the best crime novels I’ve read this year.’ B.P. Walter, author of The Dinner Guest ‘If you’re looking for a fabulous, fast-paced murder mystery, don’t miss this absolute gem!’ Carla Kovach, author of Her Deadly Promise ‘Like a literary Michelin star chef, Marion serves up a tale full of surprise and delight: a recipe of murder and deception that gets more delicious with each page.’ Morgan Cry, author of Six Wounds ‘Marion Todd goes from strength to strength... Every bit as cunning, twisty and satisfying as I would expect from such a talented writer.’ Alison Belsham, author of Her Last Breath ‘Pacy and enthralling, keeps you turning the pages at great speed... reminds me of the brilliant crime drama Unforgotten.’ The Scots Magazine ‘I love this series so much! Marion’s writing is brilliant and I look forward to each instalment with anticipation. The story was gripping and I couldn’t stop reading!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Once again, Marion has written a gripping story full of plot twists and turns. The threads of the plot are woven skillfully and the story is fast paced.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘An engaging, fluid and well thought out pacy police procedural with a solid mystery at heart, a deftly crafted cast of wholly credible characters, a firm sense of place and a compelling plot. The series shows no signs of flagging whatsoever.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

How can DI Clare Mackay uncover the facts if nothing is what it seems? DI Clare Mackay is called to Albany High, where the body of a girl has been found. A suspected suicide – yet Sophie Bakewell was by all accounts a cheerful, talented student. Could she really have been hiding a darker side? It’s not the only disturbing case to land on Clare’s desk. Across town, an elderly man is in danger. Yet before the police can determine the facts, everything changes and they are presented with two suspicious deaths to investigate. As Clare and her team face the possibility that anything they believe to be true about the deaths is wrong, they might find that a killer can lurk behind the most innocent of faces… An unputdownable crime thriller from the queen of Tartan Noir, perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Lin Anderson and JD Kirk. Praise for Bridges to Burn ‘Engrossing and immersive... had me hooked from the first page and I devoured it in one sitting’ Angela Marsons, author of the Detective Kim Stone series ‘Bridges to Burn is a treat for anyone who loves gripping, well plotted police procedurals with compelling character arcs... full of twists’ Rachel McLean, author of the Dorset Crime series ‘Intriguingly plotted with a plethora of teasingly plausible suspects’ Tim Sullivan, author of the DS Cross Thrillers ‘I absolutely loved Bridges to Burn... had me hooked from beginning to end’ Rachel Lynch, author of the DI Kelly Porter series ‘Such a gripping police procedural and a superb cast of characters. I feel like Clare’s team are old friends, and I can’t wait to read more from the Mackay series’ J.M. Hewitt, author of The Crew ‘Marion Todd just gets better and better. This latest installment keeps the reader turning the pages to a breathless finale’ Sheila Bugler, author of Black Valley Farm ‘Pacy, thrilling and full of twists and turns... A genuinely brilliant whodunnit that oozes all the dread, mystery and excitement that we've come to expect from this series’ Jonathan Whitelaw, author of The Bingo Hall Detectives 'Very human characters, superbly timed surprises and a masterfully plotted mystery... A page-turning success' B P Walter, author of Notes on a Murder ‘Sparkling prose and a nail-biting plot’ Sarah Ward, author of The Birthday Girl ‘Good storyline and engaging… hard to put down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This is the first book I have read by this author, and it certainly will not be the last. The story was well-crafted, gripping and quite brilliant. A brilliant police procedural’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘There are plenty of twists and red herrings to keep us on our toes. I love Marion's style of writing. The storyline is gripping… I think this is the best book in the series, so far’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Love the Claire Mackay novels. Great writing and premise. Amazing characters. Page-turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review