From the Shadows is the first in a new series of crime novels by G. R. Halliday set in the Scottish Highlands. The novel follows DI Monica Kennedy and social worker Michael Bach as their paths collide on the hunt for a serial killer.
The story is suitably dark and gripping. This combined with the bleak and rural location made for an engaging read. The setting was a character in itself, and Halliday's descriptions of the Highland landscape being picturesque yet oftentimes desolate and haunting really added to the narrative.
Monica and Michael were compelling leads, and their drive to discover the truth no matter the cost made for an even tenser read. Monica is a perfectly flawed anti-hero who you can't help but root for. Secrets in her past are alluded to but not explicitly explained, and it will be interesting to see her back story develop in future books.
However, the characterisation did feel repetitive at times. Many of Monica's chapters alluded to how tall she was, and this constant and unneeded repetition began to grate after the fiftieth mention. The ending was satisfying but felt a little rushed. Having spent the majority of the book following Monica and Michael as they hunted down clues to this elusive killer, I would have preferred a few more chapters with them after the reveal.
Overall I thought this was a brilliant debut and an excellent new Scottish crime series that is worth following.
The story is suitably dark and gripping. This combined with the bleak and rural location made for an engaging read. The setting was a character in itself, and Halliday's descriptions of the Highland landscape being picturesque yet oftentimes desolate and haunting really added to the narrative.
Monica and Michael were compelling leads, and their drive to discover the truth no matter the cost made for an even tenser read. Monica is a perfectly flawed anti-hero who you can't help but root for. Secrets in her past are alluded to but not explicitly explained, and it will be interesting to see her back story develop in future books.
However, the characterisation did feel repetitive at times. Many of Monica's chapters alluded to how tall she was, and this constant and unneeded repetition began to grate after the fiftieth mention. The ending was satisfying but felt a little rushed. Having spent the majority of the book following Monica and Michael as they hunted down clues to this elusive killer, I would have preferred a few more chapters with them after the reveal.
Overall I thought this was a brilliant debut and an excellent new Scottish crime series that is worth following.