This is the first book in the Anthony McLean detective series by James Oswald. I enjoyed the book, although would probably rate it closer to 3.5 stars than 4.

I liked the story and in particular, the mix of real and supernatural elements. The first half of the book seemed to work better for me than the latter half. The reason I'd give 3.5 stars rather than 4, was because it did feel a little like there was quite a bit of set up in terms of characters and McLean's personal situation. I'm sure this sets everything up nicely for book 2 so it won't all need to be covered in detail again.

I'd very happily read book two and beyond, particularly as the ending left me wondering. I also like the main character and how McLean can see things that others can't. I found this intriguing.

Overall, it was a good debut crime novel and I'm keen to read more to see if I can nudge up from 3.5 stars.

Excellent book and the start of a good series I am sure.

4.5 stars from me!

Oooh that's so nearly 5 stars isn't it!

Natural Causes is dark, brooding, grisly, intense, clever and immensely readable. I absolutely loved it and found myself frequently not wanting to put it down when I very much needed to (work and life do get in the way of a good book, don't they!).

I've seen reviews for this where people have found the opening scene to be a bit too full on - just to say that this scene is now at the back of the book, to be read or not as the reader wishes. Needless to say I read it and it is pretty grim!

I really like Detective Inspector Tony McLean, he is a 'proper' detective; can't rest until he's absolutely got to the bottom of a case. Stuart MacBride is great too and a lot of the more central characters are strong enough to carry the role - the only relationship that didn't work for me was the love interest but I guess that's hard when you've created a stand alone, aloof, need-no-one guy.

I recently reviewed Dead Men's Bones which is a later book in this series and I have to say I much, much preferred Natural Causes. Whether that is because the characters are more familiar to me now I'm not sure but for me this book is seriously good and I can't wait to read the next one.

So, why did it lose that last half a star? One teensy thing that just took it all a step too far (not the money, not the fact he's always right, not the many coincidences - I liked all of those); it was the last connection, the relative, that didn't work for me. A bridge too far.

When Edinburgh police find the killer of a prominent city elder less than twenty-four hours after the crime, they are justifiably pleased. So the murderer has killed himself; that just saves the time and cost of a trial. But a second murder days later bears haunting similarities to the first, even though once more the murderer swiftly confesses and kills himself.

Detective Inspector Anthony McLean is investigating the discovery of a dead girl, walled up in the basement of an old Edinburgh mansion. She has been brutally murdered, her internal organs removed and placed around her in six preserving jars. The evidence suggests this all happened over sixty years ago, an attempt to re-enact an ancient ceremony that by trapping a demon in the dead girl’s body would supposedly confer immortality on the six men who took one of her organs each.

Very good and I'll definitely read the next in the series! The second half of the book is much faster paced and gripping than the first, it really did become 'unputdownable' so probably more of a 3.5 than a 3-star. I found some of the murder descriptions very gory but luckily I read the latest print of the book which doesn't contain the extrememly gruesome original first chapter. This appeared in the first draft which was released as a free ebook last year.

The characters are interesting although perhaps a little clichéd. I would have preferred a little more of the supernatural element and a little less of the 'authentic' Scottish dialogue but it was a good read.

Enjoyed the story and the super natural elements of the story, but the whole internal bickering and tension in the police station is getting old.

review to follow..