Top notch crime fiction – a gripping and satisfying read

This is the second book in the DI Joe Galbraith series. Having enjoyed the first one, Shadow on the Hill, very much, I had high expectations for this new one. I wasn’t disappointed.

If anything Madness Lies is even better than its predecessor. And I should also say it’s not necessary to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one – but I recommend that you do.

The book is set once again in Inverness and the Western Isles, and both are vividly described. There is murder, violence and the threat of violence for Detective Galbraith to deal with. But it’s not all about crime. Joe’s work relationships and his personal ones also figure strongly in the plot, as do the themes of love, family and friendship.

The characters are engaging. Joe Galbraith is the perfect mix of strong and vulnerable and the supporting cast are expertly drawn.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoilers. But I can say the seeds are expertly planted early on. The backstories of the characters are fed in well. The climax is superb and the ending flows well from all that has gone before.

This book definitely comes into the category of difficult to put down. First class crime fiction.

Back Cover Blurb:

When an Inverness Councillor is murdered in broad daylight in the middle of town, Detective Sergeant Joe Galbraith sees a familiar figure running from the scene. According to everyone who knows him, the Councillor had no enemies, but someone clearly wanted him dead. The victim’s high profile means the police want a quick resolution to the case, but no one seems to know anything. Or if they do, they’re not prepared to say. This second novel of Highland Noir from Helen Forbes continues the series with a crime thriller that moves between Inverness, North Uist and London, reaching a terrifying denouement at the notorious Black Rock Gorge. 

Madness Lies is published by Thunderpoint Publishing and is available as a paperback and as an ebook.