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D.I. Clare Mackay #1
See Them Run
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.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2019
813 people are currently reading
3942 people want to read
About the author
Marion Todd
22 books345 followersMarion grew up in the City of Dundee, now home to the magnificent V&A Museum. Always a keen writer, she has had point-of-view pieces published in the Dundee Courier and short stories in My Weekly magazine. She won first prize in the Family Circle Magazine Short Story for Children Competition in 1987.
More recently, Marion has turned her hand to crime fiction and was one of only six commercial fiction writers selected to pitch to an industry panel at XPONorth in Inverness in 2017. In 2018 Marion was long-listed for the Sunstory Award and the Scottish Arts Council Short Story Award. This year she was short-listed for Dundee Rep’s Stripped programme. She is represented by Northbank Talent Management and her debut novel, See Them Run, will be published as an eBook by Canelo on 31 October 2019.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Marion worked as a lecturer, candle-maker and hotel lounge pianist, a job which provided rich material for her novels. When she isn’t writing, Marion can be found tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking in the beautiful Scotish countryside.
Marion lives in North East Fife overlooking the River Tay and is a sometime babysitter for her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.
More recently, Marion has turned her hand to crime fiction and was one of only six commercial fiction writers selected to pitch to an industry panel at XPONorth in Inverness in 2017. In 2018 Marion was long-listed for the Sunstory Award and the Scottish Arts Council Short Story Award. This year she was short-listed for Dundee Rep’s Stripped programme. She is represented by Northbank Talent Management and her debut novel, See Them Run, will be published as an eBook by Canelo on 31 October 2019.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Marion worked as a lecturer, candle-maker and hotel lounge pianist, a job which provided rich material for her novels. When she isn’t writing, Marion can be found tussling with her jungle-like garden and walking in the beautiful Scotish countryside.
Marion lives in North East Fife overlooking the River Tay and is a sometime babysitter for her daughter’s unruly but lovable dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
March 12, 2024
The blurb: 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
See Them Run is a solid first novel in Clare Mackay procedural crime series. At first, I was underwhelmed by the simple prose and not much introduction to the characters or the atmosphere. However, things have improved after 20-30% and I got to read a bit more background surrounding the main character. The mystery kept me interesting and it got pretty dark. I plan to continue with the series and see where the next case takes me.
See Them Run is a solid first novel in Clare Mackay procedural crime series. At first, I was underwhelmed by the simple prose and not much introduction to the characters or the atmosphere. However, things have improved after 20-30% and I got to read a bit more background surrounding the main character. The mystery kept me interesting and it got pretty dark. I plan to continue with the series and see where the next case takes me.
July 31, 2025
**'When telling a story; clarify and be concise with your ideas, have a vision and maybe be a pragmatist, maybe..'
Enjoyable read!
This 1st book in the DI Clare MacKay police procedural series starts off with a very complex gritty case -- that is well-paced with an atmospheric setting and a variance of supporting characters --- few with their own backstories.
Recommended book!
Enjoyable read!
This 1st book in the DI Clare MacKay police procedural series starts off with a very complex gritty case -- that is well-paced with an atmospheric setting and a variance of supporting characters --- few with their own backstories.
Recommended book!
July 27, 2023
For some reason this didn’t grab my attention the setting in Glasgow Scotland a DI Clare Mackay looking into a murder of a man in a hit & run case with the number 5 next to his body.
Unfortunately I wouldn’t call this a thriller was a police procedural that was too slow for me the characters weren’t appealing, I have had this on my kindle for ages but unfortunately the pacing didn’t suit me.
Unfortunately I wouldn’t call this a thriller was a police procedural that was too slow for me the characters weren’t appealing, I have had this on my kindle for ages but unfortunately the pacing didn’t suit me.
March 28, 2020
Detective Clare Mackay #1
DI Clare Mackay as recently transfer from Glasgow to St. Andrews. A man has been murdered at a hotel during a wedding reception. He had been knocked down by a hit and run driver and a card with the number 5 had been left beside him. This is the first in a series of killings and cards re left beside each victim. Clare and her team are under pressure to solve these murders.
This is a gripping and fast paced police procedural. Clare comes with a backstory ut I will leave you to find out what it is when you read the book. The characters are well rounded and believable. Set in St. Andrews but we do visit some other beautiful Scottish locations. It full of twist, turns and surprises. A very promising start to a new police procedural series. I'm looking forward to reading what the next book has to offer.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Marion Todd for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Clare Mackay as recently transfer from Glasgow to St. Andrews. A man has been murdered at a hotel during a wedding reception. He had been knocked down by a hit and run driver and a card with the number 5 had been left beside him. This is the first in a series of killings and cards re left beside each victim. Clare and her team are under pressure to solve these murders.
This is a gripping and fast paced police procedural. Clare comes with a backstory ut I will leave you to find out what it is when you read the book. The characters are well rounded and believable. Set in St. Andrews but we do visit some other beautiful Scottish locations. It full of twist, turns and surprises. A very promising start to a new police procedural series. I'm looking forward to reading what the next book has to offer.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author Marion Todd for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2019
A delightful beginning to a planned new police procedural series based in Scotland. The book and series features DI Clare MacKay, a former armed response officer who shot and killed a teenage suspect. Although the shooting was determined to be justified, with the suspect approaching the police with a gun pointed at them. It was later determined the gun he held was a toy, and the family is now considering a civil suit against Clare. All this is happening while Clare and her team begin investigating a murder which quickly escalates to another murder and a suspicion they may actually be hunting a serial killer.
Before the shooting, Clare was a successful police officer who lived with her boyfriend in a committed, loving relationship. Their relationship became strained as she was tried for the shooting and her boyfriend’s law office represented the victim’s family. Although he recused himself, he refused Clare’s request to sit with her in court and show his support. As soon as she was exonerated, she decided to leave Glasgow, separate from her boyfriend and move to St. Andrews to reestablish herself. The DCI who is called in to assist her team as they work to solve the murders questions if she is emotionally strong enough to complete the investigation.
Clare has been through counseling, and has been given permission to return to active duty, although the welfare officer still asks her if she is in need of additional assistance. As the book progresses, Clare and the DCI face off on several issues including her fitness to serve and his objection to the treatment of one of the victim’s wives who is a personal friend of his. The tension is just enough to add interest to the story without becoming overwhelming.
The book comes to a satisfactory conclusion and while I had figured it out prior to the final chapters I wasn’t too far ahead and it did not diminish my enjoyment of the novel. There are some great set-ups for the series to move forward with Clare possibly getting a new place to live, a potential love triangle as the old boyfriend tries to reconcile at almost the same time Clare meets someone new. There are several secondary characters who are engaging and offer possible secondary storylines as their relationships with Clare are expanded. Plus, while there is little detail offered about the location, it is still an added bonus to vicaiously travel to Scotland.
If you like police procedurals, or detective fiction, or detective fiction in Scotland, then this is a series for you to consider picking up in the beginning. This story is complete within the novel, but relationships and how they play out are likely to expand with the series. It’s scheduled to be published on October 31st, so you have just enough time to visit your local bookseller to order it or get on the waiting list at your library. If they haven’t ordered it, now is the time to ask them to put it on their list. My thanks to Canelo Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital read copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Before the shooting, Clare was a successful police officer who lived with her boyfriend in a committed, loving relationship. Their relationship became strained as she was tried for the shooting and her boyfriend’s law office represented the victim’s family. Although he recused himself, he refused Clare’s request to sit with her in court and show his support. As soon as she was exonerated, she decided to leave Glasgow, separate from her boyfriend and move to St. Andrews to reestablish herself. The DCI who is called in to assist her team as they work to solve the murders questions if she is emotionally strong enough to complete the investigation.
Clare has been through counseling, and has been given permission to return to active duty, although the welfare officer still asks her if she is in need of additional assistance. As the book progresses, Clare and the DCI face off on several issues including her fitness to serve and his objection to the treatment of one of the victim’s wives who is a personal friend of his. The tension is just enough to add interest to the story without becoming overwhelming.
The book comes to a satisfactory conclusion and while I had figured it out prior to the final chapters I wasn’t too far ahead and it did not diminish my enjoyment of the novel. There are some great set-ups for the series to move forward with Clare possibly getting a new place to live, a potential love triangle as the old boyfriend tries to reconcile at almost the same time Clare meets someone new. There are several secondary characters who are engaging and offer possible secondary storylines as their relationships with Clare are expanded. Plus, while there is little detail offered about the location, it is still an added bonus to vicaiously travel to Scotland.
If you like police procedurals, or detective fiction, or detective fiction in Scotland, then this is a series for you to consider picking up in the beginning. This story is complete within the novel, but relationships and how they play out are likely to expand with the series. It’s scheduled to be published on October 31st, so you have just enough time to visit your local bookseller to order it or get on the waiting list at your library. If they haven’t ordered it, now is the time to ask them to put it on their list. My thanks to Canelo Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced digital read copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 10, 2020
I loved this book! It was so tense and exciting the murders just kept popping up and although I thought I knew who was doing the killings I was not completely right. I love books like these as it keeps you interested all the way through. The end was just how I want a crime book to end and I’ve already got the second one in this series to read at a later date. I just wish I could give it more than five stars!!!!
July 23, 2022
If you like police procedurals, Scottish settings, and a flawed but likable MC, then See Them Run is for you. This is the first in a series, and I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series.
June 27, 2021
I mean... 1.5 stars with a headwind.
The author's writing style is very dialogue-driven, which works in propelling the plot forward, but... that's it. That's all the author's writing style is. There's precious little characterization, no world-building (does Scotland have weather, author? Like, any weather?), giant plot holes, an unexplained obsession with finding parking, and unfamiliarity with both police procedure and how credit card machines work.
On the plus side, nothing bad happens to the dog.
Content notes over at DoesTheDogDie.com.
The author's writing style is very dialogue-driven, which works in propelling the plot forward, but... that's it. That's all the author's writing style is. There's precious little characterization, no world-building (does Scotland have weather, author? Like, any weather?), giant plot holes, an unexplained obsession with finding parking, and unfamiliarity with both police procedure and how credit card machines work.
On the plus side, nothing bad happens to the dog.
Content notes over at DoesTheDogDie.com.
April 20, 2024
Listening with Simon while we work together on painting the inside of our home. He said that this one sounded the most interesting of the book choices I provided.
We agreed that this was much darker than we had realized. The murders themselves were quite grisly and then, when we discovered the motivation behind the murders we were caught off-guard. We don't plan to pursue any further volumes in the series.
We agreed that this was much darker than we had realized. The murders themselves were quite grisly and then, when we discovered the motivation behind the murders we were caught off-guard. We don't plan to pursue any further volumes in the series.
January 19, 2020
See Them Run is a Scottish police procedural. The first in a new series by author Marion Todd, featuring DI Clare Mackay.
Following an incident in the Glasgow armed response unit, DI Mackay left her life behind, and asked for a transfer that landed her in the coastal town of St Andrews, between Edinburgh and Dundee.
She’s two months into her post when a guest to a wedding gets run over by a car, twice (better be sure), after having been purposely led outside the reception. Bizarre detail, a card with the number 5 is left on the body. Thus begins the classic procedure of investigating an homicide. That is, until a second death happens in the same fashion, and a « 4 » card is found on the new body. This becomes a serial killing case and, the only link between the two very different victims seems to be their use of the Darknet, which could mean anything, from care for privacy to the worst criminal activities.
See Them Run is a densely packed thriller, never leaving the reader a minute to breathe. This serial killer isn’t playing games and acts swiftly, with determination. There are no riddles nor « catch me if you can ». The victims pile up fast and the investigators race to catch up, with a specially detached DCI breathing down their neck. This DCI having been a close friend of the second victim. A prominent member of the community.
The author nevertheless takes time to introduce all of the elements I’ve learned to love in good British crime books and shows. By the end of the novel, we’ve learned a lot about DI Mackay’s personal and professional lives, and those of her new team in St Andrews.
The investigation also closes up nicely, with a burst of several clever final twists I didn’t see coming.
This left me yearning for more. Fortunately, the second book in the series, In Plain Sight, is due to be released on February 20, 2020, and I’ve had the pleasure of being granted an advance copy of it (prompting me to buy and read this first entry).
Brush up on your Scottish before reading. My Kindle’s dictionary has been useful a handful of times.
Will the second book measure up to the first ? I’m going to find out right away.
Following an incident in the Glasgow armed response unit, DI Mackay left her life behind, and asked for a transfer that landed her in the coastal town of St Andrews, between Edinburgh and Dundee.
She’s two months into her post when a guest to a wedding gets run over by a car, twice (better be sure), after having been purposely led outside the reception. Bizarre detail, a card with the number 5 is left on the body. Thus begins the classic procedure of investigating an homicide. That is, until a second death happens in the same fashion, and a « 4 » card is found on the new body. This becomes a serial killing case and, the only link between the two very different victims seems to be their use of the Darknet, which could mean anything, from care for privacy to the worst criminal activities.
See Them Run is a densely packed thriller, never leaving the reader a minute to breathe. This serial killer isn’t playing games and acts swiftly, with determination. There are no riddles nor « catch me if you can ». The victims pile up fast and the investigators race to catch up, with a specially detached DCI breathing down their neck. This DCI having been a close friend of the second victim. A prominent member of the community.
The author nevertheless takes time to introduce all of the elements I’ve learned to love in good British crime books and shows. By the end of the novel, we’ve learned a lot about DI Mackay’s personal and professional lives, and those of her new team in St Andrews.
The investigation also closes up nicely, with a burst of several clever final twists I didn’t see coming.
This left me yearning for more. Fortunately, the second book in the series, In Plain Sight, is due to be released on February 20, 2020, and I’ve had the pleasure of being granted an advance copy of it (prompting me to buy and read this first entry).
Brush up on your Scottish before reading. My Kindle’s dictionary has been useful a handful of times.
Will the second book measure up to the first ? I’m going to find out right away.
March 28, 2024
I enjoy reading police procedurals, so when I came across Marion Todd's book, See Them Run, I snapped it up. The story held my attention throughout. It was well-written, and the plot was unique. Todd does an excellent job describing the areas where her main character, Clare, was called to investigate. Her descriptions made me feel like I was present in every scene.
"This was St Andrews - a small seaside town known for being the home of golf, its population swollen by the students who studied at its centuries-old university..."
Todd did her homework and put a lot of interesting information between the pages that kept me engaged. This is a solid police procedural. Todd kept me guessing who the killer was. Because I'm not Scottish, I had to look up several words and phrases, but it did not stumble me.
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will read more of Todd's books. A five-star whodunnit.
"This was St Andrews - a small seaside town known for being the home of golf, its population swollen by the students who studied at its centuries-old university..."
Todd did her homework and put a lot of interesting information between the pages that kept me engaged. This is a solid police procedural. Todd kept me guessing who the killer was. Because I'm not Scottish, I had to look up several words and phrases, but it did not stumble me.
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will read more of Todd's books. A five-star whodunnit.
June 4, 2022
A three-star rating from me does not mean that SEE THEM RUN was a bad book. This was an average police procedural with no surprises. This was the first book in a new series, and I did like the main protagonist, DI Clare MacKay, so I’ll probably read more in this sequence when I am in the mood for a quick, easy read.
September 20, 2021
What a shame that the author chose to narrate her novel herself. I'm sorry to say, and no offense meant, but it comes across as a report, not a work of fiction. I think she should leave it to professional narrators.
January 17, 2023
Gripping detective thriller . . .
. . . is a great description of this novel. Started off slowly, as most are likely to do, but once you got into the meat of it you’d keep reading to the end before you know it! Lots of fun Scottish terms, colorful characters, and quite the page-turner in the end. Some sexual content. Still a fun fiction to read.
. . . is a great description of this novel. Started off slowly, as most are likely to do, but once you got into the meat of it you’d keep reading to the end before you know it! Lots of fun Scottish terms, colorful characters, and quite the page-turner in the end. Some sexual content. Still a fun fiction to read.
September 3, 2025
Нарешті я знайшла серію шотландських детективів де мені сподобалось все. Не занадто драматично, перенавантежено подіями і не закручено-перекручено так, що забуваєш з чого все починалось. Цікава детективка без серйозного психологічного демеджу але зі своїм багажем. І саме розслідування було дуже захопливим.
П'ять зірок я ставлю детективам лише в тому випадку коли обов'язково хочу їх перечитати. Це не той випадок, але від книги я отримала все чого хочеться від поліцейського детективу.
П'ять зірок я ставлю детективам лише в тому випадку коли обов'язково хочу їх перечитати. Це не той випадок, але від книги я отримала все чого хочеться від поліцейського детективу.
October 19, 2019
A great new start to a new Police procedural series. I just love them. Detective Inspector Clare Mackay recently transferred from Glasgow to St Andrews after an incident that changed her direction in her career.
A body is found in a car park of a nearby hotel where a wedding reception is under way. The body was crushed under the wheels of a car. Not once but twice. A card with the number 5 is left with the body. Nobody knows why he was killed. When another body is found with the number 4 Clare knows that there is a serial killer on the loose. There is a race against time to find why these people are being murdered and what is the link between them, before someone else is killed.
This is another great intriguing series. Great storyline and interesting characters. I would have liked to find out more of the different team members but, maybe that will develop in the next episode of the series. I will look forward to it.
A body is found in a car park of a nearby hotel where a wedding reception is under way. The body was crushed under the wheels of a car. Not once but twice. A card with the number 5 is left with the body. Nobody knows why he was killed. When another body is found with the number 4 Clare knows that there is a serial killer on the loose. There is a race against time to find why these people are being murdered and what is the link between them, before someone else is killed.
This is another great intriguing series. Great storyline and interesting characters. I would have liked to find out more of the different team members but, maybe that will develop in the next episode of the series. I will look forward to it.
July 25, 2022
Well, this was a nice surprise.
I had never heard about this author, nor her books, but the idea of crimes taking place in Scotland seemed very interesting, so I decided to give it a try.
And was not disappointed. Sure, maybe the story is nothing new, but I actually liked Clare, the DI. She obviously has a past, but, in this case, I didn't find this to be overwhelming. I mean, despite the problems from her past, Clare didn't act like these would be able to affect her too much, or impair her job. She seemed focused throughout and I liked that.
The story had its bit of unpleasantness, but I didn't find it that predictable.
Overall, a good one. I will continue with this series.
I had never heard about this author, nor her books, but the idea of crimes taking place in Scotland seemed very interesting, so I decided to give it a try.
And was not disappointed. Sure, maybe the story is nothing new, but I actually liked Clare, the DI. She obviously has a past, but, in this case, I didn't find this to be overwhelming. I mean, despite the problems from her past, Clare didn't act like these would be able to affect her too much, or impair her job. She seemed focused throughout and I liked that.
The story had its bit of unpleasantness, but I didn't find it that predictable.
Overall, a good one. I will continue with this series.
December 7, 2022
This is the first book of the series, and a new to me author.
I enjoyed this and was gripped in the sense I wanted to see how it all wrapped up.
It wasn't on the edge of your seat stuff, more police procedural but with a well written plot it holds the arrention.
From victims turning criminal, criminals turning victim, police chasing both criminals and victims, there certainly is plenty going on with lots of characters playing a role.
I will be reading more in the series, but maybe not jumping straight in as my next read.
I enjoyed this and was gripped in the sense I wanted to see how it all wrapped up.
It wasn't on the edge of your seat stuff, more police procedural but with a well written plot it holds the arrention.
From victims turning criminal, criminals turning victim, police chasing both criminals and victims, there certainly is plenty going on with lots of characters playing a role.
I will be reading more in the series, but maybe not jumping straight in as my next read.
August 18, 2024
A solid start to a new series set in St Andrews, interesting story, good execution, but for whatever reason, it didn't quite grab me.
November 23, 2019
As a fan of police procedurals, I was excited to discover a new series to sink my teeth into. SEE THEM RUN is the first in a new series by Marion Todd, featuring DI Clare McKay, and set in the Scottish seaside town of St Andrews.
After shooting dead a 15 year old boy who was brandishing what turned out to be a toy gun in an armed robbery, Clare McKay left the grit of Glasgow behind and transferred to the picturesque St Andrews, more famous for its golf course and historic university than crime. Having established a rapport with her new team, Clare was quickly thrown into a suspicious hit and run in the drive of a hotel where a wedding reception is underway. The victim was crushed, having been run over not once but twice. A white card with the number 5 is found on the body. When a second victim is found with the number 4, Clare suspects a serial killer is in their midst.
With this knowledge, and her rank only being a DI, Clare and her team know that a DCI will be tasked to oversee the investigation and soon enough DCI Alistair Gibson arrives from Edinburgh to assist. But it seems Clare's reputation precedes her. That is, her involvement in the shooting in Glasgow as an Armed Response Officer, and it seems he doubts her ability to lead the inquiry into these suspicious deaths, questioning both her fitness and her treatment of the second victim's wife who turns out to be a personal friend of his. But Clare is methodical and determined to solved this case, as she looks to settle and made a home for herself in this town.
It soon becomes clear someone is targeting these men when an attack on a third man is witness by a dog walker, resulting in the victim being found alive and rushed to hospital. A rain sodden white card with the number 3 was found at the scene, along with the green paint of the vehicle involved. The witness was able to provide a general description of the vehicle as being an old style Land Rover, a partial registration and with the surprising supposition that the driver was a woman.
Clare and her partner, DS Chris West, delve into the lives of each of the victims and catch a lucky break in the home of the third victim, Nat Dryden. His laptop was open, no password protection and no security installed, with an address to somewhere on the dark net called the "Playroom". Analyses of the first two victims - Andy Robb and Bruce Gilmartin - link all three men to TOR, an internet browser that guarantees anonymity by hiding and deleting your internet history. That in itself is nothing...but it's what they find on Nat's laptop that leads them to believe that something far more disturbing is at play.
The first victim, Andy Robb, it seems, couldn't keep it in his pants and was out at his club on Thursday nights, withdrawing £100 each week. The second victim, Bruce Gilmartin, was the CEO of a well-established brewery in St Andrews and Thursday nights was spent at one of his many charities. But Clare and her team could not find which one he bestowed upon each week. And then it seemed that the third victim, Nat Dryden, also had a mysterious committment every Thursday. So just what was it about Thursdays that linked these men?
Of course it doesn't help that DCI Gibson is close friends with the Gilmartins and warns Clare off upsetting Mrs Gilmartin any further. But Clare is fairly sure the wife knows a little more than she is letting on, despite being in Amsterdam when her husband was killed.
The clock is ticking for Clare and her team, knowing the killer is on some kind of countdown which will inevitably end with Number 1. Under pressure from her DCI, Clare must quickly identify the remaining victims but in doing so takes her on an unsettling journey within the dark net.
Unlike many other crime fiction stories, SEE THEM RUN is wholly a police procedural where you see the investigation unravel from the viewpoint of the police. The only insight into the victims' lives and any suspects is again from the police perspective. I'm not sure yet if that is preferable or not - in my own opinion - though it still made for compelling reading.
I enjoyed Clare's camaraderie she had with her team, with the exception of DCI Gibson, however even he was won over in the end. I look forward to getting to know Clare and DS West a bit more in future books, and this was an interesting introduction to them. It is obvious that Clare is feeling her way after the debacle in Glasgow and although she is still somewhat unsettled and lonely - particularly with the threat of the criminal suit by the boy's family - I hope that will soon be remedied by her putting down roots in purchasing the cottage that took her eye and the warm addition of Benjy.
Who is Benjy? Read the book to find out! I'm in love with him already and hope to see more of him (with no harm coming to him of course) both in Clare's life and in future books.
I am thrilled to see the new onslaught of British crime fiction being set in Scotland now, and this one is a great addition. It is a refreshing change being set in picturesque St Andrews, as opposed to gritty Glasgow, Aberbeen and Edinburgh. If you love detective fiction and police procedurals...particularly British crime fiction, you will love SEE THEM RUN and this new series featuring DI Clare McKay.
I would like to thank #MarionTodd, #NetGalley and #Canelo for an ARC of #SeeThemRun in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
After shooting dead a 15 year old boy who was brandishing what turned out to be a toy gun in an armed robbery, Clare McKay left the grit of Glasgow behind and transferred to the picturesque St Andrews, more famous for its golf course and historic university than crime. Having established a rapport with her new team, Clare was quickly thrown into a suspicious hit and run in the drive of a hotel where a wedding reception is underway. The victim was crushed, having been run over not once but twice. A white card with the number 5 is found on the body. When a second victim is found with the number 4, Clare suspects a serial killer is in their midst.
With this knowledge, and her rank only being a DI, Clare and her team know that a DCI will be tasked to oversee the investigation and soon enough DCI Alistair Gibson arrives from Edinburgh to assist. But it seems Clare's reputation precedes her. That is, her involvement in the shooting in Glasgow as an Armed Response Officer, and it seems he doubts her ability to lead the inquiry into these suspicious deaths, questioning both her fitness and her treatment of the second victim's wife who turns out to be a personal friend of his. But Clare is methodical and determined to solved this case, as she looks to settle and made a home for herself in this town.
It soon becomes clear someone is targeting these men when an attack on a third man is witness by a dog walker, resulting in the victim being found alive and rushed to hospital. A rain sodden white card with the number 3 was found at the scene, along with the green paint of the vehicle involved. The witness was able to provide a general description of the vehicle as being an old style Land Rover, a partial registration and with the surprising supposition that the driver was a woman.
Clare and her partner, DS Chris West, delve into the lives of each of the victims and catch a lucky break in the home of the third victim, Nat Dryden. His laptop was open, no password protection and no security installed, with an address to somewhere on the dark net called the "Playroom". Analyses of the first two victims - Andy Robb and Bruce Gilmartin - link all three men to TOR, an internet browser that guarantees anonymity by hiding and deleting your internet history. That in itself is nothing...but it's what they find on Nat's laptop that leads them to believe that something far more disturbing is at play.
The first victim, Andy Robb, it seems, couldn't keep it in his pants and was out at his club on Thursday nights, withdrawing £100 each week. The second victim, Bruce Gilmartin, was the CEO of a well-established brewery in St Andrews and Thursday nights was spent at one of his many charities. But Clare and her team could not find which one he bestowed upon each week. And then it seemed that the third victim, Nat Dryden, also had a mysterious committment every Thursday. So just what was it about Thursdays that linked these men?
Of course it doesn't help that DCI Gibson is close friends with the Gilmartins and warns Clare off upsetting Mrs Gilmartin any further. But Clare is fairly sure the wife knows a little more than she is letting on, despite being in Amsterdam when her husband was killed.
The clock is ticking for Clare and her team, knowing the killer is on some kind of countdown which will inevitably end with Number 1. Under pressure from her DCI, Clare must quickly identify the remaining victims but in doing so takes her on an unsettling journey within the dark net.
Unlike many other crime fiction stories, SEE THEM RUN is wholly a police procedural where you see the investigation unravel from the viewpoint of the police. The only insight into the victims' lives and any suspects is again from the police perspective. I'm not sure yet if that is preferable or not - in my own opinion - though it still made for compelling reading.
I enjoyed Clare's camaraderie she had with her team, with the exception of DCI Gibson, however even he was won over in the end. I look forward to getting to know Clare and DS West a bit more in future books, and this was an interesting introduction to them. It is obvious that Clare is feeling her way after the debacle in Glasgow and although she is still somewhat unsettled and lonely - particularly with the threat of the criminal suit by the boy's family - I hope that will soon be remedied by her putting down roots in purchasing the cottage that took her eye and the warm addition of Benjy.
Who is Benjy? Read the book to find out! I'm in love with him already and hope to see more of him (with no harm coming to him of course) both in Clare's life and in future books.
I am thrilled to see the new onslaught of British crime fiction being set in Scotland now, and this one is a great addition. It is a refreshing change being set in picturesque St Andrews, as opposed to gritty Glasgow, Aberbeen and Edinburgh. If you love detective fiction and police procedurals...particularly British crime fiction, you will love SEE THEM RUN and this new series featuring DI Clare McKay.
I would like to thank #MarionTodd, #NetGalley and #Canelo for an ARC of #SeeThemRun in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 4, 2019
I love police procedurals and especially those which have a strong kick-ass female lead who could make my heart race faster as the investigation reaches its zenith and DI Clare Mckay of one such main character.
Having transferred to St. Andrews from Glasgow, under a cloud of suspicion with a disturbed personal life, Clare Mckay was quickly thrown into a suspicious hit and run case with a number card on it. When another such case occurred, she knew she had a serial killer on her hands.
My first book by author Marion Todd, and it was a pretty fast read. I could finish it in a couple of hours. Clare was a great leader, her determination and willingness to do anything to get to the killer put me in awe of her. She was strong and vulnerable and the story was brought alive by Marion’s fantastic writing.
The race against time was adrenaline filled. I barely could assimilate the fun in the non stop action. The writing was lucid and flawless. The author made me realize why I love a murder mystery and police procedural so much.
A fantastic read, if I may say so.
Having transferred to St. Andrews from Glasgow, under a cloud of suspicion with a disturbed personal life, Clare Mckay was quickly thrown into a suspicious hit and run case with a number card on it. When another such case occurred, she knew she had a serial killer on her hands.
My first book by author Marion Todd, and it was a pretty fast read. I could finish it in a couple of hours. Clare was a great leader, her determination and willingness to do anything to get to the killer put me in awe of her. She was strong and vulnerable and the story was brought alive by Marion’s fantastic writing.
The race against time was adrenaline filled. I barely could assimilate the fun in the non stop action. The writing was lucid and flawless. The author made me realize why I love a murder mystery and police procedural so much.
A fantastic read, if I may say so.
June 9, 2022
This is a wonderful audiobook thriller written and narrated by Marion Todd, the Scottish author. Todd has a wonderful pace and natural affect, with a pleasant Scottish brogue. Could listen to her all day long and some days I surely did.
What also really worked for me is that Todd is unique in her writing (with exciting twists and turns), and whenever I thought a typical formula would be followed, I was delightfully wrong!! Todd doesn’t take an easy hook to tidy things up or to switch to a new chapter or character. In fact, she frequently passed over a number of opportunities to make the reader think or do x or z. Todd continued leading the reader into chapters that were both exciting and surprising, and without trite, fake and/or gratuitous writing.
I’m now moving onto Todd’s #2 in this terrific mystery/thriller series. Did I tell you I LOVE Todd’s accent and voice !!?
What also really worked for me is that Todd is unique in her writing (with exciting twists and turns), and whenever I thought a typical formula would be followed, I was delightfully wrong!! Todd doesn’t take an easy hook to tidy things up or to switch to a new chapter or character. In fact, she frequently passed over a number of opportunities to make the reader think or do x or z. Todd continued leading the reader into chapters that were both exciting and surprising, and without trite, fake and/or gratuitous writing.
I’m now moving onto Todd’s #2 in this terrific mystery/thriller series. Did I tell you I LOVE Todd’s accent and voice !!?
October 22, 2019
The first novel in a series featuring D.I. Claire Mackay. Rich characterization, an interesting location and a very satisfying plot makes this a gripping debut novel, This is an enjoyable police procedural which captures the reader's attention from the very beginning. I look forward to the next in this series .My thanks to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
1.5 rounded up
Dear Lord this was one very very boring book and the narrator didn't help the cause, on the contrary.
If you reaaaally want to read this book, read the first 2 and last 2 chapters. Everything else is absolutely irrelevant.
Dear Lord this was one very very boring book and the narrator didn't help the cause, on the contrary.
If you reaaaally want to read this book, read the first 2 and last 2 chapters. Everything else is absolutely irrelevant.
July 17, 2022
Love the characters here! Thanks to a Goodreads review by my Aussie friend Pat, I searched my library for this author to no avail. Then Pat suggested Hoopla, the library App, where I found the first 6 in the series…so hooray and thanks, Pat! I will keep reading them for sure—bonus is that I have this one on Audio, narrated by the author herself. So I went back and forth from Ebook to Audiobook as the situation dictated! These are mysteries…
October 24, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of See Them Run, the first novel to feature DI Clare Mackay of the St Andrews Police.
Clare has only recently moved to St Andrews when she is called out to her first murder case where a man has been lured out of a wedding and run over. Puzzlingly, a card with the number 5 has been pinned to his chest. When a second man is killed the same way with the number 4 attached Clare and the team realise that they are looking for a potential serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed See Them Run which is a tense, exciting read that never flags. After an initial description of the first victim’s experience the narrative sticks firmly to Clare’s point of view. I like this approach as it gives the reader the opportunity to identify with her and get really involved in the highs and lows of the investigation. I found myself gripped and unwilling to put it down. I also liked the plot which, while covering fairly familiar ground in crime fiction, is distinctive enough to have its own voice. The reveals come at satisfying intervals but often throw up twists or further questions so the reader is still left with plenty of interest and curiosity.
I also liked the balance of work and personal in Clare’s life. After a difficult situation she left Glasgow for a fresh start in St Andrews. It is not immediately clear what that situation is but it is teased out over the course of the novel and hums in the background of her life. I thought it was well handled - serious enough to be distracting but not over emphasised at the expense of the investigation. In fact I think the whole novel is very accomplished for a debut.
Although Clare is the protagonist of the novel I didn’t feel that I really got to know her in this novel. She is a smart, dedicated detective and obviously a decent human being but, perhaps because she is determined to make her mark on a new patch, she seems to have little life outside her job. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better as the series, hopefully, progresses.
See Them Run is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Clare has only recently moved to St Andrews when she is called out to her first murder case where a man has been lured out of a wedding and run over. Puzzlingly, a card with the number 5 has been pinned to his chest. When a second man is killed the same way with the number 4 attached Clare and the team realise that they are looking for a potential serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed See Them Run which is a tense, exciting read that never flags. After an initial description of the first victim’s experience the narrative sticks firmly to Clare’s point of view. I like this approach as it gives the reader the opportunity to identify with her and get really involved in the highs and lows of the investigation. I found myself gripped and unwilling to put it down. I also liked the plot which, while covering fairly familiar ground in crime fiction, is distinctive enough to have its own voice. The reveals come at satisfying intervals but often throw up twists or further questions so the reader is still left with plenty of interest and curiosity.
I also liked the balance of work and personal in Clare’s life. After a difficult situation she left Glasgow for a fresh start in St Andrews. It is not immediately clear what that situation is but it is teased out over the course of the novel and hums in the background of her life. I thought it was well handled - serious enough to be distracting but not over emphasised at the expense of the investigation. In fact I think the whole novel is very accomplished for a debut.
Although Clare is the protagonist of the novel I didn’t feel that I really got to know her in this novel. She is a smart, dedicated detective and obviously a decent human being but, perhaps because she is determined to make her mark on a new patch, she seems to have little life outside her job. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better as the series, hopefully, progresses.
See Them Run is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 24, 2020
A great read, highly recommend this police procedural. Has everything I like in this genre - suspense, angst, and mystery. Some red herrings tossed in just to keep you on your toes!
4 solid stars (creeping towards 4.5) and 2 thumbs up!
From the blurb: 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.
4 solid stars (creeping towards 4.5) and 2 thumbs up!
From the blurb: 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.
October 2, 2019
A great read!
DI Clare MacKay is on a case that involves numbers. Each victim has a numbered card along with their body. Clare and her team are on the lookout for a serial killer who strikes at people who seemingly have no connection to one anther.
The first victim was found at a wedding. The victims may have link to TOR - on the dark net.
Personal problems also plague Clare stemming from her Glasgow life.
Clare seems to be getting so close to the suspect (who runs their targets over with a vehicle), but a snag always blocks any leads.
An exciting story that will be of interest to many readers! RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for a great read!
DI Clare MacKay is on a case that involves numbers. Each victim has a numbered card along with their body. Clare and her team are on the lookout for a serial killer who strikes at people who seemingly have no connection to one anther.
The first victim was found at a wedding. The victims may have link to TOR - on the dark net.
Personal problems also plague Clare stemming from her Glasgow life.
Clare seems to be getting so close to the suspect (who runs their targets over with a vehicle), but a snag always blocks any leads.
An exciting story that will be of interest to many readers! RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for a great read!
November 6, 2022
I enjoyed this book, but I will say that this plot has been done and I am getting over reading about it. This book deals with a subject that is really distasteful so be warned, that being said I guessed what the motive was early on.
All in all a good read with a tight plot. The audio book is narrated by the author and I also have mixed feelings about that, there were times that the narration felt a little flat to me.
All in all a good read.
All in all a good read with a tight plot. The audio book is narrated by the author and I also have mixed feelings about that, there were times that the narration felt a little flat to me.
All in all a good read.
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