What They Knew: A page-turning Scottish detective book

Marion Todd

Feb 2021 · Detective Clare Mackay Book 4 · Canelo

About this ebook

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 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ratings and reviews

Marion Todd continues to impress with this book, which is the fourth in the DI Clare Mackay series. This time, Clare is faced with a killer who at first appears able to throw her off track in her hunt to catch them. Before she knows it though, she is in a race against time to catch the killer and has to work out, is this another serial killer who is your run of the mill psychopath, or is the motive more complicated than that? Once again Marion Todd took control of me and held me hostage from the first page until the last. Nothing ever stops me whilst I read a book in this series and What They Knew was no different. I was completely engrossed and in no time raced through it aided by its short chapters, where each leave you wanting more. I absolutely love Clare and she is such a fantastic character that carries this series on her shoulders so well. With each book she just keeps getting better. Ending on a cliffhanger in the previous book, Lies to Tell, Clare was faced with quite the conundrum and I was eagerly awaiting this instalment to find out it’s outcome. No spoilers here, you will just have to read this to find out what I’m talking about… As with the series, Marion Todd’s writing is first class. Engaging, fluid and so visual, you feel like you are also part of the story. I was by Clare and Chris’ side as they took me on a thrilling ride in search of the killer that culminates in an emotional outcome, which had me feeling sympathy for the killer. What They Knew is another outstanding piece of work and a brilliant addition to this series. It is a fast paced, thrilling and a suspenseful read and while it can be read as a standalone, I encourage you to read it from the beginning. You most certainly will not be disappointed! Now, I will wait very impatiently for book 5!

The fourth instalment of this Scottish police procedural series. It's New Year's Eve and for one woman it will be her last night on earth, her late night visitor has more than just Bombay Mix and prosecco in mind. When DI Clare Mackay is called in to investigate it looks like a tragic accident, falling asleep in the bath and drowning after too much alcohol. But the neighbour who found the body is convinced that there are several things that are out of character for her precise neighbour. Then the SOCO team point out that there is a corkscrew on the kitchen side with a cork, but no bottle of wine or glasses. Then the pathologist mentions another case of drowning with some similarities - could this be a serial killer? I enjoyed this one, again there were some things which I as a reader picked up on quicker than the police investigation team, but then I'm reading a crime novel and I know the deaths are murders and they are linked!

I'm really into this series now!! I don't think you get the full value of these books if you read them as stand alone books. Chris and Sara, Clare, Jim, Al all make this series. Moving onto book number 5!

About the author

A native of Dundee, Marion studied music and worked for many years as a piano teacher and jobbing accompanist. Early writing success saw her winning first prize in the Family Circle magazine short story for children national competition and subsequently writing for her local newspaper. Now a full-time writer, Marion lives in North-east Fife, overlooking the River Tay.