See Them Run: An utterly gripping detective thriller set in St Andrews

Marion Todd

Oct 2019 · Detective Clare Mackay Book 1 · Canelo

About this ebook

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BLOODY SCOTLAND SCOTTISH CRIME DEBUT OF THE YEAR 2020In 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.

Don’t miss the page-turning first novel in a gripping series featuring DI Clare Mackay, perfect for fans of Alex Gray, D. S. Butler and Rachel Amphlett.

Praise for See Them Run

‘One of Scotland's top up-and-coming crime writers’ The Scottish Sun

‘All the ingredients of a cracking crime novel : a strong female lead with a dark backstory, a vivid sense of place, a rising body count and a twist you don’t see coming ... A welcome addition to the Tartan Noir genre’ Claire Macleary, author of Cross Purpose

‘An original concept in police procedurals, See Them Run is suspense loaded from start to finish – and author Marion Todd couldn’t have delighted us more.’ I AM IN PRINT magazine

‘Marion Todd’s welcome addition to the genre feels like a breath of fresh, tartan noir air.’ Scottish Field

‘If you want a story that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing, your blood pressure rising and will leave you breathless then See Them Run is just the book for you. I can't wait to read of Marion's work in the future. This is a series which is going to run and run and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Hooked from the outset my attention never wavered until I read the last word of this excellent tale, such is the power of Marion Todd’s writing. If you like a fast-paced, believable crime story with originality and depth you’ll love See Them Run. I recommend it highly.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Well written with engaging characters that you are rooting for from the beginning. The story is well paced and makes you want to read on. I read this in just a few days. If you like Ann Cleeves, Angela Marsons etc then this is a great new series for you.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘As an avid detective series reader this is by far one of the best British debuts I’ve read. Beautifully written, understated & down to earth. Characters and plot are superb. Would highly recommend to all.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ratings and reviews

Would give 3.5 stars if possible. I was thoroughly engaged in this as a whodunnit/whydunnit and I really liked the main character Clare, her strength of character and resilience, especially. I did want to quibble with a number of plot points and presentations of character, though, which seemed quite unlikely to me and distracted me from an otherwise strong story. I found Clare's boss, the DCI too unprofessional and another character more central to the murder plot rather too conveniently running off at the mouth and filling in part of the story towards the finish, when that character's previous behaviour suggested someone unlikely to incriminate themselves so completely. A sub-plot based in Clare's past was strong at times but unconvincing at others, leaving me questioning whether a police officer would face the kind of pressure she was supposed to be facing.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the fifth book in this series and I liked it so much I went and bought the previous four books. Detective Inspector Clare Mackay runs the small St Andrews police station, she had previously been based in Glasgow in the Armed Response Unit, but she chose to move to St Andrews after she shot and killed a young man brandishing a replica gun during a robbery. She is estranged from her boyfriend as a result of the incident and her family and colleagues are concerned about her mental health. At a wedding celebration the bride's brother is lured outside and deliberately mown down by a car. The murderer reverses over his body and leaves a card with the number 5 on the victim's body. The following night another man is killed in the same fashion, although this time the card bears the number 4. Clare realises very quickly that there could be a serial killer at large with three further victims to come. But what connects them and who wants to kill them? To add to Clare's woes, the Detective Chief Inspector assigned to supervise the case was close friends with the second victim and his wife! I enjoyed this police procedural, there were some elements which seemed quite obvious and others which took me completely by surprise which is always a bonus. On to the next one.

My reviews are always short and sweet.... Great book, great read and moving onto book 2. For others who leave reviews - please stop giving away the whole book in your summary. It's incredibly annoying

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.