Silent bones by Val McDermid

Karen Pirie tackles two cases in the 8th book in the Inspector Karen Pirie series. A landslide on a motorway reveals a body, that of journalist Sam Nimmo who had been suspected of murdering his pregnant fiancée and fleeing from the scene. However, it appears that he, too, has been murdered. Karen and her Historic Cases Unit must uncover a trail of clues about the cases that the journalist was investigating at the time of his disappearance. What was happening that would lead to his death? Meanwhile, a grieving brother is convinced that his sibling’s death was not accidental and produces enough evidence for Karen and her team to reopen the case of Tom Jamieson's fall down slippery steps in Edinburgh. The team are faced with the question of what his death had to do with a wealthy book club to which he belonged.

McDermid is a very clever author who smoothly carries the reader along as Karen steers her team, using the skills of Daisy and Jason, the Mint, to follow clues to the two cases. Karen is a leader who recognises that Jason has the patience to research widely into backgrounds and CCTV, while Daisy is intelligent and can gather clues together. This all makes for a great police procedural for fans to enjoy.

McDermid is not shy about including complex themes into her story. The ways that the rich and famous use their wealth and power in corrupt ways are highlighted, the aftermath of a vicious rape is uncovered and the effect of the media ruining careers is also described. Silent bones will leave the reader wondering how justice is really served.

I have read one other book in this series, Past lying, which was easy to read as a standalone as is Silent bones. And fans of the TV series are likely to enjoy the book series. This is Scottish noir at its best.

Themes: Murder, Detectives, Corruption.

Pat Pledger