Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Gathering Storm by Lynne McEwan Series: Detective Shona Oliver #4
Published by Canelo on February 8, 2024
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 316
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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DI Shona Oliver’s past and present collide when James McGowan, her ex-classmate – now a famous actor – comes to the area to make a Robert Burns biopic. Shona is tasked with keeping him safe during filming on an isolated island in the Solway Firth, and her job is made much harder when a dead man wearing James’s coat is found on the beach in suspicious circumstances. It seems someone wanted James out of the picture. Meanwhile, Shona has her hands full at home too; her husband is on trial for a crime he claims he did not commit, but if he speaks out he risks his wife and their teenage daughter coming to harm.
I’ve been loving this Detective Shona Oliver series. I started reading the series because I had the first book, In Dark Water, as a Kindle freebie. I really enjoyed it and went right on with the series. I would read these books in order. I appreciate the setting in Scotland, the mysteries and cases, the police procedures, and slightly less, Shona’s personal situations.
Shona struggles with her husband Rob, who came from money, and her teen, Becca, who is going through somewhat normal ups and downs. She loves them but I can’t say either is very kind to her. Rob is on trial and faces prison. Money is tight. Both her police job, and the B&B they run, are in some jeopardy. Becca is still a bit headstrong, but she is helping her mother more.
Shona is being sidelined as a liaison to a film company. One of the lead actors, James, is being stalked. She knows him from high school. Another main actor ends up dead. So those cases are very high profile and urgent.
Shona also is pursuing a case against her previous DCI Delfont who is despicable. She goes through all Rob’s papers because she thinks Delfont’s gang may also be behind Rob’s being framed. She learns all kinds of things.
I feel for Shona who has so many personal and professional issues. Luckily her team is very supportive and believe in her. Becca is also trying harder to help. Shona was really on a dangerous edge here and very alone. Her emotional state didn’t stop her from being well trained, knowledgeable, and doing her job. While the ending is satisfying, I have to wonder what happens next. I want more time with Shona and her team.
About Lynne McEwan
Glasgow-born Lynne McEwan is a former newspaper photographer turned crime author. She’s covered stories including the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the first Gulf War in addition to many high profile murder cases. Her DI Shona Oliver series is set on the beautiful Solway Firth which forms the border between Scotland and England, and where Shona is also a lifeboat volunteer. Lynne is a graduate of the University of East Anglia’s Creative Writing programme and splits her time between Lincolnshire and Scotland.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I don’t remember coming across this series before but it sounds really good. I am glad that you enjoyed this installment.
I really liked it. I reviewed the first as a Thrifty Thursday last week because I picked up book#1 as a freebie. This is the newest coming out this week, book 4. They were all quite good.
The fact that it takes place in Scotland is a big draw for me.
yes I like Scotland and police procedurals. The setting in this one is particularly in a beautiful area.
Her husband doesn’t really sound like a good guy. At least it seems like her daughter is improving. Good that she has a supportive team at her back. This sounds like a good series you’ve stumbled upon.
I really really like this series. Poor Shona has both professional and personal issues but she is handling them while doing super work.
This looks good. I may consider adding this series to my TBR.
I really recommend them.
This sounds really good. I think I would like Shona.
She is very relatable. She has her flaws but she is honestly trying to do the right things and also help others and improve their situations.
Mhmmm maybe.
I really enjoy these police procedurals and this is one of the better ones.