Title: Under the Marsh
Author: G.R. Halliday
Series: Monica Kennedy #3
Publisher: Vintage
Synopsis:
SHE NEVER CONFESSED. NOW SHE’S READY TO TALK.
Twelve years ago DI Monica Kennedy caught the notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh, imprisoning her for life.
When Tosh asks Monica to visit her at the remote Highlands Carselang prison, the detective thinks she’s playing games.
But then Tosh hands her a hand-drawn map with a cross marking the desolate marsh lands near Inverness and Monica can’t ignore it – she was always convinced there were more victims out there.
And when a body is discovered it looks like they’ve found a new name from Tosh’s kill list.
But things are never that simple…
My review:
I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but really enjoyed this latest addition to the Monica Kennedy series. Although having read the first two might provide extra context around the characters, it’s definitely not required – Under the Marsh stands up very well on its own as an addictive, engaging crime novel.
Set in the Scottish Highlands, we follow DI Monica Kennedy as she investigates the discovery of a body in the marsh – a body they only discovered because notorious serial killer Pauline Tosh gave them information which led them to it. Pauline has always maintained her innocence regarding her convictions – so is this a simple case of finding another of her murder victims, or did someone else commit the crime?
The book soon becomes incredibly absorbing – I really liked the plot, which was complex enough without being too confusing, and the main character, Monica, is enjoyable to read about – especially her relationship (or lack thereof) with DS Crawford.
The setting is incredibly atmospheric, with the highlands almost becoming a character in itself in this novel. Plus there are plenty of satisfying twists and red herrings to keep any crime fan engaged. I really enjoyed this book and I now plan on going back and reading the first two books in the series!
My rating: 4/5
Many thanks to the publisher, Vintage, for providing a copy of this book on which I chose to write an honest review.