Dead Man's Grave by Neil Lancaster

When Tam Hardie, the patriarch of the leading criminal gang in Glasgow, goes missing DS Max Cragie is asked to investigate. Hardie's body is eventually discovered in an abandoned graveyard and this sets in motion a blood feud between two families that has festered for over 200 years.

As Max begins to investigate the murder, supported by DC Janie Calder, the story moves from gritty gangland crime to police corruption that has pervaded to the very top of Police Scotland.

Initially Max comes across as a maverick cop, having recently relocated to his homeland following a shooting incident in London. However as the story unfolds we see that Max is a team player, this is particularly evident in his dealings with his partner. DC Janie Calder is a young woman trying to make her way in a male dominated police department. Max quickly realises she's intelligent, trustworthy and no shrinking violet. She certainly doesn't need anyone to fight her battles for her.

Beautiful descriptions of Scottish landscapes are in stark contrast to the violence handed out. The villains of the story are full of menace and clearly have a tight grip on Glasgow, a grip that extends far and wide.

The action is fast paced, keeping the reader hooked. This is the first title in a series and I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.