The Devil You Know by Neil Lancaster

 

Davie Hardie, a member of the Hardie crime family, offers information regarding an old missing persons case in exchange for better conditions during his prison sentence. He's also willing to supply evidence about the powerful person who ordered the murder. Hardie's one stipulation is that DS Max Craigie is not to be involved.

The Devil You Know by Neil Lancaster is book 5 in the Max Craigie series. Fans of the series know to expect a no-holds-barred, action-packed story and this is no different. The build-up to the involvement of Craigie and the rest of the Policing Standards Reassurance Team is a little slower than usual because of the way in which the storyline is introduced.

Davie Hardie hates Max Craigie, he holds him personally responsible for his family's downfall. As a result of this he doesn't want Craigie anywhere near the deal he's going to make for an easier life in prison. When Max hears about the deal he's immediately suspicious. 

Fans of the series will have an inkling of the way in which the storyline will develop when Hardie is taken, under police guard, to an isolated Loch, the place where the missing body has been dumped. What they won't expect is what happens next!

I almost expected Craigie to say "I told you so" as the team are called in to help with the case. From this point on the pace and the action never lets up. Someone is feeding information to a hitman, making the protection of their witness extremely dangerous. No matter how small the group of people in the loop, the information keeps getting out. Once again corruption within the police force is front and centre.

There seemed to be less banter between the members of the team this time around, but the story was set over a very short time period so there was less opportunity for them to sit around the office and make fun of each other. In book 4 of the series, Blood Runs Cold, I enjoyed finding out more about Barney. After this book he's become my favourite member of the team, he shows absolutely no respect for authority.

The conclusion will have you filled with fear and on the edge of your seat as the team appears to be in an impossible situation. 

The Devil You Know by Neil Lancaster will be published on 28th March 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a review copy.