The town of Oldcastle is in the midst of a serial killer investigation. Every two weeks, a couple is targeted. The victim is tortured and killed horribly and slowly while their partner is forced to watch, this being accomplished by screwing their hands to the kitchen table. Then the partner is taken away and none of them have been found.
The police are stumped and need some help. Not in that category in their opinion is the newest member of the team, Detective Constable Angus MacVicar. MacVicar has wanted to be a detective forever and today is his first day. But he is not regarded as a plus but rather a huge, bumbling liability as no one has time to teach him the ropes.
Knowing they are above their heads in this investigation, the police ask for the help of a criminal profiler. When Dr. Fife arrives, it turns out that he is sarcastic and a former native of Oldcastle and a dwarf. Since no one has any idea what to do with Angus he is assigned to be Fife's assistant. As the murders continue, the pair start to form a friendship. They are opposites in every way, size, attitude towards others, willingness to break rules, etc. Can they solve the murders before another pair are killed?
Stuart Macbride is my favorite Scottish author and a must-buy for me. This one introduces a new character and readers will quickly fall in love with Angus. Although he starts off clueless, his innate strength and huge heart make him a real hero and I surely hope there will be more books about him. This one was a Richard and Judy pick in England and highlights all of Macbride's strengths; engaging characters, gory murders, a surprising ending and a new hero. This book is recommended for mystery readers.