The Major Minor Murders by Jim McGhee

Another gripping story from Jim McGhee. DI Barney Mains is moved on from life with the police and is quite content to be painting and enjoying the warmth of Nice. That is until he is abruptly interrupted by the emergence of his niece Abbey - the daughter of his estranged brother Ricky. 

The story centres around Ricky who has been accused of murdering his mentor - artist Anton Hass. Ricky is missing and Abbey fears he has also been murdered. With the police not appearing to do any actual investigating she is prepared to take matters in to her own hands with the help of her uncle. 

I was delighted to see Barney and Ffiona reunited albeit with a slight change in dynamic and an added tension at times due to their changed roles. Further welcome returns were Jean-Luc and Shona. Both of whom are well loved characters from the first book. 

There were several twists in the story which I had not expected - the biggest of these being the ending. This was a particularly interesting twist and one that added to the story. It’s so easy to end on a the problem was solved and the world was right again. I liked the extra drama! 

As with Jim’s previous book this one strikes a cord with modern politics - an element of one rule for them and one for us sits alongside the clear idea that those in power will do all they can to avoid being scrutinised. Very fitting for the current climate. 

These books are easy reads (which is not an easy thing to write) and I look forward to more adventures with Barney, Ffiona, Shona and Jean-Luc. 

I was lucky to read an advance copy and have provided my review voluntarily.