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Ash Henderson #3
The Coffin Maker’s Garden
A village on the edge…
As a massive storm batters the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is falling into the North Sea. But the crumbling headland has revealed what he’s got buried in his garden: human remains.
A house full of secrets…
With the storm still raging, it’s too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and waves are devouring the evidence. Which means no one knows how many people Smith’s already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped.
An investigator with nothing to lose…
The media are baying for blood, the top brass are after a scapegoat, and ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson is done playing nice. He’s got a killer to catch, and God help anyone who gets in his way.
As a massive storm batters the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is falling into the North Sea. But the crumbling headland has revealed what he’s got buried in his garden: human remains.
A house full of secrets…
With the storm still raging, it’s too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and waves are devouring the evidence. Which means no one knows how many people Smith’s already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped.
An investigator with nothing to lose…
The media are baying for blood, the top brass are after a scapegoat, and ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson is done playing nice. He’s got a killer to catch, and God help anyone who gets in his way.
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2021
About the author
Stuart MacBride
79 books2,538 followersAka Stuart B. MacBride
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
The life and times of a bearded write-ist.
Stuart MacBride (that's me) was born in Dumbarton -- which is Glasgow as far as I'm concerned -- moving up to Aberdeen at the tender age of two, when fashions were questionable. Nothing much happened for years and years and years: learned to play the recorder, then forgot how when they changed from little coloured dots to proper musical notes (why the hell couldn't they have taught us the notes in the first bloody place? I could have been performing my earth-shattering rendition of 'Three Blind Mice' at the Albert Hall by now!); appeared in some bizarre World War Two musical production; did my best to avoid eating haggis and generally ran about the place a lot.
Next up was an elongated spell in Westhill -- a small suburb seven miles west of Aberdeen -- where I embarked upon a mediocre academic career, hindered by a complete inability to spell and an attention span the length of a gnat's doodad.
And so to UNIVERSITY, far too young, naive and stupid to be away from the family home, sharing a subterranean flat in one of the seedier bits of Edinburgh with a mad Irishman, and four other bizarre individuals. The highlight of walking to the art school in the mornings (yes: we were students, but we still did mornings) was trying not to tread in the fresh bloodstains outside our front door, and dodging the undercover CID officers trying to buy drugs. Lovely place.
But university and I did not see eye to eye, so off I went to work offshore. Like many all-male environments, working offshore was the intellectual equivalent of Animal House, only without the clever bits. Swearing, smoking, eating, more swearing, pornography, swearing, drinking endless plastic cups of tea... and did I mention the swearing? But it was more money than I'd seen in my life! There's something about being handed a wadge of cash as you clamber off the minibus from the heliport, having spent the last two weeks offshore and the last two hours in an orange, rubber romper suit / body bag, then blowing most of it in the pubs and clubs of Aberdeen. And being young enough to get away without a hangover.
Then came a spell of working for myself as a graphic designer, which went the way of all flesh and into the heady world of studio management for a nation-wide marketing company. Then some more freelance design work, a handful of voiceovers for local radio and video production companies and a bash at being an actor (with a small 'a'), giving it up when it became clear there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to earn a decent living.
It was about this time I fell into bad company -- a blonde from Fife who conned me into marrying her -- and started producing websites for a friend's fledgling Internet company. From there it was a roller coaster ride (in that it made a lot of people feel decidedly unwell) from web designer to web manager, lead programmer, team lead and other assorted technical bollocks with three different companies, eventually ending up as a project manager for a global IT company.
But there was always the writing (well, that's not true, the writing only started two chapters above this one). I fell victim to that most dreadful of things: peer pressure. Two friends were writing novels and I thought, 'why not? I could do that'.
Took a few years though...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
November 28, 2020
*4.5 stars *
It’s a dark stormy winter’s night on the Scottish coast, it’s blowing a hooley, and the little village of Clachmara is being devoured by the North sea, with chunks of gardens crumbling into the icy depths below, and the headland disappearing by many lengths, but what makes this scene even more terrifying is that in Gordon Smith’s back garden, the erosion has revealed human bones - lots of them! In addition, the local police have a more recent serial killer to catch - a child murderer.
Ex Detective Inspector Ash Henderson, now part of the Lateral Investigative and Review Unit (LIRU) is called in as a consultant to help detectives with this particular case, due to his previous expertise investigating serial killers, and despite the fact that Ash is no longer a serving police officer, it doesn’t obstruct him in any way, and he’s definitely not someone to cross in his investigations! Just like the Incredible Hulk, you don’t want to make him angry - you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry!
MacBride captures the gallows humour of day-to-day police life so perfectly, and despite the dark and upsetting subject matter, and horrifying violence, I defy any reader to keep a straight face traversing this narrative. The light hearted moments complement, rather than distract from what is a creative, tense and well-orchestrated crime thriller. The dialogue is razor sharp, the plotting perfectly paced, and packed with larger than life characters, (not least Ash’s adorable Scottie dog Henry) along with multiple side plots that keep the pace brisk. Another winner for Stuart Macbride.
* Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
It’s a dark stormy winter’s night on the Scottish coast, it’s blowing a hooley, and the little village of Clachmara is being devoured by the North sea, with chunks of gardens crumbling into the icy depths below, and the headland disappearing by many lengths, but what makes this scene even more terrifying is that in Gordon Smith’s back garden, the erosion has revealed human bones - lots of them! In addition, the local police have a more recent serial killer to catch - a child murderer.
Ex Detective Inspector Ash Henderson, now part of the Lateral Investigative and Review Unit (LIRU) is called in as a consultant to help detectives with this particular case, due to his previous expertise investigating serial killers, and despite the fact that Ash is no longer a serving police officer, it doesn’t obstruct him in any way, and he’s definitely not someone to cross in his investigations! Just like the Incredible Hulk, you don’t want to make him angry - you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry!
MacBride captures the gallows humour of day-to-day police life so perfectly, and despite the dark and upsetting subject matter, and horrifying violence, I defy any reader to keep a straight face traversing this narrative. The light hearted moments complement, rather than distract from what is a creative, tense and well-orchestrated crime thriller. The dialogue is razor sharp, the plotting perfectly paced, and packed with larger than life characters, (not least Ash’s adorable Scottie dog Henry) along with multiple side plots that keep the pace brisk. Another winner for Stuart Macbride.
* Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 2, 2020
Stuart MacBride returns to his Ash Henderson series, set in Oldcastle, Scotland, Ash is now a former DI, working at the Lateral Investigative Review Unit (LIRU) with the heavy drinking forensic psychologist, Dr Alice McDonald. This is written in the trademark MacBride style with its comic and black humour, with the feel of the early Logan McRae books, by which I mean the gruesome murders and high body counts, both from the past and in the present, not to mention the horrifying assaults and injuries endured by Ash, ending up with him looking like the walking dead, facing danger and death threats from all corners. In a dark and stormy night in the village of Clachmara, a frightened single mother, Margaret Compton, goes searching for her missing young son, Alfie, managing to save him as the cliff face collapses, seeing human remains crash into the sea.
The home and garden of the elderly Gordon Smith, a set designer, is falling into the sea, and with it is going the evidence of his decades long and prolific history as a serial killer, in partnership with his now dead wife, Caroline. Despite the dangers of entering his home, Ash only just manages to take photographic evidence of some the victims found in the basement, getting out by the skin of his teeth. In charge of the investigation is DI Malcolmson aka Mother, and her team of shunned misfits. If all that is not enough, there is a child killer on the loose as the third body of a strangled boy is found in the woods, and the police race against time, knowing with certainty that it will not be long before another young boy is abducted and killed. Alice's drinking is getting out of hand, and Ash finds himself partnered with the black DS Rosalind Franklin as they try and identify the dead victims, followed by the revenge seeking Helen MacNeil, her daughter one of Smith's victims, and the odious journalist, Jennifer Prentice.
MacBride excels in writing his particular brand of Scottish crime thrillers, packed full of violence and gory killing, ameliorated by humour and comic banter, along with the terrific, off the wall, characters that populate his novels. The author also has a habit of putting his leading characters through the mill, and then some, witness all the horrors and terrors that come Ash's way here, despite all the unbearable trauma of his past. Although do not make the mistake of thinking that he does not hit back, he is loyal, and there is nothing he will not do for those he loves, such as Alice, as they dream a life away from all this, perhaps running a hotel by the coast. This will appeal to MacBride's fans, and for those who have yet to come across his crime fiction. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
The home and garden of the elderly Gordon Smith, a set designer, is falling into the sea, and with it is going the evidence of his decades long and prolific history as a serial killer, in partnership with his now dead wife, Caroline. Despite the dangers of entering his home, Ash only just manages to take photographic evidence of some the victims found in the basement, getting out by the skin of his teeth. In charge of the investigation is DI Malcolmson aka Mother, and her team of shunned misfits. If all that is not enough, there is a child killer on the loose as the third body of a strangled boy is found in the woods, and the police race against time, knowing with certainty that it will not be long before another young boy is abducted and killed. Alice's drinking is getting out of hand, and Ash finds himself partnered with the black DS Rosalind Franklin as they try and identify the dead victims, followed by the revenge seeking Helen MacNeil, her daughter one of Smith's victims, and the odious journalist, Jennifer Prentice.
MacBride excels in writing his particular brand of Scottish crime thrillers, packed full of violence and gory killing, ameliorated by humour and comic banter, along with the terrific, off the wall, characters that populate his novels. The author also has a habit of putting his leading characters through the mill, and then some, witness all the horrors and terrors that come Ash's way here, despite all the unbearable trauma of his past. Although do not make the mistake of thinking that he does not hit back, he is loyal, and there is nothing he will not do for those he loves, such as Alice, as they dream a life away from all this, perhaps running a hotel by the coast. This will appeal to MacBride's fans, and for those who have yet to come across his crime fiction. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
November 5, 2020
I’ve been reading this author’s work for ages & while I enjoy the Logan McRae books, have to admit I prefer this series. It’s been 7 years since A Song for the Dying. So I’m thrilled to see the return of Oldcastle’s crankiest, perpetually injured ex-DI.
In fact, it might be prudent if you don a flak jacket before even cracking the cover because the entire Lateral Investigative & Review Unit (LIRU) is back. That includes ex-copper Ash Henderson, forensic psychologist Dr. Alice McDonald & DI “Shifty” Morrow but more importantly, the one key member who strikes fear in the heart of criminals everywhere……Henry. He may be small, hairy & easily distracted by sausages but put him in a squad car & he becomes The Scottie Dog Vehicle Defence System (SDVDS).
Looking back, the whole thing began with a favour. Ash & Alice are busy with a LIRU case when DI Flora “Mother” Malcomson calls with a request. Over in Clachmara, the sea has reclaimed part of a cliff face. It was just the usual landslide of dirt, trees, outbuildings, etc. until human bones popped up. And a rather disturbing number of them. The property belongs to one Gordon Smith, who is nowhere to be found. But his neighbour is Helen MacNeil, a scary ex-con Ash remembers from his days on the force. Perhaps he could come interview her, you know, reminisce about old times? Sure….what could go wrong.
Helen has her own reasons to want Gordon found but that doesn’t mean she’s happy to see the former DI who put her in prison. But she’s willing to strike a deal & Ash has no choice. Especially after he gets a look around Smith’s basement. In short order Ash is seconded to Mother’s team of misfits, leaving Alice & Henry to handle the LIRU case. And just a heads-up to readers: both investigations have a high ick factor.
From here, the story takes off in about 11 different directions with more characters added as things progress. We’re kept up to date through Ash’s acerbic & frequently hilarious comments & observations. As usual, there’s no shortage of grit or violence with Ash receiving more than his fair share of lumps (he is going to LOVE the concept of social distancing). It’s obvious early on the team is hunting someone who’s learned how to cover their tracks. If Ash is going to survive long enough to catch them, he’ll have to make friends with old enemies, call in favours & yes, even activate the SDVDS.
I really enjoy this MC. He’s grumpy, snarky & never at a loss for words. The dialogue is particularly entertaining & some of the conversations made me laugh out loud….often followed by a cringe and/or “eeeww”. He’s the perfect foil for Alice, a timid psychologist who can introduce more topics into a single sentence than any other human.
There are definite similarities between this & the Logan McRae series. Both feature 2 smart & long suffering detectives saddled with female colleagues that drive them to drink (albeit in VERY different ways). They’re both usually sporting bruises/bandages from their last thumping. And neither has any trouble expressing themselves in colourful Scottish vernacular. I think the difference for me are the respective casts of characters as a whole. Ash, Alice, Mother, Shifty, Rhona….I’ve grown fond of them all & enjoy what each brings to the story.
The story lines are gritty & descriptive but not gratuitous as the author lets your imagination fill in the blanks. It’s entertaining, pacey & full of the black humour I love. There’s even a sly treat for crime fiction fans in the form of comments made when Ash crashes a book club meeting.
I zipped through this in no time flat & can only hope it won’t be another 7 years (unless that’s in “Henry” years). Your reading tool kit for this should include: rubber boots, a map of Scotland, bandaids, Snausages & alcohol. Any kind. The large bottle.
In fact, it might be prudent if you don a flak jacket before even cracking the cover because the entire Lateral Investigative & Review Unit (LIRU) is back. That includes ex-copper Ash Henderson, forensic psychologist Dr. Alice McDonald & DI “Shifty” Morrow but more importantly, the one key member who strikes fear in the heart of criminals everywhere……Henry. He may be small, hairy & easily distracted by sausages but put him in a squad car & he becomes The Scottie Dog Vehicle Defence System (SDVDS).
Looking back, the whole thing began with a favour. Ash & Alice are busy with a LIRU case when DI Flora “Mother” Malcomson calls with a request. Over in Clachmara, the sea has reclaimed part of a cliff face. It was just the usual landslide of dirt, trees, outbuildings, etc. until human bones popped up. And a rather disturbing number of them. The property belongs to one Gordon Smith, who is nowhere to be found. But his neighbour is Helen MacNeil, a scary ex-con Ash remembers from his days on the force. Perhaps he could come interview her, you know, reminisce about old times? Sure….what could go wrong.
Helen has her own reasons to want Gordon found but that doesn’t mean she’s happy to see the former DI who put her in prison. But she’s willing to strike a deal & Ash has no choice. Especially after he gets a look around Smith’s basement. In short order Ash is seconded to Mother’s team of misfits, leaving Alice & Henry to handle the LIRU case. And just a heads-up to readers: both investigations have a high ick factor.
From here, the story takes off in about 11 different directions with more characters added as things progress. We’re kept up to date through Ash’s acerbic & frequently hilarious comments & observations. As usual, there’s no shortage of grit or violence with Ash receiving more than his fair share of lumps (he is going to LOVE the concept of social distancing). It’s obvious early on the team is hunting someone who’s learned how to cover their tracks. If Ash is going to survive long enough to catch them, he’ll have to make friends with old enemies, call in favours & yes, even activate the SDVDS.
I really enjoy this MC. He’s grumpy, snarky & never at a loss for words. The dialogue is particularly entertaining & some of the conversations made me laugh out loud….often followed by a cringe and/or “eeeww”. He’s the perfect foil for Alice, a timid psychologist who can introduce more topics into a single sentence than any other human.
There are definite similarities between this & the Logan McRae series. Both feature 2 smart & long suffering detectives saddled with female colleagues that drive them to drink (albeit in VERY different ways). They’re both usually sporting bruises/bandages from their last thumping. And neither has any trouble expressing themselves in colourful Scottish vernacular. I think the difference for me are the respective casts of characters as a whole. Ash, Alice, Mother, Shifty, Rhona….I’ve grown fond of them all & enjoy what each brings to the story.
The story lines are gritty & descriptive but not gratuitous as the author lets your imagination fill in the blanks. It’s entertaining, pacey & full of the black humour I love. There’s even a sly treat for crime fiction fans in the form of comments made when Ash crashes a book club meeting.
I zipped through this in no time flat & can only hope it won’t be another 7 years (unless that’s in “Henry” years). Your reading tool kit for this should include: rubber boots, a map of Scotland, bandaids, Snausages & alcohol. Any kind. The large bottle.
August 28, 2021
The Coffin Maker’s Garden is the third book in the Ash Henderson series and has all the hallmarks of this author's books. Ex D.I. Ash Henderson is still an accident waiting to happen and of course it does. He has a remarkable talent for bouncing back after the most dreadful beatings and due to his attitude to life they happen often. Dr. Alice McDonald is still drinking too much and still under the impression that alcohol helps her think better. Maybe it does but her hangovers are legendary.
Ash and Alice actually have a falling out in this book and much of the action happens while Ash is working with another member of the Lateral Investigation and Review Unit (LIRU) or with his old police buddy D.I.Shifty Morrow. Henry the Scottie dog accompanies them and caused the most stress for me in the course of the story.
The book is darkly humorous, full of action and contains more than one intriguing investigation. Very well worth reading although a tragedy has occurred. I just realised I am up to date with both Logan McCrae and Ash Henderson. I have no more Stuart MacBride books left to read. I can only hope he is busy writing more right now.
Ash and Alice actually have a falling out in this book and much of the action happens while Ash is working with another member of the Lateral Investigation and Review Unit (LIRU) or with his old police buddy D.I.Shifty Morrow. Henry the Scottie dog accompanies them and caused the most stress for me in the course of the story.
The book is darkly humorous, full of action and contains more than one intriguing investigation. Very well worth reading although a tragedy has occurred. I just realised I am up to date with both Logan McCrae and Ash Henderson. I have no more Stuart MacBride books left to read. I can only hope he is busy writing more right now.
October 29, 2020
A stormy night in Clachmara, a boat floundering near an unstable cliff, a helicopter attempting rescue, a rumble and disaster as the cliff collapses revealing the Coffinmakers Garden. Di Malcolmson (aka Mother) of Oldcastle Division, Ash Henderson and Dr Alice McDonald of LIRU (Lateral Investigative and Review Unit) investigate and make further horrifying discoveries. As if this isn’t bad enough there also a child killer to catch.
This story is as gritty as Aberdonian granite as a trail of destruction follows or often leads the main characters, who must have nine lives apiece. It is violent in places as Ash does not hold back, its old school, no holds barred. The colourful characters are excellent, they seem to jump off the pages in bright Ultra HD. Ash is carrying baggage and grief, takes no prisoners and stands up for those he cares about. Garrulous Alice is fantastic, as is Mother. There are two ‘enforcers’ one of which uses the most flowery language which is a brilliant contrast and totally at odds with their actions. However, the standout character has to be Henry, the adorable Scottie dog who I’d love to adopt!! It’s full of shocking danger to the point where you don’t know whether to hold your breath, gasp or let your jaw thunk to the floor, or possibly all three. It’s so exciting, tense and full of twists and turns. I love the dark, gallows humour which made me laugh out loud and some of the more creative insults are hilarious and probably anatomically impossible!
Overall, this is tartan noir at its best. It’s exciting, suspenseful with an excellent plot and a well written, humorous storyline. However, if there’s to be another in the series the characters need to rethink their food choices if they are to survive without a coronary before the finale!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins/Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
This story is as gritty as Aberdonian granite as a trail of destruction follows or often leads the main characters, who must have nine lives apiece. It is violent in places as Ash does not hold back, its old school, no holds barred. The colourful characters are excellent, they seem to jump off the pages in bright Ultra HD. Ash is carrying baggage and grief, takes no prisoners and stands up for those he cares about. Garrulous Alice is fantastic, as is Mother. There are two ‘enforcers’ one of which uses the most flowery language which is a brilliant contrast and totally at odds with their actions. However, the standout character has to be Henry, the adorable Scottie dog who I’d love to adopt!! It’s full of shocking danger to the point where you don’t know whether to hold your breath, gasp or let your jaw thunk to the floor, or possibly all three. It’s so exciting, tense and full of twists and turns. I love the dark, gallows humour which made me laugh out loud and some of the more creative insults are hilarious and probably anatomically impossible!
Overall, this is tartan noir at its best. It’s exciting, suspenseful with an excellent plot and a well written, humorous storyline. However, if there’s to be another in the series the characters need to rethink their food choices if they are to survive without a coronary before the finale!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins/Harper Fiction for the much appreciated arc for an honest review.
February 12, 2021
Butties, Chippies, and Brollys - Oh My!
First, that title. Rarely does a title alone grab me but I was sold on sight. The book was smiling at me - the barely there sort covering a wealth of mordant humor. I wanted to mine it all.
The story features a cast of colorful characters set on the Scottish coast in a Whodunnit frame. Ripe with heaping doses of grit, this was a stand out among other police procedurals for me.
Ash Henderson and his gang of misfits are called in to investigate a case no one wants. It's deemed impossible and too high profile for anyone else to consider destroying their career over.
The Coffin Maker has a secret garden that’s been exposed as the North Sea erodes the cliffs around his condemned house. Human bones reveal a serial killer even as they fall into the water destroying evidence. Where did Gordon Smith disappear to and how will his victims be identified?
I loved this book! The author’s stylized technique, dialog, and biting wit between characters carried it into exceptional territory causing me to laugh in several instances despite content:
“You want some career advice, Constable Sullivan? Never have a heart attack on O Division’s dime because if you do, the bastards will treat you like a soiled nappy with radioactive poop!”
Another quotation catching my eye relating to Henry, Ash’s scotty dog, a star in his own right:
“The daft hairy sod sat on his bum, tail wagging as he gazed at her with his gob hanging open”.
I’m always intrigued with UK settings and the Scottish locale here was no exception. Before the finale, I learned about butty sausages, chippies, mince and tatties, brollys, brookit, and lorries. Colloquialism abounds-and I was enthralled!
I probably should have read the previous two in the series before this. Normally I’m okay with reading out of order, but I felt I was a bit behind with character history. However this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment as one of the most original and creative police procedurals I’ve ever read.
I’m looking forward to more by this author!
Thank you to The Book Depository where I purchased a beautiful hardback copy.
First, that title. Rarely does a title alone grab me but I was sold on sight. The book was smiling at me - the barely there sort covering a wealth of mordant humor. I wanted to mine it all.
The story features a cast of colorful characters set on the Scottish coast in a Whodunnit frame. Ripe with heaping doses of grit, this was a stand out among other police procedurals for me.
Ash Henderson and his gang of misfits are called in to investigate a case no one wants. It's deemed impossible and too high profile for anyone else to consider destroying their career over.
The Coffin Maker has a secret garden that’s been exposed as the North Sea erodes the cliffs around his condemned house. Human bones reveal a serial killer even as they fall into the water destroying evidence. Where did Gordon Smith disappear to and how will his victims be identified?
I loved this book! The author’s stylized technique, dialog, and biting wit between characters carried it into exceptional territory causing me to laugh in several instances despite content:
“You want some career advice, Constable Sullivan? Never have a heart attack on O Division’s dime because if you do, the bastards will treat you like a soiled nappy with radioactive poop!”
Another quotation catching my eye relating to Henry, Ash’s scotty dog, a star in his own right:
“The daft hairy sod sat on his bum, tail wagging as he gazed at her with his gob hanging open”.
I’m always intrigued with UK settings and the Scottish locale here was no exception. Before the finale, I learned about butty sausages, chippies, mince and tatties, brollys, brookit, and lorries. Colloquialism abounds-and I was enthralled!
I probably should have read the previous two in the series before this. Normally I’m okay with reading out of order, but I felt I was a bit behind with character history. However this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment as one of the most original and creative police procedurals I’ve ever read.
I’m looking forward to more by this author!
Thank you to The Book Depository where I purchased a beautiful hardback copy.
June 5, 2021
That was magnificent! I am a huge fan of Stuart MacBride and have read pretty much all of his books. (Former Detective Inspector) Ash Henderson is now working as a civilian consultant for the Lateral Investigative and Review Unit (LIRU) along with forensic psychologist Dr Alice McDonald. They both have plenty of demons. In addition Alice is drinking far too much and Ash is recovering from a bullet wound in his foot.
It was a dark and stormy night in Clachmara and police are called because of human bones reported in Gordon Smith’s garden - now visible as part of the cliff face has fallen into the sea. Because of his own bleak history, Ash tends to throw caution to the winds and he wants to search the house which is in danger of following the bits of garden into the North Sea. He finds a trapdoor to the basement and, ignoring pleas from Alice and others descends into the gloom where he finds....a kill room. Unfortunately there is no safe way to search it to identify, or even count, the number of victims but Ash does manage to snag a bunch of Polaroids showing before and after - you can guess.
As if that isn’t enough, there is also a child killer on the loose who has already killed three young boys and who has just snatched a fourth. But Ash has Gordon Smith in his sights. A neighbour of Smith’s turns out to be Helen MacNeil whom Ash has a history with, not romantic, Helen is a criminal and a pretty scary woman - stronger than many men and totally ruthless. She bails Ash up about her missing granddaughter, Leah, who was literally brought up by the Smiths as Helen was in prison and her mother, Sophie, committed suicide. Or did she? Caroline Smith, Gordon’s wife, has since died. No one knows if she was complicit in his crimes but how could she not know?
No one suspected the saintly Smiths of anything nefarious but when Helen learns what he has done she takes to following Ash and his police minder, DS Rosalind Franklin, around the country. She wants to tear Smith limb from limb.
There is lots of tearing around Scotland on the trail of the two killers. Ash is beating up suspects and getting beaten up himself. A journalist with no scruples wreaks havoc and there are some really nasty surprises in store for Ash and his band of misfit crime fighters. I think this book is best enjoyed if you are already a Stuart MacBride fan. Otherwise I suggest you start with the Logan McCrae series. This is the third Ash Henderson book. It is quite long, very violent, a little OTT (that’s why we love our fiction) and stuffed full of Scottish vernacular (mainly very creative swearing) which I love but can be tricky for novices to interpret. It is very dark humour indeed. Some might think the books are a piss take of policing but I like to think they show flawed characters who care deeply about the victims of crime and use the dark humour to lighten what could otherwise be quite a bleak job.
This was a dark book. Very dark. MacBride is one of the best in the business of “tartan noir”. Highly recommended if this sort of thing is your cup of sweet, milky tea!
It was a dark and stormy night in Clachmara and police are called because of human bones reported in Gordon Smith’s garden - now visible as part of the cliff face has fallen into the sea. Because of his own bleak history, Ash tends to throw caution to the winds and he wants to search the house which is in danger of following the bits of garden into the North Sea. He finds a trapdoor to the basement and, ignoring pleas from Alice and others descends into the gloom where he finds....a kill room. Unfortunately there is no safe way to search it to identify, or even count, the number of victims but Ash does manage to snag a bunch of Polaroids showing before and after - you can guess.
As if that isn’t enough, there is also a child killer on the loose who has already killed three young boys and who has just snatched a fourth. But Ash has Gordon Smith in his sights. A neighbour of Smith’s turns out to be Helen MacNeil whom Ash has a history with, not romantic, Helen is a criminal and a pretty scary woman - stronger than many men and totally ruthless. She bails Ash up about her missing granddaughter, Leah, who was literally brought up by the Smiths as Helen was in prison and her mother, Sophie, committed suicide. Or did she? Caroline Smith, Gordon’s wife, has since died. No one knows if she was complicit in his crimes but how could she not know?
No one suspected the saintly Smiths of anything nefarious but when Helen learns what he has done she takes to following Ash and his police minder, DS Rosalind Franklin, around the country. She wants to tear Smith limb from limb.
There is lots of tearing around Scotland on the trail of the two killers. Ash is beating up suspects and getting beaten up himself. A journalist with no scruples wreaks havoc and there are some really nasty surprises in store for Ash and his band of misfit crime fighters. I think this book is best enjoyed if you are already a Stuart MacBride fan. Otherwise I suggest you start with the Logan McCrae series. This is the third Ash Henderson book. It is quite long, very violent, a little OTT (that’s why we love our fiction) and stuffed full of Scottish vernacular (mainly very creative swearing) which I love but can be tricky for novices to interpret. It is very dark humour indeed. Some might think the books are a piss take of policing but I like to think they show flawed characters who care deeply about the victims of crime and use the dark humour to lighten what could otherwise be quite a bleak job.
This was a dark book. Very dark. MacBride is one of the best in the business of “tartan noir”. Highly recommended if this sort of thing is your cup of sweet, milky tea!
May 5, 2021
EXCERPT: There were shackles fixed to the bricks opposite, the chains furry with rust. A mattress on the floor, filthy with brown stains. Heavy-duty stainless-steel hooks, screwed into the beams of the floor above. More brown stains on the concrete floor beneath them.
Another line of Polaroids hung on either side of the shackles. Only in these ones, the people weren't smiling. In these ones, the colours were mostly reds and blacks.
Alice crept forwards, pulling a reluctant Henry with her.
'What the hell is this place?'
I cleared my throat.
Wasn't easy.
All those small, square photographs in their rectangular white 'frames', the greying plastic stained with the dark swirls of bloody fingerprints.
Just like the ones that used to turn up on the birthday cards for Rebecca . . .
'Ash?'
I swallowed something bitter. 'It's a kill room.'
ABOUT 'THE COFFIN MAKER'S GARDEN': A village on the edge…
As a massive storm batters the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is falling into the North Sea. But the crumbling headland has revealed what he’s got buried in his garden: human remains.
A house full of secrets…
With the storm still raging, it’s too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and waves are devouring the evidence. Which means no one knows how many people Smith’s already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped.
An investigator with nothing to lose…
The media are baying for blood, the top brass are after a scapegoat, and ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson is done playing nice. He’s got a killer to catch, and God help anyone who gets in his way.
MY THOUGHTS: I don't know how Stuart MacBride does it. Innovative plotting, the most complete characters, and black humor. MacBride is one of those few authors whose books play out like a movie in my head as I read. I can see what he writes. I can hear his characters. I can feel their emotions.
No one would ever want to cross this author. Death would be painful and drawn out, the body never recovered. He's so good, he's scary!!! Oldcastle is a fictional town in the northeast of Scotland, home to 'Mother's Misfits', the dumping ground for Police Scotland's disgraced and undesirables. It's also a place where terrible things happen.
The Coffin Maker's Garden is deliciously creepy and oh so twisty. A tale that starts out on a dark and stormy night and just keeps getting better and better. My interest never flagged for a second.
If you like dark, gruesome reads with great characters and a good dollop of black humour, you can't beat a Stuart MacBride novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
P.s. I would listen to narrator Ian Hanmore read the telephone book.
#TheCoffinMakersGarden
I: @stuart.macbride @harpercollins
T: @StuartMacBride @HarperCollins
#fivestarread #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #scottishnoir #serialkillerthriller #suspense #thriller
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Coffin Maker's Garden written by Stuart MacBride and narrated by Ian Hanmore.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Another line of Polaroids hung on either side of the shackles. Only in these ones, the people weren't smiling. In these ones, the colours were mostly reds and blacks.
Alice crept forwards, pulling a reluctant Henry with her.
'What the hell is this place?'
I cleared my throat.
Wasn't easy.
All those small, square photographs in their rectangular white 'frames', the greying plastic stained with the dark swirls of bloody fingerprints.
Just like the ones that used to turn up on the birthday cards for Rebecca . . .
'Ash?'
I swallowed something bitter. 'It's a kill room.'
ABOUT 'THE COFFIN MAKER'S GARDEN': A village on the edge…
As a massive storm batters the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is falling into the North Sea. But the crumbling headland has revealed what he’s got buried in his garden: human remains.
A house full of secrets…
With the storm still raging, it’s too dangerous to retrieve the bodies and waves are devouring the evidence. Which means no one knows how many people Smith’s already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped.
An investigator with nothing to lose…
The media are baying for blood, the top brass are after a scapegoat, and ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson is done playing nice. He’s got a killer to catch, and God help anyone who gets in his way.
MY THOUGHTS: I don't know how Stuart MacBride does it. Innovative plotting, the most complete characters, and black humor. MacBride is one of those few authors whose books play out like a movie in my head as I read. I can see what he writes. I can hear his characters. I can feel their emotions.
No one would ever want to cross this author. Death would be painful and drawn out, the body never recovered. He's so good, he's scary!!! Oldcastle is a fictional town in the northeast of Scotland, home to 'Mother's Misfits', the dumping ground for Police Scotland's disgraced and undesirables. It's also a place where terrible things happen.
The Coffin Maker's Garden is deliciously creepy and oh so twisty. A tale that starts out on a dark and stormy night and just keeps getting better and better. My interest never flagged for a second.
If you like dark, gruesome reads with great characters and a good dollop of black humour, you can't beat a Stuart MacBride novel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
P.s. I would listen to narrator Ian Hanmore read the telephone book.
#TheCoffinMakersGarden
I: @stuart.macbride @harpercollins
T: @StuartMacBride @HarperCollins
#fivestarread #contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #murdermystery #scottishnoir #serialkillerthriller #suspense #thriller
DISCLOSURE: I listened to the audiobook of The Coffin Maker's Garden written by Stuart MacBride and narrated by Ian Hanmore.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Instagram, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
January 7, 2021
I know I'm the odd one out here, but I really didn't enjoy this book. Too violent. Too dark. Too much rule breaking. Too much torture. Too much sexism. Too much racism. Too incredulous.
Ash is a Superhero - able to continue despite all the beatings, injuries, amputations, torture, stabbings and shootings he receives along the way. But he's the nasty evil Superhero with a psychopathic love of inflicting pain and torturing anyone he assumes to have done wrong. This to me was the ultimate hypocrisy as he himself doesn't seem to even know the rules, let alone follow them.
At times I felt physically sick reading some of this book and seeing Ash and other police officers torturing, threatening and ultimately killing their suspects. Never mind going rogue, or bent coppers, if this is how the police behave (and laugh about it) I'll take my chances with the villains!
I can normally pick up stories when a book is part of a series, but the cast of thousands from two previous books, coupled with the author's propensity to address them by christian names, surnames, nicknames and rank, depending on the mood........
I did appreciate that there is some good writing, peppered with black humour, but the subject matter and writing style is not for me I'm afraid.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Stuart MacBride for the opportunity to read. I'm now off to lie down in a darkened room to recover.
Ash is a Superhero - able to continue despite all the beatings, injuries, amputations, torture, stabbings and shootings he receives along the way. But he's the nasty evil Superhero with a psychopathic love of inflicting pain and torturing anyone he assumes to have done wrong. This to me was the ultimate hypocrisy as he himself doesn't seem to even know the rules, let alone follow them.
At times I felt physically sick reading some of this book and seeing Ash and other police officers torturing, threatening and ultimately killing their suspects. Never mind going rogue, or bent coppers, if this is how the police behave (and laugh about it) I'll take my chances with the villains!
I can normally pick up stories when a book is part of a series, but the cast of thousands from two previous books, coupled with the author's propensity to address them by christian names, surnames, nicknames and rank, depending on the mood........
I did appreciate that there is some good writing, peppered with black humour, but the subject matter and writing style is not for me I'm afraid.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Stuart MacBride for the opportunity to read. I'm now off to lie down in a darkened room to recover.
December 4, 2020
I have enjoyed the 'Logan, McRae' series for a few years now and would highly recommend it to readers who fancy a crime series that's full of humour and a little different. I have been meaning t start this series for sometime and although I realise it is not an ideal place to start with book 3 I didn't feel that it spoilt my enjoyment of this book. There was plenty to like about this book and I had mixed feelings throughout without completely connecting with either the characters or plot. For me the characters were too similar to the one's I already know from Stuart MacBride's other series.
When a storm hits the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is begins to fall into the North Sea revealing human remains in his garden. The storm is making difficult if not impossible to get to the bodies for further investigations and threatens to wash away the evidence. The police are unable to ascertain just how many people has already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped. Ex-policeman Ash Henderson and forensic psychologist Dr. Alice McDonald are determined to see this one through.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When a storm hits the Scottish coast, Gordon Smith’s home is begins to fall into the North Sea revealing human remains in his garden. The storm is making difficult if not impossible to get to the bodies for further investigations and threatens to wash away the evidence. The police are unable to ascertain just how many people has already killed and how many more he’ll kill if he can’t be found and stopped. Ex-policeman Ash Henderson and forensic psychologist Dr. Alice McDonald are determined to see this one through.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
My first Stuart McBride book and boy what a fun read! Ultra violence, dark humour, gruesome subject matter and most importantly a compelling story.
This is the third in Ash Henderson series, an ex DI now working in the Lateral Investigative Review Unit with his sidekick forensic psychologist, the heavy drinking Alice McDonald.
We have duel investigations going on with these two, a serial killer who has been undetected for decades and also a child murderer who is escalating his crimes with every kill.
I really loved this one. Loads of back story in this that I have obviously missed having not read the previous two(something I plan to rectify), the characters are great fun to spend time with. Ash especially is a really funny, narky, straight to the point kinda guy who doesnt take well to authority.
Some of the villains in this border on cartoonish in their ott personas (not a criticism, the book is more fun for it)and play a huge part in making this a compelling read.
I found myself both reviled and then laughing out loud in the space of a few seconds numerous times throughout this book. It really is a blast to read. The story is very nicely told, the book is just shy of 500 pages(I think!)but isnt padded out at all and needs every page.
Another author Im late to the party with. I will most certainly be looking into his back catalogue.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an Arc.
This is the third in Ash Henderson series, an ex DI now working in the Lateral Investigative Review Unit with his sidekick forensic psychologist, the heavy drinking Alice McDonald.
We have duel investigations going on with these two, a serial killer who has been undetected for decades and also a child murderer who is escalating his crimes with every kill.
I really loved this one. Loads of back story in this that I have obviously missed having not read the previous two(something I plan to rectify), the characters are great fun to spend time with. Ash especially is a really funny, narky, straight to the point kinda guy who doesnt take well to authority.
Some of the villains in this border on cartoonish in their ott personas (not a criticism, the book is more fun for it)and play a huge part in making this a compelling read.
I found myself both reviled and then laughing out loud in the space of a few seconds numerous times throughout this book. It really is a blast to read. The story is very nicely told, the book is just shy of 500 pages(I think!)but isnt padded out at all and needs every page.
Another author Im late to the party with. I will most certainly be looking into his back catalogue.
Many thanks to HarperCollins for an Arc.
July 27, 2022
Ash Henderson and Alice MacDonald are back (YAY!) and I could not be happier. As much as I love MacBride's Logan series, I also love this series so when I received the third and latest book, I was overjoyed. I was not disappointed. This book is fantastic! Loved it. In his books, Stuart MacBride mixes action with humor and dark moments, making him one of the best authors of all time. Humor saves the books from being too depressing because otherwise, they are pretty grim with lots of horrifying things and awful deaths.
You should read this series! I recommend the Logan books as well! I highly recommend reading anything Stuart MacBride writes!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
You should read this series! I recommend the Logan books as well! I highly recommend reading anything Stuart MacBride writes!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
January 18, 2021
The Coffinmaker's Garden is the third instalment in the Ash Henderson series, set in the small city of Oldcastle, Scotland. Former Detective Inspector Henderson is now working as part of the Lateral Investigative Review Unit (LIRU) alongside forensic psychologist and serious-drinker Doctor Alice MacDonald. It's a wild and windy night in the quaint village of Clachmara as Storm Trevor blows in from Scandinavia battering the local area with a promise of more to come. The news on the radio states that the coastguard is taking part in an ongoing operation to rescue the crew of the Ocean-Gold Harvester, a boat that has run around against the cliffs. Inside listening in the warmth of the cottage she'd rented is single mother Margaret Compton and son Alfie. While she has her back turned to prep food Alfie had spotted a helicopter hovering above the cliff at the end of the garden and had dangerously rushed out.
She finds him standing at the point where the cliff is crumbling into the sea. Soon human remains are discovered buried in the garden and the police swiftly realise owner Gordon Smith is kidnapping and murdering young boys. This is a riveting, compulsive and rollicking good read from the second you open the book, and MacBride being a prominent purveyor of tartan noir shows exactly why that's the case with his trademark elements all bouncing of one another creating a potent, unmistakeable and scintillating mix of high body count, brutal violence, banter, twists in the tale and last but no means least, detailed characterisation. The black humour helps break up the horrific nature of the crimes and gives an insightful look into cheeky, sardonic Scottish humour. An unmissable addition to MacBride's canon and a must-read for all who class themselves as crime connoisseurs. Highly recommended.
She finds him standing at the point where the cliff is crumbling into the sea. Soon human remains are discovered buried in the garden and the police swiftly realise owner Gordon Smith is kidnapping and murdering young boys. This is a riveting, compulsive and rollicking good read from the second you open the book, and MacBride being a prominent purveyor of tartan noir shows exactly why that's the case with his trademark elements all bouncing of one another creating a potent, unmistakeable and scintillating mix of high body count, brutal violence, banter, twists in the tale and last but no means least, detailed characterisation. The black humour helps break up the horrific nature of the crimes and gives an insightful look into cheeky, sardonic Scottish humour. An unmissable addition to MacBride's canon and a must-read for all who class themselves as crime connoisseurs. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2020
As much as I love the Logan Macrae series, I have really struggled to like Ash Henderson. The previous stories were good but the character never sat well. It's all changed in this book. Maybe it's because the murdered daughter storyline is resolved (as much as losing a child can be resolved, it is still prevalent in this book) and we've moved on a few years and it's a wholly new serial killer (two actually, we are spoilt here) with no personal attachments but this book feels like a breath of fresh air after the first two. Ash is likeable and I wanted to know more. Granted he's still a thug and very dodgy and has very little morals but this time his character worked for me.
There's a lot of violence, it's not a cosy crime by any means so steer clear if you like your crime glossed over but there's also a lot of humour there and the relationships are solid and great to see and the new ones continue to develop nicely. I feel like this is the one where everything comes together for me and I'm glad I didn't give up on the series.
There's a lot of violence, it's not a cosy crime by any means so steer clear if you like your crime glossed over but there's also a lot of humour there and the relationships are solid and great to see and the new ones continue to develop nicely. I feel like this is the one where everything comes together for me and I'm glad I didn't give up on the series.
February 24, 2022
Inhalt:
Als ein Sturm über die schottische Küste hinwegfegt, stürzt ein Teil der Klippen ins Meer. Auch der Garten von Gordon Smith gehört zur abgebrochenen Landzunge, die nun enthüllt, was auf dem Grundstück vergraben war: zahllose Tote. Das Unwetter verhindert eine Bergung der Leichen und vernichtet wichtige Beweise. So weiß niemand, wie viele Menschen Smith getötet hat. Doch Ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson ahnt: Er wird weitermorden. Henderson ist entschlossen, Smith in den Highlands aufzuspüren und zu stoppen, selbst wenn er dafür Regeln brechen muss. Es ist ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit, denn ein junges Mädchen ist bereits in der Gewalt des Killers…
Meine Meinung:
‘Der Garten des Sargmachers’ ist der dritte Band der Ash Henderson Reihe des Autors Stuart McBride. Es ist jedoch in meinen Augen nicht unbedingt nötig, die beiden Vorgängerbände zu lesen um dem Fortgang der Handlung zu folgen.
Der Hauptprotagonist Ash Henderson ist ein verbitterter und zynischer Expolizist, der sich selbst und seine kurze Zündschnur nicht im Griff hat und der deshalb ständig mit anderen Menschen aneinander gerät. Sowas muss man mögen - ich auf jeden Fall nicht 😅
Die Nebencharaktere wie die Polizeipsychologin Alice, die Schläger-Oma Helen und der Hund Henry waren es dann letztendlich auch, die mich am Ball bleiben ließen. Spannung kommt in diesem sogenannten “Thriller” nämlich erst gegen Ende der über 600 Seiten auf. Und dann überschlägt sich die Handlung förmlich.
Wer britischen Humor mag und zudem Geduld hat, der könnte mit diesem Buch mehr Spaß haben als ich.
Fazit:
Viel zu langatmig!
Für Fans der Krimis von M.C. Beaton.
Meine Bewertung:
2,5/5 Sterne 🌟
Als ein Sturm über die schottische Küste hinwegfegt, stürzt ein Teil der Klippen ins Meer. Auch der Garten von Gordon Smith gehört zur abgebrochenen Landzunge, die nun enthüllt, was auf dem Grundstück vergraben war: zahllose Tote. Das Unwetter verhindert eine Bergung der Leichen und vernichtet wichtige Beweise. So weiß niemand, wie viele Menschen Smith getötet hat. Doch Ex-Detective Inspector Ash Henderson ahnt: Er wird weitermorden. Henderson ist entschlossen, Smith in den Highlands aufzuspüren und zu stoppen, selbst wenn er dafür Regeln brechen muss. Es ist ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit, denn ein junges Mädchen ist bereits in der Gewalt des Killers…
Meine Meinung:
‘Der Garten des Sargmachers’ ist der dritte Band der Ash Henderson Reihe des Autors Stuart McBride. Es ist jedoch in meinen Augen nicht unbedingt nötig, die beiden Vorgängerbände zu lesen um dem Fortgang der Handlung zu folgen.
Der Hauptprotagonist Ash Henderson ist ein verbitterter und zynischer Expolizist, der sich selbst und seine kurze Zündschnur nicht im Griff hat und der deshalb ständig mit anderen Menschen aneinander gerät. Sowas muss man mögen - ich auf jeden Fall nicht 😅
Die Nebencharaktere wie die Polizeipsychologin Alice, die Schläger-Oma Helen und der Hund Henry waren es dann letztendlich auch, die mich am Ball bleiben ließen. Spannung kommt in diesem sogenannten “Thriller” nämlich erst gegen Ende der über 600 Seiten auf. Und dann überschlägt sich die Handlung förmlich.
Wer britischen Humor mag und zudem Geduld hat, der könnte mit diesem Buch mehr Spaß haben als ich.
Fazit:
Viel zu langatmig!
Für Fans der Krimis von M.C. Beaton.
Meine Bewertung:
2,5/5 Sterne 🌟
January 20, 2021
This is much darker than Ash's other books, he is now disabled with gun holed foot and his an ex-police officer who is like Rebus he consults on cases. He is grumpy old git. Hobbling about with Scottish Terrier and stick.
While he once was great police officer he is now great pain everybody 's arse.
Gordon Smith is old man a sweet Grandad with late wife who died of bowl cancer everybody loves him specially all the people who he has killed for last 55 Years, you know this from the start.
Gòrach is child murder that nobody has ever seen this other subplot ever bit as important as the coffin maker.
Two Murders to find for price of one. I think MacBride wrote this before Covid 19 because it has no mention of it. He has included few funny Doctor Who tardis jokes too.
While he once was great police officer he is now great pain everybody 's arse.
Gordon Smith is old man a sweet Grandad with late wife who died of bowl cancer everybody loves him specially all the people who he has killed for last 55 Years, you know this from the start.
Gòrach is child murder that nobody has ever seen this other subplot ever bit as important as the coffin maker.
Two Murders to find for price of one. I think MacBride wrote this before Covid 19 because it has no mention of it. He has included few funny Doctor Who tardis jokes too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2021
Diving right into the belly of the beast by skipping the first two books in the series, I found myself in a fast-paced crime-fiction with handful of characters to keep track of. The protagonist of the series, Ash Henderson is a witty, pain-in-the-arse inspector, who finds himself in a double investigation going hand in hand throughout the book, which was a little confusing especially at first while getting used to all the characters. I enjoyed the whip-smart dialogs, a anti-hero with nothing to lose chasing serial killers in rainy and purely magical, atmospheric Scotland. Though presented as a creepy thriller, I found none of these elements; the bad guys were not the sharpest tools in the shed, the storyline was full of cliches and it was a bit tedious for it lacked action for a book with 500 or so pages but overall an enjoyable read.
April 25, 2022
entertaining enough, but it dragged a bit, especially towards the end - i'm not ashamed to say i skimmed the last 50 pages or so *shrug*
December 24, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is set to be published in January 2021.
"The Coffinmaker's Garden" by Stuart MacBride was a baffling read for me.
I expected a novel, but what I got was more like comic book material.
The characters are caricatural. They make the story sound like a bad sitcom, rather than a murder investigation. Are we expected to believe police officers investigating a murder scene bicker about which one of them is going to climb into the attic because they're afraid of spiders? That's preposterous! It's not even a brief exchange, the author draws it out quite a bit, with the word "spiders" recurring 6 times in the space of a couple of pages. Where are we, in kindergarten?
The writing style itself feels inappropriate for a novel, with blatant abuse of italics, words in all caps and lots and lots of exclamation points (sometimes all three of them at the same time).
None of the characters was likeable: Alice in particular acts and talks like a sulking toddler rather than a grownup, a forensic psychologist no less.
Thank God a more senior detective, nicknamed "Mother" (!), is there to remind "Will the pair of you grow up? This is a murder inquiry".
The text feels unpolished: there are typos and repeated words, the author even swings between using "more fit" and "fitter" in a single page. Make up your mind!
I also didn't like the alternation between third- and first-person narrator. It's confusing and it feels like lazy writing.
To top it all off, this book has a disgustingly sexist streak, with a female police officer objectified because of her body (she's referred to as "your copper friend, the young black one with the big boobs" even by a woman) and an appalling depiction of feminist women as spoilt brats--they're referred to as "card-carrying nutjobs" (I'm quoting directly from the book).
Overall, this was a book I really wasn't able to enjoy.
"The Coffinmaker's Garden" by Stuart MacBride was a baffling read for me.
I expected a novel, but what I got was more like comic book material.
The characters are caricatural. They make the story sound like a bad sitcom, rather than a murder investigation. Are we expected to believe police officers investigating a murder scene bicker about which one of them is going to climb into the attic because they're afraid of spiders? That's preposterous! It's not even a brief exchange, the author draws it out quite a bit, with the word "spiders" recurring 6 times in the space of a couple of pages. Where are we, in kindergarten?
The writing style itself feels inappropriate for a novel, with blatant abuse of italics, words in all caps and lots and lots of exclamation points (sometimes all three of them at the same time).
None of the characters was likeable: Alice in particular acts and talks like a sulking toddler rather than a grownup, a forensic psychologist no less.
Thank God a more senior detective, nicknamed "Mother" (!), is there to remind "Will the pair of you grow up? This is a murder inquiry".
The text feels unpolished: there are typos and repeated words, the author even swings between using "more fit" and "fitter" in a single page. Make up your mind!
I also didn't like the alternation between third- and first-person narrator. It's confusing and it feels like lazy writing.
To top it all off, this book has a disgustingly sexist streak, with a female police officer objectified because of her body (she's referred to as "your copper friend, the young black one with the big boobs" even by a woman) and an appalling depiction of feminist women as spoilt brats--they're referred to as "card-carrying nutjobs" (I'm quoting directly from the book).
Overall, this was a book I really wasn't able to enjoy.
October 22, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy of The Coffinmaker’s Garden, the third novel to feature former DI Ash Henderson, now a consultant to Police Scotland in the fictional town of Oldcastle.
Ash and his sidekick, forensic psychologist Dr Alice McDonald, are hunting a child killer when they are diverted to help another team. Gordon Smith has led an apparently blameless life until his home starts sliding into the sea and human remains are uncovered, but it’s what they find in his cellar that makes them think he’s a serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coffinmaker’s Garden which is a gripping read with the added bonus of a lot of dark humour. I couldn’t put it down and was disappointed when it finished, although, as ever, with a laugh.
The novel is mostly told from Ash’s point of view in the first person and as he has a rather dark, cynical take on life it makes the read fun and even laugh out loud funny at times. I am Scottish so it all seems very natural and makes perfect sense to me but I can’t judge if it would be the same for non natives. I wouldn’t say that his judgement is always sound as his decision making seems to involve violence on a regular basis, both given and received, but he can always justify it, perhaps. Old school is probably the best description.
The plot kept me interested throughout with the two main strands and several side issues to occupy my mind. I felt as if my mind was constantly whirring with possible scenarios of how it would play out and being wrong at every turn as it took a different direction. There is the mystery of the unknown child killer and there is the hunt for the murderous pensioner Gordon Smith, who still has all his marbles and hasn’t given up his urges. It’s great stuff.
The Coffinmaker’s Garden is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ash and his sidekick, forensic psychologist Dr Alice McDonald, are hunting a child killer when they are diverted to help another team. Gordon Smith has led an apparently blameless life until his home starts sliding into the sea and human remains are uncovered, but it’s what they find in his cellar that makes them think he’s a serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coffinmaker’s Garden which is a gripping read with the added bonus of a lot of dark humour. I couldn’t put it down and was disappointed when it finished, although, as ever, with a laugh.
The novel is mostly told from Ash’s point of view in the first person and as he has a rather dark, cynical take on life it makes the read fun and even laugh out loud funny at times. I am Scottish so it all seems very natural and makes perfect sense to me but I can’t judge if it would be the same for non natives. I wouldn’t say that his judgement is always sound as his decision making seems to involve violence on a regular basis, both given and received, but he can always justify it, perhaps. Old school is probably the best description.
The plot kept me interested throughout with the two main strands and several side issues to occupy my mind. I felt as if my mind was constantly whirring with possible scenarios of how it would play out and being wrong at every turn as it took a different direction. There is the mystery of the unknown child killer and there is the hunt for the murderous pensioner Gordon Smith, who still has all his marbles and hasn’t given up his urges. It’s great stuff.
The Coffinmaker’s Garden is a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 7, 2021
I've read a few Stuart MacBride books and this one was as amazing as some of the others I've read.
This was really well written, and I loved the balance between dark/gruesome and humour. Stuart clearly has a knack for that! The descriptive writing and setting of the scenes was also excellently done (I don't think I'd have the courage to go down into a basement where the house was in danger of falling off a cliff! There were a couple of those moments in the story and they were so well written, I actually felt like I was there!)
The characters were really well written too, and I loved Ash (he's one tough cookie despite Stuart putting him through hell!), Alice, Shifty, DS Franklin (she might have started off as grumpy but she totally grew on me) and DI Malcolmson (or Mother as she's also referred as!).
I've read the second Ash Henderson book, but not the first so I'm totally going to read that.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Stuart MacBride for the chance to read this book.
This was really well written, and I loved the balance between dark/gruesome and humour. Stuart clearly has a knack for that! The descriptive writing and setting of the scenes was also excellently done (I don't think I'd have the courage to go down into a basement where the house was in danger of falling off a cliff! There were a couple of those moments in the story and they were so well written, I actually felt like I was there!)
The characters were really well written too, and I loved Ash (he's one tough cookie despite Stuart putting him through hell!), Alice, Shifty, DS Franklin (she might have started off as grumpy but she totally grew on me) and DI Malcolmson (or Mother as she's also referred as!).
I've read the second Ash Henderson book, but not the first so I'm totally going to read that.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Stuart MacBride for the chance to read this book.
January 7, 2021
What a gripping and at times a very dark read. Book 3 in a series, and it certainly has me wanting to know more about Ash Henderson in particular his close relationship with Alice and Shifty. Enjoyed that story moved around the majestic scenery of Scotland and not just focused in an urban environment. I’ll never look at theatre scenery in the same way again.
Another great crime story from Stuart, I’m up to book three in the Logan MaRae series and I’ve just downloaded the next book in the series.
I read a copy of this book courtesy of Pigeonhole and Stuart as part of a wonderful read along, it’s been a lovely way to connect with other bookworms during the lockdown.
Another great crime story from Stuart, I’m up to book three in the Logan MaRae series and I’ve just downloaded the next book in the series.
I read a copy of this book courtesy of Pigeonhole and Stuart as part of a wonderful read along, it’s been a lovely way to connect with other bookworms during the lockdown.
May 15, 2021
One year ago, I discovered and subsequently devoured MacBride’s Logan McRae series of novels. He had written them over a period of several years; I read them in one.
I was keen to discover whether the author’s new Ash Henderson novel, THE COFFINMAKER’S GARDEN would match the standard set by his earlier series. I was aware that there were two other Ash Henderson books, written several years ago, that did not match the popularity of the Logan McRae series, so I didn’t bother to read them. “The Coffinmaker’s Garden” seemed to be a new start after the McRae series ended.
I rushed through “The Coffinmaker’s Garden” (almost 500 pages long) in 2 1/2 days, so obviously it was a book that I liked. It basically followed the template of the early Logan McRae books, the ones I loved best. Thus, the question in my mind was whether it was a four-star read or a five-star one.
It seemed to me the Henderson was an older, rougher, meaner McRae. Part of the attraction of the Logan McRae books was McRae’s inherent innocence, a quality that Henderson didn’t have. There was another band of Keystone Kops — different names but just as incompetent as those in the McRae books. I did particularly like Alice, and also DS Franklin, although Franklin disappeared in the latter section of the book — I don’t know why unless MacBride is planning to bring her back in a new series and didn’t want her to be involved in the rather ambiguous ending of “The Coffinmaker’s Garden”. I wonder if this was the swan song of Ash Henderson. I can’t see him (or Alice) taking much more physical mutilation.
So I waffled between giving it 4 or 5 stars, kept going over it in my memory, and then I remembered the collapsing cliff — the disintegration that started the story by uncovering the coffinmaker’s hidden garden, and continues to play a part throughout the story until the end. I could see it. It was not only a major part of the story but also provided a picture of the rough area of Scotland where the series is set. And so, I decided that the brilliance of that icon made the novel worth five stars.
I was keen to discover whether the author’s new Ash Henderson novel, THE COFFINMAKER’S GARDEN would match the standard set by his earlier series. I was aware that there were two other Ash Henderson books, written several years ago, that did not match the popularity of the Logan McRae series, so I didn’t bother to read them. “The Coffinmaker’s Garden” seemed to be a new start after the McRae series ended.
I rushed through “The Coffinmaker’s Garden” (almost 500 pages long) in 2 1/2 days, so obviously it was a book that I liked. It basically followed the template of the early Logan McRae books, the ones I loved best. Thus, the question in my mind was whether it was a four-star read or a five-star one.
It seemed to me the Henderson was an older, rougher, meaner McRae. Part of the attraction of the Logan McRae books was McRae’s inherent innocence, a quality that Henderson didn’t have. There was another band of Keystone Kops — different names but just as incompetent as those in the McRae books. I did particularly like Alice, and also DS Franklin, although Franklin disappeared in the latter section of the book — I don’t know why unless MacBride is planning to bring her back in a new series and didn’t want her to be involved in the rather ambiguous ending of “The Coffinmaker’s Garden”. I wonder if this was the swan song of Ash Henderson. I can’t see him (or Alice) taking much more physical mutilation.
So I waffled between giving it 4 or 5 stars, kept going over it in my memory, and then I remembered the collapsing cliff — the disintegration that started the story by uncovering the coffinmaker’s hidden garden, and continues to play a part throughout the story until the end. I could see it. It was not only a major part of the story but also provided a picture of the rough area of Scotland where the series is set. And so, I decided that the brilliance of that icon made the novel worth five stars.
December 9, 2020
I was very attracted to this book for a number of reasons – the synopsis, the reputation of the author and the great cover. The story starts off at a great lick and I was completely drawn in to it. A wild and stormy coastline, slowly disappearing into the ocean and revealing a house of horrors where many murders had taken place.
Ash Henderson, ex police officer and now a 'consultant' of some kind, and Dr Alice McDonald, a forensic psychologist, are sent to the scene to assist the police and become embroiled in the hunt to find the serial killer. Simultaneously, they are involved, to some degree, in an ongoing investigation into another serial killer who is strangling young boys.
Ash Henderson is arrogant, rude, violent and treats everyone as less intelligent than himself. The only person he appears to have some tenderness for is McDonald, a functioning alcoholic who can't work unless she's had a large helping of alcohol.
It requires quite a large suspension of belief to accept this pair as capable of solving not one, but two, major crimes simultaneously without much help from the police. MacBride very rarely introduces a likeable character and, when he does, they are always secondary to Henderson who rides roughshod over everyone in his path. A female police officer appears for a large section of the book but doesn't do much more than drive Henderson about and get leered at, by quite a few characters, because she has attractive boobs. She disappeared after a while and was never referred to again.
MacBride has an unusual style of presenting telephone conversations partly in italics and of portraying emotion in capitals, usually interspersed with a good sprinkling of swear word, which is unsettling to the eye.
The last section of the book is frankly too far fetched for words.
I know MacBride has a legion of fans and I would have liked to join them but, although the plot was good, particularly at the beginning, the execution of it let it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ash Henderson, ex police officer and now a 'consultant' of some kind, and Dr Alice McDonald, a forensic psychologist, are sent to the scene to assist the police and become embroiled in the hunt to find the serial killer. Simultaneously, they are involved, to some degree, in an ongoing investigation into another serial killer who is strangling young boys.
Ash Henderson is arrogant, rude, violent and treats everyone as less intelligent than himself. The only person he appears to have some tenderness for is McDonald, a functioning alcoholic who can't work unless she's had a large helping of alcohol.
It requires quite a large suspension of belief to accept this pair as capable of solving not one, but two, major crimes simultaneously without much help from the police. MacBride very rarely introduces a likeable character and, when he does, they are always secondary to Henderson who rides roughshod over everyone in his path. A female police officer appears for a large section of the book but doesn't do much more than drive Henderson about and get leered at, by quite a few characters, because she has attractive boobs. She disappeared after a while and was never referred to again.
MacBride has an unusual style of presenting telephone conversations partly in italics and of portraying emotion in capitals, usually interspersed with a good sprinkling of swear word, which is unsettling to the eye.
The last section of the book is frankly too far fetched for words.
I know MacBride has a legion of fans and I would have liked to join them but, although the plot was good, particularly at the beginning, the execution of it let it down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2020
What a fabulous 5* read! This is the first book I've read by this author (I know! Where have I been?) but, he's definitely on my 'favourite author list' now and what a treat I've got in store, working my way through the back catalogue! Could take a while...
This is a fabulously told murder mystery with the lead character of Ash, who was in the police, but who now works as a consultant in a team called LIRU - Lateral Investigative Review Unit - described as a 'sort of New Tricks'.
The story is about the murder of young boys and as we're introduced to this horrific news item, Ash finds himself at a row of houses by the sea, all being speedily taken by the storm that's eroding the coast and one house in particular hides a gruesome secret.
There's murder, mystery, fabulous characters and dark humour that had me laughing out loud throughout. So, despite it's dark subject matter, it's just so well balanced with humour.
There's also excellent and interesting descriptions of the Scottish areas visited within the book. So vivid, you'll need to read in front of a roaring fire to quell the images of beating wind and rain and storms.
Having said that I read this having no knowledge of earlier books, it genuinely didn't matter as this absolutely stands alone as a cracking read. No wonder Stuart MacBride is as popular an author as he is - just brilliant. I loved it.
Thanks so much to the author, Goodreads and HarperCollins for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review.
This is a fabulously told murder mystery with the lead character of Ash, who was in the police, but who now works as a consultant in a team called LIRU - Lateral Investigative Review Unit - described as a 'sort of New Tricks'.
The story is about the murder of young boys and as we're introduced to this horrific news item, Ash finds himself at a row of houses by the sea, all being speedily taken by the storm that's eroding the coast and one house in particular hides a gruesome secret.
There's murder, mystery, fabulous characters and dark humour that had me laughing out loud throughout. So, despite it's dark subject matter, it's just so well balanced with humour.
There's also excellent and interesting descriptions of the Scottish areas visited within the book. So vivid, you'll need to read in front of a roaring fire to quell the images of beating wind and rain and storms.
Having said that I read this having no knowledge of earlier books, it genuinely didn't matter as this absolutely stands alone as a cracking read. No wonder Stuart MacBride is as popular an author as he is - just brilliant. I loved it.
Thanks so much to the author, Goodreads and HarperCollins for the opportunity to preview in exchange for this honest review.
January 20, 2021
Stuart MacBride's third instalment in his 'Ash Henderson' series is an absolute humdinger! This was my first read by the author and also this series so I wasn't totally sure what to expect and was blown away by the rocket-paced action, thrills and danger. If you want a slow-burn, comfortably paced story then
The Coffinmaker’s Garden
isn't for you.
The author's creation of many of the characters in this novel is outstanding, particularly in the case of Ash Henderson, an ex-Detective Inspector. Talkative Dr Alice McDonald, a heavy drinking forensic psychologist and Ash's loved one and colleague at the Lateral Investigative Review Unit (LIRU), and DI Malcolmson, aka Mother, were also fantastic. Set in Oldcastle, Scotland, nearly all of the characters shone and glowed as they risked their lives or found themselves in danger time and again. The perilous situations were shocking and I was holding my breath, hiding behind a cushion, or often both. The comic banter and dark humour allow for some necessary lighter moments as does Ash's sausage-loving canine friend Henry.
This is exemplary tartan noir that I highly recommend with confidence.
I read The Coffinmaker’s Garden in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Stuart MacBride and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
The author's creation of many of the characters in this novel is outstanding, particularly in the case of Ash Henderson, an ex-Detective Inspector. Talkative Dr Alice McDonald, a heavy drinking forensic psychologist and Ash's loved one and colleague at the Lateral Investigative Review Unit (LIRU), and DI Malcolmson, aka Mother, were also fantastic. Set in Oldcastle, Scotland, nearly all of the characters shone and glowed as they risked their lives or found themselves in danger time and again. The perilous situations were shocking and I was holding my breath, hiding behind a cushion, or often both. The comic banter and dark humour allow for some necessary lighter moments as does Ash's sausage-loving canine friend Henry.
This is exemplary tartan noir that I highly recommend with confidence.
I read The Coffinmaker’s Garden in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Stuart MacBride and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
August 9, 2021
Another irreverent page turner from the pen of Stuart MacBride, featuring once more the dastardly, engaging Ash Henderson and a gang of misfits with two killers to catch.
You'll spend your reading time snorting with laughter at totally inappropriate stuff, whilst addictively turning the pages to get to the next hugely compelling plot development. Ironic, sarcastic and utterly authentic The Coffinmakers Garden has a serial killer like no other and a case that will test Ash to his admittedly very touch limits.
Highly Recommended.
You'll spend your reading time snorting with laughter at totally inappropriate stuff, whilst addictively turning the pages to get to the next hugely compelling plot development. Ironic, sarcastic and utterly authentic The Coffinmakers Garden has a serial killer like no other and a case that will test Ash to his admittedly very touch limits.
Highly Recommended.
November 17, 2022
What an amazing series!
April 8, 2021
I love the Ash Henderson character and loved the first 2 books in this gritty series.....this one was good but a step down from those first 2. A massive storm on the Scotland coast is eroding Gordon Smith's property right into the open sea, revealing human remains. Smith is on the run and a massive man hunt led by Ash tries to bring this monster to justice. A 2nd case is led by Ash's colleague, forensic psychologist, Alice McDonald, where very young boys are being kidnapped and murdered but clues and suspects are very hard to find. Once again, Ash is not particular about how he gets the job done, and once again, not everything is as is seems.
January 7, 2021
Oh wow! button-down the hatches because this is one hell of a stormy ride as the sea batters and erodes the coastline, taking with it the gardens and homes perched on top. There hasn’t been a hole deep enough to hide the horrors of the coffin maker’s true nature as his victims remains tumble into the sea. He of course is nowhere to be found.
What a tremendous opening to what is a real-world mind blocker. This book took over me, as I carried my kindle everywhere I went not able to lose even a second of what came next in the story. The discoveries are horrific and brought to life masterfully in perfect technicolour perfection by this author. The thing that took this from a great book to unforgettable was the dark humour and banter of the investigating team. It was the icing on a cake, so it is a good job that devouring this book was calory free as I read it in one greedy binge.
The specialised team are established characters from previous books, but this was my first encounter with them. I felt very comfortable with them as they felt natural, with no stiffness about their characters like, at times, when they are new. Alongside, the case of the serial killer is also the disappearance of a neighbour’s daughter.
The pace of the story is fast. I loved the unpredictable characters in this story, from the crazy serial killer to the unorthodox investigation. A highly recommended read for the start of 2021.
What a tremendous opening to what is a real-world mind blocker. This book took over me, as I carried my kindle everywhere I went not able to lose even a second of what came next in the story. The discoveries are horrific and brought to life masterfully in perfect technicolour perfection by this author. The thing that took this from a great book to unforgettable was the dark humour and banter of the investigating team. It was the icing on a cake, so it is a good job that devouring this book was calory free as I read it in one greedy binge.
The specialised team are established characters from previous books, but this was my first encounter with them. I felt very comfortable with them as they felt natural, with no stiffness about their characters like, at times, when they are new. Alongside, the case of the serial killer is also the disappearance of a neighbour’s daughter.
The pace of the story is fast. I loved the unpredictable characters in this story, from the crazy serial killer to the unorthodox investigation. A highly recommended read for the start of 2021.
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