Overview

The Friday Girl is a crime thriller set in 1978 Dundee. Newly assigned to CID, Detective Elizabeth Burnet is underestimated by her colleagues. When she spots links in a string of animal killings and human victims, she pushes deeper into a hunt for a serial killer that exposes corruption and danger in the shadows of Templeton Woods.

Writing & Voice

We found McLean writes in clear, gripping prose that throws us into gritty 1970s police work. The voice balances procedural detail with character insight, especially in Burnet, whose determination comes through without heavy explanation.

Content & Perspective

The story follows Burnet as she goes from being dismissed as just a pretty face to pursuing a dangerous killer. Alongside the central mystery, we see tensions within the police force, the challenges of a woman in a male dominated environment, and the way 1970s Scotland shapes the investigation.

Themes

The Friday Girl explores ambition, misogyny, trust, and corruption. It shows how Burnet must fight to be heard and how truth can be buried when those in power want easy answers.

What Worked

• Atmospheric setting in 1970s Dundee.
• Tightly paced thriller with real stakes.
• Strong lead in Elizabeth Burnet.

Minor Quibbles

• Some procedural sections feel dense.
• Supporting characters are less developed.

Final Thoughts

We found The Friday Girl gritty and purposeful, using its 1970s Dundee setting to explore misogyny, persistence, and the cost of pushing for truth inside resistant systems.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5