Overview

Perfect Remains introduces D.I. Luc Callanach as he arrives in Edinburgh to start a new job and a new life. Almost immediately, he is pulled into a disturbing case when the burned remains of a successful lawyer are found high on a remote Highland mountain. As the investigation unfolds, more women disappear, and it becomes clear that the crimes are planned, deliberate, and escalating. Callanach must navigate an unfamiliar police force while racing to stop a killer who is always one step ahead.

Writing & Voice

We found Helen Fields’ writing sharp and fast moving, with a clear focus on momentum. The prose is direct and practical, reflecting the procedural nature of the investigation, but it also makes room for atmosphere. The contrast between Edinburgh’s streets and the open danger of the Highlands adds tension throughout.

Characters

Luc Callanach is a compelling lead, carrying the weight of his past work with Interpol and his sense of being an outsider. His determination to prove himself gives the story emotional drive. The supporting cast brings friction and realism to the police team, while the killer’s cold precision makes the threat feel constant and unsettling.

Themes

The novel explores ambition, power, and obsession, particularly around how successful women are viewed and targeted. It also looks at guilt, resilience, and the personal cost of working cases that refuse to let go. We liked how the book shows that justice is not just about catching someone, but about enduring the damage left behind.

What Worked

• Relentless pace the investigation moves quickly and keeps tension high.
• Effective settings the shift between city and wilderness sharpens the sense of danger.
• Credible procedural detail the police work feels informed and believable.

Minor Quibbles

• The violence is graphic, which may be too intense for some readers.
• The size of the cast means not every character is explored in depth.

Final Thoughts

Perfect Remains is a tense and absorbing crime novel that launches a series with confidence, offering both brutal stakes and a strong central character.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5