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Book Review: See Them Run

Cover of See Them Run paperback book by Marion Todd - Scottish crime fiction
Buy See Them Run

See Them Run

by · ISBN: 9781788638180
★★★★☆
Crime Fiction Detective Thriller Scottish Writing Tartan Noir

Overview

See Them Run is a detective thriller set in the historic Scottish town of St Andrews. DI Clare Mackay is newly transferred from Glasgow when a wedding celebration turns deadly with a hit-and-run murder. As another killing follows with cryptic clues, Clare must uncover links between the victims before the killer strikes again.

Writing & Voice

We found Todd’s writing brisk and engaging, with clear attention to procedural detail and character. The tone balances investigative focus with an eye for the evocative setting, building tension through clues and interpersonal dynamics rather than overt shocks.

Content & Perspective

The narrative follows DI Clare and her team as they piece together a pattern behind seemingly random murders marked by numbered cards. Through interviews, scene work, and personal reflection, Clare confronts both the case’s complexity and her own past, deepening both plot and character.

Themes

See Them Run explores justice, secrecy, and the burden of unresolved crimes. It looks at how small communities cope with violence, how police work intersects with personal motive, and how the past can shadow the present. The sense of place adds texture to the procedural thread.

What Worked

  • Strong protagonist with depth and drive.
  • Intriguing procedural structure that sustains suspense.
  • Evocative Scottish setting that grounds the action.

Minor Quibbles

  • Some clues follow familiar crime tropes.
  • The pacing can slow between major revelations.

Final Thoughts

We found See Them Run confident and methodical, pairing procedural momentum with a strong sense of place and a detective shaped as much by history as evidence.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5

We recommend this to readers who enjoy Scottish crime fiction rooted in procedural tension and character depth.