Back of the Book
A Murder: The body of 18-year-old TV personality Caitlin is discovered on a remote beach at the Black Loch on the Isle of Lewis. As an experienced swimmer and canoeist, her death is baffling. It’s hard to believe she could have drowned.
A Secret: Fin Macleod left the island a decade ago to escape his painful memories. But when he learns that his married son Fionnlagh had been having an affair with Caitlin and is now suspected of murder, he returns to clear his son’s name.
A Reckoning: As the investigation deepens, buried secrets from Fin’s past at the salmon farm on East Loch Roag emerge, leading to a tense and tragic climax.
Book Review
Here’s the updated version with the review first:
The Black Loch by Peter May
The Black Loch was my first Peter May book, and while I found it a solid read, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a starting point for new readers of his work. It’s the fourth book in the Lewis series, and while it can be read on its own, there are references and character arcs that might be better appreciated if you’ve followed the series from the beginning.
What I liked:
- Atmosphere: May’s portrayal of the Isle of Lewis is stunning, and the island’s wild, remote landscape plays an integral role in the story’s tension. The environment almost feels like a character itself, with its bleak beauty adding to the mystery.
- Compelling Plot: The investigation into Caitlin’s death is multi-layered and kept me intrigued throughout. The gradual unveiling of secrets, particularly those connected to Fin’s past, added an emotional weight to the mystery.
- Character Complexity: Fin Macleod is a well-developed character, with his complicated relationship with his son and the haunting past he left behind. His return to the island adds depth to the story, though I think more of his history would be appreciated by those familiar with earlier books.
What I didn’t like as much:
- Not a Great Entry Point: As someone new to the series, I felt like I was missing some of the nuances of character relationships and past events. While May provides enough background, starting at the beginning of the series might offer a fuller experience.
- Pacing: The middle section of the book dragged a bit for me, with moments where the story lost some of its momentum. A faster pace could have made the tension more consistent.
Overall, The Black Loch was a solid, atmospheric read with a gripping plot and complex characters. I enjoyed the storytelling and it did leave me wanting to read the series from the beginning.
Four stars
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Kelly Lacey & Love Books Tours 
I can see how jumping in at book four could be tricky. A well balanced review nonetheless. It’s been ages since I read the trilogy so I wonder how much I’ll remember?
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I haven’t read this one yet, but I do recommend reading the original Lewis trilogy – his best work, in my opinion.
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