A Winter Grave: a chilling new mystery set in the Scottish highlands

As a great fan of Peter May’s Lewis trilogy, I was glad that he had located his latest novel in Scotland but initially I found the book difficult to get into. The Winter Grave is set in 2051 with flashbacks to 2023. It shows the dire consequences of climate change and introduces predictable new technology which slows the plot and is rather depressing. However, once he sets off in an eVTOL (electric flight vehicle) with the rather prickly Dr Sita Roy the exciting investigation into a body entombed in ice really begins. The journey to Kinlochleven, in the Highlands, is terrifying, owing to a horrendous storm but Brodie & Sita eventually arrive to a deserted landing place in thick snow. Although they find their hotel there is a power cut, so lacking food they share a bottle of whisky and discover that they also share tragedy in their pasts.The flashback’s gradually reveal how Brodie and his daughter became estranged and after 11 years he will meet her again since she was the one who found the entombed body. They have to work together to solve the murder, but Addie is not prepared to forgive her father. The book, like all May’s novels is beautifully written showing the dramatic countryside vividly, involving us in his emotions and intriguing the reader by the thrilling events. So stick with it, there are serious questions to ask about future technology and government security as well as a story of love, mistakes and redemption.

For me this was too preachy in the early chapter and there was too much futuristic descriptions that were detailed and techie which detracted from the characters and the narrative . But that said I was hooked and really enjoyed the plot his real skill in writing a fast moving plot with characters you care about were all there in spades .

as usual excellent book. that said it didn't need the rather false sub plot of future climate change etc. a bit like putting a sausage in a trifle, unnecessary and spoils the flavour

Be mindful this story is set in the near future, with references to our current time and environmental issues, about a world that could be.Compelling story that is slow to start but draws you in as usual. And again with two storytelling perspectives.Good story overall but did not quite meet standard of the Lewis Trilogy or Entry Island

The move from present to future was a well thought out feature to a good story

A fair tale, but the author can seem obsessed with climate change.

It is a worthwhile read but it lacks the depth and heart of The Lewis Trilogy.

A bit weird at the start but rapidly overwhelming ...