Eye For An Eye: DI Gilchrist , Book 1

The first time I have come across this author ... and what a find. An excellent story, kept me guessing right to the end. More than just a writer, he is a wordsmith too and some of the language was almost poetry! I believe he won an award with this book and it was well deserved. Will look for his other book now, A hand for a hand.

Must also mention the narrator who really did bring this story to life. He was a pleasure to listen to. Will watch out for him too.

Highly recommended!

Being a fan of Henning Mankel, Ian Rankin, and Michael Connelly, and having read some of the review comments about this book, I came to it with high expectations. Sadly, I was very disappointed, so much so that I didn't actually finish the book.



I take the point made by the previous reviewer that there is a literary, almost poetic, quality to some of Muir's writing, especially descriptions of landscape, weather and so on. On the other hand his description of peoples' emotions and their responses sometimes seemed laboured and unconvincing. There are passages early in the second half of the book when Gilchrist, full of self loathing, and a sense of failure in all aspects of his life speaks in silent monologue about these feelings. The result is rather banal and histrionic rather than painful and sad, as it should be. Attempts to portray this kind of painful and tragic failure are also present in the scenes where Gilchrist is in contact with his grown up children and his terminally ill ex wife, but again I was unconvinced by the author's descriptions of the emotions involved.



As to the story itself, I found it verging on being gratuitously violent. By the time I gave up there had been something like ten murders plus a couple of rapes, which, for me, is several too many and to my mind smacks of not being able to keep the plot moving without another body. Finally I thought the narrative a bit over-intense. It could have done with a bit more wit and irony.

This was a chance buy. It's not Rebus, nor is it a Serrailer but....!? I was quickly drawn in, probably as much by the narrator as the initial plot but soon could not leave it alone. DI Gilchrist has as many personal issues as we come to expect but he also seems very human - struggling with communicating with his children and ex-wife. I was put off a bit by the reference to Prince William studying at St Andrews, a bit unnecessary in my opinion and it will date the book terribly. Am heading off to search for more in the series for my next credits.

Loved this, first time I listened to anything by Muir, lots of twists, some predictable, still enjoyed it.

So glad I discovered this author, I have now listened to all of them - pretty much back to back - and am hoping for more. Well read by the narrator, excellent story lines and a treat as an ex student to have St Andrews as the backdrop. I always like to get to know the protagonist and in these books the main character becomes more real with each book, also his family and relationships. You should really read, or listen, to these in order for that reason but each book would stand alone.



Looking forward to number 4

I really loved this book. The characters were well defined and the story had me gripped and guessing all the way to the end. The setting of St Andrews was a plus for me as I come from Fife and know the town very well. I think I'll be reading all of T F Muir's books and will be keeping my eye out for them on audible.

I suppose that luck and intuition play a part in solving any mystery and so it is in this case. The setting is in an unusual part of Scotland but the Scottishness although characteristic is not over done. I enjoyed the narrative and the turns and clues and revelations in the unfolding of the plot. I might try some other books of the author and narrator to confirm if I like them a lot or not. Meanwhile a worthwhile listen. Techiepeter.

This was the first book I had read by TF Muir and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot was very good and character description excellent. I was hooked and enjoyed the twist in the tale.

This book is a great listen and highly addictive, so much so that I went out and downloaded the other two books in the series and I have now listened to them back to back, which leaves me keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a number 4.



This book is gripping from the first chapter and i would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good crime fiction. I am not going to spoil the story line but the streets of St Andrews come to life as you listen to the chapters and the miles pass by - the only downside is the amount of alcohol consumed by Andy before driving, but its still a 5* book

Loved this book i am reading Hand for a Hand now will also buy the third one Tooth for a Tooth the writing is really good so descriptive you can visualise the elements and emotions the writer is trying to put across