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The Rest Is Death

Inspector McLean, Book 14

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The Rest Is Death

By: James Oswald
Narrated by: Ian Hanmore
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Summary
 A macabre ancient secret. An innovative biotech company connected to the highest levels of government. And the trail of bloodshed in its wake.

'Finally got my Tony McLean fix' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW

'Darkly gripping' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW

'Do yourself a favour and read James Oswald's series. I can almost guarantee you won't stop at one' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ READER REVIEW

Detective Chief Inspector Tony McLean is called to investigate a break-in at Drake BioTech, a trendsetting Edinburgh start-up. It's well below McLean's pay grade, but given the extensive political connections of its eccentric owner Nathaniel Drake, he doesn't have a choice. Even if nothing appears to have been stolen.

A missing person case turns complicated for DI Janie Harrison when a body is found half-buried in woods outside the city. The missing man shows no signs of trauma, the cause of his death a mystery. But when another man - linked to the break-in - is discovered dead in similarly mysterious circumstances, the police suspect there may be some connection between the two.

McLean is convinced the answer lies with the strange ancient artefact clutched in the second dead man's hands. But when the two bodies are stolen from the mortuary, and the artefact goes missing from evidence, the race is on to prevent yet more death.


Praise for James Oswald:

'The new Ian Rankin' Daily Record

'Creepy, gritty and gruesome' Sunday Mirror

'Oswald's writing is in a class above most' Daily Express©2025 James Oswald Crime Thrillers Suspense Thriller & Suspense Scotland Exciting Scary
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Critic reviews

The new Ian Rankin
Creepy, gritty and gruesome
Crime fiction's next big thing
All stars
Most relevant
This continues the quality of J Oswald books. The plot, while visiting many of the familiar characters, has some unique and unexpected twists. I enjoyed it from cover to cover….which wasn’t easy because I had the audiobook! The reader does a great job of presenting the story.

Plot has some unexpected twists and turns

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McLean and Harrison solve the intricacies of more crimes with a background supernatural connections with the help of Madame Rose. Difficult to stop listening.

Another great story

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I always look forward to a new book in the series , and i am never disappointed

Love this series

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A brilliant story, like all the previous Inspector McLean stories. James, I hope you write a few more, I’m addicted!

Fabulous

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Once again, James Oswald brings the intricacies of police procedural and the world of magic together! I'm immensely happy that he this time decides to bring both Madame Rose and Angus Cadwalladar to the forefront once more! A great listen! I finished it in 48 hours and can't wait for the next installment! Narration-wise it is just perfection! James Oswald's writing skills and Ian Hanmore's ability to bring his characters to life is uncanny and truly a match made in heaven! All in all, pure bliss!

Fantastic story, fantastic narration!

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