The ninth book about inspector McLean revolves around a very current theme of illegal immigrants and how other people are taking advantage of their situation. Naturally, a supernatural element complicates the case and an old favourite, Mrs Saifre, turns up as a bad penny. All this makes for a thrilling and sometimes heart-breaking case with vulnerable individuals experiencing evil in human as well as non-human form.

Despite of the dead bodies being scattered around, I always get a ‘feel good’ experience, when listening to Ian Hanmore reading Inspector McLean. To me it is the kind of audiobook which would be perfect with a cup of tea in front of the fire. Partly because of the narrator, whose voice is comforting to listen to and perfectly suited to the story. Partly because of the characters. When I start reading a new McLean book, it is almost like meeting old friends I have not seen for a while and I look forward to hear about what they have been up to.

All in all an excellent addition to the series, which I would highly recommend.

Title: Cold as the Grave
Author: James Oswald
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Crime Fiction / Fantasy