Step into the rugged, misty world of the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers, where tartan noir meets laugh-out-loud humor and gruesome mysteries! Written by JD Kirk, the pen name of Scottish author Barry Hutchison, this bestselling series follows Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan as he tackles chilling crimes across the Scottish Highlands. With over three million copies sold, it’s a rollercoaster of twisted plots, vivid settings, and unforgettable characters that keeps readers hooked.
Picture this: a grizzled detective with a troubled past, navigating the wild beauty of Loch Ness and Inverness, cracking cases with a sharp wit and a knack for dark humor. If you love fast-paced crime thrillers with a distinctly Scottish flair, DCI Logan is your next obsession!
How DCI Logan Crime Thrillers Began
In 2019, Barry Hutchison, an award-winning children’s author and screenwriter from Fort William, decided to dive into the gritty world of crime fiction. Under the pseudonym JD Kirk, he unleashed A Litter of Bones, the explosive debut of the DCI Logan series. Inspired by his love for the Highlands and a desire to blend dark comedy with tartan noir, Hutchison crafted a series that feels both authentic and wildly entertaining. His knack for storytelling, honed through over 140 children’s books, gave Logan’s world a unique edge.
Hutchison’s Highland roots and self-professed laziness (why research when you know the area?) shaped the series’ vivid settings. The result? A runaway hit that resonated with local readers and international fans craving a taste of Scotland’s wild landscapes.
The Heart of DCI Logan Crime Thrillers
The series kicks off with A Litter of Bones, where Logan, haunted by a past case involving a child-killer dubbed ‘Mister Whisper,’ investigates a new kidnapping in the Highlands. The stakes skyrocket as he questions whether he caught the right culprit a decade ago. In Thicker Than Water, a mutilated body washes up on Loch Ness, sparking media frenzy and a race to catch a killer. The Killing Code sees Logan chasing a remorseless psychopath after a nurse’s brutal murder, while A Killer of Influence tackles a modern twist with social media influencers trapped in a sadistic livestreamed game.
Themes of justice, redemption, and resilience weave through the series, grounded by Logan’s flawed yet relatable persona. The Scottish Highlands aren’t just a backdrop—they’re a character, with their moody lochs, remote villages, and stormy skies amplifying the tension. Kirk’s signature dark humor, peppered with Scottish banter, balances the gore, making even the grimmest cases laugh-out-loud fun. From gangland executions to bizarre cults, each book delivers twists that keep you guessing.
The camaraderie of Logan’s Major Investigations Team—think DI Ben Forde’s dry wit or DC Tyler Neish’s cheeky quips—adds heart. Readers connect with their warmth, vulnerabilities, and evolving backstories, making the series as much about people as it is about crime.
Why DCI Logan Crime Thrillers Resonates
With over 20 books and counting, the DCI Logan series has carved a niche in crime fiction, earning praise from fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. Its blend of gritty realism and humor appeals to readers seeking more than just a whodunit. During lockdown, the series offered a virtual escape to the Highlands, boosting its global appeal. In 2024, Amazon ranked JD Kirk as the 6th most-read author on Kindle Unlimited in the UK, a testament to its addictive pull.
The series’ impact extends locally, too, with Kirk supporting Highland charities through merchandise proceeds. Its authentic Scottish voice and relatable characters make it a cultural touchstone for readers craving stories that feel real yet exhilarating.
- First Book: A Litter of Bones (2019)
- Number of Books: Over 20 as of 2025
- Setting: Scottish Highlands, including Inverness and Glasgow
- Notable Achievement: Finalist for the Kindle Storyteller Prize (2021)
Grab A Litter of Bones and dive into the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers’ wild, witty, and wickedly addictive world! Whether you’re a crime fiction newbie or a tartan noir veteran, Jack Logan’s Highland adventures will keep you turning pages late into the night.