Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of DIs Wheeler and Ross, where Glasgow’s shadowy streets come alive with crime, mystery, and a dash of Glaswegian charm! Authored by Anne Randall, this Scottish crime fiction series follows Detective Inspectors Kat Wheeler and Steven Ross as they tackle brutal murders and unravel tangled webs of deceit in their hometown. With its authentic setting and psychologically rich characters, it’s a must-read for fans of tartan noir.
Randall’s intimate knowledge of Glasgow, paired with her background as a psychotherapist, infuses the series with a unique blend of local flavor and emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to complex mysteries or compelling detective duos, DIs Wheeler and Ross delivers a thrilling ride through Scotland’s urban underbelly.
How DIs Wheeler and Ross Began
Born in Glasgow’s east end, Anne Randall crafted the DIs Wheeler and Ross series from her deep connection to the city and its people. After a varied career as a teacher, nurse, and psychotherapist, Randall turned her storytelling talents to crime fiction, winning first prize at the Wells Festival of Literature in 2011 for her debut novel, Riven (published as A.J. McCreanor). Inspired by Glasgow’s gritty realism and her insights into human behavior, she created Kat Wheeler and Steven Ross—detectives with sharp minds and a dynamic rapport that anchor the series.
Randall’s goal was to capture the authentic pulse of Glasgow, from its iconic landmarks like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery to its hidden, seedy corners. Her psychotherapy background adds a layer of psychological nuance, making the series as much about the detectives’ inner struggles as the crimes they solve.
The Heart of DIs Wheeler and Ross
The series kicks off with Riven (2014), where Wheeler and Ross investigate the brutal murder of a psychologist, only to uncover a complex web involving a dead student and a suicidal addict. Silenced (2015) ups the ante as the duo hunts a serial killer targeting Glasgow’s homeless, with personal stakes rising as the killer stalks Wheeler. Torn (2017) dives into the sordid world of low-budget porn and elite clubs, blending a harrowing court case with a murder investigation. Deceived (2018) sees Wheeler and Ross racing to find a missing woman and a killer, navigating a tangled network of lies.
The series shines through its vivid Glasgow setting, where the city feels like a character—gruff, vibrant, and full of secrets. Themes of justice, morality, and the cost of truth weave through each book, with Randall’s whip-smart dialogue and Glaswegian banter adding levity to the darkness. The interplay between Wheeler’s fierce determination and Ross’s steady pragmatism creates a compelling dynamic, while the psychological depth of both criminals and victims elevates the storytelling.
Randall’s tartan noir style balances gritty realism with intricate plotting, appealing to readers who love Ian Rankin or Denise Mina. Her focus on marginalized communities, like the homeless in Silenced, adds social commentary, making the series both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Why DIs Wheeler and Ross Resonates
The DIs Wheeler and Ross series has carved a niche in Scottish crime fiction, earning praise for its authentic voice and gripping narratives. Fans and critics, including Daily Mail and Crimesquad, laud Randall’s ability to craft “assured and clever” tartan noir that rivals genre giants. Its blend of psychological insight and Glasgow’s raw energy offers a fresh take on the police procedural, resonating with readers who crave character-driven mysteries.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its relatable detectives and unflinching look at urban crime. By spotlighting Glasgow’s complexities—its beauty, its struggles, its humor—Randall invites readers to see the city through a new lens, cementing DIs Wheeler and Ross as a standout in modern crime fiction.
- First Book: Riven (2014)
- Number of Books: 4
- Award: Wells Festival of Literature Prize (2011) for Riven
- Setting: Glasgow, Scotland
Grab Riven and dive into the electrifying world of DIs Wheeler and Ross—where Glasgow’s streets pulse with danger and every case is a race against time!