Step into the shadowy streets of Edinburgh, where Inspector Tony McLean battles gruesome crimes and eerie mysteries that linger like mist over the city’s cobblestones! James Oswald’s Inspector McLean series, a gem of Tartan Noir, blends gritty crime fiction with a whisper of the supernatural, captivating readers with its complex hero and atmospheric storytelling. This series follows Detective Inspector Tony McLean as he navigates Edinburgh’s underworld, unraveling cases that test his intuition and haunt his soul.
With its richly drawn setting and McLean’s knack for uncovering dark truths, the series has become a must-read for fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. Whether you’re a crime fiction aficionado or new to the genre, McLean’s world promises thrills and chills aplenty!
How Inspector McLean Began
James Oswald, a Scottish farmer turned bestselling author, introduced Inspector Tony McLean in 2012 with Natural Causes. Initially self-published, the novel’s success was a phenomenon, selling thousands of copies and catching Penguin’s eye. Oswald’s inspiration stemmed from his love for Edinburgh’s history and a desire to craft a detective who could sense the city’s darker undercurrents. Drawing from his varied career—wine merchant, sheep farmer, and comic writer—Oswald infused McLean with a unique blend of grit and sensitivity, setting the stage for a series that’s both grounded and otherworldly.
The Heart of Inspector McLean
The series kicks off with Natural Causes, where McLean investigates a young girl’s ritualistic murder, uncovered after 60 years, amidst a wave of brutal killings. In The Book of Souls, he faces a chilling pattern of annual murders linked to a past case involving his late fiancée. Prayer for the Dead delves into a staged murder in Edinburgh’s Gilmerton Cove, revealing a killer driven by dark compulsions. Bury Them Deep, the tenth installment, sees McLean probing a colleague’s disappearance tied to a sinister operation.
Set against Edinburgh’s haunting landscapes—from the Meadows to ancient caves—the series weaves themes of loss, justice, and the supernatural. McLean, orphaned young and raised by his grandmother, carries a personal weight that deepens his resolve. Oswald’s style, blending police procedural with subtle paranormal hints, creates a tense, immersive read. Fans praise the vivid sense of place and McLean’s unorthodox approach, making each book a standalone thrill yet richer in sequence.
Why Inspector McLean Resonates
The Inspector McLean series has carved a niche in crime fiction, earning comparisons to giants like Ian Rankin for its Edinburgh-centric storytelling. Its blend of gritty realism and eerie undertones appeals to readers craving more than standard mysteries. Oswald’s rise from self-publishing to Sunday Times bestseller status inspires aspiring authors, while McLean’s flawed yet relatable heroism keeps fans hooked. With 14 books and counting, the series continues to captivate, offering a fresh take on Tartan Noir.
- First Book: Natural Causes (2012)
- Latest Book: The Rest is Death (2025)
- Awards: Natural Causes shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger Prize
- Book Count: 14 (as of 2025)
Grab Natural Causes and dive into Inspector McLean’s gripping world of crime and mystery today!