The Devil Stone - by Caro Ramsay (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A macabre massacre of a wealthy family brings DCI Christine Caplan to the Highlands in her first thriller in a new series

In the village of Cronchie, a wealthy family are found brutally murdered. The Devil Stone, an heirloom rumoured to bring death if removed from their home, is the only thing stolen. The key suspects are known satanists. But when the investigating officer disappears, DCI Christine Caplan is pulled in to investigate.

Caplan knows she is being punished for a minor misdemeanour when she is seconded to the Highlands, but she's confident she can quickly solve the murders and return home to her fractious family. But as she closes in on the truth, it is suddenly her life, not her career, that is in danger.

Review Quotes

Caro Ramsay fully deserves a place in the upper echelons of Scottish crime writing . . . top-notch-- "Financial Times"

A cracking story, complex and intriguing, with a great new female character, DCI Christine Caplan, at the helm--LIN ANDERSON

As ever, Caro Ramsay's authorial voice is always distinctive, characterful - and hypnotic--BARRY FORSHAW

To say that this take on rural policing is compelling is putting it mildly. An intriguing crime novel, full of dark menace and twists that will keep you mesmerized until the truly dramatic maritime denouement. Fabulous!--DENZIL MEYRICK

Dark, compelling and with enough atmosphere to keep the Meteorological Society busy for years, Caro Ramsay's new series not only promises but delivers--DOUGLAS SKELTON

I have loved them all but this, in my opinion, is far and away Caro's best novel to date! I see a brilliant future for DCI Christine Caplan and look forward to the next book already. Luscious setting, masterly writing and of course fiendish plotting!--ALEX GRAY

Praise for The Red, Red Snow: An attention-grabbing procedural with unsettling surprises-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Praise for On An Outgoing Tide: Intricately plotted . . . This riveting police procedural is sure to please fans and newcomers alike-- "Publishers Weekly"

[A] dark, suspenseful and atmospheric thriller starring a charismatic heroine-- "Booklist (starred review)"

Fans of contemporary British police procedurals will want to have a look-- "Publishers Weekly"

The plot is fast-moving and complex, the characters quirky, with plenty of foibles, and the outcome is both satisfying and surprising-- "Booklist"

About the Author

Caro Ramsay was born and brought up in Glasgow, and now lives in a village on the west coast of Scotland. She is an osteopath, acupuncturist and former marathon runner, who devotes much of her time to the complementary treatment of injured wildlife at a local rescue centre. She is the author of thirteen previous Anderson & Costello thrillers and one standalone novel of psychological suspense. This is the first DCI Christine Caplan thriller.