Prayer for the Dead

More about the book

In the fifth installment of the Inspector McLean series, a missing journalist's case takes a dark turn when a body is discovered in a meticulously staged murder scene within Gilmerton Cove's labyrinthine caves beneath Edinburgh. The victim has undergone a disturbing ritual of purification, and Inspector Tony McLean, familiar with the deceased, suspects deeper complexities at play. The absence of forensic evidence at the crime scene raises further questions. Joined by an unexpected and unwelcome partner, McLean embarks on a quest to apprehend a killer whose motivations are shrouded in darkness and who seems to answer to a higher power. Praise for the author highlights his rise in the crime fiction genre, with comparisons to renowned writers like Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. Critics have noted his unique style, blending brutality with supernatural elements, and have described his work as a significant contribution to Scotland's crime literature. Oswald's previous novels, including Natural Causes and The Book of Souls, have also received acclaim, establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary crime fiction. In addition to his writing, he manages a 350-acre livestock farm in North East Fife, where he raises Highland Cattle and New Zealand Romney Sheep.