‘Gripping … a compelling and authentic page-turner’ Sunday Mail‘A must read!’ Reader review‘A sparkling debut!’ Reader reviewThe first in an exciting new Scottish crime thriller series. Perfect for fans of L J Ross, Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves.Ex-priest DI Frank Farrell has returned to his roots in Dumfries, only to be landed with a disturbing murder case. Even worse, Farrell knows the victim: … roots in Dumfries, only to be landed with a disturbing murder case. Even worse, Farrell knows the victim: Father Boyd, the man who forced him out of the priesthood eighteen years earlier.
With no leads, Farrell must delve into the old priest’s past, one that is inexorably linked with his own. But his attention is diverted when a pair of twin boys go missing. The Dumfries police force recover one in an abandoned church, unharmed. But where is his brother?
As Farrell investigates the two cases, he can’t help but feel targeted. Is someone playing a sinister game, or is he seeing patterns that don’t exist? Either way, it’s a game Farrell needs to win before he loses his grip on his sanity, or someone else turns up dead.
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This is an intense and complex story where the past forces its way into the present with devastating effects. At its heart is DI Frank Farrell, a priest with a past that links with the brutal murder of Father Boyd. Then, with hardly the blink of an eye, the investigation takes on a sinister twist and new urgency when twins are abducted.
From here, the investigation becomes complicated as Frank Farrell’s involvement in the crimes becomes suspicious.
I enjoyed the complexity of the novel, though I think the police, namely Frank Farrell were rather slow at reading the signs. He was meant to be a loner and something of a misfit, but I struggled to warm to his character, perhaps because his behaviour seemed to be at the mercy of the plot. But this still remains a well crafted and written story. The atmosphere, though dark and intense, created plenty of tension and built towards an exciting race-against-time climax.
I was recently on a panel during a crime festival with Jackie Baldwin. She is a bestselling Scottish crime writer and I was thrilled to have an opportunity to discuss Dead Man’s Prayer with her. I have always found her main character, Frank Farrell a most interesting one and it was interesting to learn more about him from the author herself.
The Blurb
A dark and gripping crime debut, the first in an exciting new series. Eighteen years ago, DI Frank Farrell turned his back on the church. But when an ex-priest is murdered in his hometown, he has no choice but to delve into his past. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, James Oswald and Val McDermid.
The Review
The author creates a most interesting main character in Frank Farrell: he was formerly a priest but, having left the priesthood has become a police detective. This in itself marks Baldwin’s series out from other police procedurals in the field.
Dead Man’s Prayer takes the reader through the investigation of a priest’s murder and combines this with the kidnapping of twin boys. Considering the chequered past of the main character the author sets herself a challenge and a gripping story for her readers.
Personally, I especially like Farrell as a main character. He stands out as unique amongst the many detectives that are written about in crime fiction. Farrell’s priesthood background and faith adds another dimension to this novel. I also enjoyed Mhaire and thought she made the perfect foil for Farrell.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend Dead Man’s Prayer.
The Author
Jackie Baldwin was born in Dumfries. She studied law at Edinburgh University returning to Dumfries to practice criminal and family law for the next twenty years. During that time she married and had two children and a variety of pets. She later retrained as a hypnotherapist. Her DI Frank Farrell series is set in Dumfries and Galloway in SW Scotland. She has recently moved closer to Edinburgh.
Val Penny
Dead Man’s Prayer by Jackie Baldwin.
Absolutely brilliant. I loved the story. Frank and Mhairi were my favourite characters. Some characters I didn’t like. Looking forward to the next book. 5*.
Interesting detective who is a “retired” priest. different characters.. I liked it, not love it but a strong like
Absolutely loved this crime fiction novel and will certainly be reading more of this author’s work. Written with incredible insight and empathy. I loved the characters and their relationships with each other and felt a little lost when I reached the last page. I actually cried at one point too towards the end; a most evocative scene between the main character and his mother. Highly recommend this book!