The Bad Fire (Bob Skinner Series, Book 31) by Quintin Jardine - Fiction - Paperback
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Title:
The Bad Fire (Bob Skinner series, Book 31): A shocking murder case brings danger too close to home for ex-cop
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
Overview:
Step into the tense, morally intricate world of Bob Skinner with a courtroom-dark mystery that tests loyalties and guts. Nine years after divorcee Marcia Brown took her own life amid whispers of theft and scandal, new light is cast on a community’s buried wounds. Her former husband asks for the case to be reopened, insisting Marcia was framed to shield a more ominous truth. Enter Alex Skinner, Solicitor Advocate and daughter of the retired Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner, who takes on the brief alongside investigator Carrie McDaniels. As the pair peel back fogged memories and veiled motives, they confront danger closing in from people who would rather keep secrets buried. Set against Edinburgh’s stately streets and the sweeping Scottish countryside, The Bad Fire blends gritty procedural detail with psychological suspense, delivering sharp twists, surprising alliances, and a sense that the past can ignite with devastating force. This is a modern crime novel where justice, pride, and family legacy collide in a blaze of tension and revelation.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
Quintin Jardine’s signature blend of moral ambiguity and relentless pacing shines in The Bad Fire. The narrative threads through legal maneuvering, investigative rigor, and character-driven intensity, creating a richly textured thriller that feels both authentic and intimate. Alex Skinner’s professional poise and Carrie McDaniels’ tenacity give the investigation a dynamic, modern edge while still honoring the ancestry of the Bob Skinner universe. The Edinburgh setting—layered with atmospheric detail from courtroom corridors to quiet country roads—acts almost as a third protagonist, shaping choices and amplifying risk. Expect plot twists that land with precision, not bombast, and a reading experience that rewards close attention to motive, alibi, and the price of truth when power is at stake. This is crime writing at its finest: brisk, cerebral, and unflinching.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
Fans of Scottish crime fiction will be drawn to The Bad Fire, especially readers who enjoy introspective, legally informed thrillers with a strong sense of place. It suits established Bob Skinner fans seeking the next chapter in a long-running, character-rich series, as well as readers who relish Ian Rankin or Peter May for their grounded realism and complex investigations. The book is best for adult readers who appreciate a suspenseful, woven narrative—not simply a chase, but a study of consequence, duty, and imperfect justice. If you love a smart, dark mystery that rewards careful reading and delivers credible procedural detail, this novel is a compelling pick for your bookshelf or a thoughtful gift for crime-thriller enthusiasts.
Key Highlights:
- New entry in the acclaimed Bob Skinner series, blending courtroom drama with investigative suspense
- Edinburgh and Scottish countryside settings providing authentic atmospherics
- Lead characters Alex Skinner and Carrie McDaniels drive a modern, strategic investigation
- Gritty, twist-rich plot with moral complexity and high-stakes danger
- Rich, credible procedural detail balanced with tight pacing
- Perfect for fans of long-running crime series seeking depth and continuity
- Compelling standalone read within a beloved universe, ideal for gifting
About the Author:
Quintin Jardine is a bestselling Scottish crime writer renowned for the Bob Skinner series, a long-running saga that has captivated readers with its meticulous plotting, layered characters, and unflinching portrayal of crime and justice. Jardine’s work consistently blends procedural precision with vivid sense of place and a keen eye for the emotional stakes behind every case. The Bad Fire showcases his ability to balance intimate personal conflict with broad social intrigue, delivering a novel that satisfies both page-turning suspense and thoughtful, character-driven storytelling.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you crave a crime thriller that respects your intellect while delivering edge-of-seat moments, The Bad Fire will satisfy. The combination of a legal-advocacy perspective and investigative grit creates a fresh lens on familiar themes—trust, reputation, and the cost of truth. Jardine’s crisp, plotted prose keeps you engaged from the opening scene to the final reveal, while the evolving dynamic between Alex Skinner and Carrie McDaniels offers ongoing appeal for readers following the series. It’s a suspenseful, richly atmospheric read that feels both contemporary and timeless—a perfect addition to a crime-fiction collection and a standout gift for devoted genre fans.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
