What Will Burn: a tense and incendiary thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling Inspector McLean series

Cecily Slater is a 90-year-old woman who lives a reclusive, quiet life in an old house that is hard to reach. But she knew that they would find her in the end and that she would die in flames. Nearby a man dies in his armchair, his torso incinerated, looking every bit as if he had died of spontaneous combustion. Tony McLean, now happily demoted to Detective Inspector, and Janie Harrison, just as happily promoted to Detective Sergeant, must investigate both cases. While one might not be murder at all, the other is inexplicable. Why would anyone do this to an old woman? There will be more deaths, all so difficult to explain. This won’t be an easy case and matters aren’t helped by the arrival of the new Chief Superintendent, the charismatic and demanding Gail Elmwood. What Will Burn is the eleventh novel in James Oswald’s superb DI McLean series. While there is a benefit in having read the previous novels, What Will Burn does stand alone very well and I think it would even serve as a good way in to the books for those new to them. This is one of the best detective series you could read, and I love them all, but What Will Burn is my favourite and it exemplifies everything that I love about these books – their atmosphere, cleverness, intriguing crimes, fantastic characters and that little hint of the mysterious and other worldly. These books are firmly grounded in Edinburgh and Scotland but there is an element of horror and the supernatural that manages to not intrude while adding a flavour that is absolutely delicious! The storyline of What Will Burn is terrific – it is really, really, really good. You can tell how good it is because I can’t think of the words to praise it enough! All sorts of themes and ideas are explored, but one of the big issues tackled in such a brilliant way is the age-old hatred that some men have for women, especially wise women. Then there are other biblical motivations – vengeance, envy, sin. I love how these novels tackle modern crimes but give them a context that is universal, ancient and timeless. Familiar characters that we love are here, along with Tony, such as Janie, Madame Rose, Lofty (Emma is away in Africa), Grumpy Bob, various cars and cats. There is a link with the author’s Constance Fairchild books thanks to Isobel or Izzy, who is such a fine character. Overshadowing everyone is Gail Elmwood. The least said about her in a review the better but you really need to meet her. Tony McLean is a wonderful and original creation, surrounded by a circle of friends and colleagues that are a pleasure to know. There are dangers within and without but they remain on guard, vigilant. Long may they continue to do so.

Just what you would expect from James Oswald. Good story line and good outcome. I have to wonder if Tony McLean could ever do anything by the book but I guess if he did it wouldn't be the same. Have put the next one on my wish list.

James Oswald’s Inspector McLean series is one of my favourites. One of my favourite things about the series is the supernatural element that is always there. In this novel, What Will Burn, Inspector Tony McLean is investigating after an elderly woman’s body is discovered in a horrific state. In the opening prologue, we see what happens to her, and the persons, who commit the awful crime, accuse her of practising witchcraft. You can really see how much they believe what they are saying to her, and this is what makes this particular scene so terrifying. Is there someone else who is behind what these people are doing? I had to know what was really going on with these people who killed the woman at the start of the novel. There is a really creepy atmosphere to this book as McLean investigates. There is another strand to the book, featuring a man who has been denied visiting rights to his daughter, after he and his partner split up. You can see how angry and upset this has made him, despite him being the one at fault, after he was abusive to his former partner. But it is clear that he might be willing to do anything to get the rights he once had back. I wanted to know how this was going to be connected to the main plot of the book. I love the characters in this series as well. One of my favourites would have to be Madame Rose, who always seems to be there at the right time for Tony when he needs a friend to talk to. There is always Grumpy Bob as well. Both of these characters have been there, along with Tony, right from the beginning, so it always feels like catching up with old friends again whenever they feature in the book. And of course there is always Mrs McCutcheon’s cat, who Tony took in several years earlier, but has never got round to naming. I love the dialogue between the characters which James Oswald brings to life so well in his writing. I did like the exchanges between the new police officer in charge of the police team, Chief Superintendent Gail Elmwood – who has been drafted in from the Metropolitan Police – and Tony. The strands of the book are woven together well, and the creepy factor this book is explored further when more women meet the same fate as the elderly woman in the prologue. This is where you do have to suspend the belief system, but it does make this such an entertaining read, especially that closing chapter which sent shivers down my spine as I read it. What Will Burn is another thoroughly enjoyable book in this series. I really enjoyed it.

The story was good but the writing felt too formulaic. Nice to see Rose again. The big question-will he an Emma stay together..?

I started the series a month before March 2020 lock-down and been going ever sense. Once I knew the libraries were closing I went and took out next 3 books. 11 books later and I have yet to be disappointed by a book in this series. On to the next. ❤️

Oswald’s novels are always straightforward and easy to read. The underlying dimension of the occult always seems a bit superfluous to me, but I suppose it is what sets this series apart from other police procedurals. Enjoyed this one …

What Will Burn (Inspector McLean, #11) by James Oswald. I've enjoyed this series so much and have read all 11 books. There are certain series I look forward to and this is among my favorite. The character of Tony McLean is likable as well as realistic in all his relationships whether private or at his work. This particular book also featured another favorite character of mine and that is Madame Rose. A rather maternal woman with supernatural abilities. She brings another dimension into the story that adds to the mystery at hand. The story begins with an horrific murder of an elderly woman, Cecily Slater. The recluse was burned alive in her tiny home by a gang of cut throats out for revenge that made sense only to themselves. Tony along with his faithful assistant Harrison aren't finding the necessary clues needed to get to the bottom of this poor woman's murder. Then again tony has been demoted and may not have the same capacity to investigate as before. This demotion holds no power over Tony. He could care less and finds his agents are still with him as before. The Dept. has a new Chief Superindentant. Gail Elmwood hails from London and has her sights on Tony, which is something he can well do without. This book was a welcomed arrival however I gave it 4 stars as it did not measure up to most of the other McLean stories in this series.

As per title