Love this book took me to a time and place far from where I needed to be. Edinburgh has such an atmosphere about it. I didn’t want to leave the world I was in. The characteristics of the characters were very believable to say the least. Definitely a page turner..

While I appreciate the dim, broody atmosphere of the historical Edinburgh and the interesting dynamics in the Hamilton family, I am really not a fan of this novel. Firstly, it is seriously prolonged. Too many space is dedicated to the private lives and musings of the characters, while the murder investigation aspect is very slow at the best, to the level I a surprised that they really got the killer/s. Also, the authoress is trying too hard to instigate the modern views (mainly on manliness and the gay aspects) within the period settings. Combined with the lazy investigation, I have not enjoyed this novel as much as I would like to - as I was here for the murder mystery!
Luckily, Dickensian street-smart urchin Derek, Ian's Chief Inspector and the other Hamiltons are here to save the day.

Edinburgh Twilight is written in the grand British tradition. A mystery, detective novel with a twist. Description of how the murderer enacts the awful deed. Once you began your reading journey with this book , you won’t be able to put it down.

Carole Lawrence is an author to watch. Her book reminds one of Sherlock Holmes. Ian Hamilton impresses as a protagonist, a true old fashioned whodunit. It has been a long time since i have enjoyed a book this much. It was fascinating following the trail of the killer by sheer deduction without all the modern technology getting in the way.

I will keep my eyes open for the next books in the series!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am currently developing a section of the school library that will present a diverse and eclectic range of contemporary crime and thriller novels. This genre has been so popular in terms of what is being borrowed, but I feel like the young people are sticking to 'what they know' in terms of titles or writers that they've already heard of or have seen their parents reading. My mission is to include more novels like this one and improve the range and diversity of fiction that they can choose from in order to expand their reading horizons. I absolutely loved the fact that this book. had a Scottish flavour too It kept me gripped from the very first page and without giving away any spoilers, was a dark, intense and satisfying journey. I think that the young people will love its distinctive voice as well as be gripped by the story and intrigued to follow it to its tense conclusion. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for intelligent, credible writing with a strong hook that won't let you go. Treat yourself to Edinburgh Twilight

I received this novel through Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.

Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton, a lanky and bright man intent on doing the best he can to catch everyday wrong-doers and egregious criminals alike. He is a very humble character who is likable and believable. His voice is very active and enjoyable, slipping into his perspective is like putting on a hat.

With an alcoholic brother, no parents, and only an aunt to speak of, he does his best on his own. Aunt Lillian brings a fresh, grandmotherly quality that will remind you of your best childhood memories with your aunt or grandmother. She is caring, witty, and most of all - homey. You feel it in who she is.

Carole Lawrence has impressed me with her vivid atmosphere that you can step into as if it were second-nature. Although some people have complained of historical inaccuracies, I honestly was so engrossed in the story I hadn't noticed. I loved how easily I was able to picture what was going on and when.

The story is ultimately one of the best I've ever read. I will also remark that it's the slowest. This may not be the author's fault, and may just be mine but I did have a hard time "swallowing" the book whole. I had to enjoy it in many small pieces, unlike most books. This doesn't take away from the novel whatsoever - as soon as I had digested the bit I'd read, I'd go back for seconds. It helped prolong the suspense and build up to Ian solving the great mystery of the novel - who is killing people in Edinburgh?

This book was a fine specimen of atmosphere, characters, quality writing, and plot. I genuinely was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it when I was done, and wanted more. I can't wait for book two.

Looking for a change from the same-old, same-old thriller books? Carole Lawrence, a noted novelist, poet, composer, and playwright, has created an interesting and likeable character, Ian Hamilton. Hamilton is a new detective who has issues with panic attacks and a few other maladies; he is very confident and meticulous, however, but drives his boss crazy. Edinburgh Twilight is the first book in the series, which takes place just after the turn of the century in Scotland. Hamilton, who lost his parents in a fire, discovers a dead man in Holyrood Park. It is signed off as a suicide, but Hamilton points out evidence that proves the man was strangled. Hating to admit that a new detective discovers and points out that he was wrong, Hamilton’s boss reluctantly gives him permission to find the killer. Hamilton carefully follows the clues, and puts himself and others in danger. In fact, he may not survive to arrest the suspect.

Lawrence is an excellent storyteller. She develops her characters so that they seem real, and while Hamilton is a bit cocky, he is pleasant. He comes from money, has plenty of his own, and wants to be a detective for reasons other than money. His Aunt, who raised him after his parents died, helps somewhat on the case, and he also enlists the help of a librarian; both of these characters, as well as his boss, are believable supporting characters.

Lawrence is also an accomplished writer. The words flow and are easy to read and understand. She has a way of building suspense that makes the novel difficult to put down, and there are plenty of twists and turns leading to a surprise dénouement.

Readers who enjoy historical thrillers will want to pick up Edinburgh Twilight. Hopefully there will be more installments soon to come.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I honestly could tell by the writing of the first 2 chapters that it wouldn't be a good fit for our box and had to put it down. I may read it again in the future!

An Edinburgh based book always gets me having lived there for many years. The setting is accurately described - probably doesn’t matter if you read it as set in the past or today - the Old Town/ New Town split still works. In my mond, I probably visualised it as more recent than the author intended.

Lots of characters, but I did find some of the jumping around confusing. Could probably have lost one or two (his brother for instance) without affecting the plot. Maybe they feature more strongly in the next book in the series hence the introduction at this point.

I would not normally read a novel set in the 1880's however this book captured the way I would imagine Edinburgh would feel. It is a beautiful city but grim in the grey Scottish weather.

The main character Hamilton is likeable and seems to be ahead of his times with his thoughts and ideas for solving crime.

I could not wait to find out if they would capture the murderer in time and who would perish before he was caught.

Well worth a read.

I was given this ARC by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A serial killer, a detective with his own demons and lots of possible suspects and all set in one of the most captivating cities I ever had the pleasure of visiting. They combine to make for a great detective story that keeps the reader bound in its world long after the story is over.
The characters were fully and richly developed. From the protagonist to the over enthusiastic want-to-be assistant, they all had character traits that kept the reader on their toes. A detective with a few issues that could annoy even the most understanding reader blurred the lines between a person doing good and being good in their own way. And with secondary characters that have their own flaws, it is a perfect ensemble to fill the story with intrigue and mystery.
The plot was a typical murder mystery, but very nicely executed with enough tangents and little red herrings to maintain the readers interest without getting boring, but not too many to distract from the main purpose of the story. In addition, the reader obtains little snippets of the protagonist’s past and character to look forward to the next installment.
The writing was very smooth with a seamless integration of imagery and technical explanation so as not to get too caught up in one or the other. Although, I have to comment on one thing I noticed in the latter part of the story: there was a bit of repetition in the descriptive words used, which took only slightly away from the narration.
Overall, I loved this story and it stayed with me for almost a week after finishing it. If I had the sequel already, I would have started it immediately. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves a good murder mystery, complex characters and Scotland at the turn of the century.

When a body is found at the bottom of King Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, almost everyone is convinced it’s a suicide. DI Ian Hamilton, however, is just as convinced that it is murder. He is reluctantly given permission to investigate. But when a second murder occurs, it is becomes clear that there is a serial killer stalking the city, one Hamilton is determined to bring to justice even when he begins to suspect the killer may be someone very close to home.

Edinburgh Twilight is the first book in a new historical mystery series by author Carole Lawrence. Set in Edinburgh in 1881, it is a well-written, well-plotted and nicely atmospheric tale with interesting characters. My one quibble and I suspect it wouldn’t even be noticed by most readers – there were a couple of historical inaccuracies eg. one of the characters claimed to be allergic to dogs and another said his mother was allergic to cats. Thing is, the word ‘allergy’ wasn’t used until the early 20th c. I know, a little picky but, what can I say, history buff here. Still, overall, an enjoyable read.

3.5

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

A strong opening novel in what should be an intriguing series; for fans of historical mysteries, be prepared for a Victorian mystery that firmly subscribes to a "warts and all" approach. This school tends to lean hard into the grimy skid, which is great if that's your thing. The mystery here is just okay, and we could lose about two or three secondary characters, but the the overall impression is a positive. A definite recommend with the hope that an editor tightens the laces for book two.

I literally read this novel in one day because I could not put it down.

I loved it and can not wait for the next book in the series! Hopefully the wait wont be too long!

Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton aided by Detective Sergeant Dickerson along with a few other interesting characters are on the hunt for the "Holyrood Strangler" a serial killer that is stalking the streets of 19th century Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is made up of New Town, a wealthy enclave of easy-living residents and Old Town where the poor, downtrodden and criminal element live and this story encompasses both in such a well written way that you can almost reach out and touch it.

The story is told from various points of view, from the killer, victims, and from the Inspector which adds to the immersive layers throughout and also encompasses some back story as well as the hunt for the serial killer.

The characters are portrayed in such a way that makes them believable and human.

If you are interested in historical mysteries and the development of police ideas and procedures, this is your new favourite book of 2017!!

An amazing start to a series and I will definitely read more as the series continues.

Congratulations Carole Lawrence on a perfect debut novel.

"There is so much evil in a man... oh where to begin..." This is not only the mantra of the serial killer, but also one of the over-arching themes of the book.

This is skillfully paced suspense novel, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. It does have all the hallmarks of a modern serial killer novel, including a sexual motivation for killing, but it is not graphic for the most part, however, there is one scene where the killer revisits a crime scene, and relives the murder with a brief description of self-gratification. The story is told from varying points of view, from the killer, from victims, and from the Inspector. I think the writer does an excellent job writing from the different characters and giving them each a distinct voice.

I found the characters to be well-developed, and enjoyed the side stories dealing with Ian and his history and family relationships. I particularly liked Ian's eccentric Aunt, his sounding board for case theories and sketch artist extraordinaire.

All in all, a good start to a series. I will definitely read more as the series continues.

I was a bit disappointed in this book. The setting of Edinburgh and the 19th century felt very contrived. I thought that the author knew neither the city or the time period to write well enough about it. There were several anachronisms, such as the sergeant talking about being allergic to dogs - I have no idea if people knew about allergies in Victorian times but it seems unlikely. The story was interesting and the fastidious detective was well portrayed.

Lawrence captures the atmospherics of turn of the century Edinburgh and most of her major players are engaging, in fact I wouldn’t mind meeting them again. However, for a historical novel, it could have been better researched and I wanted to kick the characters in the butt once or twice to get them moving.

Unfortunately not for me, I mistakenly thought that the book was set at the turn of this century and just don't enjoy historical novels. I did however like the detailed descriptions of old Edinburgh

Such an interesting protagonist. Makes this novel so different from other detective fiction. I also really enjoyed the depiction of Edinburgh in the 19th Century - at once dark and foreboding and alive with strange and colourful personalities. This is definitely a series I would like to read more of.

Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton works for the Edinburgh police force in the last 1800s. Haunted by his own terrible past, he is currently on the case of a serial murderer who stalks the city's darker edges for victims, leaving their strangled bodies behind.

The book starts off well, but drags in the middle. We get many chapters from multiple points of view besides Hamilton: his superior, the victims, the people who discover the bodies, assorted friends and helpers of Hamilton, the murderer. This can be done well, but here it's not - there are too many characters and much of this just slows down the pace. And since we know (sort of) who the murderer is, we also know when Hamilton and the force are heading down the wrong path, which just makes you feel like the novel is marking time.

Lawrence also adds a ton of Hamilton's background into the story, either trying to give him depth, or setting him up for a series regular where he'll simultaneously be solving mysteries in his own life. But it's too much for one novel and just gets in the way of the story. There's a good mystery here, but it needs a lot of cleaning up.