Dead Mans Shoes by Marion Todd

The Story

When a young man is discovered dead outside a nightclub — his neck bearing the signature mark of a serial killer known as the Choker — DI Clare Mackay realises the nightmare may have come to her patch. The victim appears connected to underworld figures and criminal networks, blurring lines between hate crime and gang violence.

As more men are attacked, some wounded but left alive, Clare’s investigation intensifies. Pressure mounts from communities and colleagues alike, and clues become scarce. As she digs deeper, Clare uncovers links to organised crime, corruption and social prejudice — realising that for the Choker, murder might be only part of a far darker agenda. With every move scrutinised and danger closing in, Clare must decide how far she is willing to go to bring justice — without losing herself in the process.

Themes

• The rising danger of hate-crime and the vulnerability of marginalised communities under threat.

• The difficulty of seeking justice in a world where prejudice, corruption and fear distort truth.

• Moral ambiguity and the emotional toll on those fighting crime — when duty demands unflinching resolve.

• Community, secrecy and betrayal: how hidden lives and buried ties can harbour violence and deception.

About the Author

Marion Todd is a Scottish crime novelist known for her atmospheric, emotionally raw police procedurals. Her DI Clare Mackay series is praised for blending realistic investigative detail with psychological depth and social awareness. With Dead Man’s Shoes, she tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity, realism and tension — reinforcing her place among contemporary Scottish crime writers.

Why You Will Love This Book

If you appreciate crime fiction rooted in real-world social issues, with gritty realism, moral complexity and a strong, determined detective at its heart, Dead Man’s Shoes will grip you from the first page. It’s ideal for readers who like dark, hard-hitting thrillers that don’t shy away from uncomfortable truths — but also offer integrity, tension and emotional depth.

Keywords

Dead Man’s Shoes by Marion Todd, Dead Mans Shoes novel, DI Clare Mackay series, Scottish crime thriller, serial killer thriller UK, hate-crime mystery novel, dark police procedural, modern crime fiction Scotland, gritty thriller novel, police detective novel

Publisher’s Synopsis