The Story
At the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay a woman named Alison Reid admits a visitor to her home — only to be found dead soon after. The death cannot immediately be ruled a murder, but when a pathologist identifies a second body — a young woman discovered in the Kinness Burn — sharing disturbing similarities with the first case, DI Clare Mackay is forced to act fast.
As the investigation unfolds, Clare and her team must dig into the lives of both victims and the connections that bind them. A web of secrets, lies and hidden histories emerges. With each clue more troubling than the last, Clare realises the stakes are higher than she ever imagined — and that no one in St Andrews is necessarily safe.
Themes
This novel explores:
-
The thin line between accident and murder and how easily truth can be obscured
-
Secrets in small communities and the shadows that lurk beneath everyday lives
-
Trauma, memory and the hidden pasts that can destroy innocent lives
-
The moral and emotional toll on those tasked with uncovering painful truths
Expect a gritty, atmospheric thriller rooted in real-world police work, with emotional depth and psychological tension.
About the Author
Marion Todd is a Scottish crime author known for her hard-hitting, character-driven procedurals. With the DI Clare Mackay series she examines crime through realism, social pressures and tense suspense. What They Knew continues her reputation for delivering compelling Scottish mysteries grounded in place, community and moral complexity.
Why You Will Love This Book
If you appreciate moody, atmospheric crime novels rich in psychological suspense and moral ambiguity, What They Knew delivers. It’s ideal for fans of dark police procedurals, Scottish noir and thrillers where clues and human flaws are as dangerous as any villain. Prepare for twists, tension and a deep sense of dread that lingers long after the final page.
Keywords
What They Knew by Marion Todd, What They Knew novel, Detective Clare Mackay series, Scottish crime thriller, St Andrews mystery, modern police procedural, dark suspense novel, British crime fiction, small town noir, crime thriller 2021
Publisher’s Synopsis
DI Clare Mackay starts the new year with a death
It is the stroke of midnight on Hogmanay when Alison Reid admits a caller to her home. When her death is later reported, DI Clare Mackay attends the scene. The initial evidence does not rule out murder, but it’s not possible to say for certain if foul play was involved. Yet when the pathologist informs Clare about a post mortem of a young woman found in the Kinness Burn, and with some similarities to Alison’s case, it seems there’s a strong chance that there’s a killer on the loose in St Andrews.
Clare and her team will have to look past the obvious conclusions and delve deeper into the lives of the victims to get to the truth. But who else risks meeting the same fate while the clock is ticking?
Don’t miss this compulsive new addition to the gripping DI Clare Mackay series from Bloody Scotland Scottish Debut Crime Novel 2020 shortlisted author Marion Todd.
Readers are loving What They Knew
‘….more twists, turns and page-turning action from what will soon be your favourite Tartan Noir detective.’ The Scottish Sun
‘Marion Todd does not disappoint… A great read that kept me guessing until nearly the end’ Joy Kluver, author of Last Seen
‘Todd has found a great character in Clare Mackay and both women have definitely been added to my ‘must read’ list. A highly entertaining read.’Â Crimesquad
‘Todd keeps getting better and better…Â One of my favourite discoveries of recent years‘ NetGalley review
‘This is the fourth in what has become one of my favorite police procedurals. It’s like taking a trip to Scotland and hanging out with a savvy detective and her team as they investigate the latest murder.’ NetGalley review
‘Another excellent book in the Clare Mackay series. I was hooked from the first page, plenty of twists and turns… If you have never read any of this series or any by this author you won’t regret reading them, you are in for a treat. I can’t wait for the next instalment‘ NetGalley review
‘Marion Todd never fails to deliver with this series.’ NetGalley review
‘What They Knew is another cracking read, the tension really building in the latter half of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that Todd sustains her current rate of production because I can’t get enough of the DI Mackay series.’ NetGalley review
‘I started reading it immediately and was straight back in the world of DI Clare MacKay, just like visiting an old friend. If gripping crime / police procedurals are your thing you will love this series‘ NetGalley review










Reviews
There are no reviews yet.