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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #5
The Last Bloody Straw
How do you solve a murder when everyone's a suspect?
Tormented by the recent loss of a colleague, DCI Jack Logan is on the warpath, determined to bring down all those he holds responsible for the officer's death.
His quest for revenge is cut short when a woman's body turns up on the remote island of Canna, and Jack is summoned to investigate. As a storm closes in, Jack finds himself cut-off from the rest of the world, with no car, no phone signal, and only DC Neish for company.
With time running out before the ferries resume, Jack must act fast to crack the case before the killer can escape. But with the victim widely hated on the island, everyone on it is a potential suspect.
Even the scarecrow...
The Last Bloody Straw is the fifth book in the DCI Jack Logan series, set in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre, and Stuart Macbride.
Tormented by the recent loss of a colleague, DCI Jack Logan is on the warpath, determined to bring down all those he holds responsible for the officer's death.
His quest for revenge is cut short when a woman's body turns up on the remote island of Canna, and Jack is summoned to investigate. As a storm closes in, Jack finds himself cut-off from the rest of the world, with no car, no phone signal, and only DC Neish for company.
With time running out before the ferries resume, Jack must act fast to crack the case before the killer can escape. But with the victim widely hated on the island, everyone on it is a potential suspect.
Even the scarecrow...
The Last Bloody Straw is the fifth book in the DCI Jack Logan series, set in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre, and Stuart Macbride.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2020
About the author
J.D. Kirk
42 books1,308 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
April 29, 2020
Brilliant. Yes it is a murder mystery but the characters and the dialogue provide so much humor that you laugh out loud . Excellent writing and plot. Strongly recommend.
July 29, 2020
4.5 stars. This excellent instalment sees DCI Jack Logan and DC Tyler Neish heading to wild and woolly Canna Island to investigate a murder as a storm lashes the island. They need to stay there as the ferries are out until the storm abates. To Logan’s surprise the victim is someone he knew. Iona Wallace went to school with Jack and took his virginity behind the bike sheds or some such during a “quick fumble” when they were both still teenagers. These days the poor woman liked the drink too much and threw herself at any man who was new to the island (fresh meat). Still, Jack thought, she’d had a rough childhood and didn’t deserve to die like that.
Iona wasn’t well liked, actually she wasn’t liked at all and there were plenty of suspects for her murder. But Logan was determined to find her killer quickly. After all, with the ferries out he had a captive audience and there were only 50-odd people living on the island. There was only one accomodation option and Logan and Tyler had to share a room. Jack’s frustrations with the likeable but often inept DC spilled over frequently and often very humourously.
As the two police officers carry out their investigation in trying circumstances the picture that emerges of Iona is not very flattering. The picture that emerges about some of the suspects is very disturbing. And as the book closes and Jack returns to the mainland, into the waiting arms of Superintendent Hoon who has been desperate to talk to him for days, a bombshell is dropped that is the subject of the next book which I am currently reading. This is a really easy series to read and the books are reliably good.
Iona wasn’t well liked, actually she wasn’t liked at all and there were plenty of suspects for her murder. But Logan was determined to find her killer quickly. After all, with the ferries out he had a captive audience and there were only 50-odd people living on the island. There was only one accomodation option and Logan and Tyler had to share a room. Jack’s frustrations with the likeable but often inept DC spilled over frequently and often very humourously.
As the two police officers carry out their investigation in trying circumstances the picture that emerges of Iona is not very flattering. The picture that emerges about some of the suspects is very disturbing. And as the book closes and Jack returns to the mainland, into the waiting arms of Superintendent Hoon who has been desperate to talk to him for days, a bombshell is dropped that is the subject of the next book which I am currently reading. This is a really easy series to read and the books are reliably good.
April 30, 2020
I absolutely love JD Kirks books. I stumbled across the first in the series, and have devoured them all since. I can’t wait for book 6!
April 27, 2023
Said with a Scottish accent, “Absolutely bloody brilliant”!
I thoroughly enjoyed instalment #5. Set on a remote island, the regulars of the series are thrown into this close knit community to solve the murder of local Iona.
Humour, wit, fallibility and serious detective work keep my speeding through this series. No one writes a one-liner like JD Kirk!
I thoroughly enjoyed instalment #5. Set on a remote island, the regulars of the series are thrown into this close knit community to solve the murder of local Iona.
Humour, wit, fallibility and serious detective work keep my speeding through this series. No one writes a one-liner like JD Kirk!
November 29, 2023
Another fast paced plot this time it’s a murder that’s close to home for DCI Jack Logan. Set on a the remote island of Canna a classic whodunnit brought up to date with a big helping of Scottish whit, sarcasm and extremely good writing.
”It was right at the arse end of the arse end of nowhere. In fact, if the arse end of nowhere sprouted a tail, Canna would be clinging on for dear life to the tip.”
I love the witty banter and comradeship between the MC and supporting cast, their stories and individual mannerisms I find the characters down to earth and very believable. There’s always something to giggle about or laugh out loud at which is refreshing and never gets old or repetitive.
To sum up another fantastic read in the series and a really good ending that I really didn’t see coming and a great build up to the next book. I was so engrossed in the story I forgot to make notes. I’m so glad I discovered this author this series of books are a breath of fresh air and I’m loving them to bits.
”It was right at the arse end of the arse end of nowhere. In fact, if the arse end of nowhere sprouted a tail, Canna would be clinging on for dear life to the tip.”
I love the witty banter and comradeship between the MC and supporting cast, their stories and individual mannerisms I find the characters down to earth and very believable. There’s always something to giggle about or laugh out loud at which is refreshing and never gets old or repetitive.
To sum up another fantastic read in the series and a really good ending that I really didn’t see coming and a great build up to the next book. I was so engrossed in the story I forgot to make notes. I’m so glad I discovered this author this series of books are a breath of fresh air and I’m loving them to bits.
November 2, 2021
Άπαιχτος Τζακ για άλλη μία φορά ♥️
5/5
5/5
January 4, 2022
If this book can get five stars then all of us should start writing, especially if you can regurgitate every American cop blockbuster that Kirk seems to have shoe-horned into this story.
The essence of this book is one dimensional stereotypes: a load of shouting, posturing men; a scattering of nagging or subjugated women; clownish dialogue, and a plot that is so telescopically long it’ll be a boon to the worst insomniac. The narrator’s also a ponderous reader - perhaps he has pre-judged the I.Q. of the audience and his pace is meant to accommodate us.
That said, this series is not supposed to be subtle or believable (at least I hope not). It just seems to be a laddish slasher/horror crime throwback. It can’t legitimately be called a police procedural because none of the characters do any actual policing.
I tried to get my head around why this book is so popular, and then I realised it’s because it’s so safe. It’s not real and so it doesn’t rock the boat in any way. It’s perfect pool-side reading that will not haunt you as you take an evening stroll in your holiday socks and sandals. So, hat’s off to J D Kirk - he’s created is a great brand.
The essence of this book is one dimensional stereotypes: a load of shouting, posturing men; a scattering of nagging or subjugated women; clownish dialogue, and a plot that is so telescopically long it’ll be a boon to the worst insomniac. The narrator’s also a ponderous reader - perhaps he has pre-judged the I.Q. of the audience and his pace is meant to accommodate us.
That said, this series is not supposed to be subtle or believable (at least I hope not). It just seems to be a laddish slasher/horror crime throwback. It can’t legitimately be called a police procedural because none of the characters do any actual policing.
I tried to get my head around why this book is so popular, and then I realised it’s because it’s so safe. It’s not real and so it doesn’t rock the boat in any way. It’s perfect pool-side reading that will not haunt you as you take an evening stroll in your holiday socks and sandals. So, hat’s off to J D Kirk - he’s created is a great brand.
April 29, 2020
Bloody brilliant, love this series, great humour from the characters, can't wait for the next one
April 30, 2020
Humor, great characters and an engaging story with twists. What's not to love?
February 13, 2021
Notes:
The case was not that interesting. Solid intro & interesting set of characters on the island.
The case was not that interesting. Solid intro & interesting set of characters on the island.
August 3, 2023
He writes a cracking book and when sticking to a simple murder I really rate him. But he tries to join the big boys - major crime, ongoing child murderer - that somehow, for me, takes away the reality of the story. My advice: skip the first chapter.
September 12, 2020
The Last Bloody Straw is book five in the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers by J. D. Kirk. DCI Logan was still grieving for a colleague when he had to investigate a death on the Island of Canna. However, on arrival on Canna storm arrived and isolation DCI Logan and the killer. DCI Logan needed to rush to find the murder. The readers of The Last Bloddy Staw will continue to follow DCI Logan investigation to find out what happens.
The Last Bloody Straw is the first book I have read of J. D. Kirk. I engaged in this book from the first page and was unable to put the book down. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series. I love J. D. Kirk portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. The Last Bloody Straw is well written and researched by J. D. Kirk. I like the way, J. D. Kirk described the settings of The Last Bloody Straw which allowed me to imagine living on remote Scottish Island.
The readers of The Last Bloody Straw will learn about living on remote Scottish islands. Also, the readers of The Last Bloody Straw will learn about Scottish law enforcement.
I recommend this book.
The Last Bloody Straw is the first book I have read of J. D. Kirk. I engaged in this book from the first page and was unable to put the book down. I am looking forward to reading other books in this series. I love J. D. Kirk portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. The Last Bloody Straw is well written and researched by J. D. Kirk. I like the way, J. D. Kirk described the settings of The Last Bloody Straw which allowed me to imagine living on remote Scottish Island.
The readers of The Last Bloody Straw will learn about living on remote Scottish islands. Also, the readers of The Last Bloody Straw will learn about Scottish law enforcement.
I recommend this book.
October 27, 2020
I always look forward to the next instalments.
June 12, 2021
I freaking loved it!
January 7, 2021
3.5 stars. A bit of a filler this book. Case easily sold especially given they were on an island that just inhabited 47 people and a colourful cast of characters they are. The most prominent character in this book was the weather which went from a drizzle to chucking it down. Not really sold on the killer of this one, quite neat and a bit unbelievable. Little bit more back story to Jack Logan when he was a teenager. I like when he is partnered up with Neish and I also like the ranting of DSI Noon.
These books are such a quick read and this one is no exception a easy case before setting us up to get to the bottom of the unknown caller in the next one.
These books are such a quick read and this one is no exception a easy case before setting us up to get to the bottom of the unknown caller in the next one.
June 15, 2020
I've loved all of JD Kirk's books so far, and this one is no different.
It's great to learn more about the characters we already know, with twists in the story, humour, and the odd scottish words.
The descriptions throughout all the books are always great, and I feel like I can really picture the characters and settings.
Looking forward to moving on to Book 7 now.
It's great to learn more about the characters we already know, with twists in the story, humour, and the odd scottish words.
The descriptions throughout all the books are always great, and I feel like I can really picture the characters and settings.
Looking forward to moving on to Book 7 now.
July 17, 2020
I just cannot get enough of this series. DCI Jack Logan and his team are just so realistic that you cannot help being drawn in to the book and feel like you are there with them! I cannot praise J D Kirk enough, his writing style is so descriptive and with the story you are hooked from page one. Exceptional books, highly recommend.
July 4, 2022
This is the eighth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I have enjoyed all that I have now read, the first 5 in the DCI Logan series and the first two in the Robert Hoon series. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give Kirk’s a try. Like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk.
The two series under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely are Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. The Logan books are between Smith and Mayhew for violence and intensity. But the Hoon books are much closer to Smith’s more extreme end. This one was another good read. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. The description of this novel is:
“Tormented by the recent loss of a colleague, DCI Jack Logan is on the warpath, determined to bring down all those he holds responsible for the officer's death.
His quest for revenge is cut short when a woman's body turns up on the remote island of Canna, and Jack is summoned to investigate. As a storm closes in, Jack finds himself cut-off from the rest of the world, with no car, no phone signal, and only DC Neish for company.
With time running out before the ferries resume, Jack must act fast to crack the case before the killer can escape. But with the victim widely hated on the island, everyone on it is a potential suspect.
Even the scarecrow...”
This story has less action than some of the others in the series so far. This time Logan faces a very different struggle. The victim was someone he knew in school. The murder and investigation takes place mainly on a very fictionalized island of Canna. Kirk informs us in the afterward that:
“Now, I’m afraid I’ve got something I have to admit. The Canna featured in this book does not exist. It is a completely fictionalised version of the real island, which currently has a population of around seven people.
It also has no pub.
I decided to make-up my own version of Canna for a number of reasons. There are other Scottish islands much more similar to the one in this book, but that is part of the problem.
Setting a crime novel in Inverness, of even Fort William, is one thing, as both have reasonably large communities. Setting one in a small island community, using actual locations, is more problematic, and I was worried I might inadvertently paint real islanders in a bad light.
I could have completely made up a new island, but the other locations in the books have all been real places, so I didn’t want to break that continuity.
And so, I compromised - a real island, with a false reality laid over the top.”
Logan comes face to face with his own stumbling youth. He uncovers several secrets. And has a number of people arrested for a variety of crimes by the end of the story. Along the way are some twists and turns. And Logan in becoming more introspective is dealing with some of the loss he has suffered, both in the past and not so distance pass. This one is far more of a true crime fiction and less action thriller. Having said that, in some ways this was a harder read because of the nature of the crimes, both the one he is called out for and the others he discovers along the way.
It is a good read in a great series., I can easily state that after having read the first five DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this pen name of J.D. Kirk. This is an great offering if you love crime procedural books. Previously I have compared these book to the TV Series The Commander or Wired in the Blood, I can even more so state that after this 5th DCI Logan Story. I love that they are set in Scotland! It would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series. I can easily recommend it.
The two series under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely are Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. The Logan books are between Smith and Mayhew for violence and intensity. But the Hoon books are much closer to Smith’s more extreme end. This one was another good read. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. The description of this novel is:
“Tormented by the recent loss of a colleague, DCI Jack Logan is on the warpath, determined to bring down all those he holds responsible for the officer's death.
His quest for revenge is cut short when a woman's body turns up on the remote island of Canna, and Jack is summoned to investigate. As a storm closes in, Jack finds himself cut-off from the rest of the world, with no car, no phone signal, and only DC Neish for company.
With time running out before the ferries resume, Jack must act fast to crack the case before the killer can escape. But with the victim widely hated on the island, everyone on it is a potential suspect.
Even the scarecrow...”
This story has less action than some of the others in the series so far. This time Logan faces a very different struggle. The victim was someone he knew in school. The murder and investigation takes place mainly on a very fictionalized island of Canna. Kirk informs us in the afterward that:
“Now, I’m afraid I’ve got something I have to admit. The Canna featured in this book does not exist. It is a completely fictionalised version of the real island, which currently has a population of around seven people.
It also has no pub.
I decided to make-up my own version of Canna for a number of reasons. There are other Scottish islands much more similar to the one in this book, but that is part of the problem.
Setting a crime novel in Inverness, of even Fort William, is one thing, as both have reasonably large communities. Setting one in a small island community, using actual locations, is more problematic, and I was worried I might inadvertently paint real islanders in a bad light.
I could have completely made up a new island, but the other locations in the books have all been real places, so I didn’t want to break that continuity.
And so, I compromised - a real island, with a false reality laid over the top.”
Logan comes face to face with his own stumbling youth. He uncovers several secrets. And has a number of people arrested for a variety of crimes by the end of the story. Along the way are some twists and turns. And Logan in becoming more introspective is dealing with some of the loss he has suffered, both in the past and not so distance pass. This one is far more of a true crime fiction and less action thriller. Having said that, in some ways this was a harder read because of the nature of the crimes, both the one he is called out for and the others he discovers along the way.
It is a good read in a great series., I can easily state that after having read the first five DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this pen name of J.D. Kirk. This is an great offering if you love crime procedural books. Previously I have compared these book to the TV Series The Commander or Wired in the Blood, I can even more so state that after this 5th DCI Logan Story. I love that they are set in Scotland! It would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series. I can easily recommend it.
January 22, 2023
Cannot recommend enough! As an avid reader of crime fiction I wasn't sure if this book would be anything different to the hoardes of crime fiction novels out there, but the tongue in cheek title drew me in and I wasn't disappointed. Though the plotline is not massively unique, Kirk's writing style is both gritty, honest - and very funny, which was a refreshing surprise for this genre. I laughed out loud quite a few times. Somehow Kirk managed to hit the right notes of serious without the humour diluting it, so kudos to him!
The twist was hard to guess at, also, and the book wasn't insanely long either, so it was a reasonably fast, very entertaining read. An easy five stars.
The twist was hard to guess at, also, and the book wasn't insanely long either, so it was a reasonably fast, very entertaining read. An easy five stars.
December 27, 2020
When the body of a woman is found on a remote Scottish island, Logan and Tyler Neish attend. Cue a lot of humour! The weather closes in and the story has a claustrophobic feel. Only fifty-odd people on the island, so the pool of possibles is small and shallow. The author has the ability to create characters who feel real, and not always in a good way. So many people here have a murky past or something to hide, so it’s a real puzzle to decide who is guilty – I changed my mind several times! This series is one I can go back to and know it won’t let me down – and although the crime is eventually solved, there’s a little bit of a tail end that means I’m really looking forward to the next.
August 19, 2023
An absolutely enthralling read from start to finish. Twists and turns galore. And add on to all of the above the building climax of a subplot and you have an excellent thriller.
October 12, 2022
4.5 stars. Logan and Tyler are sent to the remote island of Canna after a woman is found murdered. Solid mystery. Love this series.
April 30, 2020
Having read all the other books in DCI Logan series I was looking forward to reading The Last Bloody Straw, the latest and it didn't disappoint. Loved it. Logan is such a great character, so irreverent and funny. You just want to give him a hug. The story took a few surprising turns and I wanted to just keep reading to find out what happened in the end and the ending didn't disappoint either.
May 1, 2020
Sometimes when you read a police crime series, they can get a bit predictable not a DCI Logan novel. The Last Bloody Straw is the latest in the series by J D Kirk and having been releases in the midst of a global pandemic, it is a ray of sunshine and laughter amidst a new reality of lockdown and deaths from Coronavirus.
The humour is black and at times extremely funny, at least I thought so. The storyline was excellent and the characters are noteworthy and eccentric. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in the series.
Highly recommended.
The humour is black and at times extremely funny, at least I thought so. The storyline was excellent and the characters are noteworthy and eccentric. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in the series.
Highly recommended.
May 15, 2021
Wanted it to be so much better than it was but felt that the author put too much effort into the quips and comical interactions between Logan and Tyler (which are very funny) than dealing with the quite serious matter of a murder victim. Saying that though, it was still a great story and hasn’t put me off the series - just thought this one was a little lacking.
February 2, 2023
I picked up this series because this author’s name kept coming up in authors I might like. Its biggest weak spot is the lack of character development, especially the lead character. In this latest installment, we do learn more about our lead, but I’m disappointed that it has taken so many books to get to this level.
June 16, 2022
Brilliant
Superb, brilliant and edge of your seat!!
Logan's character just brilliant. Says it how it is with a bit of humour thrown in.
Superb, brilliant and edge of your seat!!
Logan's character just brilliant. Says it how it is with a bit of humour thrown in.
June 6, 2022
Did not see that twist coming! Intriguing, entertaining, and a great read.
August 14, 2020
Started in the morning, finished in the evening, that's how much I enjoyed this one. DCI Logan has become my favourite cop, heavy on the sarcasm, takes no shit, ready with the violence - sometimes taking it as much as giving it, but gets his man/woman. Even Neish had his moments in this one, despite the constant bullying he gets for being useless. Almost felt sorry for him with the Land Rover puke incident.
Five books in so far this year, with 3 more to go, can't wait to get stuck in to those.
Five books in so far this year, with 3 more to go, can't wait to get stuck in to those.
March 10, 2021
In this story I rediscovered the reason I am reading all of this series. The author truly has a funny bone that shows up time and again in this story. From funny situations involving vomit, to the jabs the detectives take at each other I found this a refreshing read. Yes, there is a murder and it involves someone Login knew a long time ago, but the detecting and the scenery were fantastic. The final twist was a real surprise and I'm happy to say I wasn't at all upset by it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews