- ASIN: B0GRWVTN7V
- Publication date: 9 Mar. 2026
- Language: English
- Print length: 350 pages
- Genre: Scottish Crime
The BookViral Review:
Andrew Hawthorne’s The Wee Demon is a grounded and methodically constructed crime novel that opens with a striking disruption of normality. A peaceful morning on a Scottish golf course is shattered by the discovery of mutilated human remains, immediately setting the tone for a narrative that favours realism, patience, and investigative detail over sensationalism .
At the centre of the novel is Detective Inspector Claire Redding, recently transferred to the Major Incident Team and tasked with taking over what initially appears to be a straightforward case. Claire is portrayed with a convincing balance of confidence and uncertainty; her instincts are sharp, but she remains aware of the pressure of stepping into a more demanding role. This grounding makes her a credible and engaging lead, particularly as she begins to challenge earlier assumptions about the case.
The investigation itself revolves around the suspected murder of Geoff Cunningham, a businessman whose disappearance had previously been attributed to accidental drowning. The discovery of his body—hidden, mutilated, and showing clear signs of fatal trauma—forces a complete reassessment of events. Hawthorne handles this transition effectively, illustrating how quickly an accepted narrative can unravel under closer scrutiny. The procedural detail here is one of the novel’s strengths, particularly in its depiction of how evidence is gathered, questioned, and reinterpreted.
Detective Sergeant Jim Armstrong plays a key role in the early stages of the investigation, providing continuity between the original missing person enquiry and the emerging murder case. His steady, practical approach reinforces the authenticity of the police work, ensuring that the narrative remains rooted in process rather than conjecture. Similarly, DCI Mitchell provides senior oversight, her role shaped by the implications of the earlier misjudgement. Rather than being overly dramatic, her presence reflects the realities of accountability within a police structure, adding quiet but important weight to the investigation.
Working alongside Claire is DC Alice McWilliams, whose inclusion adds both support and contrast. While still developing her experience, Alice contributes meaningfully to the enquiry, particularly as Claire begins to establish control over the case. Their partnership feels natural and unforced, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the investigation.
A significant aspect of the case lies in the business dealings that brought Cunningham to the area, particularly his meeting with local developer Barry Shanks. This line of enquiry introduces potential motive without overcomplicating the narrative, allowing the investigation to expand logically rather than artificially. Hawthorne avoids unnecessary twists, instead letting each development emerge from the evidence itself.
Running parallel to the main investigation is the storyline of Peter Macdonald, a fugitive wanted in connection with serious crimes and, crucially, Claire’s estranged husband. This relationship adds a deeply personal dimension to the novel, as Claire’s reactions make clear that her feelings for him have not fully disappeared. Their connection introduces an undercurrent of emotional tension that sits alongside the procedural narrative, giving greater depth to Claire’s character and hinting at conflicts that extend beyond the immediate case. Importantly, this strand is handled with restraint, developing steadily without overshadowing the central investigation.
The setting, particularly the contrast between the serene landscape of Loch Lomond and the brutality of the crime, is used effectively throughout. This juxtaposition reinforces one of the novel’s central ideas: that violence can exist beneath even the most picturesque surfaces.
The Wee Demon will appeal strongly to readers who favour procedural crime fiction rooted in realism and careful investigative detail rather than high-concept twists. Fans of Ian Rankin and Val McDermid will recognise the same commitment to atmosphere and methodical enquiry, while readers of Peter James and Ann Cleeves will appreciate its steady pacing and emphasis on credible police work.
It is highly recommended!
