Heather Critchlow: Unsound [2024]

Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the YearHe left for university and never came back

Arran went missing in Edinburgh fourteen years ago. The last time his parents saw him he was withdrawn and on edge where he'd once been happy and carefree. Still searching for their son, they turn to their last hope, true crime podcaster Cal Lovett.

Cal begins looking for answers, but is distracted by his sister's murder trial. He's so close to getting the justice Margot deserves. Can he finally leave the past and Margot behind?

As Cal unearths disturbing evidence about Arran's fate, he suspects the young man's close-knit group of university friends are keeping secrets to protect each other. It seems old loyalties don't die easily. But they can't all stay silent forever

An unputdownable crime thriller perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Cara Hunter and Neil Lancaster.

Praise for Heather Critchlow

'One to watch' The Critic

'Evocative, immersive, well written' Harriet Tyce

'Exceptionally good' A. J. Finn

'Assured and compelling' Dominic Nolan

'Gripping and taut' Sam Holland

'A darkly twisted tale' Rachael Blok

'A tense and gripping tale that explores the complexities of motherhood' Heather Darwent

'Heart-racing storytelling with very-real characters' James Delargy

'Will keep you reading long after you should have turned out the light' Kate Simants

What readers are saying about Unsound

'Beautifully written, full of empathy and understanding, and at times, utterly devastating' Louisa Scarr, author of Gallows Wood

'Darkly compelling... I couldn't put it down. Heather Critchlow writes characters so real I'm still thinking of them now' Rachel Wolf, author of Five Nights

'Unsound is a genuinely moving experience... it captured me. I loved it' Dominic Nolan, author of White City

'Heather Critchlow's writing is razor-sharp' Robert Rutherford, author of Seven Days

'Wow, wow, wow. A gripping thriller that left me heartbroken at times. I can't say that about many books. This was a great read' Reader review

'I devoured this! have really enjoyed reading these three novels back to back and look forward to the next one' Reader review

'I loved this book! It had a great premise, a gorgeous setting with beautifully written, absorbing descriptions, and good twists' Reader review

'I am a big fan of the Cal Lovett Files and it just keeps getting better and better! Tense, dark and gritty, this book completely captivated me and I read it in one day' Reader review

'I really enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put it down' Reader review

'HER BEST BOOK YET! I loved the storyline, the characters, the atmospheric setting and the emotions that came with it I honestly cannot recommend this series enough and I cannot wait for book four!' Reader review