If you're searching for a gripping crime thriller set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than The Low Road by Alex Walters. This is the seventh book in the DI Alec McKay series, but as a newcomer to the series, I can confidently say it works perfectly as a stand-alone. That said, I am now eager to dive into the previous books because Walters' writing is thoroughly compelling — easily on par with the best Rebus novels I’ve read. 

 

Set in and around Inverness, this story immediately caught my attention due to its setting. Having spent years driving the A9 road between West Lothian and Orkney, I was drawn to the vivid and haunting portrayal of this extremely busy route. Walters doesn’t just use the location as a backdrop; he weaves it seamlessly into the narrative, making the A9 almost a character in itself — a road where accidents, often caused by driver error or failure to adapt to conditions, are unfortunately common. But are these recent events really accidents? 

 

DI Alec McKay’s instincts kick in when a series of fatal "accidents" on the A9 feel suspicious. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption, a decades-old murder, and a shadowy killer who will stop at nothing to bury the truth. The layers of this story are masterfully crafted—there’s the intrigue surrounding the A9 accidents, a local newspaper unearthing an old murder case, and a scheming politician looking to exploit the situation for personal gain. Yet, Walters ties it all together brilliantly, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. 

 

One aspect I particularly appreciated was how well the large cast of characters was handled. Despite the many people involved, each had a distinct voice and purpose, making it easy to follow their roles in the story. This is a feature I rate highly in any book, as too many indistinct characters can often lead to confusion. Here, however, it was not a problem at all. 

 

The tension builds steadily as McKay navigates a labyrinth of deception and betrayal, with danger lurking at every turn. Walters excels at creating a moody, suspenseful atmosphere, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. The pacing is spot on, and the stakes feel incredibly high, especially as McKay’s closest allies come under threat and the killer closes in. 

 

What makes The Low Road stand out is how Walters seamlessly combines a gripping plot with a strong sense of place. The Scottish Highlands are brought vividly to life, and the A9’s reputation as a busy and often hazardous road due to driver behaviour adds an extra layer of authenticity and tension. As someone familiar with the area, I found it easy to visualise the settings, which added to my enjoyment. 

 

 

I’m excited to explore more of DI Alec McKay’s cases and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a tightly woven mystery with plenty of twists. If you’re a fan of Ian Rankin’s Rebus series or Peter May’s Lewis trilogy, you’ll find a new favourite in Alex Walters. 

Sincere thanks to Lexi and Bloodhound Books for providing the digital advanced reader copy of this novel.