Book of the Dead

The ninth instalment in the series featuring Superintendent Katie Maguire

A sergeant in the Irish Garda, who was due to testify in a major police corruption trial, is found dead, headless, and with an Irish tin whistle lodged in his throat. This murder sends a clear message to all potential whistleblowers — if you don't stay silent, you'll meet the same fate.

In addition to investigating this horrific crime, Superintendent Katie Maguire is trying to take down an increasingly powerful drug gang led by one of Cork's most dangerous dealers. However, after some initial successes, the case has become complicated, and Katie finds herself under even greater pressure.

When the headless body of another police officer is discovered, it becomes clear that protecting the endangered whistleblowers will not be easy at all.

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In previous instalments, Katie's uncompromising nature saw her battling crime on the tough streets of Cork with determination and grit. In The Dead of Winter, however, we might just catch a glimpse of the first cracks in her armour. Another strong and compelling addition to the series.
— Books and Lesser Evils

Masterton doesn't present Ireland to readers as a green isle where friends gather in pubs, singing and dancing until morning, four-leaf clovers grant wishes, and mischievous leprechauns who wouldn't harm a fly hop about everywhere. For him, this country is pure noir.
— Reviewing the Evidence

It's not hard to guess that this likeable Scottish author first became famous as a horror writer. Not only does he use extremely realistic descriptions of violence in his Katie Maguire crime series, but there's also something Hitchcockian in his unpredictable perspective.
— Severskékrimi.cz