With McLean now retired the baton is passed to Janie Harrison to investigate major crimes in Edinburgh. When a body is found in a partially collapsed church it is ruled as a heart attack but when two more victims are found in churches and there is a link between them all then it appears there is a killer on the loose. Add in the fact that the men are all associates in an organised crime group and that Janie's new boss is rather difficult, McLean starts to question whether retirement is a good idea.
I really like Oswald's books and the McLean series is especially strong. Here there is a sound plot, a few little twists and some philosophy about ageing, all of which works really well. ( )

Step up to the mark acting Detective Inspector Janie Harrison and wow! does she not disappoint. Inspector Tony McClean has resigned from the police force becoming the full time carer for his partner Emma who recently suffered a debilatating stroke. With few officers available and a Scottish police force in great need of manpower, there is little choice but for Janie Harrison to accept the role as acting Detective Inspector until a replacement for Tony can be found. When the body of a man is found in the remains of an old church, foul play is not initially suspected a view that quickly changes when 2 more bodies appear all linked to Edinburgh's criminal underworld. Meanwhile McClean receives a call from known underworld figure Archibald Seagram stating that he has some information that could benefit him. CCTV points to a shrouded individual who appears to be present at all the incidents. What is the connection between Robert Murphy, a child, who suffered abuse at the hands of a notorious Catholic priest in the early 80's? Meanwhile Janie is receiving unwanted attention from her recently appointed superior Detective Superintendent Peter Nelson which will have far reaching consequences. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that make "For our Sins" such a joy: Madame Rose the alluring mysterious trans medium, Grumpy Bob retired but still enjoying life in the historic case archives, and not forgetting Tony's honest and faithful companion...Mrs McCutcheon's cat!
The author has done an amazing job of bringing Janie to the fore, she has just the right blend of steely determination, intuition, and sympathy to ensure she a shining career as Detective Inspector. As the case progresses Tony is employed as a temporary consultant....does this mean he will be returning in the next book?.....lets hope so as Tony McClean and Janie Harrison are not only two great detectives but two respectful work colleagures. An excellent read, a great edition to the series that gets better and better on each outing...Highly recommended. ( )