Bob Skinner
1 primary work • 35 total works
Death comes in many disguises...
A terrorist threat and a serial killer on the streets of Edinburgh spell trouble for Scotland's toughest cop in Gallery Whispers, the ninth instalment in Quintin Jardine's gripping crime series. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Peter May.
'Heart-stopping thriller' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner has a lot on his plate. One of the world's most ruthless terrorists is on his way to Edinburgh with only one thing on his mind: the forthcoming conference of world Heads of Government. If Skinner doesn't pick up his trail fast, he could have a global disaster in his backyard. While all eyes are focused on the terrorist threat, a terminally ill woman is found dead - an apparent suicide. But the marks of an assisted death are discovered. Yet this seemingly random death soon proves to be the beginning of an ominous pattern. For Skinner, the desperate race to find a heartless terrorist mixes uneasily with the search for a mercy killer- a search which takes on a poignant personal significance. And it's not long before Skinner himself will be staring death straight in the eye...
What readers are saying about Gallery Whispers:
'The book is excellent - there are several stories linked together, and these are interwoven with great skill'
'The only criticism I have is that I just couldn't put the book down'
'Five stars'
Murder past and present obsesses Edinburgh's hardest cop...
Skinner must help a criminal in order to catch a killer in Skinner's Mission, the sixth novel in Quintin Jardine's bestselling Edinburgh crime series. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Peter James.
'Once again Jardine serves up a thriller full of action, gritty realism and sharp patter' - Darlington Northern Echo
When an Edinburgh car showroom is torched, leaving a charred body among the burnt-out luxury cars, Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner wonders if a life of crime has finally caught up with one of the city's most elusive villains. But the corpse turns out not to be that of Jackie Charles, the owner of the showroom, but his wife Carole. Skinner now finds himself on the same side as his old enemy in the search for the killer.
However, Skinner's number one priority is a murder much closer to home. Ever since memories of his first wife Myra's death resurfaced under hypnosis, the question of how she really died has become an obsession which could threaten his career, his marriage and even his sanity. As Skinner and his daughter Alex unlock the hidden secrets of Myra's past, they discover a woman neither could have imagined. A Myra whose bloody fate is linked inextricably across the years with the fiery death of Carole Charles and the murderous events which it triggers.
What readers are saying about Skinner's Mission:
'Absolutely first class'
'A book I couldn't put down. Skinner is fascinating'
'Compelling story with a completely unexpected twist'
Blood will out, always...
Quintin Jardine's Bob Skinner novel Hour of Darkness sees the Edinburgh cop faced with a case that calls every part of his life into question. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Peter May.
The body of a murdered woman is found washed up on Cramond Island near the mouth of the River Forth. Days later detectives are called to a flat in Edinburgh; the kitchen is covered in blood, and the occupier is missing.
When the name of the woman from Cramond Island is revealed, it stirs unwelcome memories for those who knew her, Chief Constable Bob Skinner most of all. Now based in Glasgow, he has no reason to become involved in the case. Yet he does, unwittingly setting in motion a course that leads him to the toughest choice of his life, putting him in the midst of a personal nightmare, both life-threatening and career changing.
What readers are saying about Hour of Darkness:
'Well written [with] twists and turns galore'
'Enthralling... I could hardly put it down. Finished it in next to no time and what a brilliant climax'
'Quintin Jardine writes the most interesting detective stories and always keeps you wanting more'
Edinburgh's toughest cop discovers the dangers of celebrity...
DCC Bob Skinner is about to find out that nothing is quite what it seems in Autographs in the Rain, the eleventh title in the bestselling crime series by Quintin Jardine. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and Peter James.
'Jardine's delightful hero finds himself investigating a case very close to home, and this latest from the man the Glasgow Herald calls the Sean Connery of Scottish crime fiction delivers another cracker' - Murder One
As Bob Skinner takes an evening stroll with a gorgeous filmstar on his arm, surely the worst of his worries is that back at Headquarters, an ambitious new colleague is scheming to enlarge his territory at Skinner's expense. But when a frightening shot-gun attack sends Skinner and his old flame Louise Bankier diving for cover, it seems danger has zeroed in on him once again.
Returning to Scotland to shoot her latest film, Louise is one of Scotland's most popular exports. But it seems she has a stalker; someone who is clearly determined to scare her. For Skinner, tracking down her tormentor isn't just business - it's now very personal indeed. The Detective Chief Constable, however, is about to find out that nothing is quite what it seems...
What readers are saying about Autographs in the Rain:
'Skinner at his most fearsome'
'Utterly brilliant and thoroughly entertaining'
'The separate strands of the story mesh together to make it one of the best of the series'
'Thrilling, tightly written, with believable characters and a main character (Bob Skinner) who is so human I almost feel that I know him'
A shocking murder at the Palace of Westminster draws Edinburgh's toughest cop into a complex new case...
Skinner is plunged into a web of politics and enemies in STATE SECRETS, the twenty-eighth mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling crime series. Not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May. Praise for Quintin Jardine's gritty novels: 'Well constructed, fast-paced...many an ingenious twist and turn' Observer
Former Chief Constable Bob Skinner is long out of the police force but trouble has a habit of following him around. So it is that he finds himself in the Palace of Westminster as a shocking act befalls the nation.
Hours before the Prime Minister is due to make a controversial statement, she is discovered in her office with a letter opener driven through her skull.
Is the act political? Personal? Or even one of terror?
Skinner is swiftly enlisted by the Security Service to lead the investigation. Reunited with Met Police Commander Neil McIlhenney, he has forty-eight hours to crack the case - before the press unleash their wrath.
There are many in the tangled web of government with cause to act. But the outcome will be one that not even Skinner himself could predict...
'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' Sun
The gritty new mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling Bob Skinner series, set in Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside; not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.
Nine years ago, divorcee Marcia Brown took her own life. A pillar of the community, she had been accused of theft, and it's assumed that she was unable to live with the shame. Now her former husband wants the case reopened. Marcia was framed, he says, to prevent her exposing a scandal. He wants justice for Marcia. And Alex Skinner, Solicitor Advocate, and daughter of retired Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner, has taken on the brief, aided by her investigator Carrie McDaniels.
When tragedy strikes and his daughter comes under threat, Skinner steps in. His quarry is about to discover that the road to hell is marked by bad intentions . . .
'Skinner's lost none of his hard edge when he steps up to the plate after his daughter Alex, a legal eagle, is in trouble when a cold murder case explodes red hot and dangerous. Someone's going to meet his match in Skinner' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
'Well-constructed . . . intriguing' Scotland on Sunday
What readers are saying about Quintin Jardine's gripping mysteries:
'I would recommend anyone new to the series to give yourself a treat and read them all!!'
'I have given this book five stars because of the ingenious plot, the excellence of the narrative and, after quite a number of years, Quintin Jardine is still producing superb crime fiction'
'A fantastic gripping read and I didn't want to put it down'
'As always Mr Jardine had me hooked from the first chapter to the very end'
LAST RESORT is the twenty-fifth novel in the Bob Skinner series by Quintin Jardine, Scotland's master of crime, and sees the Edinburgh cop back as never before.
After thirty years of service, former Chief Constable Bob Skinner faces the possible end of his police career, at its pinnacle.
A trip to Catalunya to contemplate his future soon takes on a different flavour when Skinner is asked by an friend, Xavier Aislado, to track down one of his business's brightest talents, vanished without a trace.
But it soon becomes clear that another manhunt is in progress, and that Skinner himself is the target. While his daughter Alex fights that battle at home, Skinner's own search takes one sinister turn after another, until he is faced with the toughest question of all:
Is natural justice sometimes the only answer?
When millionaire Leo Speight is found poisoned, Scotland's toughest cop is called in to solve the high-profile case...
Skinner joins his old team in a complex murder investigation in the twenty-ninth gripping mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling crime series. Praise for Jardine's compelling novels: 'A masterclass in how murder-mysteries ought to be written' Scots Magazine
When millionaire Leo Speight is found poisoned at his Ayrshire mansion, Police Scotland has a tough case on its hands. Speight was a champion boxer with national hero status, and a long list of lovers and friends stand to benefit from his estate. Did one of them decide to speed things up? Or was jealousy or rivalry the motive?
The Security Service wants to stay close to the investigation and they have just the man to send in: ex-Chief Constable Bob Skinner. Skinner might have retired from the police, but solving crimes is in his blood. Combining forces with DI Lottie Mann and DS Dan Provan of Serious Crimes, he's determined to see Speight's murderer put away for a long time. But there's a twist even Bob Skinner couldn't see coming...
'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn' Observer
GAME OVER is the twenty-seventh gripping Bob Skinner mystery from crime master Quintin Jardine, author of HOUR OF DARKNESS, LAST RESORT, PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS and many more.
'Another cracker from Jardine...There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you engrossed' Scots Magazine
When supermodel Annette Bordeaux is found battered and strangled in her Edinburgh flat, former Chief Constable Bob Skinner's old team instantly have a global case on their hands.
The victim's husband, world-renowned footballer and recent Merrytown FC signing, is quickly discounted as a suspect. But there are others in the club with less watertight alibis...
Two years out of the game, Skinner can't help getting his hands dirty. And as his old team work to convict the prime suspect, his own daughter, Alex, is the lawyer tasked with leading the defence.
The opposing sides must work to find the culprit while the press watch on. But in this game, no one can be trusted, and there are murkier deeds still to uncover before the final whistle blows...
Is a killer still on the loose?
The thirtieth gritty mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling Bob Skinner series, not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May. Praise for Jardine's gripping mysteries: 'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn' Observer
When a murder investigation that's been closed for thirty years is suddenly re-opened, former Chief Constable Bob Skinner is quickly drawn into the action.
The story of the Body in the Quarry was well-known around Edinburgh all those years ago: a popular priest found dead in a frozen quarry; a suspect with a clear motive charged; a guilty verdict. But with a journalist uncovering new evidence, the cold case has come back to haunt Skinner's old mentor Jimmy Proud - and only one man can help him.
Skinner is long out of the police force, but he can't say no. With the clock ticking, and his friend's reputation at stake, he must uncover the truth to find out if an innocent man was convicted for murder. And if a killer is still on the loose . . .
Family ties can hide deep wounds...
Bob Skinner uncovers a trail of evil in Pray for the Dying, Quintin Jardine's gripping crime thriller. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and James Oswald.
'Jardine's 23rd Bob Skinner mystery showcases the shrewd and personable Edinburgh cop at his relentless best' - Publishers Weekly
The killing was an expert hit. Three shots through the head, as the lights dimmed at a celebrity concert in Glasgow. A most public crime, and Edinburgh Chief Constable Bob Skinner is right in the centre of the storm, as it breaks over the Strathclyde force.
The shooters are dead too, killed at the scene. But who sent them?
The crisis finds Skinner, his private life shattered by the shocking end of his marriage, taking a step that he had sworn he never would. Tasked by Scotland's First Minister with the investigation of the outrage, he finds himself quickly uncovering some very murky deeds. The trail leads to London, where national issues compromise the hunt. Skinner has to rattle the bars of the most formidable cage in the country, and go head to head with its leading power brokers, a confrontation that seems too much, even for him. Can the Chief solve the most challenging mystery of his career... or will failure end it?
What readers are saying about Pray for the Dying:
'Gripping from the moment I started reading... twists and turns all the way through it that leave you guessing right to the end. Fantastic book'
'A page turner from the first word to the last'
'An intricate plot, very well thought out and executed - enthralling'
THE DARKEST DEEDS ARE HIDDEN FROM SIGHT . . .
Bob Skinner is back in the latest gritty mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling series, not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.
New Year's Day, and Edinburgh lies sleeping. But two men will never wake again . . .
When struggling ex-copper Terry Coats was discovered in bed with an air hostess, his excuse that he was 'going undercover' cut no ice with the force - or his wife. But now he's been brutally killed on Hogmanay night, it seems there may have been more to his plea.
Dragged from the New Year celebrations, Special Constable Sir Bob Skinner is shocked to find Coats' body alongside that of Griff Montell: his erstwhile protégé, and former lover of Skinner's own daughter, Alex. Could there be some dark truth under Coats' cock-and-bull story, after all?
As the secrets start unravelling, Skinner realises he has gravely underestimated someone close to him - and the effects will cost him, and those he loves, dear . . .
Praise for Jardine's gripping mysteries:
'The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer' Denzil Meyrick
'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' Sun
'Another powerful tartan noir that packs a punch' Peterborough Evening Telegraph
'Incredibly difficult to put the book down . . . a guide through a world of tangled family politics, hostile takeovers, government-sanctioned killing, extortion and the seedier side of publishing . . . Quintin Jardine should be . . . your first choice!' Scots magazine
'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn' Observer
The gripping new mystery in Quintin Jardine's bestselling Bob Skinner series, not to be missed by readers of Ian Rankin and Peter May.
Sir Robert Skinner's stock is rising - after retiring from the police service he's been promoted to head an international media organisation. Yet a series of unexplained deaths on his home turf in Scotland threaten to bring him crashing back down to earth.
As Skinner helps the elderly in his local community, several residents seem to die of natural causes. But when a gruesome discovery is made in a Glasgow flat and one of Skinner's long-time friends - an aspiring politician - emerges as the prime suspect, things become very murky indeed.
After unpicking clues that go nowhere, Skinner and his team are left grappling the most baffling conundrum they have ever encountered - is there a mystery at all?
Praise for Quintin Jardine's Bob Skinner series:
'The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer' DENZIL MEYRICK
'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' SUN
'Another powerful tartan noir that packs a punch' PETERBOROUGH EVENING TELEGRAPH
'Incredibly difficult to put the book down . . . a guide through a world of tangled family politics, hostile takeovers, government-sanctioned killing, extortion and the seedier side of publishing . . . Quintin Jardine should be . . . your first choice!' SCOTS MAGAZINE
'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn' OBSERVER
'The legendary Quintin Jardine . . . such a fine writer' DENZIL MEYRICK
Amidst a family celebration, a cataclysmic storm uncovers long-buried horrors - and a team of detectives struggle to solve a thirty-year-old double murder.
The police are also searching two countries for traces of a mysterious crime novelist who appears to have vanished. Has the faking of his own death been his masterpiece?
Alongside each inquiry as it evolves is former Chief Constable Sir Robert Skinner, relishing his new role as a media magnate, but drawn into reluctant action and towards a chilling discovery of his own.
With evil on one hand and intrigue on the other, will Skinner escape with either his integrity or career intact . . . or is it open season on him?
Praise for Quintin Jardine's Bob Skinner series:
'Scottish crime-writing at its finest, with a healthy dose of plot twists and turns, bodies and plenty of brutality' SUN
'Well constructed, fast-paced, Jardine's narrative has many an ingenious twist and turn' OBSERVER