Murmuring the Judges (Bob Skinner, #8)

Title: Murmuring the Judges (Bob Skinner, #8)

Author: Quintin Jardine

Published in: 1998

Date read: 13th January 2009

Score: 4/5

Genre: Crime, Detective, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Murmuring the Judges" is the eighth novel in Quintin Jardine's popular Scottish crime series, featuring Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner. Published in 1998, this instalment plunges Skinner into a complex and high-stakes investigation that intertwines organized crime with a sinister plot targeting the judiciary.

The story opens dramatically in Edinburgh's old Parliament House, where an armed robbery trial is underway. Amidst the legal proceedings, the presiding judge, Lord Archergait, suddenly collapses in severe agony. Initially, his death is attributed to a heart attack.

However, as the investigation unfolds under the purview of Deputy Chief Constable Bob Skinner, it quickly becomes clear that Archergait's death was no accident. He was poisoned. This chilling discovery sends shockwaves through Edinburgh's legal community, raising the alarming possibility that a ruthless killer is targeting judges.

For Skinner, this case comes at a time when his personal life, after a period of turmoil, is finally settling back into a more stable rhythm. But the professional challenge he now faces is immense and baffling.

Adding to the pressure, the city is simultaneously experiencing a wave of brutal and highly organized armed robberies. The perpetrators are ruthless and efficient, leaving few clues, and there's a growing suspicion that these seemingly unrelated crimes might, in fact, be connected to the poisoning of the judge.

Skinner and his team must navigate the labyrinthine world of Edinburgh's legal and criminal underworlds. They delve into the lives of the targeted judges, looking for hidden connections, old grievances, or any detail that could shed light on who would want them dead and why. The investigation uncovers deep-seated corruption, long-held secrets, and the pervasive reach of organized crime.

The phrase "murmuring the judges" itself hints at the subtle, sometimes unspoken pressures and influences that can be brought to bear on those in positions of power, and in this case, a far more lethal form of coercion.

As the body count potentially rises and the net of suspicion widens, Skinner finds himself in a race against time to piece together a puzzle of sinister complexity. He must outwit a cunning adversary who is not only targeting high-profile figures but also engaging in a brutal crime spree, all while ensuring justice is served and the integrity of the judicial system is protected.

"Murmuring the Judges" is a classic Skinner novel, showcasing Jardine's signature style of ingenious plotting, sharp characterizations, and a robust portrayal of police procedure in the distinctive setting of Edinburgh. It's a gripping thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the final, satisfying resolution.

Comments:
Sadly, I have no recollection of reading this one. It has been more than 16 years and the plot summary rings a bell but I am at a loss for more detail.

Books that we've read by Quintin Jardine (3):
Skinner's Mission (Bob Skinner, #6) (1997), Murmuring the Judges (Bob Skinner, #8) (1998), Stay of Execution (Bob Skinner, #14) (2004)