Skinner's Ghosts

The Past Never Forgets… And Neither Does Skinner

Skinner’s Ghosts by Quintin Jardine, published by Headline in 1998, is a taut and atmospheric crime thriller featuring the razor-sharp Detective Chief Superintendent Bob Skinner. Set against the evocative backdrop of Edinburgh, this gripping installment in the acclaimed Skinner series sees the detective confront old enemies, buried secrets, and personal demons.

When Skinner is called in to investigate a seemingly routine case, he quickly discovers a tangled web connecting a series of violent crimes to figures from his own past. As ghosts resurface and long-forgotten grudges reignite, Skinner is forced to revisit unfinished business—both professional and personal—that refuses to stay buried.

Meanwhile, tensions mount within his own department and private life, threatening to unravel everything he has worked for. As the investigation takes a darker and more dangerous turn, Skinner must rely on his instincts, his experience, and his inner resolve to bring justice to those who think they’re above the law.

Skinner’s Ghosts is a masterclass in character-driven crime fiction, blending complex plotting with psychological depth. Quintin Jardine delivers another thrilling chapter in a series that continues to raise the bar for Scottish noir.