To the Shades Descend

In this third installment of Allan Gaw’s award-winning Dr. Jack Cuthbert series, the brilliant pathologist tangles with Scottish politics, institutional power, and the infamous Glasgow razor gangs when he is called upon to identify the dead after a bomb attack.

Giving them back their names is one thing; giving them justice is quite another.

Eminent Scottish pathologist Dr. Jack Cuthbert loves his job with Scotland Yard but even he can be worn down at times by the toll this bloody work takes. In early 1931, when he is invited to interview for a senior position at the University of Glasgow, he seizes the opportunity for a refreshing change of scenery.

What was meant to be a short visit is suddenly derailed by a devastating bombing at a local political rally. Because of his reputation, Dr. Cuthbert is called upon to lead the forensic investigation and identify the many casualties. But this is no ordinary crime scene.

Out of his accustomed surroundings and forced to work with strangers, Dr. Cuthbert must navigate his way through a political as well as a pathological minefield. Unwittingly, he finds himself working at the intersection between rising British fascism, antisemitism, and the infamous Glasgow razor gangs.

To solve the case, Dr. Cuthbert will need to rely on all the expertise he can gather from those around him. But who can he trust?