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Scott Hunter
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Black December (DCI Brendan Moran #1): An addictive and compelling crime thriller Kindle Edition

by Scott Hunter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 2,356 ratings

A unusual crime needs an unusual detective . . . meet DCI Brendan Moran, The Irish Detective, in his first full-length novel, Black December

Black December is an atmospheric crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the stunning climax. This is the first in the DCI Brendan Moran crime series, one of the new breed of top British Detectives.

DCI Brendan Moran, world-weary veteran of 1970s Ireland, is recuperating from a near fatal car crash when a murder is reported at Charnford Abbey. The abbot and his monks are strangely uncooperative, but when a visitor from the Vatican arrives and an ancient relic goes missing the truth behind Charnford's pact of silence threatens to expose not only the abbey's haunted secrets but also the spirits of Moran's own troubled past . . .

Would you like to read DCI Brendan Moran short stories #1, 'A Crime for all Seasons' for FREE? Sign up for Scott Hunter's Top 20 Crime Fiction newsletter at scott-hunter.net and receive a FREE copy of A CRIME FOR ALL SEASONS!

REVIEWS

★★★★★ ‘… a well-planned, well-written novel. The writer has a fertile imagination and an attractive narrative style.’

★★★★★ ‘… one of the best reads I have had this year. Gripped by the grizzled Irish detective… plenty of twists and turns Bravo!’

★★★★★ ‘… I thoroughly enjoyed Black December - it’s a very good "who done it" - and so often!’

★★★★★ ‘… top drawer crime fiction…’

★★★★★ ‘… fabulous characters I’m looking forward to reading more about in the future…’

★★★★★ ‘…will leave you dying to read more…’

--Amazon

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  1. Book 1 of 10
    DCI Brendan Moran
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    18 Nov. 2011
  6. File size
    2.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 10 books in this series.

From the Publisher

Have you met the Irish Detective?

Black December - Abbey Gates

Have you met the Irish Detective?

Are you bored with formulaic and predictable detective/mystery thrillers?

You are one step away from beginning a critically acclaimed nine book series (soon to be ten) that will whisk you into the world of DCI Brendan Moran and his characterful team. From Benedictine monasteries to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, from gritty urban locations to the Highlands of Scotland, from the bucolic Berkshire countryside to the industrial wasteland of Rotterdam, the DCI Brendan Moran series is a sure-fire bet for one unputdownable read after another.

Always with a twist (or two) ...

... and always relentlessly entertaining!

The series is currently under consideration for a brand new TV Series, so watch this space!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006A993E4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 18 Nov. 2011
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 10 ‏ : ‎ DCI Brendan Moran
  • Customer reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 2,356 ratings

About the author

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Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter

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Scott Hunter was born in Romford, Essex. His writing career was kick-started after he won first prize in the Sunday Express Short Story Competition. He divides his time between writing and drumming. He has recorded with internationally renowned rock band 'Jethro Tull' and appeared in concert with 70's popsters 'Mungo Jerry'.

He is currently working on his fifteenth novel and has recently published 'In the Key of Death', number ten in the popular DCI Brendan Moran crime series. The first five books in the series have also been released in audiobook format.

He was long listed for the Times/Chicken House Children's Novel Competition for 'The Ley Lines of Lushbury' and won the Sunday Express Short Story Competition a few years back for his historical entry set in the English Civil War. His second novel, 'The Trespass' is a top 20 Amazon Bestseller. He was shortlisted for the 2016 Crime Writers' Association (CWA) Margery Allingham short story competition, and was selected as the winner of the 2022 Crime Writers' Association (CWA) Margery Allingham short story competition. His winning entry, 'Locked In' can be read via the CWA Website's Margery Allingham page.

Scott Hunter lives in Berkshire with his wife Katherine and his two youngest children

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
2,356 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers thoroughly enjoy this crime thriller from start to finish, praising its intriguing plot with several twists and turns, and well-developed main character. The writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting the vivid descriptions. While some customers find the book moves along at a great pace, others mention it becomes rushed towards the end.

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32 customers mention ‘Readability’32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, thoroughly enjoying it from start to finish, with one customer noting its well-researched content.

"A thoroughly enjoyable read even though a bit unbelievable in places but well worth my time. I already have the next in the series lined up." Read more

"...intriguing and unexpected, Good storyline and setting and enjoyed reading it immensely...." Read more

"...I was gripped through to the climactic conclusion. Well worth the read and I look forward to picking up the next BM novel...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this novel and I don't often read detective fiction...." Read more

30 customers mention ‘Storyline’26 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this crime thriller, praising its intriguing plot with several twists and turns, and find it an interesting variation from typical crime novels.

"An interesting different kind of crime novel that was both intriguing and unexpected, Good storyline and setting and enjoyed reading it immensely...." Read more

"...I feel like the book was a bit rushed towards the end. But loved the end twist." Read more

"First of the Moran novels I have read. Vivid descriptions and clever plotting. Crisp dialogue. I was gripped through to the climactic conclusion...." Read more

"I gave this book 4 stars as it was gripping, with a really intriguing plot. There were a few twists and turns and each character felt genuine...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Writing style’11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer highlighting its vivid descriptions and crisp dialogue, while another notes the excellent character development.

"...A good well written book" Read more

"First of the Moran novels I have read. Vivid descriptions and clever plotting. Crisp dialogue. I was gripped through to the climactic conclusion...." Read more

"...The characters are well crafted and the prose stunningly eloquent." Read more

"...Found it difficult to set down with a most factual plot. Content full because it was condensed in a book not dragged out for volume...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Character development’9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with the main character being well developed, and one customer noting that the leading characters are vulnerable.

"...Moran was a complex character which added to the stories appeal. A good well written book" Read more

"...There were a few twists and turns and each character felt genuine. My one gripe, however, was the length of the book...." Read more

"...The characters are well crafted and the prose stunningly eloquent." Read more

"...Finished the book really quickly. Great characters and setting, tense atmosphere, easy to follow, flowed really well...." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Pace’6 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's pace, with some finding it moves along at a great pace and can be read quickly, while others note it can be slow at times and becomes rushed towards the end.

"...Great characters and setting, tense atmosphere, easy to follow, flowed really well. Good Crime novel - just wish there had been more of it!" Read more

"At 89p you can't complain. I feel like the book was a bit rushed towards the end. But loved the end twist." Read more

"Read in one night. Followed it as a mystery, then right at the end unbelievable. I forgot it was supernatural." Read more

"...a book and I was disappointed with Black December as it lacked any real pace or tension...." Read more

Very Highly Recommend - Fab Author - Great Storyteller
5 out of 5 stars
Very Highly Recommend - Fab Author - Great Storyteller
Black December is Book 1 of the DCI Moran Series and is followed by Creatures Of The Dust, Death Walks Behind You and Silent As The Dead. The Series gets better with each book! Then there is The Irish Detective - also DCI Moran. A Crime For All Seasons (a collection of - not so short - short stories which are extremely good). Long Goodbyes, The Ley Lines Of Lushbury and The Tresspass - The latter left me holding my breath as I read, it was that good! Scott will reel you in and keep you gripped. Each book can be read as a stand alone. When you think his books can't get any better .... They will leave you dying to read more! He's that good!
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • busybee
    5.0 out of 5 stars New author to me
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A thoroughly enjoyable read even though a bit unbelievable in places but well worth my time. I already have the next in the series lined up.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Black december
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2024
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting different kind of crime novel that was both intriguing and unexpected, Good storyline and setting and enjoyed reading it immensely. Moran was a complex character which added to the stories appeal. A good well written book
    Helpful
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  • miss l johnston
    3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2013
    Verified Purchase
    At 89p you can't complain. I feel like the book was a bit rushed towards the end. But loved the end twist.
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  • Simon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent pacing, in depth characters. Twists !
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2022
    Verified Purchase
    First of the Moran novels I have read. Vivid descriptions and clever plotting. Crisp dialogue. I was gripped through to the climactic conclusion. Well worth the read and I look forward to picking up the next BM novel. Congratulations to author Scott Hunter who clearly has talent.
    Helpful
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  • Clara Von Kluk Kluk
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read - just a bit short
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I gave this book 4 stars as it was gripping, with a really intriguing plot. There were a few twists and turns and each character felt genuine. My one gripe, however, was the length of the book. I had not realised how short it was until I abruptly reached the end page on my second sitting. 185 pages is pretty slim pickings for a novel. I read The Trespass, another of Hunter's works, some time ago and it is twice the length. Although I really enjoyed the read I felt rather short changed. So much more could have been put in to it.

    Also, what was the "WARNING - do not read if you are easily offended" all about? Offended by what exactly? I had envisaged all sorts of sordid goings-on but nothing materialised! There was nothing any different in this book than the other 20 or so I have read of the same genre.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Steve Carroll
    5.0 out of 5 stars Black December – you won't want to put it down.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this novel and I don't often read detective fiction. You will never get bored as the writer piles action upon action, intrigue upon intrigue. The characters are well crafted and the prose stunningly eloquent.
    Helpful
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  • Deckerman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great storyline told quickly and no unnecessary page fillers
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 November 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A very good storyline which ran along without unnecessary page fillers. Found it difficult to set down with a most factual plot. Content full because it was condensed in a book not dragged out for volume. On my second book which is equally exciting. His research into police procedure has been well researched.
    Helpful
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  • Mr. R. Evans
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not Scott Hunter's best
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 January 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I had read 'The Trespass' in which Police Inspector Brendan Moran - the protaganist in this book - was a supporting character and quite enjoyed the read.

    I don't think Moran is a strong enough character to be central to a book and I was disappointed with Black December as it lacked any real pace or tension.

    At one point I had to go back to find out who one of the characters was which is never a good sign!

    It's an OK read but I wouldn't rush out to read another 'Moran' book
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Dianne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Feedback on Black December
    Reviewed in Australia on 29 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting and exciting storyline. Held my attention to the end. Not too much time wasted on establishing characters and relationships.
    Report
  • jimbo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Black December by Scott Hunter
    Reviewed in Canada on 23 July 2023
    Verified Purchase
    While this book is a great read in terms of the story line with many twists and an abundance of drama, they are not, in my humble opinion, what make it worthy of a great review. The author's use of words defines its unique trajectory. For example, " Moran was glad he'd been dead...because they'd broken four ribs while about it." So dead people really do think!
    Then, " Wading through treacle,..." A slog if ever there was one.
    And, "The guy had brains in spades, just couldn't get his head out of a bottle." ( his brother, Patrick also had 'drunken ears') We all know at least one with similar qualities.
    There are many more examples of the authors impactful phrases and sentences and it is this, I think, that renders the author worthy of our attention. I'll look forward to getting a more of his books.
    Jpowdrill
    Report
  • D. Zendel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow Wow Wow
    Reviewed in the United States on 22 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    World-weary Irish DCI Brendan Moran is recuperating from a near fatal car crash when a murder is reported at Charnford Abbey. His bosses are leaning to putting him out to pasture because they think he’s unstable, so they take away his Sargeant, replacing him with someone wo doesn’t quite have Moran’s best interests at heart. The Abbot and his monks aren’t particularly helpful, nor is a mysterious Vatican visitor. Add a missing sacred relic to the mix, and Moran has his hands full.

    Wow. I think this must be my first Scott Hunter, but it certainly won’t be the last. Well-written, tight plotting and pacing, snappy dialogue, well-developed, likeable characters, and a cracking good mystery. This just made the time at the gym fly by and I was sad when it ended because I like the characters so much. The policing politics felt real to me, and there was a lovely balance of homelife and worklife. Highly recommend this series.
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  • jon robards
    3.0 out of 5 stars Crime Mystery
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 December 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Always seeking previously unread crime mystery series. Pleased to come across the DCI Brendan Moran series although the first book in any series is always a challenge - developing characters, writing style, plot, etc. I did enjoy this first book although found the plot confusing and characters underdeveloped. However I look forward to reading more in the series which may resolve these issues for me.
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  • Mary Ann Kay
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting and unique
    Reviewed in the United States on 26 October 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This story was unusual and unexpected. The plot had many twists. The characters were interesting. I did not have expect the ending.
    Report

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