Laura McCluskey Is Becoming a Favorite — The Cursed Road , Audiobook Review

Dark, moody, and impossible to guess.

Synopsis

A gripping and atmospheric new detective crime thriller set in the Scottish Highlands
‘Eerie and gripping’ Daily Mail Don’t miss this gripping atmospheric mystery set in the Scottish highlands

ON THE CURSED ROAD EVERY STEP COULD BE YOUR LAST

Deep in the Scottish Highlands, the body of a young woman is found on the cursed road, a narrow track with a bloody history.

It initially looks like an accident, but a name scratched on the dead woman’s arm links to an unsolved case from years ago.

Glaswegian detectives Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent north to investigate, and they discover a community riven by a centuries’ old blood feud and modern rivalries.

As George and Richie attempt to get to the truth behind the dark rumours, a killer is waiting, determined that some secrets are never uncovered.

Praise for THE CURSED ROAD

‘Vivid, haunting, twisty and gut-wrenching’ Pip Drysdale

‘Tense, chilling and sometimes dark’ Fiona Hardy

‘Brilliant … Crime fiction at its best!’ Tanya Scott

‘If you start reading this, it’s likely you won’t put it down’ Nina Bhadreshwar.

Audiobook review

5 stars

In just two books, Laura McCluskey has become a new favorite author of mine—delivering atmospheric crime stories led by a duo of deeply flawed investigators, all set against the moody, mysterious backdrop of Scotland.

And once again, the audiobook narration was perfect. That rolling Scottish accent? It completely brought George to life and pulled me right into the story.

This time, we’re dealing with ancient curses, ruined families, and wealthy, entitled figures—all woven into a complex, layered mystery full of secrets and death.

I would highly recommend reading The Wolf Tree before this one. Yes, they can technically stand alone, but the events of the first book deeply affected George and Richie—and here, we really see the consequences. Both are dealing with PTSD, and it adds so much depth to their characters.

George, especially, still has a long road ahead of her, particularly with her painkiller addiction. And interestingly, when a new case comes up—a body found in a remote part of Scotland—she ends up being the more grounded one, while Richie takes on the role of the grumpy, reluctant partner.

And honestly? That dynamic worked so well.

As for the plot, I won’t say too much (crime/mystery rules ), but here’s the setup:

A young woman’s body is discovered in a remote area of Scotland. George and Richie are sent to investigate, and the case quickly becomes personal—especially for Richie, as it links back to something from his past.

Their investigation takes them through a tight-lipped village, a ruined (and possibly cursed) family, and a very wealthy couple running a luxury hunting lodge catering to elite clients.

As always, everyone seems to be hiding something.

What I loved most—again—was the combination of a strong plot and deeply layered characters. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time.

I did not see the truth coming.

And when it all unraveled? It came with shocking reveals, emotional weight, and some truly desperate choices.

This story is atmospheric, gripping, and hard to put down—and I already find myself hoping Laura McCluskey gives us another book soon.

Thanks for reading.

Sophie