The Man in the Red Overcoat

Ian Skair: Private Investigator, Book 5

De: Hilary Pugh

Narrado por: Charles Robert Fox

Did he jump or was he pushed?

Ian’s detective agency has hit a dull spot. Until a mysterious woman visits him, a body is found under the Tay Bridge and a French PI arrives on his doorstep.

Ian and Molly become embroiled in the world of art theft when a second rate nineteenth century Scottish portrait painter suddenly becomes inexplicably popular.

Can they unravel the mystery before any more bodies are found?

©2023 Hilary Pugh (P)2025 Hilary Pugh

So, who is the man in the red overcoat?

So who is the man in the unique red overcoat? Ian and his assistant, Molly are hired to find him. Such a complicated case. Who to trust? Twists. Turns. So good. So clever. Well written. Well told.

The narrator has a heavy Scottish accent. Great for this story, but this Yankee had to really concentrate to understand. I did get use to it after a while, but I'd rather be able to relax more while listening. He does a great job with varying voices so 4 stars for him.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this Audiobook from the author through Story Origin.

A Clever, Twisty Mystery That Keeps You Guessing

Hilary Pugh delivers another engaging installment in the Ian Skair: Private Investigator series with The Man in the Red Overcoat. This Scottish mystery is packed with intrigue, clever twists, and just the right amount of suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish. I especially appreciated how the story referenced events and characters from earlier books, creating a satisfying sense of continuity and depth for longtime fans of the series.

Charles Robert Fox once again brings Ian Skair and the cast to life with his excellent narration. His voice work adds richness to the atmosphere and helps maintain the tension throughout the story. The pacing is spot-on, and his delivery enhances the emotional beats and the clever dialogue.

What stood out most to me was how the mystery unfolded—I was genuinely kept guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story would take another unexpected turn. If you enjoy mysteries that are smart, character-driven, and set against a vivid backdrop, this one is a must-listen. I’m already looking forward to the next case Ian Skair takes on!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

A Twisted Case

I enjoyed this story a lot. I was amazed by this clever and complex mystery which reminded me of a twisted pretzel with all the red herrings and incidental clues. Ian Skair and his assistant continued to fascinate me at their determination and capability to solve the case regardless of the lack of information or misinformation provided by their clients. I thought Charles Robert Fox's narration was great, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

The Mysterious Overcoat

This story has a slower pace than the previous books in the series; however, it allows for a more rounded narrative. Ian relies heavily on Molly, indicating her potential to start her own investigative firm by the time he retires. I admire his mentorship of her, which adds depth to their relationship. The client in this book is not who she seems. As Ian investigates her before agreeing to her request, it becomes clear that there is something odd about her story. The weaving of various elements keeps the plot engaging, with mysteries unfolding through unexpected twists and turns. The presence of cameos from characters in previous books adds to the charm and familiarity for returning readers.The narrator does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life, enhancing the overall experience. The book can be read as a standalone.