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Alex Warren #2
A Measure of Trouble
A cold February morning in Scotland begins with the discovery of a body, as Hector Mathewson is found dead within the cask room of his own distillery.
While directing the hunt for the murderer, D.C.I. Alex Warren needs to balance his own turbulent personal life. Their plentiful suspects have motives ranging from greed and nationalism to adultery and revenge.
A Measure of Trouble is a gripping tartan noir thriller set in Glasgow. This is a standalone mystery and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read other books in the series.
Praise from
- Great dialogue, unique plot and clever humour. A Measure of Trouble is a book with such a generous helping of twists that make for a total page turner- Until Zach came around, I never actually read a mystery before. I'm so happy that my introduction to this genre was by this talented author- Abrams has a wonderful capacity to bring readers into the personal lives of Alex and Sandra, who are full-blooded and sympathetic characters struggling with issues- This novel is well written, well-structured and, what I really enjoyed about it, the plot develops on several levels and the characters and events are frequently presented with a dry sense of humour, which makes it hard to put this novel down
While directing the hunt for the murderer, D.C.I. Alex Warren needs to balance his own turbulent personal life. Their plentiful suspects have motives ranging from greed and nationalism to adultery and revenge.
A Measure of Trouble is a gripping tartan noir thriller set in Glasgow. This is a standalone mystery and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read other books in the series.
Praise from
- Great dialogue, unique plot and clever humour. A Measure of Trouble is a book with such a generous helping of twists that make for a total page turner- Until Zach came around, I never actually read a mystery before. I'm so happy that my introduction to this genre was by this talented author- Abrams has a wonderful capacity to bring readers into the personal lives of Alex and Sandra, who are full-blooded and sympathetic characters struggling with issues- This novel is well written, well-structured and, what I really enjoyed about it, the plot develops on several levels and the characters and events are frequently presented with a dry sense of humour, which makes it hard to put this novel down
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2013
802 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Zach Abrams
37Ìýbooks144ÌýfollowersHaving the background of a successful career in commerce and finance, Zach Abrams has spent many years writing reports, letters and presentations and it's only fairly recently he started writing novels. "It's a more honourable type of fiction," he declares.
His first novel 'Ring Fenced' was published in November 2011. This is a crime story with a difference, following one man's obsession with power and control.
After this he collaborated with Elly Grant to produce 'Twists and Turns' a book of short stories.
Zach's next novel, 'Made a Killing', is the first book in the Alex Warren series. It follows the investigation after the killing of a much hated criminal where an elephant tusk was used as the murder weapon was. This has been followed by 'A Measure of Trouble' where Alex's team are seeking the murderer of a CEO killed within the cask room of his whisky distillery. The third was published on 31 March 2015, 'Written to Death,' deals with a mysterious death during a writers' group meeting. - These are fast moving, gripping novels set in the tough crime-ridden streets of Glasgow.
Zach's quirky thriller, 'Source- A Fast Paced Financial Crime Thriller' has three investigative journalists travelling across the UK, Spain and France as they research corruption and sabotage in the banking sector while trying to cope with their own fraught personal lives.
@Offender of teh Faith' is the fourth Alex Warren Mystery and then '133 Hours' - a claustrophobic, psychological thriller is being launched in January 2020.
Alike his central character in 'Ring Fenced,' (Bemjamin Short), Zach Abrams completed his education in Scotland and went on to a career in accountancy, business and finance. He is married with two children. He plays no instruments but has an eclectic taste in music, although not as obsessive as Benjamin. Unlike Benjamin, he does not maintain mistresses, write pornography and (sadly) he does not have ownership of such a company. He is not a sociopath (at least by his own reckoning) and all versions of his life are aware of and freely communicate with each other.
More in keeping with 'Alex Warren', Zach was raised in Glasgow and has spent many years working in Central Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 20, 2020
Interesting mystery
Alex Warren is called to investigate a murder which had taken place in a whiskey distillery.
The murdered man was not liked by many and the suspect list just keeps growing through the investigation.
While the mystery starts with that, the story goes to the past of the characters and it shows the events which lead up the present case.
The plot was very complicated and had many layers. Each layer brought in different aspects of the case and had something new to add.
Overall, the ending was unpredictable and it was a satisfying read.
Liked it.
Alex Warren is called to investigate a murder which had taken place in a whiskey distillery.
The murdered man was not liked by many and the suspect list just keeps growing through the investigation.
While the mystery starts with that, the story goes to the past of the characters and it shows the events which lead up the present case.
The plot was very complicated and had many layers. Each layer brought in different aspects of the case and had something new to add.
Overall, the ending was unpredictable and it was a satisfying read.
Liked it.
December 15, 2018
A Short, Scottish Police Procedural
I enjoy reading murder mysteries set in Scotland, but I had a difficult time getting through this one. For me, the characters weren’t very memorable. At the beginning, I followed DCI Warren, but I couldn’t form a mental picture of him, so he was a cutout without unique or interesting characteristics.
When I read a police procedural, it helps if I can feel a connection to the investigators. DS Sanjay Guptar seemed like a South Asian trope, DC Mary Mckenzie fulfilled the country girl trope, and the Japanese businessman seemed unfinished—he has an anime/comic book-like surname of Yakimoto but no given name.
After a while, the plot seemed naggingly similar to other mysteries set at wineries, breweries, and distilleries. I tried to persevere and ticked off boxes, but none of the suspects seemed a viable murderer. I skimmed through to finish the book.
I enjoy reading murder mysteries set in Scotland, but I had a difficult time getting through this one. For me, the characters weren’t very memorable. At the beginning, I followed DCI Warren, but I couldn’t form a mental picture of him, so he was a cutout without unique or interesting characteristics.
When I read a police procedural, it helps if I can feel a connection to the investigators. DS Sanjay Guptar seemed like a South Asian trope, DC Mary Mckenzie fulfilled the country girl trope, and the Japanese businessman seemed unfinished—he has an anime/comic book-like surname of Yakimoto but no given name.
After a while, the plot seemed naggingly similar to other mysteries set at wineries, breweries, and distilleries. I tried to persevere and ticked off boxes, but none of the suspects seemed a viable murderer. I skimmed through to finish the book.
August 26, 2020
"Same again"
I read and reviewed the first in the series recently. This is a different story line, but all the things that irked me last time appear in this book. Too many itemised meals, football matches and non-police procedural elements for my taste.
I read and reviewed the first in the series recently. This is a different story line, but all the things that irked me last time appear in this book. Too many itemised meals, football matches and non-police procedural elements for my taste.
August 19, 2020
Glad it was free
This book started promisingly but devolved into a mish-mash of cliches and stilted dialogue. Worse, it's filled with padding, including endless descriptions if what the characters eating--in excruciating detail--and the physical aspects of their sex lives, the latter in less detail but equally boring. The murder is almost treated as an afterthought, and its resolution is not due to any information in the story, it just is "solved" by the beautiful lady detective just before she gets unconvincingly captured by the Bad Guy. Don't waste any time on this one. I wish I could have rated it higher but the author is no Pete Brassett or Reginald Hill.
This book started promisingly but devolved into a mish-mash of cliches and stilted dialogue. Worse, it's filled with padding, including endless descriptions if what the characters eating--in excruciating detail--and the physical aspects of their sex lives, the latter in less detail but equally boring. The murder is almost treated as an afterthought, and its resolution is not due to any information in the story, it just is "solved" by the beautiful lady detective just before she gets unconvincingly captured by the Bad Guy. Don't waste any time on this one. I wish I could have rated it higher but the author is no Pete Brassett or Reginald Hill.
December 19, 2018
Sadly I found this police procedural novel rather slow and boring. I had read the first book in the series and this one featured the same characters but nowhere near the same standard. I really have no interest in the characters shopping habits for food which added nothing to the story.
The author fails to use some of the main characters having introduced and an issue of racial prejudice it was not discussed by the main characters. The main story was plodding and without real depth.
Sadly its put me off seeking out other work by the same author.
The author fails to use some of the main characters having introduced and an issue of racial prejudice it was not discussed by the main characters. The main story was plodding and without real depth.
Sadly its put me off seeking out other work by the same author.
June 22, 2018
Murder at the distillery
D. C. I. Alex Warren is called in when a body is found in suspicious circumstances in the cask room of a world renowned whisky distillery. It's murder, but as Warren begins his investigation he finds his suspect list growing daily. The victim was a woanising philanderer, and his fellow directors were at odds with him over his plsns to sell the family owned firm to a foreign company. Zach Abrams weaves a great story of what can happen when family passions and business interests collide, while in the murky background of the investigation the patriarch of the family, who suffered a stroke two years ago, still seems to maintain an iron grip on matters affecting the distillery. And what is the secret behind the mysterious tunnel below the cask room? No spoilers from me, you must find out for yourselves as the author keeps you on the edge of your seats as the case suddenly spirals towards a surprising conclusion. I loved it.
'
D. C. I. Alex Warren is called in when a body is found in suspicious circumstances in the cask room of a world renowned whisky distillery. It's murder, but as Warren begins his investigation he finds his suspect list growing daily. The victim was a woanising philanderer, and his fellow directors were at odds with him over his plsns to sell the family owned firm to a foreign company. Zach Abrams weaves a great story of what can happen when family passions and business interests collide, while in the murky background of the investigation the patriarch of the family, who suffered a stroke two years ago, still seems to maintain an iron grip on matters affecting the distillery. And what is the secret behind the mysterious tunnel below the cask room? No spoilers from me, you must find out for yourselves as the author keeps you on the edge of your seats as the case suddenly spirals towards a surprising conclusion. I loved it.
'
May 4, 2019
This is an excellently done story which has a bit of a surprise ending. That is why I say READ, aside from the fact it is entertaining, provides a great pass time, and teaches you something every time you pick up a book. The characters spill over from a previous book so you have an acquaintance with them, but as usual they are excellently drawn, humanized so you almost believe them to be real. The story is impeccably constructed with lots of red herrings. I thoroughly enjoyed this second of the Zach Abrams books I have read and I am sure you will as well. Five stars with no reservations.
April 28, 2022
I TOTALLY AGREE THE WHOLE WORLD IS PREJUDICED. ITS SAD TO SEE HOW PEOPLES BEHAVIOR ARE SO SIMULAR EVEN IN SCOTLAND AND I DON'T MEAN THAT IN A GOOD WAY. THEY EXHIBIT THE SAME PREJUDICES AGAINST EACH OTHER, RACISM, ILL TREATMENT AGAINST THE LGPTQ COMMUNITY, POLITICS AND WELFARE RECIPIENTS. THEY'RE JUST LIKE US HERE IN AMERICA INSTEAD ITS MORE OF A MAKE SCOTLAND GREAT AGAIN. THIS HAD A LITTLE MYSTERY BUT THE BULK OF THE STORYLINE WAS ABOUT POLITICS AND PREJUDICE WITH LOTS OF USELESS INFO ON SCENERY, SPORTS AND FOOD SHOPPING. IT HAD A SOAP BOX FEEL TO IT. ;>
July 6, 2021
When Hector Mathewson is found murdered at the distillery where he works, every family member comes under scrutiny from Alex Warren & his team. Written with an eye for detail, Abrams cleverly drops snippets of clues into each chapter & builds this solid murder mystery with expertise. As Warren tackles the case, he’s also juggling a new relationship which adds a touch of spice to this excellent novel. I’m really looking forward to book three in the series & to seeing how the detectives progress.
August 22, 2020
A murder at a whiskey distillery is the basis of the who dun it. Alex Warren leads his team through interviews and evidence to uncover a killer. Its a long process, every one despite the victim, he had secrets of sexual exploits and he was selling the company. Who hated him the most to kill him, its just a matter of time before the clues lead to an answer.
January 10, 2021
A lot of unnecessary words & details.
For instance, and I'm paraphrasing, "there were six parking cubicles on X Street, all full. Therefore, Alex drove around to Y street to park before going into the bar to meet..." One would expect something significant to happen on Y Street, right? Nope. They're just words filling a page.
For instance, and I'm paraphrasing, "there were six parking cubicles on X Street, all full. Therefore, Alex drove around to Y street to park before going into the bar to meet..." One would expect something significant to happen on Y Street, right? Nope. They're just words filling a page.
January 23, 2021
great story
Although I figured how the killer early, I was.consumed by the steps taken, the story told and how the family of a scottish.whisky empire.came to be. There.was.Only one loose.end as I.could see and that was the fiance. I expected a wee but.more. Overall, a good read.
Although I figured how the killer early, I was.consumed by the steps taken, the story told and how the family of a scottish.whisky empire.came to be. There.was.Only one loose.end as I.could see and that was the fiance. I expected a wee but.more. Overall, a good read.
January 23, 2021
Spirit murder
Interesting venue for a murder. Author does good job keeping reader 's interest with each new clue uncovered. Disappointed the one clue that solves the riddle was not given more investigative weight. Moves well in developing characters motives and keeps reader guessing.Recommend for afternoon read.
Interesting venue for a murder. Author does good job keeping reader 's interest with each new clue uncovered. Disappointed the one clue that solves the riddle was not given more investigative weight. Moves well in developing characters motives and keeps reader guessing.Recommend for afternoon read.
January 28, 2021
Poor
A slight knowledge of police procedures might have helped
There was more written about what everyone was wearing and what ty ate than a murder mystery, and several pages describing how our hero took his sons to swimming pool but it was too crowded so they went to another one ! ! Unbelievable
A slight knowledge of police procedures might have helped
There was more written about what everyone was wearing and what ty ate than a murder mystery, and several pages describing how our hero took his sons to swimming pool but it was too crowded so they went to another one ! ! Unbelievable
August 23, 2023
I think a lot of people will like this book/series. Alex seems nice enough and I like the way he encourages his team to develop and grow. They seem like nice people. I prefer books that might have romance but sex only within marriage so did not care for the way he casually has sex and then they decide whether or not they are a couple. Too casual about it.
November 4, 2018
When Hector Mathewson is found dead within the cask room of a distillery it is up to DCI Alex Warren and his team to investigate. And it doesn't take long to find quite a few motives.
An enjoyable mystery .
An enjoyable mystery .
April 18, 2020
Another murder of a not-very-nice Scot, this time at a distillery. Not as well-done as the first in this series, and the editing errors in the first chapter were very distracting. Thankfully, one officer is seeking a transfer in order to avoid romantic conflict at work.
August 24, 2020
Very interesting read
I really enjoy detective based books and this one certainly didn't disappoint me. Well written, intriguing storylìne and an almost Agatha Christie styled sense of characers
I really enjoy detective based books and this one certainly didn't disappoint me. Well written, intriguing storylìne and an almost Agatha Christie styled sense of characers
August 26, 2020
A perfectly adequate murder mystery. It doesn't have much that sets it apart from the crowd, but the story is well plotted and the ending is unexpected. Basically, it's exactly what I want from this genre, without being particularly spectacular.
September 4, 2020
Family problems
I enjoyed the characters in the book and how they were interwoven with each other. I would have liked some closure with the Connolly family and the teacher who was wrongly accused. Perhaps a few more chapters would have tied everything up for me.
I enjoyed the characters in the book and how they were interwoven with each other. I would have liked some closure with the Connolly family and the teacher who was wrongly accused. Perhaps a few more chapters would have tied everything up for me.
September 11, 2020
Good Scottish Mystery
Good murder mystery with enough of a plot twist to keep you guessing. Good characters that you identify with and begin to care about. I'm looking forward to the next in the series to see how an ongoing issue is handled.
Good murder mystery with enough of a plot twist to keep you guessing. Good characters that you identify with and begin to care about. I'm looking forward to the next in the series to see how an ongoing issue is handled.
October 3, 2020
Well written nicely complex
A well done detective novel, complete with family intrigue, death, sex, misadventure and romance wrapped up in Scotland and surrounds....i just bought book 3 in the series!
A well done detective novel, complete with family intrigue, death, sex, misadventure and romance wrapped up in Scotland and surrounds....i just bought book 3 in the series!
October 15, 2020
Did the butler do it?
Well, it seems everyone was a suspect! Good story. Takes a little getting used to the Scottish terms and slang but I enjoyed the book. At least this time the victim deserved it!
Well, it seems everyone was a suspect! Good story. Takes a little getting used to the Scottish terms and slang but I enjoyed the book. At least this time the victim deserved it!
November 3, 2020
Overall a good read. This book has a good pace, it’s one that you want to keep going on. I like to characters, the storyline was good, and the author did a good job of keeping the killer a secret right up to the end.
November 11, 2020
Murder, Love and family
Not necessarily in that order. I enjoyed the characters relationships. It was easy to keep track of the good, the bad, and the innocent. Or were they innocent?
Not necessarily in that order. I enjoyed the characters relationships. It was easy to keep track of the good, the bad, and the innocent. Or were they innocent?
March 2, 2021
A body found at a family owned distillery leads Chief Detective Alex Warren and his team to investigate who could have done the deed.
It's a mangled mess of family intrigue, and a surprising outcome. Another good tale, from this author.
It's a mangled mess of family intrigue, and a surprising outcome. Another good tale, from this author.
April 21, 2022
I usually love British crime fiction, but there was nothing about this book that grabbed my attention. The story was OK, but as I was reading I was surprised to see a character getting a text message. I was surprised because I had assumed the story was written in the 1970s or 80s.
July 13, 2022
basic
I found the writing style, the story itself and the characters to be all equably basic. Not an amazing plot. Profanity throughout, just another reason I skipped most of the middle of the book.
I found the writing style, the story itself and the characters to be all equably basic. Not an amazing plot. Profanity throughout, just another reason I skipped most of the middle of the book.
October 29, 2022
Whisky Galore
As Alex and his DS Sandra get closer romantically, they are on the case of a murder at a distillery. With an insight into wealthy Scottish owners and harking back to the days of whisky smuggling Zach presents an enlightening and credible tale.
As Alex and his DS Sandra get closer romantically, they are on the case of a murder at a distillery. With an insight into wealthy Scottish owners and harking back to the days of whisky smuggling Zach presents an enlightening and credible tale.
November 8, 2022
Very interesting well written
An interesting premise to start the story off. A few subcurrents running they the story. A very enjoyable read. I will definitely read more from this author.
An interesting premise to start the story off. A few subcurrents running they the story. A very enjoyable read. I will definitely read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
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