Title: RANDOM
Author: CRAIG ROBERTSON
ISBN: 9781847377296
Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER
Pages: 329
Source: Gifted Signed Copy (Tristan)
Glasgow is being terrorised by a serial killer, the media have nicknamed The Cutter. The murders have left the police baffled. There seems to be neither rhyme nor reason behind the killings; no kind of pattern or motive; an entirely different method of murder each time, and nothing that connects the victims except for the fact that the little fingers of their right hands have been severed. If DS Rachel Narey could only work out the key to the seemingly random murders, how and why the killer selects his victims, she would be well on her way to catching him. But as the police, the press and a threatening figure from Glasgow’s underworld begin to close in on The Cutter, his carefully-laid plans threaten to unravel – with horrifying consequences.
Official Summary
24 March 2026
This book was a gift from my daughter, Tristan – and it’s taken a while, but I am finally sharing my review of this one. Thank you for this signed copy!
Random is a dark, gritty and compelling crime thriller that quickly pulled me into the shadowy streets of Glasgow. Having not read this author before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was impressed by how gripping and atmospheric this story turned out to be.
The city of Glasgow is being terrorised by a serial killer, the media have dubbed The Cutter. Each murder is disturbingly different from the last, with no clear pattern, no shared connection between the victims, and a different method of killing every time. The only chilling signature left behind is the removal of the victims’ right little finger. It’s a puzzle that leaves the police completely baffled.
Detective Sergeant Rachel Narey is determined to uncover the truth, but the randomness of the crimes makes the investigation incredibly complex. Just when it seems a thread might appear, it slips away again. I really enjoyed following the investigation and trying to piece together the clues alongside the detectives.
What stood out most for me was the bleak and gritty atmosphere. The author paints a vivid picture of Glasgow’s darker side, creating a tense backdrop that perfectly suits the sinister nature of the crimes. The pacing is strong throughout, with short chapters and shifting perspectives that keep the story moving and the tension building.
The plot is clever and unsettling, and while I did have a few suspicions along the way, the story still managed to keep me guessing. The ending was satisfying and tied together the seemingly random elements in a way that made sense.
Random is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller with an intriguing premise and plenty of tension. Fans of dark police procedurals will definitely find plenty to enjoy here, and I would happily pick up another book by this author in the future.
Also by Craig Robertson
SNAPSHOT
A series of high-profile shootings by a lone sniper leaves Glasgow terrorised and police photographer Tony Winter – a man with a tragic hidden past – mystified. Who is behind the executions of some of the most notorious drug lords in the city? As more shootings occur – including those of police officers – the authorities realise they have a vigilante on their hands. Meanwhile, Tony investigates a link between the victims and a schoolboy who has been badly beaten. Seemingly unconnected, they share a strange link. As Tony delves deeper, his quest for the truth and his search for the killer lead him down dark and dangerous paths.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
During his 20-year career with a Scottish Sunday newspaper, Craig Robertson has interviewed three recent Prime Ministers; attended major stories including 9/11, Dunblane, the Omagh bombing and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann; been pilloried on breakfast television, beaten Oprah Winfrey to a major scoop, been among the first to interview Susan Boyle, spent time on Death Row in the USA and dispensed polio drops in the backstreets of India.
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