Reviews

The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney

mokis_world's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

kelly_garcia10's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

hillersg7's review against another edition

3.0

Nice unexpected twists to this thriller, with a kind-of familiar central character who is something of a loner and rebel.

dee7496's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I read this book before having read any of McIlvanney's other 'Laidlaw' books (this is a prequel that was left unfinished when WM passed away). WM's estate commissioned Ian Rankin to finish the manuscript. Not being familiar with any of the previous books or characters, this book felt very flat to me, and where I thought it might lead me into a WM reading spree, sadly it has not.  I might still try the first Laidlaw book at some point, but then again I'm not sure I connected with his character enough for me to want to spend another 200 pages in his company. But i never say never! 

hgould's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lazygal's review

4.0

Very skillful weaving together of two authors styles, not really Ian Rankin (for Rebus fans) but a slight accent on McIlvanney's style. Readers new to the Jack Laidlaw series (like me) will quickly see parallels to Rebus, making the choice of Rankin as a "co-author" very understandable. Laidlaw's personality is gruff with a dark sense of humor, and his personal life is... interesting. As for the mystery itself, it's seedy Glasgow at its best, with rival gangs and twisted motivations that can occasionally lead to dead ends for readers trying to solve things.

Excuse me while I find the rest of these books and binge.

goddess_of_gore_vix's review

4.0

A gritty Scottish police detective crime drama.

annarella's review

5.0

I never read anything by William McIlvanney before but I love Tartan Noir so the blurb and Ian Rankin make me request this arc.
That said it's a gripping, gritty, atmospheric and dark thriller. I was hooked since the beginning and fell in love with the style of writing and the storytelling.
I have to confess that i'm able to tell who wrote but I can surely say it is well written, well plotted and the characters are vivid.
The descriptions, the atmosphere brought me back in time and it is an exciting read.
Please do not expect a Rebus mystery as this story it's on the darker side of Tartan Noir.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

luellabenkess's review

3.0

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, I got hooked on the storyline straight away but I just didn’t warm to Laidlaw as I was expecting to.

The story was well written and I’d look out for other books from either of the authors.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

emmap2023's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyed this so much, I have pre-ordered the 3 remaining Laidlaw books. If you like Rebus you would like this, based in Glasgow. This is a police procedural series much of the same ilk as Ian Rankin's writing style so I can fully understand that he was chosen to complete.