You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Rape
I would like to thank William McIlvanney, Canongate and NetGalley for a copy of this book and a chance to review Laidlaw.
This is a republication of the first book in the Jack Laidlaw series. Its great crime fiction set in Glasgow in the 1970s it is dark with Laidlaw using unorthodox methods to solve the crime. I read this on holidays, it’s a good read and I will read the following two books in the series. Definitely recommend to lovers of crime fiction.
This is a republication of the first book in the Jack Laidlaw series. Its great crime fiction set in Glasgow in the 1970s it is dark with Laidlaw using unorthodox methods to solve the crime. I read this on holidays, it’s a good read and I will read the following two books in the series. Definitely recommend to lovers of crime fiction.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am not sure where I heard about this book but when I picked it up and read the plaudits on the cover from the great and good of Scottish crime writing I was sceptical, however it was an excellent read. Set in 1970's Glasgow it didn't feel dated, having been written in 77, and it tells the tale of a maverick policeman solving a murder which then involves the Glasgow criminal underbelly. It was very reminiscent of Ian Rankin's Rebus and Rankin himself gives a strong reccomendation on the cover. I am definitely going to read the next two in the series and for lovers of Tartan noir it would seem to be one of the books that inspired the trend.
Adequate crime novel. Other than the interesting lead detective it's pretty much filled the usual crime novel cliches & characters.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Another male detective you shouldn't like but his practices achieve results. A glaswegian Rebus for the Ian Rankin fans out there
The progenitor of Tartan Noir, despite being written in the 70s it still holds up pretty well today. The crime itself isn't anything revolutionary, but it's the character of the lead and the methods used to solve it which makes this stand out. Along with the colourful cast of working class Glaswegians and squalid locations of the era, you feel immersed in the story, from a time before I was born but still place names I am familiar with.