Scan barcode
A review by tasmanian_bibliophile
The Second Cut by Louise Welsh
4.0
‘Some things change, some things never change.’
Rilke is the chief auctioneer for the Bowery Auctions in Glasgow. Business has been slow recently, so when his old friend Jojo gives him a tip about a house clearance, Rilke is pleased. He was less pleased to see Jojo looking like a wreck. Both men are aged over sixty, but while Rilke has given up most of his vices, Jojo has continued his path of excessive drinking, drug use and risky participation in Glasgow’s gay community. And, the very next day when Jojo is found dead, the police do not seem interested in investigating. They see Jojo’s death as a logical consequence of his lifestyle choices. Rilke is not satisfied. Jojo’s apartment includes a large cache of drugs, and a young housemate who insists that Rilke help him arrange a decent send-off for Jojo.
In the meantime, Rilke investigates the house clearance Jojo alerted him too. The house is packed with antiques, and the auction house stands to make a lot of money.
So, there is Rilke, arranging a send-off for Jojo and inventorying the contents of the house. Arranging Jojo’s send-off results in a dangerous obligation to a Glasgow mobster. And, as Rilke soon finds out, there is danger associated with the auction as well.
Well, what an interesting character Rilke is. I need to read the first book in this series to learn more about him. He has his own code of honour, one which leads him into danger. This is a gritty thriller and I recommend it.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Rilke is the chief auctioneer for the Bowery Auctions in Glasgow. Business has been slow recently, so when his old friend Jojo gives him a tip about a house clearance, Rilke is pleased. He was less pleased to see Jojo looking like a wreck. Both men are aged over sixty, but while Rilke has given up most of his vices, Jojo has continued his path of excessive drinking, drug use and risky participation in Glasgow’s gay community. And, the very next day when Jojo is found dead, the police do not seem interested in investigating. They see Jojo’s death as a logical consequence of his lifestyle choices. Rilke is not satisfied. Jojo’s apartment includes a large cache of drugs, and a young housemate who insists that Rilke help him arrange a decent send-off for Jojo.
In the meantime, Rilke investigates the house clearance Jojo alerted him too. The house is packed with antiques, and the auction house stands to make a lot of money.
So, there is Rilke, arranging a send-off for Jojo and inventorying the contents of the house. Arranging Jojo’s send-off results in a dangerous obligation to a Glasgow mobster. And, as Rilke soon finds out, there is danger associated with the auction as well.
Well, what an interesting character Rilke is. I need to read the first book in this series to learn more about him. He has his own code of honour, one which leads him into danger. This is a gritty thriller and I recommend it.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith