Superb narration by Mark Bonnar

Fabulous novel
Fabulous writing and fabulous reading by Mark Bonnar who could have been born to read McIlvanney.

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Fantastic writing, brilliant narration

Start with the story - a bit confusing and sometimes hard to follow exactly what’s gone on and why, but McIlvanney’s evocation of early 80s Glasgow is spellbinding, a novel written sometimes like a book of poetry. He captures the mood of the city’s underworld superbly; cross, double cross, loyalty and treachery rolled into one. Laidlaw’s character is developed from the first book and we get to feel him much more, he a personification in deed of his values.

The narration is simply outstanding. Love Mark Bonner as an actor, and here he brings a great range of vocals to light up the characters, never far away from straying vocally from the quiet menace that underpins so much of the story. His narration takes the whole book to another level.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant crime novel

William McIlvanney was a brilliant writer who wrote novels that are gritty, complex and very witty. This is a superb book and Mark Bonnar's performance is excellent.

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5 people found this helpful

More twists than a corkscrew

Loved this story of vintage Glaswegian Noir. an absolute classic tale of murder and detective work.

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1 person found this helpful

Superbly written and read

So much more than a crime novel, full of striking observations and deep humanity. McIlvanney’s originality and linguistic richness holds the reader from the opening to the final sentence.

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4 people found this helpful

brilliant story brilliantly performed

loved this book and real depth to the plot. brilliant performance by Mark Bonnar in the rich character profiles.

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4 people found this helpful

Brilliant crime novel superbly read

A brilliant crime novel, full of striking observations and deep humanity. McIlvanney’s originality and linguistic richness holds the reader from the opening to the final sentence. Superbly read by Mark Bonnar who brings the characters to life.

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Great book and Narration

William McIlvanney is the original Scottish Noir writer. This book, like his others, is intelligent and witty as well as being down to earth and an excellent description of the Glasgow that existed in the 70s and 80s. So many magnificent one-liners that you would have heard on any Glasgow street back in the day. This is all kept real with the angst that is the undercurrent on every page. The brilliance of McIlvanney isn't in a convoluted plot, but in the way he presents multi dimensional characters and protagonists that bounce off each other in the course of events that unfold on the page.
The icing on the cake is the brilliant narration by Mark Bonnar. If there was a BAFTA for audio books I'd be nominating him for a gong.
If you are a fan of Scottish Noir you HAVE to read McIlvanney.

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poor after book 1

The author read the fist book and his enthusiasm was great, funny and entertaining, recommended

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1 person found this helpful

Mediocre

Strong character (if a bit self absorbed), weak story and, after Laidlaw, missed WMs own narration.

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3 people found this helpful