Although I didn‘t like some of the writing it was an okay read . It is a little different but overall a good read
Although I didn‘t like some of the writing it was an okay read . It is a little different but overall a good read
Grim, dark, triggers: sexual assault, abuse of children, but the writing is so good. Set in January 1973, Glasgow, this is the first case in the Harry McCoy series. A young prostitute is shot dead in broad daylight, her murderer commits suicide. McCoy is the 30 year old detective, a broken man with a drug lord friend and prostitute girlfriend, leading the investigation.
My second book in #outstandingOctober @andrew65 follows my hearing the author on the crimetime podcast. A new series set in early 1970's Glasgow is suitably as dark as the ever oppressive weather and deprived environment. The detective, Harry McCoy is v troubled+like the force itself morally conflicted, and the investigation of a random shooting of a young woman leads to very dark places. Still digesting this and whether I will try more as v grim
I personally am not fond of books with multiple sex scenes in the first 50 pages and language that describes women in an objectifying way. This book felt squalid in a way that McIlvanney‘s Laidlaw series, also set in Glasgow, does not. Oh well, one less series to worry about.
I don‘t know where to start with my praises. Vivid set up realistically described. Graphic violence, misogynistic behaviours and a great deal of swearing ( you might get offended but I think is part of the character development). All characters are well draw and Glasgow‘s most violent and dark side is well represented by a police force that draws a very faint line between good and evil. Old school investigations. Looking forward for the next book.
I like my detectives like #HarryMcCoy, the more socially awkward and with messed up lifes, the better. BLOODY JANUARY is a pretty darn good detective noir novel.
I can‘t believe this is a debut, Parks is the real deal #TartanNoir
Just had a look to who Alan Parks is and... he is a Philosophy graduate who worked 20+ years in music industry.
You‘ll never know from when, or who, the next good novel will come. There are writers wannabe that chase the dream but never succeed and then there is fate . In case you are still wandering, yes, I am quite enjoying Bloody January.
McCoy makes me think to Harry Hole and Mia Kruger.
#noir
Enjoying this decidedly gritty crime story set in gang-ridden Glasgow in 1973. A worthy addition to the burgeoning Scottish noir genre. #alanparks #bloodyjanuary #scottishnoir #glasgow #crimefiction #scottishcrimefiction #1970s #scottishfiction #modernfiction #policeprocedural #contemporaryfiction #contemporaryliterature
When a boy shoots a woman in the middle of a Glasgow street and then commits suicide, Detective McCoy is sure of one thing. It wasn't a random act of violence.
With his new partner in tow, McCoy uses his underworld network to lead the investigation but soon runs up against a secret society led by Glasgow's wealthiest family, the Dunlops.
McCoy's boss doesn't want him to investigate. The Dunlops seem untouchable. But McCoy has other ideas...