Crime Fiction – Page 3

johnny?

Posted on March 8, 2006January 17, 2014 by Greig

Black And Blue

Ian Rankin

This book is Ian Rankin’s masterpiece. Using the device of a Bible John copycat, Rankin examines Scotland through the lens of it’s
reaction to the original murders. Rebus is, as always, a fascinating puzzle of a character. Rebus is someone who must know the truth, must find out the answers and no cost is too high for him to pay – because only the truth heals.
This was the first book of Rankin’s I ever read and by god did it set a high standard. I don’t think I’ve ever read a crime novel that was more interesting, more insightful, more revealing.
This book is recommended to everyone. You will not read a better crime novel or a better book about Scotland pre-devolution than this.

Rating: A+

brief update (5)

Posted on February 22, 2005January 5, 2012 by Greig

The Sacred Art Of Stealing

Christopher Brookmyre

Another rather enjoyable thriller, this time mostly set in Glasgow.
Angelique de Xavia, the scots-asian police officer introduced in “A big boy did it and ran away”, is pulled out of a match at ibrox to get
involved in an unusual bank heist in the centre of Glasgow. The plot deals with the implications of the robbery and the attraction between the lead robber and de Xavia.
It starts off remarkably well, then tails off. Worth a read though.

Rating: B

brief update (3)

Posted on February 22, 2005June 18, 2007 by Greig

A Big Boy Did It And Ran Away

Christopher Brookmyre

An essentially silly and massively enjoyable thriller.
It tells the story of Ray, a new father and a new teacher, and what happens when he sees an old university friend at an airport when the friend is meant to be very dead.
Littering the story with all sorts of references to pop culture makes this a very enjoyable read if rather unbelievable.
If you like big dumb action packed thrillers with a very Scottish voice, you’ll like this creation.

Rating: B