Jay Stringer (2) (1980–)

I didn't like this quite as much as 'Ways to Die in Glasgow', but it's still massively entertaining. Sam Ireland returns as a really engaging, credible hero, and hit man Fergus is a great addition (he's reminiscent of my very favourite fictional assassin, Martin Blank). This is a crime novel that plays out like a farce, with multiple characters all following their own agendas as the coincidences and consequences build wonderfully around them. It's a pleasure to read from beginning to end, with a solid plot, some great one liners and loads of film references that never seem over done or annoying.… (meer)

This was my first read with the Scottish city of Glasgow as the setting, and the location felt as much part of the story as the characters thanks to the author's descriptions. This is a dark story, with a lot of blood, told in a quirkily humorous way. All the characters are well etched and that of Mackie's is in a league of its own. The action is fast paced and the perspective of the narrative shifts frequently. While this makes the book gripping, I had some trouble getting the timelines in order - had to go back and reread some chapters.
Ways to Die in Glasgow is a quirky but entertaining read and I would love to follow through the series.… (meer)