![]() Set in Glasgow in the 1970s it’s sense of time and place is completely authentic. It was feisty, fresh, wonderfully sordid and a sublime blast of noir to welcome in the new year. ![]() As I’ve said before I do like a book where I feel slightly soiled by the reading experience, in a similar vein to Benjamin Myers and Jake Arnott, and Bloody January fitted the bill perfectly. The main storyline is very seedy indeed, involving as it does drugs, exploitation and abuse, which Parks determinedly lays before us warts and all. This is a city down on its uppers, with only occasional glimmers of the city that Glasgow was to become, and Parks’ colourful and inventive use of the Glaswegian vernacular brings a heightened level of enjoyment to the book too. The book is peppered with cultural and political references familiar to those of us born nearer that era- ahem- as well painting a grimly real backdrop for readers less familiar with the period. Gritty, unflinching, perfectly non- politically correct, and with echoes of the grandmasters of black-hearted noir, Lewis, McIlvanney, Raymond, Bruen et al, this was an absolute corker.įrom the outset I was heartily entertained by the exploits of Detective Harry McCoy, with his nefarious relationships and more hands-on methods, and his wet-behind-the-ears sidekick, Wattie as we find ourselves firmly rooted in 1970’s Glasgow. Bloody January firmly sets Alan Parks in the same league as Ian Rankin and Louise Welsh - SARAH PINBOROUGH, bestselling author of BEHIND HER EYES About the Author Detective McCoy is a true noir antihero and the perfect guide through the vice and violence of Glasgow's underbelly. An intriguing addition to the canon ― * Herald * A blistering plot, unforgettable characters and writing so sharp it's like it's been written with a knife. McCoy's Glasgow is a dark, brooding city, where the line between the police and the underworld is frequently blurred. Denise Mina and Ian Rankin had better watch out ― * Evening Standard * Gripping and well-crafted - QUINTIN JARDINE Gripping. Bloody harry boss 2 Patch#This smasher from Alan Parks is a reminder of how dark Glasgow used to be - LOUISE WELSH is a great character and his patch and period are vividly and skilfully portrayed. I flew through it - BRET EASTON ELLIS Bloody and brilliant. Gripping, utterly authentic and nerve-jangling, this novel announces a fine new voice in crime writing ― * Daily Mail * Gripping and violent, dark and satisfying. ![]() is so noir that he makes most other Scottish cops seem light grey ― * The Times, Book of the Month * 1970s Glasgow hewn from flesh and drawn in blood - PETER MAY The latest star of Tartan noir - perhaps even a successor to the late, great William McIlvanney. Alan Parks's excellent first novel propels him into the top class of Scottish noir authors. ![]() Think McIlvanney or Get Carter - IAN RANKIN A potent tale of death. While you fight your way through the hordes of foul creatures, you'll eventually climb the career ladder in the global highscore list.You'll also run into giant boss-zombies which may eat all your ammo before they finally make a return as harmless dessert.An old-school cop novel written with wit and economy. While you fight your way through the hordes of foul creatures, This cook is bloody serious about his organic food recipes.Join "Bloody Harry" on his hunt for vegetable-zombies! There's a neverending supply of Weapons, Ammo and reasons to chop, smash and shoot them into pieces. ![]()
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