Review: WHERE THE DEAD MEN GO

WHERE THE DEAD MEN GO by Liam McIlvanney (Faber, 2013)

Glasgow stands on the precipice: of hosting the Commonwealth Games; of a nationwide vote on Scottish independence; and of an explosive rekindling of a brutal gangland war. Enter Gerry Conway, the protagonist of McIlvanney’s superb debut thriller ALL THE COLOURS OF THE TOWN. 

Returned to the Glasgow Tribune after three years marooned in PR, Conway is the golden child fallen. A jaded, jobbing journo in a dying industry, clinging to the coat-tails of his once-protege Martin Moir. But when Moir’s body is found in a quarry as a big story breaks, Conway is thrust once more to the forefront. A dangerous place, as gangsters, politicians, and other predators swirl around. 

Terrific, page-turning  storytelling imbued with quality prose and a fantastic sense of place and pressing societal issues. One of the top thrillers I’ve read this year. Highly recommended.