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. ( )

Having enjoyed the previous "Ways to Die in Glasgow" in this series, I was eager to pick up the next in line, and I was not disappointed. This engaging, and amusing, thriller-cum-love story features Samantha Ireland, Private Investigator and Bike Messenger, and Fergus Fletcher, Professional Hitman. It is full of complex connections among the characters, crackling dialogues, fast-paced action happening on the well-described Glasgow streets, and numerous twists and turns that make for an enjoyable ride. The characters are well etched, especially those of Sam and Fergus, their human side showing through amidst all the violence.
The author does not try to tell the reader everything about why things happen the way they do, leaving one to figure out things as the plot moves forward. While this approach helps in building the pace of the novel, it makes the reading experience somewhat incomplete. The connections that are revealed between the disparate characters of the story, considering that they live in the big metropolis of Glasgow, sometimes feel too convenient to be plausible. And, the romantic part of the plot, while entertainingly executed, feels a bit overstretched.
But these are minor issues that are amply compensated by the superb narrative and the great set of characters. I liked it a lot and would not mind reading another from the series! ( )

Another great novel by Mr. Stringer! A different cast of characters, but they were well done. Highly recommend! ( )

This book tries far too hard to be a hardboiled mystery novel that wants to be adapted into a movie. The plot has the standard tropes of corruption, double crosses, and a climax that drags on far too long. The best part, which is its only original aspect to differentiate it from other hackneyed hardboiled mysteries, is the burgeoning love affair between the private investigator and the contract killer. Both are likeable, funny, and more or less believable (in the world of people who can bike a mile in two minutes and people who assassinate others for pay). Not recommended. ( )

Glasgow, present day. It may seem like a big city but turns out if you’re living a life that’s just slightly left of centre, you probably know someone who knows someone. In this case, it’s six degrees of hit man Fergus Fletcher.

You see, Fergus was hired by professional fixer Joe Pepper to kill a politician. Unfortunately the pol was “entertaining” a young woman named Paula who’d been sent there by Cal Gibson, son of hard man Mike Gibson. No worries…..nothing Fergus & Joe can’t clean up.
Now Fergus can concentrate on his next job. Alex Pennan has hired him to make it look as if he died so he can disappear with money he’s embezzled from a cartel. It’s a bit of a poser….kind of an un-hit.
But it could open up a whole new line of work. He’s been having a wee existential crisis lately concerning his career & realizes how alone he is. Maybe he should try one of those online dating things…..

Sam Ireland supplements her PI business by running a courier service. After picking up a package from some girl named Paula, she gets a couple of new cases. Mrs. Pennan would like to know if her husband is cheating on her. And local gangster Mike Gibson needs her to find his idiot son Cal. So business is good. She’s just a bit distracted because she recently downloaded a dating app & there’s this guy named Fergus……

Let the games begin. And just a tip: you may find venn diagrams useful. It’s a grab bag of criminals, politicians (redundant?), cops & lawyers providing a backdrop for love, Glasgow style. Characters take turns narrating chapters in Stringer’s trademark economical & witty dialogue. Those written in Glaswegian vernacular are particularly hilarious. The numerous connections between them leave you wondering who’s on the same side & who will walk away.

Make no mistake, this is not a cozy. Sooner or later they all get sucked into the blood thirsty power struggle for the city. It’s obvious early on some of these people won’t survive although in a few cases it shakes your faith in Darwin that they’ve made it this far. Just sit back & enjoy the mayhem as they lie, steal & crash their way around the city.

Several characters pop up in previous books. We met Sam in “Ways to Die in Glasgow”. And stoner Cal was featured in short story “The Goldfish Heist”, where he bravely took on a rogue koi fish.
It’s kind of the literary equivalent of a Tarantino movie where scenes elicit gasps of horror & inappropriate laughter. And like the movies, it won’t be for everyone. But if you’re a fan of smart, intricate plots & tartan noir humour, you’re in for a treat. Please, please let there be a book #3. ( )