jimmypat's review against another edition
3.5
Liam isn’t as good as his dad, but not many writers can be. I did finish this in a day, enjoying most of the book with only one major reservation. Namely, too much time was spent on the character of Paton, which bloated the middle section of the novel. However, how McIlvanney pulled all the threads together was interesting in the end and I did enjoy how McCormack’s own foibles got him into trouble, almost ruining the case.
camille_catterpillar's review against another edition
3.25
Enjoyable if somewhat run-of-the-mill cop fiction, but with an unexpected protagonist, conflicted and taciturn, and a portrait of a time and place (Glasgow, the sixties).
sophieeeburt's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
penguin555's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
legohelmet's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
1969 and Glasgow is in the grip of terror. A killer nicknamed 'The Quaker' has raped and murdered three woman, abducting them from the Barrowlands Ballroom and abandoning them to be easily found. The police have got clues but are nowhere near solving the crimes so they draft in a talented detective from the Highlands. McCormack is not liked be the team and when one lead draws him close to managing to nab the Glasgow organised crime kingpin he wants to move but his superiors say no.
Loosely based on the 'Bible John' crimes this is a deft and engaging crime novel. McCormack has his own demons which are never pushed but are made very obvious, the sexist nature of policing in the era is obvious and the setting is handled well with a deep understanding of time, place and people. An impressive book in a crowded genre.
Loosely based on the 'Bible John' crimes this is a deft and engaging crime novel. McCormack has his own demons which are never pushed but are made very obvious, the sexist nature of policing in the era is obvious and the setting is handled well with a deep understanding of time, place and people. An impressive book in a crowded genre.
azu_rikka's review against another edition
4.0
3.5☆
I read McIlvanneys previous books and his glorious use of wording made me a fan.
As a non Scottish person, the history, customs and layout of the city/landscape came brilliantly to life while reading. I loved his atmospheric style of writing and his characters.
Yet in "the Quaker " I felt a bit let down. The book is more like another generic murder mystery than his other books. I missed the quirkiness of his descriptions and the depth of his characters. It's still a very solid fast paced read, just a bit more "normal".
I read McIlvanneys previous books and his glorious use of wording made me a fan.
As a non Scottish person, the history, customs and layout of the city/landscape came brilliantly to life while reading. I loved his atmospheric style of writing and his characters.
Yet in "the Quaker " I felt a bit let down. The book is more like another generic murder mystery than his other books. I missed the quirkiness of his descriptions and the depth of his characters. It's still a very solid fast paced read, just a bit more "normal".
daniem's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emmascc's review against another edition
5.0
Uh.... holy shit??? Incredible murder mystery set in 1960s Scotland, a definite must-read.
bachaboska's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75