A superlative end to the Glasgow trilogy. Malcolm Mackay's intricate plots, his staccato writing style and the brooding presence of grimy Glasgow ever present as the story unfolds. I tore through this masterpiece of 'tartan noir'. Bravo, Mr Mackay, these excellent works were the greatest companions to my summer. ( )

3rd of a trilogy about Glasgow and a hired gun...

3.5 stars ( )

Following the events of How a Gunman Says Goodbye, it's Calum MacLean's turn to want to say goodbye to the criminal life. He takes the opportunity of his most recent job to lay low for a while and make plans for his escape. But can he elude the clutches of his boss, Peter Jamieson?

This was indeed a stunning conclusion, as one review stated. The war between the city's various criminal factions comes to a head and the players scramble to put themselves in the best position for when everything blows up. The police are trying to secure credible leads and evidence that will help them shut the criminals down. And of course Calum is working to flee the city with the assistance of his older brother, William. It also vividly illustrates the steep price of the criminal life: for criminals, others in their lives, and the police investigating the crimes.

The book has a satisfactory ending, with enough scope for the reader to imagine how things will progress for the characters after the last page is turned, but at the same time tying up most of the loose ends. Recommended if you've read the rest of the trilogy. And if you haven't read the trilogy, it's recommended if you like hard-hitting gangster noir. ( )