The Quaker

Description

It is 1969 and Glasgow is in the grip of the worst winter in decades. But it's not the weather that has Glaswegians on edge: a serial killer is on the loose. He's been dubbed The Quaker. He leaves no clues, he moves in the shadows, and the investigation into his crimes has led police down one blind alley after another. D.I. McCormack has few friends in his adopted city and a lot to prove. A talented young detective from the Highlands, an outsider with troubling secrets of his own, Duncan McCormick is brought into the Quaker investigation to identify where, exactly, it's gone wrong. His arrival is met with anger and distrust by cops who are desperate to nail a suspect, and who are eager to pin the crime on a petty thief who was seen leaving the building where the killer's last victim was found. McCormack isn't convinced. From ruined and ruinous backstreets, to deserted public parks, and into the dark heart of Glasgow, McCormack follows a trail of secrets that will change the city-and his life-forever. "Intricately plotted, resourceful in its characterization, and gorgeously written."-Toronto Star "Atmospheric, scary, and utterly brilliant book. Superb."-Adrian McKinty, award-winning author of Rain Dogs "Atmospheric and arresting, The Quaker reveals 1960s Glasgow in all its lurid shades."-Val McDermid, bestselling author of the Dr. Tony Hill series

Liam McIlvanney is the winner of the Saltire First Book Award and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel. He is a regular contributor to publications including the London Review of Books, the Times Literary Supplement, and the Guardian. He is Stuart Professor of Scottish Studies at the University of Otago, New Zealand, where he lives with his wife and four sons.

Praise for The Quaker "Every aspect of The Quaker is superb." --Washington Post "A new master of tartan noir." --Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) "McIlvanney composes beautiful prose about ugly things" --The New York Times Book Review "A beautifully crafted police procedural." --Seattle Review of Books "A Dickensian crime novel." --Mystery Matters "Intricately plotted, resourceful in its characterization, and gorgeously written." --Toronto Star "[Liam McIlvanney] shows a deft touch for character and setting throughout this absorbing, atmospheric read." --Crime Watch "Another atmospheric, scary, and utterly brilliant book from Liam McIlvanney. Superb." --Adrian McKinty, award-winning author of Rain Dogs "Atmospheric and arresting, The Quaker reveals 1960s Glasgow in all its lurid shades." --Val McDermid, bestselling author of the Dr. Tony Hill series "This is a terrific novel, dark, powerful, and beautifully written. I finished it a while ago, but I'm still haunted by the characters and the place." --Ann Cleeves, bestselling author of Shetland "Skilfully dovetailed ... atmospheric ... a solidly crafted and satisfying detective story." --Laura Wilson, The Guardian "An absolute master of Tartan noir ... the corruption of the late Sixties is splendidly evoked, as is DI Duncan McCormack." --Daily Mail "The Quaker is one of my favourite reads of the year. A powerhouse of a book with Liam McIlvanney's full lyrical powers on display. Loved it." --Steve Cavanagh