Less grisly and more serious than his previous tales so newcomers to this wonderful author will have a few surprises when you tackle his backlist, but tackle them you must for he is very special. Those familiar with Brookmyre will find the details typically complicated and will be interested to know that, as with his first novel Quite Ugly One Morning, we get an intriguing look at Scottish local government and politics. But which ever you are, old or new to this author, you are in for a treat.
A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil Synopsis
We could tell you about the bodies. We could tell you their names, where they were found, the state they were in. We could tell you about the suspects too, the evidence, the investigators; join a few dots, even throw you a motive. But what would be the point? You’re going to make your own assumptions anyway. After all, you know these people, don’t you? You went to school with them. We all did. Granted, that was twenty years ago, but how much does anybody really change? Exactly. So if you really knew them then, you’ll already have all the answers. If you really knew them then…
Put on your uniform and line up in an orderly fashion for the funniest and most accurate trip back to the classroom you are likely to read, as well as a murder mystery like nothing that has gone before it. Forget the forensics: only once you’ve been through school with this painfully believable cast of characters will you be equipped to work out what really happened decades later. Even then, you’ll probably guess wrong and be made to stand in the corner.
'Moments of exquisite Brookmyre inspiration' Guardian
'This is the book I would want if I were marooned on a desert island or lost in space' Independent
'Definitely in a league of his own.' Mirror
'A sharp, memorable and occasionally surprisingly touching book' Observer
Author
About Christopher Brookmyre
Chris Brookmyre was a journalist before becoming a full time novelist with the publication of QUITE UGLY ONE MORNING. Since the publication of A BIG BOY DID IT AND RAN AWAY he and his family decided to move away from Aberdeen and now live near Glasgow. Oh, yes.
