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Laidlaw

By: William McIlvanney
Narrated by: William McIlvanney
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Publisher's Summary

Meet Jack Laidlaw, the original damaged detective.

When a young woman is found brutally murdered on Glasgow Green, only Laidlaw stands a chance of finding her murderer from among the hard men, gangland villains and self-made moneymen who lurk in the city's shadows.

Winner of the CWA Silver Dagger.

©1977 William McIlvanney (P)2013 Canongate Books Ltd

Critic Reviews

"The best new character in crime fiction for years" ( Daily Express)

What listeners say about Laidlaw

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Strangely off putting but slightly addictive

I wanted to love this after reading the other reviews. Good plot and some beautiful evocative description but … I know the author is the narrator however, I found the breathy delivery at times, very annoying. Still, I suggest it is worth persisting because I still want to hear what happens to Laidlaw next.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Scalplesque presicion writing

Wonderfully economic use of language locates this tale in Glasgow simply by its vocabulary, imagery and tone. The talented actor amplifies the authors words with his accent and vocal rendition of a wide array of characters.

Descriptions of senses and feelings invoke the plot circumstance in the fewest words possible. The description of a migraine attack on its victim is perfect.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Superb Crime, incredible narration.

I was recommended this by a friend, and coming at a "Scottish Crime Noir" work I didn't really know what to expect. But as soon as I listened to the Sample I was hooked! Hearing the author (who is Scottish) reading in a thick Scottish accent was awesome for me. I could understand how some people might find it hard, so listed to the sample first.

I loved this book - it's so much deeper than I expected, the descriptions are intense and often funny. I especially liked the Scottish Summer descriptions. The author has been so careful that everything seems to have been well thought out, simple things get great attention which I liked a lot.

Overall I think this is a great read, for me, something really different and interesting. I hope the second book is narrated by Mr McIlvanney soon!!!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

There's been a murrrrder

An entertaining listen that you just don't want to end. The destination doesn't quite live up to the journey but overall very enjoyable, enhanced by the narration of the author.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very very believable and darkly humorous

Brings Glasgow city to life, as it was in the 1970s
Reading this for the first time now in May 2021 is like a trip down memory lane with the toughest detective as a companion and guard of honour

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Boring

Why writers think they can narrate is beyond me. Stick to what you do, write, and let narraters narrate. I was very confused through the story - I won't be listening to any others from this author.

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