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Laidlaw

A Laidlaw Investigation, Book 1

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Laidlaw

By: William McIlvanney
Narrated by: William McIlvanney
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About this listen

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 Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Fiction Crime

Critic Reviews

"The best new character in crime fiction for years" ( Daily Express)
All stars
Most relevant
I had heard alot of praise about this book series and gave the first a shot. As much as it was nice to have familiar Glaswegian dialogue, the Narrator's style and lack of flexibility made it hard to follow who was talking to who and made it seem nonsensical at times, I had to go back and relisten to parts of the book to understand the dialogue where no name was stated.

Normally if I start a series, I give book 1 and 2 a chance and plow on with characters but I think I'll be leaving this one here. Out of respect for the ones who paved the way for Scottish crime fiction, thanks anyway, William.

A little bit underwhelming.

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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.

Strangely off putting but slightly addictive

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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.

Scalplesque presicion writing

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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!!!

Superb Crime, incredible narration.

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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.

There's been a murrrrder

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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

Very very believable and darkly humorous

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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.

Boring

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I found it really difficult to understand, and follow the story because of the reader. He sounded bored and disinterested. Much better author than reader.

Difficult

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