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The Crow Road

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The Crow Road

By: Iain Banks
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
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About this listen

It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach's Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.

Prentice McHoan has returned to the bosom of his complex but enduring Scottish family. Full of questions about the McHoan past, present and future, he is also deeply preoccupied: mainly with death, sex, drink, God, and illegal substances.…

©1992 Iain Banks (P)2013 Hachette Digital Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery Fiction Suspense

Critic Reviews

"Riveting...exhilarating...its pace, development, intensity, and, above all, its hip and sexy humour never allow it to flag. Banks reinforces his credentials as one of the most able, energetic, and stimulating writers in the UK." (Time Out)

"As fine and ambitious a novel as any from a Scottish writer since the 1960s." (New Statesman)
All stars
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A beautifully written evocation of the 1980s and 1990s in Scotland, with a murderous twist. The characters are well developed and likeable, and the slowly unravelling mystery is intriguing and believable. Keeps you listening in fascinated anticipation. The reader is great…. if you set the speed of narration at a fraction below normal. Point 8 or 9 works well. At ordinary speed he’s just way too fast.

A wonderful evocation of a time and place

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Masterful storytelling set in the 70s and 80s Scotland. Very much a coming of age story within the setting of a deep, family mystery. All the big questions makiing you asking, ‘what happens next?’ Brilliant reading that totally captures the era. Loved it!

A gripping, ripping yarn!

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from the explosive opening line to it's satisfying finish this was an absolute cracking read. truly a novelist writing at the height of his game.

possibly the best contemporary novel I've read

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great book
a strange unpredictable tale that carried you along to a satisfying conclusion

great book

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A witty and engaging deep-dive into family politics and drama, at the same time offering a sophisticated coming-of-age story. Have loved reading this in my 20s, and again in my 30s

So good it’s worth rereading

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At last a well written story with marvellous characters oh I wish it wasn’t over it’s such a joy to be inside a blissful story. Well written stories are my joy.

Life is neither fair nor unfair

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