The April Dead - (Harry McCoy) by Alan Parks (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

When an American sailor from the Holy Loch Base goes missing, Harry McCoy is determined to find him. But as he investigates, a wave of bombings hits Glasgow. Soon McCoy realises that the sailor may be part of a shadowy organization led by a dangerous fanatic and committed to a very different kind of Scotland. A Scotland its members are prepared to kill for.

Meanwhile Cooper, McCoy's long-time criminal friend, is released from jail and is convinced he has a traitor in his midst. As allies become enemies, Cooper has to fight to maintain his position as crime kingpin. He needs something done, something illegal, and his old friend McCoy is the only one who can do it.

As word begins to circulate on the streets that another, bigger explosion is being planned for Glasgow, McCoy battles corruption in his ranks in an attempt to save the city for which he is the perfect noir hero.

Review Quotes

Praise for The April Dead

★ "Tightly plotted and fast-moving, this well-wrought historical thriller also highlights Parks's keen analysis of Scotland's societal traumas, in particular the failure to cope with domestic violence and child abuse. Tartan noir fans won't want to miss this one."--Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"The pace is deliberate, but the lean, muscular prose is matched by a deep dive into character and the seamy side of the city... A full-bodied immersion into Glasgow's gritty past."--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for the Detective Harry McCoy Thriller Series by Alan Parks

"The meticulously described setting is so suggestive readers may even catch whiffs of stale cigarette smoke and patchouli. Fans of Scottish noir will be satisfied."--Publishers Weekly

"Parks' sprawling plot offers not tidy whodunit puzzles but a wide-angle view of a gritty city in the grip of crime, home to an entertaining cross section of characters. Broad-shouldered McCoy is suitably unflappable as he walks Glasgow's mean streets."--Kirkus Reviews

"Parks captures the feel of a city long vanished in a breathless and tense retro crime caper."--The Sun

"A series that no crime fan should miss: dangerous, thrilling, but with a kind voice to cut through the darkness."--Scotsman

"Pitch-black tartan noir, set in 70s Glasgow...Compelling...with an emotional heart that's hard to ignore."--Daily Mail