So here's the plan:

1. Pick up this book.
2. Grab your reading kit (snacks, Slanket, headlamp, duct tape, etc.)
3. Head to the nearest underground bunker.
4. Secure the perimeter.
5. Begin.

Because once you start, you really don't want to be interrupted. And yes, I am stalling. The thing is I've run out of superlatives to describe how freakin' great this series is. Pretty sure I've used them all for the previous books so until I dig out my old thesaurus, bear with me.

It all kicks off when a bomb unexpectedly explodes in a shabby flat. Unfortunately, it appears to have also surprised the bomber. Detectives Harry McCoy & partner 'Wattie" are stumped....has the IRA come to Glasgow?

They don't have long to ponder. They need to figure out who's building bombs, an American businessman begs them to find his missing son & Harry suspects his old pal Cooper may have killed a guy.

From here on, several story lines take off & develop in ways that keep you fully immersed in the story. Once again the dialogue is sharp & each character has a distinct voice you can almost hear. The plot is layered & smart, guaranteed to hold your attention. Quieter, more reflective moments give the reader a chance to take a breather & are well balanced with tense, action scenes. This is one of the reasons the series stands out in such a crowded & popular genre. Yes, there is plenty of the requisite crime, grit & suspense. But it's not constant rapid-fire. In the spaces left between, you get to know & care for these characters which ensures you're well & truly hooked from the beginning.

Harry, Wattie, Cooper, Jumbo....all the regulars are back with some intriguing twists on their current situations. The character development continues & it's been interesting to watch the evolution of Wattie, in particular. Under Harry's tutelage, he's gone from wide-eyed recruit to (semi) street savvy copper. Not sure if his partner deserves thanks or blame. Although these books can be enjoyed as stand-alones, I'd recommend reading the series in order. Relationships shift over time & knowing the history makes for a richer reading experience.

It's another great story that keeps you glued to the pages but fair warning....one of the characters won't make it to the next book. This series is the real deal. If you're a fan of authors such as Rankin, McIlvanney, McKinty or Neville & haven't read any of these books, hang your head in shame. Then proceed to your nearest book shop. Don't make me come find you. I'll bring Jumbo 🤨 ( )

Harry McCoy's life has suddenly get very complicated. His day job has him searching for a bomber in Glasgow as well as a missing US seaman from the Holy Loch base, his childhood friend (and local gangster) is out of jail and seemingly looking for revenge, his protoge has a new baby and now the Special Branch think he is an IRA agent - suddenly his ulcer is the least of his concerns.
The McCoy series goes from strength to strength with this latest episode. It feels so authentic with the setting in 1970s Glasgow and McCoy being the sort of unreconstructed, hard-living cop so familiar from original books and tv. Here the complex plots have lots of political driving - the conflict in Northern Ireland, torture by British soldiers, anti-Gypsy racism etc - yet nothing is done to death, it is just part of the excellent story. ( )

1974 and Glasgow is shaken by homemade bombs. What so far was only known to happen in Northern Ireland, now also seems to have reached Scotland. Detective Harry McCoy is assigned the investigation, but first, he needs to head to the prison where his oldest friends Stevie Cooper is released. Harry tells him to keep his head down for a couple of days, despite knowing Stevie’s character only too well. Thus, he starts a series of gang feuds in Glasgow’s underworld which adds to the mysterious bombings. And there is another case which Harry tries to solve: an American father is looking for his son who disappeared while being stationed with the navy in Scotland. Just like always, all things happen at the same time and McCoy has another couple of challenging days ahead.

Following the Harry McCoy series from the first instalment, I have since been a huge fan of Alan Park’s novels. The first two, “Bloody January” and “February’s Son” presented us the protagonist of the series and his family background and link to the underworld, “Bobby March Will Live Forever” focussed a bit more on the police world in 1970s Glasgow, the latest book is again brilliant in creating a special atmosphere and gives insight in how, at times, the truth needs to be adapted to the needs while not losing sight of rightfulness and justice.

The bombings plot is quickly linked to a paramilitary army which, of course, strongly reminds of the IRA. A charismatic leader who abuses his followers to accomplish his mission in a complex political environment is perfectly chosen for a crime novel. The missing son is an interesting addition since this illustrates the family pressure which was much stronger five decades ago than today.

Undoubtedly the most fascinating aspect was this time how McCoy is torn between his conviction as a member of the police and his bond with Cooper, himself the number one of Glasgow’s underworld. McCoy is not actually afraid of what Cooper might be willing to do to him, but he shows respect while making his point as a detective, at the same time. Even though he follows his instinct, which is often totally right, he is also at fault at times and has to cope with the consequences and challenge his sense of justice.

Another enjoyable and suspenseful novel which is not only highly complex but cleverly made-up with a careful rhythm and thus, for me, one of the best crime series at the moment. ( )