May God Forgive by Alan Parks
Glasgow is a city in mourning. An arson attack on a Royston hairdresser's has left five women and children dead, and a community reeling. People, more used to turning a blind eye to criminality, erupt now with rage.
When three youths are charged with the crime, an angry mob gathers outside the courthouse, the prisoners are snatched from a police van and disappear. Days later the body of one is found with a note attached to his mutilated body - ‘One down, two to go’.
Detective Harry McCoy comes from these streets; his feral childhood battling to survive on them still haunts him years on. But it also gives him an insight into the soul of Royston and the people who control it. Time is ticking, and Harry must confront his own past and figures that haunt him still to prevent another body being found on its mean streets.
About the author
ALAN PARKS captures the dark beating heart of 70s Glasgow in his highly acclaimed Harry McCoy series.
Parks has spent most of his working life dealing with the production of images for Musical Artists, as Creative Director at London Records in the mid 1990’s then at Warner Music. From cover artwork to videos to photo sessions, he created ground-breaking, impactful campaigns for a wide range of artists including All Saints, New Order, The Streets, Gnarls Barclay and Cee Lo Green. He was also Managing Director of 679 Recordings, a joint venture with Warner Music. For the past few years he has worked as an independent visual and marketing consultant.
Alan was born in Scotland and attended The University of Glasgow where he was awarded a M.A. in Moral Philosophy. He still lives and works in the city as well as spending time in London.
Review
‘May God Forgive’ is a dark tale of how an area can be a tinderbox of tension, violence and chaos that erupts into a series of horrible crimes. It was an evocative read full of tension that fully gripped the imagination. I love Alan’s writing style and it reminds me of summers spent in Glasgow with my granny. This is now one of my favourite series and it never disappoints. It's a combination of things - great characters, a fabulous sense of location, engaging storylines and exquisite writing. It truly is a treat to read his books.
Glasgow is in mourning - three boys have set fire to a hairdresser’s in Haghill, killing numerous women and children. There have been demonstrations outside the courts and it's to this hotbed of tension that Harry returns to work after being off sick with his ulcer. He has to work out what is happening and why, especially when one of the accused turns up dead with an attached note stating ‘One down, two to go’.
I loved this episode of DI Harry Mccoy's story. It showed a vulnerable side to him, where he is having to face his demons both physically and mentally. There were times I wanted to cry for Harry and give him a great big hug at times. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of this book - it was gritty but juxtaposed with scenes of tenderness and empathy. A bit like Glasgow itself. Alan doesn't whitewash Glasgow into a better place it is full of real places and the imagery is on point! I miss Paddy’s market, plus he came to my area of Pollokshields this time! I was enthralled with this story and it captivated me from the start to the finish. Roll on the next chapter.
Let me know if you read this one.
