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The Dark Remains

By Ian Rankin and William McIlvanney
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Dark Remains is a gripping prequel set in the gritty streets of 1970s Glasgow, penned by Ian Rankin based on William McIlvanney's notes. It focuses on the early days of Inspector Laidlaw as he delves into the chaotic criminal underworld to unravel a murder mystery. This taut crime thriller is suffused with moral dilemmas and a compelling exploration of justice.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate a gripping crime narrative crafted by two acclaimed authors, bringing an evocative atmosphere of 1970s Glasgow to life. The book offers a skilful blend of thrilling mystery and vivid characterisation, especially appealing if you're intrigued by intricate plots and complex detectives.

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In this scorching crime hook-up, number one bestseller Ian Rankin and Scottish crime-writing legend William McIlvanney join forces for the first ever case of DI Laidlaw, Glasgow's original gritty detective.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Fantastic - like witnessing Scottish noir's Big Bang creation in the company of its greatest living exponent... like Maradona and Messi playing in the same team. - LEE CHILD

Lawyer Bobby Carter did a lot of work for the wrong type of people. Now he's dead, and it was no accident. Besides a distraught family and a heap of powerful friends, Carter's left behind his share of enemies. So, who dealt the fatal blow?

DC Jack Laidlaw's reputation precedes him. He's not a team player, but he's got a sixth sense for what's happening on the streets. His boss chalks the violence up to the usual rivalries, but is it that simple? As two Glasgow gangs go to war, Laidlaw needs to find out who got Carter before the whole city explodes.

William McIlvanney's Laidlaw books changed the face of crime fiction. When he died in 2015, he left half a handwritten manuscript of Laidlaw's first case. Now, Ian Rankin is back to finish what McIlvanney started. In The Dark Remains, these two iconic authors bring to life the criminal world of 1970s Glasgow, and Laidlaw's relentless quest for truth.

He kicked the door open so the likes of Ian Rankin, Denise Mina and me could sneak through behind him - VAL McDERMID

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Dark Remains is hailed as the epitome of Scottish crime fiction, blending the noir style that McIlvanney is celebrated for. Authors and critics regard McIlvanney as a foundational figure in the genre, underscoring his influence on contemporary crime writers. Ian Rankin's collaboration adds a fresh dimension while staying true to the original's gritty essence.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781838854119

Publisher: Canongate Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Canongate Books

Edition: Export/Airside - Export/Airside/Ireland

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 351g

Pages: 288

Collections

2025 Auckland Writers Festival Best Sellers at Book Hero Crime & Thriller Crime and mystery gifts Fiction General Fiction Gift Finder Gifts for adults Gifts under $100 Gifts under $20 Gifts under $30 Gifts under $50 Ian Rankin In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books New Release Fiction Police Procedural The Great Clear Out Sale The Great Clear Out Sale: Crime & Thriller William McIlvanney

About the Author

In 1977, William McIlvanney changed the face of crime fiction when he created DI Laidlaw, the soulful Glasgow cop. He wrote three books in the series and left one nearly complete novel, recently discovered. The series inspired several generations of Scottish crime writers who followed.

One young fan, Ian Rankin, took Laidlaw as inspiration for his own antihero, John Rebus. Twenty-four books on, Rankin is back to finish what McIlvanney started.
@beathhigh | ianrankin.net

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