REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

STORYLINE :
The storyline got me hooked and was reflective of today's realities. It was interesting to see how the immigrants were involved, their backers and their motives. It was promising. But, I felt the police work was disappointing, they didn't do much. And my least favourite part of the book was Cal Jackson, I didn't see his purpose in the book to be honest. The murder was solved on its own, revealed by the culprits themselves.

CHARACTERS:
There were no notable protagonists. But, I appreciate the work done on Riz, it's the first time I'll be reading about an Albanian and I learnt some things.

WRITING STYLE:
It was okay

SETTINGS:
Fitting, especially Riz's. You could feel how horrible his condition is.

OVERALL:
It was okay, I liked some part and I didn't like others. I would have loved a better ending and actual detective work. Again, I didn't see Cal's purpose in the book.

Second in a Scottish crime series about an ex-con bartender and a driven cop who get involved in the Glasgow underworld. The murder of a civil rights attorney is tied up with attacks on local business, and Cal Jackson gets drawn in. These are dark violent noir novels, but Kelley has a real style and I enjoyed them both.

I enjoyed this book, it is a strong plot, well written, with lots of twists. Cal was the teenage drunk driver in an accident that nearly killed Rose Black. She survived, and Cal always felt guilty and has kept track of her life. Then Rose, who now works as a human rights lawyer, is murdered but the culprit is not found.
Detective Simone Millar, with her sidekick Dyke, is looking into cases where local businesses have been raided and destroyed, and it looks like there is a new gang in Glasgow. Simone gets taken off the case, and teams up with Cal to help with her unauthorised investigation. It's a good story, with believable characters, and a lot of violence. I particularly liked Simone, and her refusal to give up.
Recommended.

Book 2 in the Cal Jackson series packs a mighty punch! It's a very compelling and gritty read, set in Glasgow. I love the characters, especially Cal and Millar as their paths continually cross in the search for a killer. The plotting is full on, centred around power, politics and corruption with a relentless pace. The author is fast becoming a favourite and I highly recommend reading his works. The ending left me wanting more and I hope there is a lot more in store for Cal as this is one of my best reads for 2025. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.