Set in Edinburgh, this gutsy crime novel from Edgar-finalist Guthrie (Hard Man
) tweaks the tired conventions of the genre in refreshing ways. Seasoned ex-con Andy Park is doing his best to keep his family together: son Richie is a contract killer and currently in prison; his psycho daughter, Effie, is recently released; and his invalid wife, Liz, needs the kind of care he can't afford. Effie comes up with the perfect scheme to solve all their problems—blackmail the sleazy businessman, Tommy Savage, who put out the hit on her boyfriend's father. When Savage starts getting calls from a “Mr. Smith” demanding 50 grand or else, Savage enlists his ne'er-do-well brother, Phil, and son Fraser as back up for a money exchange with the Parks. In the ensuing mayhem the two families wreak enough havoc on each other to satisfy Shakespeare. Fans of Ken Bruen, Derek Raymond and Jim Thompson will love this stylish, blood-drenched tartan noir. (June)
