Resolution by
Denise Mina
pbk out July 02
(Bantam)
at £5.99
Maureen O'Donnell is going through hell. She is about to be called as the
reluctant star witness at the trial of Angus Farrell, the psychologist who
murdered her boyfriend. She owes a huge amount in taxes and is desperately
trying to clear her debts by selling contraband cigarettes at the flea
market. Her abusive father has arrived back in Glasgow as her sister is
about to give birth. And if that wasn't enough Maureen has got herself
embroiled in a family feud between old Home Gran, another stall holder, and
her businessman son Si McGee. When Maureen tries to help Home Gran out she
finds that McGee's real business is much less savoury than the health club
he uses as a front. And when the old woman dies Maureen suspects foul play
but can she prove anything? And how can she save the new baby from the fate
that awaits? With only days till the trial and the prospect that Angus may
walk free and come after Maureen she faces a race against time and some
fundamental moral choices.
This is the third in Mina's brilliant Garnethill trilogy. The twin demons
of abuse and alcoholism stalk Mina's Glasgow and she writes about those
living on the edge with great perspicacity, warmth and compassion. Our
sympathy is resolutely with Maureen as she struggles against horrendous
odds. The city, even in the grip of a heat wave, is bleak, many of the
characters are victims yet there are brilliant flashes of humour and love
and friendship and the prospect of hope. A must for anyone looking for
seriously good crime fiction.
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries set on the mean streets of Manchester)
