IAN SINCLAIR draws attention to the powerful role that literature plays in foreseeing the way humanity will deal with climate crisis
Crime fiction with Mat Coward: May 21, 2024
Dodgy deals in Fife, trouble in Tinseltown, London Chinese, and traps for ex-pats

THE last surviving boss of one of Scotland’s premier crime families says he’s ready to do a deal, in The Devil You Know by Neil Lancaster (HQ, £16.99) — the location of a body from a long unsolved murder in exchange for transfer to a safer prison.
But DS Max Craigie and his colleagues in the Fife-based anti-corruption unit know there must be more to this than meets the eye: no Hardie ever helps the polis — that rule is part of their DNA. Can Max find out what he’s up to in time to stop it?
Endearingly eccentric characters, tense action and lots of lovely, authentic detail for the procedure fan explain why this series is rapidly picking up readers.
More from this author

While the group known as the Colourists certainly reinvigorated Scottish painting, a new show is a welcome chance to reassess them, writes ANGUS REID

ANGUS REID recommends an exquisite drama about the disturbing impact of the one child policy in contemporary China

The phrase “cruel to be kind” comes from Hamlet, but Shakespeare’s Prince didn’t go in for kidnap, explosive punches, and cigarette deprivation. Tam is different.

ANGUS REID deconstructs a popular contemporary novel aimed at a ‘queer’ young adult readership