Product Description

Maureen O'Donnell, ex-psychiatric patient and survivor of sexual abuse, is facing the darkest episode in her life. Her abuser has arrived back in Glasgow in time for the birth of her sister's new baby; she owes more than she makes in a year in back taxes; and Angus Farrell, the psychologist who murdered her boyfriend is up for trial, with Maureen as the reluctant star witness. On top of it all, she has managed to become embroiled in someone else's family feud. Ella McGee, an elderly stall holder at the flea market where Maureen and Leslie are selling illegally imported cigarettes, is bringing a case against her son in the small claims court. When Ella dies in hospital after a brutal beating Maureen, who identifies all too readily with the underdogs of this world, can't stop herself from becoming involved. Soon Maureen too is under threat, and this time she has very few protectors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97666 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Scotland on Sunday
'This is a real trilogy whose volumes interconnect and reverberate...A deeply moving work and a gripping narrative'

The Times
'Splendidly written...magnificently readable'

Sunday Telegraph
'Denise Mina grows in stature with each book...a riveting story'

Customer Reviews

Gripping Conclusion
Those who have already followed the exploits of Maureen O'Donnell in "Garnethill" and "Exile" only need to know that this third book in the trilogy is now out in paperback. Anyone who hasn't yet encountered Denise Mina's wry, atmospheric take on crime fiction should do themselves a favour and read the books in order, as they are interlinked.

Once again expect dry wit, razor-sharp dialogue, lifelike characters and Glasgow as the natives see it. Also, there's a twist in the tail which may surprise you!

Well worth writing a review
Having just finished the third book in the trilogy, after reading them back to back - I'm compelled to write a recommendation. Denise Mina brings to life a range of characters and I particularly liked Maureen - how refreshing to have such a flawed 'heroine' with very real problems of her own solving the mysteries. She's sharp, very human and spunky and I can't remember the last time I warmed to a character in a book to this extent. Mina touches on many complex themes in all the books - mental illness, child abuse, alcoholism and the seemy underworlds of London and Glasgow, and unlike other authors in this genre manages to be very credible. Definitely the best crime books I've read recently.

A good read from a promising new talent
I enjoyed the first two novels in this trilogy largely on the strength of the excellent characterisation. I also admired Mina's ability to deal with difficult issues, such as incest and alcoholism, in non-moralistic and non-judgemental way.

Unfortunately 'Resolution' left me feeling decidedly uncomfortable as the author strays from her neutral position, and rewards her central character's vigilante behaviour with a happy ending.

Also, as with the first two novels in the trilogy, I felt that the 'Resolution' suffered from a fairly weak plot. The clues were laid on far too thickly and the twist in the tale was easy to guess quite early in the book.

I think that Denise Mina is a talented new writer. She creates compelling characters that kept me hooked despite my reservations.

Characterisation obviously comes easily for Mina, but I think that her novels need a more even balance between characterisation and plot.