This is Irviine Welsh's latest in his Ray Lennox series, a Lennox who in my head I picture as Dougray Scott who plays him in the TV series, incidently in his end notes, Welsh informs us that the actor plays an important element of how he now sees Lennox. Lennox is to all intents and purposes in a different place as he runs, now a physically fit man, who has left the police and Edinburgh, living in Brighton, with an exclusive luxury home with a great view. With ex-cop George Marsden, he runs the lucrative Horsham Security Services business providing solutions for the likes of care homes and the elderly. To top it all, he is proud of acquiring a girlfriend 15 years younger than himself, a university scientist, Carmel Devereaux, a younger woman whose desire for sexual experimentation, such as swinging, is to pose problems.

Internally Lennox remains the same tormented soul, haunted by his 11 year old self and what happened to him and particularly his friend, Les Brodie. This spills over to overwhelming proportions when through Carmel, he meets the powerful, wealthy Mathew Cardingworth, whom he is certain was one of the 3 monsters from all those years ago. His therapist, Elaine Rodman, suggests his memories of the time might not be reliable, which leads him to invite Brodie down, a Brodie who responds explosively. Lennox descends back into the drugs and drink, the rising fear and rage, as he investigates the death and disappearance of foster care boys and has to face a resolution of the past that reveals the harrowing horrors of what really happened and who was truly responsible.

This is a dark and bleak read, lightened at times by the banter, a Lennox going back and forth to Edinburgh, for the likes of Dougie Gillman's retirement party, and an Ally Notman who had agreed to help him but backs out. Lennox visits his family, his problematic mother, Avril, who he cannot forget had an affair that fundamentally changed everything, and ends up being pushed to bring his actor btother, Stuart, back down to Brighton to live with him. This will appeal to fans of the author and those who gravitate towards the darkest and grittiest of reads. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Took me a while to get into this one.
I think the reality is, Ray Lennox is just not a favourite Welsh character for me.
When I finally got into it though, then I enjoyed the dark humour, and the action.
It felt right to have come to the end of Ray's story, and get some answers.
Worth reading, but I'd say only if you've read the previous books.

This was such an easy, quick read, oh, such a breeze.
Well, you know very well that I am joking, it’s a Welsh novel, so it can only be complex, thought-provoking and stomach churning.
Inspector Lennox is enjoying his clean new life in Brighton but his inner demons and the demons of his past do not let him do so. The conclusion feels satisfactory.
The accounting of the events and Lennox’s inner voice are delivered via several different techniques and styles, which I enjoyed.
The use of different font types for different scenarios (dreams, texts, Lennox’ ramblings etc) made this complex read clear to understand.
And it goes without saying, I love Welsh’s writing style, his setting of the mood and characters’ and places’ psyche. He is one of my favourite writers.

Resolution by Irvine Welsh continues the Ray Lennox series.In this installment the leading character has left behind Edinburgh,and Police Scotland and started a fresh life in Brighton with a private security business.Everything seems splendid and too good to be true in this ‘retirement’,with a well paid new career and a fulfilling relationship with a younger woman,until a face from his childhood appears and unresolved turmoil emerges from the trauma of his past.Lennox attempts to unravel the threads of truth while facing up to the public perceptions of maligning a pillar of the Sussex community, who has surrounded himself with powerful and influential friends and associates.
Initially I felt that in building background the story was slow to get underway but once the pace picked up, it made for an entertaining and enjoyable read.
The authentic sardonic witty banter and sparkling dialogue in the conversations between characters raises the narrative above any similar crime stories,based on victims seeking retribution and closure.

The latest in the crime series sees ex cop Ray Lennox still living with his demons and trauma that, title giving it away somewhat, finally comes to a resolution. This is by no means an easy read but if you’ve ever read any Irvine Welsh you’ll be well accustomed to that. A brilliant end to a harrowing story!

Ray Lennox is no longer a police officer, and no longer in Edinburgh. We find him selling security systems in Brighton.

But he still can't escape what happened in that tunnel all those years ago.

And the past is about to catch up with him in a big way...

A brilliant conclusion (?) to the Crime trilogy

I must admit that I do find reading a Irvine Welsh book a bit challenging. People describe them as gritty but often they are downright harrowing. There is something about the character of Ray Lennox though that brings me back to these books. Possibly it is his vunerability , of him trying to put things right that he has no control over, either way he is the most compelling character.

It will come as no surprise to the readers of this book that its contents are somewhat harrowing.
There are more than a few deaths, and quite a lot of evil actions.
Putting that aside the story is wonderfully told, the tension held throughout, the usual twists and turns expected in any quality psychological thriller.
The twin setting of Brighton and Edinburgh allowed the tension to be released for a while, now and then.
A horror masterpiece, I guess that it will be made into an award winning film sometime.
Brilliant!

My thanks to the author for the hours of enjoyment that the book has brought me, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read many Irvine Welsh books when I was younger, and loved the gritty realism of them. However, 25 years on, it didn't take me long to realise that I'd had my fill of the middle aged, alcoholic Scots voice when I left my husband 7 years ago, so this book was definitely not for me, and I just had to put it aside. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

Resolution is the final part of Irvine Welsh's dark and gritty Ray Lennox series and while this can,at a stretch,be read as a standalone I'd strongly advise anyone who hasn't already to read the first 2 books.

Lennox has finally moved on from his car crash life as a policeman in Edinburgh. Off of the drugs and alcohol and finally free of the trauma caused by memories of a horrific childhood event he's moved to Brighton where he's got a successful business and leads a healthy and peaceful life.
When he's introduced to local property developer Matthew Cardingworth Lennox sees a lot more than the popular and influential local personality and the past comes back to him with a vengeance.

I've read all of Irvine Welsh's books and this is up there with the best,classic Welsh with dark humour and darker violence. The language is often raw and brutal ,as is the subject matter but Welsh's fans expect no less.
An excellent read..........just make sure you've read the previews 2 books first.

Darkly disgusting written in true classic Welsh style this book will keep you gripped to the last page. A perfect ending for Lennox there is nothing quite cold long over due revenge. With a dark humorous tone throughout despite the unsettling topics. Modern classic from one of the UK's most talented minds a firm five stars.