Paperboy is a fantastic sequel to Squeaky Clean - a healthy dose of dark humour, questionable police and murder. Callum McSorley is a fresh talent in the Scottish Crime scene. 5 stars

After the death of Paulo McGuinn, Ally McCoist has found herself promoted and with a big secret to hide. Paulo's death has left a void in Glasgow's underworld and several vultures are circling. Chuck owns a paper shredding business and runs a sideline in passing confidential papers to a contact protecting him from the loan sharks he owes. Lottie just wants to know who killed her husband.
This the follow-up to McSorley's debut and is, if anything, even better. Written in a Glaswegian vernacular that takes some translating this is a complex story with the blackest of humour running through it. There are some wonderful scenes involving McCoist's dog, some very brutal scenes and some which just reflect everyday life, all inside a very violent set of characters. The book will not be everyone's taste because of this but it ticks all the boxes for me!

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much reading a crime novel, especially one that’s as dark, violent and full of grit as Paperboy. Like its award-winning predecessor, Squeaky Clean, Callum McSorley’s novel is creative and exciting and as steeped in Glasgow as Billy Connolly.

After the events of Squeaky Clean, McSorley returns us to Glasgow’s dark underbelly. This time our hapless characters are Chuck Gardner – a man who shreds paper on an industrial scale for a living and who is also an inveterate gambler. You wouldn’t necessarily immediately think of the sorts of things that can go awry for a man with a giant shredder, but trust me, Callum McSorley has thought them all through in a particularly dark and excruciating fashion. If in doubt, Simply Shred.

Meanwhile Detective Ally McCoist has managed to redeem her dodgy reputation somewhat, though more by luck than good judgement and finds herself, somewhat scarily, promoted to D.C.I.

Paulo McGuinn’s wife Lottie wants to see her husband’s murder case re-opened, something that makes D.C.I. McCoist a tad nervous. As she investigates the murder of a lawyer whose rancid body was found under a flyover, both McCoist and Gardner find themselves unwillingly drawn into Glasgow’s gangland wars, with a side order of police corruption. Since McGuinn’s death, Glasgow’s gangsters have been vying for the role of top dog and violent episodes won’t stop until the matter is settled.

One of the novel’s most striking features is its use of authentic Glaswegian dialect. McSorley crafts dialogue that immerses readers in the city’s unique linguistic landscape, capturing the rhythm and vernacular of its inhabitants. This means that the sweary words flow like pus out of a burst boil and the language is as profane as it can get, but somehow, delightfully so.

By allowing his characters to speak as they would do normally, McSorley gives depth to his characters and grounds the narrative in its setting, allowing the dialogue to contribute significantly to the novel’s immersive quality.Paperboy offers us a narrative rich in authentic dialogue, nuanced characterisation, and a vivid sense of place, especially when that place is rancid and seedy…

McSorley’s characters are intricately developed, each embodying the complexities of life in Glasgow. Ally McCoist stands out as a compelling protagonist, not so much navigating as drifting between professional challenges and personal demons. Her portrayal as a flawed, somewhat hapless, yet determined detective adds layers to the narrative. The supporting cast of grotesques and half-wits are equally well-drawn. This depth of characterisation ensures that we are wholly invested in their journeys, making the stakes of the plot more impactful.

The novel’s dark humour is a defining characteristic, providing levity amidst the tension. McSorley balances the grim aspects of crime with sharp wit, reflecting the resilience and spirit of his Glaswegians alongside a serious dose of toxicity. This humour is woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the storytelling without undermining the gravity of the situations depicted. This comedic undertone enriches the reading experience, offering moments of relief amid a welter of seriously grim violence.

Glasgow is more than just a backdrop in Paperboy; it is a character in its own right. McSorley captures the city’s essence, from its bustling streets to its hidden corners, painting a vivid picture of the seedy underbelly of life. The setting informs the plot and shapes the characters’ identities and choices. The author’s understanding of Glasgow shines through, anchoring the narrative and making the events and character interactions more resonant.

Verdict: Paperboy is a brilliant read. Combining a taut and dangerous police procedural with black as coal humour, gory and noisy violence (I could hear the squelches) and some truly terrible punning, Callum McSorley has written another vibrant, successful novel, cementing his already growing reputation.

This is the hotly (by me anyway) anticipated follow up to the brilliant Squeaky Clean which I would definitely advise you read first as this book follows pretty much directly on from the shenanigans contained therein.
So... DCI Alison (Ally) McCoist is back. She is newly promoted after her part in bringing down a key player in the world of Glasgow Gangsters. This does not come without its downsides, the biggest of which is that she is even more unpopular, despite sharing her name with an absolute legend - and no, it still doesn't get old...!
The previous book was centred around a car wash. This time, we concentrate on a confidential shredding company - Simply Shred - and its owner Chuck Gardner, named for the ginger baby in rugrats! He comes to the attention of Ally when she is investigating a rat-bitten body found under a flyover which turn out to be that of a solicitor. Chuck being tasked to "sanitise" his office rather quickly after his demise. But he bites off more than he can chew when he discovers something that, well, could assist him with his gambling debts... Something that could also bring Ally down if the truth of what really happened at the car wash comes to light... Meanwhile we have a gap to fill, so there is a bit of a gang war going on...
So... this book is all kinds of convoluted and interconnected and has a rather varied and eclectic cast of many brilliantly colourful characters. Hence me really pushing for you to read book one first. And to be honest, Squeaky Clean is a fantastic book so... It's also quite brutal, I will make mention of an industrial shredder and just leave it there, but it really doesn't pull any punches along the way. But aside from that, it is also very funny, there are some great puns and some wicked black humour to be found herein.
It also gets on with itself very well indeed, often at a rate of knots and there is a lot going on. Culminating in a rather satisfying ending.
In fact, the only bad thing I can say about it was the end. And by that I mean I didn't want it to. Cos this means that I have to wait a while for more of the same shenanigans. And boy am I waiting for book three with baited breath.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Like Glasgow itself, Paperboy is both utterly hilarious and dark as sin.

If you like your police procedurals with an edge, and your lead detectives morally grey, then I absolutely recommend you get on to Callum McSorley's DCI Alison McCoist series.

Like Squeaky Clean – which won the McIlvaney Prize – Paperboy is complex, witty, violent and unlike anything being published at the moment.

I do recommend reading Squeaky Clean before delving into Paperboy. There is a lot the reader needs to be aware of for things to make sense. Don't worry thought, they're both superb books and you won't regret it.

There's certain characters, narrator and books that just fit to perfection in the Scottish lilt of things. It has a slightly dark but humorous and colourful edge to it this book. There is a violence to what our detective is facing. And she's not so "squeaky clean" herself. But you always somehow root for her. And somehow don't feel as shocked and horrified over the violence as the writer manages to add a tartan tone to it that these books do so well.
There is a previous to this one so if I'd recommend that if you can. And please... bring on a third!

The follow up to the award winning Squeaky Clean, is another superb read from Callum McSorley.

This gritty and quite dark, violent thriller set in Glasgow follows DCI Ali McCoist and her wayward life and policing.

Gangsters, blood and guts, money and corruption, it’s cracking stuff that’s just done really well. McSorley seems to be having a lot of fun writing these thrillers full of wicked,y black humour and I’m all for more of this great new series.

Top stuff from a great new author.

If you like your thrillers dark, gritty, with touches of humour and full of great characters, this is for you! I absolutely loved this read with DCI Alison Mc Coist as the lead character, totally embroiled in some serious gangster business in Glasgow. I really highly recommend reading the previous book, Squeaky Clean too. If the author doesn't write a third book, I will be seriously disappointed! Definitely one for crime thriller fans to enjoy. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Found it a difficult book to get into, therefore some of the enjoyment was immediately taken away.. Unfortunately it was not a book for me, although many will no doubt enjoy the read.

I loved Squeaky Clean and Paperboy is a superb follow up, a darkly comic ‘tartan noir’. With much of it in dialect it can occasionally require concentration, but it’s a generally an easy read (especially if you say the dialogue in your head whilst you read!).
Paperboy picks up where squeaky clean left off - its definitely not a ‘start with the second part’ type series - and throws you right back in with the gang conflicts, dodgy police and people just trying to get by without getting any part of them too close to an industrial shredder - recognisable day to day activities…. It may not be terribly realistic, but it’s gripping, funny and has a a unique tone all of its own. More please

Did you read Squeaky Clean? If not, why not?
This is much the same, dark, brutal, violent, funny and incredibly good.
There's a lot going on, many people to keep track of, but you do, because the story is told well. The characters are memorable (in the book. Don't ask me about them next week)
This being book 2, makes me hope we can expect book 3.
Great stuff.

Really saw improvements in the authors writing style here I thought this was better than the last. I love the Glasgow setting and Glasgow in jokes...thanks for the ARC this a series of books I'll stick with I hope there is more