No Crime Committed

Martyn Black writes with splendidly wrought realism, capturing a nasty criminal underworld in Glasgow and London, with a literary flourish. Most of the action takes place in the east end of Glasgow depicted with brutal authenticity.
There is an explicit evocation of violence as chilling as a Sam Peckinpah film. The style is vividly alive and constantly gripping.
Transpose Glasgow for Manchester and there are real echoes of Maurice Procter's classic novel 'Hell is a City' and the superb Hammer film based upon it.
Gil Gilchrist is a loner, a killer, a very dangerous man. He is drawn with a perpetual feeling of barely suppressed savagery but sentiment and sex subtly punctuate the rough stuff. As the story hurtles to its conclusion, Gil meets his gangland rivals in a final, terrifying violent confrontation.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"No Crime Committed" by Martyn Black is a gripping tale that delves into the gritty underbelly of Glasgow's criminal world. The protagonist, Gil Gilchrist, is a complex character—a tough Glaswegian and a successful robber who, after a decade away, returns to his hometown to support his sister. His past, however, is not ready to let him go, and the notorious Digby crime clan is convinced he's back for revenge.

Black's narrative is taut and fast-paced, with a clear understanding of the criminal psyche. The story unfolds with a sense of inevitability, as Gil's attempts to leave his past behind are thwarted by the paranoia and violence of the Digby clan. The tension builds steadily towards a climax that promises to leave one party dead, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The setting of Glasgow is almost a character in itself, with Black painting a vivid picture of the city and its dark corners. The dialogue is authentic, peppered with local dialect that adds to the immersive experience. At 136 pages, the book is a quick read but packed with action and emotional depth.

What stands out in "No Crime Committed" is the exploration of family ties and loyalty in the face of danger. Gil's relationship with his sister and his willingness to risk his life for her adds a poignant layer to the narrative. It's a story about choices and consequences, about the thin line between right and wrong in a world where the law is often in the hands of those who wield power.

Martyn Black has crafted a novel that is both a thrilling crime story and a thoughtful examination of human nature. It's a must-read for fans of the genre and a solid addition to the world of crime fiction.