Dead Men and Broken Hearts (Lennox Book 4)

It's such a good read difficult to follow and surmise you have the plotlines found out an excellent read exquisite.

This is the 4th outing for Craig Russell's Canadian PI in Glasgow, Lennox. I think what slightly set's Lennox apart from other tough gumshoe detectives of the same genre is that Russell has gradually developed Lennox personality in line with his experiences, both the ones detailed in the 4 novels and with the odd tantalising glimpses we are given into his shady past and army days. Surely room for a prequal at some point.This was particularly well done this time, and more time was given to Lennox romantic and domestic life which has always been very much a side issue before. That is not to say that Lennox is not up to his neck in intrigue and back alley punch ups, because I am pleased to report he is. But the more rounded and real Lennox becomes, the more involved with the story line I get and the more satisfying the stories are.What Russell also does is put great individual detail into side/ minor characters as well as draw an atmospheric and smog filled 50's Glasgow so you feel very 'immersed' in the story. I love the extra bit of detail the writer also gives the cars (as a bit of a 50's car enthusiast and sense the author is too)Twinkletoes McBride makes a welcome return in this episode, though the Three Kings, who regular readers will know, take a back seat this time out. I will say nothing of the investigation elements for spoiling reasons but safe to say if you enjoyed the others in the series you will enjoy this. If you are new to the series you really would be much better to go back to thje start of the series and read them in order.I really enjoy these Lennox adventures he is flawed, very human and the kind of fallible hero you can really get behind and feel you are riding with. The writing is also underscored with a sharp and at times slightly absurd humour. Top stuff. I look forward to the next book.

This is the fourth in the lennox series by craig russell and is a step up from his previous works which were all great. I've read everyone, and they have all been pageturners for me. I have read some reviews saying some of his characters can be a little bit stereotypical with their nicknames like twinkletoes and singer, but anyone who has spent anytime on the west coast of scotland will realise that such characters do in fact exist there. I can think of few off the top of my head but due to data protection wont name them.The one thing that detracts a bit from the reality of the books(but funnily enough not the enjoyment) is the main protagonist's opinions of the cuisune of 50s Glasgow. As its written in first person, he is looking at it through the writer's own 21st century prism. But this does allow him carte blanche to come up with some cracking lines, which the book is full of. It also unfolds at a good pace, and it is action packed. If you havent got into Lennox yet, do it chronologically with Lennox, the long glasgow kiss, the deep dark sleep, and then dead men and broken hearts. If you have read the others and enjoyed them, then you certainly wont be dissapointed with this.

Craig Russell's books are always a joy. From the gritty, evocative and atmospheric descriptions of Glasgow in the Fifties to the twisted plotting, his books are always fast paced and eminently readable. But what makes them soar way above the usual run of the mill thrillers is the beautiful characterisation and dry as a bar in Mecca, sardonic wit. In less humorous and gifted hands, the laconic and cynical Lennox could be a tissue thin, cut price, Philip Marlowe wannabe, but with Russell's skill the characters, place and period come to life in a swirling post war gloom of tangible heaviness, always relieved by the droll hilarity of his observations. And this book is no exception.If you like a really good noir thriller, have never discovered Craig Russell and have 59 pence to spend, then invest in this book. You don't have to read the three before it but this one will make better sense and the character trajectory is definitely worth it. Enjoy!

A very fast paced and enjoyable read this. I have to say the series is maturing nicely and whilst the whodunnit elements here are a tad easy to spot, there is a nice little twist towards the end which shows the author has a great deal of self awareness and that he trusts his readers to work things out without ladling on the red herrings or introducing spurious characters just to spin the plot out. What I particulalrly like about the series is that by having a Canadian protagonist it allows the author to get away with "North Americanisms" such as the "trunk" of the car rather than the boot, or by calling the Police "Coppers" where every Glaswegian would call them the "Polis". Nevertheless this is an excellent series and although there is a hint or two that Lennox intends to go back to Canada I hope the next instalment is still set in 1950s Glasgow.

It really grates when people use terminology like this using impossible numbers but I have to make an exception in the case of Craig Russell' s latest Lennox book and award it this mark. Each book seems to be better than the previous one and I thought his first one was excellent. His writing is a joy to read with delightful turns of phrase which at times are so amusing. It was inspired taking Twinkletoes on as an employee and his escapades and loyalty to Lennox are heartwarming. The story is full of twists and turns which keep you on the edge of your seat and the ending was, for me, completely unexpected, also be prepared to shed a tear. All in all a wonderful read. I see it has come down a little in price for the Kindle version so don't delay purchase now!