THE LONG DROP - DENISE MINA

After hearing of this book via "two crime writers and a microphone" podcast, I was intrigued enough to give this book a read.
The Long Drop is based on a true story of a serial killer in Glasgow 1957. When William Watt is accused of murdering his family he sets out to find who did and clear his name. Peter Manuel is a burglar, murderer, and a rapist who claims to know who committed the crime. But Peter Manuel is a liar. After a meeting between the two, a night of endless drinking ensues. Watt is seeking information and Manuel is seemingly seeking notoriety.

Jumping between the endless night and the court case, this novel is a masterpiece of story telling. I loved the gritty descriptions of 1950's  Glasgow and all its grit, grime and filth. Its hard to associate the old Glasgow with the vibrant and new Glasgow of today. This is a dark and sinister story with the oddest and nastiest of characters but brought beautifully to life by Denise Mina. This is Tartan Noir at its best.