Made A Killing: A Gritty Glasgow Debut

Plot Summary

“Made A Killing,” the debut novel in the Alex Warren Murder Mysteries series by Zach Abrams, plunges readers into the grim underbelly of Glasgow. The story kicks off with the discovery of local troublemaker Scott Stevenson, brutally murdered with an ivory tusk impaling his torso. Detective Chief Inspector Alex Warren and his team are assigned the case, which quickly escalates from a straightforward homicide to a complex investigation riddled with deceit and depravity. As Warren delves deeper, he uncovers a web of crimes fueled by sex and greed, revealing that Stevenson’s demise is merely the tip of a much larger, darker iceberg. With a rising body count and scarce evidence, Warren and his team face a race against time to apprehend the killer before more lives are extinguished.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“Made A Killing” is a compelling and atmospheric introduction to DCI Alex Warren and the world of Zach Abrams’ tartan noir mysteries. The novel successfully delivers a gritty, character-driven crime story that keeps the reader engaged. My overall impression is that of a solid, well-executed mystery that excels in its atmosphere and character portrayals. It’s a book that draws you in with its bleak setting and then hooks you with its intricate plot and relatable protagonist.

Writing Style and Character Development

Zach Abrams employs a writing style that is both direct and evocative, perfectly capturing the essence of Glasgow’s “tough, crime-ridden streets.” The language is punchy, mirroring the often harsh realities faced by the characters. Abrams has a remarkable ability to create vivid imagery, painting a clear picture of the “grey, gloomy Scottish November” that serves as a perfect backdrop for this whodunit. This sensory detail is crucial in immersing the reader in the novel’s world.

The character development, particularly for DCI Alex Warren, is a strong suit. While the book is not overly focused on his personal life, his competence, dedication, and the subtle hints of his inner struggles make him a grounded and likable protagonist. The supporting cast, described as a “tight cast of interesting characters,” adds depth to the narrative, each with their own potential motivations and secrets, contributing to the “whodunit” aspect. The praise for the characters being “great” and the reasons for the murder being “believable” strongly supports this.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several prominent literary themes and motifs emerge throughout “Made A Killing.” The pervasive theme of greed is central, driving much of the violence and deceit. Sex also plays a significant role, often as a tool for manipulation and a catalyst for conflict. The novel explores the darker aspects of human nature, demonstrating how desire and avarice can lead to extreme actions. The motif of revenge is also subtly woven into the narrative, as Stevenson’s past misdeeds clearly have far-reaching consequences. The contrast between the seemingly ordinary lives of the citizens and the hidden depths of their depravity is a recurring motif, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “Made A Killing” is generally well-managed. The initial setup is efficient, quickly establishing the crime and introducing the protagonist. The plot unfolds with a steady rhythm, with the body count rising and clues emerging at a pace that keeps the reader invested without feeling rushed or bogged down. While some mysteries can suffer from slow patches, the description that readers found it “hard to stop reading” suggests that the pacing effectively maintained interest. The structure is a classic crime procedural, following Warren as he navigates the investigation, interviews suspects, and pieces together the puzzle. This structure is familiar to the genre but executed with enough flair to feel fresh. There were no sections that felt particularly slow or confusing based on the provided feedback.

Author’s Use of Language and Imagery

Abrams’ language is a significant strength. He uses straightforward prose but injects it with a raw energy that is characteristic of the crime genre. His descriptions are sharp and effective, particularly in bringing the setting of Glasgow to life. The mention of his “ability to visualize the grey, gloomy Scottish November” is a testament to his skill in creating atmosphere through descriptive language. While specific memorable quotes aren’t provided in the description, the overall sentiment suggests that the writing is engaging enough to leave a lasting impression.

Emotional Impact

“Made A Killing” likely evokes a range of emotions, from suspense and intrigue to a certain grim fascination with the darker aspects of human behavior. The “dark but not too dark” comment suggests a balanced approach that avoids gratuitousness while still exploring difficult subject matter. The emotional impact comes from the inherent tension of a murder investigation and the unraveling of complex human motivations. The thought-provoking aspect might stem from the exploration of how past actions can have devastating consequences and the moral ambiguities faced by the characters.

Themes and Messages

The primary message Zach Abrams seems to convey in “Made A Killing” is that beneath the surface of ordinary society lie hidden currents of corruption, lust, and violence. The novel underscores the idea that actions have consequences, and that those who prey on others can eventually become targets themselves. The author successfully conveys the destructive nature of unchecked greed and the pervasive influence of secrets within a community. The social and cultural commentary is evident in its portrayal of a gritty urban environment, suggesting that crime and its underlying causes are deeply embedded within certain societal structures.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Atmospheric Setting: The vivid portrayal of Glasgow is a significant strength, making the city a character in itself.
  • Engaging Plot: The mystery is complex and full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing.
  • Strong Protagonist: DCI Alex Warren is a well-developed and relatable detective.
  • Believable Motivations: The reasons behind the murder are grounded in reality, adding to the novel’s impact.
  • Well-Paced Narrative: The story moves along at a good pace, maintaining reader interest.

Weaknesses

  • Based on the provided description, no specific weaknesses are highlighted. However, as with many debut novels, there’s always potential for further refinement in areas like secondary character depth or thematic exploration, which might become more apparent in subsequent readings or reviews.

Comparisons

As a “tartan noir” mystery set in Glasgow, “Made A Killing” likely draws comparisons to other works within the Scottish crime fiction genre, such as those by Ian Rankin or Val McDermid. These authors are known for their atmospheric settings, complex characters, and gritty plots. If this is Abrams’ debut, it successfully establishes a foundation that could lead to a similarly esteemed series.

Recommendation

I would highly recommend “Made A Killing” to fans of traditional crime fiction, particularly those who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a strong sense of place. Readers who appreciate tartan noir, gritty police procedurals, and well-drawn characters would find this novel particularly enjoyable. If you’re looking for an intriguing escape with a compelling plot and a dark, realistic setting, this book is a great choice. You can find “Made A Killing” at various online retailers and bookstores.

Where to Get It

  • My Ebook (Example Internal Link)
  • Amazon
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Kobo

Rating

★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)

“Made A Killing” is a strong and promising debut from Zach Abrams. It successfully captures the essence of Glasgow’s underbelly, delivering a gripping mystery with a compelling protagonist and well-crafted plot. The novel’s strengths lie in its atmospheric writing, believable character motivations, and engaging pacing, making it a highly enjoyable read for any fan of crime fiction.