Gods and Beasts - by Denise Mina

Gods and Beasts

By Denise Mina

4 Stars

Consumed By the Wolves

How far does corruption reach?  You’ll find yourself asking this over and over again as you read this book.  Filled with suspense and gritty images, Gods and Beasts provides the reader with a startling image of the seedier side of Glasgow.

Alex Morrow investigates the horrible murder of an elderly gentleman in the middle of a Glasgow post office.  The gentleman’s young grandson was also with him at the time but, to get him away from the scene quickly, the boy was promptly handed over to a total stranger.  Or did the victim know him after all?  Why was the stranger there at all?

In her attempt to uncover the truth, Alex reveals a tangled web of corruption and political strong arm tactics that reach deep into the underworld.  By contrast, she has a loving and supportive husband and children.  The two are as far removed from each other as fire and water.

I enjoyed this book for its setting in Scotland, with all of the riveting local color.  The characters are genuine and the pieces of the plot finally come together in a stunning conclusion.  Interesting read.