What do you think?
Rate this book
Rosie Gilmour #1
The Dead Won't Sleep
The body of a young teenage hooker is found washed up on the beach near Glasgow. This stark event barely captures a headline in the cynical world of tabloid newspapers. This is Glasgow in the 1990s and she's just another dead heroin addict. But Tracey Eadie was only fourteen years old and came from a children's home in Glasgow. How did she get from there to where she is now? One of Tracey's friends on the street contacts Rosie Gilmour, a tabloid journalist. She gives Rosie a tip off that's dynamite, too hot to print but impossible to ignore. Rosie has covered many dark stories in her career. Her background has plenty in common with Tracey's and her own life could have gone either way. Her investigation exposes a sordid tale of corruption and child abuse that leads from the murky streets of Glasgow to the very top of the establishment. For Rosie, it is the only story worth telling, but she soon discovers that the forces united against her will stop at nothing to make sure nobody ever gets to the truth.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
146 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 21, 2016
Okay, okay, this one was good - very good indeed.
I have been to Glasgow once. To a concert. Didn't stay the night. Headed back to Edinburgh that night. It has a bit of reputation of being a rough town. And, perchance, the night we were there, some fucking wanker murdered a trainee Irish nurse and tried to dispose of her body in a quite horrifying way. So my preconceived notions about Glasgow are not that good
Son. who is studying in Edinburgh, visits there regularly for concerts, football, etc. He thinks it is a great city. What do I know? We are heading there in December for a concert so maybe my notion of Glasgow will change.
I know what you mean, Rosie.
Quite depressing this one was.
Kinda similarities between the Scottish and the Irish expressions.
I will definitely read more from this author but maybe I need something light now.
I have been to Glasgow once. To a concert. Didn't stay the night. Headed back to Edinburgh that night. It has a bit of reputation of being a rough town. And, perchance, the night we were there, some fucking wanker murdered a trainee Irish nurse and tried to dispose of her body in a quite horrifying way. So my preconceived notions about Glasgow are not that good
Son. who is studying in Edinburgh, visits there regularly for concerts, football, etc. He thinks it is a great city. What do I know? We are heading there in December for a concert so maybe my notion of Glasgow will change.
Swallowing another mouthful of the gin and tonic, she also resolved to stop the booze for one month. Maybe next month.
I know what you mean, Rosie.
"What a fucking mess ... what a right fucking mess."
Quite depressing this one was.
"I can't dance like that ... I'll make an eejit of myself."
"Bollocks. I'll show you."
Kinda similarities between the Scottish and the Irish expressions.
I will definitely read more from this author but maybe I need something light now.
September 17, 2019
A shockingly tough and brutal crime drama that keeps both the reader and main protagonist journalists Rosie Gilmour clambering for the guilty to be condemned.
This riveting late-90’s Glasgow set novel certainly doesn’t shy away from tough subject matters, with both underage prostitution and drug addiction at the fore front of this story.
I liked that we know from the very opening who the guilty party are and what role they played in 14 year old Tracy Eadie’s body been found washed up in the sea.
It’s her friend Mag's who tips Rosie of as she seeks justice.
I really grew to like Mag’s, it was so sad to see how her drug addiction had lead her into a downward spiral.
As Rosie continues to pursue the story, this novel gave a fascinating insight into what could be reported and how much hard evidence was needed to back up her articles.
With so many stumbling blocks, I liked that she persisted in trying to learn the truth.
Gripping and realistic, it’s the perfect way to launch a series.
This riveting late-90’s Glasgow set novel certainly doesn’t shy away from tough subject matters, with both underage prostitution and drug addiction at the fore front of this story.
I liked that we know from the very opening who the guilty party are and what role they played in 14 year old Tracy Eadie’s body been found washed up in the sea.
It’s her friend Mag's who tips Rosie of as she seeks justice.
I really grew to like Mag’s, it was so sad to see how her drug addiction had lead her into a downward spiral.
As Rosie continues to pursue the story, this novel gave a fascinating insight into what could be reported and how much hard evidence was needed to back up her articles.
With so many stumbling blocks, I liked that she persisted in trying to learn the truth.
Gripping and realistic, it’s the perfect way to launch a series.
November 16, 2012
I keep getting told by FB followers that I MUST read Anna Smith and that her books are brilliant. Sadly, my to read list is stupidly long which means authors whose books I have on my Kindle, can sometimes sit there `undiscovered' for months! Anna Smith is one such author. What an idiot I felt once I'd finished this book, her debut novel. As soon as I was finished, I immediately downloaded her second book, and have her third release firmly in the calendar (31st Jan 2013 for anybody interested!).
The synopsis sounded great before I had even started the book, but once I got going I was in for a treat. It's Glasgow in the 1990s and when the body of a young girl washes up on a beach, people don't pay much attention. It's just another dead junkie, except the media gets hold of the fact that the victim Tracey Eadie was just 14 years old and was meant to be in the safety of a children's home. The first few chapters had me hooked and from then on, things got put on the back burner (such as dinner!).
The main character in this book is the journalist Rosie Gilmour. Rosie is certainly not whiter than white, but comes across as a little bit vulnerable too. One of the things that struck me about this book is the language, and I don't mean swearing. My husband family are from Glasgow so I am very well adjusted to the way they talk and their accent. Anna Smith manages to get across the accent and the way in which the Glaswegians talk, which translates on paper (if that makes sense?!?). In my opinion it gives the writing a real edge and you get a real feel for the way they speak which I really loved.
The plot was what really kept me gripped, and the shocking part about it, is that it is 100% believable. It was gritty and particularly dark in places, covering subjects that won't be everybody's cup of tea but done with sheer brilliance. I am now obsessed with finding out what Rosie does in the future (yippee for book 2) and thought that she was such a solid character. All in this entire book had me totally and utterly enthralled from start to finish. It's already been recommended to all my friends and family, and now I'm recommending it to you lot too.
Don't put it off a moment longer and grab yourself as copy, you'll love it!
The synopsis sounded great before I had even started the book, but once I got going I was in for a treat. It's Glasgow in the 1990s and when the body of a young girl washes up on a beach, people don't pay much attention. It's just another dead junkie, except the media gets hold of the fact that the victim Tracey Eadie was just 14 years old and was meant to be in the safety of a children's home. The first few chapters had me hooked and from then on, things got put on the back burner (such as dinner!).
The main character in this book is the journalist Rosie Gilmour. Rosie is certainly not whiter than white, but comes across as a little bit vulnerable too. One of the things that struck me about this book is the language, and I don't mean swearing. My husband family are from Glasgow so I am very well adjusted to the way they talk and their accent. Anna Smith manages to get across the accent and the way in which the Glaswegians talk, which translates on paper (if that makes sense?!?). In my opinion it gives the writing a real edge and you get a real feel for the way they speak which I really loved.
The plot was what really kept me gripped, and the shocking part about it, is that it is 100% believable. It was gritty and particularly dark in places, covering subjects that won't be everybody's cup of tea but done with sheer brilliance. I am now obsessed with finding out what Rosie does in the future (yippee for book 2) and thought that she was such a solid character. All in this entire book had me totally and utterly enthralled from start to finish. It's already been recommended to all my friends and family, and now I'm recommending it to you lot too.
Don't put it off a moment longer and grab yourself as copy, you'll love it!
March 21, 2017
3.5 stars
Author Anna Smith had a twenty-five year career as a journalist for the Daily Record, a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow prior to becoming a novelist, so I expected plenty of grit and realism in her debut novel featuring intrepid reporter, Rosie Gilmour. The Dead Won't Sleep is set in 1998 when the body of a teenage prostitute is discovered washed up on the beach at Troon. Ordinarily given the late 1990's culture another druggie hooker wouldn't draw too much interest from the red tops, but when the girl in question is identified by dental records as fourteen-year-old Tracy Eadie, who came from a children's home in Glasgow, heads do turn. After six-months in the water there are no forensics to be uncovered and the options for investigation appear limited. Until, that is, an older girl who was friends with Tracy, heroin addict and prostitute Mags Gillick puts a call into Rosie and reveals that she wants justice for the friend whom she last saw leaving to accompanying three big names within the Strathclyde Police Department for a weekend of sex and sailing aboard a boat off the coast of Ayrshire. Mags promised Tracy that nothing dodgy would happen, after all, they are known faces with connections and a lot to lose. However, something does go very wrong and an opening prologue reveals the men involved in Tracy's death, Head of CID, Chief Superintendent Gavin Fox, Chief Inspector Jack Prentice and Superintendent Bill Mackie. Having risen through the ranks together the men share a bond and a more private passion for turning a blind eye and taking backhanders from Glasgow's most feared gangster, 'Big Man', Jake Cox. Proving the matter of the trio's involvement though is a far harder task and calls for thirty-six-year old Rosie Gilmour, queen of the scoop.
When Tracy's body is discovered journalists choose to focus on the element of neglect within the social services system and the obvious failure to protect vulnerable youngsters. As jitters spread, teflon-coated Chief Superintendent Gavin Fox (Foxy) attempts to keep a steady hand on the Catholic guilt of Jack Prentice. Meanwhile Mags knows all the men involved and has a recorded voicemail from a desperate Tracy on her final night aboard the boat and is able to identify the men and consequently the top dogs waste no time in giving her a slap to keep quiet. When she lets on to another hooker just what Tracy was involved in a word from Foxy to the 'Big Man' sees Mags ending up dead with a slashed throat and the crucial voicemail message nowhere to be found. Gemma, the seven-year-old daughter of Mags is sent to Woodbanks, the children's home that Tracy ran away from and when Rosie goes to visit she is alerted to a second and equally head rolling scandal. Given the cold-blooded murder of Mags, Rosie has to watch her back and with people watching her every move it is a dangerous hornets nest of an investigation to even begin to uncover.
The difference between other journalists and Rosie is her background, being no stranger to the tough life around the mean streets of Glasgow, having lost her own alcoholic mother at just nine-years old and winding up in a children's home. Rosie knows that life on the fringes of a city is tough for these teenage girls, trapped in a vicious circle of turning tricks and scoring, taking all the associated risks of the violent and abuse that is part of the scene. However, Rosie is willing to take her own risks and fundamentally cares about the people whose stories need telling. She is respected and admired and people gravitate towards her, seeing a straight up, no nonsense gutsy firebrand. Rosie can't trust all of her fellow reporters, knowing crime reporter Bill Reynolds is within the fold of the police and soon she is watching her back both in and out of the office, however her long established relationship with editor Mick McGuire is enough to give her all the belief she needs that she can expose the scandals. Rosie has had her own scrapes and experienced hurt in relationships by making the mistake of trusting too easily and as such self-preservation is her strategy with romance. Offering snippets into Rosie's childhood and her romantic liaisons, there was a great balance of plot momentum and personal revelations within the novel. There was plenty of banter contained within the pages of The Dead Won't Sleep but one minor criticism was that it centred more or less on sexual innuendo, and as the novel progressed this became a little tiresome and needed a good shot in the arm of old fashioned Glaswegian humour.
The Dead Won't Sleep was a slow starter for me, taking almost one-hundred-pages for tips to fall rather fortuitously into Rosie's lap and her to attain corroboration. Although I appreciated that Rosie had a well earned reputation for the big splash she did none of the running in uncovering the story initially and she appeared more reactive than proactive, probably by necessity of her occupation in the story. However once Rosie got into her stride she showed her mettle, fighting tooth and nail to tell an important story. The Dead Won't Sleep really picked up pace after the first quarter and kept me reading Rosie's exploits and as such I warmed to the character. Anna Smith managed to portray a vibrant city replete with natives who look on the bright side, but are not surprised by the dark underbelly of the city they call home. I would be very willing to read more of both Anna Smith and her feisty leading lady!
Author Anna Smith had a twenty-five year career as a journalist for the Daily Record, a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow prior to becoming a novelist, so I expected plenty of grit and realism in her debut novel featuring intrepid reporter, Rosie Gilmour. The Dead Won't Sleep is set in 1998 when the body of a teenage prostitute is discovered washed up on the beach at Troon. Ordinarily given the late 1990's culture another druggie hooker wouldn't draw too much interest from the red tops, but when the girl in question is identified by dental records as fourteen-year-old Tracy Eadie, who came from a children's home in Glasgow, heads do turn. After six-months in the water there are no forensics to be uncovered and the options for investigation appear limited. Until, that is, an older girl who was friends with Tracy, heroin addict and prostitute Mags Gillick puts a call into Rosie and reveals that she wants justice for the friend whom she last saw leaving to accompanying three big names within the Strathclyde Police Department for a weekend of sex and sailing aboard a boat off the coast of Ayrshire. Mags promised Tracy that nothing dodgy would happen, after all, they are known faces with connections and a lot to lose. However, something does go very wrong and an opening prologue reveals the men involved in Tracy's death, Head of CID, Chief Superintendent Gavin Fox, Chief Inspector Jack Prentice and Superintendent Bill Mackie. Having risen through the ranks together the men share a bond and a more private passion for turning a blind eye and taking backhanders from Glasgow's most feared gangster, 'Big Man', Jake Cox. Proving the matter of the trio's involvement though is a far harder task and calls for thirty-six-year old Rosie Gilmour, queen of the scoop.
When Tracy's body is discovered journalists choose to focus on the element of neglect within the social services system and the obvious failure to protect vulnerable youngsters. As jitters spread, teflon-coated Chief Superintendent Gavin Fox (Foxy) attempts to keep a steady hand on the Catholic guilt of Jack Prentice. Meanwhile Mags knows all the men involved and has a recorded voicemail from a desperate Tracy on her final night aboard the boat and is able to identify the men and consequently the top dogs waste no time in giving her a slap to keep quiet. When she lets on to another hooker just what Tracy was involved in a word from Foxy to the 'Big Man' sees Mags ending up dead with a slashed throat and the crucial voicemail message nowhere to be found. Gemma, the seven-year-old daughter of Mags is sent to Woodbanks, the children's home that Tracy ran away from and when Rosie goes to visit she is alerted to a second and equally head rolling scandal. Given the cold-blooded murder of Mags, Rosie has to watch her back and with people watching her every move it is a dangerous hornets nest of an investigation to even begin to uncover.
The difference between other journalists and Rosie is her background, being no stranger to the tough life around the mean streets of Glasgow, having lost her own alcoholic mother at just nine-years old and winding up in a children's home. Rosie knows that life on the fringes of a city is tough for these teenage girls, trapped in a vicious circle of turning tricks and scoring, taking all the associated risks of the violent and abuse that is part of the scene. However, Rosie is willing to take her own risks and fundamentally cares about the people whose stories need telling. She is respected and admired and people gravitate towards her, seeing a straight up, no nonsense gutsy firebrand. Rosie can't trust all of her fellow reporters, knowing crime reporter Bill Reynolds is within the fold of the police and soon she is watching her back both in and out of the office, however her long established relationship with editor Mick McGuire is enough to give her all the belief she needs that she can expose the scandals. Rosie has had her own scrapes and experienced hurt in relationships by making the mistake of trusting too easily and as such self-preservation is her strategy with romance. Offering snippets into Rosie's childhood and her romantic liaisons, there was a great balance of plot momentum and personal revelations within the novel. There was plenty of banter contained within the pages of The Dead Won't Sleep but one minor criticism was that it centred more or less on sexual innuendo, and as the novel progressed this became a little tiresome and needed a good shot in the arm of old fashioned Glaswegian humour.
The Dead Won't Sleep was a slow starter for me, taking almost one-hundred-pages for tips to fall rather fortuitously into Rosie's lap and her to attain corroboration. Although I appreciated that Rosie had a well earned reputation for the big splash she did none of the running in uncovering the story initially and she appeared more reactive than proactive, probably by necessity of her occupation in the story. However once Rosie got into her stride she showed her mettle, fighting tooth and nail to tell an important story. The Dead Won't Sleep really picked up pace after the first quarter and kept me reading Rosie's exploits and as such I warmed to the character. Anna Smith managed to portray a vibrant city replete with natives who look on the bright side, but are not surprised by the dark underbelly of the city they call home. I would be very willing to read more of both Anna Smith and her feisty leading lady!
April 29, 2015
5 Rosie Gilmour Your A Star
When a young girl is found washed up at sea it starts to become apparent that there is a lot more about this girls death than the police are keen to admit.
Rosie Gilmour is good at her job, a journalist for a newspaper in she knows how to get a her story.
Mag's is a friend of the dead girl, she comes to Rosie with some information, little does Rosie know what type a story she is going to break and the danger she is now under.
Whilst her investigation may still need more evidence to bring it to the front page, she then stumbles on something else far worse.
As she continues to delve further into these crimes she won't give up until the truth is revealed
There are so many characters I want to talk about.
Rosie underneath that professional exterior is a vulnerable young women struggling to have commit to a relationship.
When TJ comes back into her life again will she give everything up to start a new life in New York with him or will circumstances change the course of her life forever..
Excellent gritty story....
My Thoughts....
My first book from Anna Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced exciting story.
When a young girl is found washed up at sea it starts to become apparent that there is a lot more about this girls death than the police are keen to admit.
Rosie Gilmour is good at her job, a journalist for a newspaper in she knows how to get a her story.
Mag's is a friend of the dead girl, she comes to Rosie with some information, little does Rosie know what type a story she is going to break and the danger she is now under.
Whilst her investigation may still need more evidence to bring it to the front page, she then stumbles on something else far worse.
As she continues to delve further into these crimes she won't give up until the truth is revealed
There are so many characters I want to talk about.
Rosie underneath that professional exterior is a vulnerable young women struggling to have commit to a relationship.
When TJ comes back into her life again will she give everything up to start a new life in New York with him or will circumstances change the course of her life forever..
Excellent gritty story....
My Thoughts....
My first book from Anna Smith and I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced exciting story.
October 1, 2021
A 14 year old heroin addicted child prostitute is washed up on the shore near Glasgow, and reporter Rosie Gilmour can’t ignore the potential story. It has all the elements of a great start to a series, but It really didn’t work for me. The fact that we know who did it from the outset is one factor, but, more importantly, the fact that Ms. Gilmour doesn’t really ‘solve’ the crime. It’s not that she goes out and discovers significant clues. She ‘comes across’ the first important piece of evidence from someone phoning her and the second piece by a letter she is given. Once I have gotten those disappointments out of the way, there is still quite a good story here and so all is not lost. It’s just not for me.
November 30, 2014
5 Words: Brutal, shocking, corruption, murder, journalism.
AUDIOBOOK
This was a bit different for me. When it comes to crime it's usually police procedurals or private investigators, so to have the story coming from a journalist was a new experience from me. But I loved it.
This story was harsh and brutal and shocking.
I think if I'd read this it would have been a different experience altogether. Sarah Barron does a magnificent job of narrating the story, putting such life into the characters. There were even pints I laughed.
AUDIOBOOK
This was a bit different for me. When it comes to crime it's usually police procedurals or private investigators, so to have the story coming from a journalist was a new experience from me. But I loved it.
This story was harsh and brutal and shocking.
I think if I'd read this it would have been a different experience altogether. Sarah Barron does a magnificent job of narrating the story, putting such life into the characters. There were even pints I laughed.
June 14, 2016
Yessssss! I have found another fave investigator to follow!
Rosie Gilmour is a journalist seeking to expose some corrupt individuals in Glasgow.
She is fab and the story is gritty, exciting and compelling...can't wait to listen to more of these (Scottish accent double yesssssss!)
Rosie Gilmour is a journalist seeking to expose some corrupt individuals in Glasgow.
She is fab and the story is gritty, exciting and compelling...can't wait to listen to more of these (Scottish accent double yesssssss!)
November 8, 2017
Yay, I'm racing to the finish line here, my reviews are up to November now, almost up-to-date.
3.5 stars for this one. This book ended up quite gripping although it took a while to get there. Rosie Gilmour is a Glasgow journalist who is approached by a prostitute with information about the death of a 14 year old girl whose body was washed up six months after she died. The information opens up a whole can of worms about police corruption so Rosie needs to tread carefully and be able to back up her story. This prostitute also suggests that a local children's home is supplying children to a paedophile ring of highly placed men. Rosie's source is soon killed to stop her talking, raising the stakes considerably. Rosie works on both stories but is threatened and has her flat trashed. Its all getting very dangerous. Can she expose both the corrupt police and the high ranking paedophiles?
Just for once the love interest was perfect for the book and I enjoyed reading about it. Weird for me, I know, but it just worked. The characters were all very nicely portrayed, Rosie is gutsy, determined and in possession of a conscience. She is really likeable. I will certainly read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars for this one. This book ended up quite gripping although it took a while to get there. Rosie Gilmour is a Glasgow journalist who is approached by a prostitute with information about the death of a 14 year old girl whose body was washed up six months after she died. The information opens up a whole can of worms about police corruption so Rosie needs to tread carefully and be able to back up her story. This prostitute also suggests that a local children's home is supplying children to a paedophile ring of highly placed men. Rosie's source is soon killed to stop her talking, raising the stakes considerably. Rosie works on both stories but is threatened and has her flat trashed. Its all getting very dangerous. Can she expose both the corrupt police and the high ranking paedophiles?
Just for once the love interest was perfect for the book and I enjoyed reading about it. Weird for me, I know, but it just worked. The characters were all very nicely portrayed, Rosie is gutsy, determined and in possession of a conscience. She is really likeable. I will certainly read the next book in the series.
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars
Strong first book in a series set in Glasgow featuring investigative reporter Rosie Gilmour. The author herself is an award-winning journalist, giving her fictional character a credible base. The second book already is on my TBR list.
Strong first book in a series set in Glasgow featuring investigative reporter Rosie Gilmour. The author herself is an award-winning journalist, giving her fictional character a credible base. The second book already is on my TBR list.
November 26, 2011
This is Anna Smith’s debut crime novel after a career as an award-winning crime reporter in Scotland, and she sticks to the subject she knows best.
The book is the first in a series featuring journalist Rosie Gilmour, and is set in Glasgow, somewhat oddly, in 1998. A 14 year-old prostitute has been taken on a boat by three high-ranking policemen when one of them discovers that she has died. In the hope that they can remain undiscovered they tip the girl’s body overboard, but 6 months later her decomposing corpse is washed ashore.
Reporter Gilmour receives a tip-off that the death is connected to a number of senior policemen who already have a reputation for being corrupt. The story then follows her efforts to gather the evidence she needs so that the paper can go to print with her exclusive. But once there is a rumour that she has a lead on the story the culprits make every effort to stop her.
Coincidental to this she becomes involved in a second investigation that is also pretty unsavoury, and which makes for equally difficult reading.
The Glasgow we see through Gilmour’s eyes is a seedy and dark one, where poverty, drugs and prostitution are rife. This background and the crimes themselves can make for grim reading. Smith manages to keep the tension high throughout, making for quite a page-turner.
Gilmour is a strong female character with some serious issues in her background. Another thread within the book concerns her personal relationships and her upbringing in the same deprived area of the city as she seeks some resolution.
Interestingly there are a number of small references to Gilmour’s backstory, which made me feel as if I had perhaps missed an earlier book, but in fact this was actually a good way of making the character more realistic, rather than having just one huge introductory piece about her.
The cover suggests that the book is “As good as Martina Cole” but I’m not a huge fan of Cole and found this much more enjoyable. Whilst this is not an easy read Gilmour is a great leading character, despite her flaws, and I look forward to reading more about her when To Tell the Truth is published in 2012.
The book is the first in a series featuring journalist Rosie Gilmour, and is set in Glasgow, somewhat oddly, in 1998. A 14 year-old prostitute has been taken on a boat by three high-ranking policemen when one of them discovers that she has died. In the hope that they can remain undiscovered they tip the girl’s body overboard, but 6 months later her decomposing corpse is washed ashore.
Reporter Gilmour receives a tip-off that the death is connected to a number of senior policemen who already have a reputation for being corrupt. The story then follows her efforts to gather the evidence she needs so that the paper can go to print with her exclusive. But once there is a rumour that she has a lead on the story the culprits make every effort to stop her.
Coincidental to this she becomes involved in a second investigation that is also pretty unsavoury, and which makes for equally difficult reading.
The Glasgow we see through Gilmour’s eyes is a seedy and dark one, where poverty, drugs and prostitution are rife. This background and the crimes themselves can make for grim reading. Smith manages to keep the tension high throughout, making for quite a page-turner.
Gilmour is a strong female character with some serious issues in her background. Another thread within the book concerns her personal relationships and her upbringing in the same deprived area of the city as she seeks some resolution.
Interestingly there are a number of small references to Gilmour’s backstory, which made me feel as if I had perhaps missed an earlier book, but in fact this was actually a good way of making the character more realistic, rather than having just one huge introductory piece about her.
The cover suggests that the book is “As good as Martina Cole” but I’m not a huge fan of Cole and found this much more enjoyable. Whilst this is not an easy read Gilmour is a great leading character, despite her flaws, and I look forward to reading more about her when To Tell the Truth is published in 2012.
February 8, 2024
A book that Hannah wanted me to read but as she passing it on to someone else I had to binge read which was not a hardship.
A horrid storyline and justice was only partially done.
I will look out for more by this author and this particular series.
A horrid storyline and justice was only partially done.
I will look out for more by this author and this particular series.
March 26, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
First time I have read anything by Anna Smith and she is a fellow Scottish lass like myself can't wait to read other books
First time I have read anything by Anna Smith and she is a fellow Scottish lass like myself can't wait to read other books
March 16, 2019
Rosie Gilmour is a journalist with a heart. In this, the first in series featuring her, she embarks upon an investigation into corruption and child abuse.
This is a hard hitting novel. Smith never shies away from the dark truth often lived by children in care. There aren't any detailed descriptions, but to have two young girls discussing what happens to them is especially emotive.
Throw in some some high level police corruption, with politicians and judges throwing parties to abuse children, and you've got a very current and relevant story. A fictional story yes, but one that unfortunately makes you think of real cases.
I liked Rosie's determination to uncover the truth and let everyone know what has been going on. Obstacles are put in her way, she fears for her life, but despite the risks she carries on trying to help the children she knows are being abused.
I'd spotted this book whilst it was in the Kindle free chart and I'm glad I took a chance on a new author. I intend to work my way through the rest of the series and highly recommend it to those who enjoy hard hitting and gritty crime fiction.
This is a hard hitting novel. Smith never shies away from the dark truth often lived by children in care. There aren't any detailed descriptions, but to have two young girls discussing what happens to them is especially emotive.
Throw in some some high level police corruption, with politicians and judges throwing parties to abuse children, and you've got a very current and relevant story. A fictional story yes, but one that unfortunately makes you think of real cases.
I liked Rosie's determination to uncover the truth and let everyone know what has been going on. Obstacles are put in her way, she fears for her life, but despite the risks she carries on trying to help the children she knows are being abused.
I'd spotted this book whilst it was in the Kindle free chart and I'm glad I took a chance on a new author. I intend to work my way through the rest of the series and highly recommend it to those who enjoy hard hitting and gritty crime fiction.
November 30, 2013
Not bad but rubbish ending and not exciting enough for me to want to keep picking it up.
Rosie is a journalist who is well known for her hard hitting story lines from the streets of Glasgow.
She gets involved on a case involving some dodgy goings on between top ranking police officers and a young prostitute who ends up dead and thrown in a river.
Throw in some kind of child abuse involving well known judges and Rosie finds herself in all kinds of trouble.
So so disappointed with the abrupt ending though.
Won't be in a hurry to read any more of her books I don't think. The front cover says it's like a Martina Cole novel but in my opinion it's nowhere near!
Rosie is a journalist who is well known for her hard hitting story lines from the streets of Glasgow.
She gets involved on a case involving some dodgy goings on between top ranking police officers and a young prostitute who ends up dead and thrown in a river.
Throw in some kind of child abuse involving well known judges and Rosie finds herself in all kinds of trouble.
So so disappointed with the abrupt ending though.
Won't be in a hurry to read any more of her books I don't think. The front cover says it's like a Martina Cole novel but in my opinion it's nowhere near!
December 16, 2011
This fast and furious crime novel has been compared to the novels of Martina Cole, and even offers to refund your money if you are disappointed with the contents.
Believe me - you won't be disappointed, nor will you want your money back.From the opening chapter the story draws you in, and the action keeps you turning the pages for more. I read the book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down...it's dark, gritty and totally believable.
As this is the first book in a proposed series of stories about news reporter Rosie Gilmour, I am sure I shall read more of this excellent series.
Believe me - you won't be disappointed, nor will you want your money back.From the opening chapter the story draws you in, and the action keeps you turning the pages for more. I read the book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down...it's dark, gritty and totally believable.
As this is the first book in a proposed series of stories about news reporter Rosie Gilmour, I am sure I shall read more of this excellent series.
December 5, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, its one of those that makes you want to read on and on. Its the story of an investigative journalist, and corruption within high ranks. Its also about the seedier side of glasgow, a few good murders added. And some really heartwrenching things too, its one of those books where you cant wait for the next one from this Author. I have looked and Anna Smith has her next one coming out next February which i cant wait to get my hands on...
April 3, 2015
I loved this book, quite a different perspective reading a crime novel from a journalists view, but it really worked, was gripping from start to finish and a great book. Started the next book in the series already and only a few chapters in, but can see it will be a great sequel. Glad this author was recommended to me.
August 11, 2016
LOVED!!
...So much that I've just bought the entire Audible series!!
...So much that I've just bought the entire Audible series!!
January 30, 2019
Wow, okay this is the first book I've read by this author - Anna Smith. But will certainly not be the last. First of all I need to read the rest in the series.
This is not a new publication; however, the story line could be picked out of the headlines right now!! Page-turning thriller from page 1. Story line follows investigative journalism by a female reporter at a Glasgow newspaper. For a debut book, excellent writing, gripping all the way.
By the way, this book was dropped off in our mailbox by one of daughter's best friends while we were on vacation in the Caribbean in January, so this book is relatable to all ages, as our daughter and friends are all early 30s, and I'm in my 60s.
This is not a new publication; however, the story line could be picked out of the headlines right now!! Page-turning thriller from page 1. Story line follows investigative journalism by a female reporter at a Glasgow newspaper. For a debut book, excellent writing, gripping all the way.
By the way, this book was dropped off in our mailbox by one of daughter's best friends while we were on vacation in the Caribbean in January, so this book is relatable to all ages, as our daughter and friends are all early 30s, and I'm in my 60s.
April 7, 2018
This was a great book. I got to see things fom the perspective of a journalist and this added to the story.
Its about corruption within the law. And rosie our journalist finds some dangerous things about the police and what they've been up to on their boat trips after a 14 yr old girl is found washed up at sea. Alongside this... rosie looks into the local childrens home set up... and finds more corrupt goings on.
This book is written in an easy fashion. And although the subject matter is sensitive,it is not heavy going to read. Great first book in series ☺.
I.Give this 4 stars. I wont give 5 because there are a couple of questions unanswered.
Its about corruption within the law. And rosie our journalist finds some dangerous things about the police and what they've been up to on their boat trips after a 14 yr old girl is found washed up at sea. Alongside this... rosie looks into the local childrens home set up... and finds more corrupt goings on.
This book is written in an easy fashion. And although the subject matter is sensitive,it is not heavy going to read. Great first book in series ☺.
I.Give this 4 stars. I wont give 5 because there are a couple of questions unanswered.
August 18, 2018
Liked it..... will read the others in the series
May 19, 2022
Good start to the series
February 1, 2024
A book that grips you from the beginning and is an easy read. Brings out a lot of emotions as you read it due to the strong themes of abuse, justice, corruption, suicide.
March 7, 2017
A really gritty novel of corruption and paedophilia (which made for uncomfortable reading at times). It was interesting for a crime novel to reveal the guilty characters at the very beginning so there is no police procedure in this book, rather the uncovering of the shocking story by Rosie, a local journalist. The writing felt a little dated to me, I felt as if it was the 1970s rather than late 1990s but this did not detract from the powerful plot. I stayed up until the early hours to finish this and am looking forward to reading other books in the series.
December 20, 2013
What can I say about this book? I read it as monthly selection for the Kindle English Mystery Book Club and I wouldn't have chosen it myself, only because of the nature of the crimes. How good it is to be taken out of our comfort zones at times and introduced to the new.
This is not a typical mystery/crime novel because we know the villains from the outset and we follow the investigations of our journalist heroine to ensure that they are held to account.
The subject matter is quite hard to deal with, but i found it was dealt with sensitively by the author and there was no unnecessary detail. Anna Smith spent years in a journalistic role and it shows in her knowledge of crime and the harsh realities of life for some Glaswegians at the time. The stark, relentless futility of their life is brought home through the eyes of the vulnerable in society. The writing style is simple and punchy, exactly what you would expect from a journalist. Some of the dialogue involving the children is particularly heartbreaking.
I liked the multi-dimensional Rosie, who struggled with the morals of allowing abuse to continue in order to get the evidence to take the criminals down. I was looking forward to the villains getting their comeuppance but the ending, while probably realistic, was not what I was hoping for. I felt this let the story down slightly, but it is still a very engrossing book.
During most of the 2nd half of the book, I seriously thought about awarding it a 5 star review, which for me is extremely rare, but on balance I feel a 4 star rating is right. The book has an excellent plot, interesting, well drawn characters, whether likeable or repellent, a stunning pace and a gritty realism that hooked me in. I'm looking forward to other books which I believe will follow our heroine, Rosie Gilmour.
This is not a typical mystery/crime novel because we know the villains from the outset and we follow the investigations of our journalist heroine to ensure that they are held to account.
The subject matter is quite hard to deal with, but i found it was dealt with sensitively by the author and there was no unnecessary detail. Anna Smith spent years in a journalistic role and it shows in her knowledge of crime and the harsh realities of life for some Glaswegians at the time. The stark, relentless futility of their life is brought home through the eyes of the vulnerable in society. The writing style is simple and punchy, exactly what you would expect from a journalist. Some of the dialogue involving the children is particularly heartbreaking.
I liked the multi-dimensional Rosie, who struggled with the morals of allowing abuse to continue in order to get the evidence to take the criminals down. I was looking forward to the villains getting their comeuppance but the ending, while probably realistic, was not what I was hoping for. I felt this let the story down slightly, but it is still a very engrossing book.
During most of the 2nd half of the book, I seriously thought about awarding it a 5 star review, which for me is extremely rare, but on balance I feel a 4 star rating is right. The book has an excellent plot, interesting, well drawn characters, whether likeable or repellent, a stunning pace and a gritty realism that hooked me in. I'm looking forward to other books which I believe will follow our heroine, Rosie Gilmour.
August 18, 2013
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this from the publisher's Facebook page and was really looking forward to reading it. I love crime novels and as a Scot myself particularly enjoy those set in Scotland and those written by female authors.
However, I must admit to being disappointed with The Dead Won't Sleep mainly because of the subject matter. Around 5 years ago it seemed like every crime novel, TV series and film was about child abuse carried out by those in positions of power. I found this theme in poor taste then, and was relieved when the theme gradually became "unfashionable". This book seems to be a very late entry with this theme, which I still find distasteful. Surely it's time to move on and look to other themes for crime fiction, rather than use this theme in order to ensure knee-jerk shocks.
Having said that, the novel portrays the Glasgow milieu well and the plot rattles along at top speed. The heroine, Rosie Gilmour, has the mandatory set of personal issues which all detectives (whether police or journalists) have to have. I didn't think the journalistic life was nearly as well portrayed here as it is in Denise Mina's Paddy Meehan novels (also set in Glasgow), but the book passes the time pleasantly enough.
The book comes with the statement "As good as Martina Cole or your money back" printed on it. I've only ever read one Martina Cole novel, which I didn't like, and I didn't see a huge similarity between her writing and Anna Smith's. However, I suppose it gives an idea of the market the publisher is going for and I daresay those that read Ms Cole might well enjoy The Dead Won't Sleep more than I did.
However, I must admit to being disappointed with The Dead Won't Sleep mainly because of the subject matter. Around 5 years ago it seemed like every crime novel, TV series and film was about child abuse carried out by those in positions of power. I found this theme in poor taste then, and was relieved when the theme gradually became "unfashionable". This book seems to be a very late entry with this theme, which I still find distasteful. Surely it's time to move on and look to other themes for crime fiction, rather than use this theme in order to ensure knee-jerk shocks.
Having said that, the novel portrays the Glasgow milieu well and the plot rattles along at top speed. The heroine, Rosie Gilmour, has the mandatory set of personal issues which all detectives (whether police or journalists) have to have. I didn't think the journalistic life was nearly as well portrayed here as it is in Denise Mina's Paddy Meehan novels (also set in Glasgow), but the book passes the time pleasantly enough.
The book comes with the statement "As good as Martina Cole or your money back" printed on it. I've only ever read one Martina Cole novel, which I didn't like, and I didn't see a huge similarity between her writing and Anna Smith's. However, I suppose it gives an idea of the market the publisher is going for and I daresay those that read Ms Cole might well enjoy The Dead Won't Sleep more than I did.
July 19, 2012
For a more detailed review of this novel, please visit my blog at http://cornishamy.blogspot.co.uk/2012...
This isn't a whodunnit - instead Smith's plot hinges on the efforts of dogged, dedicated journalist Rosie Gilmour to expose the corruption behind the crime and on the lengths the perpetrators go to in order to conceal their role in her fate.
I primarily enjoyed this novel because I liked Rosie. Smith's main character is engaging, vulnerable yet determined, and I cared what happened to her. There is a fragile, burgeoning romance in the novel and I was behind Rosie all the way in wanting things to work out for her (I won't give away the outcome).
I have discovered that there is a further book by Anna Smith featuring Rosie Gilmour - "To Tell the Truth" - which I am eager to get my hands on so that I can find out what Rosie did next.
January 16, 2014
THE DEAD WON'T SLEEP is a great story that follows the tale of police corruption and a journalist who wishes to expose them. Starting with the death of an under age prostitute dying in the company of three top level police officers in Glasgow, the story takes you through the disposal of her body and then the aftermath. The writing is superb and the story is fast paced and very easy to get wrapped up in. I hated having to put it down when it was time to sleep! Very well constructed and loved the path it took us down, with a side plot of corruption in higher areas of government as well. I enjoyed the book immensely, but my only issue was the ending. I felt that it could have been more fleshed out and almost as if it had ended too soon. However, that did not take away from how good the book is and so I have given it four stars and would recommend the book to people who enjoy the genre!
February 9, 2014
listening to this refreshing myself ready for the new book.
just as good 2nd time around.
I read this book a few years ago, then bought it again for my kindle so I have just Re-read it. Just as good the 2nd time around.
Rosie Gilmour, tabloid journalist and crusader for justice, -- What a great character I liked Rosie right from the start, Gut's and determination with a vulnerable side to her.
What will the future hold for Rosie... I guess I'll have to read the next one to find out.
I will certainly be reading more from Anna Smith.
just as good 2nd time around.
I read this book a few years ago, then bought it again for my kindle so I have just Re-read it. Just as good the 2nd time around.
Rosie Gilmour, tabloid journalist and crusader for justice, -- What a great character I liked Rosie right from the start, Gut's and determination with a vulnerable side to her.
What will the future hold for Rosie... I guess I'll have to read the next one to find out.
I will certainly be reading more from Anna Smith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews