A Small Weeping: The compelling Glasgow crime series

DCI Lorimer #2

by Alex Gray

When a murdered prostitute is found in a Glasgow train station, DCI Lorimer is perplexed by the ritualistic arrangement of her body. It isn't long before there is another murder and he realises there's no time to waste if he is to stop Glasgow's latest serial killer. A taut, suspense-filled thriller, A Small Weeping takes the reader on a gripping journey from the inner city to the wilds of the Scottish Isles, and far into the darkest depths of human nature.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Scotland, Audiobook, Thriller, British Literature

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Alex Gray was born and educated in Glasgow. She worked as a folk singer, a visiting officer in the DSS and an English teacher. She has been awarded the Scottish Association of Writers Constable and Pitlochry trophies for her crime writing.

Reviews

[Jenifer Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent mystery that has fully fleshed out characters who are very human in all their strengths and weaknesses. DCI Lorimer must investigate the deaths of two prostitutes and two nurses linked only by a red carnation. At the same time, he must deal with relationship problems with his wife who wants more from a marriage than an absent husband. This is a thoughtful and engrossing mystery.

[Morag · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced and gripping tale, full of twists.
An early Lorimer and Solly story - familiar characters. I’ve read later ones and enjoyed seeing various relationships in their early stages.
People are not always what they seem.
Queen Street Station has never been so creepy!!!
The Glasgow setting is described well and clearly.
I enjoyed the trips to Lewis.
Well done Alex Grey.

[John Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read these books out of order, and although each could be read as a stand-alone, there can be continuity problems with the characters. DCI Lorimer investigates murders of young women where the bodies have been posed with a flower in an apparently religious context. The totally non-PC Sgt. Wilson assists, and Dr. Brightman the profiler is also called in. A local DC, Niall Cameron, is also called on to assist. As bodies pile up, the officers suspect there may be two killers! Oh no! What about the population targets? What about the incessant offers of cups of tea? What about their poor bladders? Incidentally, these last are rarely mentioned, and I often wonder why. Of course when they are mentioned, an officer leaves his post at a crucial moment and .....
Lorimer is a workaholic, and hasn't been paying enough attention to his long-suffering wife. Oh-oh! There's trouble afoot ahead. I have no sympathy for these types - it's not like they are being paid more for working all hours and neglecting their families. If you will pardon my French, fuck that!
The thing is, even though he spends most of his time thinking about his work, Lorimer made a bad mistake early in the case, failing to interview an important witness. I spotted it straight away, and knew that it would come back to bite him. This wasn't the only mistake, either, so for crying out loud, Lorimer, go home sometimes and relax with your family. You'll be the better for it.
In this novel, the relationship between Lorimer and the Super is fraught. Sadly this has become a bit of a cliche in police procedurals. It really adds nothing of value to the story. If the Super was reviewing the case reports, he might have picked up on Lorimer's error.
At a certain point, Lorimer notices that, apropos his wife, there is trouble ahead afoot, and eventually she gives him the good news. Soon he will not have to worry if he may need to come home late. The bad news is that he will need to worry about his phone bill.
The novel is not excessively long, and the action moves along at a reasonable pace. I rate this 4.0.
I forgot to change editions, I actually read the eBook from the local library.

[Anetq · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has a bit of a closet play feel to it - besides the first murder in a public place, the story plays out in and around an institution for the depressed and nervesick (hello suspects!) - but the whole thing is a bit more complicated than it may first look... Also the DCIs wife seems to consider leaving the 50s.

[Bella-Mae Stapleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character profiles in this were immense! I read some books where a character just isn't developed enough but Gray had an array of different characters and their presence was known throughout.

Looks like I'm getting back into crime books :)

[Sarah Fresco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters, good pacing, distinctive and well sketched locale, Glasgow. Will plan a return to the series

[ElaineY · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another one of those Brit series I find incredibly boring. Have to remove the series from my phone.

[John Thresher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good story & can’t wait for the next book in line

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in the series, in which we get to know Lorimer and Dr. Brightman a bit better. A series of murders, eventually solved (this time I suspected but eventually rejected the clinic killer as a suspect). This is very good on Glasgow, without much of the violence you get with some authors. DCI Lorimer is growing on me although he has the statutory unsatisfied wife who is a bit of a pain. The thing I find confusing about these books is that they don't actually say when the action is supposed to be happening: perhaps deliberately vague. The novel was first published in 2004 but nobody seems to have a mobile phone or use a computer very much, and British Rail is still functioning, so maybe it's meant to be a few years before (or maybe the novel had been languishing in a drawer for a few years). Anyway, quite clever and a bit disturbing too.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the second book by this author I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed them so far. I particularly like the fact they are set in Scotland, my homeland! For anyone that loves a good mystery I certainly recommend this author.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very thrilling, rather a solid police procedural - thorough and detailed. The ending was a good twist. I might try another book in this series.

[Kemi looves 2 read · Rating 3 out of 5]

My last book of 2020 and it did not disappoint.
Some interesting words:
blether
haversack
derisory
steamie
primulas
hasp
recalcitrant
hyoid bone, cricoid cartilage
novitiate

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

With this installment I got a bit more attached to DCI Lorimer, though he is still elusisve. Dr. Solomon is not clear yet either. However, the story was compelling. Two prostitutes are murdered in the train station. Two women are murdered who are affiliated with The Grange, a clinic that deals in neural disorders, therapy mainly. In all four murders the strangled women are place with their hands in prayer, pointing down at the lower part of their bodies with a flower in between their palms. But were they killed by the same person? Additionally there is some dodgy doings with the financial situation of the clinic, money missing. Is that what has caused the deaths of the two women? The most intimate that the story gets involves Lorimer's marriage, in which Maggie is suffering from not having Lorimer around much. She decides that she will apply, and gets, an exchange program appointment for 10 months in Florida. What happens at the end...who knows. Lorimer loves Maggie, and she loves him, but their communication and intimate time is limited and not successful. The best of the story and writing involves the author's credible handling of Phyllis Logan, the MS patient and owner of the Grange...her home...who is parlyzed and unable to communicate more than very minimally. Her internal dialogue seems entirely plausible and inspiring.

[Geraldine Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first encounter with DCI William Lorimer although it’s the second book of 22 so plenty more where this came from! I read quite a lot of crime fiction - murder mysteries, detective stories, psychological thrillers and I’d best describe A Small Weeping as old school. It’s calm and composed, concise and considered, page-turning and intriguing without relying too heavily on tortuous twists and turns, spine-tingling shocks and gruesome discoveries. I really enjoyed the atmospheric contrast of the pulsating heart of Glasgow and stark beauty of The Hebrides. The descriptions of MS and the impact it has on sufferers and carers alike was extremely thought-provoking and moving while the mental health issues of a certain character were harrowing, nauseating and disturbing. I did guess bits of the outcome but there were enough red herrings to throw me off track. Credible characters, a good plot and a satisfying read.

[Bodies in the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good police procedural by Alex Gray that I downloaded on Audible.

I really love the characters of DCI Lorrimer and his wife Maggie, and Gray developes their relationships well as the human interest element of the story.

This novel seemed to lack urgency compared to the last in the series, but was still engaging enough to keep on listening. There were a lot more descriptive passages about the island community Lorrimer and his team have to visit in the course of their investigation, but I just didn’t quite buy into the set-up of the place to which some patients went for final recuperation.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series - and, of course, one great thing about coming to an author’s work late is that I can start listening as soon as I like.

[Mrs Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent...

I met author Alex Gray at a book festival and was astonished to discover that she was a well-known writer who had just published the 20th DCI Lorimer book. To my shame, I'd never heard of her. I finally got round to starting the series and already I'm hooked. This book is a much gentler tale than some police stories and it's better for it - concentrates on the whodunnit & how to catch them than fast car chases and shoot outs. The setting in Glasgow and its surrounding areas brings a pleasant familiarity as I grew up close by.
Lorimer and his team have to solve 4 murders, seemingly by the same killer but in two different locations. Something doesn't fit. With the help of a profiling psychiatrist friend, some undercover work and a trip to the Outer Hebrides, all becomes clear. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rare Pair

DCI Lorimer is asked to investigate the death of a prostitution at Queen St Station. Shortly afterwards a second death seems to point towards a single perpetrator. Lorimer has investigates both killings with his normal shrewd but “helicopter” view and senses the two are not linked. The ongoing investigation and outcome takes us into a Nursing home, to the Hebrides and then deep into the moment DS if a number of potential suspects, each with their own rational for murder. Whilst the investigation is going on little does Lorimer realise that bigger problems are brewing up in his marriage!! Well written but a little slow for me. The ending bears out Lorimer’s suspicions

[Chrystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Small Weeping by Alex Gray - Good

Another outing for DCI Lorimer. A prostitute is murdered in Glasgow's Queen Street Station, the body 'laid out' in a certain way.

Before too long, there is a second murder but whilst the body is laid out in the same way, the girl isn't a prostitute and is found away from the city centre. Puzzled by the similarities and by the differences and realising that they may have a potential serial killer, Lorimer brings in Dr Solomon Brightman to help profile the killer.

Standard crime scenario, but pacy and well written. I flew through it.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorimer initially starts investigating the murder of a prostitute at Queen St station but things take a turn when a young nurse is also murdered. Both bodies are found with a red carnation strategically placed. Further murders make things more complicated.

I like how Lorimer and Solly work together. The investigation also takes them further afield to the Hebrides. At the same time, there is a bit of trouble on the personal front for Lorimer. This was a page-turner for me and I look forward to the next one.

[Bronwyn Mcloughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read - police procedural set in Glasgow with a visit to a Hebridean Island thrown in for good measure, and I like that. I like Lorimer, and his relationship with his wife and his closest colleagues is honest and makes him seem a thoroughly nice human being. No corners cut, although he is a bit obsessive, and probably that makes hims a bit contrived, but his personality is beguiling and thoughtful. Pleasant way to spend the time in the traffic ....

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the DCI Lorimer series and another great read from Alex Gray. Set in and around Glasgow, Lorimer is looking for the killer of 4 women but as his search takes him to the Scottish Isles for information it appears to become a possibility that two women were murdered by one killer and two by a totally different person.
I always enjoy Alex Gray's novels and quickly feel immersed in her stories which are set in surroundings very familiar to me. An absorbing read which I recommend.

[Gary Dowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second outing in the DCI Lorimer series (I'm only 18 years behind!) sees him and his team looking into two separate murders which appear to be done by the same person although nothing seems to link the victims. Its a decent, solid read and although nothing groundbreaking, there are enough twists and turns to make it a worthwhile whodunnit that kept me guessing and I'll certainly be continuing with the series

[Lora King · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit better than the first book. Sometimes there seems to be too many words and not enough action. I'd like to see Lorimer and Brightman working closer together and perhaps that will happen in the series. A serial murder is strangling women then placing flowers in their hands placed like prayer...a prostitute at the trains and 2 nurses at a center that treats people with disorders. But what could they have in common? Then another prostitute dies so what is the connection....

[MR MD LITTLEMORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and sour

Alex never disappoints. His introspection into the human condition portrayed in varied ways through carefully delineated characters, is at times frightening, at others moving and soulful. The description of the late stages of MS is truly masterful and evocative. And the suspenseful plot will keep you turning the pages, or listening to the wonderful narration until you can’t keep awake.

[Nancy]

When a murdered prostitute is found in a Glasgow train station, DCI Lorimer is perplexed by the ritualistic arrangement of her body. It isn't long before there is another murder and he realises there's no time to waste if he is to stop Glasgow's latest serial killer.
A taut, suspense-filled thriller, A Small Weeping takes the reader on a gripping journey from the inner city to the wilds of the Scottish Isles, and far into the darkest depths of human nature.
Great.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good police procedural set in Glasgow. It was good revisiting Glasgow and Lewis. I liked the way the author could incorporate a description of Lewis through the eyes of Solly Brightman, the passenger in Lorimer’s car.
Interesting story with two different sets of victims. Lorimer definitely overworked, and, unfortunately, this never makes for a happy home life. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Learning more about MS was interesting too.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

DCI Lorimer and his sometimes sidekick Dr. Solomon Brightman take their investigation into a series of ritualistic murders from Glasgow to the Scottish Isles. The scenic description of the island made me want to be there. The details of the deaths felt too true and the surprising results of the investigation made for a good police procedural.

[Jane Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one from Alex Gray - wish I'd discovered her earlier and then could have read them in order! This is the second in the series and it's interesting keeping up with the characters and finding out what is happening to them. A clever story with a good twist and look forward to reading more.

[Euan Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story here was a good one, but I struggled to get into it sometimes as it seemed a bit disjointed. I also felt that sometimes the characters would be very angry and then immediately fine, etc. And finally, I'm not sure all of the procedural things were correct in the interview. But I enjoyed it in the main, and will keep going with the series

[Kirsty Wayland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worst representation of disability by miles...

Not a bad novel but the worst representation of disability in fiction I’ve seen. The idea of neural diseases is unheard of in reality and conflating neurology with psychiatry shows a total lack of research. None of the disabled characters were shown to have any real feelings.