Filthy Night

by William Zanzinger

“He looked down at the dead man’s blood seeping across the carpet, and decided it wasn’t time for cocktails.”


A stormy Paul Brightland needs a specialist to find the men who attacked his daughter. St Cloud needs Brightland’s money and a chance to forget his troubles. But soon, as he is dragged into London's underworld, he will discover his troubles are only just beginning...


“CSI meets noir in London’s underbelly… a roller-coaster ride”

Genres: Mystery

ebook

First published October 8, 2011

Reviews

[New Publisher's · Rating 5 out of 5]

CSI meets noir in London's underbelly: this is a thumpingly good, intelligent modern thriller. The 'Big Sleep' reference is apt as this is the kind of book Raymond Chandler might have written if he'd lived to see CSI. The book is clever and stylish and combines a twisting plot and some observations of London and Londoners - some of them visceral - and a cast of characters from shadowy City execs to lowly gangsters and weatherbeaten police officers. The language is tough but poetic and at times darkly comic, and there are many quotable one-liners.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant, complex twisty plot. Great MC - although I wanted more details about his background ( which took this down from five stars) Some seriously great writing here:

e.g.The small denominations, smooth, soft and faded, made the transaction feel grubby and illicit.



There were many other examples - 'cock-ready rapist' for one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writer's style and I will be looking for more of his works.

[Old_airman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written story with a bit of a twist at the end. I found the English English a bit of a problem. Glad my nook has a look up function. Some of the references to London landmarks made for a more difficult read.

I assume this is the first of a series. St. Cloud's checkered past is often referenced but never fully fleshed out. The semi good guy outsider as the main character works well in this story. Crude street language may offend some, but I suspect this is pretty accurate for the characters.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY British story! Complex, interesting storyline; great characters. Very enjoyable read.

[Rog3272 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, intelligent crime thriller, stylish and witty, great plot and great characters. Like the Big Sleep but for the CSI generation.

[Chris Bullock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't even start this one due to a dislike of the style in his other book A Hot Bright Light.