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The April Dead

(Harry McCoy #4)

Alan Parks

4.67 · Rating details · 55 ratings · 34 reviews

When an American sailor from the Holy Loch Base goes missing, Harry McCoy is determined to find him. But as he investigates, a wave of bombings hits Glasgow – with the threat of more to come. Soon McCoy realises that the sailor may be part of a shadowy organisation committed to a very different kind of Scotland. One they are prepared to kill for.

Meanwhile Cooper, McCoy’s l ...more

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Published March 25th 2021 by Canongate Books

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Jan 29, 2021 Paromjit rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-fiction, mystery, historical-fiction, netgalley, thriller

Once again Alan Parks knocks it out of the park in the 4th of his hard boiled historical Scottish Noir series set in the dark, dangerous, violent, sectarian, mean and gang ridden streets of 1970s Glasgow, featuring DI Harry McCoy. His friendship with volatile crime boss Stevie Cooper goes back to their childhood days where Stevie protected him, makes him few friends amongst fellow police officers, but that doesn't stop him picking him up at Peterhead prison in Aberdeen after Stevie's 6 month sti Once again Alan Parks knocks it out of the park in the 4th of his hard boiled historical Scottish Noir series set in the dark, dangerous, violent, sectarian, mean and gang ridden streets of 1970s Glasgow, featuring DI Harry McCoy. His friendship with volatile crime boss Stevie Cooper goes back to their childhood days where Stevie protected him, makes him few friends amongst fellow police officers, but that doesn't stop him picking him up at Peterhead prison in Aberdeen after Stevie's 6 month stint inside. Stevie is not the same man who went inside as he returns to his past home, a council estate flat, an unforgiving man who prizes loyalty above all else, including from McCoy, as he hunts for a traitor amidst his cohorts. Harry and Wattie find themselves at the scene of a bombing in the Woodlands, hardly the kind of prominent target that would interest the IRA, so what is going on?

It turns out the only casualty of the bombing is the bombmaker, a young lad making a 'co-op bomb' the ingredients of which can be found in any supermarket, and whose remains are splattered into smithereens in the flat. Expecting the investigation to be taken over by Special Branch, McCoy is surprised to hear they are not interested and it falls to Glasgow police to investigate. Harry's worries are borne out when a bombing at the cathedral causes considerable damage, with numerous injuries and death, he is certain more bombs and carnage will follow. Additionally, Harry has been persuaded to look for the missing AWOL son, Donny Stewart, of a wealthy ex-naval captain, the American Andrew Stewart, a distraught father who has flown over to find him. Donny is based at the US naval base at Holy Loch. Wattie, and his reporter partner, Mary, now have an infant son, leaving Wattie struggling with the lack of sleep, as he implores Harry to help him. Pressure is piling on Wattie from Chief Inspector Murray who thinks little of his abilities, who puts Wattie in charge of the inquiry into the murder of Jamsie Dixon, with Stevie the main suspect. Harry's life is made even more difficult when a friendly warning to Faulds results in a meeting with a bullying Special Branch officer accusing him of IRA connections.

In a dark, tense, action packed and thrilling narrative, Harry hunts for bombers targeting drinking establishments, and loyal to their murderous and insane army leader. A search of a country home finds shocking nightmarish evidence of unspeakable torture and killing, both from the past with the despicable, illegal, acts committed by the British military as the empire began to collapse, and in the present. Army boys have been going missing around the month of April for some years, preyed upon by those they trusted, only to end up as part of the 'April Dead'. This is a stellar series that will appeal to readers who love gritty Scottish Noir, the atmospheric 1970s Glasgow setting and the characterisations, particularly that of McCoy, are particular highlights. Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC. ...more

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Feb 17, 2021 Stephen rated it really liked it

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.

This is becoming a favourite series of mine based in 1970's Glasgow it is a dark and gritty crime thriller with main character Harry McCoy dealing with a spate of bombings and a missing American and his relationship with thug Stevie Cooper. Parks keeps you wanting more with a page turner with many twists and turns and learn more about the relationship between Cooper and McCoy . ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Sid Nuncius rated it really liked it

I have enjoyed this series and I think The April Dead is the best so far.

It is April 1974 and Harry McCoy is investigating some bombings in Glasgow which seem to be the work of an amateur. He is also approached by an American who is concerned about his son, based with the US Navy at Holy Loch, who has disappeared. A connection seems to appear and some very dark secrets begin to be revealed involving secret militias, rogue elements of the British Army in Northern Ireland and elsewhere and, of cou ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 J.J. rated it it was amazing

There are a small number of authors whose books I will buy without reading reviews because I know I am in for a great experience. I have just added Alan Parks to that select group. Having now followed his deeply-flawed cop, Harry McCoy, from January to April, I am completely hooked on the author's particular take on Scottish noir. His taciturn, stripped down style of writing only serves to render shocking events even more so. And there are shocks a-plenty in The April Dead, the best offering by ...more

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Mar 13, 2021 Alex Jones rated it it was amazing

Alan Parks and Harry McCoy return for a 4th book , entitled The April Dead.

In a series that has fast become one of my most hotly anticipated series of the Year, Parks again writes an absolutely superb thriller dripping with the dark and gritty prose he has established.

Back on the streets of Glasgow in the 70s and McCoy and wet behind the ears partner “Wattie” find themselves hunting for a bomber when an accident in a flat seemingly kills the bomb-maker, when he detonates his homemade explosive.

P ...more

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Jan 31, 2021 Justin Sarginson rated it really liked it

Another instalment of this period Scottish detective and it remains as entertaining and authentic as ever. This time the plot is slightly more expansive and the pace quicker, but the same grit, dirt and rawness of Glasgow in the 1970s remain and I for one are very happy for that.
The era and the terrain is as detailed and real as ever and the strong characters fade in and out with the same sense of vivaciousness and vividness. Visceral, dirty and as entertaining as ever. Here's to more and more o ...more

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Mar 27, 2021 Raven rated it it was amazing

Having read the first three books in this series, Bloody January, February’s Son, and Bobby March Will Live Forever, with all three earning a well deserved place in my top 10s of the year, now the indomitable Harry McCoy returns in The April Dead.

There is always the danger when you keep reviewing an established series that you will run out of ways to get across how good the series is. Yep. Think I’m now rapidly approaching that point. But seriously, Parks once again immerses us completely in the Having read the first three books in this series, Bloody January, February’s Son, and Bobby March Will Live Forever, with all three earning a well deserved place in my top 10s of the year, now the indomitable Harry McCoy returns in The April Dead.

There is always the danger when you keep reviewing an established series that you will run out of ways to get across how good the series is. Yep. Think I’m now rapidly approaching that point. But seriously, Parks once again immerses us completely in the environs of grim 1970s Glasgow with a bombing campaign beginning, perpetrated by a new and disciplined faction, McCoy being again tied up in the nefarious activities of his criminal pal, Stevie Cooper, whilst trying to apply himself to finding the bombers and embarking on a search for an AWOL American sailor, all of which culminates in a couple of truly nail biting cliff-hangers.

Phew.

It’s all going on in this one.

One of the constants of this series is the way that Parks uses McCoy to criss-cross the lines between morality and immorality, not only in the cases he is tasked with, but also in his mercurial friendship with Cooper. I absolutely love the ups and downs of this relationship, and the way that McCoy grapples with the balance between being an upholder of the law, but also bending to Cooper’s manipulative will more often than not. As Cooper is trying to thwart a potential power grab by another Glasgow criminal face, McCoy is dragged reluctantly into the struggle, trying to cover his position as a police officer, but with this also deep seated, but vehemently denied at times, loyalty to his friend. There is a wee ratcheting up of the tension between them again in this one, which adds a real colourful edge to the book, by turns darkly funny but also puts McCoy on a sticky wicket throughout. Alongside this friendship there is the usual badinage between McCoy and his colleague Wattie, with Wattie experiencing a bit of a crisis as to how good a copper he actually is, suffering the stresses of recent fatherhood, and at one point modelling a rather disturbing pair of underpants (that’s intrigued you hasn’t it?) All this gives plenty of scope in the book for gentle ribbing, and some almost touching concern from McCoy to his protégé. It’s actually quite surprising how often McCoy shows a more sensitive side to his character in this one, particularly in his dealings with the father of the missing sailor, and perhaps the stalking shadow of his own mortality has something to do with it…

As always Glasgow looms large with Parks warts-and-all depiction of a city fuelled by the blackest humour, grinding poverty, and sectarianism, suffering the effects of a bombing campaign with a particularly malevolent mastermind behind it, and a case for McCoy that may have further repercussions down the line. As always Parks perfectly navigates the line between brutal truth and undeniable affection for Glasgow and its inhabitants, as the book travels its familiar course of wry observation that also reveals deeper social fissures in the city. It’s also a good device that by incorporating the American abroad with the Andy Stewart character (searching for his missing son) this gives the reader another perception of the city from an outsider looking in, and by the same token incorporating some interesting background on the American naval strand of the story. As usual the dialogue is as slick and polished as the plot, carrying us along on a wave of ribald humour and punchy coarseness that is sharp and fluid.

Having said before that I would totally and completely recommend this series on the strength of three books, I can only say now that I would totally and completely recommend this series with the fourth included. The April Dead is a cracking addition, leaving a couple of unanswered questions at its close that will guarantee this reader will be waiting for what may come, come what may. Highly recommended. ...more

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Mar 31, 2021 Alyson Read rated it it was amazing

The fourth book in this outstanding series is set in April 1974, nearly a year on from the previous one, and Harry is pretty much in the same place, living in a small flat on his own, no girlfriend and he’s even got an ulcer now! On the brighter side, Harry's boss Chief Inspector Murray is back at Stewart Street and content in his new relationship with Phyllis Gilroy, the local pathologist. Raeburn is gone, now a private detective, and Wattie is on the up, now having baby wee Duggie with girlfri The fourth book in this outstanding series is set in April 1974, nearly a year on from the previous one, and Harry is pretty much in the same place, living in a small flat on his own, no girlfriend and he’s even got an ulcer now! On the brighter side, Harry's boss Chief Inspector Murray is back at Stewart Street and content in his new relationship with Phyllis Gilroy, the local pathologist. Raeburn is gone, now a private detective, and Wattie is on the up, now having baby wee Duggie with girlfriend reporter Mary. The story begins with a bomb blast on Easter Friday in a grotty rented flat in the back end of Glasgow. Wattie and McCoy have to attend the scene, always a joy for McCoy with his hatred of all things bloody. They are puzzled as to why the place would have been targeted until Faulds, back from Belfast, explains the dead man was actually making the bomb when it went off. Out that night with Wattie and his brothers, McCoy runs into an American named Andrew Stewart. The man is a retired US Navy captain and is here looking for his son Donny who has gone missing from their base at Holy Loch, over the water from Greenock. After tracking him down at his hotel the next day, Stewart travels with McCoy as he makes the drive up to Aberdeen to fetch Stevie Cooper on his release from Peterhead prison. He was serving time for attacking Pat Dixon and McCoy warns Stevie to keep his head down as Pat’s psycho brother Jamsie will be looking to take his revenge but well, you know Stevie and you just know trouble lies ahead. McCoy agrees to help Stewart trace his missing son, whilst Stewart and Cooper strike up an unlikely friendship over boxing. Then another bomb goes off, this time in Glasgow Cathedral and Jamsie Dixon is found murdered. Another search of the bomb maker’s flat reveals there were two people there, and it looks like the injured one who got away could be Donny. The hunt leads McCoy to the British Army, a hippy commune and a man obsessed with the military. All whilst trying to find an AWOL sailor, a bomber who is planning more attacks and keep himself out of gang wars and revenge killings at the same time. As they try to prevent more deaths, the detectives make some truly shocking discoveries they could not have dreamt of in their worst nightmares, leading to an ending which is both thrilling and strangely satisfying all round.
McCoy is known all over Glasgow, good and bad places, good and bad people. Sometimes this is why he ends up caught between them, and this story is no exception. Although I’m sure you can enjoy this as a stand alone, you really need to read the books in order to properly understand the dynamic between McCoy and Stevie Cooper. Many of the old faces, like Jumbo, Billy Weir and Iris are back again and this time there is less by way of introduction or explanation of the history between them. These books can't be faulted and you can almost taste the grime and poverty of some of the back streets and pubs in Glasgow, with their wealth of colourful and very believable characters. Dark, atmospheric and totally absorbing! I cannot wait to see what May brings. 5* ...more

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Feb 21, 2021 Pile By the Bed rated it really liked it

Detective Harry McCoy is back on the mean streets of Glasgow for the fourth time in Alan Parks’ latest Tartan Noir thriller The April Dead. Those who started with Parks’ debut Bloody January and followed McCoy through February’s Son and Bobby March Will Live Forever, will notice a distinct pattern in the titles. But hey, if it worked for Sue Grafton it can work for Alan Parks.
It is 1974, and McCoy is called to the site of an explosion and the death of a bombmaker, caught by his own device in the Detective Harry McCoy is back on the mean streets of Glasgow for the fourth time in Alan Parks’ latest Tartan Noir thriller The April Dead. Those who started with Parks’ debut Bloody January and followed McCoy through February’s Son and Bobby March Will Live Forever, will notice a distinct pattern in the titles. But hey, if it worked for Sue Grafton it can work for Alan Parks.
It is 1974, and McCoy is called to the site of an explosion and the death of a bombmaker, caught by his own device in the heart of Glasgow. Not long after he is approached by a retired US Navy Captain whose son has gone missing from the US Naval Base in Glasgow. The investigation into the bombmaker will touch on the troubles in Ireland, Scottish nationalism and link to the young man’s disappearance. But at the same time, McCoy is still managing his relationship with his old friend and local crime lord Stevie Cooper, fresh out of a stint in prison and the target of a vengeful crime family. The history that sits at the heart of this relationship, that goes back to when the two were in and out of local orphanages, has driven much of the action and the moral greyness of this series.
Once again, Parks unerringly drops the reader into a grimy, but slowly changing, mid-1970s Glasgow:
Whole town seemed grey, miserable-faced people hurrying past, all wrapped up against the cold wind coming from the water. They passed some closed-up shops, wooden boards over the windows covered in graffiti. A group of kids were sitting on an abandoned car with a smashed windscreen, fire going in a metal rubbish bin lighting up the scene. And like Glasgow, there were the inevitable lads on corners freezing in wee bomber jackets and wide trousers. All pinched faces, all passing fags and cans, all looking for trouble.
McCoy himself is a classic noir policeman. Dogged and intuitive, determined to get to the truth. Unsuccessfully trying to stay off alcohol and cigarettes. Loyal to his nervous offsider yet inherently compromised by his relationship with Cooper. Somehow able to weave his way through the moral grey areas and layers of favours to just keep himself out of trouble. And much like Adrian McKinty’s Sean Duffy, Harry McCoy is a well realised product of his time and a great guide to the violent streets of 1970s Glasgow.
There is a slight stretch of the credibility meter when the off-book missing persons investigation intersects with the main case (although this is always on the cards). Even so, The April Dead is another solid entry in a great ongoing series. ...more

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Mar 24, 2021 Lou rated it it was amazing

The April Dead is the fourth instalment in the Detective Inspector Harry McCoy Thriller series, set in Glasgow. It's April 1974 and when an American sailor from the Holy Loch Base goes missing, Harry McCoy is determined to find him. Having been approached by US Navy Captain Andrew Stewart, he had been roped into helping him find his son, Donny, who has been missing from the US Naval base for two days now. But as he investigates, a wave of bombings, not unlike the one's that we're part of an IRA The April Dead is the fourth instalment in the Detective Inspector Harry McCoy Thriller series, set in Glasgow. It's April 1974 and when an American sailor from the Holy Loch Base goes missing, Harry McCoy is determined to find him. Having been approached by US Navy Captain Andrew Stewart, he had been roped into helping him find his son, Donny, who has been missing from the US Naval base for two days now. But as he investigates, a wave of bombings, not unlike the one's that we're part of an IRA bombing campaign targeting London, Manchester and Birmingham, hits Glasgow - the first in a small flat in an inconsequential part of the city had blown up and killed the seemingly inept bombmaker - with the threat of more to come. Soon McCoy realises that the sailor may be part of a shadowy organisation committed to a very different kind of Scotland.

One they are prepared to kill for. Meanwhile, Stevie Cooper, McCoy's longtime criminal friend, is released from jail and convinced he has a traitor in his midst. McCoy will need to keep him close if he has any chance of stemming the rising tide of crime, thuggery and gang violence throughout the city. As allies become enemies, Cooper has to fight for his position and his life. He needs McCoy to do something for him. Something illegal. McCoy is running out of time to stop another bomb, save himself from the corrupt forces who want to see him fail and save the sailor from certain death. But McCoy discovers a deeper, darker secret - the sailor is not the first young man to go missing in April.

This is another seriously cracking read with a blistering plot, scalpel-sharp writing and a rich, three-dimensional character in McCoy himself. Detectives often have gut feelings, but Harry McCoy’s guts are in turmoil. At the age of 32, drinking, smoking and bad food have given him a peptic ulcer. Bring out the boiled cod and Smash. He's given the facade of a tough, no-nonsense individual but peel away the layers and there's a heart of gold behind the sometimes macho attitude. The setting is a character in itself as it comes alive as you read revealing the murkiness of Glasgow's criminal underworld, gangland factions fighting for power and turf and the dingy, oppressive atmosphere that accompanies these activities. A compulsive, enthralling and richly atmospheric read and a series that shows no sign of flagging. Highly recommended. ...more

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Mar 25, 2021 miss.mesmerized mesmerized rated it it was amazing

1974 and Glasgow is shaken by homemade bombs. What so far was only known to happen in Northern Ireland, now also seems to have reached Scotland. Detective Harry McCoy is assigned the investigation, but first, he needs to head to the prison where his oldest friends Stevie Cooper is released. Harry tells him to keep his head down for a couple of days, despite knowing Stevie’s character only too well. Thus, he starts a series of gang feuds in Glasgow’s underworld which adds to the mysterious bombin 1974 and Glasgow is shaken by homemade bombs. What so far was only known to happen in Northern Ireland, now also seems to have reached Scotland. Detective Harry McCoy is assigned the investigation, but first, he needs to head to the prison where his oldest friends Stevie Cooper is released. Harry tells him to keep his head down for a couple of days, despite knowing Stevie’s character only too well. Thus, he starts a series of gang feuds in Glasgow’s underworld which adds to the mysterious bombings. And there is another case which Harry tries to solve: an American father is looking for his son who disappeared while being stationed with the navy in Scotland. Just like always, all things happen at the same time and McCoy has another couple of challenging days ahead.

Following the Harry McCoy series from the first instalment, I have since been a huge fan of Alan Park’s novels. The first two, “Bloody January” and “February’s Son” presented us the protagonist of the series and his family background and link to the underworld, “Bobby March Will Live Forever” focussed a bit more on the police world in 1970s Glasgow, the latest book is again brilliant in creating a special atmosphere and gives insight in how, at times, the truth needs to be adapted to the needs while not losing sight of rightfulness and justice.

The bombings plot is quickly linked to a paramilitary army which, of course, strongly reminds of the IRA. A charismatic leader who abuses his followers to accomplish his mission in a complex political environment is perfectly chosen for a crime novel. The missing son is an interesting addition since this illustrates the family pressure which was much stronger five decades ago than today.

Undoubtedly the most fascinating aspect was this time how McCoy is torn between his conviction as a member of the police and his bond with Cooper, himself the number one of Glasgow’s underworld. McCoy is not actually afraid of what Cooper might be willing to do to him, but he shows respect while making his point as a detective, at the same time. Even though he follows his instinct, which is often totally right, he is also at fault at times and has to cope with the consequences and challenge his sense of justice.

Another enjoyable and suspenseful novel which is not only highly complex but cleverly made-up with a careful rhythm and thus, for me, one of the best crime series at the moment.
...more

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Mar 03, 2021 Elaine Tomasso rated it it was amazing

I would like to thank Netgalley and Cannongate Books for an advance copy of The April Dead, the fourth novel to feature DI Harry McCoy, set in Glasgow in 1974.

A homemade bomb goes off in a flat in Glasgow and nobody can understand why. In the meantime McCoy is approached by an American asking for help in finding his son, a sailor who has apparently gone AWOL. Then a gangland figured is murdered and McCoy’s friend Stevie Cooper comes under suspicion. When McCoy links the missing sailor, Donny Ste I would like to thank Netgalley and Cannongate Books for an advance copy of The April Dead, the fourth novel to feature DI Harry McCoy, set in Glasgow in 1974.

A homemade bomb goes off in a flat in Glasgow and nobody can understand why. In the meantime McCoy is approached by an American asking for help in finding his son, a sailor who has apparently gone AWOL. Then a gangland figured is murdered and McCoy’s friend Stevie Cooper comes under suspicion. When McCoy links the missing sailor, Donny Stewart, to the bomb site and a the shadowy group involved and realises there is a pending gang war he starts to feel the pressure.

I thoroughly enjoyed The April Dead which is a complicated read with several strands and much to digest. I found it compulsive reading, perhaps because it’s set in my old hometown and brought back so many memories- I’ve even drunk in some of the pubs mentioned, not all, obviously, as McCoy does a lot of drinking, mostly in insalubrious locations, but mostly because it is such an engrossing tale.

The novel is told entirely from McCoy’s point of view so the reader can get up close and personal with both his thinking and mentality. In the 70s policing was more lax in terms of rules and regulations, but even so McCoy pushes the boundaries. He shapes the story to fit his own moral code, which often deviates from the letter of the law, and yet he is an honest policeman. He helps his criminal friend, Stevie, but only as far as he deems acceptable. It’s all very grey and, at times, ambiguous but there is never any doubt about which side he is on.

The novel is broad in scope, taking on, not just various different plot lines, but wider themes as well, like The Troubles and cults among others. Things that were topical at the time and really took me back. Much of it is hinted at early on and is easy to interpret, but the novel goes further than I would have guessed and some revelations really took me by surprise.

As I said the plot is engrossing with its well researched sense of the era and it’s compulsive plot. The reveals come at a steady rate, the twists come as a surprise and the tension ramps up as the scale of what they are dealing with becomes apparent.

The April Dead is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending. ...more

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Mar 21, 2021 travelsalongmybookshelf rated it really liked it

Shelves: my-own-physical-books, crime-and-murder-mysteries, thriller

The April Dead- Alan Parks

This is the fourth novel in the Harry McCoy thriller series set in 1970’s Glasgow. I hadn’t read the others prior to this, but I think I might just have found a great new series for me to get my teeth into!

‘𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅....’

I absolutely loved this fast paced, gritty thriller set in Glasgow’s 70’s underbelly.
It is explosive right from the start with the aftermath of a bomb. It doesn’t shy away from the details, there is plenty of blood and vio The April Dead- Alan Parks

This is the fourth novel in the Harry McCoy thriller series set in 1970’s Glasgow. I hadn’t read the others prior to this, but I think I might just have found a great new series for me to get my teeth into!

‘𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅....’

I absolutely loved this fast paced, gritty thriller set in Glasgow’s 70’s underbelly.
It is explosive right from the start with the aftermath of a bomb. It doesn’t shy away from the details, there is plenty of blood and violence to be had.
McCoy is gritty, flawed and a great character, hard drinking, with an ulcer. A tough Glaswegian Polis, he still does have a soft side, trying to do right by his friends whilst still keeping his bosses on side. He is drawn into trying to help Andy Stewart an old ex- US Navy Captain try to find his son Donny who has gone missing, whilst trying to get to the bottom of the bombing. He goes to get his mate Stevie Cooper out of jail and is having to try to stop a gangland feud from getting out of control.
This is a slick narrative, moving swiftly from one thread to another. How is a gangland killing connected, what is Donny’s involvement with the bombings? As soon as you think you know what’s happening the rug is pulled from under you and fast.

‘𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅?’

This book is emersive and sucks you in and under to a murky world of violence and torture with no holds barred.
He is dragged into something deeper and more sinister than he thought, there are IRA threats, Special Branch, and a private army. From here Parks’ writing really ups the ante with McCoy racing to find the connections before another bomb goes off. It accelerates continually towards its gripping conclusion - I read this in one sitting, I just had to know what was going to happen!

Move over Scandi noir, this is Scottish noir at its absolute best, a truly authentic, dangerous and satisfying thriller to keep the heart racing.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!

✩✩✩✩

[AD-GIFTED]

I read this as part of a blog tour for Random Things Tours - Many thanks for my spot ...more

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Apr 14, 2021 Lynsey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021

Another blistering outing in the McCoy series! ‘The April Dead’ was compelling from start to finish, with its gritty realism, captivating narrative and flawed protagonist it is bound to fly off the shelves. This is the 4th book in the series and although this can be read as a standalone I think it's wise to read the proceeding books to get a handle on the continuing storylines.

This time McCoy finds himself involved in a bombing in the Woodlands area of Glasgow. But who would target there - it's Another blistering outing in the McCoy series! ‘The April Dead’ was compelling from start to finish, with its gritty realism, captivating narrative and flawed protagonist it is bound to fly off the shelves. This is the 4th book in the series and although this can be read as a standalone I think it's wise to read the proceeding books to get a handle on the continuing storylines.

This time McCoy finds himself involved in a bombing in the Woodlands area of Glasgow. But who would target there - it's all student flats! If like Harry you are slightly squeamish then I'm sorry but some of the images might haunt you as they did me? There isn't a lot left to help identify who was killed by the bomb. Were they targeted or are they the bomb maker themselves? It doesn't come across as being related to the Troubles in Ireland so what is happening?! On top of that on a night out in Greenock to wet the head of Wattie’s new baby, Harry ends up agreeing to help this American whose son has gone AWOL from the local US Naval base at Holy Town. And if that isn't enough that Cooper is definitely up to something and that is never good!

The storylines packed a punch and I particularly enjoyed the one of the missing son and how this ends up relating to the bombing in Glasgow. As you learn more about the group behind the bombing it's clear that this is a very dangerous collective indeed. It reminded me slightly of Damien Barr’s latest book ‘You Will Be Safe Here’ - a section of it anyway. Once again we find a Glasgow that is full of ‘hard’ men and women but is McCoy finally starting to realise that he needs to stop toeing the line between being one of them or become a straight copper. His relationship with Cooper is becoming more volatile, particularly with the case that Wattie has picked up - his first as SIO.

This series is a triumph - it's a celebration of Glasgow in a way as although it portrays a realistic and rightly grim version of my city in the 1970s there is still the friendliness there. Its characters are flawed yet human. It's just utterly compelling. I can't believe I am going to have to wait for ages until the next instalment comes out! ...more

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Apr 13, 2021 Nicole Sweeney rated it really liked it

The April Dead is the fourth heart-pounding instalment in Alan Parks’ Harry McCoy series. This time we’re following Harry as he investigates bomb explosions in Glasgow. When Harry learns there might be more bombs on the way, he knows he’s running out of time to find out who’s behind it. As Harry digs deeper he finds way more than he bargained for.

Just like the previous books in this series, The April Dead is a dark and gritty read. It really brings to life the violent criminal underworld of Glas ...more

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Mar 20, 2021 Yvonne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-thriller

What a fabulously gritty crime thriller book The April Dead is. I haven't read the first two books in the series but I did read the third and loved it.

Set in 1974 Glasgow, the author transports the reader back to a time where not all police are on the right side of the law. Some are corrupt and some walk a very fine line. One fine line walker is Harry McCoy, he isn't exactly a dirty copper taking backhanders, but he does stray into grey areas.

A missing American man and bombs exploding is just t ...more

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Apr 03, 2021 Maria rated it it was amazing

This is one of my top books for this year, impossible to stop thinking about it!
I’ll admit that this is not my first read from the Harry McCoy series, this is the fourth, but you can read it as standalone, the characters are well detailed and even if there are some references from the past, they are not a part of the story, just a little! 😉
As always, Harry McCoy doesn’t have only one case in his hands, expect multiple plots, menaces and dangerous people that threaten his life. He is not a bad pe ...more

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Mar 04, 2021 Maureen rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

*4.5 stars *

4th in the Detective Harry McCoy series, and ‘The April Dead’ is another sure fire winner for author Alan Parks.

It’s 1974, and Glasgow has an ongoing reputation for violence, with opposing gangs using extreme methods in order to be top dog. The local polis aren’t beyond reproach either, with their own form of violence - heavy handed certainly, truncheons, boots and fists always at the ready.

It’s against this backdrop that an American sailor goes awol from the Holy Loch submarine bas ...more

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Mar 23, 2021 Lynsay Tervit rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series, netgalley, reviews, crime, ebooks, read-in-2021, scottish-books

Harry McCoy is back and it’s now 1974 in Glasgow. When a bomb goes off, he is part of the investigation team, which soon spirals into a dark, complex problem. On top of the investigation, McCoy still has friends in low places and is trying to avoid being sucked into a vicious gangland feud which has potential to end very badly.

This is the fourth in the Harry McCoy series and it’s a strong addition! This can be read as a stand-alone but it links in well with the previous stories, as there is good ...more

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Mar 28, 2021 Lel Budge rated it really liked it

The April Dead is #4 in the Harry McCoy series, it can also be read as a stand-alone.

Set in the ‘70s Glasgow, DI Harry McCoy has picked up his old friend Stevie, after his stint in jail. But Stevie has hardened in jail and is searching for a traitor amongst his crew.

All the while Harry is investigating a bombing, the only casualty appears to be the bomb maker. But who would set a bomb in this area of the city?

Then a second bomb explodes in the city's cathedral.

Harry’s friend, Wattie is investiga ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 Victoria rated it it was amazing

After reading Parks' last novel Bobby March Will Live Forever, I had a suspicion he was becoming my favourite Scottish crime author. The April Dead confirms this. Parks' novels are clearly influenced by similar authors in the genre but they have something extra special. Set in 1970's Glasgow, the Harry McCoy series is gripping, dark, full of violence and perfectly written.

Harry McCoy is one of the best characters I've read in a long time. Flawed yet with a good heart, he is continually torn bet ...more

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Mar 01, 2021 Loraine Philliban rated it it was amazing

Alan Parks is fast becoming one of my favourite authors I was hooked from the first page.
Set in Glasgow the main character is a Glasgow detective called Harry McCoy who had a harrowing childhood along with the now criminal Stevie Cooper who has just been released from prison and believes there is a traitor in his crew and he seeks out Harry’s help even though it would be illegal he plays on the loyalty card.
At the same time Harry meets an American who is looking for his son who has disappeared ...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Paul Gormley rated it it was amazing

Another superb addition to the Harry McCoy series.

This time, Harry is faced with a mounting number of problems: a bombing campaign, a missing US sailor and Cooper is back on the scene. If that wasn’t enough to cope with, Watty is having a crisis of confidence and the gnawing pain in McCoy’s stomach turns out to be a peptic ulcer.

The story moves at a cracking pace. McCoy is as dogged as ever, pursuing every lead whilst keeping his boss Murray, Cooper and even Special Branch happy. Plotting is tig ...more

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Mar 29, 2021 Alison Cairns rated it it was amazing

Another great story about life in the 70s Glasgow police force. The mean streets are still mean. While on a night out in Greenock celebrating Wattie's baby son, McCoy meets American Andy Stewart, over looking for his son, Donny, who has disappeared from his US naval ship in the Holy Loch. McCoy agrees to help look for Donny, and the next thing Andy is accompanying him on a journey to Peterhead Prison to pick up Stevie Cooper on his release. The American and the Glasgow hard man form an unlikely ...more

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Mar 03, 2021 Karen King rated it it was amazing

Set in Glasgow in April 1974, Alan Parks has given us his 4th Harry McCoy book - his best yet in my opinion.
Harry McCoy is a DI who has links throughout the dark and seedy criminal underworld. This time Harry is racing against the clock to solve a spate of bombings, whilst also trying to locate a missing American Navy officer and helping a young colleague with a murder case.
The atmosphere in these books is terrific. You can almost smell and taste the grim settings.
On first discovering Alan Par ...more

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Apr 15, 2021 D Jackson rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed this Harry McCoy thriller just as much as ‘Bobby March Will Live Forever’ and perhaps even more as it was less confusing for me. That is not to say less intriguing or interesting as the plot keeps the reader baffled just enough to be compelling.
1970s Glasgow is still portrayed in a dismal light but realistic too and I like Park’s inclusions of descriptive details from that era (‘the bamboo-effect wallpaper’ and ‘not easy to squash a six-foot-four frame into the back of a Viva’, for exa ...more

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Apr 13, 2021 Angi Plant rated it really liked it

This is the fourth in the series and unlike some series at this point, it has not lost its steam. The characters are getting more and more fleshed out and you care, which is essential for a series like this.

It’s a dark, dangerous and compelling book and brings in real events of the time and it draws you in with realistic storylines.

Alan Parks is fast becoming a new favourite and if you love police procedurals with heart, passion and characters you want to know about, then read this series and pu ...more

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Apr 05, 2021 Hanlie rated it really liked it

This was the 1st time I've read a book by Alan Parks and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I find the style easy to read and the storyline grips you till the end!

Poor Harry McCoy has his hands full. Who is turning Glasgow into a Belfast? Why are there bombs going off? Who is behind it and what's the objective? He is also asked to look into the disappearance of an American naval officer whose father is desperate to find him and is not happy with the help or lack of he's been receiving from the local polic ...more

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Feb 01, 2021 Graham rated it really liked it

I loved this book. A gripping cold case story with a thrilling present day connection. A real page turner and great characters. Looking forward to see what they do next. Really well written book that I couldn't put down ...more

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Feb 26, 2021 Stephen Gourlay rated it it was amazing

No 4 in this series and they are just getting better.
Set in a dark, dirty and gritty 70's Glasgow, our hero is a troubled rough diamond with an absolute heart of gold - and a best friend who's a gangster.
Read these! ...more

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About Alan Parks

Alan Parks

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Alan Parks has worked in the music industry for over twenty years. His debut novel Bloody January was one of the top crime debuts of 2018 and was shortlisted for the prestigious international crime prize the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. He lives and works in Glasgow.