Where the Bodies are Buried by Christopher Brookmyre

Review: Where the Bodies are Buried by Christopher Brookmyre (2011)

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland

The Necropolis, Glasgow, Scotland

A woman police detective and a woman P.I. investigate interconnected murders in modern-day Glasgow in this mystery. As one detective describes solving crimes in this city with her staff,
'Anytime you're confused, take a wee minute to remind yourself of that inescapable fact, this is Glesca. We don't do subtle, we don't do nuanced, we don't do conspiracy....We do straightforward. When you hear hoofbeats on Sauchiehall Street, it's guanny be a horse, no' a zebra, because?'
'This is Glesca, she answered.(p 30)

The city of Glasgow itself figures as the dark and brooding atmosphere to this book. The violent drug lords and drug trade of Glasgow are the grimy backdrop to the story and the city itself is in a way a main character. From the sometimes dense local patois and unhealthy foods and snacking habits, Glasgow is to Edinburgh what Baltimore or Philadelphia is to New York city, a city with authentic character, but a wee bit rough around the edges.
Where the Bodies are Buried is recommended for readers who like Scottish authors Val McDermid and Ian Rankin or fans of the American TV show, 'The Wire' and 'Homicide, life on the streets' and its screenwriter/author George Pelecanos.

Related links:
Don't let the book's grim portrait of Glasgow stop you from exploring this fascinating city.

Glasgow City Council website includes history and tourist information 
Lonely Planet Glasgow page
Glasgow City Chambers, a fantastic Victorian building for fans of 19th century architecture