‘The Riverman’ by Alex Gray
Published by Sphere. 5 April 2007.
ISBN 978-1-84744-025-9

 The Clyde – past and present – is a major character in this book. The dark nature of the river is embodied in the Riverman, whose job it is to fish dead bodies out of the water. Most are suicides but when he hauls out a middle-aged man and the police begin their routine enquires to establish his identity, it becomes apparent that the death is part of a sinister chain of events. DCI William Lorimer is soon embroiled in an investigation that reaches into the heart of big business where there are more than enough rivalries and un-settled scores to keep him – and us – guessing.

With her lyrical descriptions of the river and its environs, Alex Gray has written an atmospheric thriller that combines the thrusting, dynamic concerns of the modern Glasgow with the timeless watchfulness of the river. Read it.
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Ruth Wade