Synopsis
Jack Parlabane, the investigative journalist who is not averse to breaking the law for the sake of a good story, has finally been caught on the petard of his own self-confidence and is experiencing accommodation courtesy of Her Majesty. The fledgling Scottish parliament is in catatonic shock after experiencing its first dose of Westminster sleaze. The Catholic Church of Scotland is taking full advantage of the politicians' discomfort and is riding high in the polls as the voice of morality. Behind the scenes the truth is obscured by the machinations of the spin doctors and in prison, aware he's missing out on a great story, Parlabane discovers that contacts and a pretty way with words are no defence against people he has helped to put away. Part political satire, part cliff-hanging thriller this is high calibre entertainment.

This book is now a bookring!

Participants so far:

Suedo
Suedo's OH
molekilby
eithcuthbertson
..
..
..
You?

Arrived this morning, will put it on other halfs stack, and see which of us finishes our current read first.

Borrowed from my partner (Suedo).

I started out quite hopeful: the author's note explaining the title actually used the correct biological term for what are more commonly referred to as "cold-blooded" animals (i.e. poikilothermic). The story is set (at least partly) in Glasgow, a city in which I worked for three years.

However, the first chapter introduces two of the least sympathetic characters I have ever encountered in fiction; I found myself not merely not caring about them, but actively wishing they would both suddenly drop dead of myxomatosis.

I gave up on page 14.

CAUGHT IN SPENNYMOOR CO. DURHAM UK

Well I agree with my OH's comments about the first two characters. I perservered past page 14 as was really glad I did. This author has some great lines in this book, which had me laughing out loud a few times.
The plot however is not my normal read at all. The politics and the characters did nothing for me, so I gave up after 140 ish pages.

I was recommended this author, so I might try another of this authors books, but I'll check what it is about carefully first. Thanks for the chance to try him.

I'll pass this on to Molekilby either at the uncon, or post it if I get his address in time

Puttingin the uncon bag for Molekilby

Collected from suedo from the Unconvention. Next on my reading list, I will pass on soon. Thanks angellica for sharing.

I got right to the end of the book, and really enjoyed it. This is my second book to read by this author. I agree that his style is to start very oddly, but he does develop a very plausible plot. There is also plenty of humour to be picked up along the way (however dark that humour may be). I will certainly read more of him.

Will send on as soon as I have an address.

Just received in British Columbia, Canada
I see this may be a 'love it or hate it' book!

Well, I am a 'clean plate' reader, so I did read the whole book but I must confess I might not have otherwise.
However, that would have been a shame as after finishing, I realized how much I liked it! Yes, lots of dark humour (& no, I didn't get all the jokes or references---perhaps just as well) & certainly a clever cynical look at politics---set in 'the new Scotland', but could apply to lots of places.

RELEASE NOTES:

What: Word on the Street

When: Sunday, September 30, 10:30 AM on

Where: Click the link below to find out!

Event Description: Word on the Street is back for another year! The events kick off at 11 AM so we'll be meeting before hand for coffee, chat and maybe even to venture out together, releasing great masses of books throughout the area!

To find us in the morning, look for the meetup sign at Starbucks. Last year it was insanely busy there so if we're not inside, look for the sign nearby. If you can't make it for 10:30, not to worry.

Either way, come on out and enjoy the written and spoken word (not to mention the glorious sunshine)!

For more info, see Word on the Street, Vancouver

RELEASE NOTES:

Hope you like this RABCK. It doesn't seem to be my kind of book. You are free to do with it as you wish.

Thank you! I'll give this book a try. Should be interesting to see how much of the satire I can actually grasp.