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A Cool Head (Quick Reads)
 
 
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A Cool Head (Quick Reads) [Kindle Edition]

Ian Rankin (Author)
3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews) |
Print List Price: £1.99
Kindle Price: £1.49 includes VAT* & free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet
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Kindle Edition £1.49   -- --
Paperback £1.59   -- --
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Product Description

Product Description

"My dad used to say to me, 'Try to keep a cool head and a warm heart'. At least I think it was my dad. I don't really remember him." Gravy worked in the graveyard - hence the name. He was having a normal day until his friend Benjy turned up in a car Gravy didn't recognise. Benjy had a bullet hole in his chest, but lived just long enough to ask Gravy to hide him and look after his gun. Gravy had looked after things for Benjy before, but never a gun. When Gravy looked in the car he found blood, a balaclava and a bag stuffed with money. Gravy's not too bright but he wants to help his friend. So Gravy finds himself caught up in the middle of a robbery gone wrong, a woman who witnessed a murder, and some very unpleasant men who will do anything to get back the money Benjy stole...

About the Author

Ian Rankin is a regular No.1 bestseller, and has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Diamond Dagger. He lives with his family in Edinburgh, and in 2003 received an OBE for his services to literature.

Product details

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 188 KB
  • Print Length: 132 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0752884492
  • Publisher: Orion (24 Sep 2009)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B002U3CCLA
  • Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
  • Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #4,221 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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More About the Author

Ian Rankin
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Short and sharp 22 Feb 2009
By M. V. Clarke VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Although this Quick Read is only about 100 pages, it's long enough to display Rankin's excellence in building an intricate plot, developing fascinating characters, and holding the reader's attention; as ever, his prose is rich, readable, and well paced. The story involves a character, Gravy, who inadvertently gets caught up in a complex series of events involving various prominent members of the local underworld, as well as a few prominent figures in the community. His friend Benjy has been shot and entrusts his gun to Gravy, who inadvertently becomes a target of the local crime boss.

Rankin presents the story in short chapters, each from a different viewpoint, which achieves a great sense of pace and excitement, while they're short enough that jumping back and forth between different characters isn't a problem. The conclusion is stark, almost understated, and typical Rankin.

If you don't already know Rankin's work, this is a great way in and should prove a great encouragement to explore his DI Rebus series. For Rankin aficionados, although it's short, it's a must-have!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Quick but good 8 July 2010
By J. Cooper TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
I bought this book by accident when shopping for e-books for my new e-reader and as a result I had absolutely no idea what to expect from it.

What did I find?

Well, the book is very short so I was anticipating a story with a rapid pace and an engrossing plot. And to be fair, that was what I got. The story takes off from the first page and involves gangland murder and dirty money. An innocent young man with learning difficulties is caught up in the middle of this affair and it was both interesting and at times heart rendering to see the world through his eyes.

Not a lot more can be said about this book without giving the game away. I would therefore recommend it to anyone in need of a very quick read involving the criminal underworld.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Rankin has long had a strong following for his Rebus stories but this story should make his writing accessible to those who are put of by the prospect of starting a 400 page book. My teenage son who is not a keen reader read this with enthusiasm and enjoyment. I can't say the same for his new "graphic novel" Dark Entries which seems a step too far and has weakened the brand.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Cool Head
It is the first short read that I have bought. I enjoyed the plot and the stye of the writing although I found I had finished it too soon.
Published 2 months ago by Bez
Rankin's cool head
The only problem, for a Rankin fan, was that it was a quick read and so over too fast. But a good story and well received.
Published 4 months ago by Alison Cope
book quick read
this is a great book bought at a cheap price makes good xmas reading . it is a deal i would go into again
Published 5 months ago by Thomas H. Allinson
Brilliant "Time Waster"
I knew I would have time to kill whilst waiting for several trains recently so took this handy book along. Got so engrossed I almost missed one of the connections. Read more
Published 20 months ago by S. M. Williams
good short story
an ideal crime story to take to
bed and finish it in one reading
Published 21 months ago by A. J. Skinner
Very good!
The perfect read for a short haul flight.
Keeps the boredom from setting in, when your pinned in those airline seats!
Published 23 months ago by J. SANDERS
Quick Read
Quick and easy read, ideal for packing in the case to take on holiday. Interesting twist in the tail which leaves you wondering!!
Published on 9 Oct 2009 by M. Brown
Rambling Rankin
Bought this as an avid Ian Rankin Fan. But was dismayed to find that although well written it rambled about the main character was to say the least not likeable as were all the... Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2009 by Robert C. Brown
Not a whole book
I bought this book thinking it was a normal size book = My fault should have seen it was not
Published on 3 Oct 2009 by L. Goulding
Dull Potboiler
OK, this is intended to be a skimpy volume, but since Rebus retired (and maybe even before that) Rankin appears to have ceased caring whether he publishes good detective fiction or... Read more
Published on 7 Aug 2009 by John A. Stotesbury
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