A Cool Head (Quick Reads)
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More About the Author
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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short and sharp,
By
This review is from: A Cool Head (Quick Reads) (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!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Quick but good,
By
This review is from: A Cool Head (Quick Reads) (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.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Extending the Rankin range,
By chiswickW4 (london) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Cool Head (Quick Reads) (Paperback)
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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