Genres: Fiction
Ian Rankin’s A COOL HEAD is a one hour read. Very light read, just 107 pages, written for the BBC’s Quick Read series which “are designed to be read and enjoyed by avid readers and by people who never had or who have lost the reading habit”. The story starts with Gravy, a thirty-something suffering from OCD (Obsessive–compulsive disorder, that’s my guess), working at the graveyard when a flashy BMW drives up to him. From out of the car steps out a friend of Gravy’s, who’s got a bag in one hand and a hole in his chest. Unable to grasp the seriousness of the situation, Gravy thinks this is just another visit from his friend. However, when his friend’s fate is finally met, Gravy feels the need to tell someone. Not to mention deliver the money he’s found in the car.
Meanwhile, gangster Gorgeous George is having a little dilemma of his own. Someone has taken his money. His right hand man has a little problem of his own. A deal that should have been flawless has gone wrong with one man killed and another taking his flashy BMW. The story-line also unfolds a woman who’s in trouble for telling the truth. Two detectives struggle to unfold many mysteries. In just 107 pages, Rankin, has produced a story-line with a bit of wittiness and a bit of black humor. He has shown how in 107 pages, so many lives can affect due to one incidence which is the most humorous tragedy of life.
Again, Rankin, is the master of characterization. He does not put much effort in creating them, I guess, but the characters which he creates are unforgettable. These creations of his are so realistic that a reader can not only visualize but also can feel the essence of each every character.
3 out of 5 from me, for good characterization, and for keeping it short. Recommended to anyone who wants to ‘read’.
Thanks, another book for my TBR list! 🙂
You’re welcome Karen 🙂
I recently bought my first Ian Rankin’s book at Delhi Book Fair. I would have passed it off if not for your fascination with the author. I’ll read it soon.
Oh, I missed the book fair! Which one did you buy? Yes, he is one of the best contemporary British Writer! 🙂
Book fair is still going on. Last day is 23 Feb. I got Fleshmarket close. I was remembering you when I saw the name on the stalls.
Oh I’ll see if I can go or not as I have to go back to the college tomorrow.
Hahaha, thanks for remembering me. Fleshmarket Close is a good book. I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Will tell you once I start reading it. 🙂
I would be glad!
Just to confirm, you’re right – OCD does stand for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. xx
Oh ok. I think I read somewhere that, and nowadays, it is commonly used. But I am no Jedi in medical terms 😀
your review makes me curious about this book 😉
Thanks 🙂 It’s a short light read.
I am fond of Rankin too. SD
Nice to meet you! It’s always nice to meet someone who reads Rankin! 🙂 How many have you read?
I haven’t been to Edinburgh since I started reading Rankin, now I want to go and look at the city with new eyes. And also because of Kate Atkinson’s Edinburgh-based detective Jackson Brodie – have you read these? SD
No I haven’t read Atkinson but surely I will. I have never been to Edinburgh, but it’s my dream to go there and observe what John Rebus taught me 🙂
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